Hello Hola Bonjour Howdy Suitelifers, Let's be honest with ourselves, our day to day routines are dominated by our phones. You're probably reading this off your phone as we speak! Everything we do and everything we say in the present day revolves around our smartphones. Now I ain't saying it's a bad thing, in fact I believe our phones can enhance and improve our experiences. That is why I am creating this blog to tell you the must need Barcelona Apps! Because I'm nice like that and I care for my readers. Well enough about how considerate and great a guy I am, let's get started! We'll count down the best apps you can download for FREE... Yes you heard right FREEEEEEE!

BARCELONA APPS #1: HOSTELWORLD

HostelWorld is brilliant for all you backpackers out there, I personally used this app throughout Europe, not only in Barcelona, but when I first arrived here it was certainly a one of my must need Barcelona Apps! If you're anything like me which is spontaneous (or as others would say 'Lazy') and you don't really plan where you're going to stay and just go with the flow then HostelWorld is the ideal app for you. This app helps filter through hundreds of hostels in the local area and will help you find the perfect hostel for you. Before I downloaded this app I went to a completely unknown hostel and my first night consisted of a guy vomiting next to my bed ...... Wasn't the greatest night I'll be honest but this can be avoided. So stop being 'Lazy' just download the app and let Hostelworld do all the research for you. Then again if you're not like me and plan well ahead and book your hostels well in advance then this app is pretty useless to you. But hey it's still worth having on your phone if you want to post some feedback on how the guy next to you vomited all night ........ if you ever read that comment anywhere it is most likely my comment. Stay away from that hostel!!!!

BARCELONA APPS #2: TRIPADVISOR

Tripadvisor is one of those apps where everybody has done all the hard work for you and one that comes in handy over and over, which is why this is one of my must need Barcelona Apps!! I know the saying you should try something new but my saying is 'Why risk wasting money and time??' there's only so many times you can try new things out and well if they don't turn out great then it can sour your experience. Sometimes we just need to be told where to go right, let the people before us test out all the bad restaurants and attractions and let us enjoy and bask in their positive experiences. On one particular occasion it proved vital as a restaurant which looked really good from the outside, however, many people wrote really awful things about this restaurant about its service and food ... so bullet was dodged thanks to Tripadvisor!!!

BARCELONA APPS #3: COUCHSURFING

And at number 5 ... Couchsurfing. Whenever I recommend this app to anybody they give me this weird look, but let me ensure you this app isn't just about sharing your flat to a stranger. Yes okay essentially the app was created so that people passing by a certain country or city could sleep for a night at someones house. However don't be creeped out, the feature I want to highlight is the events section. This is a really cool column that shows upcoming events and activities around your area. What makes this special is that these events tend to be organised by regular people and not organisations therefore you can't really find these cool secretive events elsewhere. I admit I check this like every week as there is always something that appeals to me. Whether its weekly meet ups, sports events, gigs or just random night outs this is one of my must need Barcelona Apps!!

BARCELONA APPS #4: PINDROP

Pindesk is not a common app that everyone would have but it is certainly one that they should. Why, you ask? Well that's a great question, let me explain. If you're anything like me and get lost on numerous occasions, even getting to the simplest of places in Barcelona can be a struggle. However, you tend to find the best places to go and visit when you get lost, whether its a nice little cafe or some shop you have been desperately searching for but don't have your wallet on you. This app enables you to pinpoint these certain locations so you can visit them after. This type social bookmarking is a great way to find really cool places that aren't mainstream, places that will for sure be something not many people would know about, don't you just love exclusive hidden places like this? Well if thats the case this is a one of the must have Barcelona Apps!! Don't worry if you're not the type that goes out exploring because Pindrop has kindly integrated with social media so if you know anybody else in Barcelona most likely they'll help you stumble across a cool spot! I personally Pindropped my own flat ..... because I'm cool like that you see! Okay guys we are into my top 3 apps! This is worth waiting for!

BARCELONA APPS #5: GOOGLE MAPS

I am pretty sure you guys already have this ... Do I really need to explain this app ???? Oh what the hell, for the 1% who hasn't downloaded this app THIS IS FOR YOU! Google Maps is certainly one of the most popular Barcelona Apps!! Well what else can I say except DOWNLOAD THIS APP!! It just makes life 10x easier. Everything is so simple and easy to use. Perfect for Barcelona, since I have downloaded this app I haven't been worried about getting lost .... unless my battery runs out then I'll be crying. Otherwise this app is ideal for anybody who is new to Barcelona as it makes traveling just so soooo much easier. I'm not sure if I could sell this anymore in all honesty. If you got it great if you don't ... most likely your probably lost somewhere as we speak. We are down to the last two !!!! Can you guess the next app ???

BARCELONA APPS #6: CITY MAPPER

Did you guess right?? If you did give yourself a pat on the back!! Number 2 is City Mapper, similar to Google Maps but does things Google Maps cant. This app is fantastic for those who are traveling from A - B if it requires transport. This app is designed to help you find the quickest and easiest way to get from one destination to another. Finding you every possible route from walking,metro,bus,train even SUBMARINE!!! ....okay maybe not the last one (unless you live in Atlantis) but the rest are true. This came in so handy when I first came to Barcelona as it showed me exactly what transport I needed, when I have to get off and all the information in between. A real life saver in some situations especially if your running late for work ..... which never happens to me. Anyways this is a deserved number 2 App and one I can not stress enough that this is one of the must need Barcelona Apps!! Okay guys you made it to the end, now its the moment you have all been waiting for ... I wont keep you in any more suspense the Number 1 App ... will be revealed after these adverts. Only kidding. Right its the Big one !!! My Top app!!! The one app everybody in Barcelona needs !!!! AT NUMBER ONE IS .....

BARCELONA APPS #7: GOOGLE TRANSLATE

Now if you already know Spanish then this app is just completely unnecessary and perhaps you're not satisfied with my number one app of must need Barcelona apps and if that is the case I apologisE! But to the rest of us mere mortals who can't speak Spanish that well, myself included, then this app belongs on your home screen. This is a simple app that is free to download and use and is perfect for when you're out and about. I cannot tell you how many times I have been in a store or on the transport and this great little app has saved my ass. There is also a feature that allows you to save words or phrases you have translated as well as being able to hear it out loud so you can pronounce it properly. This app is fantastic for anybody new to Barcelona and you'd be amazed at what you can learn from this app. There's not much else I can say as the name is fairly self explanatory but guys if you're like me and new to Barcelona and really struggle to speak Spanish PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE download this app .. You will thank me one day! So guys that was my Top 7 apps that I use on a regular basis and apps that I feel are really useful for when you are in Barcelona. I'm sure you guys have most of these but if you dont have these then just download them, they are all free on both Apple and Android. If your looking for top Android Barcelona apps then click here ( btw you suck if you are on Android!!! ) and if you on Apple like me then click here Hope you guys benefit from these as much as I have and if you have any apps that you think are just as important in Barcelona please do comment below and let me know what else is out there. Stay Tuned - Hasan

Low Cost Gyms in Barcelona: Summer is coming!

This year you can be the hottest chick on the beach, you just need to discover the low cost gyms in Barcelona! Every spring we face the same problem: sunny days are coming, the beach is not far, we're on the hunt for the perfect swimsuit... BUT we gained a little weight during the winter and fancy gyms are way too expensive. Not anymore ! The new trend of lowcost has reached gyms in Barcelona, and you can now workout on the cheap. I've chosen four low cost gyms in Barcelona for you to help you out. It's shaping up to be a hot summer!

Simply Gym

My first suggestion for low cost gyms in Barcelona is Simply Gym. It is located on Carrer de Buenaventura Munoz, 64  and is a huge 2000m² open everyday. During the week it is opened from 9:30 to 15:30 and from 17:30 to 21:30, so you can go before or after work. You can ask for the advice of a personal trainer, participate in group exercises or you can train by yourself with all the amenities that you can expect from a gym club. If you want to join the club without any commitment it'll cost you 29.90€ a month, but you'll pay 9.9€ the first month and 19.9€ the next 11 months if you choose the 12 months commitment. There is a registration fee of 25€ and the card partner costs 15€. For more info check Simply Gym website.

Duetfit

Another really good low cost gym in Barcelona is Duetfit. There are two centres in Barcelona, one that just opened last month on Via Augusta, 17 and another one, a little older, on Calle Bruc, 49. The two of them offer personal trainer advice, and group exercises as well as a wide range of amenities to workout properly. They are also opened until 21:30, and most of the group classes are scheduled during the evening so that people who work can participate. The price is 29.9€ a month with a registration fee of 12.5€. You can pay all at the beginning or give the club an extract of your bank account and let them take 29.9€ every month, it's up to you. See the Duetfit website for more information.

Altafit

This is one of the cheapest low cost gyms in Barcelona, located on Calle Mallorca, 318 (metro Diagonal). There are 1700m² of amenities, more than 200 training machines and you can take advice from nutritionists or dieticians. There are also a lot of Altafits all around Spain so if you're reading us from Madrid, Alicante, Sevilla... you should check if there is one near you! The prices are 26.5€ a month if you don't make any long term commitment and 24.08€ a month if you commit for a quarter or a year. Worth it guys! Check Altafit website.

Viva Gym

Finally my last proposition for low cost gyms in Barcelona is Viva Gym. If you work crazy hours this is for sure the best gym for you : they are opened from 6:00 to midnight all week and from 08:00 to 21:00 on the weekends. They offer more than 150 different group exercises and they have a parking area - pretty rare for a gym club. The prices start at 20€ and go up to 30€ a month depending on the commitment. Don't hesitate anymore they have everything you need and more, check Viva Gym website !
If you're not convinced yet, here is my final argument :
YES, this could be you this summer with a little bit of motivation ! Share with us your workouts experience and results ! Mathilde

Home Stores in Barcelona: renovation time!

Spring has finally sprung and today we are going to talk about home stores in Barcelona! There are so many of them, for all budgets, so if you've just rented or bought an apartment in Barcelona, or just wanna spice up your current place, this is a great blog to inform you on all the great home furnishing store options you have at your fingertips!

1. Home on earth

The most exotic of the home stores in Barcelona ! As soon as you get in you'll be surrounded by the serenity as well as the exoticism of the atmosphere. All of their products are hand-made, using organic and sustainable raw materials, and traded fairly. The purpose is to create the least amount of environmental impact possible, and to make their products as natural as possible. They sell decorations for home as well as garden pieces. This is for you if you want your interior to be more green and less industrial, if you care about environment and want to bring exoticism to your life. Where to find them ? Carrer hospital, 76 and carrer boqueria, 14. And if you're looking for more info, check home on earth website. Zen !

2. Gal Gallery

This one is not just one of the random home stores in Barcelona, it is actually an antique. So you'll find interesting and unique pieces from all around the world in this very elegant establishment. They have a wide range of style from ethnic to contemporary and there are all types of prices. The clientele is composed of decoration experts (decorators, hotels, restaurants...). This one is made for you if you're looking for a refined and unique interior. The store is located carrer san eusebio, 47.

3. Amato Sole

This one is my favorite of all of the home stores in Barcelona. It's all about quality of the material : organic and aged. All of the furnitures are designed and constructed by the owners : Anna Maria Amato and Ramon Sole. They also recycle broken objects to give them a new life. Furthermore they make pieces to order if you have a precise idea of what you want. You'll be charmed by the rustic style of their furnitures. Find them on carrer Perill, 39 on Gracia neighborood. Check more info on Amato Sole Website.

4. Aliens 4 Sale

For sure, the most contemporary and design oriented of the home stores in Barcelona. Opened very recently (2014) this store is not really typical, but is certainly really interesting if you love art and science fiction. They sell alien sculptures made in every possible material: silicon, resins, latex and so on, crafted by the sculptress Ariadna Canela. This is kind of weird but very interesting if you'd like to have some, well, surprising decorations at home. They are located on Passeig de Sant Joan, 5. You can check their entire collection in Aliens 4 Sale website
.

5. Nordic Think

As you can guess with its name, this shop sells Nordic designed objects and decoration for your house. The online store opened in 2010 and the showroom, located next to plaza Tetuan, in 2011. It's a good place to go if you like bright open spaces and contemporary furnishings. You can also shop for your children : they sell toys, lamps and wallpaper for kids. Find the store on carrer Consell de cent, 412 on the neighborhood of Eixample. Learn more on Nordic think website.

6. Homevice

This one is a little bit different from the other homes stores in Barcelona. Actually it is more like a concept store in which you'll find some gorgeous objects selected by the owners : a Barcelona based interior designer and a Madrid based art director. It's just the top of the top ! It's all contemporary design but not in the way you usually find it : it's not the classic elitist view of contemporary art and design. As a matter of fact you'll find a lot of local designer prototypes at any kind if prices. You'll fall in love I can assure you. They are located on carrer Portal Nou, 5. Find more info on Homevice website.

7. La Variété

Another original one : the concept of La Variété is to take existant object, furniture, broken or not and transform them, re-imagine them and re-create them to give them a new life, to obtain something really different than it was before. Interesting isn't it ? The inspiration of the owner and designer, the french Ricard Commeleran, is mostly from northern Thailand, where he went to explore nature. You'll find pieces made in wood, colorful bracelets and much more. Find them on carrer Pintor Fortuny, 30, and for more info check La Variété website.

8. Maisons du Monde

This is one of the most complete home stores in Barcelona. As a matter of fact, you can find pretty much everything, wardrobes, armchairs, TV, bookcases, beautiful furniture, sofas... At the beginning it was meant to promote an exotic style and atmosphere with objects from all around the world (Maisons du monde means Houses of the world in French), but they expanded their style and now offer different styles and inspirations : exotic, romantic, baroque, vintage, classic, contemporary... So basically you should find what you want, no matter what you are looking for. Good to know : they also have an outdoor and a junior collection. Also, you can shop online on their website. There is only one store of this french brand in Barcelona, located on Avenida Diagonal, 405. Looking for more info ? Check Maisons du Monde website.

9. Zara Home

Of course, we can't not to talk about Zara Home in a blog dedicated to home stores in Barcelona ! The spanish brand Inditex decided to launch a new kind of store in 2003 and the first Zara Home opened in Zaragoza in 2003. Since then, it has been a huge success and there are now more than 400 Zara Home stores all around the world. They offer 4 different styles of decoration : ethnic, contemporary, the "white line" and classic. Their products are very elegant and quite affordable. They provide a wide range of products : tablewear (napkins, bowls, mugs...), lamps, occasional furniture... There are seven Zara Home stores in Barcelona, you can check their exact locations on Zara Home website.

10. Vinçon

Vinçon is one of the oldest home stores in Barcelona, and they first opened their doors to the public in 1941 on Passeig de Gracia. The first main business of the store was the wholesale of porcelain, fine china and glassware. What they sell is defined by their emblematic quote : "Extensive range of objects of all kinds in general”. The concept of this store is to display the work of artists from varying disciplines and backgrounds. The atmosphere of the store is very unique, they sell contemporary designed objects and furniture in a very classic and old decor, Barcelona's architecture heritage. You'll also find an art gallery in the store : La Sala Vinçon. It is actually really difficult to define the atmosphere of Vinçon, you should go and see for yourself on passeig de Gracia, 96. You'll be falling in love for sure ! Check for more info onVinçon website.

11. Deko Palace

Of all of the home stores in Barcelona, you won't find a cheaper one than Deko Palace ! This one sells a lot of gadgets and garden stuff such as flowers or fake plants, garden tools and so on. Their clients are mostly professionals : decorators, people who organize events, florists etc.. but you can shop at Deko Palace even if you are a private individual. They are on a spririt to bring new objects all the time, that's why they often offer limited-edition decoration objects. The DekoPalace store in Barcelona is located on Avenida Diagonal, 458. You can check DekoPalace website if you're looking for more info.

12. Natura

Even though this one is not just about decoration, it provides a quite interesting home collection if you like an uncluttered style. This is for you if you like very classic and elegant furniture, and wood ! Their quote is "Articles to feel good, to share, to have fun, relax..." and you'll understand why when you go to their store. Even looking at their objects is relaxing ! Their mentality is to have a positive attitude and they provide a strong environmental policy, trying to create the least amount of environmental impact. You'll find all kind of prices from very cheap to expensive. Have a look at Natura website to find the closest store from your house !
Well guys, I hope my blog was helpful ! Let us know what you thought about those home stores in Barcelona and if you know of any great ones that we haven't mentioned! Mathilde

French bars in Barcelona - French Style is Everywhere!

Yes, there are French bars in Barcelona after all! Being french myself, and having read every blog that SuiteLife has posted , I figured out that none of them mention french stuff anywhere ! I came to the conclusion that this is not acceptable anymore (especially considering how many French clients we have) and I decided to write a blog about French bars in Barcelona. Because yes, we all need some french 'ambience' once in a while and a classy touch ! Us French may have a lot of faults (yes we're arrogant, rude and so on) but we also know how to party, and by party I mean party hard ! So are you ready for a crazy French night ?!

Bar Pastis

One of the cutest French bars in Barcelona, Bar Pastis, opened in 1947 by a french woman, in the Raval. The decoration hasn't changed since then, you'll feel like being in the post-war Marseille and might meet prostitutes, artists, absinthe lovers and so on. The atmosphere is very particular but also very typical of the old French style. You'll listen to some Edith Piaf music or to live musicians, it's the best place to go for some intimacy and privacy ! Location ? Carrer Santa Monica, 4. Check Bar Pastis website for more info.

Panam75

One of my favourite French bars in Barcelona, even if it's more like a restaurant. Panam is a french slang word for "Paris" and 75 is the postal code of Paris, makes sense right ? They make amazing burgers and salads, in a jazzy atmosphere. The owner of the bar is really nice (and really French). If you like football like me and want to watch the games when France is playing you might be interested in going there because they broadcast all of them ! They are located on Carrer Consell de Cent, 281 !

Paris Taxi

This one is for sport lovers ! It is located in Gracia, next to Avinguida Diagonal and they broadcast all of the football and rugby games of France ! The owner is named Patrice and is really nice. The atmosphere is 100% french, it is THE place to be to watch sports, especially Paris Saint Germain games ! Check Paris Taxi website for more info.

Premier

Definitely one of the best French bars in Barcelona ! You can enjoy a nice glass of french wine or a cocktail in a festive atmosphere, the bar is elegant and classy, and big !!! If you're looking for a good atmosphere and a good place to start the night before going to the clubs it's perfect ! Don't expect to meet only french people because this is a place really famous for local people too ! More info on Premier website !

Les gens que j'aime

And we conclude our selection of French bars in Barcelona with the most romantic one ! Les gens que j'aime means literaly "The people I love" in English. You can't bring anybody there though... You have to bring your partner to enjoy some jazz and soft soul in a candlelit 1920s bordello atmosphere. You can also learn about your future with the fortune teller and tarot card reader ! Isn't that awesome ? Location ? Valencia, 286, Bajos. Check more info on Les gens que j'aime website.
Alright guys, I hope you've enjoyed my blog and want to go to one of those bars now !! If you know any other french bars that worth to be mentioned, please tell us we would be happy to add it in this blog ! Mathilde !

Drones in Barcelona - what you need to know

Have you been looking for info on drones in Barcelona? Buenos dias beloved SuiteLifers! How's things? Are you ready for some really cool action? Because this blog is all about drones in Barcelona! It will contain all the major providers of renting services for these babies in case you feel adventurous and you are in the mood for some really stunning footage, obviously shot from the sky! It is only logical that the Barcelona skyline is gorgeous, so why not shoot it? If your answer is YES!, now is drones in Barcelona time! Let's quickly see where you can find them.

DRONAIR

• LOCATION: Barcelona
• WEBSITE: http://www.dronair.es/
• PHONE: +34 931 720 123
• EMAIL ADDRESS: info@dronair.es
• SERVICE LEVEL: Professional - specialised on the creative industries such as design, architecture, etc.

DFLY VISION

• LOCATION: Plaça Palmeres 4 Barcelona
• WEBSITE: http://www.dflyvision.com/
• PHONE: +34 627529240
• EMAIL ADDRESS: info@dflyvision.com
• SERVICE LEVEL: Industrial - focus on the building and agricultural industries

FLY CAMERA

• LOCATION:Bolivia 212, Barcelona
• WEBSITE: http://www.flycamera.es/
• PHONE: +34 629 60 86 90
• EMAIL ADDRESS: info@flycamera.es
• SERVICE LEVEL: Professional - concentrated on the event management and planning industry

AEROSHOTS

• LOCATION: Camp 89, Barcelona
• WEBSITE: http://www.aeroshots.es/
• PHONE: + 34 934 171 403 / +34 639 321 927
• EMAIL ADDRESS: info@aeroshots.es
• SERVICE LEVEL: Industrial - focused on manufacturing businesses

DRONES EN ALQUILER

• LOCATION: Barcelona
• WEBSITE: http://www.dronesenalquiler.com/
• PHONE: +34 646 096 387
• EMAIL ADDRESS: info@dronesenalquiler.com
• SERVICE LEVEL: Private - casual use for regular people

SPANISH REGULATIONS REGARDING DRONES

Until the 4th July 2014, the use of any type of drone is Spain use to be completely banned. Right now, these restrictions are a little bit more permissive, but the drones have to abide certain rules. You can find all that legal information by clicking here. But in a nutshell, thanks to our friends at DRONAIR, we've put together a simplified list of rules that you should know if you are considering flying some drones in Barcelona:

• The drone should have the maximum mass at take-off less than 10 kg
• Maximum flight height should be below 400 feet
• Flying drones will require a specific safety study (not general or basic as it is now)
• Security measure regulations will change in the near future, becoming more rigorous than they are right now
• Express permission from the specific Government departments specialised  in actions related to filming shows or events will shortly be required.

Hope you enjoyed this blog about drones in Barcelona, till next time, peace out drone aficionados! P.S.: Here's a glimpse on how your recordings will look like after using some drones in Barcelona! Muchisimas gracias, Dragosh (El Dragon)

Eat like a local with our Barcelona Food Tour!

You want to experience the best traditional Spanish food in the world don't you? Then look no further as we will give you the top selection of our Barcelona food tour companies where you can explore the best food along with all the cultural hot spots across this amazing city! Now let's get started!

1. Food Lover Tour

Are you looking for authentic places to eat local food ? This Barcelona food tour, as the name suggests, is definitely the perfect choice for lovers of good food. The slogan of this food tour is " “Where the locals go, we go!” they promise to bring foodies like myself to top quality locations where you are guaranteed to have a memorable experience. The Food Lover Tour offers both private and small group tours with many categories such as Gourmet lover, Wine lover, Sweets lover, Tapas lover and even football lover. The price of each tour differs and these range accordingly for example the cheaper options are €29 for Sweets lover tour  or if your a sports fan then the more expensive option which is €300 for the Football lover tour. From current reviews, it is most certainly worth the money, not only do they provide excellent meals but also the profound knowledge of tour guides about the history of Spanish food and culture. Book a tour here Info: Address: Ausiàs Marc 61- 63 entr. 208010 Barcelona Phone :+34 607 196 1532.

2. The Barcelona Taste

This particular Barcelona food tour is the city’s first tapas tour dedicated completely to Barcelona’s food and drink. It has been the insider guide for many visitors to Barcelona who are passionate on food for the last 5 years. From my own experience, you will have an unforgettable evening with plentiful food and drinks. Moreover, the host is very friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, willing to answer all your question about Barcelona, not only about the food but also about Barcelona life and history. This tour lasts about 2-3 hours in which you stop at 3-4 restaurants from high-quality to home-made ones. You can choose the Gótico Tour which takes you through Barcelona’s famous Gothic quarter or Gràcia Tour discovering one of Barcelona’s most important neighborhoods. The price is only €80 per person. You can check details and book a tour there. Info: Phone: 670 37 01 30

3. Taste Barcelona Walking Tours

You can find tapas restaurant in every corners of Barcelona but they might be tourist traps that charge you over the odds for just regular tapas. For this reason, Taste Barcelona Walking Tours ensures to help you avoid this from happening. It takes us through different neighborhoods of the city whilst revealing some " hidden secrets " in Barcelona. You are gonna love copious types of tapas and wines from Spain and the local regions around Barcelona after enjoying a fantastic evening with an experienced tour guide who provides the most interesting, historic and fascinating parts of Barcelona. Especially that the fact this tour is exclusive which ensures that you will have a personal and enjoyable experience. The price for this all-inclusive tour is €105 per person for this particular Barcelona food tour. It's such a great tour for eating and walking! Book a tour there ! Info: Address: Carrer del Dr. Trueta, 230, 08005 Barcelona Phone:672 35 36 88

4. Barcelona Slow Travel

If your like me you and are not only in love with food but also love to cook, this Barcelona food tour will give you everything you need. It is like no other tour, this is where you can really discover Barcelona in such a real and meaningful way. Besides information about hidden places, local spots and cool things to do in Barcelona, you have chances to learn about organic ingredients and new cooking techniques while making new friends in the process. Actually, this tour attracts most people due to its 2 delightful hosts: Cristina and Guillermo. They are the King & Queen of local seasonal cooking in Barcelona, creating an awesome atmosphere for your cooking lessons. The average price for each person is about €50 and it also provides free information about everything in Barcelona in their blogs. Book a tour here Info: Address: Carrer de Còrsega, 199 Phone:  635 30 28 175.

5. Aborigens -Local Food Insiders - Day Tours

This Barcelona food tour seems to be the most popular and professional one, this tour has been described as "One of the 6 Best Food Tours in the World" (The Sunday Times, UK) . It also offers a private tour to explore the real local gastronomy of Barcelona with native experts who are fully Licensed Tour Operator. Based on its reputation and many great reviews, I would like to recommend this tour for foodies who want to taste the Catalan cuisine in a vibrant manner. It would be a new experience where you can enjoy the best local recipes, in the way Catalans make them as well as discovering non-touristic spots across the city. Moreover, the timetable for this tour is flexible not only in the evening but also other times with many more categories.  The average price for each person is quite affordable at €120. Lots of fabulous food and drink experiences are waiting for you, don't hesitate to book a tour here ! Info: Address: Aragó, 184 Entl.C, 08011 Barcelona Phone:931 87 37 50 I hope you can choose the most suitable Barcelona food tour for you from the list above and have an amazing culinary journey. Thanks for reading and if you know of any others that we missed let us know! ^^ Linh

Barcelona Vietnamese Restaurants that you need to know about

Barcelona is heaven for food lovers with mixed cultural gastronomy with respect and curiosity about the foreigners so it is not strange that many Barcelona Vietnamese Restaurants appeared in many corners of this wonderful city,  especially when Vietnamese cuisine becomes more popular in the world nowadays. Moreover, it  conquers Barcelona little by little by a balanced combination of sour, sweet and spicy, fresh ingredients and less oil usage in cooking. If you want to try the real Vietnamese food, we suggest you to go to one of 5 best Barcelona Vietnamese restaurants! They belong to native Vietnamese therefore they bring you the true taste of this popular Asian cuisine! Now, it's time to  quickly check what a food-loving Suitelife blogger offers you.....

La Vietnamita

[caption id="attachment_54796" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Vietnamese sandwich[/caption] Located in 2 crowded streets of Gracia and Born areas, LaVietnamita now is known much more as the best Barcelona Vietnamese restaurant offering the true Vietnamese fast food. However, unlike other kinds of fast food, this restaurant 's slogan is " Be food conscious" so all of its dishes are created by local fresh and healthy organic vegetables. With a base of rice and noodles, it also a perfect choices for vegetarians. Full of colorful vegetables but still keeping the best taste for each bite, its food really satisfies even the most difficult customers. Moreover, this Vietnamese restaurant also offers ready-to-go Vietnamese sandwiches - the world's best street food you have to try at least once in our life. Check out the menu  there Addresses: Torrent de l’Olla, 78 08012 (Gràcia)  or Carrer Comerç, 17 (Born) Phone: 935 18 18 03 Hours: 1:00 – 5:00 pm, 7:30 – 11:00 pm

Bun Bo Vietnam

Last week, the first time I enjoyed the meal in Bun Bo Vietnamese restaurant, I felt like I was in Vietnam, my homeland, eating the most traditional and dedicate  dishes. This place is really amazing with a oriental and distinctive decoration and copious menu full of most popular food such as Vietnamese xoi chien nhan, rice balls with meat inside, lettuce rolls, spring and summer rolls, or pho soup, a plate that combines meat and rice. It also have wide range of special drinks such as beer and Vietnamese coffee  smelt like heaven. Let's go there in the Gothic Quarter and enjoy a stunning meal at the terrace for warmer days! Check out the menu  there Address: Calle Sagristans, 3

Hanoi and Hanoi II

Following the success of first Hanoi restaurant, one of the first Barcelona Vietnamese restaurants, the owner decided to open the second one in Avenida de Sarria. Named after the capital of Vietnam, both restaurants offer high quality and flavorful Vietnamese dishes cooked by a native chef in elegant and fancy space. Especially, it is more varied with the addition of Thai and Chinese specialities. Even though the average price for dishes is a little bit higher than others ranging from 20-30 euros, it is still acceptable because of their  delicate flavors and unexpected combinations of ingredients. However, if you are on a budget, the perfect time to visit is at midday when they offer lunch courses with cheaper price than normal, for example only 10,90 € for the set lunch menu. Must-try: Beef with mandarin or Mussi shrimps Check out the menu  there Addresses:

• Hanoi Plaça Doctor Letamendi, 27 08007 Barcelona Tel. 934 515 686 L-S 12:30-16 h y de 20:30-24 h. / D 12:30-16 h.
• Hanoi II Av. Sarrià, 37 (Josep Tarradellas), 08029 Barcelona Tel. 93 444 1099 L-D 13:00-16:00 / 20:30-24:00

Indochine Ly Leap

I am just an intern who is on a budget so I rarely come to this Barcelona Vietnamese restaurant because of its pricey menu but if you are in a generous mood and desire an outstanding and tasting menu, you should give it a try. The most attractive thing is its interior beautifully decorated like an Asian tropical garden with bamboo and fish all around. Also, it is really nice that  your dishes's colorful garnish are made from plants grown at the restaurant terrace by Ly Leap, the place owner. Some of the highlights on the classic menu include marinated chicken in ginger, garlic, soy, coriander and wrapped with lemon leaves and Green mango with caramelized pork meat. Just imagine you enjoy your dinner in an exotic landscape with tables set in an artificial pond with huge gold fish, it would definitely be an unique experience! Address:

Me

[caption id="attachment_54827" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Vietnamese style secreto de Iberico, marinated and sous vide on the grill[/caption] If you are an Asian food lover but want innovations and creations in cooking, this Barcelona Vietnamese restaurant is obviously the best option for you. The secret of its success is in the perfect fusion between 3 cuisines: Vietnamese, Catalan, and Cajun in all recipes inspired by 2 owners: one Vietnamese and another from Catalunia. Thus, you will have a chance to taste the most innovative plates such as bo luc lac (a salad of watercress and sauteed veal) or xao bahn (a Vietnamese crepe stuffed with vegetables).... You shouldn't miss the delicious bonita  a type of fish) and the "crawfish pot pie". The bonita was prepared in a roll that is covered in various delicacies and the presentation is gorgeous and mouth-watering. Also, order goat cheese cheesecake for dessert and you will be addicted after first bite. :)) Not only an excellent menu but also the service and the owner's hospitality  makes this place become one of the best Barcelona Vietnamese restaurants! Address: C/ Paris 162 Check out our last blog about  Pho ( one of best Vietnamese food)  and where to enjoy the best one there :) Linh

OY VEY! WHERE ARE THE KOSHER RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA?!

Welcome back, SuiteLife gang, to my newest blog in which I’ll be talking about Kosher Restaurants in Barcelona and where to grab a bite either out and about the city. As a bonus we’ll also tell you where you can buy Kosher meat to cook in the comfort of your own home. A bit of a WARNING: Kosher restaurants in Barcelona are very few and far between and tend to be a bit (read: quite) overpriced due to a marked lack of competition. Another reason for this is the very small Jewish population in Barcelona. Hence, Kosher restaurants in Barcelona do not have a big target market. They Cater to the tiny Jewish population that actually eats Kosher, tourists, and religious expats. So yeah, get ready to get our your wallet, but hey, we gotta eat, right?

MACCABI RESTAURANT

Maccabi is probably the most famous Kosher restaurant in Barcelona. With a great location right on La Ramblas, cozy decor and atmosphere and a delicious menu, Maccabi is considered one of the best Kosher restaurants in Barcelona by locals and tourists alike. The restaurant occupies a former bakery from the seventeenth century called Montserrat. This restaurant just screams vintage and culture.
Apart from their extensive menu of delicious dishes, Maccabi also offers tapas for when you just want something quick and delicious to enjoy over a cup of coffee or a nice and cold pint of beer. Unlike other Kosher restaurants Maccabi is a full service dining joint with fast and friendly service. The menu is a mixture of traditional Israeli dishes and Catalan cuisine and it successfully combines the best of both worlds. The staff knows a little Hebrew and English so language barrier in Maccabi is not an issue. So, ladies and gentlemen, if you are looking for an excellent dining experience, Maccabi is one of the best Kosher restaurants in Bacelona that will meet your every requirement. Address: Las Ramblas 79 / Web

DELICIAS KOSHER

Delicias Kosher is a great dinning experience.  Its located in one of the ‘posh’ areas in Barcelona – Sant Gervasi – Galvany, and the food is really delicious and they have above average service for Spain as well, which is always appreciated.  As a common theme with foreign cuisine restaurants in Barcelona, Delicias Kosher incorporates a lot of Catalan dishes and cooking techniques in its Israeli menu. Nevertheless, a pinch of Catalan is all that takes to make their Kosher dishes exquisite.
The service in Delicias Kosher is what really closes the deal. The staff is very open and motivated to do everything it takes to make you feel like home. No matter if you’re dining alone or with company you will always feel like you are in the comfort of your own dining room. Address: c/ Santalo 125 / Web Well folks, that’s kinda it for Kosher restaurants in Barcelona. New ones haven sprung up but tend to die quickly because of a lack of customers. Now for our Bonus, where to find a Kosher butcher in Barcelona and where to buy a Challah in Barcelona!

ISAMAR KOSHER

If you’re looking for Kosher food in Barcelona, it is one on the few places you can buy Israeli foods and kosher meat. Isamar Kosher is not just a Kosher supermarket. From noon until 5 pm every Monday through Thursday you can enjoy some of their delicious food in their deli. What you can also find in Isamar Kosher is a bakery with freshly baked pastries offered throughout the whole day, a butcher with all sorts of meats to ‘meet’ all of your cravings, prepared dishes and take away.
Whether it is for Shabat, Hanukah, Passover or any Jewish holiday or even on a regular day, Isamar Kosher is your best choice for stocking up on some delicious Kosher meals and stocking your fridge at home. It is actually the only Kosher butcher in Barcelona, and by having a virtual monopoly, it also has some scary prices. A bag of chicken schnitzels with about 8 or 9 pieces, at the time of this blog, is about 17 €. Address: c/ Avenir 29 / Web The only other location we know where you can buy Kosher meat in Barcelona is at the Cortes Inglés  department store located on Avenida Diagonal 617. Enter the department store and go down one flight to the basement where the supermarket is, and on aisle 13 you’ll find a small freezer with a small assortment of Kosher food. Don’t get too excited though, it’s a bit underwhelming to say the least. I hope you enjoyed this blog, folks, if you know of any other Kosher restaurants in the city or hear of one that has sprung up, please let us know in the comments and we’ll add it to the blog! Weekly joke: Customer:  Waiter, waiter, there’s a bee in my soup. Waiter:  Yes Sir, it’s the fly’s day off. Sincerely, Chris

Moving to Barcelona - let's go over what you need to do

When it comes to moving to Barcelona, it can be complicated and you might not know where to start. But no worries I can help you, let's take it step by step and you'll see that relocating here is not that hard! You've made the right choice coming into our beautiful city, so congrats on that and let's get started!

Find a flat

First of all when moving to Barcelona you have to find a flat and that's not always an easy task! Take a look at the flats on our site or get in touch with us any time at all! Or take a peruse through our free ebook on flat hunting tips in BCN. If you don't find what you're looking for on our website, just drop us a line at info@suitelife.com.

Spanish NIE

By far the most annoying step when you are moving to Barcelona! The NIE means Número de Identificación de Extranjero, it's a foreigner identification number that you need to have if you're staying more than 3 months in Spain (even less for non-EU citizens, depending on your Visa) and which is mandatory for certain transactions. It's actually a little bit complicated so we have already made a detailed guide of how to get the NIE, check it out on our blog.

Transports

Of course when moving to Barcelona you'll need to find a means of transport. If you're bringing your car with you, then you'll need to register it on this website, and find parking! Check  our blog to find free parking in Barcelona. The easiest way to move through the city is not by car, but by metro or train ! Check out this website to find out more about transport in Barcelona, where they explain how it all works very well. You can also check the official website of TMB (transports metropolitans de Barcelona) if you are searching for specific info about the metro. If you have your NIE, you can also use bikes with bicing. You just sign up on the website, pay the €47.60 yearly charge (correct as of 2017), then they send you your card in the following 10 days. It's really cheap and really cool on sunny days !

Find a job, a school, and healthcare

Next step when moving to Barcelona, is of course to find a job and a school ! To find a job (and some other various things such as flats or services) you can check loquo website ! It can be really helpful ! As for schools, you might want to check this website or our blog where we list the best international schools in Barcelona ! And of course if you wanna take a few spanish classes to fit into the spanish life, check out this website !
And finally, last but not least ! What about healthcare ? Well you have to check the official website of Catalonia to find out everything you need to know about it ! Well guys, I hope my blog was helpful. If you feel like we've forgotten some info about moving to Barcelona, let us know! We'd be happy to help! Mathilde

Housewarming Party in Barcelona: inaugurate your new flat in style!

Now that you've found your apartment in Barcelona, settled in and decorated it with your amazing taste, it is time to throw an amazing housewarming party in Barcelona! For more decoration tips you should check out our blog on home stores in Barcelona and find everything you need to kit your place out! But let's get back to our topic. You're probably wondering what housewarming party is. A housewarming party in Barcelona is basically a must to inaugurate your new place in this awesome city! Its absolutely essential to show off your brand new designer couch and impress your guests with great activities - well, we think so at least! Find out below some tips to give your friends the best housewarming party ever and set yourself as THE party planner of your group!

Housewarming Party in Barcelona tip #1: get yourself a Catalan caterer

As you are enjoying your new life in Barcelona, what you might be interested in is to find out what the fantastic region of Catalonia has to offer to you and your guests in terms of leisure, food, music and so on. Why not combine all those Catalan wonders that are yet to be discovered in one big house warming? Impress your guests - locals or foreigners - with the best Catalan caterers in the city. You will enjoy the most exquisite food from the classic tapas such as pa amb tomàquet or queso or even jamón ibérico to the traditional dishes such as escudella and ollada or mar i muntanya ("sea and mountain") dishes. Finish the dinner with the excellent traditional Catalan desert: la crema catalana. Most caterers in Barcelona have found a way of mixing tradition and innovation by introducing in their cuisine international tastes. Find below a list of caterers who might interest you and your friends, fellow gourmet!

• Ambrosía catering
• Hotel Arts Barcelona
• L'Emporda catering

Housewarming Party in Barcelona tip #2: entertain your guests

Living in Barcelona gives you access to plenty of activities. Between all the clubs, bars, sports and entertainment available in the city you might ask yourself, what can I bring to my own party to entertain my friends in an original way? Well here's one piece of advice for you: get stereotypical. That might sound strange but I assure you, nothing is as great as a night listening and dancing to the traditional Spanish music: Flamenco! And there are plenty of other stuff that Barcelona can bring to your party.
Just so you know, you can hire flamenco dancers, singers and guitar players right here. You get to have your own flamenco show in your home, enjoy the very rhythmic music and maybe learn how to dance it yourself! Your guests are going to be astounded by the perfect Iberian night. Otherwise, if you prefer to hire a DJ, Barcelona is the perfect place to find one and enjoy a house warming party with the last Spanish and international hits. But this is not all! If you are a smoker or a cigar aficionado you should consider hiring your own cigar roller who would come to your party and roll cigar right in front of you - can't be more fresh. And the bright side of it is that you get to choose the tobacco you prefer while the cigar roller entertain your guests by telling it all about the cigar-making process. All you have to do to get your own professional cigar roller is click here. This is the perfect mix of class and cool.

Housewarming Party in Barcelona tip#3: hire staff and relax

Just like a superpower, planning an event such as a fancy housewarming party in Barcelona comes with great responsibility. If you really want to enjoy your night just like your guests, you will need help. First because you planned so much fun stuff and it's not fair if you miss them just because someone broke your favorite vase and you have to clean up. Someone should do it for you so you can relax and just be your fabulous self. That includes of course a waiting staff that your caterer will usually provide but not only, you need to keep in mind that your place need to be cleaned up in the morning. I know, no one wants to hear about what happens in the aftermath of a party but I am telling you, a cleaning service is the best idea for you not to worry about the mess, they'll deal with it for you.
Alright readers, we gave you the keys to organise the best ever housewarming party in Barcelona and we hope that you will enjoy your special night or any other one in the wonderful city of Barcelona! You can always read more about the nightlife in Barcelona in our blogs! See you! Aurélien