Bar Mirablau Barcelona - amazing city view… from Tibidabo!

Barcelona, the city of love?...

Well, it’s not exactly Paris but you don’t have to go far in this city to discover it has a heart. With the beautiful summer sun, the echo of the Mediterranean sea and the exquisite historic architecture alive with wonder, it’s the perfect setting for a little bit of romance. In fact, when you really stop to take a look at Barcelona you will discover that in the fine words of cheesy Brit band Wet Wet Wet, “love is all around”!  However, there’re only so many candlelit dinners and strolls by the beach one can take and if you’re craving something with that extra little bit of 'Va-Va-Voom' then you should definitely take the small 15 minute journey from Barcelona to discover Tibidabo and obviously Bar Mirablau Barcelona!

From Barcelona to Tibidabo…

Bar Mirablau Barcelona in Tibidabo

Tibidabo to Barcelona

So, if you’re looking for a delicious  cocktail of romance, mixed with a astonishing Barcelona view and topped with the great Bar Mirablau Barcelona, make sure your Google search terminates here and follow this advice all the way up the mountain of Tibidabo! Kerry Jessop

La Terrazza Barcelona - party in open air under the stars!

In Barcelona, every summer is a hot one guys, but we all know the party must go on! So listen closely Summer party-goers because I'’ve got some GREAT news! What if I told you about a place where you can dance your heart out all night long, and not feel like you have to bring a change of clothes for the outfit that you’ll undoubtedly sweat through within 5 minutes of arriving at your favorite Barcelona disco?? Sounds good right? Nestled in the side of the Montjuic hill lays our solution - La Terrazza Barcelona! La Terrazza Barcelona is an amazing open-air nightclub in Poble Español, where you can enjoy the beats of DJs from around the world and dance the night away under the stars. That’s right, I said “under the stars,” meaning 90% of the club is outdoors so there’s plenty off fresh air to go around for you and hundreds of your closest friends. Here, you can leisurely sip on your slightly overpriced Vodka Limon without the urge to dump out its entire contents over your head just to cool off.

The atmosphere

But it’s the atmosphere at La Terrazza Barcelona that makes it worth the trip outside of the Barcelona center. They don’t call it the “Atmospherical Fun Club” for nothin’. After entering Poble Espanyol, you’ll wind your way back along the cobble stone streets (ladies, keep this in mind when choosing your footwear), following the faint sound of  electro beats, until you finally arrive at Casa Son Berga, the magnificent mansion housing the club. Once inside, you’'ll be entranced by the visual spectacle of colorful lights and projections cast against the walls and enormous palm trees that line the courtyard. When you finally snap out of it, you’ll quickly notice yourself surrounded by a chic and eclectic mix of people from all over the world, either hanging out at one of the few outdoor bars or dancing around (or on top of) the central stage.

Time surely flies...

Then before you know it, it’s 6:30 am and you’ll be leaving just in time to take in a breathtaking birds-eye view of the city as the sun is coming up and you’re finally calling it a night. It’s by far the “coolest” Barcelona fiesta around, in every sense of the word. Now pay attention because here are a few tips to make your evening way more convenient and economical: HOW TO GET THERE: A FREE bus leaves every 20 minutes from right outside the Barcelona Hard Rock Café starting from 00:20h until 3:20h. HOW TO GET HOME: Buses running non stop from Poble Espanyol to Plaza Espanya from 5:30h to 6:45h. HOW TO AVOID THE 18 € COVER CHARGE: Go on Facebook and join the group “'La Terrrazza Barcelona, Atmospherical fun club',” find the date of the event you want to attend, and put your name plus however many friends you’ll be bringing (the more the merrier) on the guest list at least 24 hours before the party starts. If you show up before 2 am you’ll get in for only 5 euros! So, La Terraza Barcelona gives us a cool, open-air clubbing experience with a unique vibe, incredible view, and great music at a totally reasonable cost. How can you argue with that?

Barcelona City - uncovered Barcelona just for you!

How well do you know Barcelona City?

Barcelona is unforgiving by way of entertainment and like it or not after a very short time living in this City you'll know what Barcelona bars serve up the best drinks, what Barcelona restaurants serve the best Barcelona Tapas, where to shop, when to stop , and even have a favourite Barcelona Beach. Barcelona City is littered with advertisements, posters are pasted carelessly on to walls, thousands of leaflets are handed out daily and you'll even hear the odd instantly recognisable sound of a helicopters rotar blade slicing through the sky with a giant banner in tow. Everywhere you look there's an invitation to discover something new and before long you yourself become a walking A-Z of Barcelona. However, have you ever sat down and considered how well you really know Barcelona City? There'll be a small majority out there who appear to know everything, characters with such a wealth of knowledge they impress and astound even the brightest of folk. Yet, with a past and present as colourful, complex and diverse as Barcelona's it is impossible to know it all! So read on and make room for a few more nuggets of information about Barcelona's past and present that may have escaped you until now.

Barcelona City History and Traditions uncovered

When it comes to famous faces gone by and remarkable Barcelona architecture archives definitely border on the verge of impressive. The city is drenched in history and for every building, structure, space and name there is a story to be told. Look up and marvel at the impressive La Seu Cathedral, Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló. Wander through Parc Guell and be blown away by Gaudi's incredible us of colour. Take a glimpse at the famous Picasso museum or go in search of the impressive collection of photographs from Dali's life currently exhibited in the old town. So, where did it all start?
Legend suggests the city was founded by Hercules, 400 years before Rome however, others argue the city got it name from the great Barca family of Carthage and was founded in the 3rd century BC. This City is constantly full of surprises and the unsolved mystery of how Barcelona came to be only adds to its intrigue. Along with its history,  Tapas is the word commonly associated with Barcelona City. Few have been here and not sampled Barcelona Tapas. Suffice to say every other restaurant you walk past specialises or at least dabbles in tapas. Thousands flock daily to the hugely popular haunts like Xampanyet whilst others take a smaller, less crowded approach to the Barcelona Tapas dish. Whichever way it comes it may interest you to know that Tapas isn't a type of food. Tapas is a way of eating food, a small dish, mainly taken with a drink. Alongside Tapas, many who know Barcelona City also associate it with the magnificent, spectacular Flamenco performances that are showcased here. In fact, "Flamenco dance" is a phrase that's echoed all over the City. Fascinating then to discover it isn't predominately a dance! In fact Flamenco contains four main elements, the Guitar, the vocals, las palmas (hand claps) and in fourth place comes the dancing. It's also interesting to learn that Flamenco originated in the South of Spain (and isn't even really a Barcelona tradition) especially when you consider that Barcelona City does Flamenco so very well.

Barcelona Today uncovered

Loving Barcelona City comes from a mixture of history, of traditions and of what's been introduced more recently. Nowhere, will you find the combination of New and Old living so perfectly in unison. For the city's modern society it wouldn't be the same without the lasting stretch of sand that creates the Barcelona beaches we all know and love. Yet, although the majority recognise that those beaches are man-made, what's impressive is that until 1992 there were none! Yet, for everything we love this City for unfortunately it's not completely perfect and one gripe shared by many living here, often involves the chaos of the traffic. In today's society Barcelona City and traffic go as hand in hand as a red rag and a bull, quite aggressively to say the least. However, the extent of the anarchy on the roads only becomes apparent when you look at the facts. Some suggest at one time there was an accident happening every 90 seconds! Probably why a large amount of people choose to walk. Also, bearing in mind there's a whole 130 acres, that’s 260 football pitches, dedicated to walking zones why wouldn't you? So, next time you’re stumbling through this familiar City just stop and think. Question how much you actually do know because in reality when you start digging deeper, Barcelona City has a tendency to reveal some hidden secrets making it all the more exciting. - Kerry Jessop

Beat the Queue at Gaudi's Sagrada Familia - be prepared!

Todays blog will be about how to beat the queue at Sagrada Familia, if you're reading this then you're just one of thousands trying to work out when is the best time to go and how on earth you can avoid that god forsaken queue! Well you're in a luck, because I have the solution to all your troubles...
Gaudi's Church is truly remarkable and the on going project is extremely ambitious and one that should really be admired and cherished. However the last thing you want to do is have a bad experience at Sagrada. Gaudi was an artistic genius hut not even the great Gaudi could orchestrate or anticipate the popularity his church would generate. So don't let a long queue be your only experience of this magnificent building. So what are we waiting for ... lets find out how to beat the queue at Sagrada Familia.

BOOK ONLINE IN ADVANCE!!!!

Right okay step one to beat the queue at Sagrada Familia .... its the most obvious one which is to book in advance! I know it sounds silly but we are lazy creatures let's be honest. We expect to come to the city and just walk right in to the most crowded touristy places without any struggle, well let me tell you now that its not the case and NEVER will be! So this is a must! Whether you're planning to visit this city or already in Barcelona you need to book tickets well in advance online. A tour guide is included and you'll be jumping the queues (shouting 'SUCKERS!!!' as you pass by the helpless individuals in the ever-growing queue) in no time. Remember you can't go straight to the gates. With your advanced ticket you can jump the queue to the meeting point where you shall all be escorted further.

EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM!!

Now for those who forgot to book in advance this is what you need to do to beat the queue at Sagrada Familia. Come close... Are you listening ??? Okay you need to make sure you arrive VERY early in the morning! Trying to buy a ticket during the day or towards the evening is next to impossible and theres no need for you to be waiting a ridiculous amount of time. Sagrada opens at 9:00am and the tourists usually starts quite early too, therefore you will have to anticipate and plan properly. There is no guarantee that even if you wake up at 6am that you will be at the front of the queue as its all about the luck of the day! But what I can be sure of is that if you time it right in the morning you can certainly reduce your waiting time SIGNIFICANTLY!
Now if you haven't even booked your flight yet and your sole purpose for coming to Barcelona is to see the Sagrada Familia then you would be wise to choose your dates accordingly. This is the perfect way to beat the queue at Sagrada Familia as this enables you to avoid all the touristy periods which tend to be near the spring and summer season. So an ideal period would be during winter around November to late February. However there is a reason why this isn't a touristy period because the weather isn't the greatest. Hope you guys enjoyed the blog guys and if you have any comments please do share them below, maybe there's another way to beat the queue at Sagrada Familia that we haven't heard of? For more information on Sagrada Familia Click here! You can buy your tickets in advance here!

Visit the Ciutadella Park in the heart of Barcelona

The parks in Barcelona are plenty, but I know a place for readers and writers, for people like me who love to go for a run, families, teenagers who are heading out for a picnic on a Saturday afternoon, or couples in love who are looking for a romantic walk. I am talking about Parc de la Ciutadella (in English: the Ciutadella Park) located in El Born. And by now, I can say that I have developed an addiction. However, I don't know if I am more addicted to running or going to the park because I spend almost everyday here - running.
For you who have not yet been, this Barcelona park is a gorgeous open space behind the chic Barcelona neighborhood : El Born. The Ciutadella park is close to the France Train Station, the Olympic Village, Barceloneta neighborhood as well as the peer and the beach.  When going for a run, I usually run through the park, over to the Arc del Triomf (this is my goal..so I tend to run extra fast over here) and then I continue down to the seaside in order to let the cool breeze from the ocean cool me off. This park is actually a great piece of work to study for the one who is interested in history. Arc de Triomf for example, the grandest entrance to the park, was designed for the 1888 Exhibition by Josep Vilaseca i Casanoves. Thinking about it, I actually don't go here mainly for running because what I find interesting and special about this park is that it's a place for everybody. Built in the late 1860s on the site of a former military fortress (Ciutadella) this park offers a way range of fun and different things to do. You will find groups of every age; families having picnics, kids playing football or frisbee, while others are practicing juggling, balancing, enjoying the sunshine from a park bench or playing drums and guitar.
The Ciutadella park offers a wide range of museums and other attractions. For example, you have the Museum of Modern Art, The Geology Museum, The Zoology Museum as well as the Barcelona Zoo. I actually didn't know that the Barcelona Zoo existed until the other day when I couldn't find my way back in the Ciutadella park while taking a short cut when going for a run. Furthermore, the park features a lake where you can rent a boat and take a ride on the water for approximately 5 Euros per half an hour. However, what I did not know is that the park closes at 22:00. As I work late hours (yes, sometimes even until 20:00..) I also tend to go running late. To make everything convenient for you (I mean, I don't want you to go here excited to spend some hours in the sunshine or visiting one of the museums only to find out it's closed..) I thought I'd give you the timetable for the different activities. Barcelona Zoo: open Nov-Feb 10 am - 5 pm daily March-May & Oct 10 am - 6 pm daily Jun - Sep 10 am - 7pm Entrance: 14 Euros, Children 8.5 Euros Museu de Zoologia & Museu de Geologia: Open 10 am - 2.30 pm Tue-Sun (Thu until 6.30 pm) Entrance: 3 Euros each museum, 4 Euros Joint ticket To get to the Ciutadella Park, you can take Metro L1 to Arc de Triomf or Metro L4 to Jaume I. I would suggest you take the metro till Arc de Triomf as this is a very nice walk (surrounded by giant palm-trees and London-look-alike street-lights) and closer to the park. Parc de la Ciutadella, Between Pujades and Picasso Street, Open Hours: 08:30 - 22:00 Charlotte Giver

Catalan Modernism in Barcelona: Some Famous Masterpieces!

It’s no secret that Barcelona is world renowned for its eclectic and beautiful architecture.  Thousands upon thousands of tourists pass through the city each year and see the likes of the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, and Casa Batlló.  Barcelona is especially famous for Catalan Modernism.

Definition of Catalan Modernism

Known also as Modernisme, Catalan Modernism was the equivalent of Art Nouveau and lasted from roughly 1888-1911.  It’s best known figure was Antoni Gaudí.  The movement was led by highly individualistic and anti-traditionalist intellectuals who were attempting to update Catalán arts and ideas so as to catch up to the rest of major European cities.
Actually, the area of Paseo de Gracia between c/ Valencia & c/ Aragó is called the Block of Disaccord.  When the city expanded past the old city limits, all the richest Barcelonés, and the top catalan architects of the day, competed to build the best and most intricate buildings.  In the end we were left with a street full of some of the most extraordinary examples of Catalan Modernism architecture ever produced. In this top-ranking article we will pass through some of the most famous Catalan architects and their buildings, touching on one especially famous Catalán hero named Josep Puig I Cadafalch.  He was the mastermind behind “Casa de les Punxes” (House of the Toothpicks), “Casa Amatller” & “Casa Matí” where the famous Catalán resturant Els Quatre Gats is located.

Who was Josep Puig i Cadafalch?

Josep Puig i Cadafalch was a famous Catalan Modernism architect who was born in Mataró the 17th of October 1867 and died on the 23rd of December 1956. He was a disciple of  Lluis Domenech i Muntaner who designed the “Palau de la Música” and “Casa Fuster”, Woody Allen’s favourite five star hotel, and “Casa Lleo Morera”.  Both architects were of great importance for the Catalan Modernism movement that made Barcelona the great architectural city that it is today.

His Works:

Josep designed “Casa de les Punxes” in the name of the “Terrades” brothers who wanted to combine their two houses into one building. He projected the Gothic style of Europe with some Medieval aspects like the building’s six towers.  The towers have an iconic shape with needles on top fittingly giving it its name of Les Punxes, which is Catalán for toothpicks. It is located on Avenida Diagonal but it is not open to the public. Another piece of Catalan Modernism architecture created by Puig I Cadafalch is Casa Amatller, the house that was custom built for the Amatller family who made their fortune in chocolate and other investments. The house is part of the Block of Discord where two other famous architects have had assignments for other families (like casa Batlló and Casa Lleo Morera).  Casa Amatller houses the institute Amatller for the Spanish Arts.  Only the entrance is open to the public and the front of the building displays sculptures of Eusebi Arnau who was a famous Catalan sculptor.
The restaurant Els Quatre Gats is located in “Casa Martí”, which was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. When the building was officially opened it served as a hostal, bar and cabaret but it soon became a central meeting point for Barcelona artists and intelligentsia. The musical “Le Chat Noir” was inspired by this restaurant and the interesting people that used to hang out there. Our next update on Catalán Modernism will be starring: “Lluis Domenech i Muntaner” the designer of “Palau de la Música” and other great buildings in the Catalan Modernism architectural landscape.

Shopping in Barcelona : Discover Gracia!

Gracia Shops:

Retro City, Travessera de Gracia

PHILO, C. del Pendes

Locas De Atar, Torrent de l’Olla

Best Of AirBnb - Some Of The Most Luxurious Rentals Seen In Barcelona!

AirBnb has become one of the most popular platforms to share and rent apartments. Whether you're looking for a long term contract or just a holiday visit, AirBnb most definitly have what you're looking for! But AirBnb also have some pretty luxurious rentals! We have collected a list of some of the most luxurious rentals seen in Barcelona! These places may not be for everyone, but if you just won the lottery (or are ready to give up your first born child) this is for you! - We give you, the best of AirBnb!

1# Welcome Aboard, Sir!

Wanna go for a boat ride? This beauty of a yacht contains 4 double cabins with own bathroom and a complete kitchen. You can even rent a Skipper for a day (or two) if you want to go on a day trip! Pretty cool huh? Well I’m ready to go! Are you? Luxurious sail yacht in Barcelona €475 Pr. Night

2#  1001 Arabian Nights'ish!

Count me in! This Bohemic/Aladdin'ish old Fortress is surrounded by vineyards, has a great sea view and only a 2 min walk from the beach. During your stay you can request a “detox” health program provided by professional therapists, they can help you eat right and regain strength and energy! Getting skinny while you’re on vacation?! How awesome is that!? ANCIENT 1770 FORTRESS - MASIA €500 Pr. Night

3# Who Said Penthouse?

A two level apartment in best “fifty shades of grey” style! Not only does this apartment come with a stunning view, it also has a Terrace, Jacuzzi, swimming pool and sauna, you can even order breakfast if you feel like it! If they can guarantee a visit from Mr. Grey I’m moving in! Over the top apartment €500 Pr. Night

4# Panorama View!

No worries, I’ll just spend the rest of my days on the couch, who needs a T.V. anyway with this view?! This gorgeous Villa has a full panorama view over the beach, an exclusive private pool, lounge area with a pool table and if you’re up for it a huge piano! If you want pure luxury and relaxation this is the spot! LUXURY HOUSE WITH SWIMMING POOL €1100 Pr. Night

5# Heaven In The Middle Of Barcelona!?

Did we just discover heaven on earth? OMG YES! This chic and trendy designer looking castle is centered in the Golden neighborhood in Barcelona! 5-10 walk from the beach, killer terrace (by that I mean like humongous terrace!) and there’s room for 7 people (so you can bring your friends!). Old-world style meets modern life in this completely renovated apartment, with perfectly preserved 18th century façade of the building. City vacation on a whole new level! The Modernist €600 Pr. Night

6# Feeling Adventures?

600 acres of absolute privacy! This Mansion offers 360 degrees of breathtaking views, enormous heated pool and huge terrace. With 400 square meters of living space and perfect location you should be able to sit down and enjoy the sweet life of Barcelona (or worry that you might get lost!). Whether you’re the active or “relaxing” type of person, this place gives you the opportunity to do both, the mansion is right up the Garraf National Park where you can go hiking/Biking, maybe visit the Buddhist Monastery or you can just stay home and drink some of the local wine! I’m ready to go! Are you? Casa Nova Estate, Sitges €2000 Pr. Night

7# Pool Party Anyone?

Perfect spot to work on your tan, maybe invite some friends over for Tapas? Oh Yes. 270 m2 of pure luxury in 2 floors, humongous bathroom (with Whirlpool tub!!!), awesome kitchen, great pool and terrace with your own BBQ Grill. Here you’re guaranteed a vacation in best Hollywood style! I want to live here! Don’t you?? Private villa at 3' of Sitges €500 Pr. Night

8# Casa Del Spain

Did you ever wonder how it would be like to be a real Spanish Señorita or Señor? Well here’s your chance, this enormous castle has no less than 300 acres of private ground with 14 kilometers of private tracks where you will find pear, olive, cherry, walnut and almond trees even Xarello grapes which is used for its own brut nature and white wine! I’m feeling the Spanish charm! Don’t you?? Spanish villa like no other €1500 Pr. Night Did you enjoy the best of AirBnb? I know we did! Now we just have to win the lottery to get one of these beauties. Let us know which is your favourite in the comments below!

Everything you need to know about tipping in Barcelona !

NO, niet, nein, non !
Buenas cuentas, buenos amigos! Tipping in Barcelona is not expected unlike in America, Great Britain or the Netherlands for instance where tips are a must because waiters practically live from tipping. In Barcelona (and Spain in general) you can be as scroogy as Scrooge himself. Everywhere you go, you’ll be given back the exact change: waiters get paid on a fixed salary each month and benefit from a rather well developed social system compensations.

So who can you tip in Barcelona?

You can tip waiters in restaurants, bars and clubs, taxi drivers, grooms in hotels (but none of these people expect it). Do not tip anyone else like public agents of any kind, hairdressers, teachers or employees especially in expensive and posh places, they don’t need it and/or they are supposed to give you the best service ever, regardless of what you give them in return.

Another tricky question: when is tipping in Barcelona preferable?

Well, you obviously tip in Barcelona whenever you feel like it: when the service pleases you, when the food is awesome, when the cab driver makes you laugh, when the waiter/waitress is nice, when you want to impress somebody (anybody for any reason)… Tips in Barcelona are left only when you pay cash. If you pay with a credit card, there is no second line on the receipt for tips.
It cannot be denied that tipping in Barcelona is pleasant whenever tips are not expected. There is nothing like seeing a bright smile suddenly expand on somebody’s lips and gratefulness appear in their eyes. Then, you can go home on a pink cloud for your good action. Besides, if the service you have just received is normal or bad, why should you tip? Catalan people will appreciate any tip you leave without feeling insulted, from 10cents to any amount you like. Tips of 1 or 2€ are already very good tips in Barcelona. In certain places waiters ring a bell anytime they receive a tip (as in Síncopa) and I sometimes tip them with a simple “keep the change!” just to hear the bell. Tipping in Barcelona is a left to your appreciation. Make good use of it! Yours, A.

The Parc Del Laberint D'Horta – One of The Most Beautiful Parks in Barcelona!

Located a bit further away from Barcelona’s city center, the Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a must-see for all of Barcelona’s visitors. The "Parc del Laberint d’Horta" is the oldest Park in Barcelona. It consists of a neo-classical garden dating from the 18th century, which was extended to several elements of a romantic garden in the 19th century. It was given the name of the laberinto park due to it being one of the most beautiful, still existing garden labyrinths in Europe. The artful labyrinth was built right in the heart of the grounds and is, in my eyes, the most wonderful attraction in the park.

The Parc Del Laberint D'Horta and It's Surroundings

The Parc del Laberint d’horta belongs to the area called Horta, which was an independent community until 1904. Great ressources allowed good agricultural use of fruit, vegetables and wine. During the 18th century the place turned out to be a summer residence for a lot of wealthy and blue blooded people. The total size of the park is 57,07 hectares which are split up as follows: 1,92 hectares:  This is the size of the area between the Ronda de Dalt and the Palais Desvall. Nowadays, this area is home of the Velòdrom d’Horta (the Olympic cycling stadium) and a small public playground with a small cafe. 7,36 hectares:  This is the total size of the actual Parc del Laberint. 44,79 hectares: This is the size of the area which still belongs to the park, although walking is pretty hard.


How to get there: The easiest way to get there, beside a car, is to take the metro. You are looking for L3 (blue line). The station is called "Mundet" and is a few steps away from the entrance of the park. In general, the park is a must-see for all of Barcelona's visitors. It's beautiful, interesting and romantic. You can sit on the benches, relax, enjoy mother nature, and the unique surrounding buildings. Although Parc Ciutadella is pretty nice as well, the laberinto park became my favourite park in Barcelona. What about you? Have you ever been? What is your favourite park in Barcelona? Yours, Alexander Kolb