Room Escape Games in Barcelona: What IS That?

Have you ever heard about room escape games in Barcelona? Room escape games have become super popular among young people who are loving this new type of entertainment. Real life room escape is a type of adventure game in which people are locked in a room with other participants and have to use the elements in the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape from the room in the time limit. Each game integrates specific concepts and themes. The game is based on the "escape the room" video games. Room escape games were first opened in Switzerland and Hungary, and then in other European countries, North America, Asia and Australia. It is very popular in the US, Japan, Taiwan and mainland China. Inside Europe, there are around 150 game locations. Following the trend, Suitelife is happy to introduce you room escape games opened in Barcelona !

ParaPark

Want to have some intriguing experiences ? Let's try ParaPark. ParaPark is the first room escape game in Barcelona. It is becoming more popular day by day, which made ParaPark expand to 5 locations in Spain (2 in Barcelona, 2 in Madrid and 1 in Gran Canaria). Like many other similar room escape games around the world, ParaPark tests people's mental sharpness by locking them in a room. You have 60 minutes to manage by trying to find clues, solve puzzles and riddles, and hopefully to escape the room. The countdown clock on the wall shows how much time you have left. Every corner of a room has a hint or code and you have to solve the codes together in order to successfully escape the room.  ParaPark lets you be another Sherlock. No physical strength is needed, but your brain strength and team working abilities are key to lead the way out. And don't worry about being scared by some light, voice effect or blood-curling scream like you usually see in the movies. ParaPark is sensational because of its exciting quizzes, jigsaw puzzles pieces and the adventure of team-work. And you don't need to speak Spanish/Catalan, because the game is available in English as well! The rules of ParaPark is that each group has to have minimum 2 and maximum 5 people and those who are under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The price for 60 minutes is 47EUR/per team (from 2-5 people). You need to book your time slot online and I suggest you book at least 1 week in advance. Address: Carrer Valladolid 25, Barcelona Carrer Rei Martí 33, Barcelona

Roomin

Do you find yourself wandering around Gracia neighborhood in the afternoon when many shops and restaurants are closed? Then Roomin is a good choice to kill time and have fun. Similar to many other room escape games, the only way to escape the room is collecting clues, searching objects, solving puzzles and hieroglyphs,... With 60 minutes of both thrilling and hilarious moments, Roomin has soon become one of the most favorite places in Gracia for youngsters. At Roomin, the time just flies by and you have a lot of memories to talk about afterwards. There is a great deal of variety in the hunting and puzzles. Roomin has smaller sections that go together to solve a bigger section, so you can feel that you are getting somewhere instead of being frustrated by having bigger bits to do. Some people, especially those who have not tried this game before, might find Room Escape challenging and get lost. But at Roomin, the staff are very helpful as they place placards in letter boxes so you can concentrate on certain items. They can see your progress on CCTV and make sure you don't get stuck. If you want your adrenalin to be triggered and the five senses to be awakened, you definitely should give Roomin a shot. Roomin is an adult game, so you have to be at least 18 to join the game. Players aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by at least one adult. Decide to give Roomin a go ? You can reserve online on its website. The price is 44EUR/ per team (from 2-5 people). If you are English speakers, you should inform the staff when you book so they can prepare the game in English. Address: Carrer del Robí, 2-4-6, Barcelona

Habitacion 73

The third in our Room escape games in Bcn blog is Habitacion 73 (Room 73) which is a new escape room in town. It was first opened in August 2014 at Carrer del Torrent de les Flors, 96. Since then, Habitacion 73 has attracted a considerable number of players, especially locals. Great staff, terrific design, genius details and enigmas of this escape room will definitely get you hooked ! A story, a mission and an hour to solve it, if you want to have fun time full of laughter, this is your place! When you are inside the room, you will feel like you are in a mystery movie with dim light, dark walls, a Mona Lisa picture on the wall,...This game will have your mind racing and your adrenalin flowing. Feeling interested ? The price is 40EUR/per team (2-5 people) and you can book online on this page. Address: Carrer del Torrent de les Flors, 96, Barcelona

Room of Riddles

The last escape room of our list is Room of Riddles. It offers up to 12 members (6 per each group) where you can play with one another or compete against each other. The place offers two activities, the Art Collector and the Harbour Master. It is best to come in the middle of the week and schedule in advance in their site. For further information check our special blog about Room of Riddles. Address: Carrer de Salvador Espriu, 61, Barcelona
Barcelona has tons of things to entertain. If you like adventure, don't hesitate to check out our new blog Skydiving in Barcelona! Do you know any other fun group activities in Barcelona ? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below ! ~Trang

Chocolate Barcelona -Mecca for chocolate lovers!

As a chocoholic I have to say that Barcelona should be famous not only because of its special relationship with the sea but also because of the cacao. Barcelona is a Mecca for chocolate lovers! You can find here delicious churros and chocolate, perfect hot chocolates, shops selling delicious chocolate products, and… a chocolate museum!!! Have a look at our blog and enjoy the chocolate taste of the city - the taste of chocolate shops in Barcelona!

CHOCOLATE SHOPS!

Walking through the city you will see a lot of chocolate shops which can be pretty attractive by themselves, and trust me their products will melt in your mouth and leave you happy for the rest of the day!

Pasteleria Escriba

Historic patisserie and café in Barcelona. It has two locations in the city and one of the places is called “Antigua Casa Figueras” on La Ramblas - a beautiful shop which has become quite the tourist attraction. It is family owned since 1906, and it has its own place in the history of the city. This is one of the most famous chocolate shops in Barcelona. It is a place where chocolate is transformed into art. For special days like  Valentine’s day and Easter, for example, they display a spectacular exhibition of chocolates and sweets made decorations. So don’t wait and sweeten your day with one of their chocolate products or divine hot chocolates, which is available with chilli powder or cream.
It is worth checking their impressing website where you can find out more about all services, their history and about various locations in Barcelona. And here is the video of heir chocolate and sweet art! I guarantee that you will be impressed!

Bubo

A MUST VISIT place among other chocolate shops in Barcelona! Why?! Let’s start their their “The Xantina” chocolate cake that won "best chocolate cake in the world" in 2005!!! Having tried it myself, I can verify this! But Bubo is not only the place where you can try the best chocolate cake ever, it is alsoA place for the chocolates, sweets and pastry lovers. You will find here various treats and cakes of all shapes and sizes. You're going to love it! Address: Carrer de les Caputxes, 10; 08003 Barcelona

Cocao Sampaka

It is an elegant shop and cafeteria where you can enjoy a range of hot chocolates like the 80% cacao Asteca dark and slightly spicy. This is a spot which offers a lot of different kinds of chocolate, in a variety of sizes, of high quality, unusual, fun, adventurous flavours like chocolate with thyme, chocolate with parmesan cheese and gin & tonic bonbons. It is not only one of the many chocolate places in Barcelona but it is a chocolate paradise! Chocolate lovers will also find there the classic inventive flavours like sea salt dark chocolate bars which are just amazing! It is a perfect place to get some gifts for friends or to take back home from Barcelona visit. Address: Consell de Cent, 292; 08007 Barcelona

Petritxol Xocoa

Modern chocolate shop in Barcelona. Their sweet treats are different from others with unforgettable flavors and wrapped in a unique way. The shop is specially designed to bring you unforgettable and chic experience. They have a lot of different chocolate bars to choose from: sugar free, rosemary, lemon verbain, Jamaican pepper, wild berries, green tea, orange and more! But that’s not all! They are also selling CHOCOLATE BEER!  Another super thing which you can find there is a CD for for chocolate lovers! You will find their shop in Barcelona on Petritxol Street, 11. So go stop by and give them a try!

HOT CHOCOLATE PLACES!

Are you thinking 'how can a city that has such a warm Mediterranean climate have so much hot chocolate culture'? You would be surprised that during the winter most people are choosing Spanish hot chocolate which is served thick, rich and very sweet and sometimes they serve it with cream for that extra wow! Here's two hot chocolate places in Barcelona!

Buenas Migas

It is a nice little café where you can enjoy cup of delicious hot chocolate in four varieties: normal, double chocolate, Swiss or Galleta. Swiss chocolate is served with cream and sweet chocolate sauce while Galleta chocolate involves cream and fractured biscuit pieces. It is also the perfect place if you’re looking for something to eat in a casual setting. The design of the place is rustic and really cosy, which gives it the rural image. Worth mentioning that you can find 12 Buenas Migas cafes/restaurants in Town, so it won’t be difficult for you to enjoy those chocolate places in Barcelona of our choice.

Dulcinea

It is just in the heart of Barcelona and I can promise that it will take you back in time. Established in 1941 still keeps tradition of making lovely thick, rich and smooth chocolate. Perfect place to celebrate special moments with family and friends. Address: Carrer de Petritxol, 2; 08002 Barcelona

Churros and chocolate!

But it is not only chocolate chops and cafes with hot chocolates which are the best chocolate places in Barcelona! Time for Churros now! In Barcelona churros are called xurros, as they are called in Catalan. Xurros are the long, skinny, sweet fried crullers which have been enjoyed for centuries in Spain. You should enjoy them dipped in the hot melted chocolatey goodness they're served with, and maybe with a little whipped cream on the side. To find out more about churros and how to eat them, check our other blog. You never had freshly made churros before?! What are you waiting for. Check our two the best places where you can get  churros with delicious chocolate!

Comaxurros

Here you can get the best xurreria combined with the best modern creativity. The churros are perfect and served with unique filling and toppings, so you can try them not only in the traditional way with chocolate. You'll even find savoury churros – with cheese, mushrooms and jamón iberico (Iberian ham) among other delicacies. Everything is fried in pure olive oil and presented with the wonderful pink characteristic for this place. Aren't chocolate places in Barcelona amazing?! Address: Carrer de Muntaner, 562; 08022 Barcelona

Xurreria El Trebol

A place where the chocolate churros are so good that they are to die for. It is the oldest Xurerrio place in Barcelona, launched in 1950.  You can find a variety of churros and try them as well in the traditional way with hot chocolate which is great. It is an inexpensive place, but unfortunately with no place to sit, but it's open from Friday to Sunday 24h! So any time you can enjoy the taste of the best churros in the city with a great chocolate. Address: Carrer de Corsega 341, 08037 Barcelona

Chocolate Museum

Most people think of Switzerland or Belgium when they think of the chocolate. But as the place where chocolate first entered European culture, Spain holds its own,chocolate places in Barcelona are the best! And Barcelona is the city in which you can visit the Museo de La Xocolata (Chocolate Museum). When you first walk in, you see chocolates everywhere. This is a must visit museum for all the chocolate lovers! Learn the history of chocolate, admire the impressively detailed chocolate sculptures and enjoy taste of your ticket – chocolate bar ;) So don’t wait and just come to the sweetest museum in Barcelona. Address: Carrer Comerc, 36; 08003 Barcelona
Barcelona is 'Loco' for Chocolate ! If you are chocolate addicted it is place for you! Enjoy it from the coco perspective and try to visit all chocolate places in Barcelona! ~Natalia~

Visit The Sagrada Familia With Suitelife's Barcelona Photoblog !

For our Barcelona photoblog series, I went to one of the most famous tourist spots: The Sagrada Familia. Everybody who comes to Barcelona must go to the Sagrada Familia at least once. The 128-year-old building has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and features unusual architecture. It is in the district of Eixample which is one of the most visited spots in Barcelona. Indeed, people also come here for the Gaudi's heritage too. It is quite expensive to visit this temple  (10€ to 13€/person) but it's worth it as the money is put towards the restoration of the building. You will also discover something really amazing, both inside and outside. Believe me, this is one of the things that you have to do at least once in your life ! Don't forget to take pictures ! [caption id="attachment_17868" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
Barcelona Photoblog - The Sagrada Familia[/caption] The interior of the Sagrada Familia will astonish you: [caption id="attachment_17869" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Ceiling[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17870" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Christ[/caption] The ceiling is very different from all the other temples that you will visit in your life. [caption id="attachment_17871" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Ceiling[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17872" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Ceiling & Wall[/caption] The stained-glass windows let you see the interior of the Sagrada Familia in a different way, through different colors. [caption id="attachment_17873" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Ceiling & Stained-Glass Windows[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17874" align="aligncenter" width="576"]
The Sagrada Familia - Ceiling & Stained-Glass Windows[/caption] Front of the Sagrada Familia [caption id="attachment_17875" align="aligncenter" width="576"]
The Sagrada Familia - Front[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17876" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Alpha & Omega sign[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17877" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Crucifixion Scene[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17878" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Back[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17879" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Back[/caption] Even the smallest things are amazing: [caption id="attachment_17880" align="aligncenter" width="576"]
The Sagrada Familia - Steel Plan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17881" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Door[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17882" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - "Scourging At The Pillar"[/caption] Paintings on the floor entrance of the Sagrada Familia. [caption id="attachment_17883" align="aligncenter" width="576"]
The Sagrada Familia - Paintings On The Floor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17884" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Miniature[/caption] Don't forget to go downstairs in the Sagrada Familia where you can learn about its history and discover the amazing architectural technique used by Gaudi. [caption id="attachment_17886" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
The Sagrada Familia - Reverse[/caption] The Sagrada Familia will blow your mind and make you think about Gaudi's amazing work ! We would love to hear about your experience of the Sagrada Familia. Tell us what you think of it in the comments below ! - by Kok Natha HEN (pictures included)

Beer in Barcelona : The Best From The Taps

Draft beer in Barcelona? You would think that Barcelona sounds like a drinker's paradise with cava, sangria, mojitos, vermouth, etc... But about beer, I was not so sure. The big Spanish brands like San Miguel or Estrella Damm have never seemed as good to me compared to other breweries in Europe. Most restaurants, bars and pubs serve beer but the options are limited. In Barcelona, I realized that there are very few bars/pubs offering actual beers on tap that aren't one of the commercial brands. Don't worry though! We've taken it upon us to thoroughly investigate the situation and we will show you the best of draft beer in Barcelona. If you are a cocktail-lover, don't miss out our ebook Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Barcelona

BierCab

This bar has everything you need to have a fantastic late night beer binge: a huge selection in both international and local beer, delicious food, humorous and knowledgeable staff, nice and chill atmosphere,... It seems that 10 taps is not enough for a beer bar, BierCab has 30 taps which you might have not never seen before. The awesome beer selection both in taps and bottles ranges from strong to weak, from dark to light, from all over the world. The prices aren't cheap, mostly around 5-8EUR for a pint, but it is totally worth for trying beer thats beyond the normal standard beer in Barcelona. The bar also serves tasty tapas. When you go there, don't hesitate to try the burgers and patatas bravas. With its funky vibe coming from good music, wooden design, and especially from friendly drinkers, BierCab is a favourite spot for many foreigners and locals alike. Check out their website for more details in drink and food menu. Address: Carrer Muntaner 55

Ale&Hop

The second spot in our Draft beers in Barcelona list is Ale&Hop. If you want to escape from very crowded breweries, Ale&Hop is the place for you. This cozy bar is an indie brewery of Barcelona par excellence. Ale&Hop is a place where you can listen to underground hits, enjoy cozy ambiance, a hipster feel and especially great beer, which is a mix of high quality offerings from Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain,... With 10 taps and excellent bottles in fridge, Ale&Hop is a must-visit place if you want to get drunk. The price is 3-5EUR for a pint, which is very reasonable for quality beer. Located on a small street in trendy El Born, Ale&Hop is a good late night choice after having a stroll and dinner. The food here is not very special. But if you are veggies, Ale&Hop does very well in serving top notch vegetarian food. Address: Carrer de les Basses de Sant Pere, 10

La Cerveteca

Another cool gem  in Gothic Quarter is La Cerveteca. It's a shop, a bar and a brewery library. There are always people tasting different beers and perhaps you might not understand their drink list and sometimes strange vocabulary. La Cerveteca is a cultural meeting space that revolves around beer and everything related to it. At La Cerveteca, you will find information on beer culture, brewery events, and craft beers from different origins that become the symbols of the world of beer. Not just only a shop, La Cerveteca is also a drinking spot which offers beer from 13 taps and 100 bottles being selected carefully as well as pretty good tapas. Not like other beer bars/pubs, La Cerveteca should be visited early, because its opening hours are from 18:00 to 23:00. Address: Carrer d'En Gignàs, 25

Cara B

Cara B is a great little bar in Gracia well off of tourist path. It is shabby but still nice with 10 taps and around 130 bottles of beers mostly from the UK, Belgium and US. It has live music every night from Tuesday to Saturday. The singers and bands bring the intimate feeling to the room. This spot is more for thirty-something plus crowd because Cara B can really remind them of their childhood when you bounce up and down to Twist and Shout and Jumpin’ Jack Flash. There are black and white photos of The Stones, Jackson 5 as well as the vinyl 33 on the walls, which will send you back to an older musical era. When the music isn't live, you can still enjoy your beer listening to the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and so on. Address: Carrer del Torrent de les Flors, 36

CatBar

The name says it all. CatBar is a little bit different from other Barcelona's draft beers places. Located in El Born neighborhood, this bar is a cat-themed bar, which is surprising and fun. Of course you won't see any real cats in this bar, but you might see some drawn on the walls and some hipsters lovingly referring to their friends as 'cats'. There are 9 craft beers on tap and the staff let you sample somethings before ordering a pint. About food, this dimly lit bar features very good veggie options, especially burgers which I recommend highly. Address: Carrer Boria, 17
The weather is getting colder and colder folks! I hope these cool draft beers places will inspire you and keep you from being lazy and staying at home on the couch tonight. If you still want to know more about other drinking places, make sure to check out our blog Top 10 Rooftop Bars in Barcelona and Unique Bars in Barcelona and let us know if you know of any other great bars that serve draft beer in Barcelona! ~Trang

Do a Barcelona Internship this summer! Read this article, take notes, succeed!

Looking to do a Barcelona Internship this summer? An internship in this beautiful city will make your summer shine (on your resume and..literally!). So, you're looking for a Barcelona internship  this summer or maybe you've already landed one? Either way, read this article and I promise you that you will be a success. (Pst, SuiteLife is looking for online marketing and social media interns and now you can be the top candidate! ) First there is the resume and the never-easy-to-write cover letter. Both need to be flawless and please note: updated! Never forget to bulletpoint-in your recent job(s)! The resume, I personally don't have a problem with. The tricky task is how to write that cover letter. Ugh, spare me! While applying for probably 50 internships last spring (everything from internships in Stockholm, Los Angeles and Copenhagen to London and Manchester), I felt that I was climbing Mount Everest. Going to plenty of lectures and workshops that taught you how to master this task, I'm now on the top of that mountain and it's not as cold as I thought. First and foremost, the opening of the cover letter should include the purpose of your email. For example: " I'm inquiring about the open X position at X that I found on X." Stating the purpose before you jump into your personal pitch is important. Second, provide a snapshot of your relevant past experiences is key. Relevant doesn't mean your job at Starbucks when applying for an internship in the marketing or PR field. Your PR job last summer, much more so! Also, remember to tie your past experience to the position you are applying for. Sidenote: In your signature, include links to your social media channels. Trust me, they'll be looking anyways so you might as well save them the google search. Good channels to include are twitter account(s), your blog and LinkedIn. And, please please.. no skatedude8@hotmail.com or coolgirl55@hotmail.com - s . Email accounts like those will make CEO'S raise their eyebrows and with one click your hard-work will go from their inbox to their trash. So, hey! With that perfect resume and cover letter  the interview is now scheduled, right? Does it look dreadful in your calendar!? Well, it shouldn't because it won't be..dreadful. If you are coming to work in Barcelona from overseas, many recruiters might want to have the interview with you over the phone. This can be an easy task to master (and much less nervous) once you know how to show off your stuff over the phone. Below, I outlined some hints for you. Read and take notes:

• Prep beforehand! Trust me on this one, because I have been going through plenty. Going into a phone interview blind is basically like walking onstage without a rehearsal. Please, don't put yourself through that. The interviewer will be asking questions quickly and expecting clear answers.

• Express yourself! One of the hardest things about a phone interview is the lack of personal connection. Therefore, try to smile when you speak. Believe it or not but a smile will be heard over the phone.

• Don't forget to ask questions. I mean, this is your interview too. Never forget that. Asking questions about the company and the work you'll be doing, the workforce, state of the work atmosphere etc will help yo get a better idea of the job and show true interest. Remember, never ask questions that can be found on their website!

Now when the phone interview went smoothly you probably received one of those go-out-celebrating-with-a-cosmopolitan emails saying that you got the job, right? So, now when you landed your dream job or Barcelona internship, it's time to start thinking about what to wear. If you just got out of school or entered the work force for the first time, it might be time to plan a shopping spree to upgrade your closet. Here are the essentials every PR or marketing girl should have in her closet.

• A  blazer (if you don't already have a blazer hanging in your closet, please go buy one immediately!)

• The little black dress (In the PR field, even just starting out, a little black dress is your best friend)

• City flats - (Being always a heels girl running around the city, I know the pain this causes my feet. Living in Los Angeles, I could not wait to get home and change my shoes to something less painful. Take this advice, wear fashionable flats.)

• Cross Body Purse (You can carry your laptop under your other arm, right?)

• Work-Appropriate Jeans (Stick with a darker denim in a flattering style for casual days at the office)

Now, it's time to go career hunting. Good Luck! And P.S. Don't forget to create a LinkedIn profile to find a Barcelona internship! Charlotte Giver

Gay Clubs Barcelona - Party 'till the sun comes up!

What's up gorgeous people! I am back with another blog for our amazing Gay Barcelona - Series! These series is all about giving you the ins and outs of the not-so-hidden gay scene in Barcelona. And this blog will be about where are the best gay clubs in Barcelona, but the places will be less.. Well let's just be gay-forward about this one; less sexual, as my previous blog.
You had a rough week, right? And you just want to Shake It Off on Taylor Swift, or you just want to Applaud yourself for getting through this horrific week with Lady GaGa. Well yeah, I know that feeling. You just want to dance. Dance all freaking night and just have fun with your friends. You just don't feel like having that 30 year old bear staring at your ass all the time. Well I have found the solution just for you. Gay clubs where the old men barely come. Where it is filled with young guys just like you. Where it is completely up to yourself if you want to get some action that night or just want to shake your booty.
Okay the first one on the Gay Barcelona - list is actually one big club. The Fairy GodGay of the 'normal gayclubs'; Arena. However, Arena has three different buildings / rooms / venues, and they are all different. The three of them have different atmospheres, different music, and it differs every night as well. Therefore no night will ever be the same! Anyway, I'll just make it easy for you and pretend they are 3 different clubs. Like they actually are. But. Yeah, well, you get my point. All the Arena clubs have a 6 euro entrance fee on fridays and a 12 euro fee on saturdays, but once paid, you can switch between all the Arena clubs. And you can get a free drink with the entrance card. So it's worth the money, I'd say! And they all stay open 'till 6! Yay!

Arena V.I.P. / Dandy

This club is definitely my favourite. It has two separate floors, the top floor's music is pretty much the same as the bottom one, but it has more oldies; Touch me here baby won't you kiss me there? But they say that the top one is more for the straight people. Well, I gotta burst your bubble there for your daydreaming of hooking up with that straight guy, because it is just as gay. More gay than straight at least. Isn't that what gay clubs are for? If you are looking for a more clubby, current-top-of-the-charts Ariana Grande mixed with Katy Perry music, then the bottom floor is more your style. In my honest, humble opinion, the bottom floor has more of a partying vibe than the top one. But that might just be because I like the bottom's (haha) music more. You know what, you go check it out yourself. I'm not telling you wether to go top or bottom, it is up to you what you like most from your own experience! Arena V.I.P. is located at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 593. Take the metro to Universitat, take the exit to the plaza. And follow the big road to the right. You'll see it within 5 minutes!

Arena Madre

Arena Madre is the next stop on our Gay Barcelona - list. Arena Madre is like the 'mother' of the arena clubs, as the name states. However, in my honest opinion, it is not. But that's only because I like V.I.P. the most. It's smaller as well. But, if you are really into the whole Dance / Trance / Techno Music, this place is definitely something you want to check out. Oh and every now and then, some reviews state that they might have striptease every now and then, but I still have to experience that. But stripteases can't be that bad, right? I'd say that the average age in here varies from 20-30. With the most being around 25-ish. The people are neat, the service at the bars is pretty quick, so it's really worth it to visit this club sometime if you're into a dancy mood. But if you really want to scream along with Beyoncé, you should get back to Arena V.I.P.!

Arena Classic

Arena Classic is our third and last of our Arena sistahs on our list and is a place I still have to go to myself, so I can't give you the whole personal atmosphere experience explanation kind of thing, so I'll pass on what my friends have told me about this place. Arena Classic is right next to Arena Madre. They both have somewhat the same music. So it's pretty much the same as Arena Madre. The age group is about the same as well. So the only thing I can tell you to do, is to just check it out yourself. Maybe we'll see each other this weekend! Arena Madre and Arena Classic are both located at C/ Balmes, Eixample, number 32. If you see one, you'll see the other!

Razzmatazz

Razzmatazz: Okay, I know, Razzmatazz is not a gay club. But Razzmatazz has a 'unofficial' gay room, and that's why the stepsister made it to our Gay Barcelona - List! To start off, Razzmatazz is HUGE! There are so many rooms, so many different kinds of music. You can dance your night away on Electro, HipHop, Dance, Trance, Pop music. Like anything is possible and available there. But I know what you came here for to read. It is a Gay Barcelona blog after all! Well the 'unofficial' gay room is the one where the most pop music is being played. (Makes sense, a lot of gays just like to scream along.. Guiltyyyy!) So if you are up for a challenge for trying to hit on someone, try this one out. Making it difficult for yourself every now and then has is always fun! But this is definitely a place where you can have an awesome night out. Trust me, it'll be great! Razzmatazz is located at Carrer Almogàvers, 122. Just take the metro to Bogatell or Marina and it'll be a 5/10 minute walk from there. And remember fellow gay human beings, always, ALWAYS be safe. Whatever happens, no matter how much alcohol / drugs. Please. Be. Safe. But if something did happen, please check out this blog on how and where to get yourself checked up!
So, my beloved butterflies, this was it for today! Please drop a comment below if you want to share your experiences, and let me know if I made you have an amazing night! Have a fabulous gayday! So long, gay boys! ~Tjeerd

Do the Barcelona Gaudi Tour and discover everything about his art!

There is no way around it, when in Barcelona one must see Gaudi buildings! The Sagrada Familia and The Pedrera are on every tourist's list, but what about Gaudi's other creations? For those of you with little time and a keen interest in architecture we present the all-inclusive, one day Barcelona Gaudi tour! This tour features all designs by Gaudi in Barcelona. Each is accompanied by some information, and/or a link to one of our previous blogposts. To make matters completely easy, we've even included a map and metro information. If you're more the active type, we can also recommend renting a bike or to use bicing. That way you can also fully enjoy the sunny Barcelona weather. We start our tour in the northwest of the city and work our way down from there, as you can see on the map below. Let's get moving!

1. Barcelona Gaudi Tour : Güell Estate Pavilions

Address: Avinguda de Pedralbes, 7 Metro: L3, stop 'Maria Cristina' Property of one of Gaudi's biggest clients, Eusebi Güell i Bacigalupi. He commissioned Gaudi to construct a building, close to his estate, where he could keep his horses. Because, in those days, wealthy people moved around in horse carriages. As this way of transportation tends to take up a lot of space (stables, horse rings, parking space…), special pavilions were installed. So, basically, it's a giant garage. Gaudi built two pavilions with strong Muslim features in the façades. One pavilion was destined for the horses, the other for the porter. The buildings themselves are not that interesting, but the spectacular iron gate that unites them is. The gate is adorned with vegetal fantasies and a medallion with the letter "G" (of Güell), and it represents a dragon, which is supposed to protect the estate.

2. Barcelona Gaudi Tour: Gate of the Miralles Estate

Address: Passeig de Manuel Girona, 55-61 Metro: L3, stop 'Maria Cristina' Between 1900 and 1902 Gaudi worked on the Casa Miralles, commissioned by his friend Hermenegild Miralles i Anglès. Gaudí only designed the wall and the gate. The rest was designed by Domènec Sugrañes, his associate.

3. Barcelona Gaudi Tour: Torre Bellesguard

Address: Carrer de Bellesguard, 16-20 Metro: L7, stop 'Av. Tibidabo' Bellesguard, also known as Casa Figueras, is a house/small castle constructed between 1900 and 1909. The name Bellesguard comes from the Catalan 'bell' (beautiful) and 'esguard' (view). This because the Bellesguard lies at halfway up the Collserola mountain, providing wide views over Barcelona. The name originates from King Martin I (the last king of Catalonia) who had a summer residence on the site in the 15th century and supposedly coined the name Bellesguard. More information in this article about famous architect Gaudi and his buildings.

4. Barcelona Gaudi Tour : Colegio de las Teresianas

Address: Carrer de Ganduxer, 85 Metro: L6, L7, S1, S2, stop 'La Bonavona' This boarding school/convent was commissioned by the "Order of the Holy Theresia de Avila." In contrast to his other works, this building looks rather sober and even looks a bit like an impregnable fortress. However, it was the wish of the order that the building's design was austere, in keeping with their vows of poverty. So Gaudi designed a simple building, using bricks for the exterior and some brick elements for the interior. On the corners are pinnacles culminating in a four-armed cross, which can be found in a lot of Gaudi works. Gaudi must have done a proper job, because it is still used as a school centre.

5. Barcelona Gaudi Tour: Park Güell

Address: Carrer d'Olot Metro: L3, stop 'Lesseps' Park Güell is a world-famous, must-see garden complex built between 1900 and 1914, and now part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Most buildings here have the “trencadis” (surfaces covered with irregular ceramic pieces) that is characteristic of Gaudi and Catalan Modernism. The focal points of the park are the colonnade hall and the terrace, which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. Park Güell is the perfect place to walk quietly while enjoying nature and looking at Gaudi artwork.

6. Barcelona Gaudi Tour: Casa Vicens

Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 18 Metro: L3, stop 'Fontana' This summer villa, built between 1883 and 1889 was Gaudi's first important assignment. It was commissioned by the tile manufacturer Manual Vicens, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The work shows several influences, most notably Arabian influence. Read more in this article about Barcelona architecture and Catalan Modernism.

7.  Barcelona Gaudi Tour: Sagrada Familia

Address: Placa de la Sagrada Familia Metro: L2, stop 'Sagrada Familia' Undoubtedly Gaudi's most famous work, and generally seen as his magnus opus. Read all about La Sagrada Familia.

8. Schools of the Sagrada Familia

Address: Placa de la Sagrada Familia, s/n Metro: L2, stop 'Sagrada Familia' This small building (200 m2) is one of Gaudi's most radical and modern works and, unfortunately, one of the least known. The architect designed it as a provisional school, annex to the temple of the Sagrada Familia. So while you're there, have a look.

9. Barcelona Gaudi Tour: Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92 Metro: L3, stop 'Diagonal' This building with its wave-like walls and huge chimneys is featured in every guidebook, so you've probably seen it before. It was commissioned by Pere Milà, who married the rich widow Roser Segimon. The flamboyant Mr. Mila wanted to live in a spectacular house in the most cosmopolitan avenue of Barcelona at that time; the Passeig de Gracia. Gaudi was chosen as the architect, mainly because he had just worked on Batlló House (our next stop), which was then considered the very latest example of the local architecture. Nowadays it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited by thousands of tourists every year (expect a long queue to get in…) Open for visits are the first floor (where exhibitions are usually held), La Pedrera Apartment, which recreates the ambience of a middle class home of the early 20th century, and the roof, which gives a superb view.

---

Read more about la Pedrera

---

10. Barcelona Gaudi Tour: Casa Batlló

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43 Metro: L3, stop 'Passeig de Gracia' A bit further along Passeig de Gracia we find this weird little building. Casa Batllo has a very particular design (like most of Gaudi's works), a bit skeletal even, which is why it is sometimes called Casa dels ossos (House of Bones). Interesting, though, is that Gaudi didn't build this from scratch. He was commissioned by the Batllo family to merely restore its façade.

11. Barcelona Gaudi Tour: Casa Calvet

Address: Carrer de Casp, 48 Metro: L1, stop 'Urquinaona' Probably the least Gaudiesque (what a word) building of our tour. It is indeed quite conventional, as Gaudi was bound to follow some restrictions. More about Casa Calvet in our article on Gaudi and his buildings.

12. Barcelona Gaudi tour: Palau Güell

Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5 Metro: L3, stop 'Liceu' At the end of the 19th century, Gaudi designed one of the most luxurious buildings in Barcelona. Namely the palace residence of the Güell family - yes, those of the horses' garage and the park. The palace was the family's residence up until 1910, when they moved to Park Güell. It has a monumental, parabolic-arched entrance with iron gates, which was rather unseen at that time. Because its design broke so radically with the classical characterization, it always earned the admiration of its visitors (and that's always a good thing when you have a palace). In 1986 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, it has been closed for restoration, but luckily for us, it has been reopened in April 2011!

---

Read more about Palau Guell

---

13. Barcelona Gaudi Tour: Plaça Reial Street Lights

Address: Plaça Reial Metro: L3, stop 'Liceu' On Plaça Reial you can find the street lamps Gaudi designed for the Barcelona Town Council. It was his first official commission, so one of his earliest works. They have been restored so they continue illuminating the plaça as they did 125 years ago. They are not the focal point of the square, though, check this article to see what you can do and see on Plaça Reial. That's all, folks, you've completed the Gaudi tour! Now do like I did and have a sangria in the sun and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Plaça Reial. You deserved it! - by Machteld De Groef

"La Bascula": The Place To Go in Barcelona To Enjoy A Great Vegetarian Meal !

[caption id="attachment_18023" align="aligncenter" width="576"]
La Bascula - Vegetarian Restaurant in Barcelona[/caption] Being a vegan or vegetarian in Spain is a pretty hard thing! Often when you tell the waiter or waitress that you're vegetarian they just tell you "That's ok, I'm gonna bring you some jamón" Really ?! Here in Spain there is sometimes a liberal interpretation of what it means to be vegetarian.  This can make it a little difficult to find places that cater for vegetarians. But thankfully you're not alone - there is a good store and vegetarian restaurant in Barcelona in the form of "La Bascula". "La Bascula" is a Barcelona vegetarian restaurant hidden in El Borne which is a part of a vegetarian cooperative such as "La Cereria" which is in Gotico. You can't miss this place - the entrance is a giant wooden door wide open on the street, and the first thing that you'll notice is the decoration which is really different from the other restaurants that you can see in Borne. At "La Bascula" they use doors as tables and they recycle old stuff to give them a second life which makes you feel comfy and part of a welcome environment ready to appreciate all the vegetarian dishes they offer. [caption id="attachment_18025" align="aligncenter" width="576"]
La Bascula - Vegetarian Restaurant in Barcelona[/caption]

The Cooperative

Fourteen years ago a vegetarian cooperative was founded by an Argentinian who settled in Barcelona and who wanted to bring together people from Latin America like Argentina, Chili and Equator to all work together, to build a community around the notion of being vegetarian. All these people who were part of this cooperative had a goal - to be together and work together creating vegetarian cuisine and homemade arts and crafts. This cooperative was also set up to help unknown artists to be highlighted and helped to organize exhibitions or concerts in their local spaces. "La Bascula" is a restaurant which is a part of a vegetarian and organic cooperative here in Barcelona. The second restaurant of this cooperative is "La Cereria" in Gotic. Those two restaurants are pretty different.

La Bascula

[caption id="attachment_18026" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
La Bascula - Vegetarian Restaurant in Barcelona[/caption] "La Bascula" is a vegetarian cooperative café located in a former chocolate factory. You can eat healthily and cheaply. They offer fresh food and healthy dishes like empanadas, gaspacho or tarts, and desserts that you can accompany with teas and a homemade smoothie or milkshake. [caption id="attachment_18027" align="aligncenter" width="576"]
La Bascula - Vegetarian Restaurant in Barcelona[/caption] La Bascula is hidden but Suitelife can tell you where to go:

• c/ Flassaders 3 in El Borne
• You can go there by metro, the nearest one being the L4 Station Jaume
• Hours: from 1-11:30pm

Be careful this place doesn't take credit cards so bring some cash. There are cash machines nearby. [caption id="attachment_18024" align="aligncenter" width="576"]
La Bascula - Vegetarian Restaurant in Barcelona[/caption] Even if you're not a vegetarian or a meat lover, go to this restaurant. You will enjoy the food and the environment. I swear you will fall in love with this place and maybe you will want to try more vegetarian food. Check out our previous post on different stores  where you can get vegetarian products: http://suitelife.com/2011/06/17/vegetarian-in-barcelona-where-to-shop-the-best-vegetarian-food-in-bcn/ - by Kok Natha HEN (pictures included)

Travel to Japan Without Getting On A Plane! The "Japonisme" Store is Right in Carrer Verdi!

[caption id="attachment_18185" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
Japonisme Store in Barcelona - Carrer Verdi[/caption] In our search for an unusual store in Barcelona, we went to the Gracia Barcelona neighborhood where you can find many unusual stores from clothing stores to design or art stores. This time we chose to highlight the japanese store in Carrer Verdi "Japonisme". Japan: Another world of art, culture and design. Since my last trip to Japan, I've been a huge fan of the country and especially of the culture and art. Who doesn't fall in love with the Japanese art and way of life? Indeed this is pretty different from what we know. Japan has its own little world that is so different from our occidental culture like their respect for everything and their love of ascetically beautiful things. What a great surprise when I found the Japonisme store in Gracia, a little part of Japan in the Catalan country. The first thing when you think about a Japanese store is: Do they sell Anime, manga, Video Games and/or Sushi? And this time the answer will be NO! Japonisme is totally different from all the other Japanese stores in Barcelona. You will discover a Japan you never knew could be so cool. [caption id="attachment_18190" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
Japonisme Store in Barcelona - Carrer Verdi[/caption] [caption id="attachment_18191" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
Japonisme Store in Barcelona - Carrer Verdi[/caption] The decoration is quite typical of a japanese store: clean, stylish and minimalist. You will be welcomed by Shumpei Hisaoka a native japanese interior designer who came a few years ago to Barcelona to pursue a career in house design but as we know the job market is not in his best period for now. So that's why he decided to do his own store where you will find japanese stuff, japanese design and really soon a zen garden in the back of the store. You will find some kawai stuff like keychains, tea and all the mainstream stuff that most people know about, but you'll also find more particular stuff like the "Japonese Pelota" which is an awesome piece for its ingenuity and design.  It's is a ball that when you throw it the ball changes its face by itself, you will find different designs of this ball which can be a really good present for your friends and family. This is also the only place in Barcelona where you can find Jika Tabi the traditional Japanese worker shoes, the ones that separate your big toe from the others. You can also find some nice little bags in the japanese style, tea cups and decorative umbrellas. Hair combs, lamps or even matresses. Japonsime takes extra special care to choose the best quality for all their products which are a mix between traditional and modern art. [caption id="attachment_18188" align="aligncenter" width="576"]
Japonisme Store in Barcelona - Carrer Verdi[/caption] "Japonisme" welcomes you in Gracia.

• Adress: c/ Verdi, 54
• Metro: From the Metro Station Fontana (L3) take the street c/ d'Asturies and you will cross the street c/Verdi, Japonisme will be on your left.
• Hours: 5:30pm to 9:30pm

[caption id="attachment_18207" align="aligncenter" width="582"]
Japonisme Store in Barcelona - Carrer Verdi[/caption] Go there and don't forget to walk around Gracia, especially the Carrer Verdi which is the most known and beautiful street of this district. And the most typical of Gracia. [caption id="attachment_18189" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
Japonisme Store in Barcelona - Carrer Verdi[/caption] - by Kok Natha HEN (pictures included)

Cool Down this summer and go to the best Water Parks near Barcelona!

Summer is here and it can get pretty hot, especially here in Barcelona! If you are looking to spend a nice day out with friends or family, going to water parks near Barcelona can be a great option to chill out a bit and have fun at the same time. We’ve got you covered at SuiteLife with our great selection of the best water parks near Barcelona! Check it out:

Costa Caribe Aquatic Park

The Costa Caribe Aquatic Park is part of the Port Aventura Park, only one hour drive from Barcelona. It is in the heart of Costa Dorada and is more than 50,000 square meter! You will be able to enjoy a great atmosphere of the Carribean, huge swimming pools, rapids, waves, river waters, palm trees and there’s even a special area for children. And guess what? There is also the highest free fall slide in Europe, for those of you who dare! The only bad thing about this park is that it is so famous that it can get really crowded, so don’t hesitate and take your tickets online to avoid queuing too much when arriving. You can also buy an “express pass” to beat the queue at the different attractions, which is going to save you a lot of time! You can find all the information you need (prices, opening times, ...) and book your tickets on their website: http://www.portaventura.co.uk/aquatic-park

Water world (Lloret del mar)

Water World is on the Costa Brava, so you can enjoy a nice location if you’re there on holidays. It is about a one hour drive from Barcelona. It has more than 20 different rides that are divided in three categories: children, family and bold so there should be something for everybody! You will enjoy some giant rides, wave pools, Jacuzzis, rapid rivers, kamikaze, etc… The only thing is that you need to arrive very early in order to really enjoy your day and avoid the crowd at the entrance gate, but apart from that, this park is definitely one of the best water parks near Barcelona! You can find all the information you need (prices, opening times, ...) and book your tickets on their website: http://waterworld.es/fr/home.html

Aquopolis (Vila Seca)

Aquopolis is in Vila Seca, an hour and a half south of Barcelona by car. Just like Water World and Costa Caribe, Aquo Polis offers rides for the entire family. But, there is one big difference between those parks ! Actually, one of the greatest things about Aquopolis is that there are exhibitions with dolphins and sea lions! You can even interact with them, and who in the world doesn’t want to swim with dolphins? Moreover, the dolphin show is included in the price so you won’t have to pay extra to see them. However, you need to book to confirm the activities with the animals. Don’t forget to buy your tickets online as they are discounted and you will avoid the queue at the entry! You can find all the information you need (prices, opening times, ...) and book your tickets on their website:  http://costa-dorada.aquopolis.es/

Marineland (Palafolls)

Marineland is located in Palafolls, which is about an hour drive from Barcelona. This park would have to be one of my favourites as it is not only a water park but also a marine zoo! You will be able to see dolphins, penguins, sea lions, seals and exotic birds. Even though I don’t quite understand what exotic birds have to do with marine life, it’s still great to be able to see them. And obviously, since it is a water park, you will enjoy lots of rides made for the entire family. It’s definitely a must go if you have children (and even if you don’t!). It is about one hour from Barcelona by car. Moreover, if you buy your tickets online, you’ll have a special discount so don’t wait any longer! You can find all the information you need (prices, opening times, ...) and book your tickets on their website: http://www.marineland.es/cataluna/fr/

Illa Fantasia (Vilassar de dalt)

A fellow SuiteLifer went there last weekend, and she really had a blast! It is only a 20min drive from Barcelona by car, but you can also take a bus to get there from the city. Even though it was on a Sunday, it was NOT crowded! And that is rare enough in Barcelona to be noted, trust me, especially in August. Like every other parks, you can enjoy many different water attractions, but in this one, you don’t have to queue for ages while burning in the sun! Every Wednesday during July and August, you can also enjoy an Aquasound Pool Party from 3pm to 6pm in a huuuuuge swimming pool! We haven’t been there yet, but it sounds like an amazing experience. There is also this special promotion where you can buy a day ticket and have a night ticket for free! “Pay once, come twice”. You can find all the information you need (prices, opening times, ...) and book your tickets on their website: http://www.illafantasia.com/ What about you? What are your favourite activities to do during a hot summer day in Barcelona? Leave a comment below to let us know! Cheers and have a lovely summer in BCN! Jade