The Best Vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona

Restaurants that serve vegetarian food in Barcelona can be quite hard to find. If you are looking for decent veggie food check out our selection of vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona! Spain and vegetarianism are not two words you would normally associate with each other. For many the understanding of being a vegetarian is open to quite a liberal interpretation. Many restaurants and cafes in Barcelona will consider fish, chicken, and even ham as legitimate vegetables! Although Vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona have difficulty finding much of a local audience, they are perhaps becoming more popular. If you are vegetarian or vegan and are sick of bocadillos de tortilla o patatas bravas, why not try one of these restaurants.

The Top 5 Vegetarian Restaurants in Barcelona

Arco Iris – One of Barcelona’s oldest vegetarian restaurants and a favourite with locals. There may be a queue to get a table but it’s definitely worth the wait. The name means ‘Rainbow’ in Spanish and they have a 4 course lunch or ‘menu’ that is worth every cent. Delicious cremas, salads, inventive main courses, and deserts are served up in a cosy, friendly atmosphere. The menu is good value at 9€. The only unfortunate thing is that it’s not open for dinner. + Great value, great food, and friendly service. - Not open at weekends. When: Open Mon-Fri 1pm-4pm Where: C/ Roger de Flor, 216, tel: 934 582 283 Juicy Jones – If you are looking for top quality food and a cheap and cheerful restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere,  then this is the place. It has a colourful, hippy décor and serves a great selection of juices and smoothies perfect to pack in those vitamins. You can choose from hummus, huge salads, carrot soup, lasagna, and their speciality the Thali - an assortment of curries and rice. The ‘menu del dia’ is 8.50€ during the week. + Great selection of juices, very good food and 100% vegan. Relaxed atmosphere and cheap. - Service can be slow. When: Mon-Sun 10am-midnight Where: C/Cardenal Casañas, 7 & C/ Hospital, 74, tel: 934 439 082 No credit cards. [caption id="attachment_11170" align="aligncenter" width="275"]
Juicy Jones[/caption] Sesamo – An impressive and stylish restaurant with imaginative dishes that range from truffle tortellini to pumpkin risotto. It’s very good value and definitely an excellent choice for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. There is also a nice selection of organic wine and beers and the menu changes frequently. Menu from 12.50€-15€. [caption id="attachment_11161" align="aligncenter" width="183"]
Sesamo vegetarian restaurant Barcelona[/caption] + Amazing dishes and cosy atmosphere. - Nothing. When: Mon 1-5pm, Tue: closed, Wed-Sat: 1-5pm, 8pm-1am, Sun: 8pm-1am Where: C/ Sant Antoni Abat, 52, tel: 934 416 411 L'Atzavara – Great restaurant in Eixample which provides a large variety of tasty veggie options. Choose from a healthy selection of salads, crepes, homemade soups, and vegetarian paellas. Fixed menus vary between 10-15€. + Varied menu and good service. -  Not much. When: Mon-Thur: 1-4pm, Fri-Sat: 1-4pm, 8.30-11.30pm Where: C/Muntaner, 109, tel: 934 545 925 La Báscula – Tucked away in the heart of the Borne district La Báscula used to be a chocolate factory! It has a wide range of veggie offerings from crepes to quiches with a menu that changes daily. They also have a fine selection of drinks with teas, smoothies, and milkshakes. + Charming and unpretentious. Great selection of drinks. - Nada. When: Wed-Sat: 1pm-midnight, Sun:1-7pm Where: C/ Flassaders, 30, tel: 933 199 866

The Best of the Rest (more mainstream joints!)

Maoz – A chain of take away bars serving falafel-based vegetarian and vegan food in pita bread. You can choose your own toppings and come back for more. A great place if you want to grab something quick and cheap on your way out. Origin 99,9% – More vegetarian friendly than anything else but worth a mention because it is all organic. Finding organic food in Barcelona is a little like finding fish on the moon so if what you are looking for is organic this chain of restaurants is a good bet. They also give you the recipes of the Catalan influenced dishes on the placemats. Fresc Co & Lactuca - A business model that relies on the fact that peoples’ eyes are bigger than their stomachs. This chain of restaurants offers up an all-you-can-eat buffet of healthy salads and not so healthy pizza and puddings. Not strictly speaking vegetarian but good nonetheless and you don’t have to worry about poor service if you’re in a rush. Let us know if you have been to any other good vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona. Ranald Ward

Barcelona Travel - Weekend trip 1: Madrid

Barcelona attracts over 5 million tourists every year. However, Barcelona can also lead travelers even deeper into the Spanish life and culture as it is a great place to begin traveling in Spain. You may have decided to go on sight seeing/adventure across Spain, or maybe you just want to explore the possibilities of Barcelona’s proximity to cities and cultures. Either way, I highly recommend travelling from Barcelona to Madrid one sunny weekend. And if you fancy getting out of the country, check out our tips on heading to Milan.

Travel from Barcelona by Train

The fact that you can visit Madrid as a day trip from Barcelona, is an incredible testament to Spain's excellent high-speed train system. The Madrid-Barcelona high speed rail line, connects Madrid with Barcelona in the north east of Spain passing the cities of Guadalajara, Zaragoza, Lleida, and Tarragona. These fast trains (which remind me of bullets) take only 2 and a half hours. There is also a slower traditional train between the two metropolis, however the time of travel is approximately 8 hours. Ticket prices depend on the type of train you are taking. If you choose the slow train, you’ll pay a little over €41 per person, one-way. If you choose the high speed trains, the ticket costs between €110 and €130 per person one way, depending on the hour of departure. The bullet trains enter Madrid via the Madrid Atocha station while the slower trains enter into Madrid from the station Chamartin. Trains are easy to board as there are several departure times daily.

Barcelona Travel by Plane

I found the bullet train to be fast, reliable and relaxing as I watched northern Spain’s beautiful scenery rush by my window. Numerous budget airlines fly between the two Spanish cities. Vueling, Iberia, Air Europa, and Spanair will all take roughly one and a half hours of your time before you arrive to your desired location. There are numerous flights daily between the various carriers and prices vary just as much. Vueling and Iberia are usually the cheapest, however this also means cheap service, cramped seats, and no pretzels! Remember that no matter which kind of transportation you decide to use, prices vary depending on the time of year. Prices are always higher during the busy summer season especially in Barcelona which some people consider to be the tourist capital of Spain.

Travel from Barcelona by Bus

Traveling by bus is one of the cheapest ways to travel through Spain. You can easily jump on a bus from Barcelona’s North station and after a 8 hours ride, you'll arrive to Madrid’s Mendez Alvaro station. There are several types of buses you can choose. The typical ones are the eurobus and the supra.  The eurobuses give you free entertainment such as movies and newspapers. In the supra buses there are also electrical sockets and wi-fi. The price of a tickets depends on the type of bus you choose. A ticket on a normal bus costs €28 per person, one way. A ticket on the eurobus costs €41 per person, one way and a ticket on the supra bus costs €35 per person. Madrid has so much to offer even for the most hardcore travel veterans. While I believe it is possible to spend a lifetime seeing the sites of Barcelona, its always great to escape the city and enjoy the beautiful backdrop of Spain. Let me know if you have any additional information about traveling between Barcelona and Madrid. How was your weekend getaway? Which of these two Spanish metropolis do you enjoy more? Share your stories here. If you're interested in more travels from Barcelona you should take a look at this blog! - Jade

BEST INSPIRATIONAL CONCEPT STORES IN BARCELONA

Shopping in Barcelona is truly amazing and fun because the city offers shoppers a big variety and number of shopping destinations from the high fashion and fast-fashion brands to boutiques and craft shops around its districts and neighborhoods. That's why Barcelona has become one of the shopping capitals in Europe,  set many new trends in the fashion world as well as responded and updated rapidly to new concepts and ideas. Today, SuiteLife introduces the best concept stores in Barcelona where shopping is as much about the experience as what you buy. If you want to have a whirlwind tour of the best shopping that Barcelona offers, check out our ebook Shopping in Barcelona

WHAT ARE CONCEPT STORES ?

Coco Chanel said it best: “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening". Originating in the fashion capital of the world, Paris, a concept clothing store is a retail store that goes beyond simply selling products and instead appeals to a general sense of lifestyle. The customer visit the shops not only for buying clothes but also for having a full emotional and sensory experience. Concept stores usually offer items from different designers and brands to suite different styles: high-fashion, urban fashion, hipster fashion or ecological-friendly fashion. Since more and more people choose to shop online, concept stores have been born to attract more customers to visit the physical stores. Apple and Burberry are the leaders of this experience-focused trend. Some famous concept stores in Europe are Collette (Paris), 10 Corso Como (Milan), Dover Street Market (London), Simple (Prague),... In Barcelona, concept stores are also called "object shops" and are outstanding with exquisite interiors.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

BOO

Located in the cosmopolitan Gracia neighborhood, Boo is one of the most well-known names in the world of concept stores in Barcelona. The name was borrowed from Boo Radley, a character from the classic novel “To Kill A Mocking Bird”, to fit its retro interior design. The shop has a distinct 1950s air and a definite nostalgic feeling. It is decorated with many interesting things such as rotary phones, cloth bags, glass snow balls, books, flowers, and especially a mounted deer head collection. Basic colors like black, brown, gray, white dominate Boo. Everything is well-ordered and detailed. Boo’s clothes, shoes and quirky accessories are hand-picked carefully by the owner, Àlex González, who has worked in press departments in various fashion labels. Boo sells premium American, British, Nordic clothing as well as local designs. “Simple but elegant” is what the shop brings to its customers. Feature brands are Birds Denim, Nudie Jeans, Filippa K, Gentle Fawn, Penguin, WeSC and Sugarhill,... Address: Carrer Bonavista 2

BON VENT

In contrast with the simple and minimalist Scandinavian style of Boo, Bon Vent is a colorful Mediterranean concept store located in the charming Born district. This shop is perfect for people who are in love with Mediterranean, with its culture, lifestyle and craft industry. Once you enter to this cute little shop, you will see a lot of items reminding you of a sunny beach such as espadrille, straw hats, summer garments, woven baskets,... Hot colors like orange and yellow bring joy to the store and will remind you of warm summer sun. Beside clothes, hats and footwear, the shop also sells handcrafted toys and painted pottery showing local life in Barcelona. Address: Carrer de l'Argenteria, 41

LURDES BERGADA

This is another shop following the idea of simplicity, minimalism and enigma. There are four shops in Barcelona, but the most impressive store is the one located in one of the best shopping mall centers in Barcelona, L'illa Diagonal. The store is  a huge unique timber structure made from about 1000 pieces of wood and assembled together with 2400 screws. The wooden walls are made with irregular triangles making you feel like you're in a modern day cave instead of a clothing store. Lurdes Bergada and its brother Syngman Cucala (for men) conjure a concept: simplicity, purity and industry. In order to simplify the look of the store as well as to emphasize the concept, basic materials such as concrete for the walls and fine cements of the floor were used. The brand's womenswear features a taste for unstructured pieces and simple colors like black, white and grey. Winter is coming soon and this is a great place for those who want to have a new mysterious look. If you have not had time to visit this amazing store, you can check out its new collection on its website. Address: Avinguda Diagonal, 557

COQUETTE

"Born to be beautiful" is a slogan of this shop. Born is definitely the trendiest area of Barcelona and a heart of concept stores. Coquette's interior and clothing design are influenced by French style. Isabel Campelo, a fashion graduate, opened the first Coquette store in Born district in 2005 and it soon received visits from many fashion lovers, which lead to the opening of 2 more stores: one nearby and one in the upmarket area around Turó Park. The shop follows the ware-house style and sells an elegant edit of tailored womenswear to style-conscious Spaniards, as well as an impressive collection of jewellery, handbags and shoes. Coquette stocks the finest elegant and feminine French womenswear brands including See by Chloé, Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno, Les Prairies des Paris,...Furthermore, Coquette's collection is complemented with select Spanish and Italian brands such as Masscob, Hoss Intropia, M.Grifoni and especially Vincent du Sartel for leather purses. In Coquette, you can find everything you need for polishing your look. Address: Carrer del Rec, 65

FOOTWEAR

MUNICH L'ILLA DIAGONAL

With the help of Dear Design being a well-known interior design company whose clients include Burberry, Nike, Moritz, Custo and Misako, Munich is always thought of, not only as a flagship brand focusing on sport shoes, but also as unique concept stores around the city. The most talked-about store is Munich L'illa Diagonal. The design of Munich store in L'illa Diagonal focuses on the concept of carefree movement and angular pieces. Dear Design has come up with the idea of "strolling" and being free in a poetic and imaginary set that makes the walker dream again. To let this idea become reality, the design team has transformed many natural elements such as trees, hills, rocks and birds into part of its style. The surfaces are finished with black glass, mirrors, metal trees, hanging cage-like boxes from the ceiling, which carries a carefree, experimental air and an energetic space. Address: Avinguda Diagonal, 557

JEWELRY

TOUS

The prestigious jewelry brand Tous opened its new elegant and spacious concept store in Avinguda Diagonal, the best shopping area in Barcelona.  Its open space of 200 square meters with a wide range of products can satisfy and enhance the experience of any customer. A variety of luxury goods combined with beautiful furniture allows the client to have a greater interaction with the product. What makes Tous unlike  traditional high-end jewelry stores is that it creates original jewels crafted in unique materials: day-to-night jewelry following the latest trends. Address: Avinguda Diagonal 479
We hope that you like this blog and inspire you to visit new shops besides many famous brands. If you know any cool concept stores, leave us a comment ! ~ Trang

Travel from Barcelona: Weekend trip - Milan

As much as I love living in Barcelona, I must say it does feel good to escape every now and then and the price of  travel from Barcelona to other places in Europe is often very cheap. Sometimes I forget just how small Europe actually is and how easy it is to travel from Barcelona cheaply! Or if you want to stay in the country, check out our tips for a trip to Madrid. Last weekend I had a weekend escape to Milan. After a short hour and a half flight, I was transported to a new country with a new language, people, and scenery. I purchased a round trip weekend flight with Iberia Air for only 120 Euros. I booked a cheap hotel outside of the city and enjoyed inexpensive food and cheap bus rides. I had the chance to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine, gawk at all of the Lamborghinis driving by and wished for nothing more than exploring Milan's incredible fashion scene.
While I travelled the tight Italian streets like the backpacking adventurer I am, I felt as if I had travelled into another time and world. The language spoken all around me sounded so much like Spanish, but was at the same time so different with new accents and phrases that I couldn't hope to decipher! The smells and the food were so different, from pizzerias to the pasta and strange breads in the bakeries. I had truly left Barcelona behind and seen a new world of Italian style and sophistication!
The side streets were very narrow, winding and many were their original cobblestone whilst the main streets where sprinkled with the latest sports cars. Walking around the shops was like being in a fairytale, with clothes sparkling and shining like royal treasures. So many of the elite shops had queues out of the door, all lining up to get their hands on the latest fashions. Never in my life had I seen so many shopping bags! There was a constant rustle which seemed to flow me around as people scurried, bags in hand, from shop to shop looking for their latest fashion conquest. It sometimes seemed like a race with those with the most designer bags set to win. It was a race I didn't dare to take part in, being an intern on a budget and all, but somehow I still arrived home penniless and exhausted...but in a good way! I had survived the streets of Milan, treated myself to Italian food, and learned more about a world that I had forgotten was so nearby. I came back to Barcelona wanting more from Italy but there is so much of Europe still to see! I've already booked my next adventure for Berlin in February and I'll keep you in the know about my next exciting experience. Every week I try to explore something new that Barcelona has to offer us, but its worth remembering that the world nowadays is so small and you can find adventure anwhere, even on the other side of the mediterranean! Please share any exciting weekend getaways you've had - we would love to hear about your adventures! - Jade

Spanish Citizenship or Nationality: How To Get it In 5 Simple Steps

The Spanish Citizenship Joke:

What is the main difference between a person that has a Spanish citizenship and a person without a Spanish citizenship? It's the degree of coolness and awesomeness! Now that you've tasted a little bit of our SuiteLife inside humour, it's time to get to the serious business. Becoming a Spanish citizen is definitely a big deal, as you will basically be one of the King's 'subjects' from now on! Having a Spanish citizenship will allow you to enjoy the same rights as Spanish people and EU citizens. You will be able to work without restrictions. You will also have freedom of movement around European cities. But you also have to renounce to your actual nationality unless you're from a Spanish-American country. Here you will find the guide for How to get Spanish citizenship that you need to undertake in order for you to actually get the Spanish citizenship.

SPANISH CITIZENSHIP STEP 1: Reside in Spain for 10 years.

However, there are also some exceptions:

• if you are a political refugee, you will only have to reside in Spain for 5 years.
• if you are from Latin America, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or for Sephardic people, for 2 years
• people who are born in a Spanish territory / have been subject to legal guardianship (under the supervision of a guardian) or foster care (foster care allows the reduction of minimum legal residence to one year in which the child has been fostered and legally recognised)/ a Spanish citizen or institution for two consecutive years/ who, at the time of application, have been married for a year to a Spanish person, if they are not separated, legally or in fact, at the time of application/ the widow or widower of a Spanish person, if they were not separated, legally or in fact at the time of the death of the spouse / Born outside of Spain but with a parent or grandparent who was a Spanish citizen -  1 year

SPANISH CITIZENSHIP STEP 2: Fill in the documentation

In order to fill in the documentation, you will have to go to your Residence Civil Registry. Note - not to the Ministry of Justice! In Barcelona, you can find the exact location with this link. The address is Plaça Duc de Medinaceli, 2, 08071, Phone: (+34) 934120474.

SPANISH CITIZENSHIP STEP 3: Application

You will have to fill in the application form. You can find it right here. Note that during the process you need to prove that your are a "good citizen". And also show your integration in the Spanish society; for example the basic questions are about your Spanish level and your engagement in social activities to show you are part of Spanish society.

SPANISH CITIZENSHIP STEP 4: Prepare the other documents.

These include:

• Foreign Identity Card, Family Card of the citizen of the European Union or the Central Registration Certificate for Foreigners
• Passport
• Certificate of Registration in the Community (Certificado de Empadronamiento). If you require info about Certificado de Empadronamiento, you can find everything it by clicking here!
• Birth certificate of the person concerned, duly translated and authenticated
• Criminal record in their country of origin, translated and authenticated in accordance with existing or consular conduct international conventions
• Livelihoods to reside in Spain (employment contract, payroll employment report from the Treasury of Social Security, or any other evidence)

SPANISH CITIZENSHIP STEP 5: Wait for the documents.

Once you have filled out all the paperwork required of you in the registry, this will be in charge of sending the case to the General Department of Nationality and Civil Status Directorate General of Registries and Notaries. When your file is received you will be notified in writing. Once informed, where appropriate, the granting of Spanish nationality must perform the subsequent steps in the Civil Registry where you applied. For more info go to the official Ministry of Justice website! Info will be presented in Spanish, so it's better to read our blog first!

BARCELONA'S BEST MOVIE-THEMES BARS

Do you often go to the cinema and love talking about movies? Do you always keep up-to-date with upcoming movies or movie news? If you're a film buff, just want to be in a cool themed bar/coffee shop, here are the 5 best movie-themed bars in Barcelona to get you in the mood for a film night.

1. Polaroid - 80's Retro Bar

The first place in our favorite movie-themed spots in Barcelona is Polaroid Bar. Although I was born during the 90s, 80s movies like The Karate Kid or Terminator were part of my childhood. So, when I discovered the hidden bar named “Polaroid”, I felt like I had travelled back in time and was a kid again. Hidden in a small alley of Barri Gòtic, with its 80’s themed décor, the bar is full of retro things such as Polaroid photos, old films playing on the screen, cassettes and so on. The dimly lit walls are covered with vinyl, VHS tapes, cameras, and film posters of famous movies from E.T to Dirty Dancing, bringing it a funky, relaxing and friendly atmosphere. The bar also features a good choice of music from classic rock bands such as Nirvana, Guns and Roses or Pearl Jam. It is very interesting while reading the menus as you can recognize very familiar 80s characters such as Mr Miyagi or Sarah Connor (from Terminator). The price for beer or cocktails is reasonable. You can order a bucket of five beers with free popcorn for 10 EUR or a fruity mojito for 6 EUR. And the cocktails all have cool names inspired by retro-movies! Address: Carrer dels Còdols, 29

2. Dry Martini - James Bond bar

Dry Martini is definitely the type of bar that you often see in movies: classical, elegant and sleek bars. When you walk in to the bar, you'll feel like you're on the set of a James Bond movie. It has an English vibe with large armchairs, benches, dim lighting, plush fabrics and dark wood. Being internationally recognised as one of the best 50 bars in the world in 2014, Dry Martini is founded by the cocktail master Mr Javier de las Muelas who gives a lot of cocktail lectures if you want to know the craft behind the drink. It serves excellent cocktails and food with very professional and friendly staff, all dressed in white suits. It is also enchanting to watch the bartenders preparing the drinks with enthusiasm. Dry Martini is perfect for every occasion,  from formal meetings, first dates to a proposal! You can also check out our blog Top 25 places to take a first date Address: Carrer Aribau 162 - 166

3. Bharma - Lost bar

Located in Sant Marti, Bharma is a themed bar inspired by the popular TV series "Lost". From the decor to the names of sandwiches & tapas, the owner has paid the closest attention to detail in order to recreate the "Lost" atmosphere. Some of the special features of the bar are a replica oceanic flight 815 stuck in the wall, the hatch door, Sawyer’s letter, and even the "Bharma Initiative" beer with the Dharma logo. During the show's peak, Jorge Garcia, a member of the cast, visited the bar during his stay in Barcelona. Since its opening in 2008, Bharma acts as a regular refuge for not only "Lost" fans but also for fans of other legendary TV shows such as Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Doctor Who, The Walking Dead. The biggest pro of Bharma is that it usually organizes special meeting nights to celebrate movie events or special episodes. For example, it has broadcasted on big screens the Academy Awards, the epic finale of Breaking Bad or the season 3 premiere of Game of Thrones. About 2 weeks ago, to celebrate the 48th anniversary of the legendary Star Trek, the bar had many activities such as  showing famous episodes, discussions, contests, and workshops. So, if you are a fan of US-UK TV series, you will definitely love this cozy bar where you can make many new friends sharing the same interests. Address: Carrer de Pere IV, 93

4. El Laurel - Best empanadas in town

El Laurel is a good place to stop by before going to a cinema. It is considered as a hidden treasure for locals.  El Laurel is an Argentinian cinema bar located in Sant Antoni and just opposite the Cines Renoir being one of a few cinemas having movies in the original language. Because the cinema and the bar work together, they offer amazing deals of a meal + cinema ticket. For example, for 15 EUR "Cena de Cine" deal on week days, you will have 1 movie entrance ticket, 3 empanadas, a nice salad of arrugula, parmesan and a medium-sized drink. Most customers come to El Laurel for empanadas which are incredibly delicious and there are many options for both veggies and meaties. It is a busy spot so I suggest you to come early. Address: Carrer de Floridablanca, 140

5. Pudding - Alice In The Wonderland

Last but not least, we want to introduce Pudding - the lovely coffee shop inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Pudding was opened by a French woman who has definitely brought a unique and quirky decor to the place. The massive mushrooms, bookshelves, a roof of red and white stripes, the interesting lights, the painted doors and jazz soundtracks all together will surprise you. The place attracts many young travelers, group of friends and families. If you have kids, be sure to bring them with you because they will love Pudding so much.  The concept of Pudding is: Eat+Play+Think.  The owner wants to create a fun atmosphere for kids expressing new ideas through different activities. This is the perfect place for a delicious brunch and fresh home made cakes. The fantastic cakes are served with generous portions. I recommend the carrot cakes and the quiche here. The friendly atmosphere, the beautiful decoration, the good food quality and price will let you want to come back here soon. Address: Carrer de Pau Claris 90
If you know any interesting themed bars in Barcelona then we love to hear about them, leave us comments below. In the mean time, check out our The most unique bars in Barcelona and our e-book Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Barcelona ~Trang

Barcelona Neighborhoods: An Amazing Mix !

Each one of the many Barcelona neighborhoods, or "barrios", is unique and special. This amazing mix of different districts is definitely one of Barcelona's strenght! Here you will find the SuiteLife crew's hand picked top 5 Barcelona areas:

#1 Gracia

Gran de Gracia - Major Street in Gracia SuiteLife's favourite and most recommended of the Barcelona neighborhoods. Picture, if you will, a tiny town dropped right in the middle of a city and that's Gracia. More accurately, Gracia was once (about 100 years ago) an autonomous town outside of BCN until the city expanded and swallowed it. It's one of the Barcelona zones with the best general ambience because it still retains its historical charm, architecture, and often pedestrian tiny streets. The residents are an eclectic cross between elderly Catalán people who've been there their whole lives, young mostly-Catalán bohemian and politically conscious artsy types, and then a large international crowd attracted by the area's trendy bars, boutique shopping, superior plazas and a general 'je ne sais quoi' feel. Of all the 'barrios de Barcelona', Gracia gets our top vote. You can also check our video of the Gracia neighbourhood!

#2 El Born

Paseo del Borne The Borne is probably the trendiest and coolest of the Barcelona Areas. Occupying the space between Via Laeitana and Ciutadella Park, it is a labyrinth of narrow winding streets and hidden plazas giving way to the hippest boutiques, poshest restaurants and most cutting-edge fashion houses in the city. As far as Barcelona neighborhoods go, this one is close to the top. Cost of living is generally higher, but if you have the money it's an excellent option. Walking distance to the port and beach, Barcelona's best park, the famous Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral, and a gastronomical offering that would make Anthony Bourdain drool, its charm can be felt as soon as you hit its streets. El Born must make all the other Barcelona neighborhoods jealous! Learn more about El Borne Neighbourhood!

#3 Gotico

Gotico 'El Gotico', or the Gothic Quarter, is the underground well from where the city draws it's magic and is certainly one of the most popular and tourist-centric of the Barcelona neighborhoods. The narrow streets, bustling vibe, and excellent bars and shopping have the ability to lead you around a corner, and then another one, and then lose you completely. Home to the über-famous "Las Ramblas" (which in the near future will get its own dedicated post on the SuiteLife site) the gothic quarter is the oldest and most historically rich of all the Barcelona zones.

#4 Raval

Skateboarders @ the MACBA Museum Easily summed up by the Spanish word 'chungo', or the English word 'dodgy', the Raval is dirty, smelly, badly lit, easy to get lost in and hard to escape from. Saying that it's not one of the most popular Barcelona areas to live in would be an understatement. HOWEVER, in our opinion, it's the most 'real' and certainly most multicultural neighborhood, and hides some of the city's best jewels. Of all the Barcelona neighborhoods, this one is the black sheep. We plead with you though, our beloved SuiteLife reader, to see past its unfairly tarnished reputation and venture in to explore. Safe by day, mostly safe by night. Check out more about Raval Neighbourhood!

#5 Eixample

Arial Shot of the Eixample from the SL Helicopter Literally meaning 'The Extension", the largest of all the Barcelona zones was drawn out in 1859 as a deliberate plan to expand the cramped city. Its perfectly grid-lined streets now cover half of the entire city. A very safe neighbourhood with large avenues and monstrous buildings the Eixample hosts some wonderful shopping (Paseo de Gracia is the 5th Ave. of BCN), great restaurants and clubs, and some of Gaudí's most famous architectural feats.

#6 Bonus - Poblenou!

Arial View of Poblenou Poblenou is one of the Barcelona areas that's often overlooked and underrated. Starting from the Vila Olimpica and stretching all the way to Diagonal Mar, Poblenou is an up and coming (if slowly) barrio. It used to house most of the city's manufacturing and industrial plants. Today the 22@ government project is bringing new life to the area. It's a spacious district with lots of light, tons of room to run and rollerblade, and just a ten minute walk to the city's finer beaches. So if you're looking for the best Barcelona neighborhoods, or the best Barcelona "neighbourhoods" (for our English and Canadian friends), Poblenou is a great underdog choice. So there you have it folks! SuiteLife's Top 5 Best Barcelona Barrios! Hope you enjoy and really explore some of them. If you want more details about each and everyone of Barcelona neighborhoods, then check out our Barcelona Neighborhood Guide! And if you or a friend is looking for a great long term flat rental in Barcelona, please check out our website suitelife.com and get in touch for excellent service! Cheers, Benny

Models Barcelona: What Barcelona Modelling Has to Offer?

Everyone knows that Barcelona is one of that most fashionable cities in the world! Modelling in Barcelona gives you the opportunity to be the next "Top Model" or just to start a new and exciting hobby or to earn some extra cash - there is a lot of reasons to start and nothing to lose! This blog with take you step by step toward the modeling scene in Barcelona and will tell you about top Barcelona models - it is time to start the journey of a lifetime!

Modelling in Barcelona… what is the industry like in this city?!

That's the question! The industry is vibrant and crazy with a lot of to offer! Events, castings, modelling schools, the best photographers and a lot more is waiting for you in Barcelona!

Let’s start BIG!

Barcelona’s fashions shows are not only BIG but they are AMAZING! Modelling in Barcelona is a never ending story, there is something going on all year round! Barcelona Fashion Weeks and Fashion Shows bring together the best spanish celebrities, reach people from different countries, the most popular bloggers, and people in love with fashion! The experience is unforgettable for models and for the audience! Dressing up, getting hair styled, putting lots of make-up to finally spend a few minutes on runway wearing clothes from the best designers and the most well-known brands! This is what a lot of models would've to experience and this is what Barcelona can offer you!

Modelling in Barcelona! What else…. EVENTS! A lot of them, what means a lot of possibilities!

Have you ever heard of Fresh Faces? It is annual modelling contest where people from over 150 countries compete to be named Fresh Face of the year! The Fresh Faces contest final last year took place in BARCELONA. Modelling in Barcelona is just like this competition: exciting, with a lot of things happening!
Some of the annual fashion shows in Barcelona:

• Denim by Premiere Vision  19-20.11.2014 place Montjuïc - Fira Barcelona (THIS YEAR)
• Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week - a three day event of wedding bliss. Official days of the event 05-10,2015, GranVia – Fira Barcelona
• Barcelona Fashion Week Spring Summer 2015
• Barcelona Fashion Week Fall Winter 2014-2015
• Mango’s ‘Rock it Up’ Collection Show
• Barcelona Fashion Week Spring Summer 2014
• Celia Vela at 080 Barcelona Fashion – more information available on the website, but sorry still no dates (http://www.080barcelonafashion.cat/en)

(If modelling in Barcelona is something what you are interested in, you should check our free ebook about fashion in the city! )

Ok… but what next…? Is there anything else! Yes, a lot of castings!

You can find some every week! Because of castings, models' lives are crazy busy. Some of the castings are huge, with hundreds of people come just to try to get a whisper of a job. It is an exciting place to be, to find out what the modelling world is about,  to make new friends in the industry, to find out about the latest news from the modelling world... and this is the best occasion to learn confidence!  Wanna know how to start your career in modeling in Barcelona? Read on!

Do you know any famous models from Barcelona????

That’s a good question, so… do you? Yes, you’ve seen their faces a lot of times, just you didn’t realised that one day they decided to start their carriers in modeling in Barcelona!
Judit Masco – model, television host and writer from Barcelona She has been hired for a lot of high-profile campaigns in the past and she is the only Spanish model who has appeared on the cover of US Vogue. She was a face of a variety of advertising campaigns. Featured in most major fashion magazines around the globe, like: Elle, Cleo, Glamour, Marie Claire. As a catwalk model she appeared in shows of designers such as Armani, Dolce& Gabbana, Valentino and more. The best Spanish model of the 1990s.
Vanessa Lorenzo – model and actor from Barcelona She has been featured in a lot of magazines like: Vogue, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and covered some of the best: Neo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Vogue. Worked for the most famous companies and known designers: Pepe Jeans, Escada, Giorgio Armani, L’Oreal, Saint Laurent, Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Christian Dior. At this moment she is in a relationship with FC Barcelona captain, Carlos Puyol with whom she has one child.
Oriol Elcacho – Spanish male model from Barcelona

Japanese Barcelona: Culture to Discover

Japanese culture in Barcelona is multifaceted and fascinating. It is steeped in the deepest traditions but constantly interacting with the new technologies the country creates and pushes boundaries with everyday. Japan has brought many amazing things to global culture like sushi, Hello Kitty, Pokemon, Karate and more. But the idea of the Samurai spirit and fascinating traditions have captured the imagination of people across the world when it comes to Japan. So, we want to introduce you to the best of Japanese culture in Barcelona: Manga Fair, Matcha, and Japanese style shops.

MANGA FAIR BARCELONA

In late October/early November each year, Japanese comic fans from all over the world gather together in one of the most exciting Manga fairs in Europe: Manga Fair Barcelona, or Salón del Manga de Barcelona in Spanish. This fair is held at the Fira de Barcelona at Montjuic near Plaza Espanya and attracts around 100,000 participants, all in love with Japanese culture , comics and cartoons. The fair offers various activities from cosplay contests, karaoke, musical concerts and manga workshops to Japanese cuisine and other activities about Japanese culture. Manga Fair Barcelona is also often visited by notable guests from the Manga world. This year it will be from 12th-15th April 2018.

MATCHA, JAPANESE TEA AND DESSERTS

When it comes to Japanese food, Sushi is probably the most famous.  However, in recent years, Matcha (Japanese green tea powder) has become a new star. Matcha is premium bright green tea powder from Japan used for drinking as tea or as ingredients in recipes. Complex, addicting, pleasantly bitter and sweet are the words used to describe Matcha. There are more and more people becoming Matcha enthusiasts. You can easily notice Matcha coffee, ice creams, tiramisu, macarons, cookies and more in menus at many coffee or gelato shops around Barcelona. The big name Starbucks has already updated the trend and added Matcha in their Frappuccino, Latte, Smoothies and Tea products.
There are so many choices on where to drink and relax in Barcelona. But if you want to find a place to chill after strolling around and feel the unique Japanese atmosphere  as well as try the "real" matcha taste you should try these amazing two: Caj Chai tea room and Takashi Ochiai bakery shop. Listed as one of the best tea rooms in town, Caj Chai offers extensive high quality tea menus which will surprise any tea lover. This tea shop serves tea imported from Asian countries such as Japan, China, Vietnam and more. Seeing Asian tea pots and bamboo chairs in this tea room, you'll feel as though you've ended up in a tiny Japanese town. With its cozy atmosphere, Caj Chai is a relaxing oasis of peace in the middle of Barcelona's Gothic area as well as an ideal place to take the first date. If you want to know which kind of tea they offer, you can check Caj Chai's menu here. Address: Carrer de Sant Domènec del Call, 12 Opening hours: Monday: 15:00 - 22:00; Tuesday - Sunday: 10:30 - 22:00
Takashi Ochiai is another perfect option for dessert lovers. In this bakery shop, you can find exclusive Japanese desserts which have become very popular amongst the locals. Takashi Ochiai also provides dessert menus in most of the best Japanese restaurants in Barcelona. Although Takashi Ochiai has a big selection of Japanese desserts, I suggest you try Daifuku (rice cake with sweet filling) and Dorayaki (red bean pancake). Daifuku is a very popular dessert in Japan. Dorayaki is very famous among manga readers because they are also called "Doraemon cakes". Doraemon is the name of a best-selling manga which was a big part of many Asian people's childhood. And finally, Matcha Kastera (or Castella) absolutely should not be forgotten. Kastera sponge cake is originally from Castilla, Spain. But the Portuguese merchants brought it to Japan and now Kastera is well-known as one of the Japanese specialties. Address: Carrer del Comte d'Urgell, 110. Opening hours: From Tuesday to Friday: 8:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 21:00, Saturday: 8:00 - 15:00 and 17:00 - 21:00; Sunday: closed

JAPANESE STORES

While Japonisme is a more famous typical Japanese store in Gracia area,  in the heart of the old Jewish quarter of Gothic Quarter, there is a small independent shop called "Momo" (meaning "Peach") which is a little Japanese house full of traditional Japanese ceramics, chopsticks and silk lanterns. Peaceful and quiet, Momo shop is a place for little escape from crowded tourist attractions,  a place to find comfort and admire the subtle Japanese design. Many of the lovely ceramics here are hand made by the Japanese community in Barcelona. It is the perfect to pick up gifts for your friends as the shop features  origami cranes, eyeless "Daruma" figures, silk kimonos, lanterns and to waving cats Maneki-neko which bring luck and encourage optimism for the future. Address: Carrer Arc de St.Ramon del Call, 6 Opening hours:  Monday 16:30 pm-20:00pm, on Tuesday-Sunday 11:00am-14:00pm, 16:30pm-20:00pm.
So, if you have not had a chance to visit Japan, you still have the chance to experience the Japanese atmosphere in Barcelona! Have any other great suggestions we haven't mentioned? Let us know in the comments! ~Trang

Montjuic Fountain, a Museum, and a Castle in Barcelona!

Montjuic, or the mountain of Jews as it translates, has so much to offer; The Palau Nacional is a beautiful  and imposing neo-baroque style building which offers some of the greatest views over Barcelona and houses The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC). The Barcelona Magic Montjuic Fountain Show is every bit as special as it sounds and the Venetian towers stand proud at the foot of Avinguda de la Reina María Christina which leads elegantly and symmetrically up to Montjuic. Of course, any trip to Montjuic would be incomplete without taking the funicular (or walking as I would suggest) up to Montjuic Castle which is one of the highest view points of Barcelona.

What is Montjuic?

Montjuic is a relatively green area of Barcelona. Montjuic is spread over a small hill/mountain (max height of 173m) which offers many cultural attractions and fantastic views of Barcelona.

Montjuic Castle

The Montjuïc castle was one of the first places I visited when I arrived in Barcelona. In my mind, it is still one of the coolest places here! Dating from the 17th century, the HUGE and clearly very powerful guns at Montjuic Castle are a strong reminder of its historical role played in the Spanish civil War, where both nationalists and republicans were executed. Castell de Montjuïc also served as a prison for a period of time, before General Franco used it for more sinister and violent purposes. Signs and written articles are situated around Montjuïc castle, telling the story of Catalan Nationalist leader Lluis Companys i Jover, who was executed there in 1940 after being extradited to the Franco government by the Nazis. Without doubt, Montjuic Castle is one of my biggest recommendations! And for photography lovers, it won't get much better than this! Also, be sure to go into the courtyard situated in the Castle itself, there is a great little cafe which offers hot and cold food and a seriously good selection of pastries, at very very reasonable prices.

Montjuic Fountain

Barcelona's Montjuic fountain and light show are located in the center of Plaza Espanya at the foot of  The Palau Nacional. It is a spectacle not to be missed. Originally the magic montjuic fountain was built in 1929 for the Universal Exhibition by engineer Carles Buïgas i Sans. The Barcelona Magic Montjuic Fountain show was originally intended to show the possibilities of  filtered electrical light and as incredible as it is to see now, you can only imagine how amazed the spectators were back in 1929! The Magic MontjuicFountain Show has around 2.5 million visitors per year and the operation times vary through-out the year. Barcelona Magic Montjuic Fountain Show Winter Times: (October to end March): Fountains are operational on Fridays and Saturdays from 19.00 to 21.00 Light and music shows at 19.00, 19.30, 20.00 & 20.30 Magic Montjuic Fountain Show Summer times: (April to end September): Thursday to Sunday from 20.00 to 23.00. Light and music show every 30 minutes from 21.00, 21.30, 22.00, 22.30 & 23.00

The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) and The Palau Nacional

MNAC is a truly impressive neo-baroque structure, easily accessible despite it's high elevation. The terrace located at the top of the steps, just in front of the MNAC is higher than you may imagine from ground level and offers a truly impressive and comfortable way to view Barcelona. What I really love about The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, is that there is normally a musician or two at the top performing their stuff, adding to the already uber-cool atmosphere. Coupled with the comfy chairs and a coffee from the cafe, it's not hard to see why I spend most Sundays chilling out at the MNAC, taking in the Barcelona views. The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya or MNAC for short, is housed in The Palau Nacional. Considered to be one of the most important centres for Romanesque Art in the world and is also the biggest art museum in Barcelona. Art fans will find exciting pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries,  the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque Periods, it's all here!

Montjuïc Communications Tower (Torre Telefónica)

The Montjuic Communications Tower, known better as the Torre Calatrava or the "spaceship building" as my friends and I call it, is one of Barcelona's most modern architectural designs and you will notice it features in most Barcelona guide books. The Montjuic Communications Tower is a truly interesting piece of Barcelona architecture, construction was completed in 1992 for telefonica to transmit TV coverage of the 1992 Summer Olympics Games in Barcelona. Montjuic Communications Tower stands at 136m and is said to represent an athlete holding the Olympic flame. Interestingly, because of the location and orientation of the Montjuic Communications Tower, it also acts as a huge sundial, using the Europa square to tell the time.

Montjuic Palau Sant Jordi

Montjuic is also home to Palau Sant Jordi which was one of the main venues for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Nowadays, as our frequent readers will know, it's mainly used for music concerts, indoor sporting events and other cultural activities. Artists coming to the Palau Sant Jordi this year include Shakira and Harry Styles. Basically, if there are any important or big scale gigs or events in Barcelona, this is where it's going to be.

Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc

The amazing outdoor Olympic diving & swimming pool is also located at Montjuic and is open to the public from the end of June to the  start of September, however, the diving section is not open to the public. It's a truly impressive site and was chosen by Kylie Minogue for the location of her 2003 music video "Slow".
 Also built for the 1992 Olympic Games, there are two outdoor Olympic swimming pools on Montjuic mountain as well as a private sports club with an outdoor pool. The Bernat Picornell swimming pool is the main pool at Montjuic with seating capacity for 4.100 spectators and panoramic views of Barcelona city. It's worth mentioning that the changing rooms have not really been maintained since the 1992 Olympics Games and are now pretty run-down. So, next time you are in Barcelona, and can't think what to do, get to Montjuic for endless fun and seriously cool stuff to see and do! Ben H - SuiteLifer and Montjuic local