The social currency in Barcelona, a matter of debate

In 2017,  the city of Barcelona created a social currency in an attempt to stimulate local facilities and social projects and support local businesses. Strongly advocated in Ada Colau’s platform, the social currency in Barcelona is part of the European B-Mincome program, and has so far been implemented in Besós, one of the city’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods. The new currency has been warmly received by Barcelona inhabitants that goes under the name REC (“Recurs Econòmic Ciutadà”) and is expected to become legal tender by 2019. Barcelona’s new medium of exchange is not the first of its kind in Europe, nor in Spain. Social currencies have also been implemented across Spain in cities such as Seville, Bilbao, Bristol (UK) or Lyon (France).  The results of social currency programs have been both positive and negative which explains the heated debate about their potential and limitations.

How Do the Social Currencies Work?

In short: just like normal money. The only difference with social currency is that it can only be used in a restricted geographical area. One thousand low-income households currently participate in the program and receive 25% of their welfare allowance in REC that they can only spend in local shops, restaurants, charities and neighborhood initiatives that are signed up to the scheme. One of REC’s greatest attributes is that it’s a virtual currency so every citizen can use it, they just have to download the app!

What are REC’s advantages?

Its most significant contributions to local economies is that it has proven to increase local production and spending. As the currency circulates in a small area, the wealth created from its exchange, does not escape from Besós and is redistributed in the neighborhood.  The local economy will benefit as a whole, as businesses will be able to employ more people with increased business. In addition to very gently encouraging trade with locals rather than strangers, and lower unemployment, a social currency is a safer investment as it is not a speculative currency. With REC, poor households are better protected against a global economic crisis and will have better confident in currency as a means of exchange. Customer loyalty is another benefit of the REC. By offering a successful local currency service, news will spread by word of mouth, and bolster the cash side of the business too. As if that weren’t enough reason to support the social currency in Barcelona, it is also a green initiative, as fostering the use of local products can reduce the carbon footprint of a community and individuals.

What Are the REC Negative Aspects?

Without question, the initiative does have its pitfalls as local currencies encourage closed markets. As the money exchanged circulates in a small area, it limits the number of imported goods and services and the possibility to export local production, which negatively affects the development of a local economy. The REC, as any other currency, can be affected by the inflation if traders decide to increase their prices which of course penalizes poor families. One of the most advanced social currency project is located in Bristol, in south-west Great Briton. 1 500 inhabitants use the Bristol pound among 750 local businesses. Launched in 2012, this initiative was a response to austerity and recession, allowing local businesses to face the crisis and to develop their activities. Do you think the REC initiative is compatible with Barcelona international lifestyle ?

Healthy mind in a healthy body

You want to take care of your health and work for the environment, or just eat fresh and natural products ?  You are completely right and that is why we give you the best addresses to find organic and seasonal food stores in Barcelona. Let’s fill your basket with healthy and 100% local products!

El Mercat de la Terra

The Slow Food Barcelona association created El Mercat de la Terra, a market that takes place every Saturday, from 10h to 16h, in the Tres Xemeneies park. The market brings together local suppliers who offer a great variety of local and seasonal products. The stalls overflow with organic and zero kilometer food such as fruits and veg, grains, cheeses, cold cuts, bread and pastries.  The association advocates an environment friendly ethic, promotes biological an traditional agriculture, and helps the producers using faire prices. Not only a place to do shopping,  you can enjoy the nice and laidback atmosphere, meeting the producers and the association’s members, who love to share their experiences. The market also organizes playful activities to raise awareness among adults and children. Grap your basket and  discover an new way to go shopping ! Address : Parc des Tres Xemeneies, Av. del Parallel, 49, 08004

I Love Food project

The Founders of I Love Food wanted to bring together urbans and local producers in a common cause that promotes sustainable agriculture. Their first initiative was to deliver at home a basket of local and biological fruits and vegetables, for only 22€. You can choose the composition of the basket, its size (individual or family) and the delivery can be occasional or weekly if you buy a subscription. This initiative is very convenient when you don’t have the time to go shopping, especially when you spent all the day working ! I love Food also has its shop that sells only biological and zero kilometer products. Fruits, vegetables, yogurt, eggs, meat..  you will find everything you need. Address : Carrer de Muntaner, 476, 08006

The Autòctons shop

In that shop there are products from small local producers and artisans. The shop promotes the Catalan gastronomy, you can find all the ingredients needed to cook Catalan recipes: tapas, paella and allioli will no longer hold any secrets for you !  You have the choice between diverse foodstuff ( cheese, oil, wine ..)  for reasonable costs. Address: Carrer de Rogent, 24, 08026

Casa Amella

Casa Amella is a Catalan family company that sells seasonal products with zero preservatives and zero additives. The company promotes a healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diet and tries to have a large range of natural products. They sell everything from oil and pasta to soups and hamburgers. The vast majority of his suppliers are to be found in the Bages region, near Barcelona, The only exception? Lentils and other legumes are brought in from Castilla y León. The sale price is much higher than many competitors but the company guarantees local and fresh products. Address : there are many points of sale that you can find on their website. Now it’s up to you to come back from that different places with a basket filled to the brim and to cook delightful dishes !

The best fruits in Barcelona: the ultimative guide on Fruterias

Spanish life is great and unique, be it about the famous siesta, the weather, parties or the food - you will definitely fall for it! If you value healthy fresh food you are undoubtedly right here, too. Fresh fruits in Barcelona, as well as vegetables, are easy to find and buy - but if you want to shop smart like a real local you will need to follow our advice! Don't worry, we are more than willing to share our ultimate secret. The freshest, cheapest and best fruits in Barcelona are only to find in one place: lovely spanish Fruterias! Of course you will also be able to buy your groceries in every supermarket or at the famous food markets, but for these Suitelife prepared another set of insider tips. Find out more and read our articles on supermarkets and food markets in the city. Now, let us begin and dive deep into the jungle of juicy fruits in Barcelona...
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1. What is a Fruteria?

In Spain you have a thousand different shopping opportunities - yes, I am talking about the famous “-í/-erías”, that you will encounter every 15 meters on a spanish street. There exists an individual store for almost everything! From carnicerías, peluquerías, heladerías and (surprise) pizzerías to jamonerias, queserías, cervecerías and so on and so on, you can have it all. So no wonder that there also is our personal favourite: the fruterias, where you can buy exclusively fresh, local grown fruits. But, wait that’s not all. In these small shops you will also find all kinds of vegetables and sometimes even eggs, nuts or honey from all around the region. Oh, and did I mention the biggest advantage of fruterias? The prices!
While you can pay huge amounts of money for local and healthy food in other countries, depending where you are coming from, the offer in spain, and especially in those lovely little fruterias, is simply amazing and so cheap! You can get a bunch of bananas, kiwis, a handful of avocados, tomatoes and two sweet potatoes for less than 5€! However be aware that the prices and selection do depend on the respective season.

2. Where can I find a Fruteria?

If you live in Barcelona or even if you are just here for a visit, you only have to leave your house and stroll around the sidestreets of your barrio - and you will most probably stumble over one of the many, tiny fruterias! Literally in every part of the city you will be able to find at least a dozen of them, so don’t you worry! However sometimes they are a bit tricky to find, as they often are not linked within Google Maps. So you must look for them the old school way - without internet and GPS!

3. How do Fruterias work?

The quirky thing about fruterias is that they are small. And when I say small, I mean tiny! So tiny you most probably feel uncomfortable being in there, especially when you are not the only one. The great range and the prices however make this worth it! If your choosen store is full of people, the easiest way to avoid misunderstandings is to ask “Perdona, quien es la última?” as soon as you enter, since you will regulary NOT find a ordered queue. Once inside the fruteria you usually should not, under any condition, touch the fruits with your hands! Only those you will buy for sure. Often there are big signs telling you this, and if you happen to have missed these hints, be ready to be put in place angrily by the seller. They generally don’t like people spreading their germs on their good fruits, so we advise you to best keep following those rules for your own good! So, either you picked your own goods and pay for them now at the checkout, or, also a common way, you just order your needed fruits and veggies directly at the seller! Of course for this you need to be able to speak a little bit of spanish - or make yourself understandable with hands and feet, somehow it will work out. If you've mastered this, congratualtions! You are now in possesion of some real, fresh, juicy Barcelona vitamin bombs!

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Having successfully fought your way through the fruity jungle, having overcome all the small obstacles in your way, you can now happily take your “prey” back home! Maybe this evening you will create a tasty Macedonia de frutas or cook a delicious meal with your cheap, healthy veggies… If you are interested in trying out some real catalan recipes, read our article on it and learn about some amazing local specialities. Enjoy your veggies and fruits in Barcelona!

- Antonia from Suitelife -

The top 12 places to take breathtaking Instagram photos in Barcelona

PC: @xopet1969 At SuiteLife we love checking out Instagram for great photos of Barcelona and taking our own pictures too. Here are the top 12 Instagram hotspots in Barcelona that we would recommend for those of you who like to get creative on Instagram. If you live in Barcelona and want to spice up your feed or you're visiting and want to know the best places to take photos in Barcelona this list is for you. If your'e looking for even more  inspiration, be sure to check out our blog of the top 70 Barcelona based Instagram accounts.

1.   Tibidabo

The first to make our top 12 Instagram hotspots is the beautiful mountain and amusement park of Tibidabo. The Sagrat Cor church, as well as a giant ferris wheel and other classic rides make this a great place to take photos with a quaint and old-school vibe. The bright colours and lights in the park also help to produce vibrant and fun photos – check out @barcelonacitizen’s ferris wheel photo below for inspiration! If you're looking for a challenge, you might also want to try experimenting with movement in the photographs seeing as the amusement park is a place full of action. We would recommend heading to Tibidabo during the golden hour to make the most of the orange tones of the sunset.

PC:@barcelonacitizen

2.   Barrio Gótico

Barcelona's Barrio Gótico is our second pick for the city's most Instagrammable spots. With its winding alleyways and selection of trendy cafés, it makes for a beautiful photo. For those of you who like photographing people, El Gótico is a great space to capture the hustle and bustle of everyday life with an extra special historical backdrop. We love the light in this amazing photo of a busy street in El Gótico posted by @ZuckerandSpice.
PC: @ZuckerandSpice

3.   La Barceloneta

As Barcelona's most popular beach, La Barceloneta is perfect backdrop for those summer pics. However, Barceloneta is also great for photography throughout the year, with L'Estel Ferit and the famous W Barcelona nearby you can capture some really powerful and dramatic landscapes as  shown by @xopet1969's amazing Instagram photo below. We would recommend going early in the morning if you're looking to take a less crowded picture of Barceloneta.
PC: @Xopet1969

4.   Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia in L'Eixample is one of the most famous sites in Barcelona and Instagram proves it. With thousands of pictures of The Sagrada Familia on the gram it can be hard to get a fresh take on this beautiful and historical building. We love the Instagram photo below from photograher @caldeh who has added a creative twist on this favourite. He achieved this amazing viewpoint by taking the picture from Gaudi's Casa Mila.
PC: @caldeh

5.   Casa Batlló

Gaudi's Casa Batlló is another well-known attraction in Barcelona and in our opinion, its unique and fluid architectural style make for iconic photos. The most breath-taking photos of Casa Batlló are taken at night when the building is lit up. The blue-tones in the windows also look beautiful when pictured in the daytime, from inside and out. Check out @Stoptheroc’s amazing photo of Casa Batlló in the snow for some wintry inspiration!
@stoptheroc

6.   Palau de la Música

Palau de la Música Catalana without a doubt deserves a place in our top 12 Instagram hotspots. The bright and powerful colours in and around the building are both stunning in person and of course, on the gram. The Modernist style building is filled with colourful stain glass windows, which are even more beautiful when the sun is shining. On the building’s exterior, you can find a series of detailed pillars, which also look great in photos as shown by @AngieSilverspoon. If you're in to editing photos, don't be afraid to push up the saturation on these pictures  to make the most of the amazing colours.
@angiesilverspoon

7.   Palau Guël

Palau Guël in the neighbourhood of El Raval was one of Gaudi's first important commissions, and was designed to be an unusual and fun urban space for the Guël Lopez family before they moved to Parc Guël. The fairy-tale-like design of Palau Guël means that you can let your imagination run wild when taking pictures here. From the unique shapes of the stone buildings to the stunning ceiling designs on the interior of the buildings, Palau Guël provides endless options for creative photography. This picture from @Caba213’s Instagram shows how some of the site’s amazing colours can be enhanced with some subtle edits to produce beautiful, gram-ready photos.
@caba213

8.   Parc Guël

Parc Guël is quite literally a photographer’s playground. Parc Guël, located in the vibrant Gracia neighbourhood, is less refined than Palau Guël, boasting the same fun urban features as Palau Guël and then some. This topsy-turvy urban design has everyone reaching for their camera. The intricate mosaics in the park are great if you like colourful and more detailed photographs. This amazing picture from @thebarcelonist shows a view of the park and the city behind. We also suggest heading to a high point in the park if you  want to make the most of its many cool features in your photography.
@thebarcelonist

9.   Plaça d'Isidre Noneu

The next on our list is less well known, a hidden treasure if you like. This one is for the art lovers- a large image of a kiss made up of a collage of tiny pictures located on Plaça d'Isidre Noneu in the historic neighbourhood of El Gótico. If your’re looking for your next edgy Instagram pic, this has got to be your newest addition. This lovely pic by @beautuhuteru shows us the huge scale of the collage. The pinky tones of the street art and powerful imagery means it will look great without filters and edits, just make sure you get there before sunset to take full advantage of these colours.
@beautuhuteru

10.   Pont de Petroli

This beautiful bridge stretching far into the sea moves away slightly from heavy urban landscape of the city. Located in Badalona in the province of Barcelona, this is a great option for those of you who enjoy photographing more tranquil environments. As @davidbarmengou shows, Pont de Petroli creates beautiful sunset image, which can be made extra special by incorporating silhouettes. The simplistic design of the bridge makes it seem endless and, with stunning views of the surrounding sea, you can't go wrong.
@davidarmengou

11. Font Màgica

Font Màgica or the Magic fountain in Montjuic is definitely up there on our list of top 12 Instagram hotspots! Not only is it beautiful during the day but its regular light shows make for magical photos, if you'll pardon the word play. The light shows are full of colour to make your pictures pop, check out this one posted by @alexjacksonvisuals with the amazing contrast of the lights against the water. You can also see the show from surrounding hotel rooftops, from which you get a great aerial view of the fountain.
@alexjacksonvisuals

12.   Barcelona Cathedral

When it comes to architectural finesse, Barcelona's the champ, and the Barcelona Cathedral in el Gótico is a must see, must photograph kind of place. Its Gothic architecture gives its photographs an eerie yet breathtaking imagery, whilst the smaller surrounding buildings help to show its huge scale. The cool yellow tones of the cathedral paired with a backdrop of blue sky and green hills create a beautiful contrast in photographs as shown on @lalbertet's Instagram. We recommend heading to the Cathedral in the early evening, just before sunset to achieve this effect.
@lalbertet We hope you've enjoyed our favourite Barcelona Instagram hotspots, be sure to check them out and drop a #suitelifebcn below your pictures - we can't wait to see them! *please note that the first picture of each three is the only one which corresponds to the account credited.

What’s happening in Barcelona this summer 2018?

What’s happening summer 2018 in Barcelona? There is always a lot of things happening in Barcelona, especially in Summer. That’s why we chose the best of the best to make your summer 2018 unforgettable, and, so that you don’t get lost on the internet, spending more time searching that enjoying your time in Barcelona. Enough talk, let’s see the top things right now.

        Concerts

For those who like latino music, Residente Calle 13 is coming on July 19^th, from 28€, in Poble Espanyol.
Famous singer Tori Sparks is coming in BCN for several concerts in July and August.
The list is still long, but here a few other artists with the date of their concert:

• Anastacia, July 24^th
• DJ Snake, July 25^th

If you want a more exhaustive list of the concerts in Barcelona, you can check this website which tells you all the concerts according to the dates you choose.

        Festivals

If you want to hear music and dance all night long, feet in the sand, then you should go to a festival. And believe me, Barcelona is a good, or even THE place, to enjoy one. There are many happening this summer, so we selected a few ones to get started. Do you know that the big festival Tomorrowland is coming to Barcelona? Unite with Tomorrowland, on July 28^th. Yeah. Meet you there. From 40€ to 210€. At the Parc de Can Zam.
The Circuit Festival is a big LGBT event, with not only music but also debates, real talks, literally readings and so on. It takes place on August from 9^th to 19^th. From 300 to 400€. Música als Parcs: until the end of August, there are plenty concerts of Jazz, classical music and gospel, and it’s for free! DGTL Barcelona 2018: on August 10^th and 11^th, for techno music lovers! From 42,5€. And as for the concerts, the list here is not exhaustive, but here’s a few more:

• S.H.A.R.E. Festival 2018, July 20^th and 21^st, with Rita Ora
• Reggaetón Beach Festival 2018 on July 28^th, with Bad Bunny
• Grec festival, from July 1^st to July 31^st

        Open air cinema

If you want to enjoy a good movie, on a blanket or a lounger, eating a burger, surrounded by cool people, enjoying a beautiful view and a concert before, and not in a closed environment, well we highly recommend the open-air cinema.
The Sala Montjuic offers a selection of either classic and more recent movies, until August 3^rd, and not only on weekends but also during the week. The bonus: the price is only 6,5€ for the entrance! Another great tip is the Cinema Lliure a la Platja, which is a free open-air cinema on the beach! Yes, you read it right, it is free and on the beach, how could it be better? However, make sure to check the language of the movie and subtitles before going to see it, because it can either be in English, Spanish or Catalan.

        Festas majores

The Festas majores are traditional celebrations in each neighbourhood of Barcelona. If you want to discover a little of their culture and joy, we can only advise you to take a visit. The Festa major of Gracia neighbourhood is on the 3^rd week of August. The Festa major de Sants is on the last week of August. The Festa de Sant Rock is the celebration of the Gothic Quarter, and it takes place in mid-August with a lot of parades, fireworks and dancing.

         So much more for you to do

Do you know the principles of Brunch in the park? It’s an electronic dance party on Sundays. You can listen to music, dance, and then have a lunch. It’s simple, but such a good idea. It takes place all summer, until September 16^th. In Jardin de Joan Brossa, Montjuic. From 11 to 25 € or more.
The Magic fountain show is something beautiful. It happens all year, but the hours are quite different during the summer. From June 1^st to September 30^th, from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9.30 to 10.30 pm, and music and colours from 9.30 to 10 pm.
You also can enjoy a beautiful sunset on one of the several rooftops of the city, such as the Hotel Ayre Rosellon with a direct view on Sagrada Familia and the whole city. You can also enjoy the sunset, which is particularly nice during summer, from one of the numerous panoramas views of the city (las Arenas, Montjuic Castle, los Bunkers del Carmel…).
Well, that’s it, we’ve told you the best things happening in Barcelona this summer. We tried to please everyone, from reggaetón festivals to open-air cinema… but remember that this is just a list and you have the choice between lots of things! Summer in Barcelona is also the time for street shows, special markets… the options are endless in this lively city! Are you heading to one of those events? If so, which one? Please share with us your experience, we would love to read it and learn from you too! - Camille

9 Best vegan & vegetarian places in Barcelona

Are you heading to Barcelona for a few days and are wondering the 9 best vegan places in Barcelona? Look no further! We’ve tasted it all, and have compiled a list of the best here in Barcelona, and trust us, we like good food – you are in safe hands! Already hungry? Let’s dig in.

1- BarCeloneta (Sangria Bar) € - €€

One of my favourites. If you want to have a good time, drinking sangria, eating paella, or tapas, you have to check BarCeloneta out. Not only the food is delicious, but the intimate environment and music gives the place an extra cosy feeling. If we haven’t sold you on BarCeloneta yet, perhaps its location will win you over. The Bonus: It’s just 1 minute walk from the beach, from which the restaurant got its name (la Barceloneta). Here some pictures to get you excited for your first visit.

2- Biocenter €€ - €€€

This restaurant offers a lot of choices, and when I say a lot, I mean A LOT. Be careful not to get too excited if you are vegan as not everything is 100% vegan, but they do provide many vegan choices or options to take your dish and provide a vegan alternative to the same dish. The settings are very light and natural, and the pictures of the food just make us want to stop what we are doing to go there right now (or am I the only one?). The Bonus: the brunch that you rarely find anywhere else.

3- Flax & Kale €€-€€€

Just as the previous one, be wary, this restaurant is not 100% vegan, however, they do propose a lot of vegan dishes and everything is very detailed in the menu. You begin to understand now that we mostly show you restaurants with a lot of choices to please everyone. Well, this one is no exception. You can find soups, salads, pastas, raw dishes and a lot of other specialties. The Bonus: there are gluten free and raw food possibilities. You’re already taking your stuff to go there? Wait for the end of the article, you could still find another one that you prefer!

4- Maoz Falafel €

You don’t have a lot of time to eat during your day of visits? This little place, near the Ramblas, offers bread or salad with falafel which you can fill with all the choices they have (tabbouleh, humus, olives, dried tomatoes and so much more). Moreover, the prices are very reasonable, you can have a complete menu (bread or salad, fries and a drink) for less than 10€. The Bonus: the service! The staff are very friendly and attentive. It almost makes you feel at home.

5- Petit Brot €€ - €€€

I haven’t been to Petit Brot myself, however one of my colleagues has, and by the way she talks about it, you and I both need to go there. This place serves raw, vegan, living cold-pressed, ethical, organic, sustainable, gluten free food and promotes fair trade. The Bonus: Quiet, working space kind of venue where you can both enjoy an incredible meal and get some work done. Do I need to say anything else?

6- Veggie Garden € - €€

Let’s continue with the restaurants with a warm, welcoming environment. Decorated with typically Latino colourful interiors and affordable prices, you’ll love it! The Bonus: the amount of choices, from raw food dishes, to salads and burgers. The most difficult is to choose!

7- Sesamo €€ - €€€

Another one with vegan options. Less choices but believe me, you won’t leave the restaurant hungry, as the dishes are really generous. There is a menu encouraging tapas discovery, otherwise you can choose something on the menu of course. The Bonus: the restaurant opens and closes late, at least later than most restaurants, thus, if you’re looking for somewhere later on in the evening, you can still head there!

8- The Blue Project Café €€ - €€€

You can find another and more complete blog post on our website about this specific one, but what I can tell you is that this restaurant offers salted and sweet dishes with a special philosophy behind it. The Bonus: the originality of the place and the service it offers.

9- Santoni café €

Last but not least, the Santoni Café. Enough of savoury food, those of us with a sweet tooth have been waiting for the desserts section of this blog post. Well, here we are. You’re vegan and can’t find any croissant anywhere? Especially if you are French (like me), croissants make up 50% of our diets. This is the place for you. Not only for croissants, but also cupcakes, cakes and so much more. The Bonus: chocolate croissants!! In Barcelona!
And that’s all! We’ve chosen 9 of the best places we think are great for good food and a nice environment! We also want to reassure you that in most places (meaning non vegan ones), you can often find something vegetarian or vegan. Moreover, the list is only a very small number of restaurants as there are A LOT of vegan places in Barcelona! For instance Cat bar (which seems quite enjoyed given the number of positive opinions on Google), Enjoy Vegan, Vegetalia, Santorini… If you have a place in mind that wasn’t mentioned, don’t hesitate to share it with us so that we can test it out too! And if you tried one of these, please share your experience in the comments below! - Camille

Lately there seems to be growing concern that the nation could be heading towards another Spanish real estate bubble in 2018? In comparison with the bubble of 2007, the property bubble that some suggest we are approaching today has some marked differences (for the better) that are important to consider before we decide whether the sky is actually falling. Before exploring the differences in the bubble we currently face compared to that just before the recession, we should first acquaint ourselves with what exactly happened in the Spanish housing market in 2007 that lead to the burst in 2008.

What happened in the Spanish real estate crash in 2007?

First, a simple explanation about the property crisis that occurred in Spain. From 2000, the growth of Spain was consistent as the economy heavily relied on construction. Indeed, the construction sector kept many Spanish peopl eemployed and made up a large portion of household incomes. However, whilst many houses were built, families and companies didn’t have enough money to buy those houses. In turn, they requested loans from the banks, and the banks lent them the money, many of which were high-risk loans.
The situation then was very fragile and was not sustainable in the long-run. In 2008, the real estate bubble burst, and with it came its many consequences. Those who could not pay their loans back, had to leave their properties. Banks were too in a difficult situation as they couldn’t get their money back and couldn’t pay their creditor either. In the following years, they were many vacant houses on the market, and as the value of houses decreased, the prices of the real estate market followed. Indeed, very few could afford to purchase a house or to payback a loan in order to do so, which led many houses were left empty and caused prices to continue to decline.
This picture perfectly represents the situation, after the real estate bubble burst, houses for rent and for sale were plentiful.

What are the differences between the first property bubble and now?

It took years for Spain to recover from the crisis… these days we are left to wonder did it recover or is Spain entering another real estate bubble? According to different reliable sources, such as the Financial Tribune, the Financial Times or also Bloomberg, it is more likely that the latter is true. Others, such as thelocal.es, state that these are just signs that show that Spain’s property market is recovering from pre-crisis level. Thus, let’s see the main differences between now and the first property bubble. In all the cases, the main underlying difference resides in improved transparency.

• Less loans, more prudence and structure

First of all, the banks don’t loan as much as they did before the first real estate bubble burst, even if the loan rates are quite low (such as before the first crisis). Banks also try to solve the problem of high risk mortgages, so less are are issued, in comparison to those signed before the crisis. Also, the banks have been holding back excess properties so as not to flood the market and drive down prices again possibly causing another shake in the nation's stability. Having the experience of the 2007 crash under out belts, it seems like the banks, the government, and even to a certain extent the people of Spain have been able to use the power of hindsight to guide the way and not make the same mistakes again. At least, that's what we're hoping.

• Less employment

Concerning employment, the construction sector now employs MUCH less than it used to before the 1^st crisis. Moreover, the unemployment rates reached almost 17% in 2018 January, whereas it was approximately 9% in 2007. Thus, the government decided to intervene and implemented new subsidiaries in order to encourage people to buy properties (especially the young and the most vulnerable ones). However, people can't buy as easily as they used to, obviously because they can’t anymore (unemployment, lots of part-time employment, less easy to receive loans…) -  less affordable than before.

• Increase in property investment

We can see that the Spanish economy’s situation is far from the same as it was between 2006-2008. The real estate prices are high, but not as high as they were leading up to the recession. Investments in real estate were low before the first property crisis, and since we have seen an increase, with real estate investments today being the highest they have been since 2007.

• Social behaviour

Another thing that varies now in comparison with the economic situation before the 2008 burst is social behaviour. For example, if we take Spain’s two biggest Spanish cities, Madrid and Barcelona, and compare property prices, we witness a 27% rise in Madrid and 50% for Barcelona. This is as a result of the number of tourists visiting Barcelona and also the fact that people are looking to rent more often than they are to buy (mostly out of lack of choice). Therefore, the real estate prices in places with a lot of tourism and rent-seeking individuals will skyrocket.
If we look at Spain’s situation in a more globalized sense, we can see that the price of housing across the country rose by 4.5%, as written by the financial society Moody, and is predicted to continue to rise to 5% over the next two years.

Real estate in Barcelona: many houses, high prices.

In conclusion, we believe most of the indications of a second bubble are in fact simply just signs of recovery for Spain with Barcelona and Madrid’s property prices inevitably going to rise, bubble or no bubble. That being said, the banks and people are far better informed and are far more careful with loans and purchases now than before. At the end of the day, when it comes to buying a property, we advise you to choose your agency or representative wisely and remember, it's always a good time to buy, there are great opportunities in every market, you just need someone with the knowhow to help you find those opportunities and motivated venders.
Hope this post has assisted in putting to rest any curiosities you have regarding a second real estate bubble here in Spain! What are your thoughts? Are we seeing a second property bubble or just post-recession recovery for Spain? - Camille

Are you watching the World Cup in Barcelona? Wondering which bar is right for you? Look no further. With such an exciting week for football fans just beginning with the start of the World Cup, we’ve compiled a list of our Top 5 Barcelona Bars to Watch the World Cup 2018 depending on the atmosphere you’re looking for. Every 4 years bars across the world are filled with fans supporting their home countries and celebrating the games! Picking the right bar for you whilst you are in Barcelona can be crucial to the experience you would like to share with your fellow revellers. Get ready, take your favourite football team jersey and find the perfect spot for you. Also, if you're a fan of drinking pints then check out this article we have on the best Irish pubs in Barcelona.

1. The George Payne - Plaça d'Urquinaona, 5, 08010 Barcelona

Arguably, the best Irish bar in Barcelona, just off Las Ramblas is The George Payne Irish Bar. We expect this bar will fill up fast before the games start and in turn, offer a stadium atmosphere to watch the 2018 world cup games with its 2 giant HD screens and six TVs! This Irish bar is also famous for its’ special tray: “The Barcelona Blackout Tray”. For 20 euros, you’ll have: two sex on the beach, two sangrias, two shots of tequila, sambucca and jaeger and one jug of vodka with a Red Bull. This pub is ideal for big groups! Don’t forget that this pub is open every day from 1pm to between 1 and 3am for the weekend. Be sure to check out George Payne for an exciting atmosphere and a guaranteed good time! https://www.thegeorgepayne.com

2. The Snooker - Carrer de Roger de Llúria, 42, 08009 Barcelona

If you love football, but your family and friends don’t quite share the same spirit for the game. Let us introduce you to The Snooker, this bar is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Three rooms all with large screens and five billiard tables for those who aren’t as interested in the football. Come down to the Snooker to make some new friends and have a chat. Open from 5pm to 3am every day – do book a table in advance for important match days if you want to guarantee yourself a seat. http://snookerbarcelona.com

3. Belushi’s - Carrer de bergara, 3, 08002 Barcelona

Located close to Plaça Catalunya, this trendy sports bar attracts a young and international crowd. If you’re in search of a lively and passionate atmosphere to watch the World Cup in Barcelona, then this is the bar for you! If that isn’t an immediate seller then you should know that this year they have new big projectors and flat screen TVs. Every day you’ll find Barcelona’s longest Happy Hour and English commentaries for all the world cup games. Check out their website for more info below. http://www.belushis.com

4. Flaherty’s Irish Pub - Plaza Joaquim Xirau, s/n, 08002 Barcelona

Close to Las Ramblas, this Irish pub has two main projectors and 8 high definitions TV screens and will be showing every game of the World Cup this summer. They are also known for their authentic Irish homemade food and affordable drinks. The Flaherty’s Irish Pub has also a great terrace if you want to catch some sun between games which we have written about in detail in a previous post. You can go to the Flaherty’s Irish Pub every day from 9am to 2am and until 3am during the weekend. https://www.pflaherty.com

5. The Wild Rover Barcelona - Carrer de Santa Mònica, 2, 08001 Barcelona

This Irish pub will show all World Cup games on 2 giant HD screens and 6 large TVs all games will be with English commentary except for the Spanish games. Great service and a range of drinks is cited as the top reasons for making this a regular jaunt for many foreigners living here in Barcelona. This bar will fill up fast so we recommend to arrive early to avoid having to stand to watch the matches. The pub is open every day between 11am and 3am depending on which day you want to go. Check out their website or Facebook page to learn more about The Wild Rover! https://www.wildroverbarcelona.com
Looking forward to seeing you all out in Barcelona supporting your teams! What games is everyone looking forward to?

When searching for an apartment in Barcelona, we often overlook the small but important aspects of a new home, distracted by that master bedroom suite or the gorgeous, sun-drenched terrace - it’s easy to forget the little things. It is only until later down the line, post move-in day and after unpacking that last box that those ‘little things’ that were neglected during the decision-making process become, well, much bigger little things. If you’ve managed to get here before beginning Spanish your house hunt, you are in luck. SuiteLife has compiled a list of 6 Important but Often Overlooked Deciding Factors that will save you time, money and trouble when house hunting in Barcelona!

1. Cell Reception

Bad cell reception can become an issue for new tenants, particularly for those that occasionally work remotely or entirely from home. Cell service is important for WiFi routers too as carriers are increasingly adopting WiFi calling in order to expand their network coverage and customer interface.

2. Water Pressure (and while you’re at it temperature too)

To avoid having to choose between ‘Behold the Power of the Sun’ and ‘Dribbles from Below Zero’, turn on the shower during your viewing to check up on water pressure and to check the time it takes to go between hot and cold.

3. Socket Failures

Nothing quite like a room with no functioning sockets. Trust us and get testing on those outlets during your visit to avoid having to call out electricians in your first week to repair outlet failures.

4. Commuting Time

If you’re new to the area, it’s probably a good idea to have a go at commuting during rush-hour to get a real perspective on what to expect once you’re all moved in. It can avoid hour-long commutes and any nasty surprises upon your return to the office. We also advise you to check the property in both daytime and at night to get a general feel of the property and neighbours depending on the time of day.

5. Asking THE RIGHT Questions

Viewings are the perfect time to ask questions, however you should know to know how to word them in order to get the most accurate, genuine information from your agent. Remember that your agent is there to sell properties to his/her client at the end of the day, so asking questions like ‘Is there a lot of interest?’ and ‘How are the neighbors?’ is a potential trick question and any salesman is going to be careful about how they answer.
6. Pets If you’re looking to acquire a furry friend down the line, there is really no point asking about pets. In Barcelona most rental contracts won’t have pet clauses and in turn, pets will be permitted. Rather than narrowing down your options by declaring your pet, it is better to ask for a copy of the contract, a very standard procedure, and then just double-check if there is a pet clause. In the rare case that there is a pet clause, then of course you would have to ask the landlord if that would be allowed.
Hopefully we've managed to save you some time, stress or money with our list - happy house hunting! Let us know below if you think we've missed anything!

 

Ultimate Guide to Off-Sónar Barcelona 2018

If you’re in Barcelona later this month, more specifically between June 14th and June 16th, you are in town for one of the most exciting weeks in Barcelona: Off-Week and Sonar Festival 2018.

Sonar is the International Festival of Advanced Music and Congress of Technology and Creativity, celebrated annually in Barcelona over a period of three days in June. Every year the biggest DJ’s in electronic music take to various stages spread throughout the city, both indoor and outdoor, offering deeply engaging experiences paired with the best musical and audiovisual productions.

Priding itself of bridging the gap between digital culture and the electronic music scene, the festival takes a unique format experimenting with creativity and technology to create elaborate events for over 120,000 people. Whilst Sónar itself is most definitely a must-see (buy a one day/night pass to either Sonar by Day/Night), it could be argued that Sónar’s ‘Off-Parties’ are like the cooler, younger sibling of the original festival. 

Image below: All Day I Dream party at Off-Week Barcelona

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© Photography by Khris Cowley for Here & Now (www.fb.com/wearehereandnow)[/caption]

Expect to see as many technology geeks, businessmen, backpackers and groups of holiday-makers as you will electronic music lovers. With many DJ-sets incorporating more rebellious, experimental elements in their shows during Sónar than any other festival as they seek to bring their open-minded audience a full sensory musical experience.

Sónar is celebrated as a place in which these DJ’s are able to take risks and present new projects to the event’s receptive crowd. The festivals sees an approximate 50/50 participation between Spanish nationals and foreigners that attend Sónar and Off-Sónar events - there’s definitely a huge mix of nationalities, personalities and party-goers.

The picture below is the crowd at Sonar By Day in one of the many spaces at Fira Montjuïc venue.

 

So What is Off-Week?

Following its 1994 inception, Sónar’s 3-day festival also gave way to ‘Off-Week’ - or Anti-Sónar as it was formerly known - which was first founded by Barcelona’s Spanish residents as a protest to the rising price of tickets for actual Sónar.

Barcelona’s ‘Off-Week’ or ‘Off-Sónar’ parties attract just as many people to the city as the festival itself. In comparison with Sónar, which takes place in two main locations, Sónar by Day, at Fira Montjuïc, and Sónar By Night at Fira Gran Via de L’Hospitalet, ‘Off-parties’ take place in a variety of different locations including hotel rooftops, terraces, bars, nightclubs, and most famously in the open-air architectural museum, The Poble Espanyol.

In recent years, the Off-Parties have rocketed in popularity which could be down to the tendency for these parties to be much more intimate shows in the Catalan sunshine rather than in one of Sónar’s large venues. This shift towards Off-Week events after attending the Sónar festival is obvious.

Unlike the festival stages, off-sonar events tend to be in smaller venues that provide a new experience with every different event you attend throughout the 3 day period. One event might be a 200 persons capacity overlooking the city skyline dancing on a hotel rooftop, and later that day another in a monastery on the city’s Montjuïc Mountain with 5000 people.

Whilst the original festival definitely still has its merits including technology talks and different musical options that Off-Parties do not offer their attendees, it’s difficult to escape the feeling that the Off-Sonar events give their guests in captivating, smaller venues across the city.

Below is a photo taken from one of Off-Week’s events at el Monasterio on Montjuïc.

 

How can I find out about events/buy tickets?

In order to find out more about the Off-Week events for this year, check out Resident Advisor for information and tickets. The company also has a resale system which means that should you not be able to attend any event you’ve purchased tickets for, you can still sell your ticket and be reimbursed for the money spent.

SuiteLife’s top choice in this years’ Off events is the Elrow Offsónar Special in the Plaza Mayor of Poble Espanyol. Barcelona is the home of Elrow, and is the longest-running dance music party here! Whenever you go to their parties, you know you’re going to have fun and leave with a smile on your face. Be sure to check Elrow’s event out on Friday June 15th from 16.00 to 00.00 - it’s sure to be one of Off-Week 2018’s best parties.

Below image: Poble Espanyol

On a more serious note, be sure to avoid sites when buying resale tickets like Viagogo that a synonymous with scamming. Stick with Resident Advisors resale site and whilst scams on TicketSwap cannot be ruled out, the chances are definitely much lower.

Below is a picture from Mobilee Event @ The Gates Diagonal Barcelona

I hope we've managed to inform you on the who, what, where, when and why of Off-Sónar and that you have an incredible time at Sónar Barcelona 2018.

Let us know if you have any Off-Week tips you think we have missed!

- Rhiannon