Prefab homes in Barcelona, like everywhere, are the future: stylish, sustainable, fast to build and affordable. Barcelona has more than ever embraced the concept of prefabricating homes. There are several companies working on prefab homes in Barcelona, "La Casa por el Tejado" is one of them, and probably the most famous. Their idea and purpose of prefabricated homes in Barcelona is very well thought out and mostly very impressive. However they are not the only ones, the company NOEM is another company in Barcelona that is specialized in delivering prefabricated homes. In this blog we will tell (and of course show) you all about prefabricated homes that are produced by two companies located in Barcelona: La Casa Por el Tejado and NOEM.

Building a city on top of a city

Building a city on top of a city sounds surreal, but that is basically what La Casa por El Tejado is doing. They have done research on how many square meters Barcelona has available on the rooftops, and they found out that there are 2800 buildings in Barcelona that can be built higher. So why extending a city horizontally while you can 'easily' extend it vertically and take advantage of the existing structures and services. There is a lot of wasted space left on the rooftops of Barcelona. To be more precise, 800.000 square meters. Yes, you read that right.
For that reason, La Casa por El Tejado started to put prefab homes on top of old (sometimes neglected) buildings. The only problem left was that the residents of these existing buildings were probably not waiting for some company to put a complete home on their roofs, because of all the noise disturbance they would experience. So that's why La Casa por El Tejado put in, as a return, modern utilities inside the buildings for free. Many people found that it was worth the disturbance. La Casa por el Tejado spent four years studying the available buildable square meters and how to build without disturbing the residents of the building. However the process of making the Prefab homes in the factory to moving into it, only takes a few months. The houses are being transported in modules. They are designed for transport, for division. When the modules arrive at the building they put them on the roof in pieces with the support of cranes. It sounds impossible to just 'put' a home onto a roof, but they really do. Below you will find pictures that show that it is really possible to lift a home on top of a roof. You won't believe your own eyes, it's pretty impressive!

Ecological and multipurpose

Prefabricated homes are not only useful to solve the housing shortage and fix up the old buildings in Barcelona, but they are also environmentally friendly. A company from Barcelona called NOEM thought the same and decided to build ecological modern wooden houses: green, practical, comfortable and transportable. The houses arrive in wooden modules and are almost completely finished when reaching their destination. It only needs to be assembled. Their work is reflected in three projects: NOEM Go - Casa Eliana, NOEM Concept - The Spaceship Home, and NOEM Stay - Casa Saüc. We describe and show them below.
NOEM Go - Casa Eliana is a beautifully designed wooden home of 74.4 square meters. It is designed to be practical and versatile. Although it's a practical home, it is at the same time very comfortable and stylish. The interior is comparable to Scandinavian design with the white and wooden elements. There are large windows to enjoy the views. They included the comfort and design in a minimum usable space. Of course, a very important feature of the house is that it's portable, you are able to transport it to another place and enjoy as many places on earth as possible without having to move your stuff. How handy is that!

NOEM Concept - The Spaceship Home is basically a dream home for every star wars lover. Even if you have never watched the movie, you'll still find this an insane place. This place is definitely far from a conventional house. The spaceship has large windows, providing panoramic views. So put your spaceship somewhere into the beautiful nature and you can enjoy the landscape all day without having to leaving your chair, because the house is fully automated. You can use your mobile device for automatic control in the whole house. Just an example of what you can automate: the insane futuristic door which you can access by climbing up the 'real' airplane staircase. Inside the house there is also a control panel in Star Wars style which centralizes the house's facilities. This place has just so many cool features, see it with your own eyes:



NOEM Stay - Casa Saüc is a two level multipurpose home. The low level has a large kitchen, meant for socializing. It's grayish blue, creating a Scandinavian style interior with some very characteristic tiling. The wooden elements of the house brings a certain warmth into the home. On the Western side of the house there is a strip which simplifies the design and gives order to the house. The house has 156 square meters, meaning there is enough space to pull back after you are done with socializing in the beautiful kitchen. Feel like you need some cooling down during the hot days in Summer? then we have another surprise for you, there is a private swimming pool outside! Curious how it looks like? Check the pictures below:
 

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We hope that this article has given you some more insight on prefabricated homes. The most important things to keep in mind are that they are eco-friendly, versatile, beautifully designed and transportable. Are you considering to 'order' a house at NOEM? Then go check www.noem.com or do you want to know more about the La Casa por El Tejado project? than go visit www.lacasaporeltejado.eu. Would you ever consider to live in a prefab home? Let us know in the comments!

Special Places to Stay in Spain aren't hard to find, however there is special and then there is extremely special! This blog goes to the next level and shows you a top 10 of incredible unique places to stay during a trip through Spain. If you are looking for unforgettable experiences than you are at the right place, because the hotels below are more than unique and mostly far from conventional. We saved the best for last. So sit down, relax, grab a cup of coffee (or a beer if it's the weekend of course) and let us bring you to the most special places to stay in Spain!

10. Container home, Palma de Mallorca

Container homes are very trendy. Not sure yet whether you want to move to (or buy) an container home? Than you can try this place first! Besides it's a perfect place to stay for a trip. It's located in Palma de Mallorca. The house has a lot of natural sunlight and comes with a small private pool and BBQ. It has all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay. You can enjoy the Mallorcan sun on the nice terrace (with the small pool). Although the area of this container home is quiet and very residential, you can still easily get to the center of Mallorca in only 15 minutes walking. Its interior deserves some attention too since it's beautifully designed! The exterior walls are made from wood, there is hardwood flooring, a comfortable and stylish couch, open doors to the terrace and a modern (big) bathroom with an industrial sink. https://nl.airbnb.com/rooms/328541

9. Hotel Les Cols, Olot, Girona

Les Cols is far from a normal hotel. Many consider a night in this hotel as a unique experience. It's all about relaxation and clearing your mind in the middle of the nature. There is not much furniture inside the room, only a bed and that's basically it. In this case luxury means less instead of more. The room is made out of glass, which helps in the whole 'becoming zen' process. Once you have completely cleared your mind, then check out the bathroom. It is a real gem! It has a waterfall shower on stones and a Japanese style bathtub. As if that wouldn't be enough, there is also some really good food to taste at the 2 Michelin star restaurant. If you are looking for a minimalistic, spiritual and relaxing space to stay & clear your mind ... then stop looking, because this is the place to be. Be prepared for something very unique! http://www.lescolspavellons.com/

8. Hotel Consolación, Monroyo, Teruel

Are you in Barcelona right now? then try out this peaceful hotel Consolacion nearly 3 hours drive from Barcelona. It is perfect to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoy the silence in Monroyo, the province of Teruel (Aragon). This hotel consists of "Kubes" that are separate from the main building. There are also hotel rooms in the main building (a beautiful 18th century chapel), but we're gonna talk about the Kubes because they are really unique! The Kubes are very charming rooms with a modern interior design and wooden walls on the outside. All Kubes have their own fireplace, which makes this hotel also perfect for romantic getaways with your lover. The real feature is the floor to ceiling window which allows you to enjoy the stunning scenery.. or you could just enjoy it from your private balcony while sitting in the lazy leather chair. But before you enjoy the outdoors, first discover the beautiful features of the bathroom, which has an in-floor bath with beautiful dark slate, giving a luxurious feeling. Need some more refreshment? No problemo, Hotel Consolacion has an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the entire landscape. http://www.consolacion.com.es/

7. St. Katharine B&B Boat, Barcelona

This little gem is very special and is located in Barcelona... on the water! Yes we are talking about a boat, called St. Katharine. It's possible to rent a room, but if you want to go big you can even rent the whole boat. Now what is on the boat exactly? There are different rooms designed in 'marine style', a jacuzzi on the aft deck and some really nice food. The boat has historical stories that the owners can tell you all about. This place is not just a place to sleep, you actually feel like staying there all day, especially when the weather is nice. Even for dinner you don't necessarily have to go out. The owners serve fantastic paella, you should definitely try and taste this typical Spanish dish. Furthermore you will have your own fridge filled with soft and alcoholic drinks. The boat is staffed 24/7 so you can enjoy Barcelona until the late hours. Try out this unique experience in the harbor of Barcelona! http://www.bed-and-breakfast-barcelona.com/

6. Mil Estrelles, Borgonyà, Girona

This hotel is literally called 1000 stars, because that's what you see when you stay at hotel Mil Estrelles in Borgonyá close to Girona. The main building is an old farm house which has a dining room, lounge, offices, a massage room and a flotarium. All the ingredients are there for optimal relaxation. During the night you will sleep in a bubble, a bubble?.. yes a bubble! To be more precise, a transparant bubble in which you can enjoy the night-sky as you lay on a comfortable bed, while you are playing some background music from the speakers in the bubble. When you look at the starts, don't forget to look at the beautiful surrounding area and views of the mountain. When all the stars are gone and the morning has come you can have a nice breakfast buffet. This hotel has everything you need for a special (romantic) night out. Go check out this idyllic location in the photo's beneath: http://www.milestrelles.com/

5. Alojamiento Vagon Rural, Murcia

From one unique place to another. This is also unique in its own way, we are talking about old train wagons on the outskirts of Murcia. The wagons date from the 50s. They still look like train wagons and are very comfortable. In this place you feel the relaxed vibe of South East Spain. There is a lot of natural light inside the wagons. The wagons are simply designed but very comfortable and have some old features in the interior that remind you of staying in an old train wagon. The exteriors of the wagons stand out in particular, they are coloured in outstanding colors. Looking for a nostalgic but comfortable stay close to Murcia? Then try one of the wagons of Alojamiento Vagon Rural. http://www.vagonrural.es/vagonrural.html

4. Domed Cave House, Tivenys

This Catalonian place looks and feels perfect. The beautiful design, surroundings and the silence.. these are the main words that popped up in our mind when looking at this "Domed Cave House". When staying in this cave house, you literally hear the sound of your own thoughts while you feel the soft breeze on your skin as you stand under the beautiful olive tree. This house comes with an BBQ area where you can enjoy delicious Catalonian food with your friends or loved one. The owners of this house really though about all things, including the interior design. Everything is well thought out, from the beautiful wooden and stone kitchen to the modern bathroom (with traditional Catalan features). This house offers all the comfort you need during your visit and most of all.. looks gorgeous! https://nl.airbnb.com/rooms/518319

3. Air stream 'Glamping', Alozaina

Now this place in Andalucia is certainly very different from all the standard hotels you have ever visited and it's also very American! It's an air stream (a Christopher Deem Limited Edition). This air stream is placed in the middle of Sierra de las Nieves, a beautiful mountain range in the South of Spain. So if you look for an adventurous stay then you should really try this out. Although it feels like camping, this place offers the same luxury you have in a hotel room. You can say that staying in this air stream is glamping: glamorous camping. The interior is very modern. It's a perfect place for couples, it provides the ideal setting for a romantic getaway. You don't have to worry about cooking dinner either, because it has a fully equipped kitchen. This place even has a private pool! https://www.glampingairstream.com/

2. Cabañas en los arboles euskadi, Zeanuri

Talking about next level places to stay, this place literally goes next level as the accommodations are up in the trees. We all once dreamed about sleeping in a treehouse when we were young (admit it, you're still dreaming about that) ..now this is your chance! A hotel called "Cabañas en los Arboles" offers rooms in the form of treehouses. They are hidden in the beautiful nature of Basque country (Euskadi in Basque language). Now you might question whether it's comfortable to sleep in a treehouse. No worries, because these treehouses have all the comforts of a normal hotel room. There are 4 treehouses called Cabaña Elaia, Cabaña Txantxangorria, Cabaña Hontza and Cabaña Suite Oooh!. If you book the Cabaña Elaia you can even brag about staying in the highest treehouse of Europe, it is 17 meters high. The treehouses are also perfect for a romantic night, they have all the ingredients to create a romantic stay: you can order chocolate and flowers, a set of accessories for massages, and make use of the private hot tub. You can of course also just enjoy the sunset together on your 39m2 terrace in the Cabaña Suite ¡Oooh! The terraces of the other treehouses are 10m2 and all have terrific views into the wood. Curious how the treehouses look like? We won't let you wait any longer, take a look at the pictures below. http://cabanasenlosarboles.com/es

1. Tagomago private Island, Ibiza

Save the best for last is what they say, that also applies with this place. It's a private island called Tagomago, close to Ibiza. For the ones among us who have left some extra money, you can rent this private island from €100.000. The celebrities haven't missed out this place either (Justin Bieber stayed here). It has approximately 600.000m2 and there is one extremely luxurious modern villa. Let's sum up some services they offer: a private butler, a private cook (3 star Michelin chef), chauffeur service including helicopter transfers(!), personal trainer (in case you ate too much of the delicious food made by the 3 star Michelin chef), spa treatments, sports (horse riding, tennis, scuba diving, skiing etc), private guided tours, wine & olive estate tours and tastings, cooking lessons, nanny service, yacht and luxury car hire, concerts, photographers... Let's say that you can basically ask for anything you need/want and they have it. Enjoy the pictures of this extremely stunning island! http://www.tagomago-island.com/

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We hope you enjoyed these very special places to stay in Spain. Ever slept yourself in a unusual special place and want to share it with others? Let us know in the comments!

Going Architecturally Green in Barcelona Real Estate

Eco-friendly houses in Barcelona are becoming more and more trendy and some of them will definitely leave you speechless! If you want to get a sneak peak, see what actually makes them eco-friendly, figure out how to find one, and also how to turn your own home into a more eco-friendly place then stick with us. We have found some of the best looking eco-friendly houses in Barcelona. This blog will take you on an eco-friendly journey through Barcelona and its surroundings. Eco-friendly homes are trendy, even Leo Messi has gone green. Check out his home in our blog Messi Barcelona Home: What You Didn’t Know or look at another gorgeous example of an eco-friendly home in the form of a tree house in our blog called Barcelona Real Estate Porn: Eco-friendly in Sant Cugat.

Green-Roofed home

This eco-friendly house in Barcelona is totally integrated in its natural environment, having a roof of grass and a structure of wood. Barcelona can get cold in the winter but this Green-Roofed home helps to retain the heat inside. Not only is it built energy-efficiently, but it's also surrounded by the beautiful nature of Parc Collserola right on the outskirts of Barcelona. The house has a living/dining area, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. The interior design is beautiful clean, white and consists of pale wood. Then there is the unmissable view. It is absolutely magical, a feast for the eyes! Already convinced to move to an eco-friendly house? Not yet? Then let us show you some pictures and see with your own eyes the beauty of an eco-friendly home www.alventosamorell.com Arquitectes@alventosamorell.com +34 931 820 780 C/ Rocafort 67-69, Local C-9, 08015, Barcelona, Spain

The Million Dollar home

We are moving up north in Catalonia where we have found an unique eco-friendly property worth $1.8. million. This place is basically heaven on earth. It used to be a farmhouse but the Spanish Architect Óskar Vélez Carrasco saw the opportunity to update the place and add a modern villa with swimming pool. The result is without doubt stunning. Now let's take a closer look to the eco-friendly features of this house. Both parts, the farmhouse and the villa, are built in eco-friendly style including solar panels and a rainwater-purification system. The walls on the outside are covered with stones and highlight the historical roots of the house. This is perfectly combined with the modern contemporary luxury interior. To be honest, we could talk forever about this eco-friendly home but the pictures probably say enough! (don't forget to look at the breath-taking view from the pool and the outdoor dining area.. you won't be disappointed). www.velezcarrascoarquitecto.com Info@velezcarrascoarquitecto.com +34 872 006 208, +34 628 948 552 C/Pals 1, 17200 Palafrugell, Spain

Wooden Rectangle

Houses made of wood are always good (as are great rhymes), especially this rectangular house in Vacarisses, just outside Barcelona. Besides the picturesque view it's a very eco-friendly home, and the impact on the surrounding environment is minimal. During the building they did as little land movement as possible and they tried to make good use of the existing land shelves. Inside the house there is enough space to sit down, relax and enjoy the beautiful view or sit down and enjoy a good book, because there is an impressive bookcase. You can see the bookcase in the photos, it's the centerpiece of the house. A nice eco-friendly fact about this house is that the wood is removable, recyclable and reusable! All the wood gives the house a very rustic feel. Trust us... living in this wooden rectangle would absolutely soothe you. www.harquitectes.com Harquitectes@harquitectes.com +34 93 725 00 48 Carrer de Montserrat, 22, 2n 2a 08201 Sabadell, Spain

Catalan Hotel

This former office space has been transformed into a gorgeous hotel centrally located in Barcelona. Luckily they kept the Catalan features like the Catalan vault, mosaic tiles and wooden balcony doors. Besides its unique design, it also offers eco-friendly accommodations. During the transformation they focused on re-using old material, restoring original features, durability and VOC-free paints (VOC are chemicals given off by paints that have been linked to respiratory illnesses). Even on daily basis they think about the environment by saving water and reducing energy consumption. The cool thing is that they really care about sustainability and they know how to perfectly combine it with design. Besides the Catalan design, it also serves as a social hub where you can meet the locals and other visitors. Sounds like the perfect place to stay in Barcelona! www.helloyok.com +34 640 625 313 book@helloyok.com c/Trafalgar 39, 8º2º Barcelona 08010, Spain

How to make your own  home a more eco-friendly place

Not ready yet to build or move to an eco-friendly home? Don't worry, there are less radical ways to become more eco-friendly. We will show you some easy ways to reduce the negative impact of your home on the planet, (we are sure that you're probably already doing some of the things):

• Save electricity by unplugging your TV when it's not in use
• Move your refrigerator into the shadow, in the sunlight it has to work harder to keep cool
• Feeling creative? Reuse or re-purpose old furniture instead of buying new things. Check out some DIY projects from our blog on how to decorate your home for cheap. Not that creative? No worries, we show you were you can buy the best second hand stuff: Flea Market Barcelona: Antique and Second Hand Paradise
• Hang dry your clothes instead of using a dryer
• Turn off the lights when you leave a room
• Don't turn on the lights for as long as you can... enjoy natural light!
• Use CFL light bulbs, CFL is energy-saving light
• Replace your paper napkins for cloth napkins
• Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth

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As you can see, it's perfectly possible to combine interior & exterior design with being environmentally friendly. We really hope you enjoyed the gorgeous eco-friendly places we showed you and helped you a little bit with making your own place more eco-friendly. How is your house contributing to a more environmentally friendly earth? Please let us know in the comments!

An Irish Pub in Barcelona that's Actually Worth a Damn

Flaherty’s Irish pub in Barcelona is a family owned affair headed up by Gerry and his lovely family.  They also own another pub in Barcelona (Shenanigans) & one in Ibiza. Close to the sea and the famous Ramblas, Flaherty's pub lies in charming Plaza Joaquim Xirau. It as listed on our list of Top 5 Irish Bars in Barcelona as well. It’s a traditional family pub that was hand designed right down to the last detail by a true Irish man. The tables, furniture and even the bars were all carefully shipped from Ireland as authenticity for Gerry reigns supreme. If you're an Irish bloke looking for his home away from home, or you're just a person who loves to drink and be surrounded by great people, this is definitely the place for you.
As you enter the pub, its refreshing Irish-ness hits you straight on. The traditional pub décor has a Victorian style vibe & the handpicked posters added a certain character and charm to the place. It’s a fairly spacious pub with a large pool table & darts board for you to enjoy.

Our favourite quirky feature of the pub was the confession booth (top left in the picture above). There’s an actual confession booth positioned in the corner of the pub and even the owner joked by saying that after couple of pints it may very well be a good idea to start a ‘confession’ service later in the evenings.

Bangers and Mash and Mushy Peas Oh My!

It goes without saying that sometimes what we really miss in Barcelona is that amazing pub food from home and after doing some food tasting at Flaherty’s we are happy to say that... this part of our job is really fun, oh yeah, and the food here is incredible. Our entrees included succulent chicken wings in crispy battered coating and ranch sauce on the side and a big plate of nachos with a veritable mountain of barbeque pulled pork on top that was one of the best we’ve had so far in Barcelona.
Then we happily moved onto the mains. Many mains. The pub cooked up an English breakfast with true bacon (English back bacon), which is close to impossible to find here in Barcelona, black & white pudding, sausages, heinz beans – everything you would want for your perfect fry up. The steak dish was cooked to perfection, the fish and chips reminded me of the Brighton seaside, the vegetarian pie was a bowl of absolute goodness & the ribs were so mouth-wateringly delicious we ate until we couldn’t breathe.
But there was one more thing left to try – the Yorkshire pudding with gravy. Yorkshire puddings are my favourite part of Sunday roast and I was so happy to find out that one of the only places in the whole Barcelona – Flaherty’s – made their own Yorkshire puddings on site. Unless you like baking (and they’re quite difficult to make) or have enough luggage space (no one ever does) to take them back with you, just like the bacon, it’s pretty hard to get. But finally we now know of a place that make the softest yet crispiest Yorkshire puddings in the whole of Barcelona. The gravy is just, well, you have to try yourself to believe it.

What Else is There Apart from Stuffing Your Face?

So apart from having insanely good pub food, what else is there that makes Flaherty's pub such a popular place? Without a doubt, this becomes the place to be when any match is on. The pub features 7 different screens & some of them are projected onto a massive screen so you can see your match up close. If you want to watch a game and it’s not on, we’re positive that you can ask one of the friendly staff to put it on and they would be happy to help. They also have a great selection of drinks with 11 beers on tap, different types of whisky, gin & tonics and different cocktails – the hardest part is making the choice.
This place is suitable for whatever evening you want. It's got the atmosphere for you to watch a game with your friends, have a drink with your other half or just come for some food. What we also loved was the events that the pub organises. Probably the best one – their beer pong tournament of course! On Thursday’s the Flaherty’s hosts the tournament from 9pm & provides with a whole jug of beer just for €6 for an opportunity to win so much more.
Being the only Irish pub in the whole of Barcelona with an outdoor terrace, make sure to bring your sunglasses and enjoy some pints with like-minded people in this amazing pub – Flaherty’s. It's by far Barcelona's favourite Irish pub. For more information check out their Facebook Or their website Let us know what you think about the pub Flaherty's below in the comments!  

New Year, New Barcelona

In this blog, we are going to reveal the top 10 additions that will surely make you excited - this is "Barcelona 2017 edition". 1) Superblocks

Barcelona plans to reduce the air and noise pollution by introducing superilles (superblocks), and you might be wondering what these are.

The city is planning to combine 9 city blocks together with pedestrian-friendly mini grids. Drivers will be forced to go around the outside of the grid and pedestrians and cyclists will be able to access the inner grid. The only cars that will be allowed to go through the inner grids are local residents’ cars but will be restricted to drive at slow speeds (about 10km/h). The grids will also have an additional 300km of new bicycle lanes encouraging people to use cars less.

The city will be implementing it in 2017, starting with the Eixample neighbourhood and then slowly being implemented through the whole city. This will likely not only have a positive impact the quality of life in the area but also on property prices for those of you looking to buy or sell an apartment in Barcelona.

If you want to have a deeper insight on Superblocks, this blog will provide you with all you need to know.

2) Enigma

The Adria brothers bring a futuristic space with a laboratory and restaurant to Barcelona. This culinary art will redefine dining and provide an innovative atmosphere.

Enigma opened in January 2017 after being postponed multiple times. a. The restaurant is 700 square meters and only 24 people will be able to be seated at the restaurant at any one time. It is located on Sepúlveda street in the area of Parallel.

3) Casa Vicens

Gaudi's masterpieces are found throughout the city and this was his first major work built in 1888. It has been a private residence over the years and for the first time it will open its doors to the public in October 2017. It is located in the Gràcia area and will be worth the visit.

4) Edition Hotel 

One of the most anticipated hotels of the year, Edition is a office building turned into a nightlife and hospitality hotel which consists of 100 rooms, a night club, a rooftop bar and three restaurants.

Edition will be located in Ciutat Vella district right next to a popular Born’s Santa Caterina food market. Edition will give guests a unique opportunity to view the top of the market's rooftop from their rooms as it is not seen by passers by on ground level.

5) Festes De Gràcia 

It is a week long party but this year it is celebrating it's 200th anniversary with a guarantee to reach new heights. The special part is that residents compete with each other to decorate their respective streets but also have a look out for the open-air concerts, dancing acts, 'fire running' and parades. This all takes place in the Gracia district and about 17 streets are decorated.

6) F1 Testing 

The choice of where the F1 preseason testing would be held was between Bahrain and Barcelona; of course we won. This will be divided into two sessions of 4 days, from 27th February to 2nd March and from 7th March to 10th March and be sure to buy your tickets as F1 sport will debut its multiple changes at this preseason testing. The track runs on the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona in Montmeló.

7)'Year of Puig i Cadafalch'

2017 is the year of the 150th anniversary of Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a famous architect whose works are displayed throughout the city. The presence of Gaudi's works often overshadow his works however his masterpieces can't be ignored. Casa de les Punxes also known as the House of Spikes has just opened to the public for the very first time. It is situated at Avinguda Diagonal, 416-420, Eixample, 08037 Barcelona and you will be able to see first-hand a building with a gothic appearance and witch hat towers.

8) 764 New Homes 

A third of the 764 new homes that will be built in Barcelona in 2017 will be luxury homes. Based on the real estate consultancy CBRE research, new property development will be in El Example with 439 homes, Sants-Montjüic with 126 homes and Sant Martí with 100 homes.

The reason for the luxury homes is that there is a high increase in demand from foreign investors and the city wants to meet this demand. The CBRE data forecasts rents to increase by 5% in 2017, making it the highest ranking European market in terms of rental growth in this segment.

9) Opening of new additions to Les Glories Shopping Center

Having undergone renovations, Glories will open it's doors to their new leisure space in Autumn 2017. 145 million euro was invested into this project that will have bigger shops, original design and a Barcelona urbanism.

The uniqueness of the renewed shopping centre is the opening of two streets that run to the epicenter of the complex and the streets will integrate it into Eixample. The additions also include works created by Javier Marshal studio and people will be able to enjoy his graphic design, urban furniture and five of his ornamental sculptures.

10) Museu Marítim 

The famous museum located in Drassanes Reials de Barcelona, which has undergone major renovations over the past several years will reopen in its entirety to the public in 2017. The museum showcases shipbuilding between the 13th century and 18th century. Viewers will now be able to see expanded collections with multimedia exhibits revealing Spain's fascinating history on the high seas.

Bonus: Bullfighting is Back

The Spain constitutional court has overturned the ban of the Catalonia ban on bullfighting which was imposed by the regional government in 2010. The court concluded that Catalonia could "regulate the development of the bullfights" or "establish requirements for the special care and attention of fighting bulls". Once again people will be able to watch the bullfights in Catalonia in 2017 after being banned for 7 years.

With all these additions enhancing Barcelona as a city, we hope it makes  it a better place for locals and tourists. Which one are you most excited about? We think we've covered all of them but let us know if we have missed out on anything, we always appreciate the help.

Messi’s Residence Barcelona Home: The meaning behind this architectural design

Messi Barcelona home is an architectural beauty. Sure it looks incredible at first glance but there is more to this home that meets the eye. Architect Luis Garrido and Messi designed this house and of course it’s all about football. It is also one of the best celebrity homes ever built and is named the One-Zero Eco House; estimated to be worth 7 million euros. You can also check out the Messi Museum or just check our blog New in Barcelona: The Lionel Messi Museum.
A football is round, so why not make a round house? Already this breaks the norm of all traditional houses and I quite like it as it is already unique. This round house is located just outside Barcelona overlooking the Catalan mountains.
So what are all the hidden meanings behind the design of the One-Zero Eco house besides it being shaped like a football. The name one-zero is Messi’s famous t-shirt number 10 which he has played in for FC Barcelona and his home country Argentina. From a birds eye you can see how the roof of the garages is in the shape of the number one and the pathway to the house provides the space needed to create the imagery of the number 10. I personally didn’t realise it because I was too focused on what it would be like to live in a round house..
 
The roof of the house is half mirrored glass and half green grass. The glass allows natural light to come through, after all this is an eco-friendly home. It is also divided into a hexagonal shape to reinforce the imagery of a football. What is a house without a swimming pool? Just behind the house, Messi would just have to take a step off his wooden deck and he is in his marble floored pool. You must be wondering why it’s so big, that’s because Garrido wanted to also replicate a football pitch, the one half of the ‘pitch’ is the swimming pool and the other part of the ‘pitch’ is the grass.
 
I’m sure you must be dying to know the interior design of this beautiful house is, so do I! Unfortunately, there is no pictures published of the inside of his house, however Garrido’s house blueprints are available to give us an idea of what the inside of this football house would be like.
 
Personally, this is one of my favourite designs of a house and love the meaning behind it, I'm sure not only football fanatics would appreciate such a stunning structure. Let me know what you think of the One-Zero Eco house.

Best Co-Working Spaces in Barcelona

If your looking for a cool place to work, meet people, and get out of your home office, we have found some of the best co-working spaces in Barcelona. For those who have never heard of this idea of co-working. Co-working is a style of work that involves a shared working space in which those co-working are usually not employed by the same organization or company and typically not even in the same field of work. What those working in co-working spaces do have in common are that they are typically work-at-home professionals, independent contractors, or people who travel frequently who end up working in relative isolation. Co-working allows freelancers to escape the problem of isolation while working at home. Co-working spaces in Barcelona have exploded in popularity making Barcelona one of the biggest in Europe with over 100 office spaces. Here are some of the best co-working spaces in Barcelona.

1.Betahaus

Carrer de Vilafranca, 08024 Barcelona

This is one of the largest co-working spaces in Barcelona. The work space itself is a total of 2000m2, divided into 6 floors and 5 terraces. So you won’t lack space, for working or for your meetings. Betahaus Bcn is located in Gracia, a favorited neighborhood of Barcelona. Betahaus also has working spaces in Berlin, Hamburg, Sofia, Copenhagen and Vienna.

2.MOB (Makers of Barcelona)

Carrer de Bailén, 11, 08010 Barcelona

MOB (Makers of Barcelona) is located in a converted factory space of 1000m2 in the Eixample. There are over 100 members working there and most of the workers are international. MOB has many activities, events and workshops in areas of innovation, creativity/design, and entrepreneurship.

3.Blitz Gràcia

Carrer Ca l'Alegre de Dalt 55, 08024 Barcelona

Blitz Gracia is another one of the co-working spaces in Barcelona located in the favorited neighborhood of Gracia. Blitz Gracia is in an industrial space of 220m2 with two terraces overlooking the city and the sea. Synergies and a familiar work atmosphere is emphasized in this space. Here you can get to work in an open space flooded with natural light.

4.Crec

Carrer de Blesa 27, 08004 Barcelona

CREC is a coworking and education space located in a converted warehouse of over 1,000 square meters in the Poble-Sec neighborhood of Barcelona, with a new space opening in the Eixample District. It is the work place for over 100 members. Crec is very spacious and though feels cozy at the same time. The space offers meeting rooms, a relaxation space, therapy room, office space as well as a photo studio.

5.Talent Garden TAG Barcelona

Carrer de Muntaner, 239, 08021 Barcelona, Spain.

The Talent Garden is a welcoming spacious environment. It is 300m2 and hosts up to 35 members, from creative industries. Founded in Italy, the Talent garden can be found in 13 different locations worldwide.

6.Born Espai de Creació

Carrer Vigatans 11, 08003 Barcelona

Located in the heart of Barcelona in Born this co-working space is especially for professionals in the creative industry like artists, photographers, developers, graphic designers and more. About 30 coworkers use the space and include a real mix of internationals and locals, small companies and individual freelancers.

7.Transforma bcn

Carrer del Consell de Cent, 394, 08009 Barcelona, Spain

Transforma bcn is a 1,000m2 co-working space, located in the Eixample District. In this space you will find a community of people who enjoy exchanging ideas and creativity. There are many workshops, events or cultural activities around the space to improve the working environment and these workshops are held regularly.

8. UNI31

Ronda de la Universitat, 31, 08007, Barcelona, Spain Located just a few minutes walk from Plaça Catalunya and the University of Barcelona, Uni31 is a co-working space for entrepreneurs, startups and design, creativity and communication professionals. Located mere footsteps away from central Plaza Catalunya and its metro, not only are the 14 working spaces easily accessible but the bright co-working studio and meeting room are perfect for exchanging ideas and collaborating on new projects.

We hope you enjoyed our blog on the best co-working spaces in Barcelona. These are no where near the only co-working spaces in Barcelona, as we mentioned before there are over 100, so there is sure to be one that fits you and your personality. If you are looking to share more than just your workspace but also a flat check out our blog on How To Find A Room In A Shared Flat In Barcelona. And don't forget to comment and let us know what your favorite co-working spaces are.

Barcelona Radio

The other day we visited Barcelona radio station BarcelonaCity FM, the first and one of the only english speaking radio stations in Barcelona. If you are a non-native Spanish speaker this radio station is a good media outlet. Not only are they the only english speaking Barcelona radio station but they are also the only Barcelona radio station to give the local news in english. Working with 65 Dj's, BarcelonaCity FM have created an interactive experience with their listeners. Using radio, SoundCloud, MixCloud, and live streaming on Facebook they have been able to reach a large international audience in Barcelona.

From 9am-9pm they focus on People, Music, and Chat featuring segments such as Barcelona People with Jim Kent and The Full English Breakfast with Anarosa. After 9pm 107.3 FM is the sound of Barcelona. During these hours they are playing a series of House and EDM shows. Some of the best house music Djs in the city have been on air with them. You can listen to these shows and segments live on 107.3FM.

If you enjoyed this blog and this Barcelona radio station check out our blog on other English-Speaking services in Barcelona and make the move to Barcelona a little easier. If you have any other suggestions on English speaking services, activities, or entertainment please share it with us in the comments!

99 Things to Do in Barcelona - Experience the Real Barcelona

We could easily make you a list with much more than 99 things to do in Barcelona but we will focus on the really good ones here. As Barcelona is a very touristic city it has lots and lots of things to offer. Then again that does not mean you won't get bored due to lack of idea's. That is why we thought it would be good to provide you with this list. Here you will find activities that range from the touristic hot spots to insider restaurants, outdoor activities and much more. There is something for everybody here no matter if you live in Barcelona, visit frequently or if it's your first time in the city.

Watersports

1. Wakeboarding

If you want an adrenaline rush and love speed this is the right choice for you even if you are a beginner. At the Cable Wake Park Barcelona you can not only improve your skills in wakeboarding but also practice waterskating and paddle surf.

2. Rent a boat

Rent a boat in the harbour and enjoy the sea for some hours! Just don’t forget your sunscreen so you don’t burn alive on the water.

3. Jetski

This is a really fun activity you should try once in your life so why not here in Barcelona. At the Port Olímpic for example you can easily rent a jetski for half an hour and enjoy the speed.

4. Stand-up Paddling

Pick up that Paddle and let's go surfing without waves! It's really fun and also a really good way to get your tan on, but keeping the balance is not as easy as it seems.

5. Kite-surfing

Accept the challenge because it's time to learn something new! It might not be an easy sport to learn but when you actually are able to do it you’ll never stop thinking about it.

6. Kayaking

When you don't trust your balance that much, kayaking is a good alternative to Paddle Surf. There are not many better ways to discover the Mediterranean sea in a gentle and relaxing manner.

7. Sailing

This is the perfect thing to do with your friends or your partner: book a sunset sailing trip and enjoy the wind and the waves with a glass of wine.

8. White Water Rafting

Experience a real thrill while going downstream with a group of friends or join a group and meet some new people. But prepare to get wet on this fast-paced river race adventure.

9. Swim in an Olympic pool

The pool in top of Montjuic remained from the Olympic Games of 1992 and is now open for the public to enjoy a good swim and an amazing view of the city.

Active

10. Paintball

It's time to battle! Take your best friends with you and take it up against the other teams in a good game of Paintball. This experience requires teamwork, stealth, agility and most important a desire to have fun.

11. Montserrat Monastery & Hiking Experience

Get those walking boots out of your closet! It's time for some sports, climb that mountain and enjoy the beautiful views this place has to offer! And don’t forget to snap a picture while you are there.

12. Go rollerskating or longboarding

If you enjoy longboarding or rollerskating the Barceloneta boardwalk is a great place to do so. You can enjoy a ride along the beach and maybe dive into the water real quick afterwards. It is also possible to rent longboards and rollerskates if you are just here for a visit or don't have your own gear.

13. Go Bungee Jumping

Enjoy the adrenaline rush and the intensive feeling of the free fall when you jump off the bridge with a bungee cord. Are you tough enough for this experience?

14. Tennis

Get out of the city and up on the mountains where the tennis fields are located, away from the busyness of Barcelona. Rent your equipment there or take your own gear and enjoy a nice match of tennis.

15. Beach Volley

Along all the beaches in Barcelona you will find multiple fields where you can spend your time playing volley with your friends or strangers who might become friends. A perfect activity if you don't just want zu lie lazily on the beach.

Relax

16. Go on a jazz boat tour

This is definitely one of the most relaxing things to do during the golden hour in Barcelona. Get out of the crowd and relax on a boat while listening to some amazing jazz tunes and watching the sunset.

17. Relax on the beach

It sounds plain but sometimes it is really nice to just lie in the soft sand for a while enjoying the sun on your skin and now and then cool down in the water. Barcelona offers more than enough beaches like Barceloneta, Cuitadella or Bogatell. If that isn't enough for you you can easily take the train to Castelldefels.

18. Take a stroll through Parc Cuitadella

The Parc Cuitadella is also called Barcelona's urban "green lung" and it is not an ordinary park. For the universal exhibition in 1888 the architect Josep Fontseré designed various buildings and a beautiful fountain that make the park really worth a visit.

19. Watch a movie under the stars

In Barcelona there are various places that show movies in the open air during the summer months. Just make sure to bring your own seat as they most often do not provide it. To make the evening perfect you can also take something nice to eat and drink with you.

20. Visit the botanical gardens

The Jardín Botànic is located between the Castell de Montjuic and the Olympic stadium and offers 14 hectares of typical vegetation of six different climate zones like Australia, California and Chile.

21. Hike an bike through Collserola park

When you want to escape the hustle of the city for a little while the Parc Collserola is the perfect place to go to. In the 80-sq-km park you can do some hiking or biking and also learn something about the environment in the 15th century farmhouse Can Coll.

22. Arabic style bath at “Aire de Barcelona”

This place is perfect to forget all your worries while enjoying amazing baths and massages. The "Aire de Barcelona" is a hammam with a great reputation as it has locations in New York, Chicago, Almeria and is soon opening another one in Paris.

23. Try out a cooking class

Here's something for your taste buds: Cook some delicious catalan dish with the help of a professional cook. It's the perfect way to impress your friends and family at home with your newly learned cooking skills.

24. Go to the Opera

Listening to impressive classical music is always a good way to shut out the world around you and just be in the moment. The Gran Teatre del Liceu is the catalan city's biggest opera house which hosts popular operas like for example 'The Magic Flute'.

25. Watch a movie in the Cinema

Going to the cinema is never a bad idea as soon as you start to feel bored or just lazy or the weather just isn't good. There is nothing better than sitting down in a comfortable cinema chair and let the screen entertain you for a good two hours. A lot of cinemas in Barcelona also show movies in English like for example the Renoir Floridablanca.

26. Visit 'Bunkers del Carmel'

If you enjoy a good view this is a must-see on your list of things to do in Barcelona. The 'Bunkers del Carmel' offer an amazing 360 degree view over the city. The best time to visit is during the sunset as people sit on top of the bunkers and watch the sun go down with some drinks and snacks brought from home. Be sure to check how to get there and also how to get back as in the evening there are less buses.

27. Relax on Ocata beach

If you are done with going to the crowded beaches of Barcelona and want to go to a more relaxed one then the Ocata beach is a good option for you. It also offers sand, sun and sea but in a more peaceful atmosphere, also the water tends to be cleaner here.

Markets

Barcelona has many pretty squares which during some days of the week are taken over by markets where people sell goods from books over flowers to furniture and many more things. Here are  some of the markets we think are worth visiting.

28. Art Market Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep

A few Catalan artists and their easels gathered in the shadow of a church compose the Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep. Even though there aren't more than 15 artists, together they cover every style from watercolors to oils and much more.

29. Flea market Fira de Nautumismo

The Fira de Nautumismo is a collector's paradise with for example coins and stamps en masse and takes place on the Plaça Reial every Sunday. Fun-fact: When in the afternoon the official market closes and the police is off doing their siesta, some of the elderly locals haul out their own stuff to sell.

30. The odd flea market Encants Barcelona

At this place you will find everything and by everything we mean literally everything. You can buy antiques, cosmetics, power tools, furniture and much much more. However if you are looking for real bargains you will have to arrive early as antique auctions for example take place at 7 o'clock in the morning.

31. Flower market Mercat de la Concepcio

This is a lovely sweet-smelling and colourful market close to Passeig de Gràcia where it's nice to just pop by and have a look around. If you are a little bit of a gardener you might come across some interesting plants that you have never seen before.

32. La Boqueria market

It is probably the most popular market of the catalan city and might already be on your list of things to do in Barcelona. Located on La Rambla you can fill your stomach with tons of delicious and fresh food that is piled up all around you.

Craft beers

The craft beer scene in Barcelona is growing faster and faster! That's why all over the city you can find places which offer some delicious craft beers. Many of them make their own ones but also offer beers from other breweries. Here are our favorites:

33. BierCaB

BierCaB is definitely our favorite of them all for two reasons. First of all they offer a really wide range of beers as there are always 30 sorts available on tap and even more bottled beers. And second: in addition to that BierCaB has a great food menu which is reasonably priced.

34. Brewdog

At the Brewdog you can enjoy your beer in an amazing atmosphere choosing from 20 taps. But don't worry if you aren't that familiar with beer brands the staff will help you to find the right one for your taste.

35. Kaelderkold

The Kaelderkold is not only a good craft beer bar for men but also for women because they offer the perfect bait to attract females: beer cocktails.

Restaurants

36. Spoonik

When you want to experience something extraordinary Spoonik is absolutely the right choice for you. During a 15 course menu you get to use all your senses because they create a show around the food with sound effects, video animation on your table and the perfect wine for each course.

37. Boca Grande

If you are looking to have a really nice evening with good food in a sterling atmosphere then this is the restaurant you should go to! It is beautifully decorated inside with little details all over the walls and ceiling. Boca Grande has a Restaurant on its ground floor, a roof terrace for cocktails and an unusual bathroom downstairs where many people tend to spend their time taking pictures.

38. LLamber

Are you ready for an explosion of your taste buds? At the Llamber you will get something not only for your stomach but also for your eye as the tapas here are served beautifully and additionally taste really delicious.

39. Uma

Like the Spoonik the Uma offers a menu with various courses that will make you feel like the food is not from this world. It is a very small place and because of its delicious creations really popular so make sure to make a reservation early enough.

40. Have a budget sushi lunch at Kamiya

Any sushi lovers here? For a quick sushi lunch you should add the Kamiya to your list of things to do in Barcelona. Here you can get a really tasty menu of 4 plates including a drink and coffee for just 10 euros.

41. Dans le Noir

How does it feel to not be able to use all your senses anymore? At the Dans le Noir you can experience the sensation of not being able to see while eating in a pitch-dark environment. That way the flavour of the dishes is at the forefront.

42. Kokun Restaurant

'Life is too short to waste it eating and drinking badly' that's the daring slogan of chef Xavi Moreno who is responsible for the dishes at Kokun using only the most natural ingredients possible in his creations.

43. Sol Soler

The tapas bar Sol Soler is located in the heart of Gracia at the lovely Plaça del Sol. Here you can choose from a wide range of delicious tapas and enjoy them with your friends in a casual and trendy atmosphere.

Brunch & Treats

Brunch has to be one of our favorite lazy morning activities: sleep in, don't hurry and then make your way to some place to eat for an hour or two. The Brunch scene in Barcelona is still young and growing which means new premises are opening everywhere. Here are the best ones:

44. Cosmo

Located just behind the University of Barcelona is our favorite brunch place. Cosmo offers a good and well priced menu with amazing food and drinks. We would suggest ordering "The Munch" as it's filling and offers more than just one flavor. Cosmo is not the only venue of its kind as they have more locations under different names like "Cafe Cometa" and "Orïon".

45. Brunch & Cake

Famous for its delicious cakes and cupcakes Brunch & Cake usually has a long queue in front if you don't arrive early enough. The cakes at this place are simply amazing and we can't say anything different about the rest of the food, it is definitely worth a visit.

46. Meatpacking Bistro

Do you want to feel as if you traveled all around the world to New York City? Then this is the perfect place for you. The Meatpacking Bistro convinces with a casual living room atmosphere, with book shelves, couches and of course delicious food.

47. Petit Pot Bistro

In a rustic-style environment the Petit Pot Bistro serves a really good fairly priced brunch with for example eggs benedict and french toast. It's a place with a nice cozy atmosphere and attentive staff.

48. Ugot

Ugot got our attention because of the amazing decoration they have inside. All the walls in this place are decorated with items worth looking at like shiny old antiques and great wall papers. Actually everything in this place makes you feel as if you traveled back in time. And of course Ugot also offers amazing food and drinks on their menu, especially the burgers are really good.

49. Caravelle

The Caravelle is THE location for young people and students as it is a really hip and chill place. Here you can get one of the best smashed avocado toasts in town as well as for example delicious banana bread and homemade lemonade.

50. Chök the chocolate kitchen

Chök - the name says it all! At this place you can get everything in some way related to chocolate: from donuts to cronuts to other pastry -  basically everything that qualifys to be coated with chocolate.  And it's so delicious!

Family & Friends

51. PortAventura World

Visiting this theme park might be the best thing to do if you want to spend a good time with your kids in Barcelona, as you won't have to drag them through the streets while every 10 minutes they ask when it's time to go to the beach. The park is divided in various themed zones like China, Mexico or the Far West and offers a whole lot of fun with many exciting rollercoasters.

52. PortAventura Aquatic Park

Here you can't be afraid of getting wet because you definitely will. If you like action you can try out all kinds of slides and if you just want to relax while your kids romp around there are a lot of quiet zones as well.

53. Watch the magic fountain show

In the evening the fountain at the root of Montjuïc comes to life to compose a magical show of water, lights and music. Many people compare it to the fountain show at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and rate it even better!

54. Tibidabo amusement park

At 500 meters high the Tibidabo amusement park is the highest point of again the highest mountain of Barcelona. This obviously makes this site also called the magic mountain one of the most amazing look out points for a view over the city.

55. L'Aquàrium Barcelona

If you are a fan of the life under the sea L'Aquàrium is the perfect place to visit as here you can see more than 11.000 different marine creatures and an underwater tunnel going through the shark tank.

56. Escape room

Can you escape? During this adventure game you have to use all the brain cells you have left to get out of a room using the elements inside to solve a series of puzzles.

57. Barcelona Bosc Urba

Looking for some adventure within the city limits? Then you definitely have to try the 50 plus attractions of the Urban Jungle Barcelona with zip lines, bungee jumping, log rolls and much more.

58. CosmoCaixa Museum

Wear your nerd glasses because here you will learn a whole lot about everything concerning science at various exhibitions. One highlight is the Planetarium which takes you on an incredible journey through space and time, past the planets and stars of the universe.

Party

The club scene in Barcelona is big and booming, you can easily make the night your day! This makes it a great place for partying and at least one night out should be on your list of things to do in Barcelona. Here are some of the best and most well known night venues from which you can choose.

59. Swing your hips at Sala Razzmatazz

The huge club Sala Razzmatazz offers 3700 m2 of dancefloor split up in five different spaces with another music genre in everyone of them like indie pop, alternative rock or electro. Also from time to time the club hosts amazing concerts, just check out the event calender on their website.

60. Chupitos Esprit

With the price of two euros per shot of alcohol Chupitos is the perfect place to go for pre-drinking before moving on to one of the bigger clubs of the city. In their multiple locations all over the city they offer more than 200 different kinds of shots which are served in a witty way.

61. Old Fashioned - Gin Tonic & Cocktail Bar

When you like really good cocktails and a casual but fancy atmosphere the Old Fashioned Bar is definitely the right adress for you. The barkeepers here sure know how to prepare a tasty Gin Tonic.

62. Sala Apolo

Located inside an old theater the club is the perfect choice for you if you like techno or rock. Additionally to various DJ's the club also regularly hosts concerts of several genres. So let's get this party started!

63. El Bosc de les Fades

Once you take a step over the threshold of this bar you will feel like you have been transported to an enchanted forest. Decorated with trees, leaves and little lanterns it radiates a special charm while you enjoy your well-priced food and drinks.

64. Touch Music Karaoke

You love to sing under the shower? So why not take your voice to a stage? At the Touch Music Karaoke you can choose from thousands of songs to present to the audience which is so much fun, you will see!

65. Otto Zutz

At this club the crowd is very young and ready to party all night long on the three dancefloors. If you can keep up this is the perfect location for a looong party night with good drinks and hip hop music.

66. Piknic Electronik

This outdoor event is a must go to during the summer months if you are a fan of techno music. It takes place every sunday on the Montjuic mountain and you can have a good time with your friends in the sun, dancing and having drinks. It's the perfect place to spend a sunny sunday while you are in Barcelona.

67. Let's go salsa dancing at Club Mojito

One venue you should really check out is the Club Mojito a salsa bar in the district of Eixample. Here you can dance to the latest latin songs and even learn how to dance salsa in the clubs own school. Additionally every sunday a 100% cuban band is playing live music for all the salsa fans.

68. Drink Absinthe in a really old bar

The Bar Marsella is the oldest bar of Barcelona where people like Gaudi, Picasso and Dali used to go for a drink. As Absinthe is the specialty of the house just light the sugar, let it melt and try one of the strongest alcohols you'll ever taste.

Tours

69. Vesping through the city

Getting around by foot and metro can get boring and time consuming, therefore renting a scooter to get around the city is the best option as you can meander your way through the traffic and park almost everywhere.

70. Photo bike tour Barcelona

What happens when you combine three elements like a passion for photography, a beautiful city and a clean, modern form of transport? You get the perfect way to discover the prettiest corners of Barcelona in a fun and comfortable way using an e-bike.

71. Helicopter tour over Barcelona

This should be on your bucket-list already and why not realize this dream over such a beautiful city as Barcelona. Discover the impressive Sagrada Familia, the port and much more from the bird's-eye view. An experience you will never forget!

72. Hot air balloon tour over Catalunya

When you want to leave the hustle and bustle of Barcelona behind for one day, an early-morning hot-air baloon flight is the perfect way to do so. Experience outstanding views over Catalunya from heights of up to 900 meters feeling the sense of freedom and tranquility while floating through the air.

73. Tapas and wine walking tour through Barcelona

You like delicious food and drinks? Then a tapas and wine walking tour is a good way for you to taste the best Barcelona has to offer. Here you will learn how to order tapas and discover some of the most unique bars and cafes of the catalan city.

74. Photoshoot tour

At this tour you will not be taking photos yourself, instead a professional photographer will take stunning pictures of you in front of the most spectacular spots in Barcelona. This way you get to discover the city and have amazing photos to remember it by.

75. Street art and bike tour

Barcelona offers a lot of amazing street art everywhere you look so why not jump on a bike and take a morning ride through the world of art on Barcelonas streets. If you want to challenge your inner artist you can also try out a workshop yourself.

Museums

76. Camp NOU

The FC Barcelona is one of the most successful soccer clubs of the world and the Camp Nou is its home stadion. In the stadiums own museum you can learn all about the clubs history and have a look behind the scenes.

77. Walk on Picasso's traces

The Picasso Museum offers more than 4000 pieces of art from Picasso's youth which equals the most extensive collection of his works. It is being exhibited in five medieval palaces in Barcelona's Ribera and of course a Mekka for a lot of artlovers.

78. Poble Espanyol

It's time to learn something about the spanish culture and Poble Espanyol is the place for you to do so. The open-air museum built in 1929 on the Montjuic recreates a spanish village with characteristical houses from different regions like Andalusia and Basque country.

79. Sagrada Familia

This obviously has to be on our list of things to do in Barcelona as it is the most famous sight of the city and really worth seeing. It stands out because of its stunning and exceptional architecture designed by Antoni Gaudi and is not finished until now. Be sure to book your ticket beforehand because otherwise you will have to wait for a long time to get inside.

80. Park Güell

Another Gaudi masterpiece is the Park Güell which resembles a phantasy-like landscape with modernism buildings and a lot of colours.

81. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

The MNAC is located on the Montjuic mountain and housed inside the Palau Nacional, a huge italian-style building from 1929. It hosts Catalan art and design from the late 19th and early 20th century as well as a collection of romanesque church paintings.

82. Museu de la Xocolata

This is definitely something for sweet tooths who love chocolate! At the museum they show the history of chocolate in Europe, with several artworks and sculptures made out of it. In the Sala Barcelona you can even find buildings like the Sagrada Familia made of chocolate.

83. Casa Milà

In Barcelona there is just no way around the modernism architect Gaudi as he influenced and designed a lot of buildings such as for example Casa Milà. The house was constructed for the Milà-family in 1906 and because of its unusual design is an absolute must-see.

84. Museu d'Art Contemporani

This museum is located in the neighbourhood of Raval, on the website you can see what kind of exhibition is being presented at the moment. Also if you like skateboarding this museum is a great location as there are always some skateboarders practicing their skills.

Rooftops

85. W-Hotel

The W-Hotel rooftop bar is a perfect place to grab a cocktail while enjoying the beautiful city of Barcelona on one side and the gorgeous Mediterranean sea on your other side. It is one of the rooftop bars in Barcelona where people like to see and be seen.

86. Majestic Hotel

This rooftop bar is one of the most luxurious and glamorous ones in Barcelona where people chill on sofas, drink delicious cool cocktails and relax at the pool with wonderful views of the Sagrada Familia and the Montjuic.

87. Grand Hotel Central

This one is considered as one of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona with possibly the most spectacular deck in the city centre, with its infinity pool and close-up views of Barcelona’s rooftops.

88. Grand Hotel La Florida

Located on the mountain of Tibidabo this is one of the rooftop bars in Barcelona that completely trumps the rest of them as it is impossible to find a bar with a better view over the city than this one. Getting there however isn't that easy so you should plan your way there timely.

89. The Condes de Barcelona

This is one of the rooftop bars in Barcelona that is quiet new, located on famous Passeig de Gracia. It offers amazing views over Gaudi’s Casa Milà and Sagrada Familia, low, moody lighting and occasional live music performances.

Events

90. Fiestas de los Barrios

These are events you cannot miss when you are in Barcelona in August and September. The various districts of the city arrange their own street festivals with imaginative decoration, music, food and drinks. Most of the people say they like the Festa Major de Gràcia the most so be sure to check it out.

91. La Mercè

The Festes de la Mercè is a huge city festival in honor of the patroness of Barcelona La Mercè. It takes place around the 24th of September and offers almost 500 events all over the city like the human towers called Castellers, Correfoc - the fire spitting dragons - and the Gigantes.

92. Sónar Festival

It is one of the most prestigious festivals for electronical music and multimedia art and the biggest one of its kind in Europe. It takes place on the third weekend of june every year and is visited by 120 000 people. Even if you are not the biggest electro fan it is absolutely worth your time.

93. Fira de Santa Llúcia

When you are in Barcelona during the time before christmas you should have a look at the christmas market Fira de Santa Llúcia which is set up around the Barcelona Cathedral every year. It is the oldest christmas market of the city and offers around 300 stalls selling among other things a lot of handmade items.

94. La Diada

The National Day of Catalunya also just called La Diada is a very important day-long festival in the catalan city and all over Catalunya which takes place on the 11th of September. During this day there are demonstrations all over  Barcelona and many museums like the MNAC offer free entrances.

Shopping

95. L'illa Diagonal

Shop till you drop - if that's your motto of the day then L'illa Diagonal mall is the perfect place for you. Here you can choose between a multitude of shops and food stalls in a elegant atmosphere.

96. La Cereria Subirà

Travel through time by visiting the oldest shop of Barcelona La Cereria Subirà. Surrounded by the original baroque décor you can find candles in every size and form, made out of high-quality beeswax and paraffin.

97. Lomography

When you like everything that has to do with photography you should definitely visit this stylish store as it offers a wide range of cameras like the Sardina Camera or the FishEye Camera as well as books, t-shirts and much more.

98. Soap Paradise

In the center of the Gothic Quarter, a little bit hidden the soap factory Sabater Hermanos is one of those unusual little stores that you can stumble across here in Barcelona. Here you can find every shape and aroma of soap you can ever imagine.

99. Buy souvenirs at Wawas Barcelona

Are you tired of the run-of-the-mill souvenirs you can buy in every little shop on the Rambla? Here is something worth your time: TheWawa is a refreshing alternative for people who want to take home a little bit of the 'real Barcelona' as it offers great souvenirs made in the catalan city but not the usual stuff.
Wow that's a looong list but with it you will get a whole lot out of the city, we promise! We hope you enjoyed reading through it, do you know something that absolutely has to be on the list as well? - Samuel & Annika

Open to all levels, you can pay for time to go out on the water and do the sport of your choice. If interested in other sports check out our blog on Barcelona Activities.

4. Bungee Jumping

If you're not afraid of heights and looking for a real adrenaline rush during your time in Barcelona, you should try bungee jumping! Just an hour outside of Barcelona you can enjoy the view of Costa Brava or if you can't make it that far stay closer to the city in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.

5. Skydiving

One of the most extreme sports in Barcelona is Skydiving! Around the city you may find many different areas to  skydive. Enjoy an extreme adrenaline rush during your 1-minute free-fall. If you're interested, check out SkyDiveBCN for prices and more details. [embed]https://vimeo.com/76000223

Extreme Sports in Barcelona

Are you visiting Barcelona and looking for something exciting to do to liven up your trip? There are many extreme sports in Barcelona for you to consider. In and around the city of Barcelona you can find extreme activities such as, rock climbing, sky diving, mountain bike, wake board, free jump, rafting or hiking. Here is some more information on each of these extreme sports in Barcelona.

1. Mountain Biking

When it comes to mountain biking in Barcelona there are trails for every level. Around the city there are a lot of National Parks which have trails as well as the mountain that surrounds the city. Mountain biking is a good way to get out of the city and explore the more natural side of Barcelona. If you’re interested in mountain biking while you’re here check out Terra Diversion, they offer GPS self-guided and guided mountain biking tours year round.

2. Rock Climbing

If you are interested in rock climbing during your time in Barcelona there are a few different indoor and outdoor places to go climbing. In the city I found an indoor gym, Sharma Climbing BCN, which offers gear rentals and day passes to go climbing. If you would rather go outside enjoy the nature and see more of the beauty of the city Barcelona Climb offers guided trips for climbers of different levels.

3. Wake boarding, Paddle Surfing, and other Water Sports

If water sports are more of your thing then there are extreme sports in Barcelona for you too! Barcelona’s location on the the Mediterranean Sea provides for a lot of options when it comes to water sports. In the Sant Marti neighborhood of Barcelona you will find multiple of the cities beaches.  Just north of these beaches you can find The Barcelona Cable Park, a company where you can practice wake boarding, wake skating and paddle surfing without leaving the city. [embed]https://vimeo.com/131700750
Open to all levels, you can pay for time to go out on the water and do the sport of your choice. If interested in other sports check out our blog on Barcelona Activities.

4. Bungee Jumping

If you're not afraid of heights and looking for a real adrenaline rush during your time in Barcelona, you should try bungee jumping! Just an hour outside of Barcelona you can enjoy the view of Costa Brava or if you can't make it that far stay closer to the city in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.

5. Skydiving

One of the most extreme sports in Barcelona is Skydiving! Around the city you may find many different areas to  skydive. Enjoy an extreme adrenaline rush during your 1-minute free-fall. If you're interested, check out SkyDiveBCN for prices and more details. [embed]https://vimeo.com/76000223
Now you know about some of the extreme sports in Barcelona and you should have no problem making your trip lively and exciting. There or no excuses for a boring stay in the city. I hope this blog has helped you enjoy your stay in the most extreme way. If you have done any other extreme sports in Barcelona or know of something that is not on this list, comment and let us know!