Made in Barcelona - The Top 10 Creations the Catalan City has to Offer

From chairs to lollipops to opera singers - Barcelona created more than just La Ramblas. For you we found the Top 10 things and people made in Barcelona that make all of our lifes so much better.

1. Chupa Chups Lollipops

Enric Bernat the inventor of the "bonbon with a stick" first got the idea when he heard a mother cursing as her child got sticky hands from melting sweets. In his opinion back then sweets were not designed with the main consumers in mind who obviously were children. So in 1958 he started to produce striped bonbons on wooden sticks for one peseta each. The newly founded Chupa Chups company soon became a complete success and within five years the sweets were being sold at 300.000 outlets. Since then the company has grown and grown and is making millions of Euros of profit every year. An additional fun fact you might want to know is that the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí himself designed the logo of the lollipops made in Barcelona.

2. Desigual

As colourful and diverse as the city itself is the design of the clothes of the brand Desigual. Founded in Barcelona in 1984 by the Swiss businessman Thomas Meyer the company represents a philosophy of positivity, tolerance and fun. The clothing brand is known for its asymmetrical patchwork designs, graffiti art, intense prints and the many many colours. Matching with their philosophy Desigual uses marketing concepts like Magic Stories, Wow, Life is cool and All Together. So for your next shopping trip absolutely keep Desigual in mind it's worth it.

3. Juanola Mints

Everybody knows the horrors of bad breath or coughing attacks right? A Made in Barcelona solution to these problems was born in the Grácia district in 1906. The inventor of the tiny pastilles was the pharmacist Manuel Juanola Reixach who started to produce them in his pharmacy on the basis of his own special formula. The rhomboid shaped mints alleviate the cough, clear the voice and refresh the mouth. But be careful when you want to share them with a friend they will always end up with a handful because Juanola Mints never come alone.

4. The Street Artist Band "Made in Barcelona"

In Barcelona you can easily run into street artists at every corner. They fill the streets with music and help the city to its happy and easy-going atmosphere. As most of the bands and singers are remarkably accomplished you should always take some time to listen to their music at the big plazas as well as in tiny alleyways. One of those iconic bands is the "Made in Barcelona" which has been performing in the same spot at the Barcelona Pier since their foundation in 2007. The group is composed of musicians from Cuba, France, Argentina, Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Uruguay. Together they create a comical, explosive and original show of Latin music in the streets of Barcelona. The artists are also part of other bands and several popular music projects all over the world, including collaborations with musicians like Manu Chao. So to listen to some really good latin music go and find the band at their usual spot - as long as they are not traveling the world right now.

5. The Bonamusa chair

Even though the name itself might not ring a bell the Bonamusa chair is used everywhere. It originally was designed by Antoni Bonamusa in Barcelona so that all the UN delegates could sit in the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room in Geneva. It is a chair with a joining system for easy application, stacking or transport which is ideal for multi-use rooms. Even though it is not the best looking piece of furniture you have to admit it's just so practical.

6. The Barceloneta Bomb

One thing that absolutely deserves to be called Made in Barcelona is the popular ball-shaped tapa originally from the district of Barceloneta. Even though the name sounds a bit scary the only things that are exploding here are your taste buds. As Barceloneta was the area most heavily bombed during the Civil War the title fits quite well. The tapa is a spicy potato-meat ball often served with aioli and hot sauße. When times were a little less politically correct you could order the bomb in three variations of spiciness: the macho man, the queer and the lady.

7. Estrella Damm Beer

Do you want to try some real Barcelonian beer? Then you have to get a bottle of Estrella Damm Beer as it is a popular beer made in Barcelona. August Kuentzmann Damm a guy originally from Alsace founded the brewery in 1875 and the brand soon became one of the most famous ones in Spain. The beer is also called Mediterranean Lager Beer because it was adapted to the warm climate and is much lighter than the central European beer types. The latest innovation of the Damm brewery is a beer called Inedit refined with spices like orange peel, cilantro or licorice. But don't be surprised: Inedit is being served in a white wine glass.

8. José Carreras

A real celebrity made in Barcelona is the opera singer Josep Carreras who was born in the district of Sants. In its prime his voice was regarded as one of the most beautiful tenor voices of that time. During his previous career he impersonated more than 60 roles and performed in the world's leading opera houses. Together with Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti he started the operatic singing group the Three Tenors. You know that one right? Carreras also never stops to emphasize how much he loves Catalunya and Barcelona in particular. So next time you hear him sing remember that he started his career in this beautiful city.

9. El Pez

A brightly smiling fish - that is the trademark of the world-renowned street artist El Pez from the Barcelona Suburb of Sant Adriá. Since 1999 he has practiced his trade on the streets of his hometown as well as in urban spaces in London, Miami or Bogotá to name just a few. The figure of the grinning fish is supposed to spread positive vibes to the people passing by, using the smile as a universal and timeless language. However the fish is not his only character. Over the last years El Pez has been creating several other motives like demons, angels, martians and giraffes. The one thing all of them have in common? Right, an infectious and big unique smile. Nowadays he is showing his art in galleries, international art fairs and festivals. A real personality made in Barcelona.

10. Sagrada Familia

Last but not least of course when thinking of things made in Barcelona we absolutely have to mention the Sagrada Familia. The church is one of the most famous landmarks of Barcelona and has been for years. What's so special about it you want to know? Apart from the extraordinary design, the funny thing is: up until this day the construction works on the Sagrada Familia aren't finished yet. They started building the church in 1882 and in 1883 the spanish architect Antoni Gaudí became involved. According to the latest plans the construction should be finished in the year 2026 which is also the centenary of Gaudí's death. But who knows for sure? At least there are still some of the project's greatest challenges waiting to be build.
We hope you enjoyed our top list of creations made in Barcelona and that we maybe even surprised you a little bit with some of them. Do you know any other interesting things that absolutely have to be on our list? Let us know in the comments below and we will add them. - Annika

The best interior designers in Barcelona

In this article you'll read about the best and most famous interior designers in Barcelona! It could be perfect for if you just bought an apartment or if you want to renovate yours or change the decoration! Interior designers really take into account your personnal tastes in order to do the best for you.

Jaime Beriestain

He was born in 1969 in Santiago de Chile. He opened his office in Barcelona in 2002 and his showroom in the center of Barcelona in 2010 (here you can find renovated furniture, books and some other things). Finally, in 2013 he opened his 500m² concept store and restaurant in the center of Barcelona. And now he works on many international projects including hotels, restaurants, shops and private houses. You'll see some of the things he designed in the pictures below. [caption id="attachment_3892" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Restaurant[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3893" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Concept Store[/caption] Where can you find him? Beriestain Interiores, SL - C/ Pau Claris, 190 – 2º2 - 08037 - BARCELONA Phone: +34 933 01 69 89 E-Mail: info@beriestain.com

Sara Folch

Sara Folch is one of the most renowned and famous interior designer of Barcelona! For her, each project is a way to innovate, to create unique and personal spaces. Each client is unique. With this philosophy, she successfully achieved a lot of projects including the design of a luxurious restaurant for the Hotel Arts in Barcelona or the reformation of an old 1,000m² Chalet to a modern mansion in Paris! She has a large team of technicians, architects, engineers, designers and craftsmen in her studio and together they do the whole project from conceiving the concept to execution and delivery. Look at the pictures below to see what she does! [caption id="attachment_3869" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Private house renovated[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3870" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Amazing walk-in closet[/caption] Her website Where can you find her? Av. Diagonal 491 Àtic 1r, 08029 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 80 04 28 E-Mail: interiorisme@sarafolch.com

Lazaro Rosa Violan

When he was a kid he already had the taste for Art so he took courses at the Academy of Fine Arts. Before being an interior designer, he his a painter and finds his inspiration everywhere. He realized his first project as an interior designer in Ibiza in 1990. It has an impact and in 2002, he decided to open his own studio which in still doing amazingly well. Look at what he's doing below! [caption id="attachment_3879" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Jewelry in Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3880" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Hotel in Barcelona[/caption] His website Where can you find him? Ali Bei 7, Entresuelo, 08010 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 45 41 04 E-Mail: info@lazarorosaviolan.com

Eva Martinez

Eva Martinez has two main principles : eclectism and harmony. She specializes in contrast and likes create cozy and warm spaces by linking different elements. She designs, reforms and decorates houses but also public spaces. Her slogan is "En diseño me encantan los contrastes" which means "What I love in design are contrasts", the following pictures will show you her work and illustrate her philosophy! [caption id="attachment_3866" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
The Serras - Barcelona[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3865" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Club Soma - Barcelona[/caption] Her website Phone: +34 600 42 49 83 E-Mail: info@evamartinezinteriordesign.com

Marta Prats

She was born in Barcelona in 1960 and has always been attracted by the world of art and design. She studied Arts and Graphic Design but then she desiced to specialized in photography. Then, she started to refinish furniture and to decorate many interiors. Then, she associates with another interior designer and together they do a lot of projects until she decided to work alone on private and public spaces. Look at her work below! [caption id="attachment_3867" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Total reform of a private house[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3868" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Reform of a private house[/caption] Her Website Phone: +34 654 54 16 28 E-Mail: mprats60@yahoo.es

Toni Segui

Toni Segui is a decorator, stylist, interior designer and events designer. He is famous for his originality, he transforms conventional spaces in marvellous and colourful spaces. He puts imagination in every projects that's why he is so renowned. [caption id="attachment_3874" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Interior design[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3875" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Events design - Wedding[/caption] His website Where can you find him? Carrer de la Riera de Sant Miquel, 30, 08006 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 933 68 36 54 E-Mail: info@toniseguibarcelona.com

Toni Lanza - Inedit

He is a interior designer who founed his own firm "Inedit" based in Barcelona. He has a multi-skilled team with designers, architects and interior designers and together they can provide unique customised style with highly competitive price. They take care of the whole project  so that you just have to move in and enjoy when it's done but they will always take the customers' needs into account.

His website Where can you find him? Avenida Diagonal 463 bis, 08036 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 934 94 10 03 E-Mail: interioristes@inedit-interioristas.es

Susanna Cots

Susanna has been working as an interior designer for more than 15 years. In 2001 she decided to open her own studio with a team of creative people working in different fields of design. Together they do projects in commercial and private spaces. Susanna has studios in Barcelona, Girona and even in Hong Kong and she won a lot of awards for different projects that you'll be able to see below.

Her website Phone: +34 931 69 13 65 E-Mail: info@susannacots.com

Donna Kelley

She started her business as an interior designer in Barcelona in 1990. During these years, she has recruted a team of amazing professionals with who she can work on pretty much everything concerning design, decoration or renovation. The team likes very much challenges and they will always find something to meet your wishes and budget! Take a look at what they already did below!

Her website Where can you find her? Carrer de Maó, 21, 08022 Barcelona Phone: +34 932 11 20 93 E-Mail: donna@kelley-art-design.com I hope you enjoy a lot reading this article about interior designers in Barcelona and I hope you found your happiness there if you need to redecorate or renovate your home but want a professional to do it. You can of course redecorate yourself for cheap or buy new furniture to refresh your home instead of hiring an interior designer! Don't forget to tell us if you have any suggestion or if you want to share your experience, we'll be happy to read your comment :). Jenny' :)

Free things to do in Barcelona!

Barcelona is full of sights to be seen and adventures to be endured. Among the paid-entrance attractions, there are many free things to do in Barcelona. Check out this list of tips and things to do free of charge!

1. Public Art and Architecture

There is endless street art and architecture to see in Barcelona. A great way to explore the city while also seeing famous art and architecture is by walking from different Gaudi buildings, to the gothic quarter and so on. My favorite part of doing this is that you end up wondering and might bump into something exciting you were not expecting to see. One thing that I bumped into were these awesome ‘mobile canvases’.

2. Cathedrals and Museums

There are certain times of the day in which some cathedrals are free. For an example, La Catedral in Barri Gotic is free in the early mornings and late afternoons. To see about different Cathedrals, you can check on their websites. Numerous museums are FREE on Sundays! Museu Picasso is just one example, but there are many more. Some museums are only free from 3-8PM on Sundays and others are free on one given day a month (usually the first Wednesday or Sunday of the month).

3. Park Guell

Park Guell is one of Barcelona’s biggest attractions. It is very lush with different plants, beautiful architecture and winding pathways to venture through the park on. During the day, entrance to one of Gaudi’s famous terrace and bench creations is normally 7 euros, but after 9:30PM entrance is free! When I went at 9:30PM, the lighting was perfect to snap a picture of the whole city and then watch the city lights come to life. It was the perfect amount of time and added to my list of free things to do in Barcelona!

4. Font Magica

Font Magica (Magic Fountain) is a fountain that puts on a show for people with music, lights and of course water! The show has been said to be as good as or even better than the famous one in Las Vegas! Take a stroll over there after the sun goes down and prepare yourself to be amazed.

5. Cinema Lliure

Cinema Lliure is an event that takes place on the Sant Sebastià beach. They show many independent films on Thursday and Sunday evenings. It is a great time with family and friends to bring some snacks, drinks and something to sit on to enjoy the films!

6. Parc de la Ciutadella

Parc de la Ciutadella is a huge park that always has different activities and events going on. People go here to get exercise, play games, do fun activities, have a picnic and also to see the breath-taking fountain. There is a zoo in the park as well, but you have to pay to get in. When I went to Parc de la Ciutadella, I took time to walk around the lake filled with people in row boats and to admire the architecture of the fountain. I also ended up going into the zoo to see the Kangaroos!

7. Carmel Bunkers

The Carmel Bunkers is a great place to go for an amazing view of Barcelona! I went there at sunset and there were tons of people hanging out up there with friends and family having drinks while enjoying the views.

8. Arc de Triomf

The Arc de Triomf is another one of Barcelona’s great attractions. It is located by Parc de la Ciutadella and has a beautiful, expansive street for only pedestrians to walk down. Visiting the arc is a great way to see a historic site for free!

9. La Rambla

La Rambla is the most famous street in Barcelona and one of the most famous streets in the world. It is filled with people, restaurants, shops and markets. La Rambla has gigantic trees lining each side of the street and has a very lively feel when strolling through. Personally, I love getting a large cone of gelato or a drink while taking a walk down the street going from shop to shop.

10. La Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia is the most famous Cathedral in Barcelona. It is constantly under construction, but still a must see! Sagrada Familia costs money to go inside, but the outside is amazing enough to go see itself. Make sure to walk all the way around the cathedral to see the different sides and architecture.
These free things to do in Barcelona are just some of the many that are offered. There are other activities such as going to the beach, hiking, working out at the outdoor gym on the beach, and free walking tours! Hopefully you can see everything and keep your money in your wallet! -Jack

Internship with SuiteLife!

Are you looking to gain experience in the workforce? Marketing, real estate, video production and web design internships in Barcelona with SuiteLife are opening up. Come join our team! [caption id="attachment_3770" align="aligncenter" width="550"]
SuiteLife[/caption] SuiteLife is a real estate company that has evolved into much more. Besides renting and selling flats, we also provide services for people who are moving to Barcelona in order to make moving and setting up their new home as easy as possible. We currently have a blog that covers all topics under the moon about Barcelona and real estate. SuiteLife is always looking for new and innovative ways to market our brand and get our name out to potential customers. It is imperative to us that we give our customers prompt, friendly, and professional business. “SuiteLife S.L. is a real estate and service company that specialises in helping foreigners, both professionals and masters degree students, with above average spending power, to find apartments in Barcelona. They act as relocation agents and a "full service" real estate company. Additionally, it provides other services to make their move to Barcelona as seamless as possible.”

Marketing Internship

While having a marketing internship in Barcelona with SuiteLife, you would be doing many things. You would contribute to our blogs with new ideas. The thing our current interns love about the blogs is that they can make them their own- they come up with their own ideas so they write about topics that interest them as well as our audience. Also, our marketing interns control our social media by writing and managing posts on a variety of sites. When intriguing posts are created, the interns generate more website traffic for SuiteLife’s flats and blogs we have to offer. Along with blogs and social media, the marketing intern will also gain experience in generating Key Performance Indicator(KPI) spread sheets. As being one of our interns, we hope to both enrich your experience in the industry as well as have you bring out-of-the-box ideas to SuiteLife.

Real Estate Internship

Having a real estate internship in Barcelona with SuiteLife, you would be doing less marketing jobs. Tasks such as answering the phones, calling clients, scheduling showings, and much customer service is required. That being said, someone whom is bilingual with English and Castilian would be preferred. If you are someone that wants to gain experience in the real estate industry, being an intern for SuiteLife is perfect for you.

Video Production Internship

Having a video production internship in Barcelona with SuiteLife, you will be creating videos about Barcelona and real estate. In the past, SuiteLife has made videos about different beaches, neighborhoods, buying/selling tips and much more. If you are someone that has experience in video production, creativity, and bringing new ideas to the table, then SuiteLife wants you! Check out some of our past videos!

Website Design Internship

Having a web design internship in Barcelona with SuiteLife requires more experience in the field than the other internships. Knowledge of all aspects of web design is recommended. We are always trying to optimize our website, blogs, flats, and traffic on our website, so any ideas to help optimization of SuiteLife is always up for discussion. No matter what type of internship in Barcelona with SuiteLife you have, the whole team helps with posting, updating, and taking down listings from a variety of different real estate websites. SuiteLife’s members are young, exciting, and driven to grow the company so it makes for a positive work environment. There are endless opportunities with any of these internships and the sky isn't even a limit for SuiteLife. If you are interested or have further questions, you can email us or submit an application here. These internships are unpaid, but have many advantages that come with them. We look forward to talking with you! Thanks, The SuiteLife Team

Real Estate Scams are quite common in Barcelona and it can be complicated to tell if people are trying to scam you or not. In this article, you will read about people who were scammed in Barcelona and get useful advice on how to avoid certain ads on the internet.

Everything you should avoid in real estate offers on Internet!

Cheap and Amazing

Usually, if you find an extraordinarily cheap apartment, with an amazing location (either in the heart of the city or near to the beach),which is newly renovated with a lot of features, it can be a scam. If something seems too good to be true, it is often the case and you might end up disappointed. These two stories below will give you some insight into how certain kinds of scams work. A girl we know found a 2-bedroom apartment on the internet, which was well located in the city for only 500€ per month (well below the average price for such an apartment). She called the number on the ad and the person who picked up claimed he was an agent. They set up a visit for the day after. The visit went as planned and the apartment was up to the standards of the pictures. She liked it and decided to proceed. The supposed ‘agent’ told her to meet him in a café the day after the visit with the money to sign the contract and receive the keys. She went to the cafe with the money (2-month deposit + agency fees) as asked and signed the contract. The ‘agent’ then gave her the keys of the apartment, but guess what? She went to the flat and SURPRISE! She couldn’t open the door, which then made her realize that the keys were indeed fake. This person was neither an agent nor the owner but most likely the current tenant of the apartment looking to make some fast money in illegitimate ways. One of our former SuiteLife interns also got scammed.  She thought she found the perfect apartment and went ahead with renting it from somebody she thought was the owner. What she didn’t know was that the contract was in fact fake. A couple days later she moved into the apartment but what happened later wasn’t usual. Two days after she moved in, a person arrived saying he rented the apartment from the owner as well and was granted approval to move into the flat on that day. They both decided to live together in the apartment (it was a 2-bedroom apartment) until they could solve the problem. In the following days people showed up at the apartment saying they rented it from the owner as well. Eventually everyone realized they got scammed and that the person from who they rented the apartment was the actual tenant who decided to rent the apartment to several people simultaneously and leave the country with whatever money he got.

Photos that are not in Barcelona

This advice only works with the assistance of a real estate expert in Barcelona. SuiteLife’s founder Benny can usually tell from the photos if the flat is in Barcelona from the flat characteristics. Light switches or electric outlets in Barcelona apartments are unique, which often provides hints. Ask an expert who will be able to spot this.

Lack of specific information

It’s normal for agencies not to always disclose the full address due to security reasons. Additionally, agencies don’t want other agencies to find the owner of the apartment and become the new intermediary. But be careful! If you don’t have at least the neighbourhood or street, it could be a scam. I myself, whilst searching for flats online, noticed some strange practices. I went for a visit, however found out that it wasn’t the same flat I saw online and that the owner simply used the ad to lure people into another flat, which was completely different. Besides the location, pay special attention to all the information concerning the amount of money you will have to pay before moving in such as security deposits, agency fees and first months’ rent.

Too much information

Not enough information is not good but keep in mind that if someone gives you too much information about why they have the flat, their personal lives or more, it gives you reason to be suspicious. I wrote to someone about an apartment I saw on the internet to have more information and to know if I could visit it. The person answered to my mail immediately (which you would think is a good thing) telling me that she was so happy that I contacted her about the flat. She then went onto telling me everything about her life: “I bought this flat for my daughter because she was a student here for many years and I thought it cold be a good investment to have a property in Barcelona but now she is back home in Poland with me” At that point I was sure it was a scam but just to see how far she will go, I replied to her email and that’s where she told me: “You understand I am in Poland and I want to rent the apartment as fast as possible so I don’t know if I will be able to do a visit with you. I might have to send you the keys from abroad and for that you will have to pay through a very safe platform on the internet. I have other pictures of the flat if you need but as I am not there I can’t give you the exact address because I don’t want people to know where the is a flat when nobody is there. I hope you understand…” She wanted me to pay for an apartment I didn’t see and provide the money to someone I didn’t even meet once that is not even an official broker. No thanks! People tend to place all their trust in the hands of untrustworthy ‘owners’ simply due to their situation. They might be desperate to find something fast and think in an uncritical manor because they want to believe that the offer is real.

Other true stories about scams that happened in Barcelona!

A SuiteLife employee’s friend was once coming back home after a party. He was walking in the street when a prostitute approached him and was being forceful. He pushed her away and continued walking home. When he arrived at his door, he couldn’t find his keys. He first thought he lost them during the night but then he figured out what happened. He went back to the prostitute and told her to give the keys back, which she eventually did. This is a quite common story in Barcelona. They work in groups and target mostly drunk people because usually they’ll believe they lost their keys and will sleep over at a friend’s place. But the day after, when they finally enter their apartment, they find out that items were stolen. This was not a rental scam story but thieves are everywhere in Barcelona!

Advice to detect and prevent falling for real estate scams in Barcelona!

Little checklist before signing contracts

• Check if the energy meter is already set up because if it isn’t you might lose a lot of money.
• Put the exact number that appeared on the meter the day you moved in; if you don’t, the company will take an approximate number and can overestimate your consumption.
• Check the length of the contract carefully
• Look if the community fees will be paid by you or by the owner.

Never send money to receive keys!

It might seem obvious to some people but when you trust the person and like the apartment, you occasionally don’t hesitate to send large quantities of money to receive keys that of course, you’ll NEVER receive. Check the apartment the day you move in Be careful to know exactly what works and what doesn’t and make sure the owner of the apartment you rent from makes a list of what is defective in the flat. By doing that, you will be quite sure the owner (or the agency) will give you your security deposit back.

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I hope this article will help you find an apartment without being scammed in Barcelona! Keep in mind that there can be other types of scams. This article does not contain all of them so be careful and count on SuiteLife to find the right apartment for you! If you want to share your own experience or warn us about other kinds of real estate scams, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! Jenny’

The best craft beer in Barcelona

Over the past year all around the world the demand for home crafted and special crafted beer has been increasing rapidly. Of course Barcelona could not stay behind and many beer lovers started to create places where people can enjoy amazing craft beer in Barcelona with delicious tapas and other food. Below you will find a selection of 10 bars of which I think they should be on your list to visit while you are in Barcelona.

BierCab ( A beer and food paradise )

As it is the first craft beer bar I stumbled on to I must say that this is my favorite place to enjoy a good craft beer in Barcelona. As I walked into this bar I directly noticed the cool designed ceiling which is covered in wooden sticks. The bar offers 30 beers on tap which can be found on a screen which can change per day. Besides the 30 beers on tap the bar also offers another book with bottled beers which can be more expensive than bottles of champagne. Also Biercab has an amazing food menu. The last time when visiting the bar we ended up ordering up to 12 tapas dishes for 4 people. I would definitely recommend the IPA beers ( they are amazing ) Location: Calle Muntaner, 55, 08011 Barcelona

bELchiCA (Best Belgian beers in town)

Belchica offers a wide range of Belgian beers for a fair price as most beers will set you back about 2 to 5 euro’s. Belchica is loved by Belgians, locals and tourists. I would recommend visiting Belchica with some friends to watch a football game or enjoy open mic and rock concerts. This is the place to be for Belgian craft beer in Barcelona as I even heard Belgian visitors saying that the quality and taste was amazing.  One of my favorites here is the IPA PUNK. location: Carrer de Villarroel, 60, 08011 Barcelona

Brewdog

BrewDog offers an amazing atmosphere inside the bar. With some amazing drawing on the walls and an amazing selection of craft beers. The staff in brew dog knows what they are doing and can help you with choosing the right beer for you as for first timers this can sometimes take quite a while. If even their assistance won’t convince you to chose a beer there is always the option to take the 5 taster glasses at the bar. location: Carrer de Casanova, 69, 08011 Barcelona

La Cerveteca (For the bottle lover)

La cerveteca is perfect to stop for a quick beer or if you want to chose a nice beer to enjoy at home. The bar offers a wide range of bottled beers from all over. One of the downsides of the bar is that they do not offer any real food BUT of course they have TAPAS! Location: Carrer d'en Gignàs, 25, 08002 Barcelona

NaparBcn ( Barcelona’s first gastro-brewpub )

NaparBcn offers more than just beer, NaparBcn offers a wide range of craft beers, amazing food and also an incredible atmosphere as the bar is decorated beautifully. The decoration in the bar is modern with an authentic brewery touch as in the bar you can see the actual brewing process going on. I would really recommend taking some friends here or maybe even a date if you want to impress her with your knowledge of craft beer. Location: Carrer de la Diputació, 223, 08011 Barcelona

Ale & Hop ( El Borne’s best beer)

Ale & hop as said above is located in El Borne, the bar offers a small area in the front where guests can enjoy some beers while standing at the bar or in front of the bar in the street. Further in the back of the bar there is another area where you can sit if you also want to enjoy some diner in combination with your beer. During after-work hours the bar is usually crowded as students and professionals come here to relax. Location: Carrer de les Basses de Sant Pere, 10, 08003 Barcelona

Kӕlderkold (Ambient temperature)

Men listen, If you want to drink some quality craft beer in Barcelona but have problems to convince your girlfriend or partner to join you this is your chance. Kӕlderkold offers the perfect bait to attract females, beer cocktails. The bar offers a great atmosphere and great beer. This bar is also perfectly located as it is just off La Ramblas so its perfect to get away from the touristic streets for a while. Location: Carrer del Cardenal Casañas, 7, 08002 Barcelona

Garage beer Co. (Amazing chilled vibe)

Garage beer Co. is a great place to have a nice craft beer in barcelona, the bar has some nice places to sit and the service is really friendly. The bar offers a nice uncommercial vibe to enjoy your beer in peace. Also the bar offers some good food to enjoy together with your craft beer.  This bar is perfect to go for a relax evening with friends, enjoy the atmosphere and some amazing beers. Location: Carrer del Consell de Cent, 261, 08011 Barcelona

Black Lab (Brewhouse & Kitchen)

Black Lab offers some very, very good beer and food on their menu. Black lab is located on the corner of Barcelona's harbor. This location makes it perfect to stop by after coming from the beach and feel like having a delicious snack or diner and some craft beers before heading home. While standing in the bar visitors can actually see the brewing process going on inside the large metal tanks behind the bar. Location: Palau del Mar, Plaça Pau Vila, 1, 08039 Barcelona

Quimet & Quimet

This place is great! Quimet & Quimet is amazing , this bar offers some really amazing tapas even locals make their way for to the bar. The tapas in this place are made right in front of you which gives that feeling of authenticity to the bar and food you order. besides all this mos important is of course the beer, also this at Quimet & Quimet is really good. I have tried many of their beers and have not had a single one I did not enjoy drinking. Location: Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25, 08004 Barcelona
We at SuiteLife hope that this post has helped you to find a bar worth to spend the night in Barcelona or just have a quick stop before really going crazy during the night in Barcelona. Which bar did you like the most or did you find an another great place for craft beer in Barcelona? Let us know in the comments below and we will see if we can feature it above. Samuel-

9 Extraordinarily Expensive Properties in Barcelona!

The most expensive properties in Barcelona are true eye candy for anyone that loves real estate. Check out the architecturally stunning properties and try to not drool on your computer! Barcelona has all different types of properties ranging from new, contemporary homes to old, gothic homes.

9. Apartment in Barcelona for 3,500,000 Euros

This apartment in Barcelona is about half as expensive as the next one, but I felt it was worth your time. It is a unique, contemporary apartment with bright lighting and colors. The vibrant artwork makes this apartment intriguing and fun with an edgy feel to it. Some other features that interested me was the lighting over the dining table and also the accent walls behind the beds.

8. Home overlooking Barcelona for 7,950,000 Euros

This home has been renovated, but still kept the old character and charm of the original home. The views of the city from the home and the expansive patio are breath taking. One feature of the home that I like the most are the stained windows. The green cabinets in the kitchen and the wine cellar also add charm to the home that is different than other homes.

7. Contemporary Penthouse in Barcelona for 8,400,000 Euros

This extraordinary penthouse would be anyone dream place to live. It is equipped with a private pool on a large terrace, a steam room, a workout room and much more. My favorite parts about this penthouse are the grand entryway, the pool, and the living room. The terrace with the private pool would be a great place to watch the sunset with some friends and have a few drinks.

6. Spanish Ocean-Front Home for 8,500,000 Euros

This Spanish home is placed right on the water. It has an expansive patio and beautiful pool. My favorite parts of this home are the view and the pool. Can you imagine waking up and having a coffee on that patio every morning with the sea breeze gently blowing around you?

5. Contemporary home for 8,500,000 Euros

This home is architecturally stunning. It has an open concept floor plan and many unique features. They used more of an industrial style flooring in parts of the home and added contemporary finishes to make this home all come together. The back yard also has a contemporary feeling with the terraced lawn and pool. I really like the design of the outside with the metal accents.

4. French Estate for 10,000,000 Euros

This old French estate has all the charm you could ever want. There is no questioning why this estate is on the list of expensive properties in Barcelona! Between the beams on the ceiling, the design of the outside, and and perfectly manicured grounds, this estate will have you speechless. My favorite parts about this house are the vines crawling up the side of the house, the pool, and the gardens.

3. Contemporary Apartment for 10,008,000 Euros

Every detail of this apartment was thought out thoroughly. The whole apartment is controlled by an iPad and has all custom furniture. For me, it was hard to pick only a couple favorite things, can you choose only two? The apartment also has a large outdoor area off of the living room that makes it a great place to entertain. Before you check the photos out, make sure to take a seat because you will be blown away!

2. Castle in Barcelona for 19,500,000 Euros

Who wouldn’t want their very own castle? With the outside keeping its older charm and the inside updated with high end finishes, this is the perfect castle for any new age King/Queen. Between the indoor pool with grotto, the vineyard, and spa facilities, this castle is the ultimate relaxation place. The castle is set up to be a house, hotel, or both at the same time. This property is very versatile, which makes it all the better. My favorite parts of this property are the indoor pool and the vineyard. Could you see yourself sitting on a throne?

1. Contemporary Estate for 19,800,000 Euros!

The last estate on the list of expensive properties in  Barcelona is truly amazing. This contemporary estate is eye candy for any architect lover. The exterior is beautiful with a tile finish throughout. The expansive deck with floor to ceiling windows/doors leading to the living room makes this mansion the perfect place to have people over! I love how the outside is a simple neutral tile, but the shape of the house makes it very sophisticated.

I hope you enjoyed looking at these extraordinary homes! I had a great time looking through the expensive real estate of Barcelona and all it has to offer on the market right now! -Jack

Banning cars from Barcelona's streets

The city of Barcelona is planning to make some changes in the infrastructure and they are really cool and necessary. One of the reasons behind this project is that the city of Barcelona can't keep up with air quality standards of the EU. The cause of this as you can probably imagine are cars, taxi's and more cars. To fight this problem the city counsel of Barcelona has collaborated with the “Urban Ecology Agency” to design a solution for the city. The result of this are SuperBlocks which will eliminate the use of many roads throughout the city to create a healthier and more pleasant living environment for the inhabitants of Barcelona. The official starting date of The SuperBlock project is not known yet. But what we do know is that it will be somewhere in 2017. At first the city will begin by creating one SuperBlock in the district of Example. Other SuperBlocks have been sketched out in Les Corts, Hostafrancs, Poblenou and in the area around Glòries.

What are SuperBlocks?

The concept of SuperBlocks is actually quite simple and low cost.  Where a street block normally exists out of one building block (about 600 inhabitants) a SuperBlock will exists out of nine blocks of houses where roads within the SuperBlocks will be transformed and will only be used by pedestrians, bikes and destination traffic. Each SuperBlock will cover an area of about 400x400 meters with around 5000 - 6000 inhabitants per SuperBlock. The only motorized traffic that will still be allowed within the SuperBlock is destination traffic such as inhabitants of the SuperBlock, taxi's and delivery trucks at a maximum speed of 10 km per hour. This way there will barely be any traffic inside the SuperBlocks which will make the streets a lot more accessible for pedestrians.

What impact will this transformation have on the quality of life in Barcelona?

This transformation will have many positive effects on the city. One of the most obvious ones is that in the future there will be less traffic throughout the city due to the fact that by constructing these SuperBlocks up to 60% of existing roads will be closed to normal traffic. According to the new mobility plan of the city the amount of traffic can be reduced by 21% after the SuperBlocks will be finished. Besides that the amount of traffic will be reduced dramatically, the health of the city will also have a strong increase. By closing down a good amount of public roads to normal traffic there will also be 160 new squares in the city which will all have to be given a new function. Many of these squares will be transformed into green parks to increase the air quality of Barcelona. The increase of green within the city’s urban areas in combination with the reduced amount of cars will have a huge impact on the air quality of Barcelona. But this is not the only option for these newly created squares will turn into. Other examples are: playgrounds, places to get together or to play sports. Also restaurants will be able to expand their exterior seating area were the roads used to be. One of the benefits of creating new functions for the squares is that it will stimulate social cohesion within the SuperBlocks which will make Barcelona a better city to live in. In my opinion one of the biggest benefits of this plan is the reduction of noise since this is a major problem for Barcelona. this is due to its many cars and narrow streets Barcelona is an incredibly loud city. According to a report of The Guardian 61% of the population of Barcelona lives in an environment that does not meet the requirements set by the health legislation. Besides this the amount of of square meters per inhabitant will also have a strong increase. Currently, in neighbourhoods like Eixample each inhabitant has as little as 1.85 square meters of green space which doesn't even get close to cities like Amsterdam which has up t0 87.5 Square meters per inhabitant.

What impact will this have on the way of traveling in Barcelona?

By reducing the amount of cars in streets there will be more space for pedestrians but also for other ways or transport such as bikes, scooters and other modern personal electric ways of transport, such as Hoover Boards or Segways. To be able to create space for these ways of transport the the current amount of bike lanes will be tripled, this will add up to approximately 300 kilometers  throughout the city which will make traveling by bike or other means through Barcelona a lot more pleasant. Besides the changes in personal transport Public transport will also become a more effective way of traveling through the city. The Orthogonal bus network which has already been implemented throughout the city in combination with these SuperBlocks will ensure that waiting times for buses will go down from 14 minutes to an average of 5 minutes and no matter where you are in the city a bus stop will always be within 300 meters of your location. All of this will make it more attractive to use public transport over using your own car. For pedestrians walking through the city will also become a lot faster due to the fact that there will be a lot less traffic lights you would otherwise be waiting for.

The effect SuperBlocks will have on real estate.

Making changes in the infrastructure doesn't only effect the way we move through the city but I also has an effect on the prices of Property. By creating SuperBlocks and taking away traffic from the streets and filling these with green spaces the streets will transform to be a lot calmer and less noisy. These changes will tremendously effect the value of houses and apartments which are located within these new SuperBlocks. Quality green spaces increase commercial rents and property prices too. A report of the "GLA" in 2003 suggested that a 1% increase in green space in a typical London ward led to 0.3 – 0.5% rise in average house price  Properties will become more attractive for young families due to the newly created spaces where their children will be able to play without the danger of fast traffic.

Similar projects from around the World!

Barcelona of course is not the first city in the world that has started doing a project as this. There are many cities around the globe where they are reducing traffic and creating pedestrian spaces. Most of these projects have started between 2000 and 2010 as more and more cities started to realize motorized traffic would slowly disappear in the near future as public transport is becoming a more useful way to get around the city. Besides the fact that the quality of living increased in these places, the economy also had a boost. This is due to that pedestrian areas are more attractive for stores and restaurants. Take New York city for example, after implementing better cross-sections, increasing pedestrian comfort and improving cycle facilities some areas have had and a increase in sales from 30% up-to 105% in some areas of the city.
Looking at all the changes the SuperBlocks will make I think the city council of Barcelona is well on its way to making Barcelona a better city to live in. With a big decrease in motorized transport and a strong increase in green spaces throughout the entire city the city will become a healthier and more pleasant place to live. The expected rise in house prices and possible economic boost also make it more interesting to start investing in this amazing city. Did you find this blog interesting and want to read more about similar projects around the world where cities are planning to go car free then be sure to check out the following cities: Oslo, Madrid , Brussels and other pedestrian friendly cities in Europe. Or do you just want to read more of the blogs on our page then read on and explore Barcelona by Blogs Samuel-

The SuiteLife weekend blog Vol 1.  - Art from Barcelona

After walking through the streets for endless hours looking at all the famous touristic attractions I started noticing all these small stores, bars and other places which are highly underrated and deserve a lot more exposure than they are getting. For this reason we at SuiteLife are creating a new weekend findings blog where we will expose these amazing stores and venues to you. This Saturday afternoon I headed over to El Born because I was in desperate need of a new pair of shoes and had already spotted Al Carrer skates shop. On the way to the store still feeling hungover of the night before we were also craving some quality fast food, we ended up in a super small but great restaurant where we ate some amazing piadina at Santa Piadina. After having fuelled up for some shopping we walked over to Al Career Skateshop where I directly found a pair of shoes within my budget.

Maxó Gallery

But now comes the real treasure I found this weekend. While already tired of shopping we decided to head over to park Cituadella to relax and enjoy the things we bought. While on our way to the park walking through Carrer del Portal Nou all of a sudden a gallery on my left side caught my attention. I decided to have a quick look inside and was directly amazed by the first pieces of art I laid my eyes on. Simple wooden picture frames with 3 dimensional art created within, of places around the city of Barcelona. These pieces of art were designed by Maxó to give you the feeling of being there. The Maxó galleria was originally opened by Maxó Renella so that he would have a place of his own where he can work on his art and also display it to the public to enjoy. Over time he has gathered more artists which also work and display their art in his gallery. One of the special aspects about the gallery is that all the art inside is made by hand in the gallery, nothing is made in bulk amounts to keep everything authentic and original.
While walking further into the gallery I started noticing that the art on display in the gallery wasn’t the only thing to be enjoyed while in the store. The entire ceiling of the gallery is covered in tiny white arms reaching down grasping the attention of the visitors of the gallery. Another really cool feature of the gallery are the two train tracks which run along the walls of the entire room constantly taking your attention as you can hear them running in circles.

The workshop

To be honest, the store is beautiful and the art displayed inside is amazing but it simply can't match the details found in the workshop of the gallery which is located in the backside of the gallery. Even though as a visitor of the gallery you might not get to see much more of this workshop than a quick glimpse, I think it shows what this gallery is all about. Almost every single Sq cm in this workshop is used to store something. In this place you will find objects from vintage to toy car wheels and statues of maria which the artists utilize to create the incredible pieces of art which are on display in the gallery. Two of the things I like the most about the workshop are the way they store all their tools and the wall of camera's on the back wall. The vintage camera's on the back wall give that feeling of authenticity that this entire gallery has.
The workshop is located all the way at the back of the gallery on a higher level so that the artists can work in peace but have the ability to keep an eye out on the visitors admiring their work on display.

On display

Currently there are multiple styles of art on display in the gallery all made by the artists that work in the gallery. My favourite one is called "The Calm & The Chaos" by Maxo Renella this exhibition shows 2 different styles of people, even though their faces might be the same their minds are completely different. The pieces of "The Calm & The Chaos" series are all one of a kind which adds extra value to the painting. It is also possible to request a certain theme and have your personal calm and the chaos paintings made.
My second favourite are the small 3 dimensional pictures along the right wall of the gallery. All the pictures on the wall are made in Barcelona which makes it a perfect souvenir for tourists and real Barcelona Lovers. The pictures are made in such a way that you are being taken into the picture which gives you the feeling of actually being there. By adding multiple layers, the picture lures you closer and closer and you'll start to see more and more hidden details in deeper layers of the frame. The frames and pictures are lightweight which makes them easy to hang on the wall with blu-tac or other sticky materials. Also the prices of these pieces are not too high which makes them perfect to buy as a gift.

Collectables

Besides the art created by the artists the gallery also has a cabinet which is stuffed with some amazing collectable toys. Think of vintage toy cars, action figures and more. These pieces just as the 3D picture frames are perfect for room decoration and are also another playful feature to the gallery.

Words from the Gallery

The dream

To have the most well known gallery to buy original art from Barcelona

For love

Galleria de Maxó aspires to give tourists a unique experience through an unparalleled atmosphere to purchase original art in Barcelona. By providing affordable art as souvenirs, presents home-work decorations and collections, our gallery can help people appreciate art all over the world. The success of the gallery allows artists to consistently work with limitless inspiration and continually produce a product that locals are proud to call their own. (more pictures of the gallery below) If you are interested in original art from Barcelona be sure to check out the Maxo Galleria  We hope you have enjoyed reading this first edition of the SuiteLife weekend Blog. If you have any suggestions or know a place of which you think it deserves some extra attention write a comment below and we will feature it in one of our future Suitelife weekend Blogs! Samuel- Some more picture of the Maxó Galleria

7 Alternative Things to do in Barcelona

At some point, everyone can get caught up in the same routine every day and it starts to get repetitive. There are alternative things to do in Barcelona whether you are a local or a tourist and want to try something new.

For those who want to go out, but don’t want to hit the dance floor-

New and exciting activities are being created everywhere and are spreading throughout the world.

PingPong Fridays

These Fridays started in New York and have come to Barcelona. It is a fun way to socialize while having a few drinks and playing a game everyone loves. You can play against a friend and possibly have the loser buy the next round of drinks. You can also try to defeat ‘Mister X’ to win a bottle of champagne. Even though you may lose a game or two, if you go to PingPong Fridays you are sure to have a great night out. WHEN: Every Friday from July 1st through July 22nd 11:59PM-2:00AM WHERE: Luz De Gas Muntaner 246, 08021 Barcelona

Sala Montjuic

Sala Montjuic is an open-air film festival. A few of the best movies of all time are projected, with concerts and short films in-between each film. This event is very relaxed with a picnic style venue. Make sure to bring some drinks and food to enjoy while you watch the films. Tickets are 6.50 euros and chairs are available to rent. Also, if you are interested you can purchase a guided tour of the castle as well. Watching films is also a great way to help you pick up a second language. WHEN: July 1st to August 5th, 2016 Doors open at 8:30PM Concert starts at 8:45PM Film starts at 10:00PM WHERE: Sala Montjuïc is in the Fossat de Santa Eulàlia moat at Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc). For a program and further information click here.

For those who are active-

Since Barcelona has the beach, the ocean, the city and the mountains, there are many activities it has to offer. The city seems to never sleep, so why should you?

BCP-Barcelona Cable Park

BCP is an adrenaline-pumping wake boarding cable park. For beginners or experts, this park has everything you need. This is a fun way to cool off with family or friends and experience something new! Tickets for beginners start at 30 euros for 30 minutes or 50 euros for 60 minutes and go up from there. This activity is one that really adds to the list of alternative things to do in Barcelona. WHEN: Book online here. WHERE:Parc del Forum s/n, 08019 Barcelona

Eat Street Barcelona

Eat Street Barcelona is the perfect event for anyone that loves food. There are tons of tents and food trucks with a variety of different foods and music. Eat Street Barcelona is an awesome way to experience the food of Barcelona and socialize with friends and family. WHEN: July 9th, 2016 at 6:00PM-2:00AM WHERE: Ferrán Turné 11  More Information

For those in the business world-

Barcelona has many events throughout the summer that are both fun and informative. Two events that stand out are ‘FuckUp Nights Barcelona’ and ‘Apps & Beer’.

FuckUp Nights Barcelona

FuckUp Nights Barcelona is a relaxed environment where four professionals discuss their failures in the business world and how they have overcome them while enjoying a cold drink. The unique part about this event is that failure is not looked at in a bad way. People are sharing their mistakes in order to help prevent other professions from making the same mistakes and to help overcome current troubles. This is a very different event than other networking events and that is why it is an alternative thing to do in Barcelona. WHEN: June 22nd, 2016 at 7:30PM WHERE: Maestró Rambla de Catalunya 79, 08007 Barcelona

Apps & Beer

Apps & Beer is an event that is perfect for app developers and entrepreneurs in the technology business. Take this event as an opportunity to discuss/share your existing or future apps and ideas while drinking a cold beer. If you want feedback on an app that is being developed, this is a great place to start. Even if you are just interested in hearing about up and coming apps and technology this event will be of interest to you. On a side note, Barcelona has many apps that help with day to day activities and many people are taking advantage of! WHEN: July 5th, 2016 from 7:00PM-9:00PM WHERE: Hotel Silken Diagonal

Social Media Day

Social Media Day is an event that started about 7 years ago and celebrates the impact social media has had on global communication. Professionals from companies like Facebook, VICE, Twitter and many more will be speaking about their impacts and thoughts on the impact of social media on communication. There will be a ‘tinder terrace’ at the end of the night to have drinks and look at the beautiful views of the beach. WHEN: June 30th, 2016 from 4:00PM-10:00PM WHERE: The Great Room - W Barcelona, Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, 1, 08039 Barcelona Get tickets and more information click here.
No matter what type of person you are, there is always a way to find alternative things to do in Barcelona for anyone. These are just a few highlights, but there are always new events and activities being planned. Go have a great time and experience Barcelona! Until next time, Jack