Barcelona Stag & Hen Events, News and Weekends

5 Tips to make the most of your Stag weekend in Barcelona

2012-01-04T19:33:00.001+01:00

Barcelona is a highly popular stag destination for people from around Europe, and below are some tips of how to make the most of a stag do in the city.

Visit the beaches
One of the most enjoyable aspects of choosing the city of Barcelona as a stag location is the fantastic weather that the city enjoys for much of the year. One of the best ways to enjoy this weather is to visit one the beaches in the city, or indeed one of those just along the coast. These beaches are perfectly set up for guys to bond and have fun.

Hit the port at night time
Partying is one of the defining activities of a stag do, and the bars in the port are perhaps the best for stag do's as many do not charge for entry, meaning that groups can move from bar to bar. Also, the drinks in this area tend not to be as expensive as bars in the city centre.

Enjoy the water park
When it comes to day time activities on stag do's, the Illa fantasia water park, located around 20 minutes outside of the city, provides a perfect option to allow the party to partake in high adrenaline events. The train ticket is included in the price.(Interested also in watersports in Barcelona?)

Stay in a central location
Staying centrally means that all areas of the city can be reached quickly. Whilst it would not be recommended to stay in areas such as La Ramblas due to cost implications, there are other central areas where cheaper but equally comfortable accommodation can be found.

Indulge in some culture
Although stag do's are not known for their love or appreciation of high culture, there is so much culture around Barcelona that it would be a shame not to create a better rounded visit by taking in some of the culture, such as Sagrada Familia or a museum.

The History of city rivals FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol

2011-12-05T16:55:00.001+01:00

Whenever there are two football teams in close proximity there is a strong chance that there will be an intense rivalry between those two clubs, and when the clubs are as large and well followed as Barcelona and Espanyol it almost goes without saying. Whilst the most famous rivalry in Spanish football is that between Barcelona and Real Madrid, for many Barcelona fans the rivalry with Espanyol is unmatched as a result of the close proximity and history.

The history of the rivalry between Barcelona and Espanyol has a political past, with tradition stating that Espanyol were the club for those who sided with central authority, especially as the club was founded an ran by a strictly Spanish board. Barcelona fans, on the other hand, were a strictly Catalan club and run by a multinational congregation. Real Espanyol isolated themselves from many of the citizens of Barcelona even further by changing their name to include the word royal and moving away from the city centre to the affluent neighbourhood of Sarria, whereas Barcelona played in the working class area of Les Corts.

This political association has waned somewhat over time with people tending to side with one team or another due to family influence, but the close proximity in which the fans live ensures high tension and an electric atmosphere when the sides meet. Real Espanyol have just completed a new stadium in a town outside of Barcelona called Cornella, meaning that the club will for the first time lose their tag as a Barcelona team.

Buy tickets for Espanyol v Barcelona matches.

What’s Hot in Barcelona

2011-11-11T16:18:00.001+01:00

As a modern and popular city, Barcelona is constantly evolving, with new features cropping up all the time. Below are some of the hottest things in Barcelona at the moment.

Grand Hotel Central
In a city where there are already so many hotels, it takes something special to set tongues wagging. However, this fantastic recent development on the Vía Laietana certainly falls into that category, despite its apparently uninspiring location. The location, only a few metres from the cathedral, is privileged to say the least, whilst people cannot get enough of the rooftop pool.

Jamonisimo
This is a popular restaurant at the moment with locals and tourists alike as it has a reputation for serving some of the best meat in the country. The ham in particular is highly sought after as it is from pigs which have been raised in the highest standard in the Spanish countryside. I would highly recommend trying a taster plate, this might cost you a bit but it is one of those things that you just have to do in life.

Picasso Museum
This may not be a new attraction in the city, but it is so good that it never goes out of fashion. Barcelona has a quite amazing art scene, and this museum is quite simply the best of them all. The buildings in which the museum is located are worth the visit alone, but of course the huge collection of this world renowned artists are the main attraction and should certainly be experienced. More on the Picasso Museum.

Barcelona Burlesque classes - This is the latest event added by Barcelona Adventure to the list of activities possible in the city. This tends to be a lot of fun especially for hen parties and female groups. It is unsurprisingly not so popular with male groups.

3 Nightclubs you must try in Barcelona

2011-10-05T19:53:00.005+02:00

The Barcelona nightlife is vibrant and exciting. It is one of the aspects of the city which make it so popular for tourists from around the world, especially as it does not have the rowdy reputation of some other Mediterranean resorts. Below are some of the clubs to try in the city.

Boulevard Club
It is common for people who are not familiar with the city to head to La Ramblas in the evening as it is the most famous area of the city. Whilst there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area it is not the best area for clubs, with the exception of a few clubs such as this one which is right in the centre. The music has a distinctly dancey feel to it with house and techno common. The club is frequented by a mixture of tourists and locals.

Shoko Club
The port is one of the most popular areas of Barcelona in the evening, with a selection of bars and restaurants along the seafront which are attractive on the eye as well as a pleasant experience. Shoko club is one of the most famous and popular clubs in this area, it has a stylish appearance in the restaurant and bar downstairs whilst the club attracts some of the top djs in the area.

Razzmatazz
This club, located in the Poble Nou area of Barcelona, is a huge establishment which has five separate rooms, providing you with a great deal of options in one space. There is a variety of different music genres in each room, making this a good option for large groups with differing tastes.

You can book an organised Barcelona nightclub tour with a Barcelona nightlife package tour.

My experience of the Barcelona NOU CAMP Stadium tour

2011-09-15T12:41:00.001+02:00

From the moment that the decision was finalised tovisit Barcelona, I immediately decided that I wanted to visit the Nou Camp, home of FC Barcelona. I hadwatched so many games on television and sat in awe of the sheer size of theplace that I simply had to have a closer look, something I did not have time todo when I attended the European Cup final in Barcelona in 1999.

On the day that we took the tour, we left our hotel in Las Ramblas and took the metro to the ground, a journey which was short and seemedto fly by what with my overly excited state. Upon arrival I was amazed by thesize of the stadium and immediately taken by the aura of the place. So many ofthe world’s greatest players had played here over the years, and even on a nonmatch day there were a great number of people milling around which created areal atmosphere.

I initially visited the stadium with the intention of viewingthe stadium from the outside, but once I had arrived I could not resist thetemptation to take a full tour around the stadium.

The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the chance to walkup onto the side of the pitch as this really affords one a sublime view of whatis without doubt one of the best football arenas in the entire world. Theopportunity to tour the changing rooms was also intriguing as it is an aspectof the match day preparations which the fan does not often get to see. Theonsite museum has a great collection of memorabilia and videos which really engrossedme and To wrap it all off, the chance to stand next to the European cup andhave a picture which now has pride of place in my dining room was a dream cometrue. Find Barcelona football tickets for all games.

FC Barcelona Stag visits

2011-08-18T14:20:00.003+02:00

What we can expect from Lionel Messi next season?

The simple answer to the question “what can we expect from Lionel Messi” next season is that if the form he has displayed for the rest of his career is anything to go by then we are in for a treat. Messi is one of the most celebrated players of all time, and the fact that he is still playing is fantastic as it means that all football fans get to opportunity to see a modern day genius at work, with every suggestion being that he will only get better.

It is sometimes difficult to believe that Lionel Messi is only 24 years old giving that he has had such an impact on the game and has achieved so much, added to the fact that his physical appearance suggests that he is much older. In his short career, Messi has already won many of the game’s major honours, including the Champions League, the Spanish league title, the World Youth Championship and an Olympic gold medal. With so many honours it would be easy for Messi to become complacent and lose his drive and passion for the game, but anybody who has viewed his performances over the last year, as well as in recent pre season games, will know that this is certainly not the case, and the current list of honours is destined to grow much bigger.

Playing for the best club side in the world allows Lionel Messi to really flourish as opposing teams cannot afford to divert too much of their attention to him as there are so many other players to monitor. The addition of Cesc Fabregas will only emphasise this and create even more room for Messi to weave his magic. If you want to see Messi in action, you buy can Barcelona football tickets direct from official agents such as BarcelonaFootballTickets.com

Is the Nou Camp Stadium one of the best in the world? Read about the best 5 football stadiums in the world and the latest FC Barcelona transfer news.

Quad Biking opportunities in Barcelona

2011-08-02T16:39:00.003+02:00

Quad biking is a fun and adrenaline fuelled activity which can be enjoyed all over the world. Below are some of the quad biking opportunities in Barcelona.

Montenegra Natural Park
One of the best options for quad biking in Barcelona is to quad bike around the beautiful Montenegra National Park which is just short drive from the city. There are different tracks to experience, great scenery and an abundance of wildlife.

Quad biking holidays
There are opportunities to go on holidays which are designed specifically around quad biking. Your entire package will include transfers to and from the airport, accommodation and quad biking lessons. You will then have the opportunity to explore different courses. The size of bike you will be able to ride will depend on your age and driving experience.

Stag do activities
You can arrange to partake in quad biking as one aspect of your stag do experience or book a package which will include all of the key aspects your trip. You can often get a better deal if you book the entire package, but keep in mind that you will lose an element of control over your stag do with this optiob.

Beach Quad biking
Quad biking on the beach is great due to the fact that often you do not have to book in advance and have the extra benefit of the scenery. You will not have the diversity of some of the tracks in specific quad biking areas but that is compensated by the positives.

5 Reasons to take Cocktail making classes in Barcelona

2011-07-05T15:03:00.004+02:00

When visiting a new city many people will have generic experiences by visiting the same tourist attractions and hanging out in the same places. One way in which you can differentiate your trip is to partake in different activities. Below are some of the reasons you should choose to take Barcelona cocktail making classes.

You can impress your friends

The ability to make cocktails gives you the opportunity to show off to your friends, especially as it is something that they can benefit from. You could even hold a cocktail party to show off or even pass on your skills.

You can appreciate how much alcohol goes into cocktails

When we drink cocktails sometimes we can take for granted how much alcohol actually goes into them. Attending cocktail lessons, therefore, is a good education which can help one to be more aware of what they drink and be more sensible in their approach to alcohol.

Make friends

Lessons of any type are a great way of making friends, and if cocktails are something that you enjoy then this is a good way of meeting people who have a similar interest to you, whether they are short or long term friends.

Immerse yourself in culture

Cocktails are a fashionable in Barcelona so taking lessons is a good way to immerse yourself in what can be a common part of many people’s social life.

Good skill

The ability to make cocktails is something that can help you to obtain a job, either in Barcelona whilst travelling in the area, or in any cocktail bar in the world. If you are planning to backpack around the world by taking a year off, cocktail making might just be the type of skill which can help you pay for the trip as you travel.

Whilst in Barcelona you might also be interested in the best barcelona markets and also 5 best Barcelna team building events for groups visiting the city.

5 Best Football Stadiums in the world

2011-06-13T16:15:00.004+02:00

Football, or soccer, is the most popular sport on the planet. Each week millions of people around the world flock to stadiums to support their favourite team, a demand which has led to countless footballing amphitheatres being created around the world. Below are some of the best football stadiums to visit stadiums in the world and Barcelona make's our Top 5!

Nou Camp Stadium - The Nou Camp is quite simply a fortress. Barcelona Football Club are arguably the best club in the world and have been at that level for a large number of years. The club attracts the finest players on the planet who enjoy playing at the enormous Nou Camp, which holds almost 100,000 people and is full for the vast majority of games. The fans produce an electrifying atmosphere and the views from the stand are magnificent. A trip to Nou Camp alone is justification to visit the city of Barcelona.

Maracana - Sometimes the quality of a stadium’s upkeep can be overlooked due to the unquestionable quality of the football which is played there. The Maracana, whilst huge, is not in the best condition, but you will not care for a second. Brazil is one of the best and most successful footballing nations in the world, and has been for decades. The support which the nations provide can also be considered amongst the best in the world, which ensures that any game which takes place here is like a carnival.

Amsterdam Arena - This stadium in the capital of Holland was groundbreaking on a number of levels and it still maintains its status as one of the most modern and magnificent stadiums on the world. The Amsterdam Arena was the first stadium in Europe to have a sliding roof, meaning that games can be played in all conditions. The tunnel which runs under the stadium also provides a fantastic view for passing motorists. The atmosphere which is created in the stadium is typical of the Dutch people’s passion for sport. The stadium is home to Ajax Football Club and also hosts the national sides home games, which are always top class affairs.

San Siro - Italy is hugely passionate about football and it boasts a whole range of fantastic stadiums. In my opinion the best of them all is the San Siro, which is home to AC Milan and Internazionale, the two best clubs in Italy and amongst the best in the world. The San Siro is unique in its appearance and quite outstanding as an arena for top class football. With 85,000 fans letting off fireworks and singing vivaciously throughout games, this is an experience which is a must for any football fan.

Wembley Stadium - The home of football. This is the national stadium in the country where football was born, and the new structure stands on the spot of its historic predecessor. Holding 90,000 fans with a giant arch leaning over it, many would argue that the Wembley experience simply cannot be matched.

3 Best Art Galleries in Barcelona

2011-05-09T16:42:00.001+02:00

Art is one of the biggest contributors to the culture of Barcelona. Over the centuries there have been a series of high calibre, world class artists to come out of Barcelona and the surrounding area. There are a number of art galleries in Barcelona which celebrate the work of these artists as well as countless others from around the world. Below are some of the best art galleries in Barcelona.

Museo Picasso - Picasso is one of the most famous artistic sons to come out of Barcelona and this is the most comprehensive collection of his work anywhere in the world. The collection is spread amongst 5 different medieval palaces, which adds significantly to the visitor experience. The pictures of the city of Barcelona in particular are a priceless look into the city’s past.

National Art Gallery of Catalunya (MNAC) - Medieval paintings have a distinct feel to them which provide a vital and unique look into life at the time. The collection of art from this time at the MNAC is one of the largest of its type in the world which helps to regularly make this gallery one of the best in Spain according to ratings.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) - If you are a lover of contemporary art then you will absolutely adore this art gallery, especially if you also happen to be fond of the Catalan region. The best features include the (sometimes) weird but wonderful artwork, the fabulous architecture and the glorious building in which the gallery is housed.

3 Museums you must visit in Barcelona

2011-04-26T15:18:00.003+02:00

Barcelona is a city which has a rich culture and an extensive history. As well as the many fantastic modern features which this city has to offer the tourist, one of the other reasons to visit is to savour the splendid range of museums which are spread around the city. Below are some of the museums which you should make an effort to visit:

Museo Picasso De Barcelona - Picasso is one of the most famous Spanish of all times, and it was in Barcelona where he honed his talents. Having moved to the city at an early age Picasso enrolled into a local arts college. The talent which he evolved here is something of which the city is immensely proud. The Museo Picasso De Barcelona is dedicated to his life and displays some of his best work.

Catalan National Art Museum - One of the best features of this museum is the building in which it is housed. The palace overlooking the fountains of Montjuic is a deserving setting for the fine range of gothic masterpieces which can be found here. The art on display is diverse in nature and ranges from drawings and paintings to sculptures and engravings amongst other things. Here you can follow the progression of Catalan art over the years.

MACBA Barcelona contemporary Art Museum - If you are a lover of modern art then this museum will be right up your street. There is an extensive collection of modern artworks from a variety of different artists around Europe and the rest of the world.

Best markets in Barcelona

2011-03-21T17:32:00.002+01:00

Major European cities such as Barcelona are famed for their shopping experiences, however instead of visiting the city's high streets and stores, a cheaper, and arguably, more exhilarating experience is visiting the local markets. Whether you're after clothes, food or handcrafted items, Barcelona has a market to suit you and a bargain for every budget. Below are some of the best in and around the city;

Mercat Del Encants

Also known as Barcelona's largest flea market, the Mercat Del Encants has everything you could possibly want, from antique coins to clothes to DIY tools. As you'd expect Saturday is the busiest day, so unless you are a fan of crowds, it is best to go during the week. The market is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday as well with the stalls opening at 8.30am.

Sant Antoni Market

One of Barcelona's largest food markets, Sant Antoni Market is the non-tourist equivalent to La Boqueria, another popular food market in the city. Full of local wares and cuisine, Sant Antoni Market is extremely busy on Sunday (the sole day it is held), with locals and foreigners alike sampling the deli products as well as buying other products such as books and magazines. It should be noted that, like all markets in Spain, it is not open during August.

Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep

If you are looking for a bit of local culture to take home with you, then this art market is just the thing for you. Populated by local artists, the market showcases every type of style you could be after. If you are after a piece of art, you may have to negotiate in the native tongue as all the artists will be from the Catalonia region.

Top 3 Irish pubs in Barcelona

2011-02-28T17:11:00.003+01:00

Barcelona has a large British and Irish ex-pat population and as expected, there are numerous pubs and bars. Not only are these popular with tourists, but locals have also found themselves drawn to the pubs and bars of Great Britain and Ireland. There are around 20 Irish pubs in Barcelona, but if you want to find the best possible pint of Guinness, try the recommended ones below:

The Fastnet Irish Bar - Actually owned by an Irish family, this pub is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. The staff all speak English and the food is a collection of familiar English dishes such as burgers, fish and chips and the All English breakfast. The Fastnet Irish Bar also has an outside terrace if you wish to enjoy your drinks in the sun, or you can stay inside and watch the latest sports on the bar's TVs.

P. Flaherty Irish Bar - Part of a chain of Irish pubs around Spain, the pub is a very popular sports bar thanks to it numerous TVs and decent menu. As well as meals like burgers, stew and breakfasts and traditional pub drinks, you can also play pool and darts. During the week, the pub also has live music which changes each week and can be viewed on the bar's individual sites.

Kennedy Irish Sailing Club - Outside of the city centre and overlooking the harbour-side, Kennedy Irish Sailing Club is a more relaxed alternative to the main Irish bars in the city. With wide open terraces, live music and a decent menu, the pub is extremely popular and can often be crowded on a Saturday night.

3 Seafood Restaurants you must try in Barcelona

2011-02-07T18:20:00.004+01:00

Barcelona is renowned for its culture, and one of the key aspects of this culture is the range of restaurants to choose from. With Barcelona being located on the coast, it is natural that there are a number of seafood restaurants to choose. Below are three such restaurants to visit when in Barcelona:

Cal Pep - Located next to the main Cal Pep restaurant, the ‘Cal Pep Next Door’ is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in Barcelona. Using fresh, seasonal products, Cal Pep takes pride in his preparation and in the way he puts his own touch on every dish to make it a truly authentic experience.

Els Pescadors - This restaurant has the reputation for being one of the best quality seafood restaurants in Barcelona. Although the restaurant is located a reasonable distance from the city centre, it is worth the journey to experience the contemporary style of fresh fish available, most of which is sourced locally. Historically, the local fisherman used to congregate here, meaning that high standards of seafood would be expected. The restaurant is located near to where people used to depart for a better life in America, meaning that a visit here also has a historical relevance.

Alkimia Restaurant - The name of the restaurant, an Arabic word meaning a noble and magical journey for the palate, is accurately reflected in the quality of the seafood available here. Traditional dishes served in a contemporary fashion leave the diner feeling a definite sense of luxury.

3 Best Areas to Stay for Tourists to Barcelona

2011-01-12T14:49:00.004+01:00

Barcelona experiences high levels of tourism at all times throughout the year. When deciding which area to stay in, the answer depends entirely on what you would like from the area in which you stay. Below are some of the best to stay for those visiting Barcelona:

La Rambla - One of the most famous streets in Barcelona, La Rambla is a mile long road which is lined by trees and provides the ultimate tourist experience in Barcelona. La Rambla is often referred to as Les Ramblas due to the fact that it is made up of a number of different streets. There are a number of attractions in and around La Rambla, including an opera house, museums, street markets and Barcelona’s most famous fountain la Font de Canaletes.

Passeig Del Gracia - This area is popular for both business and shopping. It also boasts some of Barcelona’s best architecture. The area is constantly busy making it a great place to stay for lovers of the modern city culture. The fact that property in the area is amongst the most expensive in Spain is an indication of the extravagance that is present.

El Born - For those who like to be amongst the best places to eat and drink within a city, El Born would be a suitable choice. One of the most fashionable areas of the city, El Borne boasts a number of restaurants and bars and also has a vibrant nightlife. There is also a great deal of culture present with a variety of museums nicely complementing the medieval feel to the street provided by many of the buildings.

Quick Note: Barcelona v Getafe tickets on sale.

Guide to Montjuic in Barcelona

2010-12-20T17:59:00.003+01:00

When Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games in 1992, Montjuic in Barcelona was the site of many of the events. A mountain lying to the east of the city, Montjuic resembles a large hill upon which is an old castle, that is now a military museum. Accessible by cable car, the mountain provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the city itself.

The city's Olympic Stadium also lies in the shadow of the mountain and is now home to Espanyol, one of the city's football teams. Another Olympic building, the Palau Sant Jordi, is also near the mountain. During the Games, it was used for gymnastics, but since then it has been transformed into a swimming pool for championship tournaments and is also the city's main musical stadium where world-famous acts such as Madonna and Lady Gaga have performed.

Around the stadiums are also flower gardens, cactus parks and a plethora of shops dedicated to numerous souvenirs of the city. There are even more shops around the other side of the mountain in Poble Espanyol, however these are more an artful nature with glass blowing and pottery stores providing authentic souvenirs for tourists to take home.

It is the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya however that is the region's main draw. One of the most visited buildings in Barcelona, the city's art gallery is home to local Catalan art as well as more famous Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque pieces of art. The museum is home, to not just portraits, but to sculptures, enamels and elaborate carvings.

Interested in a Montjuic Barcelona City tour for you or a group?

5 Team Events in Barcelona

2010-12-01T13:23:00.004+01:00

There are many things to see and do in Barcelona and as such, it is the perfect destination for a team building exercise. But what should you do once you are there? Here are five ideas!

1. Hit the casino! - Situated in the Port Olympic, the Gran Casino de Barcelona is the city's leading casino and boasts not just blackjack, roulette, baccarat and several forms of poker, but four gourmet restaurants, a cabaret and three bars.

2. Try the Flamenco - One of Spain's most famous traditional art forms, Flamenco dancing is the perfect team building exercise, building self confidence and allowing colleagues to unleash their inner passions. There are a number of classes all around the city, with workshops taking 60 minutes.

3. Find treasure - A great way to explore the city as well as make colleagues work together, a treasure hunt gets your employees out and about, solving challenging clues and tackling a mental and physical challenge. A perfect way to break the ice, enjoy the city and foster healthy competition.

4. Dragon Boat Racing - Dragon Boat racing has become one of the most popular team events in the city, allowing colleagues to not only get a workout, but challenge each other to an all-out race down the river. There are packages for teams of all sizes and abilities and is ideal for experts or those that have never touched a paddle in their life.

5. Paintball - Everyone loves paintball as they get to unleash their inner Rambo as well as any frustrations with work colleagues! Not only does it promote team play, but it is a fun day out allowing employees to settle problems in combat instead of in the office!

The Pope, Gaudi and Sagrada Familia

2010-11-08T23:40:00.002+01:00

It has been absolutely crazy here the last few days and getting to the subway station a few hundred metres away has been taking ages because it has been so crowded (even more than normal) the last few days. And all because of the Pope.

Gaudi spent decades working on the church La Sagrada Familia and overall it has taken approx 120 years so far and it is still meant to need another 50 years or so to fully finish it. Gaudi in effect started a project which he knew he would never himself have the chance to see finished. The pope is in Barcelona to consecrate Sagrada Familia. It is now officially a church.

I did the tour of the church 2 years ago and if you go onto the rooftop it really quite amazing and offers some of the best views of the city of Barcelona. You can learn more about La Sagrada Familia from the official website. You can also find flights to Barcelona information online.

Guide to Car Rental hire in Barcelona

2010-10-19T17:23:00.002+02:00

One of the best ways to tour the city of Barcelona and the surrounding Catalan coast is to hire a car and drive around. There are several reputed agencies that allow visitors to the city to hire cars with relative ease and little paperwork. Here is a guide to car rental hire in Barcelona.

In order to drive in Barcelona, one must first possess a valid EU driving license or an international driving license. The driver must also be over 18 years of age to rent a car in Barcelona. Some rental agencies may insist on higher fees for drivers below the age of 25, so if you are below this age bar, you may want to consider as many rental options as possible until you find the one that is most economical.

The first thing that must be taken into consideration when hiring a car is the agency from which you are hiring. If you do not have any local contacts in the city that can help you with your car rental, it is advisable to rent a car from an accredited rental agent. There are a number of agencies like Avis and Hertz that are present in many locations around Barcelona. For a wider selection, it is a good idea to take a look at the car rental agents at the airport or trains station. It is also possible to book a rental car online, which will help ensure that you get a car for the duration you require.

When hiring a rental car in Barcelona, it is a good idea to purchase a rental insurance that will provide coverage for any damage that may occur to the car.

Go-Karting in Barcelona

2010-10-01T17:54:00.002+02:00

I have worked with many visitors to Barcelona to set them up with a group Go Karting day but until last week I had never tried it myself. And I have to say that it is a complete blast and great fun.

It is very much about fun and the great thing is that everyone in the group gets to have more than 1 race, with several heats and then a semi final and final. It does partly make a difference if you get a good car or not but the cars are rotated so that overall you get a fair chance of racing.

Everything is supplied including helmet and gloves and the cars. More information on Barcelona Go Karting online.

Choice for Barcelona Airports

2010-09-07T17:57:00.005+02:00

When flying into Barcelona, Spain, there are in fact 3 airports here to choose from - and they each have their own benefits.

Barcelona International Airport - The best option for most people with this the largest of the 3 airports serving Barcelona. This is the biggest of the airports and is connected to most cities worldwide and via 100 plus airlines.

Girona Barcelona Airport - In reality this is Girona airport but airlines such as Ryanair use it as a hub for serving Barcelona city. This IS a good option in that it means the chance of budget flights and buses are always laid on for flights into the airport for passengers to get to Barcelona.

Reus Airport - This airport can be perfect for those travelling to Sitges and also means a greater choice of flights into the Barcelona region. This is served mostly via budget airlines and certainly worth checking.

Read more information on Barcelona transport.

Need Barcelona apartments in Spain?

Barcelona: The good, the bad and the ugly

2010-08-16T21:59:00.002+02:00

Barcelona has both good sides and bad sides and here I always try to be truthful and honest. Overall Barcelona is a fantastic city and on the good side:

Gaudi architecture and museums
The beaches
Great summer weather
The Chill Bar

The negatives - well a friend flew to Barcelona last week and on the second day he has been mugged and lost his wallet and money. And this happened to another of his friends also. So these types of crimes do happen. The best tip is to be sensible in an area such as Las Ramblas you are best off always walking with hand over your wallet in your pocket if a guy - or with your hand directly on your handbag if a women (or if you have a manbag as a guy :)

Do not be put off by crime in Barcelona. Just be careful. One of the places to be most careful if where you see side stalls where card or coin tricks are being performed as these areas can be often set up as specific pick pocket areas.

Basically though - the vast majority of people have no problems in Barcelona and it is no worse than any other major city.

Barcelona Beach Sports Day

2010-07-27T00:16:00.004+02:00

It's always exciting when I can tell you about new events we've added to Barcelona Adventure and the latest and newest event is the Barcelona Beach Sports Day package.

For corporate, stag, hen and family groups this is a fun package and means the chance to enjoy both the beach and have some fun. Equipment is supplied and a variety of beach sports are included and can be adapted to the needs of the group. Beach football and Beach volleyball tend to be two of the most popular events but there are a dozen events you can chose from.

More on Beach Sports days in Barcelona.

Best Bars in Barcelona

2010-07-12T23:42:00.004+02:00

One of the very newest bars in Barcelona having opened only a few weeks ago, but already getting a reputation as a place to drink is the Chill Barcelona. Located on: Tienda2, c/Provença 424, 08025, Barcelona, Chill is a relaxing place to unwind.

Top English and Irish Pubs in Barcelona gives more details on some of the top choices in Barcelona.

If you want to go on an organised bar tour in Barcelona then the guys and girls at Barcelonaadventure.com organise tours for groups including for stag and hens.

Kite Surfing in Barcelona - New Events

2010-06-29T01:04:00.003+02:00

From time to time new events get added to the events that are available in Barcelona with companies such as 'Barcelona Adventure' and one of these latest events now available is Kite Surfing.

If you have never tried this activity then you absolutely must as it is a real thrill seeking event and something quite special. The concept of 'KiteSurfing' involves being on a small style surfboard and being pulled along with the aid of a large kite, which captures the wind. This is quite a new event and Barcelona is a great place to try this event and you have the choice to book it for a group of people or just for one or two people.

If you want to try something new then this new event comes highly recommended.

All eyes on the World Cup and pressure on Spain

2010-06-07T19:20:00.003+02:00

Whether you are interested in football or not, it will be quite hard to ignore it altogether in Barcelona over the next month - with great interest from people here and with a lot of people from a variety of countries likely to be filling the bars and anywhere where there is a TV. Barcelona will be a good place top enjoy the World Cup although do expect Spanish or Catalan commentary.

If you are in Barcelona over the next month and want to avoid the World Cup then do not worry because there is far more to do here than you will need and plenty which will mean not seeing the World Cup. Some ideas include:

Local Markets - Barcelona flea markets are a good place to start and Sant Antoni Market is an excellent choice and quite central. You can find some excellent bargains at this market.

Parks - There are some very good parks such as Guell Park, where you can see one of Gaudi's old houses. The park itself also offers a great view of the city of Barcelona.

Flamenco lessons in Barcelona - Taking dancing lessons or even cocktail making lessons will mean a chance to do something new and unusual whilst also not having to be involved with the World Cup craze.

Football withdrawal symptoms in Barcelona

2010-05-19T21:24:00.003+02:00

FC Barcelona have not sewn up the La Liga title and many people in Barcelona seem to be getting withdrawal symptoms already. Talk is circling around already about who the Catalans will sign for next season and there hardly goes a day without a new name being mentioned. Fabreglas (Arsenal), David Villa (Valencia) are just two of the named discussed in the last 24 hours.

Alas, football will not be forgotten for long because the World Cup is almost here and even though many Catalans wish to be separate from Spain, the majority if people in the country will get behind the Spanish national team in June for worlds top football event.

Watching the World Cup will be no problem in Barcelona with most bars and English and Irish pubs showing all of the games. If you are over for a stag, hens or corporate weekend then you can also ask your events organiser to incorporate the World Cup games into your schedule.

What's Hot in Barcelona for Events

2010-04-22T15:57:00.005+02:00

The weather does have an affect on the popularity of different events at different times of the year. Even though Barcelona is famous for its weather and beaches, the winter months are still often a little too cold for the beach life and there is more of a trend towards some of the indoor group, stag, hen and corporate events.

In winter time - more influence and popularity is experienced with events such the health packages, salsa classes and cocktail making. These events are certainly also very popular in the summer months, although some people want an even more outdoors make up to their bespoke events planning.

Summer time - Events with an even more outdoors and summer feel can be busy. Outdoor karting, water sports and ballooning. In a country such as the UK, many balloon trips often get cancelled because of excessive wind and inclement weather. In the Barcelona area the trips are much more reliable and it can be a much better option. I talk from experience from when my ballooning trip was cancelled 3 times in the UK because of high winds.

Barcelona in the Rain

2010-04-08T22:36:00.003+02:00

Most people associate Barcelona with good weather and generally in the Spring and Summer months, the weather is good. It does of course rain though and last year when friends came over in April for a week, it rained every day. The swimwear was never unpacked.

So what can you do in Barcelona when it rains. The answer is plenty and below a few suggestions:

Shopping - Barcelona has a number of excellent stores and you can easily spend all day in a massive stores such as El Cortes (the city's equivalent to New York's Maceys).

Bars and Restaurants - It perhaps goes without saying that there are literaly hundreds of very good restaurants and bars in the city of Barcelona and they cover a wide range of foods and themes.

Museums - There are numerous museums in Barcelona and these include those by Gaudi, the National museums and several excellent art galleries. There is at least a week's worth of museums you could potentially visit.

Bespoke Events - If you are organising events for your group i.e. stag, hen or corporate group then an events company can organise events based on indoor activites. Go Karting, cocktail making classes, health spa packages and other options can easily be planned.

The point is, do not worry if it rains here in Barcelona because you can certainly still have an excellent time.

Barcelona VIP Packages and ideas

2010-03-24T18:39:00.005+01:00

Living and working in Barcelona in the events and corporate market, we get to see all types of groups and people over here. One group which we are seeing more and more lately and despite the recession has been the VIP Market.

There are a number of options for VIP visitors as groups to Barcelona and there are many options for events and VIP service which we and other companies provide. Some events which are always popular with the VIP groups are:

Corporate Hospitality at an FC Barcelona game
Golf of one of the top courses near Barcelona
VIP Wine and Dine cruise
VIP tickets to a variety of one off events in Barcelona
Dinner in one of the top hotels or restaurants in Barcelona.
Personalised Vineyard tour

There are really a number of options and from experience, the best way is to have a bespoke travel plan created. Barcelona VIP tours can be found via companies such as BCN-Adventure.com. Also Barcelona apartments.

Corporate Trips to Barcelona

2010-03-16T00:25:00.003+01:00

Groups of all ages and types come to Barcelona. There are many stag and hen groups, several sports groups and also family get togethers. One other group who often visit are Corporate Groups and the Incentive travel users.

There are several companies who provide corporate trips to Barcelona and they normally specialise in the activities and needs of the corporate hospitality and events needs. In terms of events many that corporate groups enjoy the:

City Treasure Hunt (great for getting people to work together).
Paella Challenge (where teams have to go out and buy the ingredients and cook together in a competition).
Orienteering (whereby small groups have to navigate around the city (different from the treasure hunt).

You can learn more about team building and corporate trips to Barcelona from www.bcn-adventure.com

Consideratons when booking a Stag and Hens trip

2010-03-02T23:08:00.005+01:00

It can be quite stressful organising a stag and hens trip for a large group of money. It goes without saying that even the task of picking dates that suit everyone and then getting the deposits off of everyone can be time consuming and a lot of work. To help make things easier, some other things to consider and check. Maybe in fact its worth creating a checklist for the other stags or hens.

1. Passport - it is amazing how often one person in the group gets left behind and an expired or damaged passport is the most common reason. Maybe add this to the checklist for the group.

2. Accommodation - It can be worth considering a holiday apartment rather than hotels. Holiday apartments can often accommodate larger groups and the per person costs means it can be quite cheap for each person. A company such as Holiday Velvet for Barcelona apartments for groups are good.

3. Arrange the events in advance - a company such as Barcelona Adventure are experts in Barcelona Stag and Hen events and are used to taking care of everything including transportation to and from the events. It will take an enormous burden off of your shoulders.

Interested in Spanish wines and travel?

(Part 2 coming next time).

What's Hot for 2010 in Barcelona

2010-02-03T19:51:00.002+01:00

Apart from the weather when summer comes here in Barcelona, there are several things which are hot for 2010. New events, fashion, new foods and quite as a lot as always going on here around the city. In terms of team building, corporate, groups, stag and hen trips our Top 3 Hot for Barcelona guide is:

Life Drawing classes - we have already mentioned this a few times on other lists but once again it makes the list because since they started, these classes have proven to be very popular. Hen groups make up most of the bookings, with the attraction of drawing a male nude seemingly popular.
World Cup 2010 Bar Tours - Where will you be based for the World Cup of 2010. Where will you watch all of the games? Spending the time on a WC 2010 Barcelona bar tour will be popular.
Barcelona City Treasure Hunt - Sometimes the old ones are the favourites and the city treasure hunt is always popular and works for all group types.

Spring where are you...Barcelona weather

2010-01-26T17:36:00.003+01:00

Everyone associates Barcelona with great weather, sunshine and the beach and in summertime it is like that. In the winter though, just like a lot of places, it can get quite cool and it has not been unknown for it to rain all of January or February. Certainly if you are visiting for a weekend or week, make sure to also have some warm clothes for the evenings as the evenings can still be cold especially at the moment.

Personally I cannot wait for Spring as I am must be one of these people who suffer in part from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) where I feel more miserable if there is not sunshine. I need long hours of sunshine and there can not be enough of it for me.

March and April tend to be the months where the weather really starts to pick up again and you might even one or two days on the beach in these months, although of course the weather can still be temperamental. The good news in Barcelona though is that indoors or outdoors, there is plenty to see and do in all weathers.

Stag and Hen events for the Winter

2010-01-13T15:34:00.003+01:00

It is cold all around Europe at the moment and thus I thought I'd highlight a few Stag and Hen events which are good for the winter weather many people are experiencing. My top 3:

1. Health and Spa package (Hens) - being indoors and enjoying the warmth of a good spa and the relaxation of a Jacuzzi spa isn't a bad way to waster away an afternoon. This might not be so popular with the Stag groups but is perfect for the hens.

2. Life Drawing lessons (Hens) - Another indoor event for the hens. An event not to be taken too seriously and which can be great fun for the hens is the chance to draw a live clothes free model with a life drawing lesson.

3. Indoor Karting (Stags) - Rather than outdoor karting, indoor karting will keep you active and having fun and there are a few venues possible in the city. This is always a popular stags event and perfect for cold weather in Barcelona.

Flight delays into Barcelona with the snow

2010-01-07T15:25:00.003+01:00

Snow in Barcelona - A lot of enquiries have been coming in asking about the situation with the terrible winter weather we have had in the last week in Europe. Several of you have been stuck in the UK and other European countries, with a number of flights cancelled in the last few days.

Here in Barcelona it has been quite cold, with average temperatures around 5 Celsius. On some days it has been raining, sometimes sunshine and early next week snow is predicted.

The main news from here in Barcelona though is that everything is going on as normal. If you are joining us in Barcelona for a team building, corporate, stag or hen trip or weekend then we are here are raring to go.

Stag and Hen Events of the month

2009-12-15T17:47:00.006+01:00

Statistics are now in for the most popular Barcelona stag and Hen events for November 2009 and they are as follows:

1. Cocktail making classes - NEW event and the event took off immediately and has been very popular. It's easy, fun and everyone seems to enjoy it. Perhaps the cooler weather and the fact that this is an indoor activity, has helped.

2. Indoor Karting - With several stag groups over in November, the indoor karting proved popular again.

3. City Treasure Hunt - Always a popular event and near the top.

4. Wine and Tapas tour - effortless and great socially and in 4th again this last month.

5. Barcelona Golf - A few corporate groups pushed this back in at number 5 for November.

Flamenco lessons in Barcelona for hen groups

2009-12-07T20:44:00.003+01:00

If you have been to Spain before, you will be aware of the popularity of Flamenco dance and its unique style. Flamenco is popular across Spain and Barcelona is no exception.

The annual Festival Flamenco de Ciutat Vella (Barcelona Flamenco Festival) and a number of other Flamenco events take place each year. The good news now also though is that there are Flamenco classes and these are one-offs for hen groups and weekends and are organised in a bespoke manner.

Flamenco classes in Barcelona come in 60 minute sessions are a great fun way for hen groups to try something different and relax, before heading out for tapas and a few drinks.

Why Barcelona for a Stag or Hens weekend?

2009-11-25T00:46:00.001+01:00

There are many choices these days for Stag and hen locations abroad. Prague and Talinn (Estonia) have both become quite popular and Barcelona continues to also stay up there as one of the leaders.

Prague can be cheaper and Tallinn more unique. Barcelona though I always think shaves it because of the better weather, beach and transportation. It can still rain and get cold in the winter months in Barcelona, but the chances of some sun and t-shirt weather are much greater.

Stag parties in Barcelona always seem also to love the Nou Camp tour of FC Barcelona's stadium. The hen parties very often like the life drawing classes (of a male model) and the relaxation packages.

Wherever you chose - be sure to have a good time!

Barcelona Poker nights

2009-11-10T17:32:00.006+01:00

A lot of the visitors to Barcelona are often groups and these are normally for:

Family get-togethers
Corporate team building trips
Stag groups
Hen groups
Sports group tours

The group market accounts in fact for quite a high percentage of travellers, high that is compared to other major European cities.

Poker Nights - One of the newest events for groups that I recently heard about is the Group Poker nights. A bespoke night made for the group, a professional croupier is hired in, a table and casino area created and prize for the top chips winner bought.

I tried this event with a large group of visiting friends a few weeks ago and it was really great fun. With drinks available and tapas also there to eat, it was a great chance to play some casino games including poker and roulette, without the seriousness of a real casino. You do not use your own money either. Your group organiser distributes the special chips and the one with the most left at a pre-determined time wins. The night costs of course but it is a very affordable activity overall. A few companies are offering Barcelona Casino nights including BarcelonaAdventure.com.

Christmas Shopping in Barcelona

2009-11-03T15:45:00.007+01:00

Many of you are already planning your Christmas holidays, trying to get the best fares by booking in advance and looking for available Barcelona accommodation. So is Barcelona worth visiting at Christmas time?

Personally I definitely think it is. There are so many bars and restaurants in the city that you will always find something open, even in the festive season. Add onto that the fact that it can still sometimes be warm enough to avoid wearing a jacket in December and the benefits for shopping which Barcelona offers and the full picture becomes clearer.

Christmas Shopping in Barcelona - There are a number of stores and boutiques and some excellent options. El Cortes Ingles is the main store in Barcelona which gets most attention. This store is massive and has almost everything you could possibly want. It is also located very close to Las Ramblas and also near 2 subway stations. If you are in Barcelona only for a short time and want to get some shopping in, El Cortes Ingles is the place to head to.

Do not forget to book your Barcelona activities for your trip.

Ideas for stag and hen weekends

2009-10-20T18:12:00.003+02:00

We are always open to new ideas for innovative, fun and creative ideas for new stag, hen, corporate and team building events in Barcelona. There have been some good additions in the last few years with events added including:

Cocktail making classes
Pole dancing classes (for hen parties)
City Treasure for team building
and Team Towers

What new events would you like to see in the future? One idea which comes up sometimes for stag groups is a 'Sports Challenge' i.e. with a football match arranged or a combination of Go-Karting, golf and a Nou Camp stadium tour. A sports weekend for Stags. Send us your blog comments - let us know your ideas. Look forward to seeing the responses.

Getting to Barceona City from the airport

2009-09-21T16:49:00.003+02:00

A lot of you are asking what the best way to get from Barcelona International airport to the centre of Barcelona is. There are a few options and they do in part depend on your budget.

Taxi - If you really are not bothered about money so much then by far the easiest way is to just jump into one of the official taxis directly outside the arrivals terminal. To get into the centre of Barcelona it should generally cost around 25 Euros. Traffic can of course make a difference though.

Train - There is a train from the airport which goes to the centre of Barcelona and also to Sitges. This is a very popular choice although personally I would not use it. I have used it a few times and both times it was chaos with cancelled and delayed trains and no one knew what was going on.

Brought to you from Barcelona Stag and Hen weekends.

Driving - You might be renting a car and there are several car rental agencies at the airport. Be warned that driving in Barcelona can be slightly more chaotic than in cities such as those in the UK.

Barcelona Stags ideas and advice

2009-09-15T19:10:00.002+02:00

The choices for stag and also hen parties and weekend groups is very wide and thus below a few samples, to answer the many enquiries about what the options are.

Arriving - Typically groups arrive here in the afternoon or evening and for this reason the 1st night tends to still be fairly wild, but less so then nights 2 and 3. There is normally excitement in the air with the holiday feeling in the air and a local bar crawl is usually the most popular way to relax on night 1. (You can find Barcelona airport transfers online for your group, with mini-bus collection).

Day 2 - Typical schedule

Breakfast in the hotel.
Go-Karting
FC Barcelona Nou Camp stadium tour
Pub and bar tour (including any special stag event planned for the stag)

Day 3

Breakfast down by the sea-front
Paintballing
Pub visit followed by a nightclub

Flights home on Day 4. The thing is that a stag or hen night can be organised in exactly whatever way you need. The tours always tend to be bespoke in terms of design. More info on Barcelona stag weekends online.

Las Ramblas uncovered

2009-08-27T15:59:00.003+02:00

I often get asked about Las Ramblas in Barcelona because it is debatedly the worst and best place for tourist in Barcelona.

Best because Las Ramblas is:

Lively
Caters for tourists with plenty of restaurants and bars
Very central and an easy walk to the beach and marina
Has 3 Subway stops on it.
Has plenty of excellent street entertainers lining the street.

Worst because Las Ramblas is:

Overpriced when you buy food and drinks in a restaurant or bar there.
Overcrowded
Very touristy (that can be good or bad of course - depending on your outlook).

Personally, Las Ramblas is one of my favourite places in Barcelona and you will see me there most weekends!

Live Music and beer in Barcelona

2009-08-17T21:26:00.003+02:00

One of the liveliest pubs in Barcelona on a weekend evening and where you there is always good live music is the Michael Collins pub in Sagrada Familia (an area very central in the city and on the subway system).

Coming up next week for example:

17th August - Traditional Irish Music
20th August - The Trips
21st August - The Sleepwalkers
22nd August - Crawfish

If you head across to the Michael Collins (edge of Placa de la Sagrada Familia) you will find a mix of Spanish and foreign drinkers, with a fairly young crowd but people of all ages also. If you want somewhere to find a pint of Guinness then this is also one of your best bets.

Barcelona stags and football tickets

2009-08-05T00:49:00.002+02:00

If you are a Stag group coming over to Barcelona then one very popular activity many male groups like to include is a trip to the Nou Camp for a game. With go-karting or paintball in the daytime and then a game in the evening and then a few drinks after, this can make for a perfect stags day.

Upcoming game at the Nou Camp include:

Barcelona v Man. City (Friendly) - 19th August 2009
Barcelona v Real sporting de Gijon - 31st August 2009
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid - 20th September 2009

A company such as Barcelona Football Tickets are an official agent and are worth considering. Another such event which can be popular is to book your stag trip based around the annual Spanish F1 in Barcelona.

Finding Barcelona Holiday apartments

2009-07-28T01:36:00.005+02:00

Several of you have been asking us about advice on finding short-term rental apartments in Barcelona for your holiday or vacation recently, so a few tips here for you. There seems a clear trend towards self-catering accommodation with more space and prices which can beat hotels.

Barcelona accommodation advice:

1. Consider the area carefully. Las Ramblas is great for central to the beach, aquarium sea front and tourist area. It can be noisy and expensive though.

2. Barri Gotic is a great location as is good and best for most if the area of 'Gracia'.

3. Make sure to use a reputable agent. There are so many rental agencies these days in Barcelona. Many are good but a few are not. Holiday Velvet apartments are a good choice if you want one sample company.

4. Try and rent an apartment within 5 minutes of a metro stop.

5. Be sure to ask about air conditioning and if there is a lift, if these 2 things are likely to be important to you.

Best Catalan restaurant in Barcelona

2009-06-15T22:32:00.004+02:00

I often have people ask me where the best Catalan restaurant in Barcelona is and the is easy. When I first moved to Barcelona a friend recommended a Catalan restaurant to me and in the 3 years since, I have never found a better Catalan restaurant.

The restaurant called 'Madrid Barcelona' is based on Carrer d'Arago, 282, in the centre of Barcelona and is no more than a 15 minute walk from the popular tourist area of Las Ramblas.

The Restaurant itself is:

very affordable
offers great service
is central
has great food.

The price range is 20 - 50 Euros for a full meal.

My favourite Stags events in Barcelona

2009-04-20T16:34:00.006+02:00

I have tried many of the stag events in Barcelona that companies offer and my Top 5 from my own experiencs are:

1. Paintballing in Barcelona - I think I enjoyed this so much because as a group of guys, the adrenaline flows and everyone seems to have a wonderful time.

2. Go-Karting also seems to get everyone going and it is a gerat way to start the day off before heading off for a few beers.

3. Bar Tour it goes withotu saying that as Stag weekend activity, one cannot go wrong with a bar tour.

4. Cocktail making classes is actually great fun also and it is something different and something few people seem to have tried before. This in addition to something such as Go-Karting and then a bar tour can be a wonderful combination.

5. Barcelona FC - Doing the Nou camp tour is a great thing as a bunch of guys. Even if some of the group are not interested in sport, this stadium usually still always gets the thumbs up!

That looks like a...

2009-03-26T16:27:00.009+01:00

Yes, yes it does.

Like many visitors of Barcelona, you may be wondering what that enormous, phallus-shaped building is. Looming over the city, that building is the Torre Agbar, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. The third tallest building in Barcelona, the Torre Agbar is 144.4 meters tall, has 38 storeys, and houses hundreds of offices.

Contrary to the obvious, Nouvel cites the mountain of Monserrat as inspiration for his design. Slightly awkward looking during the day, the Torre Agbar transforms at night thanks to 4,500 multicolored LED panels that illuminate the city.

Although there's no way you could miss it, be sure to wait until the sun goes down to admire Barcelona's giant nightlight.

Bésame, Soy Irlandesa

2009-03-17T14:05:00.006+01:00

If you are looking to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, or just need an excuse to get drunk at noon, head to any one of Barcelona's many Irish pubs, which are sure to be packed all day. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Ryan's Irish Pub Paradis (Ample 28)
George Payne Irish Bar (Plaça Urquinaona 5)
Flaherty's Irish Bar (Plaça Joaquim Xirau)
Kenneys Irish Sailing Club (Moll Mestral 26-28)
Temple Bar (Calle Ferran 8)

Helpful Spanish Phrases: Restaurant

2009-03-11T12:34:00.006+01:00

Here are a few Spanish phrases that are used when ordering food or drinks:

Me pone ______ : I will have _____ . Typically used when ordering in a sit-down restaurant.

Quiero _______: I want _______ . Can be used when ordering in any food establishment (restaurant, bar, cafè, etc.)

_____ para llevar: _____ to go. Used when you want your drink or food in a to go container. (example: un café para llevar)

¿Cuánto Cuesta/n?: How much does this/these cost?

¿Qué le debo? or ¿Me cobra?: What do I owe you?

La cuenta, por favor: The check, please.

Minusa Club: Right Place, Wrong Night

2009-03-11T12:04:00.006+01:00

Although Minusa Club bills itself as a music club, I went last week to watch a FC Barcelona game because I had heard it had cheap drinks before 10:30 (which, apparently, is all the convincing I need).

Minusa Club was nothing like what I expected. It was small with flowered wallpapers, lots of little candles, chandeliers, Renaissance paintings on the wall, and old, velvet chairs. The ambiance and decorations skillfully walk the line between sophisticated and grandmotherly.

There was one small TV in the back and it was surrounded by locals. I could barely see the game but I enjoyed watching the locals cheer and celebrate as Barcelona pulled ahead. Simply because there was only one TV, I probably wouldn't recommended Minusa Club as a place to watch a game. However, Minusa does seem perfectly suited for its original purpose- a music club. So check out their website which lists DJs and concerts and head over to Minusa with some friends for a night of music.

Oh, and yes, the beers were inexpensive. I bought 4 Heineken (on tap with Guinness) for 7.20 euros.

Cava: The Spanish Champagne

2009-03-03T14:35:00.005+01:00

In Spain, you're sure to see Cava on every menu and in every supermarket. This can be confusing for foreigners who are new to the word. However, do not shy away from trying Cava, as it is simply the name for Spanish Champagne. It was known as Spanish Champagne until E.U. law banned it in order to protect the French Champagne that is indeed created in Champagne, France. Thus, the name Cava came into use. Like French Champagne, Cava is a sparkling wine made by the champagne method.

Cava was invented in the early 1870s in Sant Sadumí d'Anoia, in the Penedés region, by José Raventos. As a result, most Cava is produced in Catalonia, namely in the Penedés region outside of Barcelona. As with most sparkling wines, Cava varies in dryness, ranging from brut (extra dry) to dulce (sweet). Cava is very popular in Spain and, because it is locally produced, can be purchased at a relatively low price.

Although Cava is enjoyed throughout all of Spain, Cava is especially popular in Barcelona due to its proximity to the Penedés. Many of the Cava houses in the Penedés region offer Cava tours and tastings, including Freizenet and Codorníu, two of the largest and most popular Cava wineries in Spain.

"YEAH YOU, SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG"

2009-02-26T14:05:00.007+01:00

I am often teased for frequenting the Irish bars here in Spain. And it´s true, the Irish bars don´t offer much of a cultural experience. So, I've been trying to cut back and was doing great. Until I heard that George Payne Irish Bar, one of my favorites, offers karaoke on Sunday nights. I threw that "no more Irish bars" promise out the window and headed over for karaoke.

It felt like coming home- there were drunk, older women warbling love songs, drunk white boys rapping, and even drunk Spaniards singing "La Bamba". Everyone was singing along, dancing, and drinking 2-for-1 Budweisers. Needless to say, I had a blast.

So if you love karaoke, enjoy a good show, and don´t mind the occasional Irish bar, head to George Payne on Sundays at 8.

Thank Goodness for Buenas Migas

2009-02-24T14:53:00.008+01:00

I dislike lunch in Spain.

Although all the locals exalt the Menú del Día (a special lunch menu that offers a drink, first plate, second plate, and a desert for a flat rate), I have trouble translating the Spanish dishes and never eat that much food for lunch. After a few days of disappointing Menú del Días, I was about ready to head to McDonalds when I stumbled upon Buenas Migas, or Good Crumbs, in Spanish.

This adorable, heaven-sent focacceria has become my lunch spot. Buenas Migas has various focaccias topped with cheese, vegetables, meats, fresh pastas and salads, and amazing deserts (my favorite is the apple crumble). The focaccias are huge, inexpensive (my cheese focaccia was 3.90€), and very filling.

Plus, with 7 Buenas Migas in Barcelona, there is sure to be one in your area.

Club Elephant

2009-02-20T16:11:00.004+01:00

I went this week to Elephant, a club here in Barcelona, and had a really fun time. Housed in a huge tent, the club is decked out with elephant statues, funky lanterns, and plenty of huge couches. You feel worlds away from Barcelona as you cross a little bridge over a pond to enter. There's music to dance to, couches to sit on, and plenty of drinks to enjoy. I would definitely recommend checking out Elephant!

Pole Dancing classes in Barcelona

2009-02-20T16:06:00.005+01:00

Looking for a fun workout? Grab some friends and take a pole dancing lesson! I went yesterday with some girls (after some cava, of course) and had a blast. It was hard work but much more fun than another hour on the treadmill. You can now try pole dancing classes in Barcelona in a group with friends.

Pole dancing is actually a wonderful way to keep fit and can be a great amount of fun and you might well be suprised the complexity of the moves you can try.

In recent years pole dancing has become an acceptable form of dance and has been become far more accepted in fitness circles since Cirque du Soleil included this form of dance in some performances. Why not try it?

Bienvenidos!

2009-02-19T10:28:00.002+01:00

My name is Sarah and I'm currently studying in Barcelona for the semester. Along with classes, I am interning at an events planning company. As an intern, I will be keeping this blog about my experiences in Barcelona. So enjoy, hopefully you'll find something interesting and please feel free to comment with suggestions or recommendations!