Barcelona Hotel Guide

Tip! Tonight we'll probably head up the Ramblas and check out some authentic Barcelona Nightlife.

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia, Spain, and is a city with a rich history. If you are looking for a city which has a beautiful Mediterranean feel, Barcelona is the city for you.

The city of Barcelona lies between the rivers Besos and Llobregat. The city lies about 160 kilometers south of the Pyrenees Mountains. The city has a population of just over 1.5 million people, while the metropolitan area is just over 4 million people.

Legends say that the city of Barcelona was founded by the Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, the father of the famous military general Hannibal. In 15 BC the city was captured by the Romans and named Cestrum. The city has also been conquered by the Visigoths, the Moors, and Charlemagne.

Tip! Rich Boulter lived and worked in Barcelona for two years as a teacher. Now residing in The United States, he co-owns a successful online fashion boutique with his wife.

Today Barcelona has transformed itself from a bland city into one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. Summer is a great time for parties, and the city is on the cutting edge of food, fashion, and architecture. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit.

Travelers to Barcelona will want to visit La Rambla and Barri G�tic, a part of the city that has a medieval look which will take you back hundreds of years. In February and March, there is a ten day parade for those who like to dance, and very beautiful dresses are showcased.

The city of Barcelona celebrates approximately 15 holidays each year, which means there are many days of fun and other festivities. At the end of September a major holiday is celebrated called the Festes de la Merce, which features a lot of concerts and dancing.

When eating at restaurants in Barcelona, you are not expected to tip on top of the service charges you will have to pay for your meals, though you may want to leave a small amount. Barcelona has an excellent Mediterranean cuisine, using seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables. No matter what budget you're on for food, you will find something in Barcelona which suits your tastes and needs.

Barcelona is much more affordable than other large European cities. If you are a frugal traveler you can get around Barcelona for 20 euros a day. Hotels like the Hotel Jazz provide quality lodging combined with a low cost, a great value for travelers. Making purchases with plastic in Barcelona is very easy, though you can also have your currency changed. It is also advisable to watch your money carefully, as theft is a common problem in the city.

Tip! The months of June and July flicker with the celebration of the Fest de Grec-Barcelona arts festival, October and November have the onus for the international film festival and May is swarming with all the grand prix aficionados. You may choose any of these seasons and even apart from these to marvel at the exquisiteness of Barcelona.

Rahul viz recommends that you visit Barcelona Hotels for more information

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What is a Barcelona Chair?

Tip! A potential thief is looking for a way to start some kind of interaction. They ask you where you are from, steer the conversation on to the subject of football and before you know it they are demonstrating a Barcelona team celebration out on you.

The Barcelona chair, which is considered to be a modern classic and one of the most elegant chairs of the 20th century, was designed by Mies van der Rohe. He designed the chair at the International Exposition in Barcelona in 1929. Mies van der Rohe drew inspiration for his design from an Egyptian folding chair and a Roman folding stool.

The chair was created to replicate a throne and made its first appearance during the inaugural ceremony by the Spanish royal family at the exposition. The chair exudes grandeur and class and at the same time it is light and strong. The Barcelona chair is considered by common consensus to be the pinnacle of a harmonized approach to materials, design, and workmanship.

In 1950, the original design was improved upon by Mies which resulted in a fully welded object in which additional braces at the welding points were eliminated. The one-piece frame made of stainless steel offered higher strength and spring.

In the United States, the design was popularized by George Nelson. The chair was originally hand-made but was subsequently mass produced and marketed by the company, Knoll Associates, which now manufactures it in the U.S and 29 other countries.

Tip! Today is the day to get better acquainted with Antoni Gaudi, the modernist architect responsible for some very unique buildings in and around Barcelona. His inspiration came from nature, causing some considerable criticism during his lifetime as some felt his attempts to recreate natural forms was tantamount to playing God.

Two connected pairs of crossed steel bars constitute the framework of the chair; the front and back legs of the chair are curved, the back legs cross the front legs to form a double curve that supports the seat. Foam-rubber cushions are covered with buttoned leather and placed on the seat and the back by means of saddle-leather straps.

The Barcelona chair is sold by various furniture stores; several of these have online catalogs, which a prospective buyer can browse through. Although, there are several renditions of the Barcelona chair available in the market, they are usually made from chromed stainless steel with the single-piece frame being hand-buffed till a mirror finish is achieved.

The upholstery consists of individual leather panels, 40 in number, which may be hand-welted and hand-tufted. In order to maintain the uniformity of appearance and texture, the leather panels are crafted from a single hide. The most favored colors are tan and black.

Tip! The team colors of FC Barcelona are maroon, royal blue and gold. These are also the most popular colors in Barcelona.

Even though the Barcelona chair has a modular look that suggests mass production, its craftsmanship requires all the virtues associated with a handcrafted masterpiece. The Barcelona chair is a piece of sculpture and finds extensive use in waiting rooms and foyers. This piece of luxury furniture can cost upward of $ 1000.

Pat Gilmour recommends that you visit http://www.stlloftstyle.com/Barcelona-Chair-Review.htm for more information on the Barcelona chair.

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Barcelona Guide - Las Ramblas

Tip! Rich Boulter lived and worked in Barcelona for two years as a teacher. Now residing in The United States, he co-owns a successful online fashion boutique with his wife.

Barcelona has cemented itself as on of THE most popular European ‘get-away' destinations in recent years.

It is easy to see why when you consider the universal appeal of a city, which boasts such a rich diversity of attractions.

Whether your interests lie in history, art, architecture, good food, good wine, culture, sightseeing, sunbathing, shopping, nightlife and entertainment, theme parks, or sports. Barcelona excels in every field.

Barcelona's size and transport system are also in it's favor. It isn't as spread out as say London, and the pedestrian friendly streets were built on a simple grid system, which makes for easier orientation.

The metro is also wide reaching which makes the popular city sights very accessible.

Arguably one of the most popular sights to see in Barcelona is in fact a street. However, Las Ramblas is no ordinary street. The central most boulevard, cutting through the heart of the city, Las Ramblas is a hive of activity. Narrow one-way traffic lanes run up and down this otherwise pedestrian friendly boulevard.

Tip! With winter temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Celsius, Barcelona never gets too cold. The ideal months to visit are May, June and September, when one can rely on good weather and avoid the occasional extreme heat.

Las Ramblas

Towering 60 meters over you at the Southern point of Las Ramblas is a monument of Christopher Columbus, pointing the way to the new Americas. This is a good starting point for a cultural journey along this vibrant, colorful, fun, and at times mesmerizing 1km stretch of promenade that will stimulate all your senses.

Moving up Las Ramblas away from the Columbus statue on the right hand side, just tucked away down a side street, you will find the city's wax museum housed in a neo-classical style building. Further information can be found at http://www.museocerabcn.com

Just around the corner from the wax museum you will find el bosc de les fades café (the forest of the fairies café). This is a gem of a place to find, a great place to stop for a cold beer or coffee and take in the delightful interior design. I won't spoil the surprise but the name of the café will give you some idea of what to expect.

Tip! There are many things for Barcelona to brag about to its tourists. From the Zarzuela' or fish stew, tits many monuments and museums to its architecture.

On the opposite side of Las Ramblas to the wax museum is the Santa Monica Art Center. Actually on Las Ramblas in front of this building is where the procession of street art begins.

Talented street performers, human statue artists, portrait painters, caricature artists and many more display their creativity right along the length of the promenade.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that large crowds are also places where pickpockets, bag-snatchers, and con artists display some of their best work too!

So please be vigilant of your surroundings and take the necessary precautionary measures when going out. It is by no means my intention to scare you into thinking that Barcelona is a dangerous place, however, there is nothing wrong with being made fully aware of some of the dangers that you can expect. Please refer to my safety guide for a more detailed account of these dangers and tips on how to avoid them.

Tip! Even if La Gavina is somewhat outside your price range, S'Agaro itself has a huge amount to offer, with beautiful beaches, tranquillity and a relaxed pace of life that is almost impossible to find in bustling Barcelona.

Las Ramblas boasts an array of cafes and bars, some of which offer seating and dining along the main boulevard. Be aware that these places are geared towards the tourist so the prices do reflect that. Authentic dishes, including tapas are served here but I would say that much nicer restaurants can be found off of Las Ramblas, which are much better value. Saying that, this is a great place to sit back and relax with a beer, or sangria and drink in the sights and sounds of Las Ramblas.

Still heading North up Las Ramblas, more or less half-way up on the right hand side is Placa Real (Royal Square) The center-piece of the square is a fountain, and surrounding this you will find pavement cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs, and discos. Again this is an area where people love to sit out, chat, drink and be entertained by the many different street performers. Late afternoon and early evening would be the ideal times to sit out here if you have children with you to consider. Of course the later on in the evening it becomes, as the clubs and discos get going there will be more evidence of everything that goes hand-in-hand with drinking and alcohol. So that is worth bearing in mind.

Tip! To intensify the magnificence of Barcelona, what waits ahead is the outstanding and exquisite work of Picasso. Picasso's distinguished concerto is put on view at the Museu Picasso where wing of the museum parades Picasso's take on Valazquez's famous Las Meninas'.

On the opposite side of Las Ramblas to Placa Real you will find Liceu Opera House and La Boqueria market - the highest regarded food market in the city.

The erotic museum is another well renowned resident of Las Ramblas, located on the right hand side past La Boqueria http://www.erotica-museum.com

Finally at the top of Las Ramblas you will reach Placa Catalunya, a central meeting point, the city's main square and home to Les Fonts de Canaletes. Popular belief has it that taking a drink from these fountains means that one day you will return to Barcelona.

Placa Catalunya is also where you will find El Corte Ingles, an impressive department store of considerable size. In front of the store you can pick up the Aerobus (the bus to the airport) and also el bus turistic, which will take you on an open-air double circuit ride of the city, taking in many of the other beautiful sights of Barcelona. Also look out for the city's main tourist office here.

Las Ramblas is a 'must see' if you are planning a visit to Barcelona. It is a place that captures the essence of this beautiful city and will fully capture your imagination.

Tip! For tourists La Merc offers a perfect opportunity to see Barcelona at its best. It's a colourful, vibrant spectacle which offers something for all age groups and all tastes. It also offers visitors the perfect opportunity to see more of this wonderful city.

Rich Boulter lived and worked in Barcelona for two years as a teacher. Now residing in The United States, he owns a successful online fashion boutique with his wife which showcases nature inspired fashion items from around the world that they have discovered on their travels. http://www.naturebydezign.com He is also the author of two related blogs http://www.phileasblogg.blogspot.com and http://www.naturebydezign.blogspot.com

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Catalonia-Holidays in Barcelona-Tarragona and Girona

By Stephen Greenwood

Tip! If the weather permits take a jaunt to go and see the Ramblas promenade, this is in the Parc Guell a home of many Gaudi masterpieces. This is a great place to take in many architectural works in Barcelona; Guell park.

The autonomous community of Catalonia can be found to the north of Spain bordering the Pyrenees Mountains, and the Spanish provinces of Huesca, Teruel, Zaragoza and Valencia. During its history, Catalonia has gained and lost varying degrees of autonomy, and none more so than during the Franco years (1939 - 1075) when its independence was squashed. After Franco's death, Catalonia regained its cultural independence and is now a dynamic and vibrant region with its capital city Barcelona second only to Madrid.

The Mediterranean coastline of Catalonia is known as the Costa Brava. There are plenty of wonderful beaches to be found the whole length of the Costa and with such a mild climate; Catalonia has been a favourite tourist destination for many years. The coastline is of great natural beauty being characterised by many small coves, bays and beaches. Inland, picturesque wooded cliffs; lush vegetation and varied wildlife make it ideal for both walkers and hikers alike.

Travelling around Catalonia should be fairly easy as the region has an excellent road network, with the main coastal highway stretching from the Pyrenees Mountains, all the way down to Almeria. Main roads are good throughout the region and reach all of the main regional towns. Catalonia's main airport is found at Barcelona but charter flights can also be obtained to Girona and Reus.

Catalonia has a deep-rooted appreciation of culture, cuisine, sport and art. Even though the region is fiercely proud of its independence and history, it is openhearted and open-minded to new ideas and people from the international world. Catalan cuisine is considered healthy and tasty similar to a Mediterranean diet, with beef and seafood forming the main part of many dishes. What with great olive oils and fine wines, Catalan cuisine is imaginative and creative.

Barcelona Holiday Attractions

Tip! Today is the day to get better acquainted with Antoni Gaudi, the modernist architect responsible for some very unique buildings in and around Barcelona. His inspiration came from nature, causing some considerable criticism during his lifetime as some felt his attempts to recreate natural forms was tantamount to playing God.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain after Madrid. The population of Barcelona is around 3 million, and there is plenty to see and do throughout the entire city. The Metro system is excellent, and allows easy access to the many attractions found throughout the city. For those wishing to spend a few days touring the city, the 'Barcelona Card' offers unlimited public transport and discounted access to the many museums, restaurants and holiday attractions.

Las Ramblas is Barcelona's most famous street and runs from Plaza de Catalunya to the Harbour. This tree-lined boulevard runs for over 1km and offers a myriad of colours, sounds and sights along its length. During your travels expect to see flower kiosks, market stalls, impromptu shows, street artists and performers the whole length. There are also many open-air bars and restaurants from which to take in this special atmosphere.

Tarragona Holiday Attractions

100km south of Barcelona can be found the ancient Roman town of Tarragona. Once the capital of Rome's western Mediterranean empire, Tarragona is a wonderful city and an excellent place to experience some of the finest Roman remains to have survived in Spain. It is a beautiful old town, full of character, and offers some wonderful museums including the National Archaeological Museum, featuring ancient Roman artefacts and impressive mosaics. Another big attraction is Port Aventura, the biggest theme park in Spain. Operated by Universal Studios, it features the largest roller coaster in Europe along with plenty of other rides for all ages and a good selection of bars and eateries for refreshments.

Girona Holiday Attractions

Girona dates back to Roman times and has been an important town throughout the ages with many civilisations leaving their mark, especially in the old town where some of the city"€™s wonderful medieval and baroque architecture can be seen. Much effort has gone into restoring the buildings and medieval ramparts, and these are best appreciated on foot wandering the narrow, winding streets armed with a map.

Steve Greenwood invites you to visit Catalonia Holiday Property for accommodation and attractions in Barcelona, Tarragona and Girona. Visit http://www.idealrentals4u.com for holidays and accommodation in all the regions of Spain including the Canary Islands Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Greenwood

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