Barcelona Apartments - Desigbarcelona

Festivities of Gràcia

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:58:00 +0000

Hello everyone!!

Desigbarcelona is suggesting you this week the largest popular festivities of the summer, called the Festa Major de Gràcia which have been the ones in Gràcia for a long time.

The exact date of when they began is unknown, but there is proof that their consolidation took place around the middle of the 19th Century. It was during that period of time when the festivities abandoned their religious content to give way to social and public-spirited events boosted by numerous labour and recreational entities, such as cultural associations (ateneus) or dance clubs. The active and protest neighbourhood par excellence, Gràcia, organizes for its festivities many activities on the streets and squares all day and throughout the night. This way, children's and cultural activities, "cercaviles" (a type of parade) and concerts fill every corner of the neighbourhood for a whole week. The thematic contest of decoration of the streets stands out for its spectacular nature and originality –you will be able to admire the delicate work that the residents have prepared during the whole year.

Don't miss this typical festivity of Barcelona!! You can book your apartment in Desigbarcelona where you can find apartments in the centre of Barcelona.

Place: Streets and plazas of Gràcia
More info: www.festamajordegracia.cat
Opening time: The whole day.

Nits de MACBA (MACBA nights)

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:55:00 +0000

Hi everyone!!

From Desigbarcelona want to let you know that you can enjoy the nights from last 1st July till 18th of September in MACBA (Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona).

This exhibition offers you the opportunity to enjoy its treasures on Thursdays and Fridays until midnight. It gives you the unique opportunity to discover or rediscover the permanent collection of the museum and its temporary exhibitions. The price of the ticket also includes guided tours at 8:30 pm and 10 pm.

Place: Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) | Pl. del Àngels, 1 08001 Barcelona
Further info: www.macba.cat
Opening time: 8 pm to midnight.

So if you coming to visit Barcelona don't miss this event and book with us. Desigbarcelona offers great apartments in all areas of Barcelona.

See you!

The Offspring + No Children

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:20:00 +0000

Hi everyone!!

Today Desigbarcelona suggest you the next concert:

The Offspring + No Children @ sala Razzmatazz!! The bad kids of nineties punk rock are now grown-up, but still not good kids. It's already been a long time since the huge success of their album Smash, with very forceful songs such as "Self Esteem" that broke sales records.

Their latest album, published on June 17th 2008, is Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace, which took over a year to record. According to the band, it is one of the best and most elaborate albums of their long musical career. After a tour throughout the United States, now it is Europe's turn, and The Offspring will perform in the Sala Razzmatazz of Barcelona on August 10th. Before them, you will be able to enjoy the performance of the punk rock band from Majorca No Children.

Place: Sala Razzmatazz | Almogàvers, 122 08018 Barcelona.
Opening time: Doors opening at 8 pm.

The tomb and the treasures of Tutankhamun

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:05:00 +0000

Hello!!

For those who love the history and the egyptians, dont miss this exhibition in Barcelona.

From June 6th to September 6th, the exhibition of the year, "Tutankhamun: the tomb and its treasures" arrives at Barcelona's Maritime Museum. For the first time you are able to gaze at the funerary treasure of the legendary pharaoh just as it was discovered by the explorer Howard Carter in November 1922. A travel back in time through the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt that combines historic spreading with educational purposes for the whole family. The exposition presents the life-size reproduction –unique in the world- of three out of the four funerary chambers of Tutankhamun. The exposition also includes over 1,000 replica pieces of funerary elements made by 100 Egyptian craftsmen following traditional techniques. The entire exhibition will allow the visitors to walk through a free audio guided tour that will evoke the golden age of the Pharaohs with the most modern means. Come discover the tomb of Tutankhamun and its treasures.

Place: Museu Marítim - Drassanes Reials de Barcelona | Av. de les Drassanes, s/n 08001 Barcelona.

Further info here www.tutankhamon.cat
Book your apartment here www.desigbarcelona.com/en

See you soon!

Barcelona Summer Week

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:22:00 +0000

Hello guys!!

Desigbarcelona is telling you what's on in Barcelona and this week you cannot miss this event. The major clubs and beaches of Barcelona will host the spectacular performances by over 100 deejays from around the world, which are expected to be followed by more than 50,000 fans. Cartel share for the first time the real numbers 1 of the international scene of electronic music: Van Buuren Armin, Tijs Verwest, DJ Tiësto, David Guetta, David Tort, stars such as Erick Morillo, Fedde le Grand , Sander Kleinenberg, David Vendetta, Funkerman, Antoine Clamaran, Tommy Vee, Ian Carey, Layo Bushwaka, Smokin Jo, Chuckie, Greg Cerrote or Inphinity among many others.

Tickets can be purchased at the official website of the festival www.barcelonasummerweek.com. Also at Fnac, Carrefour, Atrapalo, Servicaixa and El Corte Inglés.

So make your reservation in www.desigbarcelona.com/en and enjoy our nice and cosy apartments the whole week in the centre of Barcelona.

See you soon!

Barcelona WiFi

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:39:00 +0000

Hey!!

From Desigbarcelona want to give you a really good news. From now, you can connect to Internet for free in almost 170 hotpoints.
Barcelona WiFi is a Barcelona City Council service that allows you to connect to the Internet through WiFi Access Points, or hotspots, located in various municipal amenities.

http://www.bcn.cat/cgi-guia/guiamap4/cgi-guia/?actives=P001&scl=2&pos=30263.30%2C84358.99&plant=capes4c&idioma=0

Barcelona WiFi can be defined as a service that lets its Users carry out simple browsing on the Internet and to that end it only enables access to content through a browser like Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, etc. This service also allows public access to City Council information and online processing.

The City Council provides the Barcelona WiFi Service with the aim of encouraging city access to the Internet and helping the public incorporate technology into their daily lives.

To access the Barcelona WiFi Service from any municipal amenity provided with the Service, the only thing Users need to have is an IT device (a laptop, PDA, mobile telephone, etc.) with a wireless connection.

You already know!!If you want to come to Barcelona and still have not organized where to stay. Desigbarcelona has really nice discounts in apartments located around the whole city!

Visit www.desigbarcelona.com , we are waiting for you!

Jazz al Parc de la Ciutadella (Jazz in the Parc de la Ciutadella)

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:36:00 +0000

Hello everyone!

For those who are fan of jazz music from DesigBarcelona suggest you for this summer some open-air music live concerts organized every Wednesday of July and every Wednesday and Friday of August, from 22 h.

The evenings of July and August have been filling Barcelona’s parks and gardens with music for already twelve years.

One of the most emblematic and charismatic music seasons is the one that takes place in the square of the Parc de la Ciutadella. This construction from the 19th Century, together with the park’s waterfall, offers a delicious impressionistic setting to enjoy for free the best jazz played in Barcelona. This is a perfect union among nature, art and culture for the summer nights.

Book your apartment in Barcelona with DesigBarcelona and check our website www.desigbarcelona.com. We have really good discounts for this summer and very well-located apartments.

Enjoy this summer in Barcelona with a jazzy rhytm.

Our cultural agenda in Barcelona this summer

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Hello everyone !!

Desigbarcelona doesnt stop this summer and here we post some cultural events you can find this summer in Barcelona.

This is our cultural agenda:

- MACBA: "Tiempo con la materia", till 31st August and Nights in MACBA (thursdays and friday midnight), till 24th of September.

- Museo Marítimo: "Tutankhamon: discover the tomb and their treasures", till 6th of September.

- Museo de Historia de Cataluña: "Princeses de terres llunyanes. Catalunya i Hongria a l'edat mitjana", till 2nd of August

Hope you can join Barcelona and enjoy of their cultural activities. Moreover you can check for more events here http://w3.bcn.es/ab/asia/agenda/totsActesCtl/0,3043,1653_71861_2,00.html

Dont forget to visit www.desigbarcelona.com and book your apartment for your stay in Barcelona...

See you soon !!

Events for the month of May in Barcelona

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:03:00 +0000

Is about to finish the month of April and May will soon come loaded with events, activities, shows and fairs that you can not lose. Here are some:

Iban Ferreiro in concert. The next May 15, the former singer of “Pirates” will give a concert at the Palau de la Música where you can hear songs from his latest album.

On May 20 Beyonce will be in the Palau Sant Jordi. The American singer will present the songs of her latest album "I Am ..."

Primavera Sound 2009. From 20 to May 30 has been given appointment in the Parc del Forum Primavera Sound 2009. This year we celebrate the festival where they met an eclectic group of artists of internationally independent music.

Besides these exhibitions are held this month: International exhibition of automobiles and commercial vehicles, BTA Barcelona Food Technologies, Hispack, the International Packaging Exhibition

If you plan to attend any of these events, Desigbarcelona gives you the best accommodation. Find cheap apartments in Barcelona!

Events for the month of March in Barcelona

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:45:00 +0000

We have just finished the shorter months of the year, in February, and we have before us the entire month of March full of events, activities, shows and exhibitions that you can not lose. Here are some:
Barcelona comes to the shows' Sorolla. Vision of Spain ', a chance to see for the first time the works of the Valencian painter

You can enjoy all kinds of music with concerts by Il Divo, Luis Fonsi, AC / DC, Coldplay, Laura Pausini, Beyonce and Raphael.

Japan Weekend Barcelona II: Held the second fair of urban leisure, electronics and Japanese culture.

Another show that will take place this month is Bioculture 2009, feeding biological celebrating its 16th edition in Palau Sant Jordi.

If you are going with children you can not miss the spectacular Disney on Ice, ice adaptation of the story of the fish Nemo

If you plan to attend any of these events, Desigbarcelona gives you the best accommodation in apartments in Barcelona. Find apartments and very modern with all comforts

Events for the month of December in Barcelona

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:10:00 +0000

We have just started the final month of the year, December, but until this end there are a lot of activities, shows and exhibitions that you can not lose. Here are some of them:

El canto del Loco : The well-known band from Madrid will give a concert at the Palau Sant Jordi, on Dec. 23. You will be able to listen to their old songs, and his latest album, a success in the major lists.

Feria de Santa Llucià: It is the oldest fair of the city and there you can buy everything you need to assemble your own Bethlehem and decorate your home this Christmas.

The children in Burundi: The Palau Robert dedicates an exhibition to the plight of children in Burundi through 40 photographs and an audiovisual display in which show the conditions under which these children live.

The best picture of 2007: As every year, the CCCB presents the best photographs of the year in "World Press Photo 08". Images of 59 artists awarded in the most important international competition.

Spamalot: This month ends the adaptation that the Tricicle group had made with the famous work of Monty Python's. Inspired by the Middle Ages, it parodies the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round table.

Beauties XIX: Through photographs Joan Marti gives us images of a Barcelona that no longer exists, the Barcelona of the XIX century.

If you plan to attend any of these events, Desigbarcelona offers you accommodation in its best apartments in Barcelona. Find very modern and cheap apartments in Barcelona.

More Info on http://www.bcn.es

Monthly events in Barcelona

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:38:00 +0000

If you are planning a short trip in a weekend, Desigbarcelona offers you cheap apartments in Barcelona. Don’t think it more time and come to Barcelona because November has started full of events in Barcelona. The list is so long, but here there some of the events you can’t miss:

15th Festival of Independent Cinema of Barcelona: This month its celebrates the 15th festival of Independent Cinema where you will be able to see fabulous films that you will not find in commercial cinemas.

Weddings & Weddings: This fair is one of the most important fairs about celebrations. It counts on a nuptial catwalk and the best professionals of the sector.

Simple Plan: The famous Canadian group shows their new record in a live concert where you will listen to their old songs and their new songs.

X Movistar Enduro Indoor of Barcelona: Engines, risk and aventure in a spectacular show. This championship is the most expected. You will have a guaranteed show.
Mamma mia: In this musical you will listen to the famous songs of one of the best groups of music: Abba.

If you are planning to assist to one of these events and you need accommodation you can rent touristic apartments in Barcelona in the following web: http:www.desigbarcelona.com/en/

Desig

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:51:00 +0000

A privileged moment with members of the Desig group which will allow you to know a little better its team, history and ambitions.

Why « Desig » ?

The name desig - which means desire in Catalan - is due to the "desire" of its founder, Jose Antonio Valverde, who knew how to realize his "desires". The idea was to provide tourists and businessmen, design lodging alternatives in the city of Barcelona.

How was the group formed?

The Desig group is constituted by several companies, formed by a team of professionals with more than ten years of experience in the real-estate sector (mediation, promotion - construction and for 3 years, the seasonal housing rentals). Having obtained more than expected results in the traditional sector of the real-estate and the construction, the Desig group decided to diversify its business lines by proposing a more innovative alternative than the conventional lodging options for tourists and businessmen.

And what is Desig specificity ?

Knowing the new Technologies, we deducted that Internet was the most efficient tool to promote our apartments in the center of Barcelona and Sitges and rent them permanently. For that purpose, we have created a web site, the customer can then book on-line the apartment of his choice, for his holidays or business trip thanks to the information and the images provided. The diversity and the quality of our services permit us to watch the permanent satisfaction of our customers. And that is how www.desigbarcelona.com from the Desig group was born, in December 2006.

You were successful…

Sure ! Having studied a lot the emerging markets of the tourism’s, it seemed interesting to us to develop the same kind of service for the cities of Buenos Aires ( www.desigbuenosaires.com ) and Madrid ( www.desigmadrid.com ).

And why exactly these cities ?

At first, we opted for the Argentine market, and more concretely the center and touristic areas of Buenos Aires. Indeed, the economy of the capital developing ( end of 2002 ), the craze in tourism’s sector, the attractive housing’s prices, the similarities between the culture, also the Spanish and Argentine language, are the important factors which attracted us to Buenos Aires.

As for Madrid, it is about the second most important Spanish city considering tourism, but also at the level of the business.

And Desig, in some figures ?

By agency, for:

- Desigbarcelona: 244 apartments,
- Desigbuenosaires: 160 apartments,
- Desigmadrid: 69 apartments,

A number of visits

An average of visits in a month

And how many people is it necessary, to manage such a company ?

The main agency of the group is situated in Barcelona and manages www.desigbarcelona.com and www.desigmadrid.com and is composed of 4 employees:

Sergi, Webmaster and in charge of Marketing
Karina, Coordinator
Maite, Customer service (Spanish, English, Italian, French)
Dani, Customer service (English, Spanish)

www.desigbuenosaires is managed by another team, on the spot.

What are your ambitions and future projects ?

We do not think of stopping there ! We already have in project to develop a similar service in the main capitals of Europe as Paris, London, Roma... We have already initiated the negotiations with Berlin…

Meeting from now on the site and
reserve peacefully your apartment.

Second angry debate for Spain's election hopefuls

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:24:00 +0000

Spain's socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and his conservative challenger Mariano Rajoy traded harsh accusations during their second live television debate ahead of Sunday's General Election. In a near repeat of the first debate a week ago, they interrupted each other constantly, accused each other of lying and bickered over the economy.

But the angriest exchange came over terrorism: "Whatever next Sunday's result is, the Socialist Party will support the government of Spain in the fight against terrorism without condition. That is the solemn promise I am making in the name of my party", said Zapatero.

Undeterred, Rajoy reverted to his familiar stamping ground of illegal immigration: "We have to expel all those foreigners that commit crimes even if they've been in Spain for five years. The law has to prohibit massive regularisation. We have to create an immigration agency."

A viewers' poll published immediately after the debate gave Zapatero the lead with 51 percent of those interviewed finding his performance stronger than Rajoy's who was backed by 29 percent.

The last opinion polls before Sunday's election gave Zapatero's governing Socialists a lead of about four percentage points over Rajoy's opposition Popular Party. But analysts say Spaniards seem unlikely to be swayed by arguments from either side. Support for the two main parties has remained largely unchanged throughout the campaign.

Strachan hopeful despite Messi's Barcelona return

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:22:00 +0000

Celtic will face the Champions League's leading scorer tonight as they try to overturn Barcelona's 2-3 first-leg advantage. Lionel Messi, who is currently outscoring some of Europe's finest centre-forwards in the competition with six goals, returns to Frank Rijkaard's starting XI after being rested at the weekend. Thierry Henry is a leading candidate to make way for the Argentine.

Rijkaard has been roundly criticised for resting Messi at the weekend as a toothless Barcelona were beaten 4-2 away to Atletico Madrid but sporting director Txiki Begiristain has defended his coach, saying: "The Celtic match is more important. We can't afford to fail and we can't afford to lose our humility. We have to be very wary of Celtic because there is so much at stake."

The Celtic coach, Gordon Strachan, was last night likening the possible conquest of the two-times winners of the European Cup to climbing Mount Everest, joking that while many had managed it, "plenty had also died trying".

"We have not given up hope," he said. "We know that anything is possible. Gaining possession will be the key. When you are playing football there is nothing wrong with having a bit of fear and I think we will have a bit, and some excitement. Hopefully there will be no fear when we have the ball though."

Probable teams: Barcelona Valdes; Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal; Deco, Touré, Iniesta; Messi, Eto'o, Ronaldinho or Henry Celtic Boruc; Wilson, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Donati, Brown, McGeady; Vennegoor, McDonald.

What to visit ?

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:57:00 +0000

Barcelona is an open-air museum. You can visit it by bus, bicycle or on foot, and enjoy its bustling streets. There are many ways to discover the city and a whole host of things to do, for those interested in culture, for those in search of entertainment or for those thinking about where to do some shopping.

Picasso Museum
Address : C. Montcada, 15-23
Opening hours : Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10h to 20 and Sundays from 10h to 15h.
Phone : 93 319 63 10
Metro/Bus : Jaume
The Museu Picasso in has one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. This is one of the most popular and most visited museums in Barcelona. The museum is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces in Barcelona's Barri Gotic.

Joan Miro Foundation
Address : Parc de Montjuïc
Opening hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 10am -7pm; Thursday: 10am - 9:30pm; Sunday: 10am -2:30pm.
Phone : 93 443 9470
Metro/Bus : On Montjuïc "mountain". Take bus 50 from Pl. Universitat or Plaça de Espanya.
The Fundació Joan Miró, Centre d'Estudis d'Art Contemporani is a museum of modern art honoring Joan Miró and located on Montjuïc in Barcelona.

Tapies foundation
Address : C. de Aragó, 255
Opening hours : Tuesdays to Sundays from 10h to 20h
Phone : 93 487 03 15
Metro/Bus : Passeig de Gràcia
The Fundació Antoni Tàpies is a cultural center and museum, located in Barcelona, dedicated mainly to the life and works of the painter Antoni Tàpies.

Mies Van der Rohe Pavilion
Address : Avinguda del Marquès de Comillas
Opening hours : Wednesdays & Fridays from 17:00 h to 19:00 h guided visits in english, catalan and spanish.
Metro/Bus : L1, L3 Espanya - Bus : Plaça Espanya
The Mies Van der Rohe Pavillon in Barcelona

Catalan National Art Museum - MNAC
Address : Parc de Montjuïc
Opening hours : Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 10am - 7pm; Thursday: 10am - 9pm; Sunday & holidays:10am - 2:30pm.
Phone : 93 622 0360
Metro/Bus : Espanya
The National Art Museum of Catalonia (Catalan: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), abbreviated as MNAC, is a museum of Catalan visual art located in Barcelona. It is housed on the Palau Nacional, built for the 1929 World's Fair. Situated on the Montjuïc hill, it was rehabilitated by the 1992 Summer Olympics.

CCCB Barcelona Contemporary Culture Centre
Address : Montalegre, 5
Opening hours : Tuesday to Saturday: 11am - 8pm; Sundays & holidays: 11am - 7pm;
Phone : 93 306 4100
Metro/Bus : Liceu
Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, or CCCB, situated in El Raval, in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, is a museum adjacent to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA). The building is a mixture of old and new styles, dating from the early 18th century up to recent renovation of a facade in the Plaça de les Dones.

MACBA Barcelona contemporary Art Museum Address : Pl. dels Angels, 1.
Opening hours : From 25 June - 25 September, Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 11am - 8pm; Thursday: 11am - 9pm; Saturday: 10am - 8pm; Sundays & holidays: 10am - 5pm; Tuesday: closed.
Phone : 93 412 08 10
Metro/Bus : Catalunya Pl. Universitat
The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, or MACBA) is situated in the Plaça dels Àngels, in El Raval, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona.

La Pedrera
Address : Passeig de Gràcia, 92 (La Pedrera)
Opening hours : Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 2pm & 4pm - 8pm; Sunday: 10am - 2pm.
Phone : 93 484 5979
Metro/Bus : Diagonal
Casa Milà, better known as La Pedrera (Catalan for 'The Quarry'), is a building designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and built in the years 1906–1910 (officially completed 1912). It is located at 92, Passeig de Gràcia ('passeig' is Catalan for promenade or avenue) in the Eixample district of Barcelona. It was built for the married couple Rosario Segimon and Pere Milà. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Works of Antoni Gaudí".

Museum of the History of Catalonia Address : Pl. de Pau Vila, 3
Opening hours : Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 2pm & 4pm - 8pm. Sunday & holidays: 10am - 2pm.
Phone : 93 225 47 00
Metro/Bus : Bus numbers 14, 17, 19, 36, 39, 40, 45, 51, 57, 59, 64 i 157 Metro L4 (yellow) Barceloneta
Museum of the History of Catalonia

Frederic Mares Museum Address : Plaça de Sant Iu, 5-6
Opening hours : From Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10h to 19h. Sundays from 10h to 15h
Phone : 93 310 58 00.
Metro/Bus : Line 4 (Jaume I) Bus: 17, 19, 40 and 45

Maritime Museum
Address : Av. de les Drassanes
Opening hours : Open every day from 10am to 7pm
Phone : 93 342 9920
Metro/Bus : Drassanes
Maritime Museum of Barcelona

Getting around

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:08:00 +0000

Where is the north ?

Finding your way about in Barcelona is not very difficult, but you should bear in mind some important references: The centre of the city is of course Pl. de Catalunya, to the south of which you can find the old town and most of the museums and other historical places of interest of the city.

The famous Rambla meanders from the Plaça de Catalunya down to the Columbus statue, just before the port. To the east of the Rambla you can find the beautiful and romantic Barri Gòtic and to the west, the Barri del Raval. From the Columbus statue you can follow Passeig Marítim (Seafront walk) to the east, past the Moll de la Fusta, and Port Vell, the colourful Barceloneta area and up to the Port Olímpic (Olympic Port). To the west, following Paral.lel you get to Plaça d'Espanya from where Montjuïc, one of the mountains of Barcelona, rises up.

The other mountain, Tibidabo, marks the northern limit of the city. The popular Av. Diagonal is another important landmark, since it runs diagonally across the whole city.

Between Diagonal and Pl. Catalunya is most of the "Eixample" area ("expansion" in English), which arose from the famous "Pla Cerdà" (Cerdà's city plan), aimed at joining the old town with the nearby villages, which are now part of Barcelona. These villages, such as Gràcia, Les Corts, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, etc. have remained untouched over the years and have kept most of their own historic and cultural identity. L' Eixample, with its square blocks of houses forming a grid pattern, has as its main boulevard the Passeig de Gràcia, where you will find the famous "Pedrera" of Gaudi.

Other important landmarks are: Sagrada Família, Parc de la Ciutadella, Barri de la Ribera and L'Illa Diagonal.

Tourist offices

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:47:00 +0000

Where can I ask information ?

Pl. de Catalunya, 17
basement. Tourist information, hotel information and bookings, bureau de change, BCN Original gift shop and the sale of theatre and concert tickets.
Open: daily 9 am 9 pm

Pl. Sant Jaume
c/ Ciutat, 2 (City Hall)
Open: Mon to Fri 9 am 8 pm, Sat 10 am 8 pm, Sun and holidays 10 am 2 pm

La Rambla
La Rambla, 115
Open: Mon to Sun 9 am 9 pm

Sants Railway Station
Pl. Països Catalans (station lobby)Tourist information.
Open: Mon to Fri 8 am 8 pm; Sat, Sun and holi days 8 am 2 pm. Summer: daily 8 am 8 pm

Barcelona Airport
Terminals A and B.Tourist information and hotel bookings.
Open: daily 9 am 9 pm

Catalunya Information Centre
Palau Robert. P. Gràcia, 107 Tel. 012

Infopista Montseny
Montseny-Sud service area, km117 E15 (A 7) motorway. Tourist information and hotel book ings.
Open: Apr-Jun: 10 am 7 pm, Jul-Aug: 10 am 8 pm, Sept-Mar: 10 am 6 pm

Tourist information
932 853 834 calls from within Spain +34 932 853 834 international calls

For further information
www.barcelonaturisme.com

Famous Barcelona Tourist Attractions

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:39:00 +0000

Top 10 most famous Barcelona Tourist attractions by popularity

No. 1 - Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi
Address: Calle Mallorca, 08034, Barcelona
Opening hours : 09:00-18:00 (Oct-Mar) and 09:00-20:00 (Apr-Sep)
Admission : 8 Euros.
Metro: Sagrada Familia (Blue Line, L5) and (Purple Line, L2)

A Giant Temple designed by the master architect Antonio Gaudi. This building has been under construction since 1882 and they've still got another 30 to 80 years (depending on funding and resources) to go before it will be finished.

No. 2 - L'Aquarium de Barcelona
Metro Drassanes (Green Line, L3) Moll d' Espanya, Port Vell
Tel: (0034) 93 221 7474
Official website for Barcelona Aquarium

Barcelona Aquarium is a popular Barcelona attraction to take the kids and young ones. I have to admit I loved the aquarium... so does that make me a kid? The aquarium is at Port Vell (Barcelona Port Area).

No. 3 - Poble Espanyol de Montjuic - "Spanish Village"
Avda Marques de Camillas
Entrance: 8 euros
Metro: Espanya (Green Line, L3) and (Red line, L1) about 15 mins walk from the metro stop.
Official website of Poble Espanyol

This Barcelona attraction is a small Spanish village with different quarters that replicate the style of houses and architecture from different parts of Spain.
Poble Espanyol is also home to a whole host of specialist craft shops and workshops where you can see some traditionally made Spanish goods.Poble Espanyol is also the venue for the Famous Flamenco show at tablao de Carmen.

No.4 - La Pedrera - Casa Mila by Antonio Gaudi
Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:30 (nov-feb) and 09:00 - 20:00 (mar-oct)
Address: La Pedrera, Provenca, 261-265, 08008 Barcelona
Admission : 8 Euros
Metro: Diagonal (Green Line, L3) and (Blue Line, L5)

Another one of Antonio Gaudi's creations once again hits the top 10 most visited attractions in Barcelona. This building used to be called Casa Mila but nowadays it's more commonly known as La Pedrera which means “quarry”. Gaudi was instrumental in completing this building and his characteristic wavy brick work and colorful tiles are also evident on this masterpiece.

No. 5 - Barcelona FC Museum
Address: Aristides Maillol, entrance no 7 08028, Barcelona
Opening hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (Tue-Sat); 10:00 - 14:30 (Sun); Closed Mon
Admission: 8.50 Euros for entry to museum and 13 Euros - for a guided tour.
Metro: Collblanc (Blue Line, L5)

If you are a footie fan then this museum is a must see. It has wall to wall trophies, pictures and statues of the greats. When you buy your ticket you have 2 options. You can buy a ticket for the museum and to see the stadium or you can buy a dual ticket where you get to see the museum and behind the scenes at the club e.g. changing rooms, VIP lounge, press conference areas etc.

No. 6 - Barcelona Zoo
Metro Ciutadella (Yellow Line, L4) about 10 mins walk.
Tel: (0034) 93 225 6780
Official Web Site www.zoobarcelona.com

Barcelona Zoo is based in the Parc de la Ciutadella the best way to find it is to go to Ciutadella Park and to follow the signs to the Zoo. The zoo has a wide variety of animals on show, but also a restaurant, picnic area, a shop, electric cars, ponies and a mini-train.

No. 7 - Picasso Museum
Address: Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona
Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 (Tue-Sun), Mon-Closed ;
Official Web Site: Picasso Museum
Admission: 9 Euros for main exhibition - extra for special showings.
Metro: Jaume l (Yellow Line, L4)

The museum has arranged Picasso's paintings in chronological order from his early days to his final works. Arranging the paintings in this way gives you a fascinating insight into the development of Picasso thinking over time and shows how he developed the distinctive designs that he is famous for today. Very popular art gallery.

No. 8 - Imax Cinema
Metro Drassanes (Green Line, L3) 15 mins walk,
Port Vell Barcelona, Moll d' Espanya
Tel: (0034) 93 225 1111
Official Web site: www.imaxintegral.com

The IMAX cinema is right next door to the Barcelona Aquarium.

No. 9 - Miró Museum
Official web site: Joan Miró
Address: Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona
Admission: 7.50 Euros
Transport: Montjuïc Funicular - you can catch the Montjuïc Funicular train from Paral-lel metro station.
Metro Stop - Espanya (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1) Walk about 20 mins - Uphill most of the way.

This art gallery has a wide range of Miró's work dating back as far as 1914. This artwork collection not only includes his paintings but also a good selection of sculptures, tapestries and early sketches. A wonderful collection of Miró's work.

No.10- National Museum of Art of Catalunya MNAC
Address: Palau Nacional - Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona
Opening hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (Tue to Sat); Sun (10:00 - 14:30); Closed Mon
Official web site: Art Galleries Barcelona - MNAC
Admission: 8.5 Euros
Metro: Placa Espanya (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1)

Las Ramblas - Barcelona's most famous Street
One other "attraction" is of course Barcelona's most famous street La Rambla.
I've put together three pages on La Rambla which summarize the main attractions and hotels on this famous street.
Find an apartment in La Rambla, and Book on-line!

Here I a little summary of the things to see if you don't have much time to visit the city, but don't forget places like Park Guell, Casa Mila and Barcelona Cathedral that are also very interesting attractions to visit.

The essential in Barcelona

desigbarcelona@gmail.com (Central de Reservas Desig) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:31:00 +0000

All the answers to most important questions : transport, activities, attractions, and accommodation including Barcelona holiday apartments which are becoming a popular alternative to expensive hotels.