Flats by Days

Festical de Merce, Barcelona´s main Event!

2010-08-13T10:40:00.000+02:00

Around the 24th of September Festival de La Merce takes place in Barcelona. This 5 days festival is the biggest festival in Barcelona and takes place at the end of the summer, just for the start of the autumn. The festival is held in honour of Mare de Deu de la Merce, the Patron Saint Of Barcelona. In 1902 the first edition was held.

In these few days hundreds of activities are being held on the Barcelona streets: there are musicians and street artists who are performing amongst the public. Moreover the festival consists out of a lot of traditions: human castles, giants, beasts and various guests of the Mediterranean. It´s not only the street which is used as a theater since the sky is the limit, there are multiple performances done in the sky, acrobatic things, balloons and ultra lights.

One major element which is coming back in a lot of festivals is fire. Since the Spaniards/Catalans believe that fire is scaring the ghosts away. During the festival there are big musical fireworks and a fire run.

Al the events are held on the streets therefore we advice people to try avoiding the city centre by car, since it will be impossible to drive.

People see the fire run as one of the festival highlights, during this run there will be a lot of fire and fireworks. The run consist out of groups whom are dressed up as dragon´s and walk around with a lot of sparkling and bright fireworks. Due to this fact it´s advisable to take protective clothing, hats and glasses since a lot of the sparkler fireworks sprays into the crowd. There are 2 versions of the festival, one is especially for children. The main difference is the use of fireworks, during the children edition the crowd won´t be sprayed with fireworks.

The second highlight are the Human Towers. These towers attract a lot of people to plaza Jaume: the main aim of the tower builders (Castellers) is to build a human tower and have a young child climbing to the top and stand up.

The festival is seen as Barcelona´s main street event; therefore this would be the perfect occasion to visit Barcelona and enjoying its culture. During these 5 days you can see 500 different events, with highlights as the Fire run and Human towers. FlatsByDays can offer multiple apartments two streets off plaza Jaume, the location of these Human Towers.

Barcelona during the 20th century

2010-08-03T14:32:00.002+02:00

During July 1936 the Spanish civil war broke out. The city and Catalonia were Republican, most public services and enterprises were collectivized by the Cnt and Ugt (Unions). During the beginning of the civil war the republican power diminished. Since the city was under control of anarchists. On March 15, 1938 Barcelona got bombed, this happened under the command of Italian dictator Mussolini and these bombs were dropped on request of General Franco. After a battle of a year Barcelona fell into Nationalist Hands on 26 January 1939.

Because of the Nationalistic control Barcelona´s autonomous instructions were abolished and it was not allowed to speak Catalan in public life. Since Barcelona was Spain´s second city, Barcelona got more industrialized. Due to this fact there started a large-scale immigration from the other parts of Spain. This led to rapid urbanizations, area´s like Bellvitge and L´Hospitalet de Llobregat got swallowed up. All the inhabitants of these area´s needed to get to Barcelona, this led to the development of the metro, tarmacing the streets and installation of traffic lights.

In 1970 Barcelona had 1.557.863 inhabitants which lived with 15.517 people on one square kilometer.

After General Franco died, Spain became a democracy. Especially in Barcelona the pressure of change was enormous, since Barcelona and Catalonia suffered the most of his Regime. During the 80´s 90´s Barcelona had 2 major events: 1986 Spanish accession to the European community and the summer Olympics in 1992. These events led to a better international reputation and an increase of tourism.

Take a look at our apartments, where you can find a wide variety of apartments throughout the old city center.

Barcelona it´s History Part 2

2010-07-28T13:45:00.000+02:00

During the roman time the Jewish religion had been tolerated by the Romans, however the Jewish suffered of discrimination. Anyhow the Jews still had an important influence on Barcelona. The word Montjuic of the Montjuic Mountain means mountain of the Jews.

During 711 the Moorish forces arrived at the Iberian Peninsula. After they concurred and devastated Tarraco, Barcelona surrendered peacefully. During these years Moorish rules applied in Barcelona ( Barshiluna). The cathedral was converted into a mosque and there were extra taxes for the non-Muslims.

However the Moorish control didn´t take long while Louis the Pious captured Barcelona in 801. This was his most southerly gains form the Moors. The area around Barcelona became the Spanish Marches (which was a buffer zone between them and the Moorish), with Barcelona as seat of the county.

In 1162 the area was inherited by Alfonso 2 of Aragon. Barcelona was an important city for him since it was the biggest settlement in Catalonia ( 4X the size of Girona). Since it´s location at the Mediterranean Sea the economy of Barcelona transferred directly trade. In 1469 Ferdinand 2 of Aragon married Isabelle 1 of Castile. Due to this marriage the two most important royal lines were united. After the marriage centre of political power became Madrid and because of the colonization of the Americas the financial importance of the Mediterranean trade reduced.

During the beginning of the 18th century the successes in the New World lead to a war between some of the major European countries. This led to the abolition of the Catalan autonomy, and ultimately to the end of national influences in Barcelona.

As the rest of Europe the industrial revolution arrived in Catalonia. All the Catalonia cities became important industrial centers, which led to an increase in wealth. After the revolution Barcelona was annexed by Napoleonic France and became a part of the French Empire.

In 1888 Barcelona hosted the Universal Exposition; this led to urbanizing of Barcelona. Barcelona absorbed some of there outskirts. One of them was Eixample(which means the extension).

FlatsByDays can offer apartments all around the city for instance our Cathedral apartment and our Gothic apartment. Living in the Gothic area will lead to an experience of this History.

The third and last part will be about the 20th century and Barcelona right now (Architecture, city etc)

Barcelona, a city with a long History!

2010-07-21T13:29:00.001+02:00

The history stretches back 2000 years ago when Barcelona was named Barkeno. It was an easily defensible city due to its location (between the sea and the Collserola ridge). The city was settled by the Laietani in the third century, on the Taber Hill (now: Ciutat Vella) and at Laie (Montjuic).

There are a lot of myths concerning the history of Barcelona. At the moment there are two founding myths. The first one is about Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca (father of Hannibal) who came up with the name Barkeno. People believe that Barkeno is Iberic for Barcelona. The second myth is about Hercules. When Hercules was searching for the Golden Fleece one of his nine ships was lost, Hercules decided to locate the ship. He found the ship but it was completely wrecked: however his crew survived it and was taken to a beautiful location with the name Barca Nona (Ninth Ship).

After the Carthaginian control the Romans conquered the whole Iberian Peninsula. The north-east of the Peninsula was the first region to fall under the ´new´ Roman Control. When the Romans settled Barcelona they called it Barcino, in contrast to now Barcino was less important then Tarraco (Now: Tarragona) and Caesaraugusta (Now: Zaragoza). Barcino was controlled by Tarraco. However Barcino had a strategic position on the Via Augusta which allowed a commercial and economic development and it enjoyed immunity from imperial taxation.

During the Roman Control Barcino´s main economic activity was the cultivation, the cultivated wine was widely exported over the Roman Empire. Barcelona´s main public building was a temple which was dedicated to Ceasar Augustus.

As you can read Barcelona is a great city with a beautiful history. With our apartments around the old city centre (Portaferissa, Bellafila and Opera) you can be a part of the wonderful history.

Next week the blog will be about the period after the Roman Control. The Christian communities and Jewish influences.

Public Transportation in Barcelona

2010-07-15T11:44:00.000+02:00

The metropolitan of Barcelona has 1.6 Million inhabitants. These people need to be transported all around the city: due to this fact Barcelona has reliable public transport. There are different ways of transportation to travel around the city.

Maybe the quickest and easiest way is the Metro. The Barcelona metro is going all around the city and is open until 24.00(Monday-Thursday), 2.00 AM (Friday), All night (Saturday). Since the metro is going everywhere it´s a nice way to transport inside Barcelona. We recommend you to buy a T-10 ticket, this ticket costs 7.95€ and includes 10 tickets. 1 Ticket is valid for 1.15H, which means that changing from bus to metro in 1.15h is free.

The Bus is also a nice way of transportation. Since there´re so many stops around the city, you can come more close to your destination then by metro. The only downside is that the bus takes longer. Barcelona has special bus strips, due to these strips the busses won´t slow down by traffic. The busses are also using the T-10 tickets.

If you decide to ´escape´ from Barcelona for a day it´s recommend taking the train. The trains in Spain are pretty punctual and cheap. A round ticket to for instance Sitges is 7€. Sitges is a beautiful small village with a beautiful beach. We can recommend you to go there for a day to enjoy its beautiful beaches. The trains are using their own tickets, and can be bought at the stations. Barcelona has multiple train stations (Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gracia and Estacio Franca). Passeig de Gracia has a metro station as well so it´s pretty easy to hop from metro to train.

FlatsByDays has a variety of apartments which are very close to the public transport. Our Bellafila apartments are just in the middle of metro station Liceu (Green) and station Jaume (Yellow), due to this fact you can get from our apartments everywhere by taking public transport.

The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona´s pearl!

2010-07-07T18:38:00.001+02:00

The Sagrada Familia is one of the symbols that stand for Barcelona. The Sagrada has been under construction since 1882, the church will be consecrated by the Pope on November 7, 2010.

The church was designed by Antoni Gaudi, whom is still very important for Barcelona since a majority of his creatures are still in wonderful shape and can be found in Barcelona. After his death in 1926 the work continued under the direction of Gaudi´s friend, Domenech Sugranyes. Barcelona is still trying to finish the constructions in 2026 (100 years after Gaudi´s death).

It took Gaudi 5 years to finish the entrance. From that moment on Gaudi realized that the constructions would take a tremendous amount of time. Therefore he opened in 1909 the Sagrada Temporary schools. These schools were designed for the children of the workers and for the local children who were members of its community. During the last months of his life he became so involved that he decided to live next to the church. He lived in a room next to the workshop; this room was used for making scale models, doing sketches etc.

Just after his death the team moved on by using Gaudi´s original plans and drawings, due to this fact the four bell towers were completed in 1930. During the civil war the construction stopped, throughout the civil war multiple parts of the temple were damaged and desecrated. Therefore after the civil war the restoration of the crypt started. It took until the end 80´s of the 20th century to finish the outside of the Temple. From the begin 90´s the team started building the inside of the Gaudi´s creature. Since the Sagrada has been under construction for so long, they are restorate the temple as well. This means that they are building and restorate the temple.

The construction on the temple is not supported by the government. The initial stages were funded by private funds. At the moment the construction is paid by the entrance tickets and by private donations through the friends of the temple fund.

The Bellafila Apartments are just some metro stops away from this beautiful creation of Gaudi

Montjuic, the hill with a history!

2010-06-30T16:47:00.002+02:00

Who is coming to Barcelona will see immediately the mighty Montjuic. Montjuic is ´Hill of the Jews´ in medieval Catalan. From this hill you can overlook the harbor, to the southwest of the city centre. Since the location was so ideal the top of the hill was the location of several fortifications: the largest fortress has a ´black´ history while it was the site of several executions up to the ´Franco time´.

The Montjuic hosted some events over the years. One of the major were the 1992 Olympic games, when several stadiums were located at the Montjuic: until 2008 the Olympic stadium was the home of football club Espanyol.

The roads in the slopes facing the city were four times the home of Spanish grand prix: due to a terrible accident which killed 4 people the grand prix never returned to this historical location.

Next to the Olympic stadium you will find Palau Sant Jordi: this venue is used as ´concert arena´ since many artists, like Madonna, Mika and Kiss, already performed at the Palau.

During the summer the mountain is the home of an outdoor cinema. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, film enthusiasts can see a selection of national and international movies. These films are offered in English; therefore this is an ideal location for tourists. Besides you can take you picnic basket since the screen is located on a big field of grass. More information at The Sala Montjuic Website

FlatsByDays is offering multiple apartments (Ramblas Santa Monica, Bellafila Prl, Bellafila 1b) which are just a metro ride away from the Montjuic. The Montjuic is the ideal location for making beautiful pictures of the city visit the castle garden or visit the Miro Museum.

Beaches in Barcelona

2010-06-22T16:31:00.000+02:00

Today´s forecast, sunny and 24 degrees: it´s summer in Barcelona and the beaches are getting more attractive.

In Barcelona you will find a variety of beaches which are located over the whole coastline (See Picture).

Since the big clean up for the 1992 Olympics the beaches became a magnet for locals and visitors. Therefore there is taking good care in maintaining a clean sea and beach, the beach is tested daily and is accessible for disabled, there are lifeguards, sun beds and showers.
One of the most beautiful beaches is the Nova Icaria: it is the closest one to the marina and is therefore crowded. Due to this fact there are a variety of beach bars, restaurants and a large promenade.

Second beach is the Bogatell beach. This beach is twice the length of it´s neighbor(Nova Icaria). Since the beach is depressed it cuts all the noises down and it feels like you´re miles away from Barcelona. At the beach are no bars and restaurants, but you can find some restaurants on the boulevard.

The next beach is Mar Bella. This beach is located next to Bogatell but is divided by a school which can teaches you how to windsurf and kayak. Near to the beach is a wonderful park which is perfect for a picnic or siesta in the shade.

Last but not least is the Barceloneta beach. This beach is the most popular for tourists since there are a dozen of restaurants, from American-style to Catalan style. On this beach you will find a lot of people and due to that fact it´s really cheerful.

If you´re interested in planning a day trip to one of the beaches. It would be a good idea to look as well to the beaches which are located around Barcelona. Cities like Sitges have even more beautiful beaches which are not artificial and are just a short train ride away.

Tip: During the night of the 23th of June (tomorrow) Sant Joan is taking place. During this national holiday people are making bonfires and there are firework shows around the beaches. Since everyone is going to the beach the atmosphere is very relax and cheerful.

With apartments (Bellafila 3a, 3b and Bellafila 1B) on just 10/15 minutes (walking distance) from these beaches, FlatsByDays can offer you a joyful and relax holiday in sunny and interesting Barcelona.

Book your apartment at FlatsByDays during Bob Dylan´s peformance at Barcelona

2010-06-16T11:16:00.002+02:00

On the 24th of June American singer/songwriter Bob Dylan will perform in Barcelona at Poble Espanyol. Active for over 50 years Dylan is an icon in the global music industry with hits as “Hurricane”, “Like a rolling stone” and “Forever Young”. The highlight of his career was during the sixties were he made the most of his awarded material. Tracks like ´Blowin in the Wind´ and ´The times they are a-chagin´ became anthems for anti-war and civil rights movement. Dylan which had some great skills on a variety of instruments (guitar, harmonica and keyboard) wasn´t a normal performer, since he made music in almost every kind of genre (from folk to gospel). With 11 Grammies, 1 Academy and 1 golden globe award Bob Dylan is one of the most awarded artists in the world. This Oscar nomination and award was a beautiful start of the new millennium, this price was awarded because of his song; “Things have Changed” which was made for the movie ´Wonder Boys´. Due to this Oscar people realized that Bob Dylan was still alive and was still ready to surprise the globe once more. In 2006 Dylan started a career as a DJ, hosting a weekly radio program where he was playing songs which were selected around a chosen theme. During his 100th show n April 2009 he played “Woody Guthrie - So long, it´s been good to know yuh” which has led to numerous speculations that Dylan ended his radio show. During his summer tour throughout Europe he is going to play twice in Spain, on the 24th in Barcelona and on the 26th at the Azkena rock festival. So this will be a unique chance to see this stunishing American singer/songwriter live.

FlatsByDays can offer you a variety of apartment throughout Barcelona which can combine this concert to an unforgettable stay in Barcelona. With apartment all around the city centre there are apartments according to everyone´s wishes. We can offer you a variety of one- two- and more bedroom apartments. As a one bedroom apartment we can offer you our Bellafila 3a apartment which is located in the gothic quarter. Another beautiful apartment in the gothic quarter is the two bedroom apartment Opera. So do not wait and book your trip to Barcelona to see Bob Dylan and the beautiful city of Barcelona.

Impression of some of our beautiful apartments

2010-06-11T19:48:00.004+02:00

Impression of some of our beautiful apartments

2010-06-11T19:48:00.001+02:00

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss3PQkIF3bg]

Book your apartment at FlatsByDays during the Motogp

2010-06-09T19:40:00.001+02:00

On the 4th of July 2010 the MotoGP circus will set feet on Catalonian soil. After 6 races Yamaha´s driver Jorge Lorenzo is leading by a astonishing lead of 25 points on number 2 Dani Pedrosa. The big question is if he will expand his lead and will celebrate his next victory in Catalonia. The race will take place on the famous Circuit de Catalunya, which is used as well during the Formula 1 GP. The circuit is famous because of it´s surprises, out of nothing a strong seawind can come up or it can start raining. During the first race on Spanish soil (Jerez), Lorenzo was able to win the race and defeat Pedrosa. All eyes are focused on this 23 year old Spaniard. Will he be able to win the both Spanish races? There will be a lot of pressure from the crowd but as well from his competitors. While we don´t have to forget Italian Stallion Valentino Rossi (which is currently on place3) who already won the Catalonian MotoGP for 6 times in the last 10 years. One of the other guys that won is Dani Pedrosa, the currently number 2. The race will be a real rivalry between these 3 wonderful drivers. Next to the MotoGP the 125 and 250cc class will also compete on the circuit.

For the real MotoGP lovers we can offer some lovely apartment in the Barcelona city centre, which is located an hour from the circuit (which is easily reachable by shuttle bus). So combine this wonderful race with the city of Barcelona. With apartment like Bellafila 3a, Opera and Portaferrissa we can offer you a variety of apartments throughout the old Barcelona city centre.

Rent your Holiday apartment during the Grec Festival

2010-06-02T18:36:00.000+02:00

The Festival Grec de Barcelona is an annual summer festival held in Barcelona. The festival is formed by theatre, music, dance and circus and is organized by the Barcelona City Council. The festival is named after the original venue, the Grec theatre on the Montjuic Mountain.

The festivals first edition was held in 1976. It started as a collaboration between a group of actors and directors, who were interesting in innovating the theatre in Barcelona. From 1979 the organization is in hand of the City Council. This first edition is still feeding the Grec Festival. The festival has still the same base but has transformed and renewed every year. Frederic Amat creates the complete 2010 festival image. Besides creating the image he helped the organization by producing a show in cooperation with a Japanese theatre company.

This cooperation will give the 2010 edition a special extra; while there will be combination of the Mediterranean and Japanese sensibilities. Japan is one of the most fascinating countries for theatre.
This year the Grec Festival will join forces with the electronic Sonar festival, while theatre and music is one of the most amazing combinations: the festival will start together with Sonar on the 17th of June and will end at the 1st of August.

During these dates we can offer you some of our nice apartments. Besides the city and the Grec Festival you can come ´home´ in one of central based apartments. If you are interested to come with a bigger party we can offer you our Bellafila Prl or Bellafila 1b apartment which can house groups up to 10, besides we have some smaller apartments like Opera, Portaferrisa, Santa Monica and Bellafila 3A.

We are looking forward welcoming you in one of our apartment during the summer months!

Rent your apartment for the Fortuny Exhibition

2010-05-27T12:38:00.000+02:00

Until the 27th of June La Pedrera de Caixa Catalunya will be the home of an interesting art exhibition. The main artist where this exhibition is based on is Mariano Fortuny Madrazo (Granada 1871 - Venice 1949). Mariano was the son of Catalan painter Marià Fortuny i Marsal. Mariano was seen as a multitalented man who was called ´the little Leonardo´. Besides this ´title´ he was referred as ´the magician of Venice´. He got this title because art was not the only area he was working in, next to this he worked in engraving, stage design, lightning technology, photography, textile design and fashion.

After the death of his father Mariano and his family moved to Paris. Mariano studied painting by copying the great masters. One of his teachers was Rogelio de Egusquiza, which learned Mariano the Wagnerian ideas: due to this ideas Mariano got more and more interest in theater. Mariano Fortuny came up with his own staging system the "Fortuny System", made up of an indirect lighting device and a quarter-sphere dome, which covered the stage and acted like a large reflector. His idea was picked up by the German company AEG which installed this system in the main theaters in Germany and Italy.

In 1889 the Mariano family moved to Venice. In Venice Marino tried to become one with the city. He captured the city by paintings and by photographs. For Mariano Venice became on the one hand ´a symbol of beauty´ and on the other hand a foundation of suggestion which achieved his never-ending search into creativity.

The exhibition will be in Barcelona until the 27th. The exhibition is not only focused on painting but on every aspect of art he was working with.
We are offering apartments which have a twist of art as well. Our Art Deco and Art Nouveau apartments are decorated with pieces of art which where used during those times.

Sant Joan, book you apartment at FlatsByDays

2010-05-18T13:31:00.001+02:00

Sant Joan is celebrated every year at the start of the summer season and the day with the longest period of daylight. It is always celebrated on the evening of June 23th and June 24th is a public holiday. Sant Joan takes place from sundown to sunrise on the eve of Sant Joan day which is also called ´Verbenas´.

The traditions of Sant Joan are split in 5 elements:
- Fire
- Water
- Herbs
- Fireworks
- Food

Fire: There will be bonfires all around Barcelona. People throw for instance old furniture into the fires, what is symbolizing ´out with the old in with the new´. Another tradition is that you write your wishes in the air.

Water: Wather is symbolizing cleanness; people can clean there sin in the water.

Herbs: Rosemary, Thyme and Verbena (the herb that gave name to the fiestas!) are collected and eaten on Sant Joan. The herb verbena was offered to the Gods in ancient times. The smell is very powerful.

Fireworks: People believe that they scare ghosts and witches away by the bangs of the fireworks.

Food: Food is not a special element of Sant Joan. During every festival or party Catalan people tend to eat a lot, while it is a part of the culture.

So do not wait and come to this ´feel good´ festival! Partying from sundown to sunrise and enjoying to old Catalan rituals : ) We can recommend you our Opera apartment which offers an oasis of tranquility!

Sonar Festival Internacional de Música Avanzada y Arte Multimedia

2010-05-11T13:56:00.000+02:00

Just one month to go and one of Europe´s major electronic music festivals will take of. From the 17^th until the 19^th of June Barcelona will be taken on a journey by the beats of the Booka shade, Plastikman, Hot Chip and many more.

Sonar which is organized since 1994 is known as one of the major European festivals. Besides the festival, sonar is an important convention for people out of the music industry. During these dates the whole city will be transformed in to one big stage, while people all over the city are partying.

Tickets are still available and start by 39€. Sonar is offering as well passpartouts, which will give you the best sensation and entertainment.

Besides all these sensations is it important to have a rest and a good place to stay. This is where we come in. With apartments all over the historic city centre, we can offer you a comfortable stay during the festival dates. For instance our Portaferrisa apartment which is a 2 bedroom in the centre situated apartment.

See you at sonar?!

Impression of some other apartments

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Impression of our Bellafila apartments

2010-04-28T16:14:00.002+02:00

Formula One in Barcelona

2010-04-26T13:46:00.004+02:00

On the 7-8-9th of May the Grand Prix circus will set feet on Barcelona soil. The formula one is considered as the cream of the crop of the motorsport. Since the FIA introduced some new rules the race got more and more spectacle, while a victory is not anymorea depending on the speed of the car but on the skills of the driver. Especially while the no.2 and the no. 6 only differs 9 points, which made the races even more interesting.

Circuit de Cataluña is located in Montmelo which is a 30 minute ride from Barcelona city centre. The circuit is famous because of the possibility that the wind changes drastically during the day. Wind is a significance factor in the Formula one given the importance of aerodynamics to formula one cars.

Besides going to the grand prix you can visit the beautiful Barcelona as well. With tons of bars restaurant and sight sees Barcelona can offer everyone a nice/enjoyable and comfortable see at the Mediterranean see.

We can always offer several apartments to make your stay as comfortable as possible. For instance our Bellafila 3b apartment, which is located in the city centre and close to everything you need.

Looking for a business apartment during one of the Barcelona tradeshows?

2010-04-15T18:46:00.000+02:00

Who thinks that Barcelona is just a city to relax, party and enjoy the beautiful city is wrong. Almost every week Barcelona is the place to visit all kinds of different trade shows. Especially during the autumn you can find the fairs and shows all around the city.

If you are looking for accomodation during one of these shows, we can offer high-quality business apartments. With the possibility that we can accomadate a group of 32 people. In our bellafila apartmentcomplex.

Agenda:

If you are missing your favourite trade show feel free to add him in the commenst and we will update our calender.

Concepto Bano	11-MAY-10 to 15-MAY-10
Instalmat	12-MAY-10 to 15-MAY-10
Pasarela Gaudi Novias	18-MAY-10 to 21-MAY-10
Barcelona bridal Week	18-MAY-10 to 23-MAY-10
Tecniexpo Automation	19-MAY-10 to 21-MAY-10
International Logistics & Material Handling Exhibition	25-MAY-10 to 28-MAY-10
Avante	02-JUN-10 to 04-JUN-10
Expoaviga	08-JUN-10 to 10-JUN-10
Second Hand Vehicle Show	11-JUN-10 to 20-JUN-10
Entrepreneurs Fair	16-JUN-10 to 17-JUN-10
The Brandery Trade show	27-JUN-10 to 29-JUN-10
Expohogar	24-SEP-10 to 27-SEP-10
Liber	29-SEP-10 to 01-OCT-10
Antiquaris Barcelona	02-OCT-10 to 10-OCT-10
Salon International Caravaning	09-OCT-10 to 17-OCT-10
International book fair	12-OCT-10 to 14-OCT-10
SITEM	16-OCT-10 to 17-OCT-10
Barcelona Meeting Point	19-OCT-10 to 24-OCT-10
Hostelco Expo	05-NOV-10 to 09-NOV-10
Salon Nautico International de Bacelona	06-NOV-10 to 14-NOV-10
Salon Del Hobby	19-NOV-10 to 21-NOV-10
Expominer	19-NOV-10 to 21-NOV-10
Creativa Barcelona	26-NOV-10 to 28-NOV-10
EIBTM	30-NOV-10 to 02-DEC-10
International Auto Retro Barcelona	04-DEC-10 to 08-DEC-10
Ocasion Expo	04-DEC-10 to 12-DEC-10
Festival De La Infancia	27-DEC-10 to 04-JAN-11
Cosmobelleza & Wellness	26-FEB-11 to 28-FEB-11
Infarma Expo	01-MAR-11 to 03-MAR-11
Graphispag Expo	22-MAR-11 to 26-MAR-11
Sonimagfoto & Multimedia	23-MAR-11 to 27-MAR-11

BOOK WITH FLATS BY DAYS YOUR TOURIST APARTMENTS IN BARCELONA DURING THE FIFA WORD CUP 2010

2010-04-06T18:17:00.001+02:00

In 65 days and 6 hours the FIFA World Cup 2010 will start. Host South-Africa will compete during the opening game against Mexico. A game during the world cup will result in crowded and colored streets all around the world.

Tons of websites are talking about the disappointing ticket sales. A lot of people do not want to pay the expensive tickets, or think that South-Africa is still very unsafe. This is why Barcelona could be a great alternative. Thousands of enthusiastic football fans will come over to Barcelona, to enjoy the football, the weather, beaches, culture and nightlife. During the last European Championships the Barcelona City Government placed huge screens on some of the important squares and tourist attraction spots such as Port Vells, Plaza Catalunya and La Rambla. This will create a unique atmosphere, and it almost looks like that Barcelona is one of the hosting cities in South-Africa.

With tons of places (pubs screens etc) to watch the games, Barcelona will be the ideal spot the come. During June the temperature will be above the 20C. So the beach will be an ideal location to get rid of the excitement of last night, and recharge the batteries for the next game and night out.

For the real football fans Barcelona can offer them enough. The Nou Camp stadium is a tremendous attraction, besides the stadium there is a museum and the possibility to enter the pitch. That will be your moment of fame; you can put yourself on the list with players like Messi, Rivaldo and Kluivert, all these guys played memorable games on this pitch. In the museum you can even get on the picture with the most beloved trophy in Europe, The champions league cup.

The most important part of this vacation would be to find an ideal tourist accommodation. This is where Flats By Days will come in. We can offer vacation apartments in the nicest area of the centre such as Cathedral, La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter and the Born. If you come with a big party, we can accommodate up to 32 people in 5 different holidays apartments located in the same Bellafila building which is at 5 minute walk from the Las Ramblas and a 15 minute walk from the Barceloneta beach. Celebration of World Cup is not just with friend, so why not taking you partner to a romatic and design flat? Check out our design flat Opera, stylish Art Deco and Art Nouveau vacation flats and our romantic apartments such as Portaferrisa , Picasso , Cathetral

So do not wait and celebrate the World Championships in Barcelona. Which country would you like to represent in Barcelona during the Championships?

Clubbing in Barcelona

2010-03-30T17:31:00.000+02:00

Berlin, New York, Amsterdam, London and BARCELONA. What does these cities have in Common? Clubbing and nightlife!

Barcelona could be considered as one of Europe’s clubbing capitals. With clubs all over the city, Barcelona´s nightlife is even as impressive as the city itself.

Clubs like Shoko, Catwalk and Opium in Villa Olimpica, Razzmatazz in Poble Nou, City Hall in Plaza Catalunya, Fellini in La Rambla and The one and La Terraza en Pueblo Español are lifting Barcelona up in the club charts. Every week one of these clubs have a headline DJ on there agenda. From Jeff Mills to Kavinsky, From David Guetta to Axwell.

These clubs use there own Formula. Some are more focusing on chilling and relaxing while for instance the One and Razzmatazz are more for the hardcore clubbers, while they have more underground DJ´s on their program(eg. Butch,Marc Houle, Ben Sims Etc.). Opium can be considered as a more mainstream (house) club, what is attracting people that love the more ´commercial´ house ( eg. David Guetta and Daft Punk). So Barcelona can serve everyone with a club which they like ( Hardcore Clubbers, Chillers and Mainstreamers).

With flats/apartments all over the old city, you will be close to all clubs. Every clubber knows how hard the ´day after´ can be, while alcohol is not always your best friend. But there is a nice solution while you can become sober at the beach, while the beach is a 10-15 minute walk from our apartments.
Planning to go clubbing in Barcelona. We can even provide accommodations up to 32 people. So even large groups. With apartments like this Bellafila PRL which can accommodate 8 people.

We are looking forward to hear from you.

Ps. Don´t forget that Sonar is coming up as well.

FLATS BY DAYS OFFERS DESIGN APARTMENTS AND BOUTIQUE FLATS TO ART AND DESIGN LOVERS

2010-03-23T13:07:00.000+01:00

Gaudi, Miro, Picasso and Dali are just some names of great Spanish artists; these mind blowing individuals are still respected all around the world. Coming to Barcelona will mean that you can still find their work all around the city.

What all these artists have in common is that they have a dedicated museum. The museums of Gaudi, Miro and Picasso are in the city of Barcelona, while the Dali museum is situated in Figueres. What is a 1.30 hour drive from Barcelona.

Gaudi who became one of the most famous art nouveau architects is well known for many architectural highlights in Barcelona. His most famous creations are the still unfinished Sagrada Famillia and the Park Guell. To get to Park Guell take the green underground line to Vallcarca. The Sagrada even have his own underground station.

Besides Gaudi, Barcelona had another great artist. In the name of Miro. A painter/sculptor who was born in Barcelona. He became well-known by his expressionistic sculpture and paintings. There is even a museum dedicated to him and is situated on the Montjuc. It’s really easy to get to the Montjuc. Take the green line from Plaza Catalunya or Liceu in Las Ramblas and get off in Paral-lel. At Paral-el you have to transfer to a little train that takes you up to the Montjuc ( while this transfer is done underground, you don’t have to pay an additional charge for the transfer up the Montjuc). Altenatively, get off in Plaza España and reach the museum via electric escalators.

Maybe one of the most impressive painters ever is Picasso. His museum is situated near the Ramblas and underground station Jaume.

While we think that art is a beautiful connection to apartments, we have a great choice of design apartments and boutique flats all located in the centre of Barcelona, very close to Las Ramblas and the main square Plaza Catalunya.

Here there are some example of unique flats on offer:

Picasso apartment located in el Born area, very close to the Picasso museum.

Art Deco and Art Nouveau in the heart of the historical centre and very close to Las Ramblas.

Cathedral, luxury flat situated in the historic centre of Barcelona. 75 m far from the cathedral and just 50 m away of Ramblas boulevard.

Opera , modern design flat off Las Ramblas

So book your apartment at flats by days, while we can make you arty stay in Barcelona even more impressive. With apartments all over the historical centre you will own a wonderful piece of art for some days.

Mika in Barcelona! 18th of April be there!

2010-03-16T18:19:00.001+01:00

On Sunday the 18th of April, Mika, the extraordinary British singer- songwriter will
perform at Palau Sant Jordi Arena in Barcelona.

Mika became famous with his hits ´Grace Kelly´ and ´Lollipop´ in 2007. Three years later he is travelling around Europe to present his second album (The boy who knew too much). One of the highlights will be his show on the 18th of April in Barcelona, where he will rock the place down at Palau Sant Jordi. Together with his performance the 19th April in Madrid, this will be the only possibility to see Mika in Spain this year.

Barcelona will be an extraordinary location to get the ´once in a lifetime´ experience of seeing the astonishing Mika live. Barcelona the city which never sleeps, daytime or nightlife, Barcelona is always alive. The city offers tons of highlights, the Sagrada Familia, the Montjuic, Nou Camp, the Ramblas, the port, the beach and not to forget the total atmosphere of Barcelona, with its cosy bars, alleys and Tapas Restaurant.

During you exciting stay in Barcelona, you will off course need a place to come ´home´ and relax. This is where Flats by Days will be your best ´friend´. We offer all kinds of apartments from 1 to 30 people.

So do not wait and book your apartment at flats by days. Combine the exciting city of Barcelona together with a top class pop/rock star and a wonderful apartment to ensure a great experience.

We hope that we can welcome you in the future in one of our apartments.

Sonar! Europe´s best electronic dance festival

2010-03-03T17:55:00.000+01:00

17, 18, 19 June we will once again enjoy the greatness of electronic music in Barcelona.

Available prices for Sonar ticket packages:

3 days and 2 nights - 155 euros

2 night ticket - 100 euros

sonar day ticket - 39 euros (from 12 noon to 10 pm)

sonar night ticket - 60 euros (from 9:30 pm)

If your looking for accomodation where you and your group of friends can stay we offer apartments in one building for up to 32 people just look at our website FlatsbyDays. This contains apartments with 3 and 4 bedroom apartments. The apartments are located in the center where all the activity takes place and within walking distance to the venues. We offer many different options for everybody so do not hesistate to take a look around!

Dj´s and artists:

The Chemical Brothers, Air, LCD Soundsystem, Plastikman, Jónsi, Dizzee Rascal, 2manydjs, Booka Shade, Hot Chip, Fuck Buttons, Aeroplane, King Midas Sound, Broadcast, The Sugarhill Gang, Matthew Herbert's One Club, Flying Lotus, Pete Tong, Joy Orbison, Zomby, Roska, Necro Deathmort, Mary Anne Hobbs, David M, John Talabot, Bradien, Speech Debelle, Emilio José, Uffie, Jimi Tenor & Kabu Kabu, Hudson Mohawke, Carte Blanche (DJ Mehdi & Riton), Nosaj Thing Visual Show, Delorean, The Pinker Tones, Noaipre, Sandwell District, bRUNA, Bomba Estéreo, Cora Novoa, Cluster, Mike Slott, BCN 216 + Tristan Perich, Bflecha, The Slew featuring Kid Koala, Eclair Fifi & John Computer, Machinedrum, American Men, The Blessings, Elektro Guzzi, Zigmat, dp-S, Lesley Flanigan, BCN216 + Cristian Vogel, Robot Koch, Larytta, Round Table Knights, Goldielocks, Tim and Puma Mimi

Fc Barcelona take on VFB Stuttgart!

2010-03-03T17:09:00.000+01:00

After a rather dissapointing 1-1 draw in Stuttgart it is time for Fc Barcelona to show the Germans what they are really capable of. Even though a 1-1 result in an away game is not bad we all know that Barcelona is capable of much more. Thus we expect a great game in which the Catalans will show their true qualities. With an eye on the quater final all Barcelona needs to do is ensure that Stuttgart doesn´t score. If (which they most likely will) they manage to qualify for the quater finals we can expect another great CL match at Nou Camp on the 30th or 31st of March or the 6th or 7th of April.

Are you willing to attend this great footbal show with a couple of Friends then do not hesistate! Flatsbydays offers great apartments which are located in the centre with very easy acces to the stadium Nou Camp you grab the green metro line and before you know it you can hear the Barcelona chants. If you are a group of 8-10 people then check out our Bellafila 1B and Bellafila prl which are both just 5 minute walk from Ramblas. With great freedom and more than enough space the apartments are located in an area near many restaurants and pubs. Here you can ce lebrate the great footbal show with a few pints and your friends and possibly other local Barcelona supporters. So footbal supporters out there do not hesistate to step in and watch this awesome footbal show! There is footbal and there is Fc Barcelona!

2010-02-26T10:55:00.000+01:00

2nd April Good Friday

5th April Easter Monday

The main Easter event in Barcelona is the blessing of the palms on Palm Sunday when Crowds surge into the Cathedral clutching bleached palm fonds bought from the stalls along Rambla de Catalunya and outside the Sagrada Familia

We have 5 beautiful apartments located near to the Easter Festivities in the center of Barcelona.

If you are looking for a 3 bedroom apartment click here

If you require a 4 bedroom apartment click here

Barcelona St Valentine´s Day

2010-01-21T17:03:00.000+01:00

Barcelona Valentine´s Weekend

14 February

An evening in front of the sea, a stroll to the dusk through the recondite streets of the Gothic district, a coffee in the many squares in the heart of the city, a panoramic sight from the hills that surround Barcelona, an intimate dinner in some restaurant, fashion in the Born district or a stroll across the beach are some of the attractions that Barcelona offers to couples.

Let's surprise your love with a short break in Barcelona and discover how much magic Barcelona has to offer.

Flats By Days have a selection of romantic apartments for your stay during the Valentine´s Weekend. We will provide the apartment with champagne and flowers, the rest is up to your own imagination...

2010-01-21T17:01:00.000+01:00

11 - 17 Febrero

Los sitgetanos y las sitgetanas salen a la calle para participar o para vivir las intensas jornadas de Carnaval, donde la imaginación y la fiesta responsables monopolizan toda la atención ciudadana. Durante estos días la villa se convierte en un escenario esencialmente caracterizado por la alegría, pero siempre dentro de nuestra forma de ser y de hacer, de acuerdo con nuestros parámetros y nuestra idiosincrasia como ciudadanos cívicos y educados que somos.

Durante los días del carnaval de Sitges la villa estará gobernada por el "Carnestoltes", el "Rey de los Poco Vergüenzas", con la presencia y la colaboración de la Reina del Carnaval, para extender un ambiente de fiesta y alegría en las decenas de actos sociales y culturales, en las diferentes "xatonadas" que celebran las entidades de la villa, y en las calles con los miles de disfraces que se pueden observar, llegando a su momento más importante con les rúas de la Disbauxa y del Exterminio.

De entre los actos principales, el Carnaval se inicia ya con la elección de la Reina Infantil del Carnaval en una de les entidades locales, el Casino Prado Suburense, y con el Gran Quinto Carnavalero en otra de las entidades locales, la Sociedad Recreativa El Retiro.

Jueves Lardo llega su Majestad Carnestoltas en compañía de la Reina del Carnaval. Una vez finalizado, su Majestad y su sequito se dirigen hacia el Ayuntamiento donde toman posesión del Ayuntamiento y se dirigen a todos los habitantes con la lectura del "predicot". Esa noche se celebran las populares xatonadas en el El Retiro, el Prado o la Agrupació de Balls Populars.
El viernes de Carnaval , Su Majestad "Carnestoltes", la Reina y su sequito visitan las escuelas e instituciones de la villa, durante el sábado aún continúan estas visitas y por la tarde acostumbra a haber música en la calle y actividades infantiles.

El domingo es un día clave en el Carnaval de Sitges pues tiene lugar la rúa de la Disbauxa, con unas 50 carrozas y más de 3.000 participantes aproximadamente disfrazados, recorriendo el centro de la villa. El martes sale la Rua del Extermini con el mismo recorrido y con un número mayor de visitantes que viene a disfrutar de esta fiesta. Los niños también salen a la calle disfrazados por las calles de Sitges los mismos días pero por la tarde.

El miércoles de ceniza acaba el Carnaval y se celebra el entierro del Carnestoltes. Los habitantes de Sitges lo pueden acompañar a él y a su séquito hasta al lugar del Entierro donde se procede a la lectura de su testamento
Además de estos actos principales hay muchos más que conforman la programación definitiva del Carnaval y que se hacen públicos con motivo de la proximidad de la fiesta.

11 - 17 February

The Bohemian resort of Sitges, the playground of Barcelona and a popular destination, celebrates carnival with particular verve. Up to a quarter of a million Catalans, Germans, Britons and other Europeans fill the city for a week of uninhibited revelry. Festivities commence on the Thursday before Lent with the arrival of the King of the 'Carnestoltes' and ends with the Burial of the Sardine (a large effigy) on Ash Wednesday. Highlight of the week is a grand parade of more than 3,000 costumed masqueraders and up to 50 floats. Sitges is a party town, and carnival is the party of all parties that's sure to appeal to fun lovers of every persuasion.

Barcelona Golf

2009-12-18T13:03:00.001+01:00

Barcelona has a wide selection of golf courses allowing tourists to visit and enjoy the city, the sights and a game of golf in the best weather. A variety of clubs organize golfing for tourists and visitors. In addition to working with businesses and organizations to mount corporate golf days and congresses through Barcelona Golf Corporate Services using the best conference facilities in and around Barcelona.

So visit Barcelona and explore, for there is much more than what meets the eye.

Also do your best to keep the game on the golf course, however, if you find yourself much like Tiger Woods then there are plenty events and entertainment after to enjoy within the city.

Golfing news indicates Tiger Woods' latest update includes a suspected overdose for the pro golfer, another porn star alleged mistress to bring the mistress count to 11 and a wife on the run.

In addition to Tiger's 10-woman mistress count, a new porn star surfaced yesterday evening named Joselyn James. Veronica Siwik-Daniels (aka Joselyn James) was linked to Tiger in a post on the sports website Deadspin.com, totaling two porn stars among Tiger's women across the United States and across the pond (British women are among the alleged).

Barcelona Travel

2009-12-18T13:01:00.000+01:00

Barcelona International Airport opened its doors several months ago and now is more than prepared for the arrival of the new eco-friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliner, set to make its first test flight, almost two and a half years late.

Grounded by a series of hitches, including design problems, strikes and even a shortage of bolts, Boeing has pegged its hopes for the future on the plane, which promises to be one of the most fuel-efficient in the world.
It has attracted some 840 orders from all over the globe, although some have been cancelled because of the delays. Its popularity is partly thanks to its lightweight design. Made of carbon and titanium, it should reduce fuel consumption as well as save on maintenance costs.

Some 840 orders for the 787 Dreamliner makes the plane worth about $140bn (£86bn) for Boeing, but first, the aerospace giant must get the plane ready for delivery to airlines.
Analysts warn that the maiden flight is just a step towards that goal, not a sign that everything is fine.

The 787 is already 30 months behind schedule and there could be further delay as the aircraft begins test flights and seeks federal certification

Boeing says it will deliver the plane to customers by the end of 2010. Analysts say that is a very optimistic timetable while the design aims to make the plane nimble and able to fly long distances without refuelling.

Barcelona Port Aventura

2009-12-18T12:59:00.000+01:00

PortAventura is a unique spot in the heart of the Costa Daurada.

Each day at PortAventura offers the most exciting of adventures and a whole range of experiences that you will remember forever.

Family holidays, a weekend break with friends, a business convention with your company... it doesn't matter who you are, where you come from or what you come for.

The important thing is that once you've been, the experience will stay with you for a long time to come.

PortAventura Park

A theme park full of action-packed adventures from all corners of the globe: imperial China, the wild Far West, exotic Polynesia, Aztec México and the mellow Mediterrània.

Caribe Aquatic Park

A huge water theme park where you can really take the plunge. There is also a covered area so you can have fun all year round.

Hotels

There are four 4-star hotels as well as exclusive rooms in the select Club San Juan; all offer a whole host of services to make sure you thoroughly enjoy your stay.

Beach Club

This unique spot, right next to the Mediterranean, is exclusively reserved for PortAventura hotel guests. A perfect place to relax and enjoy the swimming pools and gardens, or sample the excellent signature cuisine at the Restaurante Lumine.

PortAventura Golf

Visit PortAventura Golf

Visit the PortAventura Golf website and find all the information on the courses, rates and services that we offer.

New access to PortAventura Golf

As of 2 November, the entrance to PortAventura Golf will be through the North Clubhouse.

Barcelona New Year´s Eve Clubs

2009-12-02T15:46:00.000+01:00

Club Recommendations

Razzmatazz
Collection of DJs over 5 rooms of music to choose from. Ranging from Electronic to Indie to Rock
Entrance 30 EUR

Catwalk
Feliz Año Nuevo Fiesta usually with a variety of funky dance music and hip hop and R´n´B to choose from

La Fira Club
A fantastic way of bringing in the New Year, where there are a selection of 500 different shots to choose from!!
Entrance is only 15 EUR and includes glass of Champagne, drink and mask

Sala Apolo
New Year's Eve: ELLEN ALLIEN (Bpitch Control/ GER) + THOMAS MÜLLER (Bpitch Control/ GER) + DJ FRA + JUAN B
Entrance is 15 EUR and the club opens from 12.00am

Also recommend:- Sutton Club, Opium Mar, Otto Lutz, City Hall Club

Entrance to the clubs starts from 15 EUR and usually includes drinks as well as additional New Years Eve give-aways. It is common tradition that people eat together at home to bring in the New Year as a family in Barcelona, while in the early hours of the New Year young people would then leave their homes and go to clubs and events in the city. Therefore most clubs open from 12.00am!!!

Barcelona Weather

2009-11-24T13:15:00.000+01:00

Escape the heavy rain and floods of the United Kingdom and Ireland with a break in Barcelona.

We have not seen a drop of rain in November so far, so enjoy a coffee in a terrace in the sun with a view of the Sagrada Familia or Plaza Catalunya.

It may be November, however, people are spotted swimming in the Mediterranean beaches here in Barcelona all year round.

While the Christmas Festival Season is just around the corner, beginning in December!

Día de Reyes

2009-11-23T13:09:00.000+01:00

Las días 5 y 6 de Enero de cada año se celebra el día de los Reyes Magos. Es uno de los días más esperados por los niños, dado que en España y muchos países de América Latina es la festividad de los Reyes Magos la elegida para que sus majestades hagan la entrega de los regalos a los niños.

Los Reyes llegarán por un barco al puerto de Barcelona al fin de Las Ramblas, los periodicos le avisan de la routa de los Reyes pero normalmente empeza en calle Via Laietana y pasará plaza catalunya, a través del Gran Vía a Plaza Espanya.

Se consume el deseado roscón de reyes que contiene una sorpresa en forma de figurilla (quien la encuentre tiene que ponerse una corona de cartón), y un haba (quien la encuentre tiene que pagar el roscón)

Barcelona Noche Vieja

2009-11-23T12:35:00.000+01:00

Se quiere celebrar La Noche Vieja en Barcelona?? si pueda llevar las uvas y cava Barcelona es el lugar perfecto para celebrarla!! Con los luzes del Torre Agbar, el reloj en Plaza Catalunya, la fuente en Plaza Espanya, la playa en la luz de la luna o claro que sí en los barres y las discotecas de Barcelona. Entramos 2010 con una noche para recorder con Flats By Days!!

Barcelona Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T11:37:00.000+01:00

Are you lost for somewhere to celebrate Thanksgiving??

Flats By Days apartments are fully furnished with utilities to allow you to cook anything from a boiled egg to a giant thanksgiving turkey for up to 30 people!!

Date of Thanksgiving Day varies every year and several countries celebrate it in different time of the year. Thanksgiving Day finds its roots in America. It is celebrated with lot of excitement on the fourth Thursday in the month of November. For the people in US Thanksgiving is a time for merrymaking, shopping, family reunion, feasts and family dinners, however mostly the later.

Thanksgiving Day in 2009 - November 26

Though it is not a holiday in Barcelona, there are opportunities to celebrate the festivity in several local restaurants who cater for international tastes, while the local markets can provide all the necessities to cook, prepare and feast at home. Have a look for recipes on the internet should you wish to try thanksgiving in the kitchen.

Barcelona Cinemas

2009-11-20T12:52:00.000+01:00

Barcelona has a wide selection of cinemas, should you wish to take a break from sightseeing during your stay. There are many cinemas which show movies in the original language, usually English with Castellano Spanish subtitles while other more independent cinemas may have more local movies in both Castellano and Catalan should you which to improve your knowledge of the languages.

Current news within the film industry include the Twilight Saga - New Moon which Premiers 20th November.

When asked about the sequel, Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke stated, "It's got werewolves, it's got visual effects that turn people into werewolves, it's got motorcycle stunts, you go to Italy. It's probably twice as much as Twilight."
On December 13, 2008, Summit Entertainment released a synopsis of New Moon, which states: "Bella Swan is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen, but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irresistible Jacob Black. Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves, ancestral enemies of the vampires, and finds her loyalties tested."

Barcelona Transport

2009-11-20T12:27:00.000+01:00

Trains From Barcelona Airport

The RENFE train service runs approximately every 30 mins to and from Barcelona airport to the city centre. Travel time approximately 25 minutes. When travelling from the airport to the city centre you can get off at Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gracia or Clot which are serviced by metro stops. From these you can change for the Barcelona metro metro underground system to go to your final destination. If you have not bought a T10 ticket and just purchased a normal ticket then you will have to buy another ticket for the change at Estacio Sants Barcelona Sants. If you have a T10 ticket you can change without paying an additional charge. The metro runs directly from Barcelona Sants station and from Passeig de Gracia

Metro

Without a doubt the easiest way to get around Barcelona when you come to visit the city, the metro system stems from the city centre Plaça Catalunya and radiates out to the suburbs of Barcelona. Currently 9 metro lines run through the core of the city and by 2014 the metro will consist of 11 lines

A trip on the metro can cost from on average 1 euro, however, it is recommended that you purchase a T-10 ticket for best value during your stay. A T-10 currently costs 7,70 euros for 10 journeys within zone 1 of the city

Tram

The tram system covers the west and east of the Barcelona Diagonal. It links Barcelona (Plaça Francesc Macià) to several towns in the Baix Llobregat county, such as Esplugues, Cornellà, Sant Just Desvern and Sant Joan Despí. This system consists of 3 lines, which share a common stretch from Francesc Macià to Montesa in Esplugues, where T3 branches off towards Sant Just Desvern. Therefore, it is a fantastic way to visit the suburbs of the city.
Additionally the second tram system, opened on 8 May 2004 to provide service during the 'Fòrum de les Cultures', runs from Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes (L1) to Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica (L4).

Enjoy a trip to the modern addition of Poble Nou ´New Town´ and exhibition buildings top the south east of the city. The forum often holds international events, fairs and live concerts.

Bicycle

Discovering Barcelona by Bicycle. Barcelona offers a different way to discover its streets, squares and history, through organised bicycle tours. There are an infinite number of bicycle rental agencies which offer suitable itinerary and organise stops in different parts of the city : Old town, Gothic Quarter, sea front, Poble Nou, Olympic Barcelona (from Montjuic to the Olimpic Port) to Modernist Barcelona (Gaudí).
Tours can be organised during the day or at night, and all groups are accompanied by a multilingual guide.

Additionally the development of new and efficient mechanical bicycles provide further options for those who have physical restrictions as well as those that like a more relaxed tour

Trixi Carts

Trixi Carts, (three wheeled taxis) circulate in Barcelona. They offer spontaneous as well as arranged tours, for private people, companies or event agencies

GoCar Tours

GoCar is an entirely new way to explore a city. These nifty yellow convertibles talk to you and take you on a city tour you'll never forget. The advanced navigational capabilities of the GPS deliver an informative tour, high-lighting specific locations throughout Barcelona as you drive. Just follow the friendly audio directions and relax. Unlike a traditional tour GoCar gives you complete autonomy over where, what and in what order you see sights and also how long you spend at any given point. The cars have a personality and a sense of humor, telling the stories that bring a city to life while guiding the way with clear driving directions

Segway Tours

Give your feet a rest and enjoy a new and exciting way to get to know Barcelona. Make better use of your time and get on one Segway to get to know one of the most comfortable and above all fun ways to see one of the most beautiful areas of the city

Barcelona Festivals

2009-11-20T12:25:00.000+01:00

Fira de Santa Llúcia

2 - 23 December

Dating from 1786, this traditional Christmas fair has expanded to more than 300 stalls selling all manner of handcrafted Christmas decorations and gifts, along with mistletoe, poinsettias and Christmas trees. There's also a Nativity scene contest, musical parades and exhibitions, including the popular life-size Nativity scene in Plaça Sant Jaume.

Cavalcada dels Reis

5th January

Epiphany is the big Christmas event here and is marked by the Kings' Parade. Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar arrive aboard the Santa Eulàlia boat at the bottom of La Rambla before beginning a grand parade around town with a retinue of acrobats, circus clowns and child elfs. The route is published in the newspapers, but normally starts at the lower entrance of Ciutadella, running up C/Marquès de l'Argentera and Via Laietana. Later that night, children leave their shoes out on the balcony stuffed with hay for the kings' camels; in the morning, they're either full of presents or edible sugar coal depending on their behaviour the previous year.

Festa dels Tres Tombs

17 January

St Anthony's day marks the festa major of the district; all the usual ingredients of music, and gegants here include a monstrous, symbolic fire-breathing pig - the form the devil took when tempting the saint. Horsemen ride three circuits (tres tombs) in a formal procession from Ronda Sant Antoni, through Plaça Catalunya, down La Rambla and along C/Nou de la Rambla.

Festa Santa Eulàlia

12th February
The city's winter festival is in honour of Santa Eulàlia. Her feast day kicks off with a ceremony in Plaça Sant Jaume, followed by music, sardanes and parades, with Masses and children's choral concerts held in the churches and cathedral. In the evening, the female giants gather in Plaça Sant Josep Oriol, then go to throw flowers on the Baixada de Santa Eulàlia before a final boogie in the Plaça Sant Jaume

Barcelona Concerts

2009-11-20T12:20:00.000+01:00

Depeche Mode

20 / 21 November

In August 2007, during promotion for Dave Gahan's second solo album, Hourglass, it was announced that Depeche Mode were heading back in studio in early 2008 to work on their upcoming twelfth studio album. In March 2008, rumours surfaced that Ben Hillier would be the producer of the forthcoming album. In May 2008, the band returned to the studio to work on some songs that Martin Gore had been working on at his home studio in Santa Barbara, California. In August 2008, it was announced that Depeche Mode were splitting from their long-term U.S. label, Warner Music, and will be signed to EMI Music worldwide. At a press conference on 6 October 2008 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, the band announced plans for its Tour of the Universe, the group's first-ever European stadium tour.

Muse

27 November
The Resistance was released on 11 September in Italy, Germany and Australia and the Benelux, 14 September in the UK, and 15 September in the U.S. and Canada. It is the first Muse album to have been produced by the band itself. The album was mixed by Mark Stent. On its release, it topped the album charts in 19 countries and reached number 3 on the American album chart. It also beat its predecessor, Black Holes and Revelations, in relative album sales in its debut week in the UK with approximately 148,000 copies sold. The first single "Uprising" was released 7 days earlier. On 2 June 2009, the band announced through e-mails and their website that they would begin a tour of Europe and the UK.

The Prodigy

3 December
Invaders Must Die was released in Europe on February 23, 2009 charting at number one with week one sales of over 97,000. To coincide with the release of the album, the band embarked on an arena tour.

Editors

Lead singer Smith revealed that the band will explore a new direction on their next album, pursuing a new, rawer sound. Before January 2009, Editors had written around eighteen new songs for the new album and they have been described as some of the most synthetic, raw and anthemic songs they have written to date. In October the band went to the studio to record some demos. The band spent the first week of April recording the album and on 8 April, they released a short video with information about the recording process. It announced on that Mark 'Flood' Ellis would be the producer for the album. Earlier on in the year, the sound of the album was said to have a very electric feel with the band often using the Terminator theme song as a reference.

Arctic Monkeys

6 February
Arctic Monkeys revealed that the band had listened to Jimi Hendrix and Cream while writing the new album. It was revealed via a bulletin on the band's MySpace page that the title of the album will be Humbug. As announced on the Arctic Monkeys website the first single will be "Crying Lightning".

Barcelona Flamenco

2009-11-20T12:12:00.000+01:00

Barcelona boasts a selection of Flamenco venues and shows. Where a typical Spanish meal can be provided with your ticket prior to the Flamenco show.

Palacio Flamenco

FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY. closed Sundays except holidays
Evenings: 2 sessions
* Dinner from 19:00 to 19:45h
o Flamenco show from 19:45 to 21:10h
* Dinner from 21:30 to 22:45h
o Flamenco show from 22:45 to 23:55h
PRICES
* Show + Glass of sangria or soft drink, 32 EUR
* Show + Special Offer, 45 EUR
* Show + Menu Gaudi, 65 EUR
* Show + Menu Palacio, à la carte, 75 EUR

Barcelona Fairs / Ferias

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Barcelona Health Care

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Health Care in Barcelona should not be an issue when travelling to the city. Flats By Days recommend that you have travel insurance while those travelling from within Europe are able to use their European Health Insurance card (EHIC), also called European Health Card (ECH), is the replacement for the old E111 medical form, which is no longer valid.

In Spain the EHIC card is called the TSE, Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea and it is issued by the Seguridad Social, the Spanish Social security.

Current news leads to Voters in Washington after being continuously disappointed regarding their health care and other legislative efforts and have sent out 5 million pink slips of paper to the members of Congress
Those Americans, he said, are "people who are saying to members of Congress that 'we are fed up with the absolute out-of-control spending, and we are going to respond and do what we can to take our country back."
The US are continuing their fight against the privatisation of the Health Care Industry within the country where only excessive bills can lead to the correct Health Care.

When travelling within Barcelona there are a selection of local hospitals within the City Center Area which all provide service. Service should be effective and worth the wait. While there are usually translators within the hospitals located in the tourist areas.

Barcelona Dance

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The Sardana, local Barcelona Catalan dance is a symbol of Catalan unity and pride.

Catalan dancing; where circles of people join their hands together and with them raised; dance with very small, precise steps, slowly round and round whilst people join to make the circle bigger. This is the Sardana: the traditional national dance of Catalunya.

Other traditional mediterranian dances inlcude the greek dance, the Syrtaki, also known as Sirtaki dance. Syrtaki dance is unlike traditional Greek folkdance. According to Wikipedia, Syrtaki dance is a mixture of the fast and slow versions of the hasapiko dance. The music and dance are also referred to as the dance of Zorba or Zorbas. The name Syrtaki dance comes from the Greek word syrtos. which is a common name for a group of Cretan dances. These traditional dances don't involve hopping an leaping like pidikhtos. Syrtaki dance has a dragging style. Syrtaki dance is done in either a circle or line formation with hands held on your neighbors shoulders. Syrtaki dance begins slow and smooth then gets faster which may include some leaps and hops.

Barcelona Cuisine

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Many restaurants in Barcelona are Michellin Star including two 3 star restaurants north of Barcelona:

Ferran Adria's legendary El Bulli at Roses, near Girona (which has been voted Best in the World a few times). Santi Santamaria's Can Fabes', at Sant Celoni, which is quite near to Barcelona, you can get the train there. Beautiful place, fabulous food and wine and immaculate service.
Abac was upgraded to two stars last November.
Comerc 24 was awarded its first star, it Festival of Tapas is an awesome experience.

Alternative News relates to the Bocuse d´Or competition which takes place every two years in Lyon, France.
Health The Bocuse d'Or was created by Chef Paul Bocuse in 1987. He created it to broaden the public's understanding of the extraordinary dedication, hard work, practice and precision required to execute the very finest cuisine. It is the most difficult and rigorous International culinary competition in the world held every two years in Lyon France. There are twenty four countries selected to enter.

The teams are allowed five and a half hours to create two intricate platter pieces. One that is seafood based the other meat, each much also have an accompaniment of three original garnishe's. Each team is provided five and a half hours to create two elaborate platter presentations, one centered around seafood and one on meat, each accompanied by three original garnishes. They are then presented in front of twenty four judges each who have the own esteemed reputations as chefs in their own countries. The competition comes down to the harmony of flavours, the presentation and the techniques used, and also around the team word involved.
Thousands of spectators attend and the atmosphere is intense and unique. It is also covered by journalists from all over the world.

Barcelona Car Parking

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The Flats By Days apartments do not offer parking outside the door should you arrive by car. The streets of the Historical Central Area of Barcelona are often closed off only for pedestrian use.

However, there is suitable parking within no more than 10 minutes walk from each apartment.

The design of Barcelona is very different to countries outside of central Europe where one can find everything they require within minutes walk from their apartment, where shops, restaurants, cafes and bars are located upon the groundfloor of most buildings. Once in Barcelona there is little need to drive anywhere unless you wish to visit outside the City. Which means you can relax and enjoy the entertainment in safety and style.

In international news issues of driving after entertainment remain a sever problem, in Los Angeles - Sen. John Kerry's daughter was arrested for suspicion of DUI in Hollywood Thursday. Alexandra Forbes Kerry, the older of the senator's two daughters, was pulled over for a traffic violation about 12:40 a.m., Sgt. Enrique Mendoza of the LAPD Hollywood Station said.

"She was arrested for driving under the influence," said Officer Sara Faden, who added that Kerry was released on $5,000 bail. It was reported that Kerry refused to take Breathalyzer test at the scene. A later test showed a level of 0.06, under the legal limit of 0.08.

Barcelona Christmas Sales

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The Barcelona Christmas is indeed much less commercial than in the UK and USA. You will have trouble in finding the usual tasteless Christmas songs being played a month before hand. The Christmas in Barcelona is much more tasteful, in addition to being more religious. Stylish yet minimal decorations accentuate the cityscape where one can pass through the beautifully historic streets here from market place to market place.

Making Barcelona one of the best cities for Christmas Shopping!

In other countries Black Friday is the biggest day in the Commercial Calendar as the last friday before Christmas. Where in the United States people are going crazy on all eye-poping deals by Walmart this Black Friday. Netizens are searching daily for black friday 2009 target, black friday 2009 toys r us, black friday 2009 target ad, black friday info, and tgi black friday. There's a lot of good deals from Walmart and we can't deny the fact the these deals are really good and we can save a lot when we buy our favorite gadget or any stuff that we want this Black Friday 2009.

Last year a store employee was actually stamped to death following the panic within the store after the doors were opened to the public, hopefully preventative measures will result in a more controlled black friday 2009.

Where writers and politicians of the 20th century used to meet

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Els Quatre Gats €€€ - B

Els Quatre Gats is with no doubt an emblematic and historic place in Catalunya. The most important writers and politicians of the 20th century used to discuss in this special, magic place with modernist decor. Every month an artist exhibits his work.
A not to miss stop for those interested in Modernist architecture and indeed the art of the period.
It is worthy just to stop for a drink. As a restaurant it is a little bit over priced.
Cuisine: Catalan, International, Market
Address: Carrer Montsió 3
Hours: Monday-Sunday from 20.00-02.00 hr. Closed: 26th of December.
Phone: 93 317 40 33
Website: http://www.4gats.com/

If you are looking for a nice and affordable vacation flats in the area look at: flatsbydays.com

The Oldest restaurant in Barcelona ( since 1786 ) - Gothic quarter

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Can Culleretes €€ - Restaurant in Barcelona - Gothic quarter

It is the oldest working restaurant in Barcelona and second oldest in Spain ( since 1786 ) Decorated with paintings from the beginning of the 20th century, it has different spacious dining rooms and offers a good menu with traditional Catalan dishes. Very traditional but it is worthy!
It's advisable to book in advance during weekends
Cuisine: Catalan
Address: C/Quintana 5
Hours: 13.30-16.00 hr and 21.00-23.00 hr. Closed: Sunday night
Phone: 93 317 30 22
Website: http://www.culleretes.com
Email: info@culleretes.com

Restaurant Les Quinze Nits in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

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***Les Quinze Nits € - Restaurant with terrace

With a terrace and big windows, it is a spacious restaurant where people don't usually engage in after dinner conversation. Best prices in relation to the quality. They don't book in advance and there's always a long waiting line outside.
I would recommend this restaurant for lunch time (less people and even cheaper). It is definitely worthy to wait even more time and to get a table in the terrace. Great view over Plaza Real. There is a great holiday rental apartment 5 minutes away Bellafila 3A Apartment

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Catalan
Address: Plaça Reial 6
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 13-15:45 hr and from 20:30-23:30 hr. Closed: December 24 and 25.
Phone: 93 317 30 75

Website: Les Quinze Nits