SPECTACULAR SPRING in
BARCELONA Spring Edition 2013
SPRING in BARCELONA
Making your way to Barcelona this spring? Good choice! A trip to the Catalan capital this season is ideal for those who wish to embrace all the charm of Barcelona. The warmer weather brings the city to life with colorful street artists, traditional fairs and of course, some fantastic festivals. In this edition, we’ll tell you how to make the most of spring in Barcelona, whether you choose to take a peek at Barcelona’s mesmerizing architecture on a two-wheeled tour, uncover some historical secrets in what is now one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, or even rock out to some of your favorite bands at the Primavera Sound Festival. Whatever you decide, taking a break in Barcelona this season is sure to put a ‘spring’ in your step! step.
BARCELONA Easter in La Diada de Beer Festival BARCELONA SANT JORDI
March 8-10 Enjoy 2 days of ‘cerveza’ madness in Barcelona
March 24-31 Get a taste of tradition during ‘Semana Santa’
April 23 Try a Catalan twist on Valentine’s Day
Formula One X Games GRAND PRIX BARCELONA
May 10-12 Are you ready for this, F1 lovers?
May 16-19 Biking, skating, rallying - you name it, BCN has it!
APARTMENT BARCELONA
Spring Edition 2013
Apartment Barcelona Magazine
Welcome to our magazine! Here we give you the best and most up to date info for your Barcelona vacation. From cool places to see to fun activities and day trips, and from top bars and nightlife to the tastiest food in the city, follow our tips on how to get the most out of your visit to Barcelona! Plus, each month we recommend one or more great neighborhoods for your stay. Read on in our latest issue and get ready for the trip of a lifetime...
Unmissable Events in Barcelona this Spring! Semana SANTA
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WHEN WHERE WHAT Celebrated all March 24 - 31
he Holy week of Easter, also known as Semana Santa in Spain, opens the door to a plethora of parades, processions, traditional costumes and of course, delectable sweet treats! If you’re a chocolate fan, don’t miss your chance to dig into the most customary food to be found in Barcelona during holy week, the ‘Mona de Pascua’ cake! For a touch of tradition, make your way to the Església de Sant Agustí in El Raval for the procession of the ‘Virgen de la Macarena’ which kicks off on Good Friday at 5pm and ends at the Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter around 8pm. One for the whole family!
Primavera Sound FESTIVAL
over Spain
Easter week, aka Holy Week
Sant Jordi, Barcelona
WHEN WHERE May 22 - 26 Various locations across the city incl. Parc del Fòrum & Arc de Triomf
O
WHAT Primavera Sound Festival 2013
ne of the Barcelona’s biggest and most anticipated music festivals, the Primavera Sound Festival, is set to take the Catalan capital by storm this year. With big names including Blur, The Postal Service and Wu Tang Clan confirmed for the 2013 edition of this musical spectacular, be sure to grab your tickets now. Whether you choose a pass for all five days, or simply a day’s worth of partying, this is one musical extravaganza not to be missed!
Barcelona Beer FESTIVAL
WHEN
March 8 - 10
WHERE WHAT Cúpula Las Arenas 2nd Annual Barcelona Beer Festival
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njoy a taste of Germany in Barcelona at the second edition of the Barcelona Beer Festival. With everything from the original ‘Weißbier’ to dark draught beer and plenty in between, this is one festival that is sure to provide two days of pure entertainment for those lovers of the amber nectar coming to Barcelona.
La Diada de SANT JORDI
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WHEN April 23
WHERE
All over Catalonia
WHAT
Barcelona’s version of Valentine’s Day
a Diada de Sant Jordi is Barcelona’s very own version of Valentine’s Day. On 23 April every year, Catalonia comes to life, with its flag proudly displayed throughout the city in honor of the region’s patron saint. What’s more, book and flower stalls line the streets in preparation for the traditional exchange of ‘libros’ and roses between lovers, a custom which originated from the story of Saint George slaying a dragon and giving a rose to a princess. In between all the romance, be sure to see the traditional folk dance, ‘La Sardana’, performed in the historical ‘barrio’ of El Gòtic!
Spring Edition 2013
springtime antics for all! BARCELONA’S Beautiful El Born
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The Santa María del Mar church in el Born
ne of Barcelona’s oldest neighborhoods, El Born, is filled to the brim with quirky bars, fashionable boutiques and interesting museums, making it the ideal place to get a sense of some of the Catalan capital’s best qualities. Also known as La Ribera, this Barcelona ‘barrio’ is well worth exploring, and with such gems as the Santa María del Mar Gothic church, the Picasso Museum, and plenty of incredible restaurants, El Born is the place to be this spring. Plus, you’ll find that El Palau de la Música Catalana, one of Barcelona’s most famous modernist buildings, is very close by in the neighboring Sant Pere area. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this potent mix of history and modern day charm! Find out more about El Born in our city guide.
FANTASTIC Festival - Feria de Abril
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et a taste of Andalusian tradition right here in the heart of Barcelona! The 2013 edition of the Feria de Abril will run from 26 April - 5 May at the Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona. This version of the popular southern Spanish festival provides great entertainment with plenty of colorful ‘Sevillana’ costumes and lots of customary music, food, and all-round fun. You can even try your hand at the traditional dances of Andalucía, or simply get lost in one of the many ‘casetas’, aka little houses, each with a different theme!
‘Sevillanas’ at the Feria de Abril
Spring Edition 2013
PICTURESQUE Pyrenees
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ooking to escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, even if just for a day? Then be sure to make your way to La Cerdanya, in the Catalan Pyrenees. Here, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, like static hot air balloon flights, paragliding, golfing, horseback riding and fishing. Located about 2 hours outside of Barcelona by car or Renfe train, this area is a perfect retreat for those who love the great outdoors – especially in springtime! And if one day just isn’t enough, we recommend renting one of the fantastic Pyrenees apartments complete with spa and gym, ensuring a relaxing experience right in the midst of the mountains. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the Pyrenees to try this spring
SEGWAY Tours - No Sweat!
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f you fancy a sightseeing tour that’s a little out of the ordinary this spring, then we suggest taking a Barcelona Segway Tour. These tours are a great way to see as much as possible of the Catalan capital on your trip – without the tired legs! Zipping around the city on a fun (and safe) two-wheeled scooter, you can explore everything from the Roman ruins in the Gothic Quarter to the famous Las Ramblas to the Olympic Harbour, and plenty more, all with an experienced guide to explain the ins and outs of Gaudí’s city. Helmets on…
Segway tours are a cool way to see the city
BUZZING Barcelona Nightlife
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arcelona’s wild nightlife is just one of the many reasons why millions flock to the city in search of the best parties on the Mediterranean coast. If you’re heading here this spring, then don’t miss your chance to rub shoulders with Barcelona’s beautiful people at some of the best clubs in Port Olympic, including super sleek Shôko, exclusive Opium Mar, and funky Sotavento. Here you’ll find tons of theme parties, top DJs spinning the latest tunes, and some delicious cocktails, all with a cool beach backdrop. Party at some of Barcelona’s best clubs this spring
Spring Edition 2013
top unusual restaurants PUT YOUR SENSES to the Test
Tapas are certainly delicious, and Catalan cuisine definitely makes your taste buds tingle. But if you’re in search of a dining experience that’s a little out of the ordinary on your Barcelona vacation, then you have come to the right guide! Gaudí’s City is home to many restaurants that will have you devouring your dishes in the most unusual of settings, making for a truly memorable experience on your Barcelona trip! From top-secret restaurants to eating in the dark, Barcelona will not disappoint in the world of bizarre dining.
How to get there Passeig de Picasso 10
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Arc de Triomf (L5) or Jaume I (L4) stops
magine that you’re in a pitch black room that is so dark you can’t even see your own hand in front of your face. Now imagine that you’re attempting to eat a three course meal in this room! At the restaurant Dans Le Noir, this is the exact sensation that you will experience. In this restaurant you are forced to use your senses of taste, touch, sound, and smell to indulge deeply in the exquisite food that is placed in front of you by skilled ‘blind dining’ guides. This gastronomic process will take your taste buds to a whole new level! Reserve your table today at the Dans Le Noir website
TERRIFICALLY Terrifying
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How to get there
Avinguda de Flor de Maig 57 - the restaurant is most easily accessed by car or taxi or Renfe train to the Cerdanyola del Valles stop.
For the full menu, check out the La Posada Maldita website
a Posada Maldita is the number one dining experience among those who enjoy a good scare. This restaurant is one place in Barcelona where it is Halloween all year long. The wait staff dress in creepy costumes as they serve spooky cocktails and devilish dishes, always keeping you on the edge of your seat. This restaurant is certain to make you scream and laugh at the same time and is great for groups in Barcelona.
How to get there Carrer d’Aribau 55
Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, L4) and Hospital Clinic (L5) stops
For business hours check out the Tintoreria Dontell website
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CAN YOU Keep A Secret?
hhhhh! Though the building appears to be your typical dry cleaning service, behind closed doors it’s actually a top-secret restaurant called Tintoreria Dontell. This restaurant even has special lunchtime offers of “shirt, trousers and ties for 20€”. If you’re looking to dine in one of Barcelona’s most hip and trendy restaurants, we mean, “dry cleaners”, be sure to reserve your table today!
How to get there Carrer de la Princesa 53
Jaume I (L4) stop
DESSERT for Dinner
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For more information on courses and dishes, check out the Espai Sucre website
here can you find the first restaurant in the world to serve a menu of only dessert-based foods? Barcelona, of course! Espai Sucre offers a formal dining experience with multiple courses and gives the ultimate dining experience to those with a sweet tooth, with dishes ranging from goat ‘cheesecake’ to lemon soup. For those who wish to try their own hand at creating a delightful dessert dinner, Espai Sucre also offers plenty of cooking courses, too!
Spring Edition 2013
Many of our apartments have private terraces where you can soak up that spring sun and enjoy the views
APARTMENTS for your Spectacular Spring in BCN
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o, whether you plan to mosey around the intricate streets of El Born, take a day trip to the picturesque Pyrenees, rock out at the Primavera Sound Festival or make the most of Barcelona’s buzzing nightlife, choosing the perfect Barcelona apartment is the first step for a great stay in Barcelona this spring! Why not opt for one of the many apartments in the El Born area? Here you’ll be right in the middle of some of Barcelona’s most historical sights, yet only steps away from the modern cafés and boutiques for which El Born is renowned. Whatever you decide, don’t forget to take a look at our special offers and bag a great deal for your spring break in Barcelona.
Enjoy your spring break in an apartment in El Born or Sant Pere
Apartment Barcelona is an online apartment agency with more than 650 Barcelona apartments to rent for both short and long-term stays. From luxury apartments in Barcelona to studios, and from Ramblas apartments to beach apartments in Barcelona, we have a great choice of accommodation in a wide variety of locations across the city.
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