Circuit Festival Barcelona Will be Here Soon!

Circuit Festival Barcelona Will be Here Soon!

One of the city’s biggest international festivals is right around the corner, much to the anticipation of the LGBT community worldwide. From August 5th through the 16th, people from around the world to congregate in our beautiful city and celebrate a facet of culture that has long been in need of more diverse gathering options. Circuit Festival Barcelona answers that need offering a 12-day holiday of enjoying the sunshine on the beach, around the city, and the clubbing scene at night. Barcelona is the ideal international meeting point for this gathering of the LGBT community, and Circuit promises to be a safe and fun upbuilding experience!

 Circuit Festival Barcelona Schedule

  • BIG OPENING @ BLOC CLUB – 5 AUGUST
  • WE SEX SHOP @ THE ONE CLUB – 6 AUGUST
  • RAPIDO @ UNDER CLUB – 7 AUGUST
  • MATINÉE POOL PARTY @ COMPLEX ESPORTIU L’HOSPITALET NORD – AUGUST
  • MATINÉE KLUBBERDOME FEAT OFFER NISSIM @ COMPLEX ESPORTIU L’HOSPITALET NORD – 8 AUGUSTP
  • PACK POOL PARTY & KLUBBERDOME @ COMPLEX ESPORTIU L’HOSPITALET NORD – 8 AUGUST
  • THE BEACH PARTY @ COMPLEX ESPORTIU L’HOSPITALET NORD – AUGUST
  • FOREVER TEL AVIV @ RAZZMATAZZ – 9 AUGUST
  • BEYOND @ UNDER CLUB – 10 AUGUST     
  • THE WATER PARK DAY @ L’ILLA FANTASIA – 11 AUGUST
  • THE WATER PARK NIGHT @ L’ILLA FANTASIA – 11 AUGUST
  • PACK WATER PARK DAY & NIGHT @ L’ILLA FANTASIA – 11 AUGUST
  • MEGAWOOF @ UNDER CLUB – 12 AUGUST
  • WE CLEOPATRA POOL DAY @ LA BASSA – 13 AUGUST
  • MATINÉE PERVERT @ GLOOBAL CLUB – 13 AUGUST
  • PACK WE POOL DAY & MATINÉE PERVERT @ LA BASSA & GLOOBAL CLUB – 13 AUGUST
  • MATINÉE EASY RIDERS @ UP&DOWN – 14 AUGUST
  • PAPA MAIN POOL PARTY @ COMPLEX ESPORTIU L’HOSPITALET NORD – 15 AUGUST
  • MAIN PARTY @ COMPLEX ESPORTIU L’HOSPITALET NORD – 15 AUGUST
  • PACK PAPA POOL & MAIN PARTY @ COMPLEX ESPORTIU HOSPITALET NORD – 15 AUGUST
  • LA LECHE! @ EIBISÍ CLUB (TERRACE) – 16 AUGUST
  • THE WEEK SAFADO @ EIBISÍ CLUB – 16 AUGUST
  • PACK LA LECHE! & THE WEEK SAFADO @ EIBISÍ CLUB – 16 AUGUST

Tickets

Circuit Festival Barcelona tickets can be purchased ahead of time either for individual events or for the entire event. Single event tickets range from 25€ to 75€. The All Access Pass will give you free priority access to all of the events at a 50 percent discounted rate. If you are looking forward to attending most of the events, this is a great option for you. The Pass also comes with a 10 percent discount at all the local shops that collaborate with the festival, four free entries at one of the DIR GYMS Barcelona, as well as festival swag!

Circuit’s Waterpark

One of the festival’s most famous and fun events is the Water Park Day, which is known to be the biggest open-air gay part in all of Europe. This fun day in the sun will take place on August 11th starting at 10 am and going all night! Enjoy water games and rides, live music and performances, and thousands of people gathering to celebrate the LGBT community!

 

Circuit Festival Barcelona is one of the events of the year in the city, and a great reason to finally take that trip to this ideal Spanish destination. Come enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere, and the city’s rich modern culture!

barcelona camp nou

Tour Barcelona Camp Nou: The world’s third largest football stadium

If you’ve ever happened upon Barcelona during a football match then you may have been surprised to see the red and blue streets filled with ecstatic fans cheering as if their very lives depended on victory. Catalonians couldn’t be prouder of their all-star team now sporting football heroes such as Lionel Messi, an idol of many Spanish youths, and soccer players around the world. Barcelona Camp Nou was the team’s very first stadium in its inaugural year of 1957, carrying some of the team’s richest history in its bleachers as well as on the turf. Soccer fan or not, taking a tour of Barcelona Camp Nou will provide a lot of insight into the heart of Catalan culture.

About Barcelona Camp Nou

Constructed between the years of 1955 and 1957 using mainly concrete and iron, the project cost was a staggering 288 million pesetas, meaning the team would spend its first years of existence in great debt. Nevertheless, it was a point of great pride among the team members and coaches, as well as the expanding local fan base that was quickly growing beyond what could be accommodated at the stadium. With a capacity of 99,354 it is now the biggest stadium in all of Europe, but still the crowds overflow into the streets and pubs of the city. When it initially opened it held just over 93,000, which was increased to 120,000 in 1982 to host the FIFA World Cup. New regulations forced the stadium to reduce its capacity in the late 1990s.

There are many notable facilities within the stadium that are cause for its official five-star status. On the tour, you will get to see all of them including the chapel, the presidential box, VIP lounge, Press and television rooms, veteran players area, and the FC Barcelona club museum.

Tour Camp Nou

Touring Barcelona Camp Nou has become one of the most popular things to do upon visiting the city and is a chance for visitors to get a behind the scenes experience of this Spanish landmark. Check out their impressive trophy room literally filled with accolades; step foot on the actual grass of FC Barcelona, and check out the coveted Messi Space covered with the Argentinian superstar’s accomplishments. You can also visit the press room and visitors’ dressing room, and see the players’ tunnel and commentary boxes. There are truly endless places throughout the stadium to explore that your general admission ticket would not allow you to see, which makes tours all the more appealing to real sports fans.

If you’ve growing up playing football then a visit to Barcelona Camp Nou, whether for a tour or a match, will be a high point in your romance with the sport. There are few places as crazed over this game than Spain, and you’ll be left without any doubts about what committed fans actually look like. It is ideal to see this place both empty and quiet where you can just appreciate its legacy, and yet bustling and crazed during game time so you can witness what it was built for.

If you’re planning a trip to the city, be sure to look into these short-term rentals that will make the perfect spot for your pre or post game party!

pablo picasso museum barcelona

A Must See: The Pablo Picasso Museum Barcelona

Barcelona is a city as rich in culture as it is in beauty, making it one of the best places to visit in all of Europe. Among the city’s many cultural attractions is the famous Pablo Picasso Museum Barcelona, housing a sizeable collection of the Spanish artist’s lifeworks. If you’re an art enthusiast or at all interested in the life and works of Picasso, this museum is central to understanding his career and the extensiveness of his talent. Located on the Carrer de Montcada, the city’s most important stretch of mediaeval architecture, the Pablo Picasso Museum Barcelona building is a site to see in itself.

About the Pablo Picasso Museum Barcelona

The museum is a key to understanding Picasso’s coming of age as an artist, and in that it deeply reflects his relationship to Barcelona itself where he spent many years of his youth and adolescence. Housing over 4,000 of his works in many different mediums from painting and drawing to printmaking, the collection is exhaustive up until his well-known Blue Period, and depicts his evolution into the years when his work became well known around the world.  The museum is housed in five large townhouses, or palaces, that were built within the 13th to the 15th centuries. These buildings represent the Catalan civic gothic style that is popular within the area’s most historic architecture.

Visiting the Museum

There are many different ways to explore the museum. You can opt for an audio tour that is self guided and allows you to learn more about the pieces you are most interested in, or for a more traditional guided tour given by a knowledgeable docent whose passion and education in Picasso’s work will be lavished on you. Tours are available of both the permanent collections and temporary exhibits.

Picasso – Dali

A popular exhibit currently on display at the Pablo Picasso Museum Barcelona features the works of Picasso and Salvador Dali side-by-side. These two important 20th Century artists have long been known for having opposing political views, but a deeper relationship between them has recently been more exposed to the public, and the remarkable impact they had on one another personally is displayed in this exhibit of their similar works. Among the paintings, drawings, etchings and sculptures by both Picasso and Dali, you’ll find documents providing contexts to their work through which you’ll get to see how connected they truly were. There are many different ways to experience this exhibit including a roundtable discussion with experts in these works, guided tours, a reading club and family workshops that are offered.

The museum also takes part in many city-wide festivals such as the LOOP Festival, and will even hosts concerts during the upcoming Symphonic Festival. There are often special events happening, like free nights at the museum and other family oriented ways to enjoy this wonderful Barcelona attraction. Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast or just someone who enjoys learning about culture through the lens of famous artists, you don’t want to miss a chance to explore this wonderful haven of artifacts.

Be sure to look into these short term rentals located in the Gothic Quarter near the Pablo Picasso Museum Barcelona!

flamenco shows in barcelona

Where to See Spectacular Flamenco Shows in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city born of tradition, and Flamenco is one of the most beautiful artifacts of the fiery Spanish culture that remains a celebrated aspect of the city today. Among the aspects of nightlife to enjoy are the numerous Flamenco shows in Barcelona. Whether you’re looking for a simple show or for a whole evening out including dinner and drinks, you’ll find it somewhere around the city any night of the week. This is a great way to experience traditional food and dance during tapas hour before the night clubs get busy and the famous Barcelona late night parties begin.

Here are a few of the Flamenco shows in Barcelona to look into while planning a night out in this unforgettable city.

El Tablao de Carmen

This classic Flamenco show at Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc celebrates the tradition of the country’s most famous performer, Carmen Amaya, who was much loved by her country and even Hollywood legends like Orson Welles, Fred Astaire, and Charlie Chaplain. From Tuesday to Sunday there are two shows every evening at 7 and 9:30, both with dinner available. These shows are known for their artistic integrity with numerous talented performers from around the country including guitarists, dancers, and percussionists. If you’re heading up the mountain, El Tablao de Carmen is a great thing to enjoy while there.

Retaurante Nervion

Featuring two-hour shows every Thursday and Friday evening at 8pm at 10pm, guests buy tickets either for the show and a drink or the show and dinner. The meal is three courses of classic Catalan dishes like paella, Iberian baked ribs, and Catalan cream, all accompanied by a bottle of Rioja wine. If you opt simply for the drink ticket, you will get your second drink at a reduced price, making this the perfect cocktail hour for a night out in the Gothic Quarter.

Palacio del Flamenco

For another of the great flamenco shows in Barcelona head to Palacio del Flamenco in Eixample. With three dinner-and-a-show performances every evening, the shows offer a beautiful combination of traditional flamenco and classical dance. These are more than just dancing but promise an inventive interpretation of Spain’s cultural history. The meal is also a cultural experience in classic Spanish tapas. If you’re interested in learning more about this mysterious and beautiful style of dance, you can also sign up for Flamenco lessons at the Palacio.

 

There are many opportunities to witness different versions of flamenco shows in Barcelona, which is just one of the great things to do in the city to experience its unique culture and the beauty of its citizens.

If you’re planning a trip to this Mediterranean destination, be it for work or pleasure, be sure to look into these affordable short term rentals that can be found all around the city. Whether you need accommodations for yourself or for an entire family or group of friends or coworkers, you’ll find a plethora of places to stay that are luxurious, charming, and centrally located. There’s no better way to experience Barcelona then from your very own flat.

 

rent a flat in barcelona

Where to Rent a Flat in Barcelona

If you haven’t already been to the breathtakingly beautiful city of Barcelona, then consider this a call to action! As the largest city on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona has both centuries of history that date back even to the Medieval Ages, as well as the qualities of an exotic beach destination you find all around this ocean. It is one of the largest European metropolises and is caught between the Serra de Collserola mountain range and the turquoise waters of the sea. Between cultural attractions like Montserrat, the Picasso Museum, and exploring the waters and mountains that surround this urban haven, Barcelona is one of the most ideal locations for a vacation, whether for a romantic getaway or a family retreat.

One of the things that makes this city so great to visit is the numerous opportunities to rent a flat in Barcelona at an affordable price for as long or as short a time as you’re looking for. Our bizFlats can be found in various sizes and neighborhoods, offering visitors diverse options when choosing their home away from home in this big city.

Here are some places you can Rent a flat in Barcelona.

The Gothic Quarter

rent a flat in barcelonaBohemia 2 is a luxurious modern penthouse located on Plaça Reial and can sleep up to 4 people. Between the fully equipped kitchen and the large living space wanting of relaxing in front of the fireplace, you won’t want to leave this beautiful flat.

rent a flat in barcelonaLe Palais I is a flat available for monthly bookings. The modernist decor is sporting its original antique ceilings with period furniture to match and leaves guests feeling as if they are going back in time to the unique days of the modern era European aristocracy. Just a three-minute walk from La Rambla, its three double rooms with private doors to the balcony can accommodate up to seven guests in an ideal location.

Eixample

rent a flat in barcelonaLivingstone is an African-themed apartment located right next to the famous Sant Antoni marketplace designed by Antoni Rovira i Trias, which was finished in 1882. It has two double bedrooms, which can accommodate up to 4 guests, each with a private bath. This apartment is known for having loads of natural light and a generally relaxing feeling, making it the perfect place to kick back after a day of exploring the city.

rent a flat in barcelonaDandi is the ultimate aristocratic flat, sporting charm and flare simultaneously for an exquisite and comfortable urban retreat. With three large private bedrooms, this flat sleeps up to six people and has two full baths. With a spacious kitchen for cooking Spanish delicacies, a master suite that is the epitome of serenity, and a just a block away from Passeig de Gràcia, this apartment is one of the city’s most desireable.

 

This is just a glimpse into all the great options you’ll find to rent a flat in Barcelona. There are everything from large places on the beach, to economy flats in the center of town. The bizFlats company offers some of the best short term rental options throughout the city and are known for both their excellent customer service, as well as their affordable prices.

 

parks in barcelona

Spend a Day at the Beautiful Parks in Barcelona

Squares and parks in Barcelona have long been a part of its way of life, especially since the 1980s when the city decided to give precedence to urban green space rebuilding projects to ensure that not only were their parks throughout the city, but that they were beautiful places. There are now many beautiful parks in Barcelona that are engrained in the way of life and are themselves attractions. Whether you’re looking to witness architectural wonders, unique wildlife, or just sit down and play a game of chess or read a good book, the parks throughout this busy city are the best places to find some serenity amidst the busy metropolitan life.

Here are some of the best parks in Barcelona worth exploring while visiting the city.

Park Güell

Among the most famous and historic parks in the city, Park Güell is both an urban green space, as well as a monument to Barcelona’s most celebrated modern architect, Antoni Gaudi. Amidst the natural landscape, you will find a forest of shocking and inspiring masterpieces. From the main entrance to the market and everything in between, Gaudi certainly succeeded in his mission to build a garden city.

Parc de la Ciutadella

The city’s greenest park, la Ciutadella is the perfect place to relax in nature either taking a long walk, picnicking along the shores of the lake or taking a row boat out exploring its perimeters. Also home to many of the city’s most popular sites, one could easily spend a day exploring this beautiful outdoor haven while taking breaks to see the zoo, the Catalan Parliament, or the Museu d’Art Modern.

Jardí Botànic

Barcelona’s botanical gardens are breathtakingly beautiful, boasting the plant life of six different Mediterranean climates, as well as that of the Canary Islands. Situated between the freight port and the Olympic stadium, the garden’s lush landscape is in perfect contrast to its urban setting, making it among the most interesting parks in the city. Aimed at the conservation of rare plant species, you’ll be sure to see some of nature’s most unusual specimens right here in the city.

Parc de Joan Miró

This park is named for the artist Joan Miró whose famous Dona i Ocell sculpture is on display in the southern end. An impressionist piece depicting a woman and bird, it is meant to be lingered over, as well as the 30 smaller sculptures throughout the park that give visitors a wonderful feel for Miró’s work and style. The park is also home to the city’s former slaughterhouse, which is another interesting site to explore. In the shade of the palm and pine trees scattered throughout the area, Catalonians can often be found playing a round of bowls or chess, keeping cool and occupied on the warm Mediterranean afternoons.

The parks in Barcelona are some of the best places you can enjoy the city’s history, as well as get an understanding of its easy going culture. Whether you’re looking for insight into its interesting architecture or simply to relax with a bottle of wine while people watching, you’ll love the experience. These Barcelona short term rentals are all near one or other of the city’s parks, making for an easy habit of daily visits.

nightlife in barcelona

A Local’s Guide to the Cool Nightlife in Barcelona

In true European fashion, evening activities typically start on the later side in Barcelona. Cocktails, meals and the nightlife all commence hours past the acceptable times in other parts of the world, which means that the late afternoon siesta is a must if you plan on getting the full experience of nightlife in Barcelona. Head back to your short term rental, take a snooze after a long day of exploring the city’s beautiful sites, then grab an espresso and get ready to hit the town for some wine, tapas, and finally the epic Barcelona clubs!

There are a number of districts throughout that city that are known for their nightlife, each of them housing a variety of clubs to choose from. Here are some of the most popular areas to check out for the best nightlife in Barcelona.

The Gothic Quarter

The most historical part of the city with many buildings dating back to the old medieval village, this is probably the most popular downtown area to experience nightlife in Barcelona.

  1. Club Elephant Restaurant & Lounge is perfect if you want to experience the nightlife without the disco club scene, but rather at a laid back lounge.
    Address: Carrer Pau Claris, 92
  2. Sidecar Factory Club is the quintessential disco nightclub in Plaza Reial with different DJs every night who will be playing until dawn.
    Address: Plaça Reial, 7
  3. Macarena Club is a tiny underground type of place known for its raging techno beats and its proximity to the famous Las Ramblas.
    Address: Carrer Nou de Sant Francesc, 5
  4. MOOG is another famous discotheque known for hosting pioneers in electronic music.
    Address: Carrer Arc del Teatre, 3

Nightlife at the Beach

Known for being Europe’s premier beach city, Barcelona nightlife doesn’t stop once you hit the water, it only gets louder.

  1. Catwalk Club is one of the most famous clubs in all of Barcelona, frequently hosting international DJs.
    Address: Carrer de Ramon Trias Fargas, 2-4
  2. Mondo Club sits back off the beach, unlike other clubs in the area, and is known for its terrace overlooking the yachts docked at the port.
    Address: Moll Princep d’Espanya
  3. CDLC Club is Barcelona’s most exclusive beachside club attracting many of the city’s most rich and famous inhabitants and visitors.
    Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 32

Montjuïc Clubs

Have you ever been to a club on top of a mountain that overlooks a world class city below? Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc has its own nightlife scene attracting many locals and visitors alike to this gorgeous place that undoubtedly has the best view of the stars of any other place in the city, something you can appreciate while staying up all night partying.

Can you imagine any better way to end a night of fun and dancing than to watch the sun rise over the city? La Terrrazza Club is a large outdoor club in the center of Poble Espanyol that is the ideal place for an all-night party anytime this summer. Also located at Poble Espanyol, another offering is called Sala Upload, which is a concert hall and dance club whose programming complements its neighbour

The nightlife in Barcelona is impressive, and always a lot of fun whether you’re interested in the all-night scene or just want to experience the late night tapas and drinks that the locals call dinner. If you are looking for a late night – or rather, an early morning – but want to forgo the crowded disco then seek out one of the lounge clubs that are becoming all the more popular all over the city. A night out in Barcelona is bound to be full of delicious food, great music, and a colourful crowd.

l'aquàrium de barcelona

Dive With the Sharks at l’Aquàrium de Barcelona

Of the 450 different species living in harmony at l’Aquàrium de Barcelona, the sharks are by far the most popular, with many different activities to wow the crowds with their beauty and ferocity. This is the largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium in the world, meaning that the variety of sharks who call it home are all from the waters that surround the Barcelona Marina. Its six million liters of water are home to 11,000 different organism, all living happily with the sharks who also welcome divers and observers of all kinds. While reportedly a dangerous species, at l’Aquarium de Barcelona you’ll learn what they truly are.

Diving With the Sharks

If you are a qualified scuba diver, a visit to l’Aquàrium de Barcelona means you’ll have the chance to safely dive among the sharks in their main tank, housing thousands of other fish. This experience is actually a safety course in scuba diving with sharks, which begins with a guided tour of the aquarium, a lecture of sharks that will teach you about how these fish live, where they came from and whether they are victims or killers. Finally, you will dive into the Oceanarium and observe firsthand what you have learned. All of the equipment and your insurance is included in the price, and you will receive a souvenir as well as the opportunity to bring two friends into the aquarium with you for free.

Shark Cage Diving

If you are not an experienced scuba diver but would like to learn, then this is the perfect beginners class for you. First you will learn the basics of scuba diving on your first ever dive. Get used to being underwater while learning hand signals, how to use a regulator, and the proper way to breath. You’ll also figure out buoyancy control and moving around with underwater rings. After you’ve got the basics down you will get to witness l’Aquàrium de Barcelona’s main tank for an underwater observation platform where you will be completely safe. Your course fees include all your equipment, insurance, and the option to invite two friends who can come witness and document this unique experience.

Shark Feedings

Not exactly a scene from Jaws, visitors can come three times a week to watch these majestic creatures eat what they love. Divers swim among them with sacks full of their favorite food of oily fish and squid, feeding these elegant predators. They use rods to reach the fish close to the sharks’ mouths to be sure that they get what is intended for them.

Sleeping with Sharks

This overnight experience for children aged eight to twelve is an educational and fun sleepover party. Kids will do a fun investigative workshop of sharks, eat dinner, play shark games and hear shark stories before bedtime. Following breakfast in the morning, they will get a technical area tour about how the animals “wake up” each morning.

 Plan a Visit to l’Aquàrium de Barcelona

Ready to plan a visit to El Acuario de Barcelona, or the Barcelona aquarium? Tickets for the Barcelona Aquarium range from €6.50 to €18.00 from the age of a toddler to the age of an adult, and hours are from 9:30 to 21:30 on weekdays, 9:30 to 23:30 on weekends. The Barcelona Aquarium address is Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain.

While all of l’Aquàrium de Barcelona is a great time waiting to happen, the sharks are a particular draw for many of the guests, with people traveling here especially to partake in the Diving with Sharks course. If you’re a serious scuba diver coming to Barcelona for that reason, look into these wonderful short-term rentals at the beach!