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Moco Museum is the name of the new kid on the block. Barcelona’s newest museum is here and open to all, welcoming citizens of the city and tourists alike with artists including Basquiat, Banksy, Warhol and Dalí. Let’s delve into this new cultural space in the city.

zWith its headquarters in Amsterdam, the museum’s success in the Netherlands was the catalyst for the opening of a second location in the heart of Barcelona. Moco takes its name from the modern, “Mo”, and contemporary, “Co”, art it houses.

With a focus on established and emerging artists from around the globe, and with its pulse on the latest art trends, this new museum in the cultural hub that is Barcelona reaffirms Moco’s commitment to modern art.

Are you ready to learn more about Moco Museum?

Located at 25, Carrer de Montcada, Moco spans 800 metres squared of exhibition space over its ground floor and first floor. Nestled alongside the Picasso Museum, this museum takes up residence in a recently renovated palace and former home of the noble Cervelló family, who lived in the building until the 17th century. After which, it was aristocrats and royalty that called this medieval palace home.

The motto of its Dutch founders, Lionel & Kim Logchies, is ‘In Art We Trust’. The drive behind Moco is a passion for modern and contemporary art, and bringing it to the people. Moco is here to open our minds, empower us as citizens, make us question the norm and, above all, experience innovative art.

In 2016, the two founded a museum of the same name in the Dutch capital in Villa Alsberg – a historical building reserved for the elite. Since opening the building to the public, Moco Amsterdam has seen more than 2 million visitors from over 120 countries.

What can I see there?

The first thing visitors will see as they step into the world of Moco Museum Barcelona is a mosaic made from Rubik’s Cubes. Upon closer examination, it’s possible to see that these colourful squares form the shapes of three Bond girls, in a piece by Paris-born street artist Invader.

Moco’s permanent collection of 41 incredible pieces includes 20% of pieces taken directly from the Logchies private collection, with other pieces on loan from their prestigious network of collectors and artists from around the world.

Among wooden beams, high ceilings and Gothic arches are the Moco Masters Modern: expect to find colourful, shocking and ground-breaking pieces by Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, KAWS, Keith Haring, and more.

Here, don’t miss Damien Hirst’s famous The Immaculate Heart – Sacred, a daring piece which once belonged to George Michael.

Next, head to the second floor to find the Moco Masters Contemporary, formed by creators who are here to challenge the norm. This unmissable stop includes pieces by up-and-coming artists Harland Miller, David LaChapelle, Julian Opie, Hayden Kays, Takashi Murakami, among others.

Anything else?

Yes! Don’t miss the digital immersive art exhibitions by the Japanese collective that is teamLab, alongside Studio Irma and Les Fantômes. Dive in to this treat for the senses and let yourself be hypnotised by kaleidoscopic shapes and a myriad of colours.

On the top of everyone’s list is Banksy’s Laugh Now exhibition, accredited by Pest Control (the only official body to certify the famous street artist’s work). Including famous pieces such as Girl with Balloon, Barcode, Love is in the Air (Flower Thrower), Kids on Guns, and Rude Copper.

When it comes to the Moco temporary collections, the couple has many an idea up their sleeves. The first of which, currently open to the public, is Esplendor de la Noche (Night Splendour) by Guillermo Lorca.

Across two rooms, the unsettling work of this contemporary Chilean artist will be on display in his first monograph exhibition in Europe. Delve into this surreal, fairytale-like world in which the artist employs a mix of the beautiful and brutal in his large oil paintings.

Additionally, Moco will welcome Europe’s first NFT (non-fungible tokens) exhibition. These crypto-assets are the latest revolution on the digital art scene. They are unique and, although others can view them, only the buyer retains ownership of these non-replaceable pieces.

When can I visit?

Moco opened its doors Saturday 16th October. We recommend reserving tickets online for this much-awaited space, open Monday–Thursday from 9am to 7pm and Friday-Sunday 9am to 8pm. 

Admission to this privately owned, inclusive gallery for the general public is €16.50 for adults and €11.50 for students and is free for children under the age of 13.

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La Mercè is synonymous with the end of summer. As the nights start drawing in and the heat of the estival sun lessens, the citizens of Barcelona and its surrounding areas eagerly await the city’s festa major.

As you may or may not know, La Mercè is the co-patron saint of Barcelona, sharing this title with Santa Eulàlia.  Since the year 1871, the official day of celebration has been held on 24 September, meaning this year marks 150 years of the festival of all festivals.

To celebrate this special occasion, the French artist Malika Favre, who has illustrated for the likes of the New Yorker, was invited to design a poster that captured the essence of Barcelona and the powerful Lady of Mercy behind these celebrations. In only four colours, this year’s poster reminds us that our city is indeed a beautiful, powerful and defending female.

This year’s festivities, events, and activities will place from Thursday 23 September to Sunday 26 September 2021. La Festes de La Mercè are special for many reasons, one of which being their focus on music and tradition.

Read on to find out more about this year’s line-up jam packed with over 500 events! Discover live concerts, the customary castellers (human towers) and correfocs (fire runs), and of course, the ever-famous closing ceremony that combines light, fire and sound.

Are you ready for La Mercè 2021?

Covid-10 Restrictions at La Mercè 2021

One of the main differences due to the Covid-19 pandemic is that this year prior bookings are necessary to access many of the activities. However, all these events are still completely free!

Remember, you’ll need to head to the La Mercè official website to get your tickets in advance of the celebrations. Bookings open on 14 September for all BAM concerts and on 15 September for all Música Mercè events. There are two tickets available per person.

There are 23 spaces equipped with distanced seating for this year’s festival and at the largest there will be a maximum capacity limit of 3,000 people. Traditional activities will allow for three tickets per person.

The city’s mayor has asked all citizens to be responsible when attending this year’s daytime festival held from 10:00 to 12:30 am and to remember that masks are compulsory.

Live music at La Mercè 2021

Over four days, Barcelona will welcome an eclectic mix of international and national artists, singer-songwriters and bands to perform at 12 different venues throughout the city: from the Moll de la Fusta, Plaça Joan Coromines, the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm, and the Teatre Grec.

Some highlights of the BAM – Barcelona Acció Musical – events include Viva Belgrado, Rusowsky, Rata Negra, Ed Maverick, Samantha Hudson, Wind Atlas, and many more! We recommend you check out the full list here and be sure to book in advance!

What’s more the Música a la Mercè programme brings a combination of concerts, theatre and performances to the city, including Joana Serrat & The Great Canyoners, Oques Grasses, Núria Graham, and Nueva Vulcano.

Activities at La Mercè 2021

This year on the streets of Barcelona you can expect to find art and performance, giant heads (or capgroços), traditional sardana dances, fire runs, and human towers. The main stages will be the Ciutadella Park, Plaça San Jaume, and Vía Laietana including daytime events designed for the younger members of the family.

What’s more, this year’s guest city is Havana. The Cuban capital will be represented in a range of artistic activities and performances at the Parc de l’Estació del Nord among other venues.

Keep a close eye on the official Mercè website for a full list of events and timetables released shortly.

Closing ceremony La Mercè 2021

The grand firework show that is the Piromusical will bring the festival to a close with an eclectic explosion of light and sound from four locations around the city.

We’re still waiting for the official confirmation of the time and date of year’s finale to La Mercè, but we do know that this much-awaited performance – set to commemorate 150 years of La Mercè – will be broadcast live on TV to avoid large crowds forming.

Can’t wait to see you there!

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The best beer in the world is Catalan. Yes, you heard us right! Cap d’Ona has just won first place in the World Beer Challenge with its wood-aged imperial stout winning the judges over and being awarded a fantastic 100/100.

It’s summer and the sun is shining brightly over the city of Barcelona. This means that your city break, lunch with friends or business trip lunch is not complete without a cold beer. And to help us choose the best one to cool us down and refresh our palates is this prestigious yearly competition that selects and ranks the very best lagers and ales from around the world.

So let us tell you more about the now world-renowned Cap d’Ona!

The Brewery of the Best Beer in the World

This beer is brewed in Argelès-sur-Mer, a small town in the region known as Catalunya Nord. This Catalan-speaking region in the south of France, was ceded to the French by Spain in the mid 17th century with the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees.

When you get your hands on this celebrated beer, notice the famous red and yellow stripes of the Catalan flag on its bottle and its slogan “La cervesa dels països Catalans ” – Beer from Catalan Country.

The Cap d’Ona brewery, named the best in France, first began producing beers in 1998. A total of 21 of its beers – ranging from blonde and amber ales to beers brewed with traditional Catalan flavours – received awards at this year’s World Beer Challenge.

Where to buy the best beer in the world

You’ll be delighted to know that the brewery of the best beer in the world is open to the public for tours and is just over two hours’ drive from Barcelona. Don’t miss the chance to delve into the various phases of production and to try a range of these wonderful tipples.

However, if you don’t have time for a day trip across the border to France, we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the city to find where you can get the best beer in the world in Barcelona! Although the wood-aged stout is difficult to find, Cap d’Ona beers are sold in several places throughout the city.

Restaurant Can Ramon, Diputació 218, serves roast chicken and a range of other traditional Catalan dishes alongside Cap d’Ona beers. Drop in to this low-key local restaurant to try a glass of this traditional Catalan tipple whilst rubbing shoulders with locals.

The All Vegan restaurant and shop, a stone’s throw away from Barcelona’s famous Boqueria market, also stocks Cap d’Ona beers. Located on Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 24, here you’ll find a range of plant-based dishes and sweet treats at affordable prices.

However, if you’d like to try these fantastic beers without leaving your apartment, why not order online? On the website privateceller.es, you can find two of Cap d’Ona’s celebrated beers. Despite not stocking the best beer in the world, find 75cl bottles of the brewery’s famous blonde ale and amber ale priced at €6.95 each. What’s more, the site also offers international delivery, so you can get it delivered straight to your doorstep to await your return home.

Another place where you can find these Catalan beers is in Palafrugell, a small municipality in the province of Girona and only 1 hour 30 minutes drive from the city of Barcelona. Drop in to Vins i Licors Grau where Cap d’Ona beers are currently in stock, then head to the beautiful coastal town of Calella to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea breeze.

What’s more, the shop also has an online store – http://www.grauonline.eu – that sells a variety of Cap d’Ona beers, including the best beer in the world! The premium imperial stout is available for €15. The site also has boasts a range of gift packs with combinations of pale ales, stouts, blondes and ambers. The perfect souvenir to take home after your stay in Barcelona!

We’re sure that as the word spreads, these world-renowned beers will become more available throughout the city. Let us know if you find anywhere else in Barcelona selling the best beer in the world! Cheers!

The 10 best Barcelona attractions that you can’t miss during your visit to the city are finally here! We’ve done all the hard work so you can sit back and enjoy your trip to one of Europe’s top city break destinations.

Culture, food, history, sport, and more. Barcelona does have it all – but how can decide when it comes to planning your trip?

As locals of Barcelona, we’ve drawn up a list of the best the city has to offer based on our articles on our blog and our favourite things to do in the city. From exploring its wondrous examples of architecture, getting lost in its streets steeped in history and trying the best tapas on the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered by the way of the best Barcelona attractions.

1. Sagrada Família

A trip to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without stepping inside this masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, which he began in the year 1883. With nothing like this Barcelona attraction anywhere else in the world, you’ll be left awestruck by the details of its magnificent façade and the stained-glass windows of its light-filled interior. Remember to check out our interesting facts about the Sagrada Família before visiting.

2. Les Rambles

We’re sure you’ve heard of this famed Barcelona attraction. This tree-lined avenue replete with restaurants, bars, shops, street artists and more starts at Plaça Catalunya and ends at the Columbus Monument by the port. As you stroll down, don’t miss the renowned Liceu Opera House or the Canaletes fountain.

3. Mercat de la Boqueria

This colourful, vibrant food market is an unmissable stop on any trip to Barcelona. Browse stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and an array of local products from wine, cured and pickled products, and more. Get there early to beat the crowds. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, our spacious 3-bedroom MACCA apartment is only a 2-minute walk away.

4. The Gothic Quarter

Every corner of every street in this central area of Barcelona is steeped in history. Discover Barcelona’s Roman past, its neo-Gothic cathedral and the history of the Plaça de Sant Felip Neri. Check out our guide to the city’s old quarter to discover these Barcelona attractions and more in the Gothic Quarter.

5. Casa Batlló

Another of Gaudí’s masterpieces is this effervescent house by the master of Catalan modernist architecture himself. Its fantasy-like design inspired by nature is sure to win you over. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on Passeig de Gràcia among luxury stores including Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and more.

6. Montjuïc Magic Fountain

This spectacular show combining water, music and lights every evening at 8:00pm is another essential Barcelona attraction. It’s the perfect end to a day in the city and if you’re travelling with kids they’re sure to be amazed!

7. Parc Güell

Located to the north of the city overlooking its streets and with stunning views of the surrounding coastline and mountains is one of our favourite Barcelona attractions. Tucked away in nature, Parc Güell designed by Gaudí is like something out of a fairytale. Don’t miss its exquisite tiling design and famed dragon sculpture.

If you still haven’t got your fill of Gaudí, don’t miss our guide to the buildings he designed in Barcelona.

8. Parc del Laberint d’Horta

This secret maze is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment of tranquility on their trip to Barcelona. Get lost in this enchanting green maze and explore its historical gardens. Perfect for a midday picnic or an afternoon stroll. Discover more green spaces in Barcelona to reconnect with nature.

9. El Born

The neighbourhood of El Born, alongside “El Barri Gòtic”, makes for a perfect day exploring the true essence of the city. Brimming with many Barcelona attractions, don’t miss the Picasso Museum, the impressive Basilica Santa Maria del Mar and the wonder that is the historical Palau de Música. Find out more about this beautiful part of the city thanks to our complete guide on things to do and see in El Born.

10. El Camp Nou

Football fans around the world flock to the city every year to visit one of the most popular Barcelona attractions. Yes, we’re talking about the Camp Nou football grounds. Visit the world’s third largest stadium to discover its museum, trophy room, dressing room and more. Read more about visiting the home of this all-star team on our blog.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the top 10 best Barcelona attractions!

And remember, If you are planning to visit Barcelona, We’ve got what you need! Long term and short term apartment rentals in Barcelona: Here at BizFlats, we are proud to offer you quality apartments located across Barcelona city: www.bizflats.com

The best time to visit Barcelona, in our opinion, is all year round! Thanks to its gorgeous climate, even in the winter it’s a beautiful city to be in. With mild daytime and nighttime temperatures, you’ll be pushed to find a city so amazingly ideal for a weekend getaway.

However, if your schedule is flexible and you can choose any season of the year to come, we’d have to admit that the best time to visit Barcelona is the summer. From May to October you can enjoy more hours of sunlight; think long summer days that seem to last forever spent relaxing at the beach, refreshing nights with street parties and meals under the stars and, of course, sunrises and sunsets that will take your breath away.

To all this you can add a million and one activities as the city of Barcelona comes alive with summer plans for that suit all tastes, schedules and budgets.

If this sounds like the best time to visit Barcelona to you, keep on reading. Here are 8 summer activities that you won’t be able to resist.

Celebrate the arrival of summer with fireworks

The night of the 23rd June marks the celebration of Sant Joan and the Summer Solstice, one of the biggest events on the Catalan calendar. If partying on the beach under the lights of the starts and fireworks sounds like your thing, then this is definitely the best time to visit Barcelona for you! Read more about this traditional festivity here.

Hit the city’s beaches

Barcelona is famous for its nine beaches spanning almost 5 km along coastline. So, of course, we think that the best time to visit Barcelona is the summer, as it is when you can truly make the most of these stunning sandy shores from sunrise to sunset. Check out our complete guide to Barcelona beaches for more information when planning your next beach holiday in the city.

Dance until dawn at Barcelona’s Festes Majors

Many of the city’s Festes Majors (city parties) are held during the summer months, making it without a doubt the best time to visit Barcelona. Discover Catalan traditions like correfocs (fire runs) and castellers (human towers) at some of the biggest celebrations of the year in the neighbourhoods of Sants, Poble Sec and the Gothic Quarter. Steeped in tradition and local community, at these festivals you’ll find locals and tourists of all ages enjoying live music, local food, hand-made products and, of course, a good dance! Check out our article on one of the biggest of these events held in August: the Festa Major de Gràcia.

Sing along at a music festival

June until August means one thing for music lovers in Barcelona: it’s festival season, i.e. the best time to visit Barcelona! A favourite among indie fans, Primavera Sound kicks off the summer at Parc del Fòrum. Combining creativity, music and culture, there’s the Sonar Festival bringing electronic music and art to the city. Not forgetting Festival Cruïlla with its eclectic mix of artists from pop legends to classic indie groups and Festival Jardins Pedralbes in a truly magical setting.

Catch your favourite movie at Sala Montjuïc

If you’re in Barcelona in July, you’ll be able to enjoy what is one of the most-awaited events of the summer. Watch classic movies and the newest Oscar-winning films at the outdoor cinema in the grounds of the Montjuïc castle during what is possibly the best time to visit Barcelona. Grab a picnic and a blanket and relax under the stars.

Experience La Mercè (Festa Major de Barcelona)

One of the biggest festivals of the year, La Mercè unites music, culture and art, in this yearly celebration in September, making this month the best time to visit Barcelona. As the summer heat wanes, hit the streets to enjoy a range of free events throughout the city, including live music, workshops for kids and the magical closing ceremony (the Piromusical) in Plaça Espanya. Find out more about the fantastic cultural festival that is La Mercè here.

Have a drink on a rooftop bar or terrace

Bask in the beautiful summer climate on a rooftop with amazing views of the Barcelona cityscape, sea and surrounding mountains or terraces lapped by the waves as the cool sea breeze rustles your hair. Discover our guide to the top 10 bars and terraces to enjoy what we believe is the best time to visit Barcelona!

Bag a bargain at Barcelona’s outdoor markets

Food trucks serving delicious street food, pop-up stalls selling handmade gifts and second-hand clothes, and live music concerts by the newest bands… yes, it’s the best time to visit Barcelona! Discover the city’s summer weekend markets of Palo Alto, Two Market at Nau Bostik, and Fleadonia.

These are just some of the reasons why summer is the best time to visit Barcelona! We’re looking forward to welcoming you here.

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Sant Jordi 2021 has the green light to go ahead this year on 23rd of April. And this beautiful day of the book and the rose is just around the corner! After it was cancelled last year and postponed to July, you’re probably how exactly this much-awaited event on the Barcelona calendar is going to be celebrated in 2021.

From the latest restrictions and measures, plus this year’s activity programme, we’ve got you covered in this article on Sant Jordi 2021. Although this year will be different from past years, we want to make sure it is still a day to remember.

Read on to find out more….

Why is Sant Jordi so important?

The Catalan answer to Valentine’s Day, this event commemorates both Saint George’s day (or Sant Jordi as he is known in Catalonia) and World Book Day. The beginnings of this event celebrating love, books and of course, a love for books, lie in the story of Sant Jordi and the dragon. If you’d like to find out more about its history and origins, read more in our article here.

So here’s our round up of what Sant Jordi 2021 will be like. Additionally, given these uncertain times, we recommend double checking events online before attending.

Where can I buy books this Sant Jordi 2021?

Sant Jordi 2021 will take place over three days: 21, 22 and 23 April, this gives book sellers and customers alike more time to browse and will prevent large numbers of people gathering on the 23rd.

The plan that has been approved for this year’s event aims to, above all, avoid the usual crowds and, if possible, encourage bookstores to set up outdoor stalls. The usual stalls will be set up on around the centre of the city with a distance of 2 metres between each one, with a separate entrance and exit and a limit of 50% capacity.

Additionally, bookshops will be open as normal, also with a maximum capacity of 50% and following the recommended safety measures that are in place.

What about roses?

This Sant Jordi 2021, only florists have been given the go ahead to sell roses. There will be outdoor stalls, as usual, in the main areas around the city.

What’s more, the city will host several small Sant Jordi “fairs” where books and roses will be sold in a selection of outdoor spaces, ranging from Passeig de Gràcia, Arc de Triomf and Plaça Reial, in addition to Rambla del Poble Nou, the Palau Robert Gardens and Diagonal.

Can I get my books signed this Sant Jordi 2021?

This year it is possible to get your books signed, but not in the usual way. Despite the measures being still unconfirmed, it looks like, in order to avoid long queues and crowds, authors will not sign copies of their books inside bookshops. However, it will be possible to order a signed copy of your favourite book and pick it up the next day! The option of having authors sign copies but outdoors also looks likely.

It is also worth noting that this Sant Jordi 2021 will not host the usual events and talks with writers and authors that usually take place, nor any prize-giving ceremonies.

Eventhough you can find some activities for the familiy here

How can I celebrate Sant Jordi 2021 at home?

There are also many ways to celebrate this day dedicated to books and roses from the comfort of our your own homes. One of our favourite things to do is to try our hand at making homemade Pa de Sant Jordi. This typical type of bread recreates the colours of the senyera (the Catalan flag) and is usually filled with sobrasada sausage and cheese. We’re slightly biased, but it is simply delicious! Find the recipe here.

You can also shop online to treat yourself or a loved one to a book whilst still supporting local sellers. Visit the platform “LlibreriesObertes” (OpenBookstores) to start browsing now!

Finally, if you’re stuck for inspiration this Sant Jordi 2021, why not check out our article on 8 books set in Barcelona that you’re sure to love for some gift ideas.

We hope you have a fantastic day filled with love and books. Let us know how you’re planning to celebrate Sant Jordi 2021!

And remember, If you are planning to visit Barcelona, We’ve got what you need! Long term and short term apartment rentals in Barcelona: Here at BizFlats, we are proud to offer you quality apartments located across Barcelona city: www.bizflats.com