La Pedrera: long- and short-term rental a stone’s throw away from this Gaudí masterpiece

Natàlia Gibernau

La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, a Gaudí masterpieces that simply cannot be missed. Barcelona has become synonymous with this innovative and creative
architect and your stay in Barcelona would not be complete without discovering one of our favourites of his works.

La Pedrera is located on Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s most emblematic avenues. Hidden away behind its stony façades is a magical sanctuary with an allure that invites you to be surprised by the playful nature of this modernist building.

Now your dream of staying in the heart of Barcelona, a stone’s throw away from La Pedrera, is now possible. Located on the splendid carrer València, learn what it’s like to wake up as a neighbour to the masterpiece that is La Pedrera.

We also know that your health and that of your loved ones is your utmost priority. Staying in an apartment is the safest option for your stay in Barcelona to limit your contact with other guests in communal areas. Enjoy privacy and be assured that your health is safeguarded during your stay in the neighbourhood of La Pedrera.

La Pedrera

La Pedrera: reasons to visit Gaudí’s last civil masterpiece

Built between 1906 and 1912, La Pedrera was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in the year 1984. Its stony, curved façade with hints of both light and shadow gives the building its unusual name – “La Pedrera” means stone quarry in English, capturing to a tee this building’s organic and rugged exterior.

La Pedrera - Gaudí La Pedrera

La Pedrera was initially built by Gaudí as a residence for Pere Milà i Camps and his wife, Roser Segimon i Artells whose dream was to live in a house with the best location in Barcelona. Located in l’Eixample district, La Pedrera building also includes a block of flats with sixteen apartments, given that this district was rapidly expanding. Read more about its history in our complete guide to one of Barcelona’s most elegant and fascinating districts here.

La Pedrera was Gaudí’s last civil project. It boasts six floors that are connected via two large interior patios ensuring the flats are filled with light and have a good supply of fresh air. Bring your camera and be sure to look up to capture Gaudí’s meticulously well thought out design.

La Pedrera history -Milà family
Milà’s Family: Pere Milà i Campsand his wife Roser Segimon i Artells.

A visit to La Pedrera would not be complete without heading to the attic. Discover ‘Espai Gaudí’ – the city’s only museum to house fascinating information about all of Gaudí’s buildings in Barcelona.

Today La Pedrera Foundation has ensured that this masterpiece of Gaudí’s in the centre of Barcelona has become a hub of innovation, culture and architecture. In addition to summer jazz concerts on its awe-inspiring rooftop terrace (don’t miss the majestic sculptures and the best view of Barcelona), La Pedrera also boasts a range of cultural activities, plus a cafeteria and shop on its lower levels.

Dandi apartment: a stone’s throw away from La Pedrera

“Dandi sports the charm, class and distinction, of the sort of gentleman that’s rare in today’s day and age”.

Elegant, like La Pedrera, our Dandi apartment is a luxurious haven in the heart of the Eixample district and a block away from this Gaudí masterpiece.

What if, in in addition to visiting La Pedrera and taking photos of its many faces, you could stay in the sophisticated district where it is located? When choosing Dandi, you can!

Have breakfast in a quaint café with La Pedrera as your backdrop, browse Barcelona’s most luxurious boutique stores that line Passeig de Gracia, or simply take a stroll around the neighbourhood that La Pedrera’s first residents declared the best location in Barcelona.

This 110 m2 apartment with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms is ideal for between 2–4 guests (with a maximum capacity of 6) and is designed to combine chic luxury with the utmost comfort. Don’t want to leave? Don’t worry! Our Dandi apartment is fully equipped for both short-term and long-term stays, meaning you can truly experience what it’s like to be a Barcelona local.

With two balconies and a terrace, wake up to light streaming through this apartment reminiscent of the neighbouring apartments in La Pedrera. With original Catalan mosaic flooring throughout, Dandi has its own piece of history for you to discover right under your feet.

Apartment in Barcelona next to La Pedera - bizFlats

COVID-19 health and safety measures

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, from the entire bizFlats team, we want our guests to know that health and safety is our number one priority.

All our apartments undergo rigorous cleaning in line with our health and safety protocol to prevent the spreading of COVID-19. In addition to the complete disinfection of all facilities, we ensure the highest standards of cleanliness are met when preparing our flats for incoming guests.

What’s more, all our apartments have posters with up-to-date safety information that we recommend you take the time to read upon arrival.

If you’d like to learn more about our COVID-19 health and safety measures, check out our article here. More than ever we cannot wait to see you in Barcelona. La Pedrera is simply waiting for you to uncover its architectural secrets and its privileged location in the Eixample district, all possible when you choose our D

Living in Barcelona: how much does it cost?

Natàlia Gibernau

Have you ever dreamed about living in Barcelona? We’re not lying when we say that this unique city simply has it all. From its Roman past to its stunning architecture, the presence of great artists such as Picasso and Gaudí, its great culture and arts scene, and not to mention its all-year-round great climate.

But, we hear you ask, does all this come at a price? Whether you’re coming to study, work, retire, or simple to enjoy the beautiful surroundings – this article aims to shed some light on the cost of living in Barcelona. We cover various areas of life in Barcelona so you can come prepared, however the true cost of living can depend on many factors.

Living in Barcelona costs and Barcelona beaches

Living in Barcelona: renting a flat in Barcelona

If you’ve finally made the decision to take the leap and move to Barcelona, on the top of your list is finding somewhere to live.

Before you arrive, browse our range of apartments here where you are sure to find an apartment that not only suits your needs, but also feels like a home away from home.

With both short-term and long-term rental options, our city apartments are perfect for those who can’t wait to experience Barcelona’s urban lifestyle.

Our city apartments boast privileged locations throughout the city – meaning you have everything you need within walking distance: museums and galleries, restaurants and bars, and great transport connections.

For long-term business stays, we also recommend our executive apartments – they’re perfect for ensuring efficiency and comfort when work is your number one priority.

Barcelona apartments for rent for monthly rentals - Living in Barcelona

From apartments with private terraces and hot tubs or one-bedroomed chic and sophisticated spaces, we have something to suit everyone’s needs. Still can’t decide? Check out our article here with our handpicked recommendations.

Before you make your choice, discover the best spots to live in Barcelona here. With a top-of-the-range apartment located one of the city’s exclusive areas, living in Barcelona has never been easier.

What’s more, our staff will guarantee you’ll feel at home from day one and are on hand to offer advice and tips to welcome you to this fantastic city. We are also working non-stop to ensure your safety and that of our staff with our Covid-19 measures.

Living in Barcelona: is food expensive in Barcelona?

So once you’ve somewhere to live, the next question on your mind will most likely concern food.

Of course, each person’s shopping list varies greatly, but we have calculated that on average monthly food bills can cost around €150–€250. Also, the supermarket you choose will also affect the price of your grocery shopping. In Barcelona you will find everything from family- and pocket-friendly stores to organic fruit shops with high-quality, local produce.

Cost of living in Barcelona - mediterranean diet fo foodies in Barcelona markets

Below are the average prices of some of the most common items to give you an idea:

  • 1 kg of tomatoes: €1.64
  • 1 litre of milk: €0.93
  • 12 large eggs: €2,76
  • 1 kg of potatoes: €1.17
  • Chicken: €2.49/kg
  • Fresh bread (2 people): €1
  • A can of local beer: €0.93
  • A bottle of good-quality wine: €8

When it comes to eating out, Barcelona offers an array of options that are perfect for various budgets. Look out for restaurants serving lunch-time set menus – menú del día – that include a starter, main course, dessert and drinks for between €10–€14.

An average meal in a local restaurant for two people will cost you approximately €40 – however, a meal for two in the centre of the city or at a specialty restaurants can set you back around €70 – €150.

Living in Barcelona: transport

When calculating the cost of living in Barcelona, you should also consider the cost of getting around the city. In order to help you plan, we’ve covered some basic costs, from gasoline prices to metro tickets.

  • 10 journey metro ticket (zone 1): €11.35 (single ticket: €2)
  • Monthly metro ticket (zone 1): €43
  • Yearly public bike membership: €50
  • 1 litre of gasoline/petrol: €1.34

There are many public transport ticket options, so we recommend looking into them depending on your location and how often you travel.

Taxis in Barcelona are another affordable option to get around. The minimum fare is €2.25 on weekdays (€3.20 after 8 pm on Saturdays and public holidays). Read more about getting a taxi in Barcelona here.

Barcelona living - public transport and who to get to the city center of Barcelona from the airport

Living in Barcelona: entertainment and leisure

Now it’s time to let your hair down and relax. However you decide to unwind, you’ll find that Barcelona has a range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Here’s our pick of our favourite things to do in Barcelona and an approximate price:

  • Monthly gym membership: €40–€120
  • Cinema ticket: €8
  • Nightclub entry (some without drink): €12–€20
  • Theatre ticket: €12–€100
  • Concert ticket: €15–€100
  • Football match (top league): €60–€100
Camp nou and futbol club Barcelona, the home club for Messi in Barcelona

We hope this article has helped you understand better the cost of living in Barcelona. Now, it’s over to you to take the first step towards your next adventure. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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 throughout the city of Barcelona: www.bizflats.com

Complete guide to Eixample Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

One of Barcelona’s largest and most emblematic neighbourhoods, the Eixample is found in the very heart of the city. 

Pronounced “ay-sham-pluh” , its name can roughly be translated as “expansion or extension”. Read on to learn more about this iconic and unique area of Barcelona.

The History of Eixample Barcelona

The newest part of the city stretches north of Plaça de Catalunya and to either side of Passeig de Gràcia in six exclusively diverse areas. The most well known of these areas are referred to as Eixample Esquerra and Dreta de l’Eixample located to the left and right of Passeig de Gràcia as their names respectively indicate.

In the mid 19thcentury, the Catalan architect Ildefons Cerdà was chosen to extend the city beyond its medieval walls. His plan extended the city to the surrounding small towns and villages (including Gràcia and Les Corts). This was due to the impact of the Industrial Revolution and Barcelona’s increasing need for more space and sanitation, given its rising population. 

Cerdà’s architectural vision took great inspiration from straight lines and geometric shapes. If you have visited Eixample Barcelona before, you are sure to have noticed its uniform grid layout and distribution in blocks. 

What’s more, at the intersection of each of its roads, you’ll find the iconic “chaflán”. The architect in charge of the expansion project opted to remove the typical right-angled corners from his plan in order to allow for a place for horse and carriages to park, to ease movement, and allow for better visibility at crossings.

For this reason, it’s very hard to get lost in the Eixample Barcelona and it’s very easy to find places. Keep reading to discover what to see and do in this fantastic district that has something for everyone.

Eixample Barcelona

What to visit in Eixample Barcelona

Now home to the city’s mot renowned sights, luxury boutiques and exclusive stores, plus an array of stylish restaurants and bars, Eixample Barcelona is an unmissable district on your visit to Barcelona.

Architecture

Traditionally where the residences of many Catalan bourgeois were located, Eixample Barcelona is synonymous with modernist and neoclassic architecture. 

The best way to explore this district is on foot – look up and you’ll be amazed by its towering façades, glorious buildings in an array of colours and intricately designed balconies and terraces. Look down and you’ll spot Barcelona’s famous flower etched into the pavement below your feet.

Eixample Barcelona is also home to Gaudí’s most famous works. La Pedrera and Casa Batlló can be found on Passeig de Gràcia in walking distance of one another. What’s more, Avinguda Gaudí (one of the few streets in Eixample Barcelona that doesn’t follow the grid layout) joins the Hospital de Sant Pau and Gaudí’s masterpiece: the Sagrada Família. Read more about this epic monument in our article here. 

Shopping

Take a stroll down Passeig de Gràcia and La Rambla for a luxury shopping experience. Here you’ll find international and local designer boutiques including Adolfo Dominguez, Chanel, Loro Piano, MaxMara and Louis Vuitton. Also located in this area are some of Europe’s largest stores of well-known high street brands such as Zara, Mango and H&M.

What’s more, Eixample Barcelona is teeming with bookshops, artisan boutiques, florists and markets. 

Eixample Barcelona - Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia

Culture and art

For lovers of art galleries and museums, located in Eixample are the Fundació Antoni Tàpies dedicated to the local artist, the Egyptian museum of Barcelona, and the Fundació Mapfre with various temporary collections of modern art and photography.

You’ll be thrilled to know that the Eixample district doesn’t end here! We thoroughly recommend exploring the other districts within Eixample Barcelona. 

Sant Antoni, located to the left of Raval, is famous for its newly renovated market, its numerous bars and cafés and traditional bodega-style restaurants. Head here during the weekend to take in its buzzing, lively atmosphere where locals and tourists alike come to let off some steam.

EIXAMPLE -THE NEW MERCAT DE SANT ANTONI

Whether you’re discovering Eixample Barcelona for the first time or exploring its streets on your second of third visit, you’re sure to be inspired by its legacy.  Eixample Barcelona has it all, from stunning examples of Catalan architecture, a cosmopolitan vibe and the best of international fashion. We hope to see you there soon!

Sant Joan 2020 – Will beaches open?

Natàlia Gibernau

Sant Joan 2020 will be held on the night of Tuesday 23rd – but this year may be different to past years. Now the the city entered into “the new normal” of its deconfinement plan, many of us are wondering how Sant Joan will be celebrated this year.

How is Sant Joan normally celebrated?

Dating back to Pagan traditions, Sant Joan is celebrated on the eve of the Summer Solstice, which falls on 24 June 24. This festival both marks the beginning of summer and the birth of Sant (Saint) Joan. You can discover more about one of the biggest celebrations on the Catalan calendar in our article here. 

Sant Joan - Saint Joan

In normal years, you would find huge groups of people along the beaches of Barcelona gathered around grand bonfires and the city’s skyline decorated with exploding fireworks.However, given certain restrictions imposed this year in Barcelona due to COVID-19, the city’s mayor, Ada Calau, has announced that this year’s Sant Joan will be different from others.

So if you’re spending this Sant Joan in Barcelona, we’ve put together this article so you can celebrate San Joan safely and in line with government-issued regulations.

Will the beaches in Barcelona be open this Sant Joan?

Following advice from health experts, this year the city’s 10 beaches will be closed from 8 pm on 23 June. This will be the first time Sant Joan celebrations will not be permitted on the city’s sandy shores. 

In Barcelona, Sant Joan has become synonymous with mass gatherings of thousands of people on the city’s beaches, therefore this measure has been implemented to prevent large crowds from forming and to ensure safety distances.

This Sant Joan, you should also bear in mind that beach bars and restaurants will also close at 8 pm on 23 June. The beach and beach facilities will be open to the public as of 10 am on 24 June with the usual social distancing measures and controlled capacity.

How many people can I celebrate with?

Sant Joan 2020 will be celebrated when Barcelona has entered phase 3 of its de-confinement plan. In line with government guidelines, you may celebrate with 15 and 20 friends or members of family. It is also recommended that, unlike previous years, the use of fireworks should be kept to a minimum.

Organised local festivities and events are allowed – but with social distancing regulations and capacity restrictions. Open-air events, as are typical on the eve of Sant Joan, can be attended by up to 800 people. Closed events that will take place inside this San Joan can be attended by 80 people.

We advise you to check with your local neighbourhood civic centre regarding any celebrations that might be held.

Are bonfires allowed this Sant Joan?

As we have mentioned, this Sant Joan will not see the traditional celebrations along the city’s 10 beaches. The city council has also decided to not allow large bonfires.  

Small fires are allowed provided that they are no bigger than one metre squared and are duly protected, e.g. on a brick surface or brazier. Permission must be requested to have a bonfire.

Can I still buy fireworks?

This Sant Joan, fireworks will be sold as in past years. There are 117 sale points around the city where you can buy fireworks, always in line with social distancing regulations. 

The Barcelona municipal police force, known as the Guàrdia Urbana (Urban Guard) will deploy additional forces to prevent large crowds, to reinforce social distancing, and to control alcohol consumption.

What are some alternative Sant Joan plans?

This year, why not celebrate a safe Sant Joan among friends and family. If you’re looking for an alternative plan, our Barcelona apartments boast locations with privileged views of the city and are perfect for gazing in awe at the colourful fireworks over the city.

Why not try your hand at baking a Coca de Sant Joan? This sweet bread topped with candied fruit and pine nuts is traditionally enjoyed as a Sant Joan treat and can be bought from many a bakery leading up to the celebrations. Read more about it in our article here.

There will also be virtual DJ sessions broadcast by the Casa Groga, Teixonera and Carmel civic centres on their YouTube channel for those of us who will party to dawn but from home.

We hope you enjoy this slightly different Sant Joan and, above all, stay safe! 

Safety measures Barcelona apartments

Covid-19 Health and Safety Measures in bizFlats Apartments

Natàlia Gibernau

After almost three months of lockdown, little by little the city of Barcelona is returning to a high level of activity. With this comes the reopening of travel and accommodations and the simultaneous easing of restrictions for those who wish to stay in and visit our beautiful city. By July 1, we expect that travellers from Schengen countries, the broader EU and the UK will have open borders to visit Barcelona, Catalonia and all of Spain as well. We also anticipate that our borders will open up to the rest of the world progressively, and we will update you as we get official confirmation.

If you’re anything like us, you probably cannot wait to regain a sense of normalcy, albeit it might be a new normal. Yet, at the same time, you may also be feeling slightly apprehensive about travelling once again. Read on to learn more about how we at bizFlats are working toward your peace of mind by implementing some safety measures in bizFlats apartments.

Getting ready for travel

Is your health and wellbeing and the health and wellbeing of those who are travelling with you your number one priority? If you organize travel for a company or organization, is the health and wellbeing of those for whom you organize travel your number one priority? With this in mind, bizFlats has put into a place a health and safety policy for all its employees and guests to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone who works with us.

Given the current situation, staying in an apartment is the safest option to choose when visiting Barcelona since you will not have staff entering and leaving your room, you will not have to share communal areas like in a hotel, and you will be able to cook your own food.

We want you to know that we are putting your health at the forefront during these uncertain times and reducing health and safety risks in all our facilities.

This article outlines the COVID-19 health and safety measures in bizFlats apartments, that we have put into place in line with the government regulations from the Spanish Health Ministry and  Catalonia’s Public Health Department, and the guidelines published by the World Health Organization (WHO)..

Information posters

● We recommend that you take the time to carefully read the rules of use for the apartment where you are staying and whether some services you may like to use have limitations.

These posters also include hygiene measures all guests should follow to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you have any questions regarding this information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

safety measures in bizflats’ apartments

Cleaning and disinfection procedures

With regard to the cleaning and disinfection of all bizFlats apartments and facilities, we are following a rigorous cleaning protocol in line with the guidelines recommended by local and international health authorities. In order to prevent the spreading of COVID-19, the following tasks will be performed and logged for all of our apartments and facilities: restocking of goods and removal of waste from accommodation, cleaning of accommodation after check-out, and preparation for incoming guests.

What’s more, we will also log the exact location of cleaning tasks within the apartment, the order in which the tasks are carried out, the cleaning product and personal protective equipment used, and how the cleaning products and materials are handled after their use.

Check-in

● To ensure both your safety and the safety of bizFlats personnel when checking in, the two-metre safety distance will be observed between bizFlats staff and guests. Our staff will wear protective masks at all times. Alternatively, we can set up a minimal contact check-in, where you can pick up the keys from our office, or if the apartment has a fully electronic smart lock. Let us know your preference in advance.

● Guests will receive a pack of four face masks  and a hand sanitiser gel for use during check-in and during their stay.

Communal Areas

● We ask that all our guests limit their use of lifts in our apartment buildings and facilities to a necessary minimum, and to use the stairs if possible.

If it is necessary for you to use the lifts, only one person should use it at a time, in case they are not from the same party. Exceptions to this rule are when the lift is big enough for you to observe the two-metre safety distance when inside, or in the cases of individuals who require the assistance of another person.

● Areas that may not be accessed or used will be completely cordoned off or marked with clear restrictive access signs.

The health and safety of our guests and our employees is our utmost priority as we begin this transitional phase of transition as mentioned.

As you can imagine, this is a process that calls on us to keep a close eye on updates and adapt continually as we receive further inputs. Thus, we will monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and update these guidelines as required to ensure your safety, always in line with government and health authority guidelines.

We’d like to thank you for your help and cooperation during this time and we appreciate the time you take to get familiar with these guidelines. If you should have any questions about your upcoming trip or the health and safety measures we are implementing in our facilities, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best Pa de Sant Jordi recipe step by step

Natàlia Gibernau

Pa de Sant Jordi is a typical type of bread eaten on the day of Sant Jordi, a very important date in Catalan tradition. It is enriched, in alternating bands, with cheese (which is usually Maó cheese) and with sobrasada.

The Origin

Sant Jordi is one of the most eagerly awaited days on the Catalan calendar. This year the great literary event will be celebrated like this.

Why not try your hand at baking one of our favourite Sant Jordi recipes? What better way to enjoy your favourite books than with the smell of freshly baked bread floating through your home?

We’d like to share with you the recipe for Pa de Sant Jordi (Sant Jordi bread), which was first made 25 years ago by a famous baker in Barcelona, Eduard Crespo. Normally sold in bakeries across the region, with this traditional yet simple recipe that even the youngest members of the family can help with, you can recreate the colours of the senyera (the Catalan flag) at home. Enjoy!

Pa de Sant Jordi ingredients

– 500 g of strong flour
– 80 g of grated emmental or Parmesan cheese
– 80 g of Mallorcan sobrasada sausage 
– 40 g of walnuts or mixed nuts
– 8 g of yeast
– 350 ml of lukewarm water
– – 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of sugar

Pa de Sant Jordi method

Please note: Remember to wash your hands thoroughly and any work surfaces before starting to bake.

Finely chop the nuts and put them to one side. Take the Mallorcan sobrasada out of the fridge.

Next measure out 350 ml of lukewarm water. Add the yeast and stir making sure there are no lumps.

Measure out the flour and add it to a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle and add the water and yeast, the salt and the olive oil.

Mix together and knead slowly until the dough no longer sticks to your hands or to the side of the bowl. If necessary add more flour. Cover the dough with a cloth and put it aside for 30 minutes. 

Next, divide the dough into three equal parts – one for each of the flavours.

Add the room temperature Mallorcan sobrasada sausage to one, the cheese to another and the chopped nuts to the final part. Mix each section of the dough together with its ingredient and knead well for ten minutes. Cover with a cloth and leave them to rest for one hour.

Now it’s time to shape the bread. Shape four strips of sobrasada mix and five of strips of cheese mix. With the nuts mix make one longer and thicker strip, which will act as the frame of the flag. Stick the strips together in the form of the Catalan flag using wet fingers if necessary.

In a pre-heated oven at 190 degrees, cook the bread for around 45 minutes. It’s really important not to open the oven during this time to ensure the bread rises properly

Once the bread is golden brown, take it out of the oven and let cool on a rack.

The Final Result

Serve with your favourite book!

We hope you enjoy your Pa de Sant Jordi from home this year! It’s a fun experience and it’s deilcious!

PA-DE-SANT-JORDI - RECIPE STEP BY STEP

Other articles about Catalan gastronomy and traditions that you need to check before you visit Catalonia:

Travel to Barcelona 2020: Facing Trying Times

Jaume Barberena

Hello from Barcelona

One year ago Mercedes took this picture of me on the terrace of our lovely Ferran Batik apartment in sunny Barcelona. Little did we know at the time, that today there would be no travel to Barcelona, or anywhere else, and I would be writing this message from the cocoon of our home as we follow the rule book of a new world: instructions to stay home, maintain social distances, etc. In short, everything that all visitors to Barcelona used to like doing is now verboten.

Read more →

Dolphins in Barcelona during quarantine

Dolphins in Barcelona – Incredible!

Natàlia Gibernau

Dolphins in Barcelona? Amazing right? The quarantine is generating a whole parade of animals that can be seen in places where until a few days ago it was unimaginable. Dolphins take advantage of lockdown in Barcelona to swim in one of the city’s ports.

Dolphins in Barcelona 

 

 

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