Year: 2015

Avinguda Diagonal – Diagonal Avenue Barcelona… Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Mercedes Delgado
Sun loungers on the Avinguda Diagonal in Barcelona, next to Plaça Francesc Macià

On this last weekend of August in Barcelona… today, a unique sun is my ally, my best spotlight… a great part of Diagonal Avenue Barcelona, or to use its Catalan name Avinguda Diagonal Barcelona, is closed to traffic, so I get my phone and a pair of sneakers and invite you to join me in the adventure of finding unique buildings, hidden places and relaxing corners.  So sew your shadow to my feet Peter, and up we go “second to the right and straight on till morning”.

palm trees and benches in the Diagonal
nice wide sidewalk in Barcelona Diagonal, where pedestrians have a prominent place
large windows on the first floor of this building
classic façade next to a modern building sharing together a place in the Diagonal

Let’s start our journey at Plaça Francesc Macià.  I follow the characteristic pavement pattern, onto this urban catwalk.  The design of the paving sett is determined by the general concept being deployed in the Diagonal project.

I have to be careful not to miss a thing… sleek modern buildings next to old classics and Gaudi’s trademarks, make for beautiful patchwork.  The awesome Casa Sayrach (Avinguda Diagonal corner with Enric Granados), stands so elegant, as one of the last buildings of Barcelona modernism. Curved shapes characterize its façade.

the plane tree leaf defines the transformation of an expressway for through traffic into a green corridor where pedestrians have a prominent place in the leafy shade of the trees that grow along the avenue. Project Diagonal by Terrades Arquitectes 2015
the palm trees shadow over the pavement
Barcelona is an example of modern architecture
the awesome Casa Sayrach (Avinguda Diagonal corner with Enric Granados)

Back to the avenue, amongst luxury shops and nice cafés and restaurants, I get to the terrace, of José Luis, a classic in Barcelona, the restaurant with posssibly the best “tortilla de patata” in town.

(UPDATE 2020: Jose Luis has now ceded this space to the famous Tapaç 24 by Carles Abellán, who has added this venue to serve the Barcelona district of Sant Gervasi-Galvany, here in Diagonal-Tuset. By the way the tortilla de patata is just as good 🙂 and don’t forget to try the “Bikini”). 

Next to it, “Ajo Blanco” (Carrer de Tuset), the other side of the coin, a cool new designer restaurant.  Diagonal-Tuset-Granados… the most interesting edge, an explosion of architecture … La Casa Mas de Miquel, La Casa Sayrach, and the stunning Metro 3 building, where the Habitat store (designer furniture) is located.

update 2018, this Michael Kors Store is now closed in Avinguda Diagonal. The Passeig de Gracia store still remains open in Barcelona
wide spaces represent the character of the Avinguda Diagonal
Costa Cofee a place to have your favourite delight when strolling in Avinguda Diagonal in Barcelona
terraces alfresco for tapas in Barcelona Diagonal Avenue
building façade in Diagonal Barcelona
Metro 3 building a model of design for architecture lovers in Barcelona
the Habitat store (designer furniture) is located on the ground floor of the Metro 3 building
electric charger for vehicles in Diagonal Avenue, enhances the ecological commitment of Barcelona

Now I run into the “Barcelona Equestrian circle” (Círculo Ecuestre de Barcelona, on Diagonal corner with Balmes) – SPOTTED:  I’ve heard that you can belong to this select club for a small fee of 12,000 euros, plus the endorsement of four partners and, of course, you must pass a test prior to admission.  Then the doors of the Barcelona Equestrian Circle will never be closed to you.  You can get together with the economic and social elite of Barcelona, enjoy an exquisite coffee or a drink until the wee hours of the morning… but yes, YOU HAVE to wear a tie [at least of you’re a gentleman]. The Circle completely renovated the interior in 1992, including a full gym, a rooftop pool & café and 16 rooms for members and guests.

The club is hosted in the palace “Casa Perez Samanillo” built in 1910, and what catches the eye is one of the most striking elements of the building, a huge oval window overlooking Diagonal… locals call it the “fishbowl of Barcelona”.

a huge oval window overlooking Diagonal… locals call it the “fishbowl of Barcelona”.
there are many restaurants, bars and cafes on both sides of the Diagonal Avenue
buildings in the corner of Diagonal and carrer Balmes
while strolling along the Diagonal, look up and discover the buildings' penthouses
Barcelona stands out in design and a sample of it are the streetlights in the Diagonal
detail of what is hidden over the tree tops

This is amazing!!! No traffic and I’m walking in the middle of the street!!!  I’m arriving at Pilma, one of my favourites deco shops. Not far in distance, now I can see the obelisk marking the cross between Diagonal and Passeig the Gràcia.  To my right, the building of the Barcelona Provincial Council, advising the beginning of another great promenade, the boulevard of Rambla de Catalunya.

crossing Avenida Diagonal on a clear, sunny day
Barcelona Provincial Council is a public institution in Catalonia that provides direct services to citizens, it is located in the corner with Rambla Catalunya

A little further along are the Jardins del Palau Robert and in front of it, on the other side of the avenue, between two glass monsters, the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce and Deutsche Bank

(UPDATE 2020: in the last quarter of 2020 the exclusive Mandarin Oriental Residences will open their doors in Barcelona in this same building that for many years, was the headquarters of Deutsche Bank… the new Zeitgeist “from bank to luxury residences…”)

Respectively, the Pompeya Church, a jewel of Neo Gothic contemplates the passage of time, unperturbed by its big neighbours.

the Chamber of Commerce and Deutsche Bank coexist with the Pompeya Church, a jewel of Neo Gothic
update 2020 - a few years ago this building was occupied by Deutsche Bank but in the last quarter of 2020 the Mandarin Oriental residences will open their doors in Barcelona in this same building where Avenida Diagonal crosses Passeig de Gracia
Palau Robert is a neoclassical building on Barcelona's Passeig de Gràcia with Diagonal Avenue
An oasis of vegetation in the heart of Barcelona, this is how the Palau Robert gardens could be defined

Those deck chairs are so inviting… I’m done, hope you found it so appealing that you are eager to get your ass away from La Rambla, and discover an attractive brand new world!

living outdoors, gathering and enjoying moments together... this is the way locals enjoy life in Barcelona
the most photographed intersection in Barcelona is chaired by a monument to Nothing. The Obelisk does not have a name and it is popularly known as "el lápiz"(the pencil)
Plaza del Cinco de Oros, this is the name of the square where Avinguda Diagonal meets Passeig de Gràcia
fc barcelona legendary players

FC Barcelona Legendary Players

bizFlats

In 1899 a new modern culture of leisure was born by a group of largely non native men living in Barcelona who were interested in starting a sports club and playing what were then largely British sports like football. Thus, FC Barcelona was born, and its roots are strong in the club’s culture today, who loves to celebrate international talent, but has also built a extensive Catalonian culture. Founder, Joan Gamper, was undoubtedly one of the first FC Barcelona legendary players, and not just for his skill on the pitch, but for his devotion to the growth and legacy of the club. Without Gamper, there would be no further FC Barcelona legendary players to celebrate.

FC Barcelona Legendary Players

  • Carles Comamala – Another one of the club’s founding players, Comamala was a friend and teammate of Gamper. Born to a Basque mother and a father from the Canaries, Comamala was actually from Madrid and brought up in Catalonia, making him a perfect fit for Barcelona’s early days when it was mostly made up of expats. And of course, the fact that he was a prolific striker.
  • Emili Sagi-Barba – Born in Argentina to Catalan parents, Sagi-Barba is considered one of the best FC Barcelona legendary players from the pre-Civil War era. Playing left wing, he was one of the first players to ever rock this side of the field, and become an expert in penalty and corner kicks.
  • Àngel Arocha – Considered one of the leading goal scorers in the Club’s entire history, Arocha’s record was 215 goals in just 207 games. He started his career as one of the FC Barcelona legendary players in 1927 and, from Santa Cruz, was an undoubted first choice striker for the club.
  • César Rodríguez – Yet another of the FC Barcelona legendary players, Rodríguez was a  fantastic goal scorer during his career from 1944 – 1951, and was part of the all star forward line of the 1950s. His best season was 1947 -48 when he scored 27 goals in 24 games, and was known for his powerful headers.
  • Ramón Villaverde – One of the best known South American imports, hailing from Uruguay, among the FC Barcelona legendary players, Villaverde’s career with the club ran throughout the 1950s and 60s. Not only was he a man of astounding endurance, playing center midfield, he was also known for his great humility. Having been loaned out from FB Barcelona for his last year on contract, he reportedly said, “I’m not too old for football yet, but I am too old to play for Barça.”
  • Sergi Barjuan – A Barcelona native, Barjuan is a product of the club’s youth soccer program and made his debut with the pros in 1993 as a first choice starter. He went on to play in the 1994 World Cup in the USA in his prized fullback position.

These FC Barcelona legendary players are just a small selection of the many team members over the years that have given this club such a successful history and loyal following. These men, especially from the early years, are even responsible for creating the rich and lively culture around football in Barcelona, something it would be hard to imagine this city without. Be sure to catch a game at Camp Nou the next time you’re in town during the season!

 

business apartments in barcelona

Business Apartments in Barcelona

bizFlats

Barcelona is a lovely place for a business trip, even if you are completely inundated with work for your entire stay. Part of what makes it such an enjoyable trip are the amazing business apartments in Barcelona that allow for your work trip to feel more like a luxurious vacation. Flats around the city are designed for the utmost comfort and productivity, mixing a charming homey feel with a professional atmosphere suitable for meetings or entertaining business partners. With all the business services you can imagine, bizFlats are the perfect place to stay on your trip, or even to relocate a team or department for an extended stay in the city.

Full-Service Business Apartments in Barcelona

All equipped with free WiFi, computer jacks, and other tech equipment set-ups, our business apartments in Barcelona are perfect for your next trip to the area. We offer a full range of housekeeping services, and can even help you with equipment rentals, restaurant recommendations, limo services, or set you up with massages and other spa specials. We love helping professionals settle into their business apartments in Barcelona, and to help them save 50 percent of what they would spend in a hotel! Here are some of the business apartments in Barcelona to check out.

  1. kissMe – With beautiful modern furniture and dramatic and funky decor, this 2 bedroom flat can sleep four people. A fully equipped kitchen is the perfect place to host a catered lunch or dinner, or unwind after a long day of hard work with a team building cooking activity. The kissMe balcony overlooks a charming street in l’Eixample.
  2. LaMimosa – You will feel truly pampered in this business apartment in Barcelona ready to sleep you and 5 of your colleagues in the convenient l’Eixample neighborhood. The modern kitchen and living room offer plenty of space for meetings and fun team gatherings, and the bedrooms are both charming and luxurious at LaMimosa.
  3. Ferran Batik – This penthouse apartment in Pedralbes is sure to make you and your coworkers feel like royalty. With a private terrace all to yourself on which to enjoy lunch breaks and evening cocktails, you’ll have no problem being cooped up in here for a day of hard work. Ferran Batik sleeps five people with plenty of space for entertaining associates, and all the amenities you will need in a business apartment in Barcelona.  
  4. Parsifal – This charming apartment not only has the perfect simplicity in its decor for both inspiration and a few distractions, but is also ideally located right on La Rambla, Barcelona’s most popular pedestrian street. Not only will you be enjoying the utmost comfort in this perfect business apartment in Barcelona, but you can pop out to La Rambla any time you like for a quick snack or a business meeting at one of the many terrace cafes. Parsifal is a great place to mix business and pleasure!

Visiting Barcelona on business is a huge treat, especially at one of these gorgeous corporate flats – and there are so many more to choose from! If you are looking for a number of business apartments in Barcelona, we can even accommodate larger groups in the same buildings and neighborhoods. Be sure to contact us when planning your next business trip to Barcelona!  

 

Joan Mirò Museum

6 Reasons to Visit the Joan Miró Museum

bizFlats

Barcelona has long had a celebrated community of the arts, from incredible design and architecture throughout the city, to painters and sculptors like the amazing Joan Mirò, a Barcelona native known for his rebellious surrealism. If you have yet to visit the Joan Mirò Museum in Parc to Montjuïc in the heart of the city, it is well worth the trip and is easy to reach by public transportation or even on foot depending where you are staying when you visit.

6 Reasons to Visit the Joan Mirò Museum

  1. The Intrigue of Joan Mirò Himself
    At the Joan Mirò Museum, you will have the chance to learn of this man’s intriguing life, and what inspired his famous life works. He lived from 1893 to 1983 and is known for being among a group of classically trained  and extremely talented artists who rebelled against the fundamentals of painting and sculpture. They believed art had long been confined to the bourgeois class and so moved into creating surreal pieces influenced largely by cubists. While he was born and raised in the Barri Gòtic, Mirò’s art was not only rebelling against society, but also against his working class roots, having been born into the families of a goldsmith and a watchmaker. In 1920 he began spending the majority of his time in Paris, where he was part of the artist community in Montparnasse, though he still summered in his home of Catalonia.
  2. Explore Contemporary Artists Who Have Won the Joan Mirò Prize
    The Fundaciò Joan Mirò, which runs the museum, has been awarding the Joan Mirò prize annually since 2007. They look for contemporary artists who display the exploration, innovation, commitment, and freedom that was central to Joan Mirò’s life and work. This year’s winner is Ignasi Aballí.
  3. It’s Easy to Get There!
    Located right in the famous Parc de Montjuïc, you can get to the Joan Mirò Museum completely by public transportation, and visit the numerous famous attractions at this amazing location while you’re there.
  4. Breathtaking Exhibits
    Aside from one of the largest exhibits of Joan Mirò’s paintings, drawings, and sculptures that are installed permanently at the museum, you can also look forward to various rotating exhibits. Showing through September, the Alfons Borrell exhibit “Work and Days” is a conglomeration of over 160 of his paintings created over 60 years of his career, forming a sort of essay of his work.
  5. Take a Guided Tour of the Joan Mirò Museum
    Guided tours are offered, and even in English! They last about one hour and cost only 12€ per person.
  6. Family Activities
    If you are traveling to the Joan Mirò Museum with your family, there are numerous activities that will keep your little ones busy and having fun! From workshops to shows and tours all related to the museum’s permanent exhibits, come let your kids be inspired by the creativity of the man Joan Mirò’s lifeworks!

Many visitors to Barcelona look forward to exploring the area’s wonderful museums of Catalan artists from Picasso to Joan Mirò. The Parc de Montjuïc is likewise full of stunning views and amazing cultural attractions, making it well worth the trip when you are in the city.

 

catalan cuisine

Experience Catalan Cuisine

bizFlats

Catalunya has long been known for its cuisine, but until you’ve gone and eaten your way through Barcelona you won’t quite understand just how ingrained food is into this independent Spanish region’s daily life and priorities. There is much more to Catalan cuisine than giant paella pans full of fishy goodness, or tapas bars with a million bite-sized options to choose from – though both of these could probably keep you occupied for your entire stay.

Much more than just the unique tastes, smells, and textures, experiencing Catalan cuisine is as much about the ambiance of time, place, and form. There’s really no way to miss out on authentic Catalan cuisine moments while visiting as the locals take their food and dining seriously. Here are some ways to enjoy Catalan cuisine.

Tapas Bars

A Catalan cuisine all their own, tapas are as much a style of eating as they are a style of food. Offering two or three-bite snacks in different shapes, sizes and colors, any of Barcelona’s tapas restaurants promise an explosion of different flavors that there’s simply no way to prepare for. Another wonderful thing about tapas is that they are an inherently social food. Made for sharing, lingering over, and to accompany carafes of wine or bottles of beer, locals will typically spend hours at a restaurant chatting and nibbling late into the night.

Seafood Sampling

Being that Barcelona is right on the beautiful Mediterranean sea – yes it is actually a beach town within a metropolitan city! – there is very little chance that you’ll miss the opportunity to munch something fresh off the boat. If you’re not a huge fan of seafood, try a little nibble when out for tapas. If you love seafood then go to virtually any Catalan cuisine restaurant and sit down to order either paella or another local dish, esqueixada, which is salted cod with tomato and onion.

The Market

If you’ve traveled around Europe before, assuming you aren’t from there, you already have an understanding for the fact that they do food and shopping a little differently. If you’re staying in a flat in the city and need provisions for the week, there is no better place to go than one of the city’s famous markets. La Boqueria and Santa Caterina Market both offer photo worthy displays of everything fresh. The Mediterranean climate promises year-round fresh produce, so prepare to be spoiled, and don’t be afraid to make a trip to the market a daily habit while visiting the city. That’s how the locals do it!

Take a Tour

If you like to nerd out about food science, then you don’t want to miss the chance to tour one of the local wineries or dairies. Wine and cheese are staples in Catalan cuisine, and not only will tours afford you the opportunity to learn more about them culturally and historically, but you’ll certainly have a chance to taste some real rarities.

Catalan cuisine is one of the best parts of visiting Barcelona. Cooking classes, eating with the locals and visiting a famous restaurant are other wonderful ways to fill out your meal time here in the city. No matter how you choose to line up your foodie experience, you won’t be disappointed!

 

barcelona ramblas

Barcelona Ramblas: Things to Do and See

bizFlats

The Barcelona Ramblas is the most famous street in the whole city. Stretching for 1.2 kilometers through its midst, this street has been a central meeting place for residents since the 18th century. Originally situated outside the walls of the medieval city, Barcelona Ramblas was once the site of a flowing river. In fact, the word ramblas originates from the Arabic word ramla, meaning a sandy riverbed. When the walls came down and the river dried up, sometime around 1766, covenants, monasteries, and a university were built along this new city limit.

Barcelona Ramblas quickly became the ideal place in the city to stroll and congregate, as the rest of the streets were narrow and winding. As it gained in popularity as a meeting place and a crucial aspect of social life in the city, the original buildings were torn down and replaced with marketplace businesses typical of urban gathering places. Known most frequently as La Rambla or Las Ramblas, this busy promenade is actually home to six separate ramblas that were different streams and tributaries before being built up.

Rambla de Mar

From the name you may have inferred that this is the rambla closest to the ocean and is a boardwalk area with little seaside shops and movie theaters. This is the newest addition to Barcelona Ramblas, as for most of its existence the city did not embrace its seaside location. Rambla de Mar was a successful attempt to integrate the beach into the life of the city.

Rambla de Santa Monica

This rambla is named for its original covenant that is now a museum, Centre d’Art Santa Monica. Central to this rambla is the roundabout whose central focal point is the famous Columbus Monument representative to most visitors of the Barcelona Ramblas.  

Rambla dels Caputxins

Named for the demolished Capuchin monastery, this rambla is known for the famous Gran Teatre del Liceu, where visitors and residents alike go to see the classics like Swan Lake and also contemporary composers like Mozart Gerhaher. If you’re a fan of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi you’ll love this portion of the promenade where you can see some of his most famous designs like Palau Güell and Plaça Reial.

Rambla Sant Josep

The vibrant marketplace, Mercat de la Boqueria is a favorite place to stop along the Barcelona Ramblas, which replaced yet another covenant in the mid 1900s. Central to this wonderful market is the gorgeous Joan Miró mosaic, an Art Deco masterpiece.

Ramblas dels Estudis

Named for the university that once stood here, there are several historic buildings still to see in this area, including one that houses the city’s first public clock!

Ramblas de Canaletes

Home to the famous Plaça de Catalunya, this rambla is named for the beautiful Canaleta fountain found at its center. The fountain has long been central to the city’s lore, as someone who “drinks water from Canaletes” is known to come from the Barcelona. It has also been said that those who have drunk from the fountain will keep returning to the beautiful Barcelona.

 

Walking Barcelona Ramblas is the perfect pastime when you visit the city, and is conveniently located at the center of the all the best hubbub. Whether you’re looking for shopping, cafes, or the chance to see some historic buildings, you’ll have no problem spending the better part of a day exploring this street.

 

Corporate Relocation in Barcelona

Corporate Relocation in Barcelona

bizFlats

Sometimes business requires a change of scenery, be it for a conference, collaboration with a partner, or just a few long days of meetings. Whatever it may be, and no matter how many people or departments are involved in your company’s next corporate relocation to Barcelona, bizFlats makes staying in the city both laid back and luxurious. Corporate relocation, be it for a week or a month, can be a constant hassle of finding accommodations and workspaces, and end in a pile of unforeseen expenses between food, lodging and airfare. Our corporate flats provide the perfect spaces for both living, and working, and are much more affordable than luxury hotels in the city.

Our Corporate Flats are Multi Purpose Spaces

With free WiFi, plenty of plugin spaces and incredibly professional, spacious and wonderfully furnished meeting space, our corporate flats work well for both living and working. This means that your corporate relocation expenses can be cut more than in half without having to spend on conference rooms as well as hotel rooms. Staying in these posh flats in the heart of the city is sure to motivate your employees and whoever else you may be working alongside in Barcelona, as they are truly a treat to both hang out and work in. Without having to worry about traveling through a city they may not know, employees are likely to get more done as well!

Full-Service Flats

Our team is very experienced in corporate relocation services in regards to helping you get organized for working in these beautiful apartments. Whether you need technical equipment, housekeeping, or restaurant and masseur recommendations to impress your clients, we are happy to help you in any way that we can. All of our flats have state of the art kitchens as well, meaning you can both get catered meals, or have a fun team building cooking session to unwind from a busy day. This is yet another way that will help your company save money on your next corporate relocation.

Enjoy Convenience

All of our corporate flats are centrally located throughout the city, with multiple flats in the same buildings as well. This ensures the utmost convenience, not just for work hours, but also for play hours. When visiting Barcelona on business, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore this gorgeous city, and what better way to do it than on foot from your own private downtown apartment? Get outside for lunch in the park, or take a stroll through the Gothic Quarter to stretch your legs when that two o’clock drag starts to hit. When cocktail hour rolls around, you won’t be far from a great place for tapas and drinks either. It’s the best of both worlds!

Not only will your company save loads of money on your next corporate relocation with bizFlats, but your employees are bound to enjoy the experience more as well. Hotels can feel so impersonal, which makes being away from home more of a distraction than a reason to celebrate. Treat them right and save some money at the same time with these gorgeous apartments in Barcelona.

 

barcelona limo service

Barcelona Limo Service

bizFlats

When visiting a big city like Barcelona, be it for business, pleasure or a big special event, it’s a good idea to have a list of car services handy before you arrive to be sure that, no matter the occasion, you know who to call for a ride. Even if all you need is a ride from the airport after a long flight overseas, there is a Barcelona limo service that can serve your needs. There really is no better way to travel through a foreign land than in your own private car with few distractions and a chauffeur who is there to serve you and you alone.

Here are some Barcelona limo services to check out while planning your trip to the city.

  1. HummerBCN – If you will be visiting for a special occasion and want a fancy ride around town in a stretch hummer or party bus, HummerBCN is your best shot. These vehicles are all completely stocked with party lights, comfy seats, plenty of bar space for your festivities, and great windows through which to see the sights while you cruise through town, either to your destination, or just to see the city lights.
  2. Barcelona Airport Transfer – Offering the standard Barcelona limo service to and from the airport, Barcelona Airport Transfer has easy online booking that will make your trip go all the more smoothly. Taking special care to always be safe, punctual and providing the utmost comfort in their line of Mercedes limos ranging from sedans to ten passenger vans, you’ll love how easy these guys make it.
  3. Diagonal Mar Limousines – While they are happy to provide the typical airport transportation, Diagonal Mar is especially well known for their private tours of the city. You can either take a comprehensive sightseeing trip consisting of about four hours of visiting some of the city’s most famous sites, or you can choose to take more detailed tours of certain destinations like Montserrat or Penedés. Can you imagine a more relaxing way to see the sites than to be chauffeured through the city’s busy streets in a luxury vehicle by a friendly, English-speaking local? We can’t! This is an outstanding Barcelona limo service that also does private shuttling to and from big sporting events.
  4. Chofer-Car – This is a global company known for excellence, and is therefore a great option as a Barcelona limo service. While they are pleased to provide basic transportation needs, they too specialize in private tours, special events, and customized transportation needs. Whether you’re in need of a chauffeur for an extended business trip, or to rent a coach bus for a tour or special occasion in the city, Chofer-Car is the place to call.

Barcelona is a great place to explore on foot, bicycle, or public transportation, but sometimes your trips to the city won’t allow for these leisurely luxuries. When in town on business or for a busy special occasion, be sure to use a Barcelona limo service for the most convenient, comfortable, and dependable mode of transportation around town. Let someone else do the driving, so you can focus on the task ahead!