Barcelona Bike Tours are a Great Way to See the City

January 27, 2015August 6, 2020bizFlats

Barcelona is known for being one of the most bike friendly cities in the world. With designating bike lanes, lights and rentals throughout town, it’s not only one of the most beautiful places to see atop a bicycle, but also one of the safest. Because of the great convenience of cycling these streets, many visitors opt for one of the many Barcelona bike tours as a way to explore this place. There’s no better way to mingle exercise and sight seeing than on a Barcelona bike tour, on which you’ll get to see things you can’t from a bus.

Here are some great options for Barcelona Bike Tours:

Barcelona City Tour
This is the classic Barcelona bike tour, taking you to all the biggest tourist sites, including the Barri Gotic, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, the Parc de la Ciutadella as well as Olympic Village. This four hour tour offers a break at a beach bar where riders can do some more mingling and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Private Group Tours
If you’re traveling with a larger group consider booking one of these private Barcelona bike tours at your convenience. Both day and night tours are offered, combining the riding with stops for drinks, tapas or whatever else your group desires. The tours are completely catered to meet your group’s expectations.

Photo Credit: Metropolis Magazine via Flickr
The Less Touristy Tour
Are you the kind of traveler who loves to see the local’s side of a new place? If so then this is the tour for you. This is more of a Barcelona bike ride. Forget the itineraries and factual recitations, and gear up for a back street adventure, exploring Barcelona’s hidden gems like hillside cafes, farmhouse cheese tastings, vintage shops, organic eateries and other little known treasures of city life.
Barcelona Barrios and Beaches Bike Tour
This tour is similarly geared around skipping the main tourist attractions in favor of seeing what life in the city is really like. Bikers will pass by some main sights on the way out to the beaches, passing through many residential neighborhoods and their daily amenities. If you like to see a city’s real street life, this is the ride for you.
Barcelona Tapas Bike Tour
This tour is the perfect way to mingle culture and cuisine in an experience you can’t miss while visiting Barcelona – eating famous Catalan tapas. Along the way you’ll see some of the city’s most famous sights, with frequent stops to get a taste of the nation. This is a leisurely ride through the city that is perfect for groups of any size.

If you’re looking for more than a typical sight seeing tour try one of the above Barcelona bike tours for fresh eyes on an old city. Exploring atop a comfortable city bike is a completely different experience than sitting on a bus or driving a car around. At a slower pace you’ll see more, and feel closer to the people and places you’re observing. This is also a great way to meet other travelers in town, and ones that are like-minded in their idea of adventure and fun.

Five Must See Places in Barcelona

January 23, 2015June 17, 2020bizFlats

Barcelona isn’t just the largest city on the coast of the Mediterranean, or a Gothic and Modernist architectural treasure, but its a city of culture, intrigue and downright good times. There are numerous must see places in Barcelona from charming neighborhoods with historic buildings, to soccer stadiums and museums. In the early 1990s as industry moved off the beaches, Barcelona became the “best beach city” in the world as voted by National Geographic. The people of Catalonia are known for their jovial demeanour and love for only the best food and drink.

When visiting this Spanish capital city, whether for work of pleasure, you’ll enjoy all the amazing things to see and experience, including a great short-term rental that will make your visit that much more comfortable. Here are some of the must see places in Barcelona:

The Montserrat Mountain and Monastery is accessible by both car and train from the city. This mountain sanctuary is a pilgrimage destination and a cultural center displaying the deep Catholic roots of Barcelona. Visit their museum and gallery and learn about its rich spiritual and cultural history, or take a hike on one of its many mountain paths.
Barri Gòtic is the Gothic Quarter in the Ciutat Vella (Old City) of Barcelona, many of whose buildings date back to Medieval times and even as far back as the old Roman settlement. Roman Wall remains can be seen throughout the quarter’s labyrinthine streets. Though it has been heavily restored, the Barri Gòtic will take you back in time.
La Rambla is a tree-lined pedestrian street right downtown, stretching from the Plaça de Catalunya, rolling downhill to the Christopher Columbus Monument at the harbour. Its outdoor cafés and great shops attract locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a good book and a drink at one of the cafés, or take in the city’s unique architecture on a stroll down this beautiful street.
If you’re an art appreciator you definitely want to head to the Picasso Museum Barcelona, which is home to much of Picasso’s earlier works giving visitors a sense of the his formative years. The Museum has free admission on Thursday evenings and offers special events including classes in fine arts and art history.
La Sagrada Familia Church, although unfinished, is another one of the must see places in Barcelona. The construction began in 1882 and was taken over by Antoni Gaudí a year later, who worked on it until his death in 1926. It is an expiatory church with extravagant design, resulting in the 133 years of construction, and counting. Regardless of its incomplete state, it is one of the most visited places in Barcelona and its unfinished 18 towers are among the most popular landmarks in the city.

While here to explore these and many more must see places in Barcelona, be sure to book your ideal short term rental. If you’re traveling with your family, or alone, one of our modern flats located around the city can easily accommodate you. We have properties of all sizes and layouts available, and many of them have private pools. Their comfortable decor will help you feel at home here in Barcelona, lending to your enjoyment of this wonderful Mediterranean city.

There’s Plenty to Do All Summer in Barcelona

January 14, 2015August 6, 2020bizFlats

The summer in Barcelona, while humid, is significantly cooler than other Spanish cities, making it a perfect Mediterranean retreat for anyone looking for a getaway during the warmer months. Whether you’re looking for a good place to spend summer vacation with the kids, or just need a change of scenery for a few months, Barcelona will prove to be the perfect destination to meet your desires.

Many locals head out of town from late July through early September, leaving visitors with a city open to their every whim with less traffic and fewer bodies. Barcelona is the epitome of Mediterranean charm with its expansive beaches, and yet also displays the culture and design of any northern ancient European city. It’s draw is in its inviting streets begging you to meander about, so leave the itineraries at home, book a short term rental, and spend a healthy chunk of your summer in Barcelona.

Here are some of the great things to look forward to during summer in Barcelona.

Festivals
The Primavera Sound Festival in late May brings together music from different genres. From rock legends like The Strokes to pop artists and indie bands like The National, this is one the world’s best music festivals. Come June two other exciting annual festivals role around. The Dancing Egg takes place around the Corpus Christi at various churches to celebrate fertility and rebirth. Another summer favorite is the Sónar Festival, which is Barcelona’s International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art.

Parks
Barcelona’s famous Parc de la Ciutadella is home to a boating lake, a waterfall, playgrounds and the city zoo. This is a favorite hang out during the summer in Barcelona, and is both a great place for a walk, to to just let the kids run around. Parc Güell is a surrealist park designed as a city garden in which the gardeners could live, giving it the air of fairy tales.

Beaches
Before the last couple of decades the beach was not at the forefront of the city’s landscape or experience. Barceloneta Beach was made a reality during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and is now a central aspect to summer in Barcelona.

Stiges

This beautiful coastal destination is known as Catalunya’s party town. Just a 40 minute train ride down the coast from the big city, it makes for a great day trip where you can explore its various beaches.

Museums
Many of the Museums in Barcelona hold Nits d’Estiu (Summer Nights) events throughout the months of July and August. They keep their doors open late and host concerts, special exhibits and other fun events. CaixaForum is known to be one of the best nighttime programs during the summer in Barcelona.

If you’re planning a summer getaway to Barcelona you won’t run out of great things to do in this beautiful and culturally rich Mediterranean city. Bizflats has many great properties throughout the city suitable for you regardless of how many people you’re traveling with. Our short term rentals are conveniently located, elegantly furnished and perfect for a summer in Barcelona. Our properties can be found on La Rambla, at Barceloneta Beach, and we even have a country Villa just outside the city. The prices range depending on what you’re looking for but the quality is always excellent. We look forward to helping you find the perfect accommodation for your summer in Barcelona.

5 of the Most Romantic Restaurants in Barcelona

January 2, 2015June 13, 2020bizFlats

Barcelona is an innately romantic city with tons of romantic spots. Historic monuments contrast modern design, and the whole city is cornered against the beach by lush green mountains. A city devoted to food and wine, there are date nights to be had in every hole-in-the-wall tapas restaurant you find. Tapas themselves are meant for sharing, served in small two-bite portions, and always paired with some national treasure of a wine or beer. Romantic restaurants in Barcelona aren’t hard to come by, and this city built for romance also offers other fashions of dining – excursions, really – that will give you and your sweetheart an experience to remember whenever you visit.

Romantic Restaurants in Barcelona

No matter what your taste, you’re sure to find plenty of romantic spots to eat in Barcelona. Below are a few of our choices for the most trendy restaurants in Barcelona.

For a classic Mediterranean tasting menu, book your reservations at Con Gracia. This small, tasteful restaurant is elegant, intimate, and the perfect for romance.
Joséphine is a charming café and comptoire. Their vintage style features a simple, yet delicious Mediterranean menu accompanied by tasty cocktails and often live jazz music. If you’re looking to keep it simple and a little eclectic this is a great option.
For one of the cities best gastronomic experiences head to Mayura for interesting mix of Mediterranean and Indian cuisines in a relaxing environment. You won’t be disappointed by their fantastic cocktail list either.
One of the new additions to the scene of romantic restaurants in Barcelona, Toto is known for great taste in both spectacular designs and an outstanding Italian-inspired menu.
If you’re looking for an exquisite dining terrace then book your romantic dinner at Roig Robí. This is not only one of the most romantic restaurants in Barcelona, but also one of the most traditional with a menu boasting an unique and delicious interpretation of high Catalan cuisine.

Even More Romantic Things to Do in Barcelona

Private Hot Air Balloon Ride

If you’re looking for more than just a meal and some spectacular views of our gorgeous city, then this hot air balloon ride, which includes a traditional Catalan brunch, is a great way to celebrate a romantic holiday in Barcelona. Surprise your better half with this Barcelona birds eye trip and you’ll give the most exceptional gift – experience to share.

Cooking Class

In the spirit of experiential dating, plan a night of cooking fun. This is a great twist on the traditional Valentine’s Day event, grouping activity with fine dining. Sign up for this Small Group Barcelona Cooking Class and learn the secrets of Spanish cuisine and master tapas dishes or paella. At the end of the challenge, led by a personal professional chef, enjoy the fruits of your labor among loved-ones.

Gourmetbus

This traveling Michelin-rated dining experience is among the most unique ways to experience the city’s views, culture and cuisine. Hop aboard the glass-roofed Gourmetbus and get a tour of Barcelona, accompanied by a famous Carls Gaig meal.

The numerous romantic restaurants in Barcelona to choose from will not disappoint you during your romantic occasion, nor will the amazing date-night activities about town. If you’re planning a special trip to celebrate the holiday with your sweetheart check out some of our romantic flats scattered about the city and surrounding countryside. This is a day for making memories, so make it special!

See Some of the Best Places to Stay in Barcelona

December 30, 2014August 6, 2020bizFlats

Barcelona is a bustling international city whose heart beats for business and tourism alike. As a local short-term rental company we cater to both corporate and private clients, offering a variety of luxury flats throughout the city. Whether you’re looking for a place conveniently located in the heart of downtown on your business trip to Barcelona, or a spot on the beach for the much-needed vacation, you’ll find a great variety of the best places to stay in Barcelona through bizFlats. We offer everything from classic beach villas to trendy converted lofts. These short-term rentals come with great amenities including television, internet access and laundry facilities.

Check out some of these different accommodation styles among the best places to stay in Barcelona.

casanova_d_600_392_95 — The Loft Kitchen

Loft at Casanova
This spacious loft is the epitome of luxury. With avant-garde design and decor you’ll get a sense for modern Barcenlona. This great flat is located in the midst of Eixample, the modern neighborhood of Barcelona known for its architecture, shopping and close proximity to the famous Plaça Catalunya. The loft is available for monthly rentals and comes equipped with WiFi, a modern kitchen, gorgeous views and natural light all day.

Sitges Villas
Just 25 minutes from the heart of Barcelona lies the village of Stiges, which is a favorite weekend destination for city slickers looking to simplify things for a few days. Located in a smart residential neighborhood you’ll find two neighboring villas with sweeping sea views, infinity pools and amazing modern architecture. These two gems are built into a mountain whose rock is exposed for interesting and unique design elements. Both places have state-or-the-art kitchens and a variety of sleeping arrangements available for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. These dreamy accommodations are less than 10 minutes from the beach.

eCarders 18_600_400_95 — The CupCake Kitchen

Beach Apartments
We offer a variety of beach properties right downtown. Our Boutique apartment is on Rambla Poblenou and a quick walk to beach. This three bedroom apartment is beautifully decorated with designer furniture. The main bedroom includes a full en suite bathroom as well a balcony overlooking La Rambla. The Colonial apartment is just a one minute walk from the port area of downtown. This modern luxury apartment is located in an Gothic building in the Gothic quarter known for its enchanting medieval streets. The romantic CupCake apartment is located very close to both La Rambla and the beach, making it a prime location for a getaway. This comfortable accommodation is known for its natural light and beautiful eat-in kitchen.

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona be sure to check out the variety of bizFlats accommodations right downtown and in the greater Barcelona area. Whether for business or pleasure your trip will be complete in one of our great Barcelona flats. We can even help you book suitable transportation to your accommodations here in Barcelona if you fill out this simple form. We have a reputation for providing some of the best places to stay in Barcelona, and we are sure you’ll find what you’re looking for and enjoy ever minute of your stay in our beautiful city.

The Palace of Catalan Music is a Feast for Both the Eyes and the Ears

December 22, 2014August 6, 2020bizFlats

In the heart of Barcelona, Spain you’ll find the Palace of Catalan Music, which is just as much an historical institution as it is a center for the arts. Featuring world-renown art in both performance arts and in fine arts, this is certainly a stop worth making on your trip to Barcelona. Whether you’re seeing a performance, taking a tour, or just walking by you won’t be disappointed that you visited that Palace.

Built between 1905 and 1908, the Palace of Catalan Music is itself a masterful work of art. Part of the turn-of-the-century Catalan Art Nouveau movement, also known as modernisme, it is the only art venue of this style to be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It stands today as a symbol of the history and heritage for the people of Catalonia. The building’s beautiful architecture is centered around a metal structure covered in glass, flooding it with natural light and making it a wonderful place for large installations.

The Palace has three separate venues. Two are large concert auditoriums, and the third is an intimate concert room for small shows. It also has two meeting places, one is used for intermissions, while the other is an event venue. Each space has a unique art piece all its own, and evoke strong senses of place.

This unique center for the arts is the culmination of local, national and international talent performing in an historic setting. The Palace also has a renowned music education program and guided tours of their gorgeous building. The house Chamber Choir is a professional international benchmark. These 22 voices are devoted to rediscovering the Catalan musical heritage while embracing international choral music and developing new works. This traveling group has worked with the most prestigious international orchestras, opera companies, and conductors.

Shows at the Palace of Catalan Music are diverse and entertaining. Here are some listings for the 2014 holiday season.

Soweto Gospel Choir – Gospel Greats
This South African gospel choir will be performing a tribute concert to Nelson Mandela.

Waltzes and Dance Festival – Orquestra Sinfonica del Valles
This is a festival of Waltzes, Dance and gospel.

Christmas Gospel Rhythm – Alabama Gospel Choir
This show is a journey through the history of gospel from the 19th century to modern Christmas tunes that invite the crowd to join in.

Christmas With Swing – Coros de las Escuelas del Conservatario del Liceu
This is an instrumental and vocal jazz show by students of all ages.

Great New Year’s Concert – Strauss Festival Orchestra and Ballet
This is one of Europe’s most famous tours celebrating the musical traditions of 19th century Vienna.

When you visit the Palace of Catalan Music you’ll be treated to several unique, and famous experiences. The Palace itself is a symbol of an artistic movement set in that particular area while simultaneously celebrating its cultural heritage. The in-house acts are just as noteworthy as the guest ensembles they host from around the world. The Palace of Catalan Music is worth a trip when you’re visiting Barcelona. If you’re looking for a great accommodation while in town, check out the great bizFlats apartments scattered about this beautiful city.

5 Must-visit Tapas Restaurants in Barcelona

December 19, 2014August 6, 2020bizFlats

You can’t possibly visit Barcelona without a legendary tapas experience. Traditionally food to snack on at the bar, some restaurants have made a very sophisticated cuisine of tapas. Both the casual snacks of cheese, cured meats and olives, as well as the fancier slow cooked dishes served tapas style are worth your exploring. This fashion of serving small dishes encourages camaraderie, sharing, and delightful conversation. In some settings diners are even encouraged to stand and move around with the convenience of small, delicate nibbles of food. Some of these spots are actually so petite that the intimate environment offers no choice but to have a mobile meal.

Here are 5 favorite Tapas restaurants in Barcelona

1. Quimet i Quimet
  This classic tiny tapas bar specializing in conservas (preserved shellfish) and montaditos (tapas over bread). Any seafood dish here is delicious. If seafood isn’t your favorite then you will definitely enjoy their various charcuterie tapas. You’ll want to arrive early for cocktails as this small places fills up fast.

La Tieta
This is as traditional as it gets. It’s nothing fancy, but is good, old fashioned tapas served with choice wine, and flowing draft beer. You’ll get great, homey Mediterranean flavors of chickpeas, prawns and olives, with a delicious drink alongside it.
El Vaso de Oro
One of the most famous bars in the whole city, El Vaso de Oro’s tapas are just as exciting as its extensive draft beer selection. The bar will be packed, no matter how many people are eating, so be sure to get there early. This is the spot for beer-lovers in the whole city, and the little bites will be a great pairing to whatever you’re drinking.
El Sortidors del Parlament
This is a great place for wine-lovers with their stunning selection of vintages from around the world. Perched beside an old wine barrel you’ll enjoy wonderful wines and dried and cured meats. You will surely leaving feeling happy and full!
Tapas 24
This is a great place to explore the modern tapas movement. Focusing on quality, local produce, Chef Carles Abellan draws a crowd for his oxtails stews, fried prawns and other signature snacks. If you’re a foodie, this is the place to go to check out what this beloved Spanish chef and restaurateur is doing to the tradition of tapas.

Tapas restaurants in Barcelona will mix this variety of history and nouveau cuisine experiences into a delightful night of food and drink. You’ll experience some of the traditional salty bar snacks of cured meats, cheeses olives and bread – which are surely designed to keep you thirsty! – as well as more modern takes on tapas dining. It will be an delicious and inviting night out in this beautiful city, as you mingle and eat communally. While staying in one of the luxurious bizFlats accommodations you’re sure to have a great tapas experience nearby as Barcelona is known for its food culture worldwide. You will definitely find something to your taste around this gorgeous city on the sea.

The Opera is Spectacular at the Gran Teatre del Liceu

December 16, 2014August 6, 2020bizFlats

The Gran Teatre del Liceu is not only Barcelona’s premier opera house, but a historical institution founded on La Rambla in 1847. It is a symbol of the city’s diverse arts culture. Visiting the Teatre on La Rambla would be a great night out in Barcelona, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. A nice meander down the tree-lined, open air mall, and maybe a meal or cappuccino at one of the outdoor cafes would be a great precursor or finish to a show. This outing in the heart of Barcelona will be all but disappointing whether it’s your first time in Barcelona, or you’re just looking for something new to try in this wonderful city.

Founded as a theatrical center for the city, a program for Italian-style singing was eventually cultivated. In a one-and-a-half centuries of existence it went through many stages of development, mostly in ownership and management. Finally, in 1994 on the the 31st of January the stage and Auditorium burned to the ground. In 1997 the Gran Teatre del Liceu was rectified. Though certainly a modernized version of its predecessor, the new building is every bit as inviting, elegant and encompassing of Barcelona’s history and culture as ever.

Here are some of the upcoming 2015 operas at the Gran Teatre del Liceu:

Maria Stuarda
This is a lyric tragedy by Giuseppe Bardar based on the play Maria Stuart by Friedrich con Schiller. It tells the story of the rivalry between Mary, Queen of the Scots and her powerful cousin Elizabeth I.

Una voce in off / La voix humaine
These back-to-back one-act operas are wonderful juxtapositions to each another. Una voce in off is a romantic opera about a woman falling in love while hearing the voice of her dead husband through a tape recorder. La voix humaine, on the other hand, is a lyric tragedy about a woman who refuses to accept the truth.

Norma
This is Vincenzo Bellini’s most famous opera, and a lyric tragedy of Italian romanticism in which the high priestess, Norma, falls in love, breaks her vow of celibacy and has two children. This story of the classic revengeful and passionate heroine is a must-see for any opera fans.

Siegfried
This is the third part of The Ring of Nibelung, a monument of Western culture. This classic drama of the human urge to self-destruct finds the characters moved beyond sense to violate the laws of nature.

Tristan und Isolde
A classic drama of betrayal, guilt, and revenge is the ultimate battle for honor in this story of nonsensical passion. Wagner’s classic tale paralleling romanticism and modernity is another one for the opera lovers out there.

If you’re a real opera buff than you might consider staying at one of these bizFlats accommodations right in La Rambla neighborhood where Gran Teatre del Liceu is located. Besides the opera you can enjoy the many shops, cafes and restaurants in this historic and beautiful part of Barcelona. Buy your opera tickets in advance to be sure to get the best seats for your favorite show. While you’re staying in the area check out some of the other great La Rambla attractions.

bizFlats | BCN Confidential

Author: bizFlats