Sightseeing in Barcelona

There’s so much to see in Barcelona, whether you are walking around or use transport to move around. Here’s our best content about sightseeing in Barcelona.

See the best views in the Montjuic Cable Car

Take a Ride in the Montjuïc Cable Car to See the Best Views in Barcelona

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Traveling is good for you; not only does it refresh the mind and the body, but also leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.  If you’re wondering where to take your next big trip, look no further than Barcelona; this exotic city has countless activities and attractions!  One of the highlights of your Barcelona vacation should be a trip to the magnificent Montjuïc Castle, a colossal landmark overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.  Once serving as a military fortress, it now contains exhibits describing its history to educate the public; its prime location at the top of this city’s most historic mountain also creates some of the finest, panoramic views of the city and its surrounding sea port.  However, the best part of this attraction might be taking the trip up there!  In order to ascend Mount Jupiter to reach the castle, you have to be transported by the Montjuïc cable car.  Step aboard the cabin of this cable car and gaze out the window as you rise above the treetops; you’ll be blown away by the miles and miles of breathtaking scenery that’s surrounding you. Learn all about how to get to Montjuïc and start planning your trip today!  

All About the Montjuïc Cable Car

There are three different stations for the Montjuïc cable car: Miramar, Parc de Montjuïc, and Castell de Montjuïc.  Your tickets for this transportation can easily be purchased online; the Montjuïc Cable Car price is about 10.80 Euros for adults (about $12.00) and 7.92 for children ages 4-12 ($8.00).  The Montjuïc cable car is open daily, with only a brief closure from late January to mid-February.

About the Montjuïc Castle in Barcelona

The Montjuïc Castle stands at about 185 yards above the port.  Although it played a role at a bleak time in the country’s history, it did serve as a solid defense during the War of Spanish Succession.  Today, you can visit this castle to view its temporary exhibits and attend fun events, like outdoor movies during the warmer months.  You won’t find better views of the area anywhere else than Montjuïc Castle in Barcelona.  You can participate in guided tours here or simply roam around its grounds.  Be sure to visit the neighboring Park Güell while you’re here as well, a famous icon of Barcelona.  This area was one of Gaudí’s finest masterpieces; you’ll love his unique use of different shapes and colors.

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats Vacation Rentals!

Make sure you stay in the best accommodations during your dream vacation to Barcelona!  bizFlats Vacation Rentals offers luxurious lofts, villas, cottages, and apartments located throughout the most picturesque parts of town to help you enjoy your exciting getaway to the fullest.  Whether you want to treat yourself to views of the beach or settle down in the heart of the city, we have the perfect spot for you!  We know you’ll love our comfortable furnishings and incredible amenities, so check our availability online right now to book your favorite vacation rental in Barcelona!  

Photo by Marianna Ceccarelli / Thinkstock

Couple Browsing the Museu Picasso

Why You Need to Visit the Museu Picasso

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Barcelona’s rich history and vibrant culture can be clearly seen throughout their numerous museums and art galleries scattered throughout the city.  These establishments are brimming with incredible works and pieces of countless, talented artists that have influenced this exotic city throughout the years.  One of the most outstanding attractions in Barcelona is the Museu Picasso, an institution dedicated to honoring the many masterpieces of the Spanish-born Pablo Picasso.  A brilliant individual who contributed greatly to the art realm with his unique ideas and styles, Picasso was known as one of most impressive artists of the 20th century, best known for his introduction of cubism   Here at the Picasso museum, you can admire 4,251 of his works, as well as pieces from other key artists from this time period.  Discover what there is to do at this museum and start making your plans to visit today!  

3 Things to Do at the Museu Picasso

  1. Explore the Museum

The Museu Picasso is comprised of five different buildings, each reflecting the classic Catalan civic Gothic style; they are all townhouses located on the Carrer de Montcada.  You can take guided tours of these buildings to get more insight into the life of Pablo Picasso, or get an audio guide so you can tour this amazing attraction at your own pace.  Their hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; they stay open late until 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays and are closed on Mondays.  You can purchase your Museu Picasso tickets online for your convenience.  

  1. See the Many Exhibits & Collections

Established in the 1980s by Picasso’s friend and secretary, Jaume Sabartés, the Museu Picasso is now home to several large, permanent collections, in addition to the many rotating exhibits they host.  These exhibits usually include a particular grouping of paintings or works with shared or similar characteristics.  The works displayed here are mostly from Picasso’s formative years, but there are also pieces highlighting his earliest creations, like sketches of self-portraits and his first trip to Paris.  

  1. Attend Fun Events

The Museu Picasso holds many events in order to further the community’s education about this famous artist.  One special event is Zoom, which occurs every second Thursday of the month; it involves an art historian and artist teaming up to reveal certain, hidden aspects of Picasso’s works.  Other programs include art classes and senior memory workshops.

To see even more arts and history in Barcelona, be sure to visit the Sagrada Familia and La Catedral Barcelona!  

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats Vacation Rentals!  

Complete your trip to Barcelona by staying in the most luxurious lodging possible!  bizFlats Vacation Rentals offers the absolute best accommodations in all of Barcelona; our deluxe apartments, lofts, villas, and penthouses are all beautifully furnished and equipped with the finest amenities.  Each of our properties are located throughout the most picturesque parts of the city; choose from staying in the thriving heart of the city or in a more secluded area with breathtaking, scenic views.  Check our availability online today to start preparing for the trip of a lifetime!

Photo by BananaStock / Thinkstock

See Barcelona by Bike

Gain a Unique Perspective When You Explore Barcelona by Bike

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If you’ve decided on a dream getaway to Barcelona, you’ll want to see as much of the city as possible while you’re there!  Barcelona, Spain, is practically bursting at the seams with historical monuments, stunning scenery, amazing architecture, and delicious dining.  One of the best ways to visit all of these numerous and marvelous attractions is with the help of two wheels.  Witness the beauty of Barcelona by bike when you sign up for one of these entertaining Barcelona bike tours!

6 of the Best Tours to Help You See Barcelona by Bike

  1. Bike Tours Barcelona

Bike Tours Barcelona is ready every day of the week to take you on a journey through this city!  With all kinds of scenic routes available, you can choose to have an experienced guide lead you through the city and teach you facts along the way, or rent a bike for yourself so you can enjoy Barcelona at your own pace.  

  1. Fat Tire Bike Tours

Ditch the crowds so you can see even more of the city!  Fat Tire Bike Tours will guide you along flat, easy paths and less busy boardwalks to some of the city’s most renowned landmarks, like La Catedral and Parc de la Ciutadella.  

  1. Terra Diversions

Choose from family tours, guided tours, or self-guided tours through Terra Diversions!  These unique Barcelona bike tours include mountain bike adventures through the elevated terrain of the surrounding mountains and parks and a wine and cava tour, during which you can taste some of the finest beverages of Barcelona.  

  1. Born Bike Barcelona

Just five minutes away from the Barcelona beaches, Born Bike tours will take you off the beaten path to see the many hidden treasures of this incredible city.  They have many different variations you can enjoy, including a beach bike tour to admire the gorgeous sand and surf, and a tapas tour so you can taste your way through Barcelona!

  1. Green Bikes Barcelona

See some of Barcelona’s most famed attractions or focus on the Modernism style featured throughout the city on a Green Bikes Barcelona tour!  You can also choose to rent a bike and see the city for yourself without a guide; this company has several different types available, including the Barcelona folding bike.  

  1. Ajo Bike

You can easily find the Ajo Bike shop just one minute away from the popular Rambla del Raval.  This one of the best places to get a Barcelona bike rental; they possess a huge variety of both new and used bikes for reasonable rates.  They also offer exclusive private tours for those desiring an local’s view of the city.  

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats!

Complete your vacation of a lifetime by staying in the best accommodations while you’re exploring Barcelona!  bizFlats Vacation Rentals provides some of the most luxurious apartments, villas, and lofts, all located throughout the most picturesque parts of the city.  Each property is equipped with the finest furnishings and amenities so you’re bound to feel right at home.  Check our availability today to find the most incredible place to stay during your visit!

Photo by aitcheyedigital / Thinkstock

Catching a Bus with a Barcelona Travel Card

4 Reasons Why You Need to Get a Barcelona Travel Card

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If you’ve ever been on an overseas excursion, you know that travelling around once you get there can be tricky!  In Barcelona, however, you’ll be able to do all the sightseeing you desire without having to worry once about transportation.  The Barcelona travel card is a wonderful way to use public transportation for getting anywhere in the city smoothly and efficiently.  Learn all about the Barcelona travel card to help you with planning your getaway to this incredible destination.

Top 4 Benefits of the Barcelona Travel Card

  1. Saves You Money

Vacations can become expensive, and you don’t want the cost of transportation to stop you from being able to visit certain parts of Barcelona.  The Barcelona travel card price is affordable; not only that, but you’ll won’t have to pay for a rental car to get around, or the gas it needs to take it through the city.  These cards can provide you with the key to city transportation for two, three, four, or five days, depending how long you choose to stay.  Also, keep in mind that it’s much cheaper to buy one of these cards rather than individual passes for buses and trains.

  1. Convenient Transportation

Your Hola BCN! card will allow you access onto every single one of Barcelona’s public transportation systems: the bus, metro, tram, Ferrocarril Generalitat de Catalunya, and the Renfe local trains.  All of these methods of travel can get you to Barcelona’s most popular metropolitan area for no additional charges, including the airport!  The only thing it can’t do is get you on the Barcelona night buses; you’ll have to purchase a single ticket to ride on one of those.  With stations and stops located all throughout the city, you should be able to get from one landmark to the other quickly and easily!  The best part is, you receive unlimited trips per day when you buy your Barcelona travel card, so you have the perfect opportunity to see multiple sights each day of your vacation.  

  1. No Parking Stress

City streets can be overly crowded and parking spaces are sometimes few and far between.  By taking a bus or the metro, you don’t have to worry about finding a parking space or remembering where you left your car.  Your Barcelona travel card will omit that unnecessary anxiety so you don’t have to fret about a thing during your fantastic getaway!

  1. Easy to Purchase

The Barcelona travel card can be bought online or in stations located frequently throughout the city.  The price of the Barcelona travel card is the same whether you buy them in the physical location or through their website.  

An alternate solution to the Barcelona travel card is the Barcelona T10 Ticket, which buys you 10 trips on most forms of public transportation in Zone 1 (the main part of the city).  These tickets can be purchased at all metro stations.

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats!

Complete your dream getaway to Barcelona by staying in the most fantastic lodging possible!  bizFlats offers luxurious vacation rentals throughout the city, including apartments, penthouses, lofts, and villas.  Each one is beautifully furnished and contains all of the finest amenities.  Don’t wait another minute- check our availability and book your stay today!

Photo by Kranevsky / Thinkstock

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

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

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The Palace of Catalan Music
The Palace of Catalan Music / Photo By kkmarais via Flickr

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.