Barcelona Holidays

bizFlats covers all the important Barcelona holidays and commemorations. Come and join us for Christmas, New Year, Sant Jordi la Mercè and many more!

Best area to stay in Barcelona

Natàlia Gibernau

Do you know which is the best area to stay in Barcelona? Barcelona is a city-break hotspot for tourists. Not only is it manageably sized, but it is brilliantly connected by a network of buses, trams and the metro.

We recommend that you choose accommodation close to a metro stop for ease when getting around. Once on the metro, it is only a couple of minutes to travel between each station, although interchanges can add a few extra minutes to your journey.

With each of Barcelona´s neighbourhoods distinct in style, tourists can pick an area to suit their needs. Here is a summary of what you can expect in some of the city´s best spots to stay.

Best area to stay in Barcelona

  • Eixample

Visitors wishing to take advantage of the city´s many shops may wish to seek accommodation in the vibrant, upmarket area of the Eixample. Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya are lined with stores as well as bars which provide excellent pitstops between shops. Unlike the narrow winding streets of the older parts of the city, the Eixample is characterised by long, wide avenues as well as an array of impressive modernist buildings. It is also considered one of the safest areas to stay in Barcelona.

Read a complete guide about Eixample Barcelona here.

We have several apartments in Eixample. For example, Neo, a charming apartment next to Sagrada Família.

BEST AREA TO STAY IN BARCELONA - EIXAMPLE BARCELONA
  • Barri Gòtic

Tourists wanting to base themselves in the heart of the city should look for accommodation near Plaça Catalunya, La Rambla, Gothic Quarter or El Born. Here you´ll find enchanting streets, and some examples of Barcelona’s oldest architecture. This area is a hub for public transport and a great starting point for exploring the centre on foot.

Our apartments Rambla Exec 2 and Bella II are located in La Rambla, next to el Mercat de la Boqueria.

GOTHIC QUARTER - WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA
  • Barceloneta

Once an old fishing quarter, Barceloneta is a lively neighbourhood of bars and cafes and, located within minutes of the city´s beach, it it is a popular place to stay for young visitors and families alike.

Best area to stay in Barcelona
  •  Gràcia

Gràcia provides the ideal setting for visitors wishing to sample some of the city’s bars. This neighbourhood has several beautiful squares which are perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and is also well connected by public transport.

Check here a complete guide about Gràcia neighborhood.

If you have any doubt about the best area to stay in Barcelona, don’t hesitate to ask us commenting this post or calling us. We will be happy to help you!

Also you can check the following guides to places to visit in Barcelona depending on the days  you are going to spend in the city:

Have a nice stay in Barcelona!

La Mercè 2016 is Barcelona’s biggest festival

Natàlia Gibernau

La Mercè, which celebrates the city’s patron saint (the Virgin of Mercy) from the 22nd to 25th of September, is Barcelona’s biggest festival and arguably one of the finest ways to experience Catalan culture. Legend states that a year after saving Barcelona from a plague of locust in 1687, the Virgin of Mercy was canonised and has been celebrated ever since. This spectacular festival, which officially first took place in 1902, marks the end of summer with a series of unmissable events at venues across the city. Here are just some of the festival’s highlights.

  • Opening and Closing Ceremonies of La Mercè

Get into La Mercè spirit at the opening ceremony held at Plaça Sant Jaume where visitors will be treated to a show with giants and monsters dancing on stage. The end of La Mercè is marked by the Piromusical grand finale by the Magic Fountain at the foot of Montjuïc. Piromusical: 25th September, 22:00, Reina Maria Cristina Avenue. 

piromusical- La mercè

  • Castellers

Plaça de Sant Jaume plays host to one of La Mercè’s most popular and impressive events, the Castellers (human towers) in which groups of Castellers compete to build the highest possible human tower, which is subsequently climbed by a child. 24th September 12:30

castellers-la-merce

  • Gegants

Els Gegants (giants parade) is another event ideally pitched for families and features huge effigies of Kings and Queens marching through the streets, often to the sounds of small percussion groups. 24th September 11:00, Plaça de Sant Jaume.

Gegants La Mecè

  • Sardana Dance and Ball de Bastons

No Catalan festival would be complete without Sardana dancing. This traditional dance reflects Catalan unity and pride and can be witnessed in front of the Cathedral on 22nd September at 19,00. Head to Plaça de Sant Jaume on 23rd and you can also witness the Ball de Bastons (stick dance). This folk dance, similar to Morris dancing found in England and Wales, is conducted in row formation with dancers carrying one or two sticks.

Sardanes La Mercè

  • Correfoc for adults and kids

In the evenings, the city is lit up with a famous projection show repeated at various intervals at Plaça de Sant Jaume. One of La Mercè’s most thrilling events is the Correfoc (fire runs). Certainly not for the feint-hearted, the Correfoc features community groups dressed as devils who run the streets of Barcelona with hand-held fireworks and  bangers, accompanied by fire-breathing dragons. If you plan on attending the ‘adult’ Correfoc, held after the more harmless junior event, protective clothing is advisable as some fireworks are hurled directly at the crowds! 25th September,Via Laietana, junior  event 18:30, adult event 20:30 

Correfoc La Merce

You can check the whole program of La Mercè 2016 where you will find hundreds of activities.

If you are planning to come to Barcelona during La Mercè and you are looking for an apartment in Barcelona, do not hesitate to check our website

Enjoy Barcelona!

 

National Day of Catalonia Celebrations

bizFlats

Enjoy the festivities at the National Day of CataloniaEvery year on September 11th, Catalonians celebrate their national holiday throughout the region’s public spaces. With many of the businesses closed for the day, the National Day of Catalonia gives locals and visitors alike the chance to step back from daily routines to celebrate and commemorate. If you come to participate in this annual event you’ll witness the unique pride and patriotism found among this group of happy and passionate citizens who fought for their independence back on September 11th in 1714.

The holiday is celebrated by memorializing the Catalan heroes who fought in the War of the Spanish Succession, as well as many public and private parties throughout Barcelona and all of Catalonia. You may even catch a political demonstration by some of the still-fervent separatists, get to join in one of the many communal paella meals that are often taking place right out in the street, or catch a famous human pyramid in the making.

History of the National Day of Catalonia

Also known simply as La Diada, the National Day of Catalonia recognizes the day of September 11, 1714, towards the end of the War of the Spanish Succession, which marked the beginning of a long period in which French rule would take over the autonomous Spanish region of Catalonia. The government of Catalonia wasn’t restored until December 31, 1979, and September 11th was proclaimed as the Day of Catalonia to commemorate the painful memories of when the region lost its liberties. The National Day of Catalonia became an official holiday on September 11th, 1980.

National Day of Catalonia Events

  • Ofrena floral al Monument de Rafael Casanova – Taking place at 9 am on La Diada each year is the laying of commemoration wreaths by Catalonia’s leaders such as current and former presidents, the Mayor of Barcelona, and other dignitaries from the area. It takes place at the Rafael Casanova Monument created by Rossend Nobas in 1886, a tomb at Iglesia de Sant Baldiri de Sant Boi. The wreaths are meant to pay tribute to all the Catalonian’s who died in the great War of the Spanish Succession.
  • Festa par la Llibertat – This outdoor freedom festival at the Arc de Triomf celebrates Catalan culture and the movement for the region’s independence from Spain. If you’re looking for a great time outside and some lovely music, concerts begin at 7 pm and continue into the night.
  • Government Open Houses – A few of the beautiful historic government buildings open their doors to the public as a way to celebrate the National Day of Catalonia each year. This year find both the Catalan Parliament at Parc de la Ciutadella open from 10 am to 7 pm, and the Palau de la Generalitat at the Plaça de Sant Jaume from 10 am to 5 pm.

The National Day of Catalonia is an exciting time to visit Barcelona this year. September 11th, 2016, falls on a Sunday, meaning that La Diada is the perfect opportunity to take a weekend away this fall. Barcelona is lovely in September as the temperatures start cooling down, and the busy month of August slips away. If you have yet to witness this epic street party and celebration of Catalan patriotism, make sure it’s on your list!

Photo by JackF / Thinkstock

 

National Day of Catalonia

Tapas is one of the many Spanish traditions

Your Guide to the Unique Catalan and Spanish Traditions and Customs

bizFlats

One of the best parts about visiting a new place is immersing yourself in their culture by observing and participating in their many customs and practices.  Spain, in particular, has some of the most uncommon and extraordinary behaviors in the world!  The northeast region of Spain, Catalonia, has its own distinct attributes as well.  Read the list below to discover some Catalan and Spanish traditions you may not have heard before.

Best Catalan and Spanish Traditions and Customs

Dining

Lunch is the most important meal of the day in Spain!  Breakfast and dinner are usually smaller meals, with dinner normally served around 9:00 p.m.  A popular form of Spanish food is tapas, which is a term that refers to small and delicious snacks eaten throughout the day.  One of the most beloved kinds of tapas in the Catalonia region is pan con tomate, a delightful toasted bread seasoned with tomato, olive oil, and salt.  

Entertainment

Entertainment in Spain is unlike any that you’ve ever experienced before!  Read through a few highlights of these popular recreational activities to get an idea of what you’ll see here.  

1. Bullfighting: This intense sport originated all the way back in 711 A.D.  It consists the skilled bullfighter, called a Matador, fighting to assert his dominance over a highly dangerous bull.  Onlookers sit on the edge of their seats to watch the outcome of these sometimes deadly shows.

2. Soccer: You’re guaranteed to love the thrill of an FC Barcelona soccer game!  These matches happen regularly and it’s fairly easy to score some tickets.  Visitors flock to the magnificent Camp Nou stadium so they don’t miss out on witnessing the stellar performance of one of the world’s best soccer teams.

3. Nightlife: A significant part of Spanish culture is their nightlife!  With all the spectacular beach clubs, going out on the town is a regular pastime here.  

Events and Holidays

Many Catalan and Spanish customs can be seen through their many unique holidays and festive events.  Take a look at these fun ways to celebrate in Spain and Catalonia!

1. Castellers: This is one of the best events to watch!  Part of the yearly Grand Festival, Castellers consists of teams of men standing on each others’ shoulders to create the tallest tower they can.  

2. Tió de Nadal: This Catalan Christmas tradition involves children dressing up a hollow log with a face, hat, and blanket.  This hollow log is filled with sweets the night before Christmas, so the children can wake up Christmas morning and beat the stump with a stick to spill out all the treats!

3. Carnival: One week of every year, the streets of Barcelona are filled with more colors and costumes than ever seen before!  The Carnival celebration honors the time period leading up to Lent through music, performances, games, and much more.

4. Running of the Bulls: This extreme event takes place in many Spanish cities as part of the San Fermin Festival; it consists of bulls being led at breakneck speeds throughout the streets.  This one of the most frequently spectated events in the area; it has been broadcasted live on television as well for over 30 years.

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats!

Stay in the best lodging in Barcelona while participating in all these amazing Catalan and Spanish traditions!  bizFlats offers the finest rentals, spread throughout the city.  Our deluxe lofts, villas, cottages, penthouses, and apartments are all equipped with the most luxurious amenities and provide fantastic views of the surrounding city, beaches, and mountains.  Check our availability today!

Photo by Oliver Huitson / Thinkstock

 

bizFlats has the Best Holiday Apartments in Barcelona

Experience Luxury at the Perfect Holiday Apartments in Barcelona

bizFlats

Make the most of the holiday season this year with the ultimate getaway to one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the world: Barcelona, Spain!  This exotic city is bursting with excitement; from exuberant celebrations to secret, hidden treasures, you’ll never run out of things to do and see in Barcelona.  bizFlats wants to provide you with the finest living arrangements for you and your family to enjoy while you explore the many city attractions.  Our numerous holiday apartments in Barcelona are the ideal accommodations for a dream vacation; these rentals can sleep multiple guests and provide fantastic amenities, such as deluxe kitchens and flat-screen TVs.  Don’t settle for any other housing options; check out some of our featured holiday apartments in Barcelona to experience true luxury during your getaway!

Top 5 Holiday Apartments in Barcelona

  1. Ferran Batik

You’ll love the privacy that this deluxe apartment provides.  Enjoy some peace and quiet on the outdoor terrace of the Ferran Batik apartment in Pedralbes; this spacious rental also offers 3 bedrooms, one bathroom, a fully-equipped kitchen, and the most comfortable amenities.

  1. Garden House

Located just down the street from one of the most famous Barcelona landmarks, La Sagrada Familia, the Garden House offers comfort like no other.  This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental contains a fully-equipped kitchen, a 50” plasma TV, and a private terrace overlooking the bustling city streets.  You and your friends or family will love experiencing authentic city life in one of the best holiday apartments in Barcelona.

  1. CupCake

If you love the beach, this is the perfect apartment to rent in Barcelona!  This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom paradise sleeps up to 4 guests and is located just minutes away from the Barceloneta Beach.  Right within the middle of the Born, CupCake contains the most elegant decor to create a relaxing haven for unwinding after a busy day in the city.  Additional amenities include a kitchen filled with stainless-steel appliances, a plasma TV, and high-speed internet.  

  1. Passeig de Gràcia

This 5-bedroom unit is one of our most spacious rentals; this Modernist apartment can sleep up to 12 guests!  With 2 full kitchens, 3 bathrooms, and TVs in each bedroom, you’ll have everything you need for your dream vacation.  Located amidst some of the most magnificent architecture of Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia is just a few blocks away from fantastic shopping and dining.  

  1. Oriental

This special apartment is located within the Gothic Quarter, one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona.  These streets are filled with amazing restaurants, bars, and clubs to provide you with all kinds of entertainment- all within walking distance!  The Oriental apartment sleeps up to 6 people; it also contains a fully-equipped kitchen contains all the appliances you’ll need as well as a large, flat-screen TV and internet.  Enjoy modern decor and amenities in a historic part of town in this unique apartment.

Check our Availability!

Now that you’ve gotten a taste of what we have to offer, don’t hesitate for a second: Come to Barcelona!  Check our availability on our website to see which of our dream vacation homes are available and start planning your getaway immediately!

 

Celebrating a Barcelona Holiday

Celebrate a Unique Barcelona Holiday with Carnival

bizFlats

The Carnival is a traditional Barcelona holiday in February created to acknowledge the week before Lent begins.  This celebration, known for its vibrant masks and colorful costumes, is considered a way for locals to enjoy a few guilty pleasures before their time of fasting and praying begins on Ash Wednesday and continues throughout Lent, which ends Easter Day.  Generally known as a week of debauchery and gluttony, the Carnival in Barcelona is a series of extravagant events consisting of costumed performers, exciting games, and lots of eating meat (particularly hot dogs), since it is encouraged to sacrifice eating meat during Lent.  Learn more about how Carnival began and how it has developed to include the activities that this Barcelona holiday presents today.

All About Carnival, a Barcelona Holiday

History

Carnival can be traced back all the way to the Middle Ages.  This holiday is reported to have originated in Rome, influenced by their Saturnalia celebration, and then spread throughout the regions of Europe.  The early motivation of this week-long holiday was to embrace the concept of throwing social norms out the window and becoming whatever you wanted to be before you were forced to abide by the 40 days of fasting and submissiveness during Lent.  Locals would dress up in animal costumes and attend parades to celebrate this wild time of freedom before Lent began.  Today, these festivities have expanded to include even more entertaining events and activities!

Present-Day Carnival: Events

Today’s Carnival celebration in Barcelona involves a variety of live shows and performances, including parades jugglers, singers, dancers, bands, plays, and much more.  Locals and visitors of all ages, usually dressed in masks and costumes, attend this event spread throughout the city.  This Barcelona holiday begins on Dijous Gras, meaning “Dirty Thursday” or “Fat Thursday,” during which people gorge themselves on decadent, greasy, and fattening foods.  The week continues with countless events, including La Taronjada, a “battle” of orange balloons and confetti.  The Carnival celebration ends on Ash Wednesday with the Burial of the Sardine; this tradition, which is comprised of feasting and music, represents the death of the party and the rebirth of society.  This year’s Carnival will take place from February 4- February 6, 2016.

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats!  

Barcelona is bursting with countless attractions and festivals, making it the perfect vacation destination!  bizFlats wants to make your dream getaway a reality; our numerous apartment rentals are the perfect place for you and your family to stay while attending Carnival, this magical Barcelona holiday!  We offer a variety of beautiful apartments, villas, penthouses, lofts, and suites, all thoroughly accommodated for your comfort.  These rentals can sleep up to a large number of guests and possess features like luxurious beds, full equipped kitchens, pools, terraces, gardens, and much more.  Our short-term rentals are fantastic for holiday vacations; they provide the comfortable and welcoming environment that a standard hotel just cannot match.  Our rentals are located within and around the city of Barcelona, offering gorgeous views of the surrounding picturesque scenery.  Check our availability and book your dream vacation getaway today!  

Photo by motiqua / Flickr

Holidays Near Barcelona

Stay in the Best Flat for the Holidays Near Barcelona

bizFlats

Thanks to its countless attractions, amazing entertainment, and breathtaking scenery, Barcelona proves to be an unparalleled vacation destination.  During the holidays, this exotic city is even more beautiful with its elaborate decorations and festive activities.  With all that Barcelona has to offer during the Christmas season, you’ll want to start planning your amazing holiday getaway this second!  bizFlats Vacation Rentals wants to make your dream vacation a reality this holiday season by providing you with the best possible places to stay.  Our numerous apartments, villas, penthouses, studios, and lofts offer generous space, luxurious furnishings, and convenient locations.  Browse through our list of some of our best properties for a Christmas vacation and discover which one is the right fit for you to rent for the holidays near Barcelona!

Vacation Rentals for the Holidays Near Barcelona

1. Villa Upstairs

Lose yourself in bliss while you stay in this villa during the holidays near Barcelona.  Located in a quiet and secluded residential zone of the Sitges Village, the gorgeous rental is just a 25-minute drive from the city.  The Villa Upstairs includes 5 comfortable rooms, 4 complete bathrooms, and a spacious living room, complete with a working fireplace.  Revel in the views of the sea as you relax on the terrace, which is furnished with table and deck chairs and surrounded by a colorful garden.  You will always remember your stay in this peaceful haven, tucked away into one of the many mountains encircling Barcelona.

2. Villa Downstairs

Also located in the Sitges Village, the Villa Downstairs has 4 bedrooms and 2 complete bathrooms, with a nearby bungalow serving as a private area for two.  The garden connects the two areas and contains a 16-meter swimming pool and additional hot tub, perfect for warming up in chilly weather!  You’ll love residing in the heart of the mountains in this charming rental for the holidays near Barcelona.

3. kissMe

This cozy 2-bedroom apartment is nestled right in the heart of Barcelona!  Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning as you sit on the balcony overlooking the bustling city streets.  kissMe also provides a fully equipped kitchen as well as a washing machine, smart TV, and WiFI.  Its modern furniture, lighting, and decor create a welcoming environment for your home-away-from-home.  Don’t miss the opportunity to lodge in the center of this exciting city!

4. Parsifal

This dreamy apartment is directly adjacent to the most dynamic part of Barcelona!  Parsifal is positioned just 20 meters from La Rambla, a lively part of the city filled with must-see attractions as well as excellent dining and shopping.  The apartment contains 3 bedrooms, 2 complete bathrooms, and a large common area divided into 3 different spaces with an abundance of comfortable seating for everyone.  Spend your holidays near Barcelona in this very close by and luxurious oasis!

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats!

Now that you’ve seen a few examples of our amazing vacation rentals, check our availability and book a stay with us today!  Our rentals encompass a wide range of sizes, from an intimate nook designed for a romantic getaway to a sprawling flat with enough rooms to sleep your entire family.  You will love spending your holidays near Barcelona in one of our sensational rental homes, specifically fashioned to accommodate all of your needs during your dream vacation.

Christmas lights

Christmas in Barcelona is Like a Fantastic Dream

bizFlats

If you’re looking for a Christmas celebration unlike any other you’ve ever experienced, Barcelona is the perfect place for you this holiday season! December is an ideal month in this exotic region; the Barcelona Christmas weather isn’t too chilly, holiday activities are in full swing, and the streets and buildings are lavishly decorated. Exciting festivities, traditional culture, and welcoming locals make Christmas in Barcelona a truly magical time of year.

An Overview of Christmas in Barcelona

The Christmas season in Barcelona officially begins on December 8th, which is known as the Feast of Immaculate Conception, a day centered on the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin.  The majority of families in Barcelona begin decorating for Christmas on this day.  Usually the most prominent Christmas decorations in the typical Barcelona home are the Nativity scenes (complete with the traditional caganer) displaying the stable of Bethlehem.  Christmas Eve (La Nochebuena) is observed with an extravagant dinner to celebrate the birth of Christ, and Christmas Day is celebrated December 25th with gifts and meals; most businesses are closed to honor this day.  The end of the Christmas season is marked by Three Kings’ Day on January 6th; this holiday, even more widely observed than Christmas Day, represents the day the Three Wise Men arrived to visit Jesus and is celebrated by a large parade the evening before.

Things to Do in Barcelona for Christmas

Barcelona Christmas Market:  Christmas fairs and markets are a must-see during Christmas in Barcelona! Some of the most popular markets are Fira de Santa Llúcia, which is filled with beautiful displays and performances, and the Fira de Reis, where you can find a wide selection of goods, candies, and toys (mostly handcrafted).  Many other fairs and Christmas markets are scattered amongst the villages during this season. There’s also the Festival de la Infancia, a fair with activities specifically for children, such as storytelling, games, and crafts.  

Skating:  Another popular activity during Christmas in Barcelona is ice skating; Catalunya Square, an iconic plaza surrounded by monumental buildings, is transformed into a temporary ice rink during the winter seasons and attracts visitors of all ages.   

Lights: Barcelona is well-known for their light exhibits during the holiday season!  Almost 300 streets are adorned with dazzling light displays and every district of the city presents its own towering Christmas tree.

Special Events: The Harbour Swim (Copa Nadal) is a swim across Barcelona’s freezing harbour on Christmas morning.  This tradition dates back to 1907 and has been a sight for spectators to enjoy every year since!  The Three Kings’ Parade is another famous Barcelona Christmas tradition that always occurs on January 5th.  This three-hour procession begins at 6:00pm and follows a 5 kilometer route.  Various artists, such as musicians, dancers, and circus performers, all participate to create this beautiful and traditional festivity.

Celebrate The Tradition of the Barcelona Christmas Log: One of the most unique aspects of Christmas in Barcelona is the tradition of the Caga Tió (the Spanish Christmas poo). A log with a cartoon face is placed by the hearth, and the children of the household present food to the log in exchange for gifts that it poops-out.

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats!

If any of these sights or events have peaked your interest, Christmas in Barcelona is the perfect winter getaway for you!  bizFlats offers a wide assortment of different lofts, studios and penthouses, apartments and villas to rent in spectacular areas of Barcelona.  Come experience luxurious living in one of the most exhilarating places on earth.  New Years in Barcelona is an amazing experience, as well!

Photo: Núria / Flickr