Only one Barcelona

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Friday, 29 October 2010 09:42

Barcelona is just one of those places that captivates you and keeps you coming back for more. Whether you are an annual visitor, cooperate guests or a first timer, once you arrive in this Mediterranean jewel chances are you are going to want more.

So what is on offer you ask, well here a just some of the things you can get up to:

The GSM conference is not something you might think of when it comes to having fun, but this world famous event has made its home in Barcelona for the next couple of years and with the biggest names in the technology and communications industry, the city of Barcelona goes all out to put on a spectacular event. The Catalan Capital increase in population over night, so finding accommodation can be difficult if you leave it too late, but check our Barcelona apartments for short term stays here. In 2012, the event saw Apple make their latest announcements on their iPhone and iPad products, as well as Sony and Samsung taking center stage with their latest mobile devices. Hailed as a huge success by the numerous international companies, Barcelona has set the bench mark when it comes to organizing the GSM.

Back to the fun part of Barcelona, and what every girls dream….shopping. You could not ask for more choice, with numerous local shops dotted all around the city, together with the brand labels such as Armani, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Channel, D&G and so on. No matter your budget, tastes or desires, you will be sure to find it in Barcelona. Meander through the local shopping streets and you are bound to find vintage and second hand stores mixed together with imposing shopping centers. Barcelona has it all, and if that was not enough, just pop your head in the local designer stores, we are sure you will find a hidden gem there.

Next up, the Born district of Barcelona. Why you ask we have mentioned the entire area of the Born, simply put there is such a huge variety of bustling life to be found here, there is not just one place for you to go or visit. The Born has a intimate relationship with fashion as well as being steeped in history. Its proximity to the old port, where the city’s commercial activity was generated, gave this district its importance and it shows until today in its architecture and unique monuments. If you want to eat out, try some Spanish or Catalan cuisines then El Borne is the place for you, here you will find quality tapas bars, modern gastronomy restaurants, cool cocktail bars and much more. The Born is a super classic, authentic medieval splendour that deserves your attention.

More About Barcelona

Barcelona is one of coolest cities in Europe. It is arty, trendy and chic. It has a social scene that is up there with London and Berlin and it even has a beach that can compete with the Costas. There is always something going on in this city that doesn’t siesta, here are few things you can get up to in Barca over the next few months.

Seeing as Barcelona is the artistic capital of Spain, it’s no surprise it hosts BAC! Barcelona’s International Festival of Contemporary Art. The 12 day event incorporates various forms of art from murals to media installations that wouldn’t look out of place in the Tate Modern.

Spain takes Christmas very seriously, where old traditions die hard. One such tradition is the Christmas fair that has been held outside Barcelona Cathedral every year since 1786. There are around 300 market stalls selling all manner of festive trinkets, nativity scenes are found at every turn and the area comes alive with music and parades.

The culmination of Christmas in Barcelona is the Procession of the Three Kings. This takes place on the 5th January and is one of Spain’s most popular Christmas traditions. The procession kicks off at the harbour where the ‘three kings’, now the mayor and the metropolitan guard, disembark their ship and parade through the city, finishing up at the floodlit fountain of Montjuic.

Carnival is a major festivity in Barcelona. It is held before lent, when everyone gives up their guilty pleasures. This is to allow for a few weeks of excess and frivolity. The streets burst with music, dancing, parades and even tortilla-making competitions. Locals mourn the passing of Carnival with a funeral cortege and dress in black.

These are just a few of the things you can expect of the next few months. Barcelona is a city of the unexpected and is anything but mundane and boring. If you haven’t visited yet, make sure you do!