Category Archives: Sighteeing

Leisure time

Sant Jordi

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And finally came one of the most expected days… Sant Jordi! Every year, on 23rd April, roses and books, romance and read. The legend, which you probably have already heard, is that Saint Jordi slew a dragon to save a princess – and then gave her a red rose. So the tradition is to give books for men and roses for women. Today you will find many stalls at Las Ramblas selling roses and books…

St Jordi’s Day is a good day for telling someone you love him. Also you can tell a lot of funny and sweet things to your friends! If you want to send a message, click here.

Have a nice St Jordi’s Day!

SanJordi

Time-lapse video Sagrada Família

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This time-lapse of the Sagrada Família with aerial views of Barcelona was taken on April 2012 by Albert Castaño and Luis Caldevilla. A new drone model was used when filming, with an attached camera that was able to capture unprecedented images. Music by Ludovico Einaudi (“Burning”,UMG).
Simply spectacular!

Barcelona Xmas time

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Don’t forget to visit a Christmas Market these days. One of the most in the city is the one called Santa LLúcia and it is held just seconds away from our front door and just in front of the Cathedral…

Sporty Christmas. At the Swimming Christmas Cup even Santa goes swimming! It’s a mixed major sportive event with champions but also with a kind of Christmas watery carnival. Another sportive tradition is the Nassos running on the afternoon of the 31st  of December. 

The Three Kings Parade. They are coming from theFar Eastto leave presents in every home during the night of the 5th January. They will arrive to the city port by boat then a huge parade will be held on the 5th evening to cheer them.

Other “diorama” experience is the one set in La Casa dels Entremesos (Pl. de les Beates, 2). In La Seca Espai Brossa (Flassaders, 40) you can enjoy an exhibition of different “pesebres” from around the world. Other traditional ones are the one at the Museum of the Monastery of Pedralbes (Bda. Monestir, 9), Pial Almonia (Pl. de la Seu, 2. Just next to the Cathedral) or the one at Belen church (Xuclà, 2. Ciutat Vella)

More info at this link. 

 

The City Bar

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A new way to connect with the city

The City Bar, a new multi-space warm, contemporary, timeless character where you can have a coffee, a cocktail, read a magazine or listen to live music. It has an art gallery that is also multipurpose space for events and meetings.

This multi-space is a new venue from Grand Hotel Central and keeps the elegant style of the entire hotel that seeks to combine modern décor and respecting the building which was built in the 1920’s. The interior designer María José Cabré and her team have designed a space with high ceilings that connects to the city through large windows. Doors and ceilings have been finished in wood with natural texture and also an iron like finishing which gives the bar a severe and industrial feel. In the living area the sofas invite relaxation, whilst reading, chatting and having a drink or a coffee. The dining tables offer large benches which allow an informal use of space and make it perfect for lunch or to check emails on the laptop with free Wifi.

The menu is divided into several parts but with a common denominator; top quality international cuisine at any time of the day, from breakfast to drinks after work. Among the many dishes there are tapas and appetizers, Spanish Omelette, Iberian Ham with tomato bread, hummus and crisps and many others. There are also a variety of salads but the Hotel’s strongest point will be its fresh sandwiches, toasted or untoasted, hot or cold. From the basics such as the Iberian ham toasties to more creative choices as Sobrasada from Mallorca, Mahon cheese and a touch of honey (on rustic bread) or roast beef. Among the desserts there’s the always appealing brownie, ice cream or daily baked homemade pies. Coffee will be one of the specialties although the Tea menu will not be lacking with the finest delicate leaves coming from Sans & Sans.

At night, the most classic cocktail creations such as Mojito, Cosmopolitan or Dry Martini. Another strength of City Bar is the vast menu of gin & tonics (more than 25 brands of gin) and vodka & tonics (more than 15 types of vodka).

At the City Bar not everything is gourmet sandwiches and great cocktails; there’s an adjacent space: The Gallery, located at the back of the bar. It’s a multipurpose space for meetings, presentations and private parties. When open to the public it is an Art Gallery with the aim of bringing the culture of Barcelona.

Practical information:
Via Laietana, 30
Live music performances every Wednesday (jazz, soul, bossa)
Open every day from 9a.m until 1a.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays till 2a.m.

 

 

 

 

Beefeater In-Edit

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Once again, Beefeater In-Edit (the Barcelona’s International Music Documentary Festival) will take place at Barcelona from October 25th to November 5th.  But this time is a very special edition, as they are celebrating their 10th birthday. Since 2003 they are rapid growth with also a simultaneous international expansion. For this, they have published a list of the 100 best music documentaries in history and the Top 10 will be part of the programme in this edition. Don’t miss it!

Colors al Gòtic

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Colors al Gòtic arrives to Barcelona in 6th of October to color the city center (Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas) through a program full of activity and colour, with the aim of promoting music, food, art, commerce and sport.

Colors al Gòtic invites citizens to rediscover the city center through proposals singular as the catwalk of Pret-à-Porter on the steps of the Cathedral or the acrobatics in the middle of the Plaza del Rey by the team “Telistes-acrobats”. Also you can enjoy the events and tastings Tastalcentre.

Grand Hotel Central participates as a headquarter supporter, and to celebrate it, has prepared a special gastronomic day. From 12.00 to 14.00 it will take place the “vermú season” in front of Avalon. In an open popup terrace a special cocktail will be prepared and served with vegetable chips for only 1´5 €. Moreover, the restaurant will offer a special menu of 12 € (drinks included) which will Xatonada d’hivern, cannelloni of three meats and chef Ramon Freixa version of the crema catalana. For the curious, the Sky Bar terrace exceptionally open to the public from 14.00, where you can sample our full selection of drinks with one of the best views of Barcelona.

If you want to know more, follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

See you downtown!

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Colors al Gòtic llega el 6 de octubre a Barcelona para dar color al centro de la ciudad (Barrio Gótico y Las Ramblas) a través de recorridos llenos de actividades y colores, con el objetivo de promover música, gastronomía, arte, comercio y deporte.

Colors al Gòtic invita a ciudadanos a redescubrir el centro de Barcelona a través de propuestas singulares  como la pasarela de Pret-à-Porter en las escaleras de la Catedral o las acrobacias en medio de la Plaza del Rey de la mano del equipo “Telistes-acróbatas”. También se podrá disfrutar de la feria y degustaciones de Tastalcentre.

Grand Hotel Central participa como sede patrocinadora y, para celebrarlo, ha preparado una jornada especial gastronómica. De 12.00 a 14.00 se realizará la hora del vermut delante del restaurante Ávalon en una terraza popup, dónde se preparará un cocktail especial acompañado de chips vegetales por 1.5€. Por otra parte, dentro del restaurante, se ofrecerá un menú especial de 12€ (con bebida incluida) en el que se servirá Xatonada d’hivern, canelones de tres carnes y la versión del chef Ramón Freixa de la crema catalana. Para los más curiosos, la terraza Sky Bar abrirá excepcionalmente a todo el público a partir de las 14.00, donde se podrá degustar nuestra completa carta de bebidas junto a una de las mejores vistas de Barcelona.

Si quieres saber más, síguelos en Facebook o en Twitter.

¡Nos vemos por el centro!

La Mercè, the biggest party ever

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From the 21st to the end of September you can enjoy Barcelona´s annual festival of La Mercè. These are the “not to be missed”  top 5 highlights:
- Barcelona Acció Musical (Barcelona Musical Action) you will hear new rounds, band and concerts all over the city.
- Barcelona Street Arts: artists performing amongst the public in open spaces such squares, Parks and main streets and avenues.
- Festival of tradition. Enjoy typical Spanish traditions such human castles, bigheads, giants and all the festive beasts of the city.
- Festival of the sky: acrobatic meeting of jets, balloons, ultra lights, etc. will made the sky also part of the festival in an amazing scenario.
- The Fire Festival: all kinds of sparks from the musical fireworks to the Fire Run. The party also gives Light to the sparkling Barcelona nightlife these days.

Summer at La Boqueria

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Summer is one of the best times of the year to enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits. Everything seems to be in season and the market of La Boqueria is the best place to sample or buy local products from nearby payeses (peasants). Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, zucchini, aubergines, peaches, grapes, melon and watermelon will taste like heaven to you.

August means Festa Major!

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August is a month of local festivities in Barcelona and citizens and tourists take to the streets to celebrate it. Undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited is the festivities of popular district of Gràcia. One of the main attractions is the originality and creativity with which neighbours decorate their streets based on a specific theme. Decorations are prepared throughout the year. They also offer concerts and all types of activities, day and night. From 15th to 21st August, in the district of Gràcia.

Quieter than Festa Major de Gràcia is the Festa Major de Sants, starting this weekend. Gospel, jazz, human castles, Sardanas and activities for all ages. This year celebrate their 25th anniversary! From 18th to 26th August in the district of Sants. During these days, those of Sant Roc, in the Gothic Quarter, will also be celebrated. They’re the oldest in the city. They’ve been celebrated since 1589!

Official web of Festa Major de Gràcia and full program (in Catalan). Official web of Festa Major de Sants (in Catalan). And more info about Sant Roc (in Spanish)