Rosanna:

FC Barcelona



This is the soccer club in Barcelona. It first started in 1899 and has gone through many changes but has had a recent revival in the past 10 yrs with tons of success in the league. They play in the stadium Camp Nou which holds up to 98,772 devoted fans. Since soccer is the most popular sport in Spain the fans are very energetic and passionate about their team. At the game we went to their were lots of fans with drums and noisemakers cheers the team onto a victory. It's definitely worth the money if you can find a ticket.



FC website and tickets

Area: Les Corts
Cost: 113+ Euros

Rosanna:

Park Guell



My first thought when we arrived to the Park was "wow, I feel like I'm in a gingerbread world." Another iconic landmark build by Antoni Gaudi from 1900-1914, this park has many windy paths that lead to many sculptures, mosaics, and breathtaking architecture. The main focal point is a large terrace with a sea serpent shaped bench. Gaudi lived in one of the 2 majestic houses here for a period of his life. Entrance to the house does cost a fee but you can purchase reduced tickets that get you into La Sagrada Familia as well. Definately take the time to walk throught the whole park and give yourself time to explore all of the calming works of art that Gaudi placed here.





If you're a fan of America's Top Model you might recognize the columns below. The finale of season 7 had the models walking the catwalk here!



Area: Horta Guinardo
Admission: Free

Rosanna:

La Boîte

Rosanna:

Club Apolo/ Nitsa



We found this night club when we were in the area visiting the Magic Fountain of Monjuic. Neither of us had partied in Barcelona or Spain but boy do they know how to party all night long! This club is huge and has a couple of different rooms with all kinda of music. Pop, rock, punk, soul, new school and old school, they had it all. Entrance price depends on the day and what artists or DJs they have but the money was worth it. We had a great time and didn't end up leaving til about 5 in the morning. Definitely expect to stay out late as the locals can dance all night.



Upcoming Events, Spanish only
Concerts

Area: Montjuic
Address: c/ Nou de la Rambla 113 Barcelona 08004
Cost: Entrance, 10-14 Euros, Beer 5 Euros, Miexed Drinks 5-6 Euros
Hours: 10pm-5am

Rosanna:

Festes de la Merce

This is 4 day festival has tons of things to do and lots of sights to see. The festival ends on September 24th which is an official public holiday in honor of Mare de Deu de la Merce, the Patron Saint of Barcelona. Since the streets are packed we found it easiest to just walk to the different areas all over the city that hold different events. What caught my eye right off the bat was the Castellers, or Human towers. Groups of people work together to form the highest human tower. Once completed a young child climbs to the top and stands up. What a sight to see! We couldn't imagine the strength and preparation that goes into this.

The festival also has Gigantes or the giant parade where large floats of nobles and royals navigate the streets. This was extremely popular with the kids. Their eyes gazed upon the giant people as bands and choirs followed the Gigantes filling the streets with music.



The Correfoc is a fire and sparkler wonder show. This took place after dusk with a junior fire run first and an adult fire run after. Groups of people dress up like devils and run through the streets spraying people with the sparklers. It was kinda scary at first as we are taught not to play with sparklers but it was neat to be a part of this. I would recommend bringing a hat or protective clothing just to be on the safe side.


Check out the official website here, Spanish only.

Rosanna:

Dia de Sant Jordi



This was one of the most romantic and fun festivals we were able to attend in Barcelona. Dia de Sant Jordi or Saint George's Day occurs on April 23rd and the festival has been celebrated since the middle ages. What a sight to see! The streets are filled with rose and book vendors and lovers walking hand in hand, without a care in the world, just happy to be with one another. Love is definitely in the air on this day! You might be wondering why book vendors fill the streets right? Well since April 23rd marks the anniversary of the deaths of Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare the tradition began that women giving one of their books to the men and of course the men give roses to the women. There are many readings of Don Quixote and lots of choir groups filling the main street Barcelona, Las Ramblas, with beautiful music.


You can read more about the story of Saint George and how he slayed a dragon to save his lovely princes here.

Area: Ciutat Vella
Address: Las Ramblas and all over Barcelona
Cost: Rose 3-5 Euros

Rosanna:

La Sagrada Familia



This church/museum is probably one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona and even all of Spain. Construction began in 1882 on this privately funded Roman-Catholic church and the project is still not completed! Antonio Gaudi designed this masterpiece and devoted the last 15 years of his life to this church. Depending on from where you are looking at the church you might see differences is the building color/materials due to the many different artists that have stepped in to try and complete the project. Lots of controversy surrounding the church has come up in recent years by historians, locals and other artists who think the project is taking a turn from Gaudis original plans. The completion date varies depending on who you talk to but there is word that part of the building will open for worship in late 2010 and be consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI. No matter the issues surrounding the church it is one of the most breathtaking structures we have ever seen!

Tourist Guide

Area Eixample
Address: Calle Mallorca 401, 08034, Barcelona

Opening hours 09:00-18:00 (Oct-Mar) 09:00-20:00 (Apr-Sep)
Admission : 11 Euros

Rosanna:

Map of Barcelona



Traveling through Barcelona can be overwhelming at first but if you take the time to look at the city map you'll find out that it is very easy to find your way around. The city is divided into 10 major Barrios or neighborhoods in which you can find major landmarks and restaurants. We have definitely used the website below to help us find our way around. It will show a more detailed map of the place you are wishing to go. It has been very helpful!

Tourist Guide, Barcelona

Rosanna:

Hey Guys!

So we've been able to handle our own here in Barcelona with our Spanish language knowledge . We have picked up on a couple of key phrases that everyone should know. You have to check out this website before you come to Barcelona and travel. It teaches you some key sayings that are a must to navigate your way through the city. Check it out!

Phrases

When visiting a foreign country it's always helpful to know at least a few phrases in the language so I attached this video so you could arm yourself with some helpful phrases to get you started. Enjoy!

Iye:

A mile from Somnio Hostel, where Rosanna and I were staying or about a twenty minute walk, is the Plaça Reial. The Plaça Reial, right across from La Rambla, is a well known tourist attraction in the Barri Gòtic. It was designed by Francesc Daniel Molina i Casamajó in the year 1848 and the street lamps by Antoni Gaudí. During the day it's a pretty chill place to sit relax and enjoy the marvelous architecture while sipping a drink. It gets super lively in the evening because it's chock full of some of the city's most famous clubs and numerous restaurants. Sidecar, Jamboree, and Karma are all located in this plaza just to name a few. Rosanna and I hung out there one afternoon and planned out the sites we wanted to see for the day.

Iye:
Tipping: There are no set rules for tipping, however locals don't tip much. Generally in a restaurant a 5-10% tip is fair , but if the service was bad you don't have to tip. In bars people usually leave a little change. It's common to tip to the nearest euro for taxis and restaurants and a bit more if is high class.

Identity Issues: Never imply to a Barcelona native that he's from a region of Spain or that he speaks a variation of Spanish. You will very likely get berated for this. Catalans are very proud of their unique history, culture, and language so be mindful of this.

Greetings: It's typical for women to give each other, or a man to a woman and visa versa 'dos besos' two air kisses on each cheek even if they are strangers. Be aware that Spaniards tend to have a little closer personal space than Americans.

Meals: In the Mediterranean restaurants usually open around 1:30pm for lunch, and 9:30pm for dinner. If you meet up with locals for a meal expect them to be reasonable on time, but not exactly on the dot. Expect to pay just your share of the bill unless someone's invited to pay.

Iye:

Night exterior

Casa Batlló Roof

Casa Batlló Roof