Tibidabo in Barcelona

This Magic Mountain can be seen from many different view points in the city of Barcelona and looks particularly striking at night when it is lit up and shines like gold. The Mountain of Tibidabo is 512 metres in altitude and is the highest point of the Collserola hills. Up until recently the amusement park there was in disarray but has recently been restored by the Generalitat of Catalunya. Famous for its hall of mirrors, it’s old charm and the fact that it was created 100 years ago, Tibidabo amusement park now has new attractions such as; the Plane, the Carrousel, the Automata Museum, the Talaia, the Panoramic and three children's rides Les Llaunes, Pony Rodeo and Río Grande.

There is also a 12minute film, subtitled in Spanish and English in the Cel building which tracks the history of Tibidabo over the years starting from the 1920’s to the present day. It primarily celebrates the 100th anniversary of Tibidabo and shows its close links to the history of Barcelona. The amusement park dates back to 1899, to the founding of the “Tibidabo Company” by the pharmaceutical pioneer Salvador Andreu. One of his aims was for people to have somewhere in the city where they could come and relax and thus created this special recreational area on the hilltop.

After leaving your Barcelona hotel or Barcelona apartment, make your way over to Tibidabo by train (L7) to “Av Tibidabo”, then take the funicular, Tramvia Blau or Tibidabo Bus up to the top. You can also catch the Tibibus from Plaça Catalunya, which runs from 10:30 everyday. The Blue Tram and the Funicular were inaugurated on 29th Oct 1901, and shortly afterwards the first attractions were installed on Tibidabo. The park still conserves some of the most significant ones that have filled it during its hundred years of existence: for example, the Castle of Terror and the Big Dipper. One of its most unusual items is the aeroplane, which dates from 1928 and is a replica of the model that made the first flight between Barcelona and Madrid.

If you want to see a bit more than just the amusement park, Tibidabo is home to other interesting sites such as The Fabra Observatory and the Experimental Physics Museum. As well as this, the two buildings erected between 1901 and 1905: the first by Camil Fabra, the Marquis of Alella, who built the astronomical observatory which bears his name, designed by Josep Domènech i Estapà, and the latter, nearby, in 1905, built by Ferran Alsina; the museum of experimental physics named “La Mentora”, which, due to the great interest of its collection of scientific apparatus of the time, has been conserved to the present day. Finally, in 1908 the slopes of the mountain were converted into a municipal park and it is lovely to take a walk here and leisurely make your way back to your Barcelona accommodation.

Christmas in Barcelona

Christmas time in Barcelona is to say the least, very special. This is a time for family, friends and fun, and whether you’re young or old, there is something for everyone to do here. It is important to have things to do at Christmas time because for many of us who have to spend copious amounts of time with family, (namely really old relatives or really young annoying cousins), the festive period can be a bit boring or trying, and thus it’s a good idea to plan ahead a bit in advance. This includes getting your flights and Barcelona apartment or Barcelona hotel sorted!

Then relax in your accommodation in Barcelona and put your Tio Nadal (Christmas Log) on the ground. This little chappy is the Catalan’s answer to Father Christmas and is a small figure with eyes, a nose and mouth. This log has the strange and magical ability to poo delicious treats such as sweets, nuts and torrons. Just like children believe Father Christmas is the one who brings all their presents on Christmas Eve, Caca Tió (the pooping log) brings the childrens’ presents too. When the children have sung the song to Caga Tió, (Caga Tió, almonds and turron, if you don’t poo sardines that are too salty or poo turrones that are the yummiest, Caga Tió, almonds and turron, if you don’t want to poo, I’ll hit you with the stick!) and hit Caga Tió with the stick, they lift up his cloak and underneath a heap of goodies is revealed. However, when the children find out that it is mummy and daddy who hide the sweets under Caga Tió’s cloak just before they sing the song, it is a sad day for all.


Make sure you stick around in Barcelona for 6th January. This special date is something that you should not miss, as it is the night of the Three Wise Men. This night is the night of presents and there are many parades with camels and trucks full of presents through the streets of Barcelona. The children of the city believe this is a unique event and thus every effort is made to pretend that it is only happening in Barcelona. The shops stay open until 12pm for parents to do last minute present shopping, and toddlers are weened off their dummies because they collectively give their dummies to the Three Wise Men.

Fireworks light up the sky, and at a certain time during the night, a special event takes place at the Town Hall, the mayor comes outside and presents the Three Wise Men with a huge magical golden key so that they can unlock all the doors of the city to bring the children their presents…

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Vintage Clothes in Barcelona!

Are you desperately trying to search for some cool vintage clothing in Barcelona? I’ve been living in this fantastic city since June, and I must admit, although I’ve wanted to, I haven’t done much exploring of the city’s second hand and vintage clothes, simply because there is so much to do… That is, until now. If you want to check out what Barcelona has on offer in the vintage section during your holiday, make sure you stay in the centre in a Barcelona hotel or Barcelona apartment.

To my joy and amazement, Barcelona is full of pretty little boutiques and funky, Aladdin’s cave-like vintage clothes and furniture shops, you’ve just got to know where to go and how to seek them out… I started off with a trip to Raval, Barcelona’s slightly dingy but cool part of town, where the coziest bars and friendliest restaurants can be found, not to mention the millions of beer sellers who line the streets shouting; “sexy beer” “cold beer”. Raval was stocked with little vintage clothes shops, as well as second hand shops which are my favourite.

Amongst these I found the shops with the most variety to be Gallery on Carrer Torrent d’Olla and Lailo on Riera Baixa – this shop was amazing, not only because it sells clothes from as far back as the 1900’s, but because the jewelry it sells there is truly beautiful. Retro City – a shop that can be found in Gracia and Raval is a good place if you are looking for one off pieces in order that no one can steal your look, and Le Swing near Pintor Fortuny focuses on clothes from the forties Fifties and Eighties.

As well as this, there are many chains of second hand/vintage shops in Barcelona, although one off shops outside the Gracia or Raval area are few and far between. One of these; Moda Amiga, works in conjunction with the Obra Social de Caixa de Catalunya and is special in that like a charity shop, it sells people’s unwanted items but you deposit your unwanted items in bright orange bins which are then sorted out and many will end up in the Moda Amiga shop. The shop in Carrer Sant Salvador in Gracia caught my eye as it is a lovely shop that immediately invites you in due to the bright colours and exciting display in the shop itself. The prices here are quite high, many of the unwanted clothes are designer and the look of the shop is definitely retro, but you’ve got to bear in mind that this shop is a job creation scheme. Cheaper versions of this shop such as the one in Cornellà or Mollins de Rei will not sell designer or retro gear.

So, now you’ve got your vintage clothes sorted, go book your accommodation in Barcelona!

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Dance Classes in Barcelona

I don’t know about you, but the end of summer and the start of the dreary, drab winter months makes me feel depressed, cold and chubby. Eating stogy meals, wearing thicker clothes and getting the metro everywhere has certainly made me feel that I am not getting enough exercise. Luckily, one of the most exhilarating forms of exercise – dancing, takes place in bars across Barcelona all year round, keeping the heat and passion of summer going. Make sure you get your Barcelona accommodation booked and make the most of the dance classes Barcelona has to offer.

Take salsa for example. I can’t think of a more passionate, hot and lively form of dancing and it is for this reason that I decided to do a bit of research into what is available in Barcelona. To get an idea of some of the best ones, you simply have to try. Some classes will be more suited to your style and tastes, but needless to say, you’re bound to have a good time once you get the hang of it. Barcelona has an abundance of salsa classes for you to try out if you are living here or if you are staying in a Barcelona apartment or Barcelona hotel as a holiday maker.

With this in mind, I also thought about learning a bit of burlesque dancing… sexy, lively and definitely good for toning up your muscles, Barcelona is suprising low in the number of burlesque dance classes available. On the 9th October 2008 at 10pm there is a show with Little Victor and Dj Nino plus British Burlesque star Miss Polly Rae at Apolo. Burlesque dancing is certainly becoming a major form of entertainment and exercise, if not in Barcelona, in Paris. With the increase in traffic to websites such as suicide girls, which promote the average woman as beautiful and the ideal, not skinny models with no figure, the “burlesque look” is definitely making a comeback.

Buenavista is a specialist Salsa and Latino dance school who can mould your unrestrained energy (that I know I have and its fighting to get out), into something more artistic. To begin the only thing necessary is to have rhythm and enthusiasm although later on you might decide to buy some dance shoes. There are a range of different classes from beginners to experts. Dancing is always done with partners although you can attend the classes by yourself as the dance school will pair you up if necessary. Classes are run on a ten weekly basis and cost €10 for one hour. (Salsa courses: www.salsabuenavista.com C/Roselló 217, Tel: 932376528 / Salsa Clubs: www.mojitobcn.com)

Fish and Chip Shop in Barcelona

Finally, a little taste of England has come to Barcelona! On Rambla del Raval 26 has graced us with its presence. For those of you who don’t live in Barcelona as a Brit, you won’t know the craving that we get every now and again when think about what we would be eating if we were at home in England on a Friday night, or when we really cant’t be bothered cooking but don’t really fancy an Indian or Chinese. Yes, it’s that kind of hunger that only a lovely portion of home made chips, mushy peas and a lovely battered cod can fill. Make sure you get your Barcelona apartment and Barcelona hotel near to this wonderful smelling restaurant!

This fish and chip wittily named; “Fish and Chips”, has only recently opened and is the creation of two mothers; blah and blah. The cuisine here is taditional, authentic fish (just how we like it), where typical fresh cod in batter and chips made from freshly cut potatoes as well as all of the extra side dishes such as mushy peas, baked beans, curry sauce and much more are served. There are British drinks too, such as the lovely sugary obligatory drinks Vimto and Lilt, and for the Scots out there, good old Irn Bru and to add a Spanish touch you can even get a beer or a glass of wine with your meal.

In May 2008, the very special restaurant was featured in that months edition of Easy Jet Inflight Magazine and the two ladies who run the British food hot spot had their say. Julie, 43, who ran a bar in Liverpool, while Julia, 40, was in marketing in London, before they moved to Barcelona seven years ago.

After setting up a nanny service in the city, Tender Loving Canguros, the women seized upon the idea of running a fish and chip shop late one night, while trying to come up with money-making plans to ensure they need never leave Barcelona. (Aren’t we all!)

Besides the joys of the usual chip shop fare —everything freshly battered, cut, peeled and cooked on the premises—the Catalans have also been initiated into the pleasures of crumpets, haggis and English pies.

“As something new in Barcelona, it’s created a lot of excitement,” says Julie. “We’re the first stop for a lot of people straight off the plane. Some people come in every day and some find us at the end of their stay. We’re also fully licensed and sell the cheapest pint in town.”

“We haven’t had a day off in nine months, but we love it, especially now the weather is warm and we can chat to customers outside on our terrace. We also hold regular themed parties—Easter, Halloween, Christmas. All the locals watch us with amazement,” she laughs.

So, be sure to visit this spot on your trip to Barcelona, and right by it you will find a fine selection of Barcelona accommodation.

How To See Barcelona with (Seemingly) No Effort

So, you want to take a weekend break in Barcelona? Be smart, book your Barcelona apartment or Barcelona hotel as early as possible. Also, book flights as far in advance as possible, because no matter what people tell you, the more seats that are taken on a flight, the more expensive the price gets…

Research where you want to go before you head off. A weekend is not that long and even if you’re going for a long weekend, that’s still only four days with travel included. I would recommend that you do a shortlist of important places to see. For me, these would include;

The famous works of Antoni Gaudí; La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllò (fantastic interior and spectacular roof) or La Pedrera (famous for its ornate mosaic chimneys) and Parc Güell. La Rambla (make sure you got to La Boqueria market here), Port Vell/Barceloneta, Parc de la Ciutadella, Plaza Espana, Montjuïc and the Picasso Museum are all must sees too. By doing this you can schedule in a bit of shopping, a lovely meal and a bit of tapas at the top floor restaurant of El Corte Ingles!

To accompany your top 10 list, it is always a good idea to jot down the metro line needed to get there and or any information with it beforehand. This means you can relax and take your time with no need to stress about getting lost when you get there. Luckily, we’ve done this for you!

1) La Sagrada Familia – L2 Sagrada Familia, 10€ entrance fee, 8€ for students, open 09:00-18:00 (Oct-Mar) 09:00-20:00 (Apr-Sep), go round to Calle Mallorca 401 to enter.
2) Casa Battlò – L3 L4 Passeig de Gracia, (Address: #43 Passeig de Gracia, (+34) 93 216 03 06, infovisites@casabatllo.cat, 16.50€ with 20% discount for students)
3) La Pedrera – L2 L3 L4 Passeig de Gracia (Address: Provenca, 261-265, 08008, 9.50€ entrance)
4) Parc Guell – L3 Vallcarca then follow street signs
5) La Rambla – L1 L3 Catalunya or L3 Liceu (further down la Rambla)
6) Port Vell/Barceloneta – L4 Barceloneta
7) Parc de la Ciutadella – L4 Ciutadella Via Olympica
8) Plaza Espana – L1 L3 Espanya
9) Montjuïc – L3 L2 Para-lel, then take the vernicular up to the top, then a further ski car upto the castle.
10) Picasso Museum – L1 Arc de Triomf, L3 Liceu, L4 Jaume I (Address: Montcada 15-23 08003, (+34) 93 256 30 00, museupicasso@bcn.cat)

Once you’ve got that sorted, you can sleep easy in your Barcelona accommodation, enjoy a cracking paella at Barceloneta and be inspired by the amazing works of Gaudí!

El Bulli and Michelin Star Restaurants in Barcelona

If you are looking for top of the range cuisine and service during your stay in Barcelona, we have the guide to Barcelona’s best Michelin star restaurants. Why not book your Barcelona apartment or Barcelona hotel now, in order to make the most of these sumptuous restaurants? Follow the Oh-Trip guide to the best of Barcelona’s service, sophistication and most importantly, fantastic cuisine.

El Bulli, just north of Barcelona towards Girona, was voted “The Best Restaurant in the World” in 2002, 2006 and 2007. Possibly one of Spain’s most talked about restaurants, this 3 Michelin starred restaurant is definitely worth a visit. The work place of the best chef in the world; Ferrán Adrià, the cuisine lovingly produced in this restaurant is simply fantastic, and according to experts, Adrià is the greatest food genius of all time… The menu is unique and full of inventive creations: “Caipirinha with concentrated tarragon”. “Natural prawns” and “Chocolate Mound” However, with more than 100 creations or variations every season, we can not be certain that these dishes will still be there when you visit! Needless to say, getting into this magnificent restaurant is easier said than done. The restaurant is fully booked for 2008, so it is worth booking your table as early as possible and checking for cancellations. E-mail: bulli@elbulli.com or Tel. +34 972 15 04 57.

One of Barcelona’s only Michelin star restaurants, “La Dama”, which is situated in the heart of the city at Avinguda Diagonal, 423, 08036, offers fantastic service and a beautiful dining room for you to enjoy your meal, built by Manuel Sayrach in 1918, it is in a truly Art Nouveau building. The head chef at la Dama; “Josep Salsona” has created spectacular dishes including; “Small lobster and mango salad with spice vinaigrette”, “Sea bass supreme with potato flakes and spring truffles sauce” and “Cherry soup au cava with cinnamon ice cream”. The director of the restaurant, Josep Bullich, who has worked here since La Dama first opened its doors, said in an interview with Enric Ribera Gabandé that La Dama; “embodies the concept of Catalonia, which is the concept of majesty. The Catalonian kitchen is one of the most important in the world. It is one of the most refined kitchens in the world.” The restaurant is open from 13:30 - 15:30 then 20:30 - 23:30 all year round. Please phone: 93-202-06-86 to make a reservation.

Restaurant Gaig, founded in 1869, offers exciting, modern cuisine, created by Carles Gaig and his team. Carles, a true culinary artist, carries on the fourth generation of this family, and keeps surprising us with unique dishes which have won awards with his particular style of cooking which distinguishes him as an expert and heir of skills passed down to him. Eating at Gaig is a special experience as it combines years of exquisite cooking with the smells, sights and tastes of modern cuisine. Gaig can be found at Carrer Aragó 214 (Aribau Corner) Tel: 934 291 017 or email: info@restaurantgaig.com. So now you've got your restaurants sorted, get your Barcelona accommodation booked!