A Perfect Getaway for city breaks - Barcelona

Traveling is an activity, or rather, a hobby, loved by many. The top few places people tend travel to are places such as France, England, and Australia. Countless amazing places are being underrated and overlooked. It is about time we shine the spotlight on other parts of the world. One of the places that you wouldn’t want to miss is Barcelona, Spain. Within the traveller’s circle, it is called, “A Gothic and Modernist marvel on the Mediterranean Sea.” Their national languages are Catalan and Castillian Spanish, but the citizens are passably fluent in English too. This city has the whole package for almost every interest there is. 

Those who appreciate the beauty of nature would love the breath-taking beaches, parks and gardens in Barcelona. 

As for the shopaholics, this city offers the most exquisite items and trinkets at fairly reasonable prices for you to bring home as mementos.

Let’s not forget Barcelona’s very own stadium, where you can watch the home games and buy the FC Barcelona merchandise at very affordable prices.

What makes Barcelona most admirable is that every nook and cranny of this place is a work of art created by the people of their own community. Every building in this city is unlike any other you can find in other countries.

Picasso Museum

Guell Park

As for those with a refined taste and a love for fine art, this city has many places that would satisfy your passion such as their brilliantly architectured churches, museums and parks which store the most unique works of art. . If you’re a lover of architecture and great design, welcome to your nirvana!

Not only that, Barcelona has a variety of events, shows and rides to quench your thirst for entertainment. The fun doesn’t stop until the sun comes up!

Furthermore, they have diverse Spanish cuisines and elegant restaurants to excite your taste buds. If you crave a social scene, the Spanish have created a wonderful way to enjoy the company of food, beverages and friends.

Plus, there are transportation systems to everywhere worth going in the entire city which makes it convenient for travellers. If you want to have the full Barcelona experience, it is best to go backpacking as a trip to Barcelona is a journey to discovery. This city is filled with never-ending, eye-opening experiences. You have not lived until you have visited Barcelona.

The Spring Value: A visit in late spring gets you the best run for your money by ensuring plenty of outdoor fun without the high temperatures or the tourists’ crowd. On top of that, flights and accommodations can be booked at discounts of around 20 to 40 percent off their summer highs.

The historic quarter of Barcelona - the Gothic Quarter ( Barrio Gótico )

Barcelona’s Barrio Gotico is the Gothic Quarter at the heart of the old city. It boasts creative, funky bars and market stalls. Together with us Backpack2Barcelona, let’s walk together between the medieval buildings built on top of medieval roman ruins, looming over a maze of narrow, winding pedestrian streets!

The Barrio Gótico is one of the middle age cities of Barcelona, and it is the centre of the old Roman town of Barcino, which is the oldest part of Barcelona. It is known as Gothic Quarter, because it used to be the Roman village and thus, leaves some historical proof of its glorious past which is the Roman walus past. o check out in the areas eet. ls.

The beauty part of Barrio Gótico is the narrow and the labyrinth-like streets. There are a few hidden corners which are surrounded with little boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Tourists can consider buying some souvenirs from the boutique shops along the alleyways. We can also check out the little crevices on the old Roman walls. Besides that, if you visit the Barcelona history museum, you can still see the remains of Roman houses and streets of Barcelona (barcino) in Roman times under the museum.

There are thousands of bars in Barcelona. You’ll find heaps of bars, pubs and cafes located throughout the narrow street in Barrio Gotico, but there are also many more little gems spread throughout the city. It is the best place to do a bit of bar hopping.  On average, local beers and wines cost about €2-3 a glass. It’s probably the best bargain in Spain!Backpackers can have a short break in the numerous bars after a long day of exploring the city.

A magic shop in Gothic Quarter

A street performer livening up the atmosphere at Barrio Gótico

There are always events, some sort of cultural activity or at least a couple of street performers hanging out in various places around the area. 

This is the sandal shop in Barrio Gótico, one of the many traditional old shops in the area

Mouth-watering pastries are available just outside the streets for you to restore your energy after a long day of walking

There are no dangerous areas in the Gothic quarter, but beware of pickpockets.

Barrio Gótico is a place you can’t miss out on during your visit in Barcelona. The gothic quarter is free to visit and best seen on foot, because tour buses cannot get through the narrow streets. You can discover the charm of its streets, hidden corners and hundred-year-old buildings on your own. Trust me, you will not regret visiting this place.

Barrio Gotico Barcelona is a place to combine time travel with carefree self-indulgence!

Aaahh… There’s just something about Spain! Wonderful sites are coming your way, so stay tuned with Backpack2Barcelona!  :)

View of Barcelona - Tibidabo Mountain

Tibidabo Mountain is the tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola, which is the mountain range between river Besòs and Llobregat, with a height of 512 metres, located in the northwest of Barcelona. Its name is derived from the Latin Vulgate Bible which means “I will give to you.” The name is a result of the incident whereby the devil said the phrase to Jesus, as they looked down from an incredibly high mountain upon all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.

You can get there by metro and take the brown line L7 from PlacaCatalunyaat the centre of the town to AvenidaTibidabo. From there, change to the historic TramviaBlau to Plaça Dr Andreu from where the Tibidabo funicular leaves. While on the tram, you will have the opportunity to see Barcelona's most affluent residential area. The journey lasts around 7 minutes and you get off half way up the mountain. Alternatively, you could use the Barcelona Bus Turistic, which stops next to the splendid La Rotonda building at AvenidaTibidabo. Another tip is that for your way up to Tibidabo, you can also use the Vallvidrera Funicular. From PlacaCatalunya take S1 or S2 to Peudel Funicular, change to Vallvidrera Funicular and afterwards continue on Bus 111. During the ride, you can enjoy the scenery for a far cheaper price than other alternatives to go up the mountain, since you just need one normal metro ticket!

Tramvia Blau schedule

From 02/01 to 11/04: Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 10 am until 6pm
From 12/04 to 21/04: daily from 10am to 7:30pm
From 22/04 to 22/06: Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 10 am until 7:30pm
From 23/06 to 11/09: daily from 10am to 7:30pm
From 12/09 to 19/10: Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 10am until 7:30pm
From 20/10 to 31/12: Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 10am to 6pm

Ticket prices and more info available at http://www.tmb.cat/en/tramvia-blau

Bus Turistic tickets can be bought online. For more info, go to http://www.barcelonabusturistic.cat/en/informacio           

If you’re in the mood for some exercise, there’s a twisty path leading up to the top through the very posh residential area. It is pretty steep, so proper hiking gear is essential. Both methods of getting there allow you to enjoy some beautiful scenery. However, hiking down the mountain after dark is not recommended. This is because at night, the path is not very well lit and wild boars are pretty common in Spain. Unless you’re an experienced hiker, you should opt to take the transport provided. There are helpful signs on the path, but it is wise to get a map and of course, sunscreen! Half way up, there are cafes available. At the very top of the mountain, there is a church, an amusement park, and hotels.

         Residential area in Tibidabo

The church is called Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor which means the Church of the Sacred Heart. It can be seen from every part of the city. Its architecture is a combination of modernista and neogothic. As soon as you step off the funicular station, you are greeted by picturesque stained windows and beautiful stone work of its entrance. Admission into the church is free, but for a small fee of €2, you can take the elevator up to the first viewing platform. From the platform, you are free to walk about and explore the place, or if you’d like, there’s a spiral staircase leading you even higher up the church for an even more breath-taking view! Opening hours are from 7a.m. to 10p.m., but the funicular stations closes earlier.

Sagrat Cor exterior

Sagrat Cor interior

Funicular schedule

 More info available at http://www.mydestination.com/barcelona/usefulinfo/6183546/funicular-railway-to-tibidabo-mountain#

Tibidabo offers you distinctive rides and a fantastic view of Barcelona. Getting there is already part of the fun: metro + tram + funicular and you get to the park as well as the beautiful gothic cathedral! Amazing. 

Get closer to Nature - Sierra de Cadi

If you are an adventurous and outgoing person, the naturally beautiful Sierra de Cadi is definitely the right place to explore! The Cadiz mountain region ( La Sierra de Cadi) is absolutely breathtaking and it makes for a fantastic off-beat summer getaway!!

The Natural Park of the Sierra de Cadí-Moixeró is the largest in Catalonia, and straddles the provinces of Barcelona, Girona and Lerida. Also, it is a mountain park of great interest because of its great geological diversity, flora and fauna and it’s very accessible to the public. There are more than 40,000 hectares situated between 800m in the valleys and it stretches for more than 30 kilometers over the mountain ranges of Serra delCadí and Serra de Moixerówith 2.648m at the top of Vulturó. The Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park was created in July 1983 in response to the need to protect the Sierra del Cadí and the surrounding area.

In the Natural Park of the Cadi-Moixero there are various signposted paths with very different characteristics be it their difficulty, length, landscape type, facilities or type of sign. These signed routes are the best way to discover each corner of the park in a peaceful, safe and relaxed way. The Park's sport par excellence is cross-country hiking. There you can do mountain sports, make excursions and hunt. It is ideal for a tour. This park has a varied climate that has flora and fauna that is worth a visit. In the valley you will find lush vegetation including pine, beech, maple, aspen as well as hay meadows. At high level, you will find alpine meadows with wild flowers including gentian and crocus. This place is like heaven on Earth for nature lovers!

Where to stay in the Serra de Cadí:

·        HostalPedraforca 

•  Located 1.5km from the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. Its facilities, including a swimming pool and terrace, offer superb views of the landscape

·         Hostal Cal Batista 

• This charming, rustic-style hotel is surrounded by beautiful nature, located on the edge of Cadi-Moixeró National Park.

·         Fonda Biayna 

• It is a 17th-century manor house in the historic centre of Bellver de Cerdanya, within the Catalan Pyrenees. It offers free Wi-Fi in public areas. One of the oldest inns in Spain, Fonda. Biayna is just metres from the Plaça Major. Bellver is a short drive from the La Masella Ski Resort and the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. It is also well-known for its castle. The area is ideal for horse-riding and hiking.

Whether you prefer hiking one of the many mountain trails, or just hopping around the charming white villages by car, the mountain of Cadi offer a fantastic summer vacation option. Discover the place through the historic paths, and enjoy the installations and activities available.  On top of that, the region’s food is also scrumptious, and well known for being quite inexpensive!

Any other tips for unique summer vacation in Spain?  Feel free to drop a comment and share with us below! 

Experience the beauty of water, music and lights - Magic Fountain of Montjuic music and light show

The Magic Fountain

The Magic Fountain, which is also known as “Font Mágica Fountain,” is a must-see. This is a spectacular fountain which is very popular due to its water arrangements, sound and lighting. 2,600 litres of water is pumped through this great fountain per second in three concentric pools which have a water recirculation system. It was built in 1929 as an attraction for the Barcelona World Fair, and it is still one of the most famous spots in Barcelona. This beautiful show of water, light and music is simply enchanting and draws in more and more people every year with its mystical vibe. The Magic Fountain of Montjuic has choreographed music which combines musical fragments, light and water, lasting 10-14 minutes. Also, there are 3-4 minute songs to enjoy between each choreography.

How to get to the Magic Fountain?

Address: Plaça de Carles Buïgas, 08038, Barcelona 

Nearest metro station: Espanya L2

Therefore, you can get there by taking the metro to Plaça Espanya using Green Line, L3 and Red Line, L1.

Helpful metro guide

Operating Hours

The fountain is closed from Monday to Wednesday every week throughout the year. Operating hours might change according to season. Therefore, it would be best to check the operating hours of the fountain on their official website, http://www.bcn.cat/parcsijardins/fonts/EN/magica.html. Admission is free. Below is the timetable for the show times throughout year 2014.

Date		Time	Performance
7 February to 30 March	Friday and Saturday	19:00 is 21:00 pm	Music and color: 19 / 19.30 / 20 / 20.30 pm.
From 31 March to 30 October	Thursday to Sunday	23:30 to 21:00	Music and color: 21 / 21:30 / 22 / 22:30 pm *Note: 23 on 7 June, on the occasion of the Night Habanera is deleted from the musical fountain
From October 31 to January 6	Friday and Saturday, December 25, December 26, January 1, January 5	19:00 is 21:00 pm	Music and color: 19 / 19.30 / 20 / 20.30 pm.

*Fountain may also be close due to events and exhibitions

*Info obtained from http://guia.bcn.cat/horari-ilmiddotluminacio-font-magica-fonts-de-montjuic-_96318091405.html?idma=en

The Magic Fountain is not on the list of common favourites of travellers, but all visitors are recommended to clear their schedule for this show. It is free after all! What have you got to lose? This show is just what you need after a long and tiring day of touring the city. The water, lights, colour, music, mists, and water acrobatics are not only beautiful, but also very calming. Together, these elements make a divine spectacle, creating a magical atmosphere suitable for everyone, be it couples, kids, family, or lone travellers! You will not be disappointed.

Here's a little preview of the Montjuic music and light show! Enjoy! :)

Most visited monument throughout Spain - La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia Basilica by Antoni Gaudi

Planning your trip to Barcelona? When you visit this Spanish city, you will see a number of works designed by the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. It is a giant basilica that has been under construction since 1882. Today, the construction of this church continues and is expected to be completed around 2030.  When the project is completed, it will be the world’s tallest temple. Sagrada Familia is considered the most visited monument throughout Spain and it has become Barcelona’s most important landmark. Before you set off to this remarkable landmark in Barcelona, let us share with you some interesting information about Sagrada Familia!

1.    Temple: 

The exact name of the church is the Temple La Sagrada Familia. Temple refers to the fact that it was built completely by donations.

2.     Colour and style: 

When you visit the building, you will notice the contrast in the stone colour between the front and back part of building. Also, the actual style of construction appears somewhat different between the new and old parts of the building. 

 3.     Towers: 

Whilst it is well known that the basilica is still under construction according to Gaudi’s last full detailed plans of the building, there will eventually be 18 towers. Eight have been constructed so far and the rest of it is expected to be completed by 2030. Upon completion of the church, among the 18 towers: one for each of the 12 apostles, one for each of the 4 evangelists, one representing the Virgin Mary and the highest tower in honour of Jesus Christ. 

4.     Straight Lines:  

They are not straight lines or angles in the Sagrada Familia. Gaudi was inspired by the curves and flow of nature.

5.     Trees and tortoises: 

In the Sagrada Familia the pillars are consistently changing as they reach towards to the ceiling. They start as squares and change into octagons and so on until they become circular in shape. The columns supporting the inside of the church are thought to act like trees. At the base, you have a simple pillar, but the pillar eventually starts to branch off multiple times in a mathematical progression. Along with Gaudi’s naturalistic take on the pillars, animals hold two pillars up; one by a turtle and the other by a tortoise-one representing earth and the other represents the sea. 

6.     Windows: 

The windows are covered with beautiful stained glass windows and columns are lining the best imported stones. 

7.     The Crypt: 

Under the apse is the crypt, a small circular church which allows gatherings and prayers. It houses the tomb of Antoni Gaudi. Do not miss it! It is lovely!

PRACTICAL INFO:

Address : Carrer de Mallorca 401

Transport : Metro- Sagrada Familia Station (line 2)

Phone: +34 93 207 30 31

Price:
Adult €13 (+€4 Guide or audioguide)
Students and Pensioners: €11 (+€4 Guided or audioguide)
Kids up to 10 years: FREE
Lift Charge: €3

Time needed: easily around 2 hours

Operation hours: 9am-6pm (Oct-March)    9am-8pm (April-September)

Information: Bad weather elevator to upper level is closed.

TIP: The Sagrada Familia is not only famous for being Barcelona’s no.1 tourist attraction it’s also famous for its entrance queues. Up to 2 hours or more is not uncommon. Bear in mind you could be queuing for hours under the hot Spanish sun making this a particularly unpleasant experience. Make sure to bring plenty of fluids and sunscreen! It’s recommended to purchase the audio guide or take the guided group visit; you will enjoy best by discovering a number of details that otherwise you will miss. Lastly, you may download the official app for La Sagrada Familia for free at the AppStore.

Now that you know about the Sagrada Familia, plan a trip to visit this magnificent basilica and other attractive places that the city has got to offer. The feeling of awe you get as soon as you see this cathedral close-up is unexplainable. A truly beautiful man-made wonder and one of Gaudi’s finest creations. No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the Sagrada Familia! Leave your comments here on the Backpack 2 Barcelona travel blog!

THE BEST OF BARCELONA ON A TIGHT BUDGET!!

Early summer and fall are the best times to visit Barcelona, especially May to July.  Pleasant temperatures in the low to mid are accompanied by furry of festivals that trumpet the advent of summer.  However, it is not recommended to visit this city in the month of August as summer constitutes the high tourists season; temperatures, humidity and prices (on anything from airfares to hotels) are also at their highest.  August sees tons of Catalans heading out of town for cooler climates, leaving tourists to enjoy the city for themselves. That said, many restaurants and shops also decide it’s time for a vacation, thereby limiting the visitors’ selections for both shopping and dining. 

Looking for a backpacker hostel?  Look no further, this is the right place to be!

St Christopher's Inn Barcelona hostel

This hostel is highly recommended to backpackers. It’s located at Carrer de Bergara, 3, Barcelona, Spain, 08002 and many attractions of Barcelona are only minutes away on foot. Here, you can find a beautiful mezzanine garden, in-house cinema screen, outdoor eating areas and environment protecting solar panels on the roof. If you’d like, you may ask for privacy curtain and multi power socket for no additional charges whatsoever.  Besides that, breakfast, bed linen and Wi-Fi are FREE too. You can start off your day with a delicious Spanish breakfast and have a pleasant night over here with rates as low as €10.90 per night! Low cost and high quality. There’s no better combination!

Backpackers’ nightlife in Barcelona

Thinking of how to enjoy your nightlife in Barcelona with less than €15? Head down to L’Ovella Negra! The ideal place for drinking on a budget.

L'Ovella Negra is the perfect spot for a late night out in Barcelona. The charming and cosy environment is suitable for chit chat and chilling out. It is a popular spot among travellers and international students. This is a budget friendly bar suitable for backpackers to swap stories from their wild journeys with new friends. Price for tapas only costs €2.50 - €3.80 and €2.50 for 1.5 litres of beers.

The best place to kick back and enjoy a cold beer in Barcelona when you’re on a tight budget.