AWESOME AUTUMN in
BARCELONA
Autumn Edition 2012
AUTUMN in BARCELONA As the leaves change to vibrant shades of red, yellow and tangerine, believe it or not, the city of Barcelona becomes even more beautiful than ever. With a cooler climate, fewer people on the Ramblas and a range of entertaining activities ready for you to enjoy, autumn is the ideal time for a break in the Catalan capital. Run from fire demons at the biggest street festival of the year, uncover the secrets of Gaudí’s city in a spine-tingling walking tour, or join the kids on the merry-go-round at the oldest adventure park in Spain. And there’s plenty more where that came from! Read on in our latest edition for some top tips on how to experience the best of what will surely be an awesome autumn in Barcelona!
La MERCÈ Festival Sept 21 -24 The biggest street fiesta of the year. Don’t miss the human towers!
44th BARCELONA LA CASTANYADA BARCELONA Jazz Festival Traditional Feast Shopping Night Oct 30 - Nov 30 Enjoy some brilliant live tunes at this month-long music festival.
Nov 1 Sweet treats and All Saints Day celebrations.
Nov 22 Access all areas and free goodies at this famous shopping event.
APARTMENT BARCELONA
Autumn Edition 2012
Apartment Barcelona Magazine
Welcome to our magazine! Here we give you the best and most up to date info for your Barcelona vacation. From cool places to see to fun activities and day trips, and from top bars and nightlife to the tastiest food in the city, follow our tips on how to get the most out of your visit to Barcelona! Plus, each month we recommend one or more great neighborhoods for your stay. Read on in our latest issue and get ready for the trip of a lifetime...
Unmissable Events in Barcelona this Autumn FESTES de la Mercè
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WHEN WHERE Sept
21-24
his colourful Barcelona festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year. In honour of one of the patron saints of Barcelona ‘Our Lady of Mercy’, this annual fiesta features a whole host of typical Catalan characters from the heartstopping Castellers (human towers) to the parade of Gegants and Capgrossos (giants and bigheads made from papier-mâché). And that’s not to mention the endless live music and concerts, as well as the Correfoc (fire-run), where over 80,000 fireworks are set off throughout a massive procession. With over 500 activities and events in total, this is one festival that certainly has something for everyone; just make sure you don’t miss the grand finale at the Montjuïc Magic Fountain where a pyromusical display awaits you! For more information, visit the Mercè Festival website. Oct 3044th Barcelona JAZZ FESTIVAL WHEN Nov 30
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Barcelona city centre
WHAT
A four-day festival in honour of Mare de Deu de la Mercè
Festes de la Mercè 2012: Correfoc
WHERE Selected venues across the city
WHAT One of the biggest jazz festivals in Europe
azz fans making their way to Barcelona this autumn will have something to look forward to as the 44th annual Voll-Damm Barcelona International Jazz Festival is set to kick off on October 30th! This month-long musical extravaganza offers visitors a chance to catch live shows by some of the most famous jazz artists from all corners of the globe. The Soul Rebels, Francesco Tristano and Mariza are just a few of the cats looking to melt your blues away. The festival takes place at a variety of locations across the city, including the famous Palau de la Música Catalana, as well as the prestigious Luz de Gas and Bikini clubs. For more information on tickets, the full line-up of performers and how to get to the different venues, visit the Barcelona International Jazz Festival Website.
La CASTANYADA
WHEN Nov 1
WHERE Everywhere in Barcelona
O
WHAT All Saints Day full of sweet treats
n the day after Halloween the people of Spain celebrate another religious holiday: All Saints Day. Otherwise known as La Castanyada in Barcelona, the 1st of November is not only a time to remember loved ones, but it is also a day stuffed to the brim with delicious delicacies sure to make your taste buds tingle. Walking around the streets of the city, you will find an opportunity on almost every street corner to try some of the famous castanyes (roasted chestnuts), as well as see vendors selling hot sweet potatoes and panellets: little almond cookies with pine nut decorations. Wash it all down with some sweet muscatel wine and you’ve got yourself one tasty celebration!
Barcelona SHOPPING NIGHT
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WHEN Nov 22
WHERE Passeig de Gràcia,
Barcelona city centre
WHAT A night of music, free stuff and of course...shopping!
he third edition of this top Barcelona event will take place on November 22nd right on the grand Passeig de Gràcia. Giving an official start to the Christmas shopping season, stores ranging from Chanel to Zara will keep their doors open until 1am, ensuring that everyone gets the chance to pick up a gift or two. Many shops take to enticing customers with special treats, promos and champagne, and with a variety of cultural events going on such as street concerts and food tastings, this is a fun night out, whether you’re a shopaholic or not! For more info on what to expect visit the Barcelona Shopping Night website.
Autumn Edition 2012
this beautiful autumn season MOUNT TIBIDABO A Fanciful Day Out
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Spend a whimsical day out at Barcelona’s oldest amusement park
ome to a planetarium, the beautiful Sagrat Cor church (which can be seen for miles around at night) and a science museum, Mount Tibidabo has some truly amazing sights. Barcelona’s magical mountain towers over the city at a whopping 512m above sea level, giving those venturing to the top the opportunity to witness some incredible views! What’s more, the Tibidabo Amusement Park is perfect for those visiting Barcelona with kids. Known to be one of the oldest theme parks in the world, here you can get a genuine candy-floss-amusement-park experience. Take a ride on a little red plane as you zip through the clouds while enjoying the breathtaking views of Barcelona from above, or opt for the traditional Ferris wheel for a spot of old-school fun. Feeling hungry? This lovely area offers some of the most exclusive dining spots sure to leave stars in your eyes! For more information, visit the Tibidabo official website.
TANTALIZING TAPAS the Catalan Way
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side from the sweet delights of the autumn Castanyada in Barcelona like roasted chestnuts, hot sweet potatoes and almond biscuits (see ‘Save the Date’), we suggest you amuse your palate with one of the most famous Spanish delicacies: tapas. These bite-size snacks vary from spicy nibblings to savory and sugary combinations, and in Barcelona you’ll find plenty of traditional tapas joints placing special emphasis on the seafood element of these tasty treats. Some other popular Catalan tapas are prunes wrapped in bacon (for a salty-sweet sensation) and of course, the typical pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), which is often used as a base for many other tapas. For an authentic experience, head to El Xampanyet near the Ciutadella Park, and enjoy your favourite combinations with a glass of customary Catalan Cava at one of Barcelona’s oldest tapas bars.
Enjoy some traditional tapas Catalonia style
Autumn Edition 2012
WALKING TOURS Barcelona Secrets
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Discover the mysterious tales surrounding ‘Old Barcino’
ooking to avoid those typical tours where all the information can be found in a guide book? Then we recommend the Secrets and Legends of the Gothic District Tour. This is a fantastic activity for those in search of something more ‘off the beaten track’, where you will be able to uncover Barcelona’s many undisclosed tales as your tour guide explains everything from the legend of Santa Eulalia to the mystery surrounding the Jewish gravestones… You can also see some of the more familiar sights of the city such as the only remaining columns from the Ancient Roman city of ‘Barcino’. But for those who prefer something slightly more chilling, don’t forget to ask about the ‘7 Deadly Sins’ or the ‘Witches’ tours by the same company, sure to leave you with a goose bump or two!
TARRAGONA’S Own Roman Empire
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ituated just an hour from bustling Barcelona, you will find the historical city of Tarragona. Located in Costa Dorada and easily accessible from Barcelona by Renfe train, Tarragona offers a brilliant day trip with some fantastic beaches and astonishing sights! Once the capital of the Roman Empire, visitors exploring the ‘Old Town’ area of the city will find the well-preserved ruins of ancient aqueducts and a stunning 2nd century AD amphitheatre. There is also the chance to step out onto the Balcón del Mediterráneo, and take in the amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea. Take a stroll along the picturesque alleyways dotted with brightly coloured orange trees, or stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the Plaça de la Font; whatever you choose, you’ll find that a day trip to Tarragona is perfect for those who wish to explore Catalonia this autumn.
Marvel at Barcelona’s Roman ruins with a day trip to tranquil Tarragona
F.C BARCELONA The Season Heats Up
B Experience the exhilirating atmosphere at the Nou Camp
arcelona is home to what many consider to be the best football team in the world, so it stands to reason that no trip to the Catalan capital would be complete without the FC Barcelona experience. Now with a new coach, Tito Vilanova, this season should be an interesting one, and during the autumn months the football schedule is filled to the brim as Barça vie for the much desired La Liga title. Will they manage to snatch the cup from the hands of their biggest rivals or will Real Madrid put a quick stop to their campaign? Grab your tickets now and find out as you spend a night amongst some of the biggest Blaugrana fans in the Camp Nou, witnessing first-hand some of Messi’s famous tiki-taka skills.
Autumn Edition 2012
Take a trip down Las Ramblas this autumn
APARTMENTS for your Awesome Autumn
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o make the most of your autumn adventure in Barcelona, we recommend staying in the Ciutat Vella district of the city, near Las Ramblas. Opting for an apartment in the historical Gótico for your break this season is ideal as the intricate labyrinthine streets, intimate plazas and astonishing Gothic architecture of the neighbourhood are best enjoyed against a colourful autumn backdrop. You could also stay in the cool ‘barrio’ of El Raval, which, like the Gothic Quarter, is just steps away from Barcelona’s famous Las Ramblas! This street has everything from entertaining human statues to top stores, making it a definite ‘must see’. With a central location plus plenty to see and do, there’s no better place to choose as the base for your trip this autumn than a Ciutat Vella apartment near Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Enjoy your stay in an apartment near Las Ramblas
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