While the art of flamenco originated in southern Spain, primarily in Andalusia – where the fiery dance, soulful music, and expressive singing evolved from a blend of Roma, Arab and Jewish cultures – it also has a rich tradition in Barcelona.

Artists from Andalusia began to perform in Barcelona in the late 19th century, as a wave of immigrants from the south arrived in the prosperous region of Catalonia, which was being rapidly transformed by the industrial revolution. They brought with them their culture, and it became relatively commonplace to stumble upon an impromptu concert of guitar, clapping and percussion, accompanied by, at times joyous at others dirgeful, singing.

…you won’t have to look hard to find an authentic flamenco performance in the city of Barcelona.

No one cemented the legacy of flamenco in Barcelona more than the prodigiously talented Carmen Amaya. Born on November 2, 1913 (well probably, the date is disputed), in the Somorrostro shanty town (that once occupied Barcelona’s coastline), Carmen Amaya displayed an exceptional gift for dance from an early age and would accompany her father to perform in bars around the city. Greater things beckoned though as she moved to Madrid where her reputation grew yet bigger, until she exploded as a global star…. travelling to America and beyond, and bringing flamenco to the world’s consciousness.

Fast forward to present day, and Amaya’s influence can still be felt in the cosmopolitan Catalan capital, that continues to be a melting pot of Spanish cultures (as well as international ones), and you won’t have to look hard to find an authentic flamenco performance in the city of Barcelona.

Here are 6 of the very best places to catch a show…

1. El Tablao de Carmen

Where else to start this list of great tablaos, than the venue established as a tribute to Carmen Amaya in 1988. Tablao de Carmen is located in the Andalusian section of the romantic Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village), making this the ideal spot to sample some southern flavour in the north east of Spain. Aside from boasting the highest rated flamenco show on Get Your Guide, an advantage of choosing Tablao de Carmen is that you can enjoy a delicious Spanish dinner while watching the show (most other tablaos serve food, before or after the show, if at all). The tapas dinner is excellent, although the full Spanish dinner and VIP options are worthy upgrades if you have the budget. The tablao stages two shows a night, at 18:45 and 21:15 each night (doors open 45 mins earlier) and you can actually access Poble Espanyol for free, after 16:00, with your concert ticket (usually €12!). It’s well worth looking around the village!

2. Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

My second choice for checking out a flamenco concert would be the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, a legend of the scene that has been showcasing the art of flamenco since 1970 and features some of the best performers in Spain. Tablao Cordobes has recreated the atmosphere of an authentic Andalusian tablao with low vaulted ceiling, offering excellent acoustics, and Moorish style tiles and decoration, and is very handily located on La Rambla. They throw three concerts a night, and you can come for just the show, or take advantage of their Spanish buffet, with 40 Spanish and Catalan specialties to choose from (including paella, Galician octopus, gazpacho and more iconic dishes from around Iberia). Tickets available on Get Your Guide.

3. Palau Dalmases

Another option in the centre of the Old Town, Palau Dalmases is the name of a stunning 17th century villa in the heart of Barcelona’s Born district. The Palau offers three flamenco shows a night (at 18:45, 20:00 and 21:15), and tickets at the back start from €30 per person. I’d be tempted to upgrade to the middle rows at least (€40, but with drink included!). Another cool option they offer is to take a walking tour of the Old Town first and then enjoy the show, plus optional tapas dinner. Book the walking tour option on Get Your Guide, or just reserve concert tickets.

4. City Hall Theatre

I know City Hall as a nightclub, but in fact this spacious venue in the centre of town has plenty of different auditoriums and they throw popular flamenco events on a nightly basis. The venue is not the most emblematic in town, but the flamenco is of a high quality and the prices are hard to beat! Tickets start at €25.

5. Los Tarantos

Established in 1963, Los Tarantos claims to be the oldest tablao still running in Barcelona! It is actually pretty cool and authentic place on the stunning Plaça Reial (one of my favourite squares!), and plays host to 4 shows a night. The prices are excellent, at just €25 a ticket, but the one drawback is the seating is done on a first come, first served basis – so you may end up standing. The shows are relatively short, at just 30-35 mins or so. If you not sure if flamenco is for you, this is a good way to get a short sharp taste of the genre. If you want to combine a concert with tapas, check out this combined activity.

6. Flamenco Show + Sailing Trip

Ok, here’s a curved ball for you… how about combining a sailing trip on the Mediterranean with a flamenco show at none other than the Palau de la Musica Catalana? The pleasures of sailing speak for themselves (it’s great to see Barcelona’s coastline from the sea!), while the Palau de la Musica Catalana is one of the most gorgeous buildings in Barcelona, designed by an illustrious peer of Gaudi. The Palau’s music hall is even more stunning than its red brick exterior, with its inverted, stained glass dome which represents the sun in the sky. Available for just €119 on Get Your Guide.

Further Reading

If you’re coming to Barcelona don’t forget to check out our full weekend guide, along with our list of classic and cool things to do, and some of our other coverage – such as the best bicycle tours in town!

Feature photo by Tablao de Carmen.

The post The Best Flamenco Shows in Barcelona appeared first on Urban Travel Blog.

“Riding a bike always provides a great feeling of freedom and joy — especially when you ride along the gorgeous seaside in Barcelona, with the sun caressing your face,” says Eduard, the longest serving guide of the pioneering bicycle tour company Steel Donkeys.

“The side effects to this experience are: happiness, exhilaration and a smile that can last for days.”

Edu clearly loves his job, and it’s easy to see why. Pottering around Barcelona’s back allies on a rather nifty Italian city bike, and showing his guests the many secrets he has garnered after nearly a life time of living in the Catalan capital (impressively, it turns out, he has also lived in China and speaks good Mandarin) is not a bad way to spend your days. Especially if the sun is shining, as it is 300 days of the year in Barcelona. Even the winters are mild here on the Mediterranean, and usually dry during the day, with temperatures still climbing up to 16 degrees on average.

In recent years the city council have made a determined effort to turn their city into a kind of Amsterdam of the south.

But it’s not only the year-round balmy weather that makes cycling around Barcelona such a joy. In recent years the city council have made a determined effort to turn their city into a kind of Amsterdam of the south. In 2018 alone, they added around 50km of new bicycle lanes, and it is now estimated that 95% of citizens live within 300 metres of a cycle path.

The rather natty red and white numbers that make up the city’s Bicing bikeshare scheme are sadly off limits for tourists (you need a Bicing card to operate them, and these annual passes are available for residents only). However, there are no shortage of rental firms willing to rent you a set of wheels, while there are plenty of advantages to booking a professional bike tour led by an expert guide such as Edu.

We preview 6 amazing bicycle tours of Barcelona below…

 
His local knowledge lifts what would be a lovely ride to something even more edifying, and his under-the-radar itinerary means you don’t feel like you’re contributing to mass tourism (a trend that is unfortunately beginning to blight Barcelona).

His local knowledge lifts what would be a lovely ride to something even more edifying, and his under-the-radar itinerary means you don’t feel like you’re contributing to mass tourism…

“My favourite thing to show travellers is what the real Barcelona looks like, beyond the Gaudi houses, Sagrada Familia or Las Ramblas. Places like a community garden, run entirely by the neighbours, the last and only operating wood-powered oven inside the city where they continue to roast coffee and nuts, or an open-air swimming pool for kids and families in the middle of downtown.”

‘Alternative’ is a bit of watchword at Steel Donkeys where guides are given license to develop their own itineraries and to show guests something beyond the guidebook. Indeed they claim to be one of the world’s first alternative tours, championing off the path tourism as far back as 2010.

“They [our tours] are guided by people that love the city and know a great deal about it. Through us, you will easily discover some of the best most overlooked places in town: from an old brothel, to a hidden park, to the best orxata place in Barcelona,” says Edu proudly.

Another of those people is Mariana, an Argentine who has lived in Barcelona for a decade now, and has zero intention of leaving. Like Edu, she revels in uncovering the city’s lesser known lights.

“I like to show a contrast between the old and the new, the wonderful remnants of medieval and art nouveau times, and the exciting modern developments of the city. We talk about politics, history, art, society and culture. I love every stop, but it is true that I have a very deep feeling for Santa Maria del Mar.”

“We talk about politics, history, art, society and culture. I love every stop, but it is true that I have a very deep feeling for Santa Maria del Mar.”

The point about conversation is salient. Whereas most bike tours in Barcelona ride in groups of 15 to 20 people, Steel Donkeys offers a more intimate ’boutique’ experience, riding in groups of no more than 8 guests, plus guide. On average the group size is just 4 or 5 people, allowing for much more interaction between guide and guest. Their guides do not simply broadcast a prepared speech and then move on to the next stop, they converse, and being part of that conversation turns out to be a lot of fun – not just for the travellers, but for the guides too. Engaging with the travellers is part of what makes the job so appealing to Mariana: “It is very rewarding when the guests ask questions about what I am saying, and when they are well informed of any topic that we speak. It is also very nice when it is an open tour and the integration between the whole group is achieved!”

Whereas most bike tours in Barcelona ride in groups of 15 to 20 people, Steel Donkeys offers a more intimate ’boutique’ experience, riding in groups of no more than 8…

And if the conversation does run dry? Well, it seems both Edu and Mariana can reply on the simple joy of riding along the city’s stretch of urban sands on the way back to the city centre.

“I love to see their faces of enthusiasm when they reach the beach, and at the end of each tour to see their faces of joy, their high energy and their words of gratitude. This for me, is without doubt the best reward and the best moments.”

Practical Details

Steel Donkey Bike Tours run tours every day during high season (April to October), and every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday throughout winter, departing at 10am from their Port Olimpic bike hub.

The itinerary isn’t fixed, but typically you will see some of the Old Town, some of Eixample and modern Barcelona and return to base via the beaches and Mediterranean sea. You’ll normally stop off for a glass of orxata and a pastry, or even some light tapas (all food and drink at your own expense).

The tour last 4 hours (give or take 15 mins), and costs €39 per person. You can book online via their website.

That price includes bike rental (helmet on request) and guide, but any snacks you pay for yourself. It’s slightly more expensive than the average bike tour, but considering you’ll be cycling in a much smaller group, it’s perhaps the best value for money tour on the market.

You can also upgrade to an electric bike for a €10 surplus, and if you can’t make one of their regular departures their private tours are just €69 a person (min. 2 people), so still very affordable.

Not sure if this is the tour you’re looking for? Keep reading to discover all your two wheel options for exploring the Catalan capital…

Top 6 Barcelona Bike Tours

Steel Donkeys are perhaps the hippest and well-known name in town, but they certainly aren’t the only company you can saddle up with in Barcelona. Let’s countdown the top six tours in (and around) the city.

1. Steel Donkey Bike Tours

These pioneers of local, small group tourism have amazing guides and a relaxed ‘discovering the city with friends’ vibe, which has no doubt contributed to making them one of the must-do experiences in Barcelona. At just €39 per person they are very affordable for a boutique style tour (maximum 8 guests), and they also offer private tours from just €69.
www.steeldonkeybiketours.com

2. Ocean Bikes Barcelona

Recently launched, Ocean Bikes also start their tours on the gorgeous revamped Port Olimpic marina, and their fleet of sleek Italian-designed Schiano electric bikes are perfect for ranging over the city. Thanks to their battery power, travellers can sign up for the likes of the Photo Highlights Tour which takes in all of Barcelona’s most impressive vistas, from the city beaches to the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic mountain. Naturally, there’s time to take in the mind-boggling works of Gaudi as well! They also offer a relaxed afternoon tour, ebike rental, and a sailing option.
oceanbikesbarcelona.com

3. Photo Bike Tour

Set up by passionate photographer and traveller, Alfredo, this electric bicycle tour of the Catalan capital is one of the best-reviewed in town. Often led by Alfredo himself, the itinerary takes in the majority of the city’s top sights, like La Sagrada Familia and other of Gaudi’s greatest hits, the Gothic Quarter and the beaches. Thanks to the mobility of the e-bikes there’s also time to get up to the Olympic Village on Montjuic (this would be a difficult climb on a normal bike!). Overall the experience is a bit pricer than average, but most people feel the €65 (+ booking fee) is money well spent for this small-group tour, that takes in all the highlights.
www.photobiketourbarcelona.com

4. Fat Tire Bike Tours

One of Europe’s most popular travel companies, Fat Tires offer a great introduction to Barcelona via their City Bike Tour that is perfect for first time visitors on a budget. As well as La Sagrada Familia, you’ll see the Gothic Cathedral and other highlights of the old town, plus take a ride to Barceloneta beach. One fun stop is the beautiful Monumental Bullfighting Arena (no longer used for the purpose, as bull-fighting is banned in Catalonia!), which is not on many other company’s itineraries. Tours cost €34, and you ride with a maximum of 15 people. Night rides also available!
www.fattiretours.com/barcelona

5. Gaudi Bike Tours

If the works of Gaudi are top of your travel agenda, then look no further than this outfit which specialises in revealing the genius of the architect to city newcomers. Their Gaudi UNESCO Highlights Tour take you to five sensational buildings, including La Sagrada Familia, three of his zany mansions and an austere palace. This small group ride costs €39 and also take you to the scenic district of Gracia and the leafy Parc de la Ciutadella.
gaudibiketours.com

6. E-bike Tour w/ Wine & Tapas

Gourmets will love this tour, that takes you, via electric bicycle, around the Bohemian district of El Borne, and finishes with a delicious wine tasting session paired with tapas. The 2.5 hour tour is done in a small group, and the price of €59 per person includes food and drink. The tour is offered via Get Your Guide.

Outside Barcelona

No need to restrict yourself to the city limits… take a ride up the coast to an urban vineyard!

Alella Wine Tour by E-Bike (Coastal Ride!)

Did you know Barcelona is surrounded by wine regions? Twelve of them to be precise, dotted all around the autonomous region of Catalonia. On this Bacchic bike ride you’ll go all the way out of town to the Alta Alella vineyard, which is about 10-12 kilometres up the coast… so a lovely ride. The ebikes (made by Mercedes Benz) make the distance easy and once you get there you’ll be treated to a tour of the vineyards and cellars, and – as you would hope – a wine tasting session is included in the price. Don’t worry about drinking too much, you’ll get a train back into town. Book via Get Your Guide.

Further Reading

If you are coming to Catalonia, don’t forget to check out some of our other in depth travel articles on Barcelona, such as a look at the photo tour trend, our favourite Cava bars, or the best buildings designed by someone other than Gaudi. Enjoy!

The post Top 6 Barcelona Bike Tours appeared first on Urban Travel Blog.

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If there’s one thing Madrid won’t tolerate, it’s being second best. Situated in the heart of the country, the city prides itself on being the pinnacle of Spanish culture, art and style. Madrid’s buzzing atmosphere, diverse cultural events and resplendent architecture – even the Post Office building is a work of art here – more than justify its status as Spain’s capital. Yet this beautiful, land-locked city is often shunned in favour of Barcelona’s coastal charms.

But Madrid isn’t the kind of city to take this lying down. In true Spanish defiance, Madrid has refused to pander to the mainstream tourist trail and instead celebrates its understated, authentic atmosphere. From its glorious Art Deco buildings, such as the Edificio Metropolis, to its picturesque cobbled streets, Madrid oozes an effortless style. There’s no need to boast about the capital’s world-class shopping, rich culture or relentlessly energetic nightlife, you’ll discover them when you get here. An easy-going and friendly city, Madrid casually invites visitors rather than demanding their attention. The Madrileños don’t feel the need to talk up their city: they prefer to sit back, enjoy the sun-soaked atmosphere and pity those who are missing out.

Best of the Beaten Track

The buzzing Gran Vía area is a Mecca for fun-loving residents and tourists alike. Madrid’s answer to Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Broadway all rolled in to one, this is where you find the city’s main entertainment. Enjoy a grandiose musical at Plaza de Callao, treat yourself to a cocktail on the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, or simply browse the shopping haven of Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol.

If all this leaves you thirsty for culture, then head to the Prado and Reina Sofía museums. Art-lovers flock to both in droves to ponder some of Europe’s most famous artwork. While the Prado showcases earlier artists such as El Greco and Goya, the Reina Sofía houses more contemporary work. Picasso’s Guernica is the museum’s top crowd-puller and visitors stop in their tracks to stare at this mind-boggling interpretation of the Spanish Civil War.

When your energy starts to flag, the Parque del Buen Retiro provides the perfect playground for a lazy afternoon in the sun. An oasis of greenery in Madrid’s hectic core, visitors come here to soak up the rays among the park’s balmy trees and landscape gardens. But the Retiro isn’t just a pretty face – cutting-edge artwork is always on display here and Madrid’s performers regularly grace the park’s picturesque paths. Although if it’s pure piece and quiet you’re after, the lake area is best avoided – a zealous drummer will usually spring to life here around lunchtime, with energetic sun-worshippers dancing to the beat.

Hipster’s Guide

Malasaña is the district of choice among the young and trendy Madrid crowd. The eclectic mix of cluttered cafés, offbeat bars and boutique shops is a haven for those seeking to escape the McDonald’s and Starbucks chains of the city centre. While the area may not be picture perfect – graffiti adorns many of Malasaña’s walls and shutters – its cobbled streets exude a quirky charm.

Calle Fuencarral is best for designer boutiques and independent outlets, while chic bars and cafés lie on the neighbouring side streets. If you’re in the mood for a more tranquil setting, the artistic Café Manuela invites passers-by to while away the afternoon – board games are even on hand for when the conversation runs dry.

Experience & Events

Nowhere knows how to throw a fiesta like Madrid, and every local holiday invites a hedonistic mix of celebratory events, processions and revelry. San Isidro is perhaps the best time to experience Madrid in full party mode, marking the annual homage to Madrid’s rural patron saint. Celebrations start on May 15th, as Madrileños don ceremonial dress and open air performances take place in every corner of the city. The Plaza Mayor is always particularly lively, often playing host to traditional dance and theatre productions.

The bustling El Rastro market is also a great way to experience a colourful slice of Madrid while picking up a thrifty deal. Traders have set up their stalls here every Sunday for nearly five centuries, attracting tourists and bargain hunters alike. Granted, it may take a while to find a gem among the maze of market stalls, but you’ll soon find haggling can get you everywhere.

Of course, no football fan comes to Madrid without paying a visit to Real Madrid’s legendary stadium. Football is a sacred sport here, but take care if you expect every local bar to be backing Real Madrid all the way. There’s a bitter rivalry between Madrid’s flagship team and the underdog Atlético club, said to be supported by the ‘real Madrileños’. Proudly displaying a ‘los blancos’ shirt can attract more abuse than you may expect.

If, on the other hand, you actively enjoy resolving tricky situations then how about upping the ante and travelling back in time to the 1930s to solve a grand art theft, or heading back to the Cold War to avert a false alarm that could trigger a nuclear war? We already reported on the Escape Rooms trend that started in Budapest, but here in the Spanish capital you can also test your grey matter at the likes of EXIT Madrid.

If slow travel is your thing, sign up for Spanish classes with Expanish Madrid and learn the lingo, in between exploring the city and its culture.

Pillow Talk

The Hotel de las Letras is one of Madrid’s most stylish haunts, designed around the unusual combination of luxury and literacy. While guests are treated to five-star surroundings, including a sleek rooftop bar overlooking Gran Vía, there’s also a relaxing library for when the jet-set lifestyle becomes too much. Despite the cheesy ‘Room mate’ gimmick – each hotel in the chain is named after an attractive slumber partner – the Mario hotel is perfect for reasonably-priced rooms in the central district. With a rooftop bar, modern decor and complimentary fruit at reception, you’ll still feel like you’re in the lap of luxury. And if you’re on a budget, Cat’s Hostel offers cheap and cheerful accommodation, with the best value bar in the city. Naturally the web-o-sphere dishes up some attractive apartment options too offering affordable digs in various central and hip districts.

Fork Out

Eating ham is practically a religion here in Madrid, with many tapas bars choosing to devote themselves to various types of jamón iberico. For a taste of authentic tapas without splashing the cash, head down to El Tigre, a sidrería (cider bar) where every drink is served with a selection of the day’s dishes. This is best visited during the week though – weekends can see crowds rushing in for the prospect of free chorizo and patatas bravas.

Meanwhile, Casa Lucio delivers top class Castillian food, serving traditional dishes such as cocido (Madrid-style stew).

And fear not if you’re vegetarian – Malasaña’s restaurants offer plenty of delicious alternatives to ham. Check out the extravagant Isla del Tesoro (‘Treasure Island’) for the best meat-free cuisine Madrid has to offer.

Drop In

Madrid’s nightlife is famously energetic and continues well into the morning, when revellers hungrily grab a breakfast remedy of chocolate and churros. The central district of Sol is a hub of nocturnal activity, with many frequenting lively, no-frills hotspots such as El Sol.

Alternatively, stroll around Malasaña’s bars for a more chilled-out experience – the oriental Areia and authentically Spanish El 2 De are both local favourites.

And if it’s pure luxury you’re after, take a trip to the Baton Rouge for extravagant cocktails, or Kapital for a bling-filled dancefloor and R’n’B beats.

Getting There & Around

Easyjet and Ryanair fly to Madrid from a number of UK airports and other major cities around Europe, with traditional carriers such as BA, Iberia, Air Europa, Vueling and Spanair also operating routes. For getting from the airport into town check out Book Taxi Madrid to reserve a ride easily in advance online. Trenhotel also run overnight trains from Lisbon and Paris; whilst fast, if not cheap, trains will also get you to and from Barcelona, Valencia and Sevilla within Spain.

More Juice

The Time Out website is packed full of ways to enjoy the city, from the most authentic flamenco bars to the best way to spot a local bargain. What Madrid gives travellers a useful area by area guide to the city, while About Madrid has a number of practical tips and links.

Hard Copy

Guidebooks-wise, Lonely Planet and Eyewitness guides give a great picture of the city, while Frommer’s Madrid Day by Day has plenty of ideas in a handy, pocket-sized format.

Depending on your nationality, a story about a Spanish mercenary out to kill two Englishmen in Madrid may or may not be comfortable reading – however the swashbuckling adventures of Captain Alatriste by Pérez-Reverte is the kind of romp Alexandre Dumas would be proud to pen.

Another hugely enjoyable epic is the Manuscript Found in Saragossa, a bizarre series of stories within stories set in Spain by the eccentric Polish Count Potocki.

Silver Screen

For films set in Madrid, look no further than Abre Los Ojos, the original Spanish (and needless to say infinitely better) version of Vanilla Sky.

Naturally, a fair share of Almodovar‘s movies are also set in the capital, such as Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown, which was nominated for best foreign film.

There’s a great list of Madrid-based films on this blog.

Soundtrack to the City

City Map

View Madrid City Break in a larger map

This article was first published in 2010, and updated on 18th February 2022.

The post Long Weekend: Madrid appeared first on Urban Travel Blog.

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Hipsters Guide	More Info
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Food & Restaurants	Listen To This
Bars & Clubs	City Map

If Barcelona were a woman she would be a ravishing but rebellious Miss World misfit, one who regularly neglects her beauty sleep for debauched nights out that can leave her looking distinctly worse for wear. The city’s best features, such as La Sagrada Familia, are perennially being patched up by unsightly cranes and scaffolding, graffiti (only some of which transcends to art) is splashed over shutters and walls and the household garbage of local residents, left out on the pavements for collection, mar the otherwise picturesque streets of Barcelona’s Old Town.

Bizarre perhaps, but it’s the city’s rough edges that makes you love her even more. Barcelona is no too-good-to-be-true model tourist town, full of perfect paint jobs and picture postcard plazas. She is a real city who wears her fierce Catalan heart on her sleeve, dresses in the fading – but still beautiful – Modernista facades of yesteryear, and courts the company of dreadlocked hipsters, tattooed beatniks and other assorted counter-culture kids. Liberal, self-contented and loud-mouthed (especially after a caña or two), this is a city which never feels guilty about having a good time, and doesn’t care what she looks like in the morning.

Best of the Beaten Track

Gaudi grabs the headlines when it comes to attractions in Barcelona, and it’s interesting to note that the very works once mocked for their OTT grandiosity and ‘superbly creative bad taste’ (Dali), have now become synonymous with the city’s aesthetic.

La Sagrada Familia is of course his crowning glory and it really is worth braving the queues to get up close and personal with this towering cathedral, built along the architectural principles of Mother Nature which intrigued Gaudi as a boy (update, no need to brave queues… you can buy an advance ticket from Get Your Guide and choose an arrival time. Way better!).

Gaudi’s foray into landscape gardening, Park Guell, is also well worth the metro ride north (take the green line from the centre up to Lesseps). The views over the city are tremendous and film buffs will enjoy deconstructing scenes from both L’Auberge Espagnole and Vicki Cristina Barcelona. Sadly it’s no longer free to enter, and you’re best advised buying a ticket in advance.

Other Gaudi show-stoppers include the Casa Batllo (tickets) and Casa Mila aka ‘La Pedrera’ (tickets), both on the grand Passeig de Gracia boulevard.

Las Ramblas is the city’s iconic thoroughfare, a love it or loathe it place, bursting with flower stalls, souvenir shops, cartoon artists, street performers as well as street hawkers, pickpockets and (by night) prostitutes and constantly jam-packed with people at almost any hour of the day. This chaotic boulevard is also the gateway to the sensory overload of La Boqueria food market and palm-tree serenity of Plaça Reial, a good starting place for a jaunt deeper into the Gothic Quarter.

Those with a bit more time to play with should get over to Montjuic (Jewish Mountain) home to an oddball selection of cultural greats such as the National Museum of Catalan Art, Poble Espanyol, Joan Miro Foundation, Caixa Forum, Calatrava’s needle and, by night, the delightfully cheesy Magic Fountains light and sound show.

If at some point you feel your ‘museum legs’ coming on, then there’s always Barcelona’s many beaches to check out. They have their critics, but any qualms about dirty water and overcrowding is offset by the sheer entertainment provided by unabashed nudists, bronzed volleyball players, bongo-bashers/banjo-strummers, Asian hawkers, South American surfers and many more colourful characters. If the heat gets too much an ice-cold mojito at one of the chiringuitos (beach bars) = time well spent.

​If you’re planning an intensive assault on the city’s sights then it might be worth investing in a Barcelona Card, as it has a lot of freebies and discounts (often with “skip the line” privileges), plus enables you to use public transport for free. Available in two, three or five day options.

Hipster’s Guide

Whereas most cities have their very own Shoreditch, Friedrichshain or Kazimierz, virtually every district in Barcelona has Bohemian aspirations.

El Born is perhaps the prettiest and home to a comfortable mix of tourists checking out the superb Picasso Museum and fitting in some boutique shopping, together with arty locals going about their business, slowly. I suggest picking up a Diana camera at the Lomography store, before heading to the Passeig del Born in the evening to capture the lively buzz of Barcelona’s barflies sticking into their cañas and conversation.

Elsewhere, a socially-excluded immigrant population, assorted waifs and strays, and the counter culture community, are normally enough to scare the average tourist away from Raval, leaving the likes of Rambla de Raval – one of the city’s prettiest streets – to be enjoyed by more adventurous city breakers. All in all the Raval area is full of surprise finds, such as the Gothic courtyard of the old Santa Creu hospital, a wonderful oasis of orange trees and birdsong where students (and drunks) recline in the sun. (Incidentally this is the same hospital where Gaudi died, three days after being struck by a tram. Always watch where you’re going kids!).

If you fancy exploring with a local expert the friendly folk at Steel Donkey Bike Tours specialise in small group alternative tours of the city, taking you around all of the barrios above, as well as the post-industrial district of Poblenou and its urban beaches.

For an in depth look at bike tourism, along with the best bicycle tours, check our article.

Other cool things to do in Barcelona, as reported on by Urban Travel Blog, include street photography tours and personal shopping tours, and – if you’re feeling brave – you can even enjoy a plate of paella with a notorious criminal.

Experience & Events

You may have heard of a little-known soccer outfit by the name of FC Barcelona, held in great affection by the locals. The atmosphere at the 99,000-seater Camp Nou is known more for its reverence than electricity so don’t expect pandemonium at the game, more polite admiration (or jeers and whistles if things aren’t going the culés way). If you’re not here on match day be sure to visit the Camp Nou Experience which grants you access to the museum, changing rooms and hallowed turf. For an in-depth look at what to expect check out this Camp Nou Tour review.

Year-round Barcelona is full of events and experiences that will linger long in the memory, such as the firework-laden all-nighter that is Sant Joan (Sant Juan in the rest of Spain) and the enthusiastically celebrated festes majores: week-long street parties held in each district throughout summer, culminating in La Merce, the city-wide celebration that comes with carnival-style processions and free concerts in every plaça and park. Make sure you catch highlights like the Catalan traditions of correfoc (fire-running) and castellers (human castles).

If you really want to experience Barcelona-style hedonism however come for the world-renowned Sonar electronic music festival. Even if you can’t afford a ticket to the main event, scores if not hundreds of parties and concerts make up a formidable Off programme. For less beats per minute, but even more hipsterdom, then time your visit for Primavera Music Festival in late May / early June.

For a much wider range of experiences, tours and day trips in and around Barcelona, check out the gurus at BCN.travel. Like-wise Get Your Guide have a tonne of worthy options, and make it easy to book tickets and tours online.

Travellers who plan on staying in town for a few weeks might consider a language learning holiday. There are several respected academies in Barcelona, such as Expanish language school, which offer Spanish courses together with cultural activities.

Pillow Talk

Ipod docks, pink neon lights and panoramic views make the pillows at Barcelo Raval some of the most progressive in the city. This sleek circular tower is a sign of the gentrification of Raval district, but a word of warning – it hasn’t happened yet!

If you’re keen to go green Casa Camper’s total recycling policy and solar panels make for a eco-friendly stay.

Casa Bonay is perhaps the hottest address in town for hip travellers, with a bit of cash to splash. There’s an awesome rooftop terrace, bar and coffee house on site, and a yoga matt in every room. Perhaps that’s why Les Boutique Hotels rate it as the best boutique accommodation in Barcelona.

For old school charm the family-run Hotel Grau is hard to beat. Overlooking a narrow street just off Las Ramblas, visitors are recommended to check out the accompanying bar next door for homemade Vermouth served since 1862.

Budget travellers should check out the three best hostels in the city, as chosen by Hostelgeeks.com no less!

Fork Out

Gastronomes are spoilt for choice in Barcelona, and whilst your chances of landing a table at Ferran and Albert Adria’s Tickets Bar are minuscule, even the crappiest neighbourhood gaff will serve up a decent bocadillo (sandwich) and – as long as you avoid dining right on Las Ramblas – it’s hard to eat badly in this city.

If you are up for braving Raval’s back alleys Cera23 serves up innovative Catalan cuisine and really delicious blackberry mojitos (although the Tripadvisor effect means you’ll be dining with as many tourists as locals), whilst also in Raval you’ll find Elisabets, one of my “go to” tapas bars when I’m showing similarly financially-challenged friends around the city.

Otherwise sidle over to local favourite Cafe de L’Academia, which with characteristic Catalan obstinacy doesn’t bother to open at weekends.

Alternatively why not go straight to the source at La Boqueria market, and either do some shopping or grab a snack at kiosk restaurants like El Quim.

To really understand the local culinary scene sign up for Food Tours Barcelona‘s Catalan Gastronomy Tour, which takes you to the more local Sant Antoni market and introduces you to everything from Iberian ham to avant-garde Adria-inspired tapas.

Drop In

The key areas for Barcelona nightlife are Plaça Reial, favourite with the backpacker crowd and home to several bars and clubs of dubious quality, and Port Olimpic where a string of plush lounge bars serve up cocktails by day turning into clubs at night.

For some more authentic action, and if you can stand the crush, hit some of the city’s traditional xampanyerias for cheap Cava and tapas.

Alternatively bar crawl your way around Raval, via the numerous shabby-chic drinking dens on Carrer Joaquin Costa before ending at Apolo for some indie/electro dirty beats.

Other great places to end the night include the five dancefloors of Razzmatazz, or the open-air posing palace that is La Terrrazza (summer only).

Getting There & Around

Cheap airlines Easyjet, Vueling, Wizzair, and Ryanair are probably your best bets if you’re jetting in from the UK or elsewhere in Europe. Whilst BA, Iberia, BMI, Continental, Delta are the old school carriers if you’re flying from the US or Canada.

Once at Barcelona’s El Prat airport you’ll find the efficient Aerobus service will get you into the centre of town for around €6, or if you prefer door to door service to your hotel you can opt for an affordable private transfer with Book Taxi Barcelona.

If you’re continuing your travels elsewhere in Spain you’ll find trains to Madrid, Seville and Valencia annoyingly expensive, and you may want to even check flights instead or look for a car share option, like Bla Bla Car.

More Juice

Barcelona Life is a handy resource (I would say that though, as I’m the editor!), with great cultural and nightlife info, whilst the hopelessly unstylish Barcelona Tourist Guide does at least have every bit of practical info you could possibly need. For a wide range of local tips by local people check out the aptly named Spotted by Locals – Barcelona section.

Hard Copy

Time Out, Lonely Planet and Rough Guide are all decent guidebooks worth packing. For some more insight Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia paints a fascinating picture of Spain during the civil war, including the Barcelona street fighting. If you only have space for one book in your backpack though make it The Shadow of the Wind, a wild and romantic flight of fancy that takes place in the 1950s with plenty of evocative descriptions of the city.

Silver Screen

Movies-wise best to rent out Vicki Cristina Barcelona, even if the film bears little resemblance to the realities of life in the city. For that you should watch the highly entertaining L’Auberge Espagnole, the story of a Frenchman’s Erasmus year in the Catalan capital – and no doubt the reason why the city is now probably the most popular Erasmus destination on the planet. An absolute classic.

Soundtrack to the City

City Map

View City Break in Barcelona in a larger map

Video Inspiration

Looking for even more Barcelona tips? Then find out what happened when a credit card company gave me €500 to spend in my own city. Hold onto your sombreros! Finally you probably won’t be surprised to hear that this liberal and cosmopolitan city made our list of best gay city breaks… now see where else made the list!

This article was first published in October 2009, and last updated on 17th February 2022.

The post Long Weekend: Barcelona appeared first on Urban Travel Blog.

Vienna flaunts art on every corner, be it music, painting, or architecture. The city has an impressively rich background in the arts, and there are a number of spots across the map which hold historical significance. Out of these, the capital’s palaces, most of which were built during the Renaissance, stand out.

One of the most prominent dynasties of Europe, the Habsburgs, ruled Austria for nearly three centuries, from 1526 to 1804. During this period, the family adorned the city with magnificent palaces with lavish gardens, spacious rooms and intricate interior designs. The people of Austria take pride in their cultural heritage, and historical structures and artwork are still kept in perfect condition. There are a host of royal buildings all over the city featuring a variety of architectural styles.

Most people who visit Vienna do it exclusively to explore museums, monuments, classical music and coffeehouses. The city is always a treat for art buffs, forming a fairytale backdrop with its horse carriages, domed renaissance buildings, Gothic cathedrals, marble sculptures and cobblestone streets. The addition of royal palaces completes the picture.
Here are some of the best palaces to visit in Vienna to make the most of the capital’s history.

1. Hofburg Palace

Also known as the Imperial Palace, the Hofburg Palace was at the center of the House of Austria. It was not only the residence of the royal family, but also their place of governance up until the early twentieth century. Today, it is the official seat of governance of the President of Austria. The palace complex houses three museums which are open to the public – the Imperial Apartments designed in the Rococo and baroque styles, the Sisi Museum which features about 300 personal effects of Empress Elizabeth, and the Imperial Silver Collection giving a glimpse into the dining etiquette of the royals.
1010 Vienna
www.sisimuseum-hofburg.at

2. Schönbrunn Palace

Built in 1642, the Schönbrunn Palace is the biggest palace in Vienna. It was listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1996 and is a classic example of Austrian baroque architecture. Located atop a hill nearly 200-feet high, the Schönbrunn is famous for its vast gardens blooming with countless flower arrangements. There is a museum inside the complex while the main grounds consist of the Privy Garden, the Orangery Garden, the Maze and the Zoo, the Palm House and the Desert House. The entry to these grounds is free, so you can spend the day exploring the gardens if you’re travelling on a budget.
Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien
www.schoenbrunn.at/en

3. Belvedere Palace

Divided into two sections – the Upper and the Lower Belvedere – this Baroque structure is known for its well-curated French-style gardens and the permanent exhibition in the Upper Belvedere. The Palace was commissioned as a summer residence by Prince Eugene of Savoy, and today displays an impeccable art collection featuring Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. The Upper Belvedere is also home to one of Vienna’s most celebrated paintings – The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. The Lower Belvedere features other artists through temporary exhibitions, while the Belvedere 21 museum (built after World War II) hosts contemporary artworks and modern media including film and photography.
Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien
www.belvedere.at/en

4. Albertina Museum

Located in the Inner Stadt (First District), the Albertina is a palace now functioning as one of the primary art museums of Vienna. It houses distinguished European artwork ranging from the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries. The collection includes paintings, sketches, and other pieces by Claude Monet, Pable Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, Leonardo da Vinci, Egon Schiele, Michelangelo, Gustav Klimt, and more. It also displays popular photography exhibits, providing a glimpse into the medium’s rich background and its evolution through the ages. The palace-museum also includes twenty-one staterooms which are open to visitors, adorned with lavish wallpapers, marble sculptures, and opulent furniture.
Albertinapl. 1, 1010 Wien
www.albertina.at/en

5. Palais Lobkowitz

The home of the Theatre Museum of Vienna, Palais Lobkowitz is a celebration of the performing arts. This townhouse was built in the seventeenth century in the baroque style and is known for being one of Beethoven’s favourite venues to perform at. The palais has a grand concert hall named Eroica Hall, and displays a few permanent collections including Klimt’s infamous painting Nuda Veritas. It also has a myriad of temporary exhibitions displaying paintings, prints, costumes, props, photographs and theatre graphics.
Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1010 Vienna
www.theatermuseum.at

Looking for more tips on Vienna? Check out our weekend guide to the Austrian capital, or this photo report on the Viennese Christmas markets.

The post Top Five: Viennese Palaces appeared first on Urban Travel Blog.

Whether you’re journeying to the other side of the world, you’re heading to a festival, you’re planning on travelling for months on end or you’re in the middle of organising your family’s annual holiday, there’s nothing more exciting than counting down to a well-deserved break.

You’re probably familiar with booking a holiday package, finding a good hotel and comparing prices, building an itinerary and ensuring that your funds cover everything you want to do, but when it comes to hiring a car abroad, many travellers are left well and truly stumped. This helpful infographic from motoringoffencelawyers.com will take you through what you need to know about hiring a vehicle abroad, check it out.

Believe it or not, many travellers don’t know what to look for when they’re hiring a vehicle abroad. From comparing prices from different providers to even haggling for a better price. There are also pitfalls to avoid such as extortionate cancellation fees and even scams resulting in you paying for damage you didn’t cause. Hiring a car abroad can quickly become a nightmare if you don’t take your time and research your options as you would any other aspect of your holiday.

Need more information? Check out this infographic below.

The post A Lawyer’s Guide To Hiring A Car Abroad appeared first on Urban Travel Blog.

They don’t call her The Great Enchantress for nothing… almost everyone that comes to the Catalan capital ends up falling head over heels in love with this mesmerising beauty, who is not only stylishly decked out in a beguiling blend of Art Nouveau and modern architecture, but whose love of the finer things in life – tapas, vermouth and sex just for starters – can’t help but endear her to pleasure seekers.

Yes, she is cool and good looking and damn near perfect, but if Barcelona has a character flaw, it’s that… some of her most celebrated assets are now either overpriced or, more simply, overrun.

Yes, she is cool and good looking and damn near perfect, but if Barcelona has a character flaw, it’s that she’s just too damn sought after these days, and some of her most celebrated assets are now either overpriced or, more simply, overrun. In this Secret Seven then, I’m going to share some alternative things to do that haven’t made it into every guidebook just yet. If you edge towards a more authentic style of travel, then hopefully these tips will help you break away from the mainstream attractions and get you enjoying the city from a more local perspective.

Update: I’ve relented and added a “Famous Five” section to this list, so that you can combine the eclectic with the unmissable. Enjoy!

1# Take a Photography Tour

I’m a big fan of creative tourism, and the idea of learning a new skill, whilst at the same time exploring a new culture or place, is a win-win situation as far as I’m concerned. When you sign up for a photo tour with Shutter Kings Barcelona, you not only learn more about your DSLR camera, and various easily-implemented tips on how to take better shots, but you also get a great insider’s look at the city as you explore some of the forgotten nooks and crannies of the city. In fact, you don’t need a state of the art camera to get involved… you can take fantastic shots with your just your camera phone, and the Shutter King’s team will help show you how to pimp your Instagram profile with even the most humble of lenses. Fancy that you look better in front of the camera than behind it? They also offer professional photo shoots where you get to strut your stuff in front of some of Barcelona’s most iconic architecture.
www.shutterkingsbarcelona.com

2# Tapas & Beers

Undoubtedly the coolest food tours in town, Tapas & Beers offer several great gastronomic experiences, all designed to help you “taste the real Barcelona”. The first is their private tapas tour, a delicious romp around some of the best tapas bars and bodegas in the newly-hip Sant Antoni district, where you’ll sample half a dozen or more delicious Spanish and Catalan dishes washed down with homemade vermouths, Cava and cerveza. The second is a private craft beer tasting tour, in the company of a master brewer. Here you’ll get to sample some of the latest products of the Catalan beer revolution as you drop by some of the best cervecerias and micro-breweries in town (just try to remember that craft beers are always stronger than standard cerveza!). Perhaps their coolest experience, launched in late 2019, is their Beer Lovers Food Pairing Tour, which combines the best aspects of both their tapas and craft beer tours, as you learn to pair creative tapas with the best in local artisan ales. Check out their website for more.
www.tapasandbeers.com

3# Bunkers del Carmel Viewpoint

I probably shouldn’t even be telling you this one, but hey this is your reward for being cool enough to read Urban Travel Blog (hint: you might want to subscribe for more such rewards!). A trip up to Bunkers del Carmel is the best way to see out the sunset in Barcelona, and whilst the dilapidated old military hideout is a sorry sight, the views over the city are nothing else but spectacular. The hill is the perfect elevation to gaze over the metropolis, just high enough to gauge its scale but not so high it becomes an abstract equation. Do as the locals do and take a picnic and enjoy the city fade to orange and then indigo and black. Like all good secrets, it takes a bit of uncovering, especially as many taxi drivers won’t know exactly where to go. However if you ask your cabbie to drop you off at Restaurante Las Delicias in Carmel, address Carrer Muhlberg 1 you can easily hike up the rest. (Update: this is no longer quite as secret it used to be when I first starting going several years back. So expect a bit of a crowd of Erasmus kids and hip travellers… still a great atmosphere!).

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Watching night fall over Barcelona from the epic viewpoint of the Bunkers del Carmel. #Barcelona #bunkersdelcarmel #cloudy #nightfall #dusk #mySkrillsummer #utb #localsecret

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4# The Summer Street Parties

From May ’til the end of September there is pretty much always an epic fiesta happening somewhere in or around Barcelona. That’s because at some point during summer virtually every district in the city will celebrate it’s own festa major (grand festival) by inviting every man, woman, granny & gramps, baby and dog onto the streets for food, drink, live music, DJs and dancing. Each festa major lasts around a week (the bigger and better ones tend to span two weekends) and many have their own unique traditions, whilst nearly all include some shared Catalan traditions – such as the notorious correfoc (fire runs), where demon-masked pyromaniacs wield industrial-size sparklers at those foolhardy enough to get near, or castellers (human castles), when groups of well-trained collectives clamber on one another’s shoulders to make “castles” of up to 10 stories high. Fun, informal and full of community spirit, life doesn’t get much better than swigging a cerveza in the sultry summer night air at one of these wonderful fiestas. The most famous is Festa Major de Gracia, when locals decorate their street for the occasion, whilst the massive La Merce in September is the festa major for the whole city and is suitably epic, usually with a massive programme of street theatre, arts, workshops and wine tasting. Barcelona Life has a very useful guide.

5# Get Lost in Labyrinth Park

Gaudi’s adventures in landscape gardening make for an unmissable – albeit massively crowded – attraction, whilst Parc de la Ciutadella is undoubtedly the most lively and fun of Barcelona’s green spaces (head here if you want to see the locals engage in a bewildering diverse range of activities, from slack lining to tap dancing). But for a little lush corner of the city to explore, practically on your own, Parc del Laberint d’Horta offers a lovely change of pace. Aside from the eponymous maze, there is a canal and small waterfall and several neoclassical features, such as a pavilion, and several statues inspired by Greek mythology. The improbable fee of 2 euros and 23 cents tells you how geared up to tourism it is, but that simply adds to the charm.
Passeig dels Castanyers 1-17

6# Poetry Bordello

I’d probably put this higher on the list, except this den of vice verses is as elusive as it is seductive. If you are lucky enough to be in town during one of their sessions of saucy stanzas then be sure to turn up with a few euros in your back pocket that you can slip in the hat of any number of the poetic putas that work here in exchange for an erotic reading or two. And just in case you’re confused, there is no actual sexual interaction at the Prostibulo Poetico, just plenty of verbal caresses from the souls, hearts and libidos of these literary lovers.
www.prostibulopoetico.com

7# Vintage Shopping

Barcelona is a hipster city, sometimes slavishly so, but whatever your view on Karl Marx-esque beards, limb-covering tattoos and stretched earlobes, it is undeniably fun to play the fashion victim and spice up your image with some unique items for your wardrobe. There are two streets in Raval that are honey to hipsters, and they are Riera Baixa and Carrer Tallers. The former is a small pedestrianised avenue that often gets overlooked (as it leads to nowhere in particular), but has several cool shops like Polly Maggoo and La Vella Maia Vintage. The latter is like a sunny slice of London’s Camden Town, with a mix of hip shops (some are so cool that you pay by the kilo), specialist stores selling punk and Gothic memorabilia and a good scattering of tapas joints and bars for intershop boozing. Depending what store you go to you can pick up some amazing bargains (I picked up a blue leather biker’s jacket for €40 the other day!) – or pay silly prices for something that is, however you market it, still second hand (Holala Ibiza I’m talking to you!) – so shop around. Those who have a bit more money to burn might also want to consider taking a private shopping tour with the lovely Antiques & Boutiques. The girls at A&B are absolute gurus of fashion, design, art, furniture and antiques and they’ll take you to the very stores that Hollywood prop masters troll for iconic looks.

Bonus Tip: Explore by Bike

With its enviable weather, flat terrain and ever growing number of bike paths, Barcelona is a city made to be seen from the saddle. You get to cover much more ground than you would by walking, and yet you have full independence and the feel good factor of getting around with zero carbon emissions. Barcelona has got a glut of great bike tours, including pioneers of alternative tourism such as Steel Donkeys, and e-bike tours that will take you to some of the city’s nearby vineyards. Read more on our bicycle tours feature article here.

Famous Five

So those were the original ideas… now for the quintessential sights.

1# La Sagrada Familia

You might have heard of this one. It’s the borderline grotesque and certified over-the-top basilica that consumed virtually all of Antoni Gaudi’s later years – and still remains unfinished today. Monstrously big, impossibly intricate, adorned from cornerstone to crest with religious and natural symbology, Dali mocked it and Orwell called for it to be blown up, but La Sagrada Familia endured to become the number icon of Barcelona. In fact it’s much more beautiful inside than out, where pillars of pure white stone reach to the nave roof like some kind of Tolkien-esque forest and vast stained glass windows throw a kaleidoscopic light show upon the varnished cork floors. Owing to its popularity advance tickets are essential. You can buy skip the line tickets via Get Your Guide, or with guided tour and tower access here (recommended).

2# Park Guell

Backdrop to cult movies like Vicky Cristina Barcelona and L’Auberge Espagnole, Gaud’s park is one of the most beautiful in the world. You’ll have seen the viewing terrace in photos, with its snaking bench decorated in colourful broken tiles using the architect’s favourite trencadis technique. The park has several other fun features too, including the brightly-hued lizard guarding a sweeping staircase near the main entrance, and is particularly romantic in the evening, when the sun loses its eye-melting heat. Like La Sagrada Familia advance tickets are now essential in order to enter, and you can get yours via Get Your Guide.

3# Picasso Museum

Probably Barcelona’s best museum and definitely it’s most popular one, this tribute to the 20th century’s most creative canvas jockey charts Picasso’s artistic journey from his more realistic Blue and Rose Periods to his pioneering Cubist style. Picasso and Barcelona go way back, with the Malaga-born artist staging his first ever exhibit at the charismatic El Quatre Gats cafe and its only fitting that this huge body of work goes on display here in Catalonia. Art lovers can take a walking tour that traces Picasso’s steps in the city and finishes at the museum, or simply buy tickets to the museum. In fact, the Barcelona Card actually entitles you to free entry, so worth considering if you also plan to take advantage of some of the city’s other cultural sights and the free public transport.

4# Montserrat

This mystical mountain, with its jagged pink limestone peaks, is Barcelona’s number one day trip, and deservedly so. If the jaw-dropping natural scenery wasn’t enough, this celebrated site was also the place where the blessed Black Madonna statuette was discovered, one of the most holy relics of the Catholic church. As such a monastery has existed here since the 10th century and it is here that most tourists head to hear L’Escolania Choir, admire the abbey’s church and cloisters and – for the devout of heart – pay their respects to the hallowed icon, which is on display. From the abbey you can hike or take the cable car up to St. Jerome’s Peak for views that stretch out all the way to the island of Majorca on a clear day. There are different ways of ‘doing’ Montserrat, the cheapest of which is to buy a return train ticket from the official tourist website, which gets you to the bottom of the mountain and then gives you the option of going up via either funicular train or cable car (price included in the ticket). An even easier way is via one of the many guided tours that depart from Barcelona each day.

5# Camp Nou Experience

Of course you have to visit the most emblematic football stadium in the world, Camp Nou! Grabbing tickets for a match is obviously a lot of fun, although you’ll need to time your travels for when the team are playing at home obviously. If that’s not possible there’s always the Camp Nou Experience, which includes a tour of the stadium, dressing rooms and tunnel with a visit to the award-winning museum plus trophy room. FC Barcelona is closely tied with Catalan identity and by the time you’ve finished with the experience you’ll understand why Barca is mes que un club (“more than just a football club”!).

More Barcelona Tips…

Still hungry for more tips? Find out how I chose to spend €500 in Barcelona in two days right here. And of course, with tips on everything from the unmissable attractions to the finest bars in town, our Long Weekend guide is essential reading for anyone considering a city break in the Catalan capital.

You might as well find a few more original ideas for cool activities on my other websites, Barcelona Life and the pragmatically titled: Barcelonathingstodo.com.

For more Secret Sevens, for example of fun things to see and do in Budapest or London’s best alternative sights, click here.

The post 7 Cool Things To Do in Barcelona (+5 Classics!) appeared first on Urban Travel Blog.

Dresden: Dolls & a Trabant Safari

“Anarchists and bohemians made this neighbourhood what it is today,” our guide Christoph explained as we walked through the vibrant streets of Outer Neustadt in Dresden.

The area survived the devastating Allied bombs of 1945, but the grand Wilheminian terraced houses fell into disrepair after the war. It wasn’t until the 80s that artists and squatters moved into the derelict buildings and started to renovate the area.

Fairy lights twinkle in beer gardens, falafel is served from street food shacks, bright murals adorn the walls and the everywhere you look there are people drinking bottles of beer.

Outer Neustadt is the kind of neighbourhood that can make you feel like you’re in Berlin. Fairy lights twinkle in beer gardens, falafel is served from street food shacks, bright murals adorn the walls and the everywhere you look there are people drinking bottles of beer. Needless to say, the streets are lined with cafés, restaurants and cocktail bars – and almost as many bio-markets.

We visited Scheune, a socialist youth centre, which has evolved into an alternative cultural centre that hosts gigs, cabaret, theatre performances, film screenings and club nights.

“The city’s favourite cocktail? That would probably be the Caipirinha,” Christoph mused. “They even serve warm Caipirinhas at the Christmas markets!”

Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to sample a warm Caipirinha, but I did pay a visit to the unique Kunsthopassage, a residential courtyard-cum-sculptor gallery where the walls are home to monkeys, giraffes, fairy-tale mosaics and musical drains that sing in the rain.

My favourites were a glorious oversized wooden backgammon set and a spectacular Indian mogul birthday party scene comprised of 137 jewel-encrusted dolls.

The next morning, we strolled into town from the Hotel Am Terrassenufer for a tour of the city centre.

The Inner Altstadt is home to a number of magnificent renaissance and baroque monuments, such as Frauenkirche Church, Neumarkt Square, Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Royal Palace.

Also known as Dresden Castle, the Royal Palace is home to an extravagant collection of artefacts. My favourites were a glorious oversized wooden backgammon set and a spectacular Indian mogul birthday party scene comprised of 137 jewel-encrusted dolls.

We enjoyed a lunch of cherry tomatoes and garlic butter tagliatelle on board a steamboat before rocking up at Trabi World, to pick up our leopard print and rainbow coloured vintage Trabants.

…we let rip in the iconic Soviet vehicles. The engine roared, bystanders stopped and stared, the whole chassis started shaking… the speedometer barely budged an inch.

After getting to grips with the steering wheel-mounted gearstick, we let rip in the iconic Soviet vehicles. The engine roared, bystanders stopped and stared, the whole chassis started shaking… the speedometer barely budged an inch. But that didn’t matter, our anachronistic ‘safari’ of the city was brilliant fun.

On Track: Slow, Sustainable Travel

Our early morning train to Prague took in beautiful views across the River Elbe, where pine forest lay slightly obscured by the morning mist. The scenic route lasted a few hours before we arrived at the Czech capital where we changed trains and headed towards Ostrava – with big grins on our faces courtesy of some complimentary flutes of sparkling wine.

It’s not an exact science, but the average train journey emits three times less carbon emissions than a flight to the same destination. No wonder the Swedish concept of flygskam (flight shame) is spreading.

Although travelling by train is slower – my journey from London to Dresden took around 12 hours – it is much less impactful on the environment. It’s not an exact science, but the average train journey emits three times less carbon emissions than a flight to the same destination. No wonder the Swedish concept of flygskam (flight shame) is spreading.

Slower but more sustainable: our train journey was comfortable (legroom: check! table: check! free fake Champagne: check!) and gave us the freedom to explore destinations along the route. We took advantage of this during our connection from Prague to Ostrava and decided to stop in the Medieval city of Olomouc for lunch. (And if you’ve never been to Olomouc, check out Urban Travel Blog’s Long Weekend guide!)

Ostrava: Culture in Unexpected Places

Once known as the ‘Black Heart of the Czech Republic’ the city of Ostrava has undergone profound change over the past two decades. Coal mines and steelworks have shut down, trees have been planted and concerted effort has been made to clean up the city’s reputation.

“I remember how much my mother used to cough from all the pollution in the air when I was younger,” our guide Daniela said as she led us to the entrance of Lower Vitkovice, a 300-hectare, now defunct, industrial site.

“But everything is very different now. Ostrava was even a candidate for the European Green Capital 2020.”

“But everything is very different now. Ostrava was even a candidate for the European Green Capital 2020.”

The huge industrial complex is comprised of countless rusted pipes, poles and conduits, creating dramatic shapes and an almost post-apocalyptic landscape. Twisted paint and sculpture exhibits lie scattered around the site.

With the help of a lift we climbed the 71-metre Bolt Tower, named after sprinter Usain Bolt who opened the panoramic pylon in 2015. Pockets of greenery were clearly visible throughout the city, filling the gaps between roads, residential areas and abandoned factories.

With the help of a lift we climbed the 71-metre Bolt Tower, named after sprinter Usain Bolt who opened the panoramic pylon in 2015.

“Lower Vitkovice is now home to many cultural events,” Daniela explained. “There’s an exhibition centre where indie films are shown, a café, a wine bar and a space for gigs. And every year this whole site is home to the Colours of Ostrava music festival.”

Imagining the raucous excitement of 50,000 people partying inside the crazy industrial complex, I made a note to try and persuade my friends to get tickets for 2020.

We had dinner at a stylish bistro called Hogo Fogo, where hanging lightbulbs and a living wall attested to Ostrava’s cosmopolitan credentials. I enjoyed a glass of unfiltered Bernard lager and a delicious aged beef roll with rice and rich consommé. Afterwards Daniela pointed out her favourite spots in the city, such as Café Daniel, which lives incongruously on the third floor of a residential block, U Gustava, a speakeasy-style absinthe bar requiring a password for entry and the lively bars of Stodolni Street – known across the Czech Republic as ‘the street that never sleeps.’

The street may not sleep, but it was a long day and I certainly needed some rest. So, after a pint of the world famous Pilsner Urquell I retired to my comfy suite at the Hotel Club Trio.

A Dining Carriage with a View

In the morning I opened my Interrail pass and filled in my journey log for the day’s travel: Ostrava to Zilina and then Zilina to Kosice.

Of all the hundreds of miles of track I covered on the trip, this was the most rousing. We passed picturesque bridges, fast-running rivers and a Medieval castle nestled among the dramatic peaks of the High Tatra mountain range – all from the comfort of the dining carriage with a plate of breaded cheese and a glass of Kelt, Slovakian lager.

We passed picturesque bridges, fast-running rivers and a Medieval castle nestled among the dramatic peaks of the High Tatra mountain range…

There were more beers and Slovakian delicacies on the menu when we arrived in Kosice.

Kosice: Craft Beer & Creative Spaces

Kosice’s quaint old town is clearly demarcated by the city’s medieval walls, while the skyline is dominated by the 59-metre high Gothic St. Elisabeth Cathedral.

The pedestrianised – and innovatively named – Main Street is home to many of the city’s premier cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s also home to the romantic spectacle of the singing fountains, a beautiful water fountain sandwiched between St Elisabeth and the State Opera House that moves in time to music booming out of speakers in nearby trees. It’s mostly classical music, but I was also privy to an unexpected rendition of East 17’s Stay Another Day.

It’s also home to the romantic spectacle of the singing fountains, a beautiful water fountain sandwiched between St Elisabeth and the State Opera House that moves in time to music booming out of speakers in nearby trees.

“There is actually a DJ, stationed underneath the fountain, who is in charge of all the songs,” our guide Veronika explained as we took the short stroll from Hotel Bristol to Hostinec, a medieval pub.

Operating in some form or another as a restaurant since 1542, Hostinec is the 7^th oldest continuously running restaurant in the world. Blessed with an inventory of attractive period fittings, wooden furnishings and evocative stained-glass windows, the craft beer bar is an accomplished marriage of trend and tradition.

“This is our bestseller,” owner and head brewer Peter said, as he filled our goblets with a strong golden ale. “We experiment a lot but this and one other house beer are always on tap upstairs in the bar.”

Our tour of the brewery covered how the different ingredients affect the flavour of the beer and culminated in a deliciously comforting sharing plate of beer braised beef, crispy cod, home fries and gooey fried cheese.

After dinner we stopped off for a glass of wine at a tongue-in-cheek, separatist bar. Republic of the East claims independence from Western Slovakia and the influence of capital city Bratislava, but I’m glad to report there were no passport checks at the door.

Cured meats, salty sheep cheese, rich duck-liver pâté, robust garlic soup and a trio of freshly baked breads were served alongside halusky, a Slovakian specialty of potato dumplings smothered in sheep cheese.

The next morning, we climbed the tower at St. Elisabeth Cathedral and viewed the red roofs of the city from above before visiting Villa Regia for a traditional feast. Cured meats, salty sheep cheese, rich duck-liver pâté, robust garlic soup and a trio of freshly baked breads were served alongside halusky, a Slovakian specialty of potato dumplings smothered in sheep cheese. Homemade lavender lemonade and flaming shots of Slivovica accompanied the banquet.

After lunch we stopped in at a literature festival that happened to be taking place at the independent cinema, Kino Usmev, on the way to Tabacka Kulturfabrik.

Set in the skeleton of an old tobacco factory, Tabacka is a powerhouse of a cultural centre. Decorated with bright murals and off the cuff pieces of art, it is a one stop shop for all things creative.

“We hold concerts, language cafés, experimental theatre, electro parties, yoga, ecstatic dance, everything really. The space has life of its own,” explained general manager Katarina “It seems to evolve in response to whoever is using it.”

We sampled the locally brewed ‘Moustache Beer’ at the bar and explored the labyrinth of studios, performance areas and co-working spaces. You could easily spend a whole day at Tabacka: coffee on the terrace, lunch and a laptop in the café, catch a performance in the evening and then get to know the local creatives over a beer in the bar – there’s even a hostel on-site.

A Toast to Lesser Known Destinations

On the final night of our Interrail adventure, we visited the atmospheric, candlelit Tokaj Macik wine cellar. The world renowned Tokaji wine region, shared between Hungary and Slovakia, was the first in the world to receive appellation control and is celebrated for its ability to produce extremely sweet wines due to a process known as ‘noble rot.’

Indeed, many nobles such as Queen Victoria, Beethoven and Goethe have waxed lyrical about the wine over the years, and I must concur: it’s delicious.

During the high-spirited tasting, in which the spit bucket was seldom used, we raised a toast to train travel. A more sustainable way to travel that connects you with brilliant lesser known destinations like Dresden, Ostrava and Kosice.

Josh was invited on this sustainable travel trip by Interrail, in partnership with the tourism boards of Dresden, Ostrava and Kosice. All opinions are his own. 

The post Exploring Central Europe By Train appeared first on Urban Travel Blog.

Main Attractions	Getting Here
Hipsters Guide	More Info
Events & More	Read This
Hotels & Beds	Watch This
Food & Restaurants	Listen To This
Bars & Clubs	City Map

You’ve seen it in movies as New York, Chicago, Washington DC, and even Moscow, but it’s not just Toronto’s appearance that is diverse: nearly 50% of residents living in Canada’s largest city were born outside of the country, and this amazing conglomeration of cultures is no doubt what contributes so much of the city’s character and verve.

With residents taking an increasing interest in urban planning and municipal politics, Torontonians have really embraced their city as a place they can develop themselves. Citizen engagement is on the rise and every year more and more initiatives (such as car-free neighbourhoods) are undertaken, whilst festivals celebrating everything from kites, streetcars and the urbanist Jane Jacobs (a former Toronto inhabitant) have all popped up.

Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods, so despite sprawling itself into fifth place of largest cities in North America (with a population of 2.5 million), every area downtown and beyond feels like a microcosm of the city itself. In a day, it’s possible to travel from Poland to Korea to Portugal to Ethiopia to Greece and beyond. Grab a day pass for (about $12) and go for a spin around the world!

Best of the Beaten Track

Toronto’s iconic skyline is dominated by the CN Tower, which is expensive to visit, and touristy to boot. But it does have 360° views and one of the best restaurants in the city – and a meal there includes a free elevator ride up the tower. For thrill seekers who want a breath of fresh air, the Edgewalk is your chance to go for a stroll on the outside of the CN Tower. Just be sure to reserve in advance.

Get a fix of Canadiana at the Art Gallery of Ontario, which recently got a stunning makeover from Torontonian starchitect Frank Gehry. The AGO has one of the best collections of work from the Group of Seven, Canada’s emblematic group of landscape painters from the 1920s and 30s. The Powerplant and MOCCA have contemporary collections and are free to visit. (If you’re up for a road trip, the McMichael Gallery in picturesque Kleinburg has another stunning collection and even more Canadian works).

Toronto Island is a nice retreat from the city and it’s just a short and cheap ferry ride away. Hit up St Lawrence Market, one of the largest markets in Canada, or Kensington Market, a colourful neighbourhood (see Hipster’s Guide below for more!). Bring a bike, and enjoy a sunny day picnicking and hitting the beach.

The Distillery District is also worth a walk around, or you can even go for a spin — the Segway tours are based here. The architecture is beautiful and every building houses classy shops and nice restaurants. The Distillery District was once the largest distillery in the British Empire and is often the set for films, like Chicago.

Casa Loma is also nice for a walk, if you can get past the hefty entrance fee. Toronto’s very own castle was erected by a megalomaniac who turned the keys over to the city when he was no longer able to afford building it. It’s another popular film location, so maybe you’ll recognize it.

If you want to go to Niagara Falls (which is as touristy as you imagine), make a day out of it by doing a bicycle tour of the local wineries — you’re in one of the best wine-producing spots of the continent! And if you want to enjoy the water in tranquility, the quaint beaches in the East end are a real treat, as is the Queen Street East streetcar ride to get there.

For more ideas on how to spend your long weekend check Get Your Guide, who list scores of great tours and activities on their easy-to-book website.

Hipster’s Guide

Go west, young man, to find the hip parts of Toronto. Kensington Market is the Christiania (see our Copenhagen guide!) of Toronto. Colourful murals, independent food stores, tonnes of bars, and a little bit of every cuisine is squeezed into these handful of streets. Expect the people to be as colourful as the murals and the murals to be really, really colourful. While you’re there, go vintage shopping on Kensington Avenue, fuel up at Pamenar for coffee, grab a bite to eat somewhere on Augusta Avenue, and visit Cold Tea for a drink.

Walk, bike, or take the streetcar along Dundas West, to the rapidly changing area of Little Portugal. Spend some time in Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto’s peaceful yet buzzing central park, and visit Nadege on the southeast corner for the best macarons in the city, and Type, a fantastic independent bookstore with Canadian lit.. West of the park is Ossington Avenue, synonymous with absolute hipsterdom these days. There are a some good vintage shops and restaurants here, but you should really return by night when you’ll have your choice of bars to visit.

Once you hit Queen Street, take your time crawling from the area called Queen West to West Queen West and visit all the independent boutiques and art galleries, and admire the typical Toronto architecture along the entire stretch. Keep going and you’ll pass the Drake Hotel, the Gladstone, and eventually Parkdale, the westernmost hip area.

Parkdale is perhaps the most interesting neighbourhood in terms of populations, as it’s filled with many, many immigrant groups, “starving” law students, impoverished people, baristas, and now DINKs. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city are here, like Grand Electric, as well as some great holes-in-the-wall, like Bacchus Roti. Parts and Labour is here too, if you want to amplify your coolness up to 11.

For even more hip ideas check our Secret Seven things to do in Toronto.

Experience & Events

The biggest event of the year is the Toronto International Film Festival every September, a two-week cinematic whirlwind of the biggest films, most famous celebrities, and red carpet.

Toronto also hosts Jane’s Walk, a weekend of community-lead walking tours the first weekend of May, Pride, a week-long celebration of sexuality in July, Caribana, the largest Caribbean culture festival in North America in August, and Nuit Blanche, an all-night contemporary art festival around the end of September or early October.

On the smaller scale is Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market in the summer months, which closes off the neighbourhood to cars and opens up the streets to giant-sized Scrabble, food vendors, samba bands, and artisans. More regular is the Toronto Underground Market, a monthly event of pop-up food vendors at the Evergreen Brickworks, an old brick factory that has been renovated as an environmental and arts space.

Year round you can hear stories from locals on your cell phone by calling the numbers on the Murmur signs. It’s a project that started in Toronto and has expanded all over the world.

Pillow Talk

Planet Traveller is Toronto’s greenest, newest and best-located hostel, situated at the top of Kensington Market.

Close by is the Baldwin Inn, a tiny family-run bed and breakfast in Baldwin Village, a small hub of restaurants around the corner from Chinatown and the Art Gallery of Ontario. In the summer the garden is a nice retreat from the heat. If it’s full, check the Beverly Place another B&B just up the street.

For those looking to splurge, head west to an area known as West Queen West. The Gladstone Hotel is a beautifully restored hotel in Toronto that also curates a nice art collection and hosts a variety of events, from karaoke to book readings to 1950s dance nights.

Just a block or so away is the Drake Hotel, which is also a boutique hotel but has an edgier, rocker feel to it – making it the hipster’s choice.

Fork Out

Eating out in Toronto is like spinning a globe and buying a ticket to wherever your finger lands. Brunch is a legitimate sport that Torontonians take seriously. Aunties and Uncles is undoubtedly the kitschy-est, greasiest, and most popular spot around. It’s open every day and it is advisable to save it for a weekday.

On the weekends head over to Starving Artist, where everything is served on a waffle.

If you need a pick me up, head over to Pamenar in Kensington Market for some of the best espresso and people-watching in the city. They have the best patio and backyard in town.

Zocalo is a great spot to go for any meal and it recently got a nod in the New York Times. The menu is seasonal, locally sourced, and a total steal with entrees under $15.

Want something cheap? New Generation Sushi in the Annex offers the most bang for your buck.

For a late night feast, pop over to Poutini’s for some poutine, Canada’s most famous dish, a bed of fries covered in gravy and cheese. It’s open every day, and until 4am on the weekends. You can thank me later.

Drop In

Toronto nightlife is as varied as the people that live here and if you have the energy for it, you could dance yourself silly every night of the week, no matter what flavour you savour.

Every Wednesday She Does The Cityposts a weekly “Hit List” that has the most comprehensive guide to the weekend’s events.

In general, the entire strip of Ossington between Dundas and Queen is the current epicentre of drinking, Instagramming, and drunk dining (shout out to the fried pickles at the Lakeview).

The Communist’s Daughter is the best spot, but you’ll be lucky if you can grab one of their 30 or so seats (along with one of their delicious pickled eggs).

The Dakota Tavern, Sweaty Betty’s and the Painted Lady are all good bets, as are the places spilling over on Dundas, like the Japanese Rockabilly bar, Black Dice.

For 60s retro head over to Shake, Rattle, and Roll at Clinton’s or Shake-A-Tail at Sneaky Dee’s, every Saturday. ($5 cover and long lines if you’re not there early).

If you want to see and be seen, Drake Hotel is one of the best cocktail spots in the city and always packed on the weekends.

Toronto is also ground zero for Canada’s gay clubbing scene. In the Village (also known as the Gaybourhood), Slacks, Buddies in Bad Times, and Crews and Tango are always packed. If you’re more into the ladies, head west to the Hen House, where you can also have great brunch on the weekends, if you get my drift.

Getting There

Pearson Airport is about an hour away from downtown by public transit ($3), but a car can take about 20 minutes. Air Transat always has the cheapest prices to and from Europe. For the Americas try Porter Air, based out of an airport in Lake Ontario. It serves Canadian and American cities in the east, including Chicago. By bus, Ottawa is four hours away, Detroit and Montreal are five hours away, New York is 12, and Chicago is 14. MegaBus and Greyhound are your best bets. It’s also not a bad idea to fly into Buffalo and take MegaBus from the airport. Travelling by train is expensive but Via Rail sometimes have sales.

More Juice

Check out Torontoist for what’s going on in local affairs, local history, and all things Toronto. She Does The City’s Hit List has the best roundups of nightlife from Wednesday to Sunday every week. If you are interested in the dining scene, Toronto Life gave you a taste of restaurants in any neighbourhood and every budget level. Yelp is also really handy.

Hard Copy

Canadian literature is a genre that is small but mighty. See how literature is mapped out at 49th Shelf. The Scott Pilgrim books serve Toronto justice with its real love of the city and spot-on illustrations, whilst Michael Odaantje (author of The English Patient) provides a backdrop of how the city was built in In the Skin of a Lion. If you want to learn about the city itself, check out Shawn Micallef’s Stroll.

Silver Screen

“There it is, men. Toronto. It’s beautiful.” As mentioned before, Toronto is often seen on screen, just not as itself. But don’t think we’re always the bridesmaid: Reel Toronto is a column on Torontoist that acts a location scout for movies that were filmed here but set elsewhere. Mean Girls, Billy Madison, Blues Brothers 2: Toronto. Toronto has set the stage for Take This Waltz by Sarah Polley and, of course, Scott Pilgrim, but Toronto’s golden boy is Atom Egoyan, whose film Chloe is considered the quintessential Toronto film. But if you really want to see Toronto, Canadian Bacon proves that we’re not just “New York but without all the stuff” that “30 Rock” claims. Come on, when did John Candy ever steer you wrong?

Soundtrack to the City

Spadina Bus – The Shuffle Demons
This Lamb Sells Condos – Final Fantasy
Old Apartment – the Barenaked Ladies
Parkdale – Metric – One

Video Inspiration

Travel addicted? Then check our full list of the world’s best city break destinations. And don’t forget to subscribe to stay posted on new stories and guides.

The post Long Weekend: Toronto appeared first on Urban Travel Blog.

The Spanish Canary Islands are incredibly popular places when it comes to luxury holiday destinations. The islands boast a beautiful climate with warm temperatures for most of the year and minimal rainfall as well as beautiful beaches, stunning volcanic landscapes, thriving nightlife, water sports, and excellent shopping opportunities. If you’re not sure which of the Canary Islands to choose for your holiday, this guide will take you through the key points of four of the biggest: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. There are also other islands that have become increasingly popular, including La Gomera, La Palma, La Graciosa, and El Hierro. There are other islets that are uninhabited such as the Chinijo Archipelago and Lobos Island.

Where to stay

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to stay in the Canary Islands, but many people decide to rent villas in Canary Islands. This gives them their own home from home with easy access to local facilities, activities and gorgeous beaches. Some also have their own pool, and, with your own kitchen, you can choose to make homecooked meals or head out to local restaurants.

Tenerife

Tenerife has the largest population of the Canary Islands and is also the biggest in terms of land area. It’s a big favourite for families as well as people looking for relaxation, luxury, and top-class golf courses. It is also home to Mount Teide, which is the tallest Spanish mountain and has more than 40 miles of beaches. Tenerife is also a great place for nightlife and theme parks, but there are still plenty of traditional Spanish villages to explore.

Fuerteventura

The next biggest island is Fuerteventura and offers some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find anywhere. The landscape is sandy in general, but the beaches are white while being lapped by clear blue water. There is also a great breeze from the Atlantic which makes Fuerteventura ideal for water sports. When you’re finished with the beach you can head into town for fantastic nightlife and shopping or a relaxing meal at an open-air restaurant.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is not as big as Fuerteventura but is home to more people. It has the most varied landscape, including forests, deserts, mountains, towns, villages, and, of course, stunning beaches. The towns have not only some of the best shopping opportunities in the Canary Islands but also a thriving nightlife with lots of bars and restaurants which make it ideal for couples or groups.

Lanzarote

If you are seeking a more relaxed holiday with natural beauty, Lanzarote is the ideal choice. It has plenty of unspoiled beaches and volcanic landscapes, including the famous Timanfaya National Park. The island was greatly influenced by the artist César Manrique and, because it has had several volcanic eruptions in the past, Lanzarote has developed a unique personality while introducing tourism in recent years. Relax on the beaches, explore the incredible natural landscape and indulge in some of the fantastic Spanish tapas restaurants in Lanzarote.

The post The Canary Islands: A Traveller’s Guide appeared first on Urban Travel Blog.