Barcelona weaves together sunny Mediterranean beaches with the historic cobbled streets of areas like the Gothic Quarter, as well as delectable Catalan cuisine.
Why Barcelona?
Barcelona weaves together sunny Mediterranean beaches with the historic cobbled streets of areas like the Gothic Quarter, as well as delectable Catalan cuisine. Add bohemian, Hemingway-style bars and the works of Miró, Picasso and Dalí and you have the makings of an unforgettable city break. For night owls looking for an eclectic music scene, you can enjoy jazz-filled nights that transport you back to the early 20th century, or listen to Andalucian flamenco and modern bands in charming gothic concert venues. The night is as long as your energy is high! Relaxation, art and food coalesce to create the perfect Spanish getaway. A premium apartment rental in Barcelona with Urban District will make for a truly memorable urban holiday.
Barcelona is also a perfect destination for business travellers, and though Spain’s second biggest city, it certainly rivals the capital Madrid in attracting foreign investment and major international conferences. According to the data of the European Digital Cities Index (EDCI) in 2016, the Catalan capital ranks 9th (ahead of Madrid, which is 14th) in a table of 60 different cities across the continent, attesting to its many strong points in terms of business culture, infrastructure, skill base and tech scene. As a destination, Barcelona is well and truly open for business. In addition, it is decidedly well-connected and manageable in terms of size. The city’s airport, El Prat, is located close to the city centre, making access to all major business venues simple and easy. This is complemented by excellent transport links, with the airport being connected by bus, commuter train and taxi, the latter of which is a relatively affordable service in comparison with other major European cities. A serviced apartment rental with Urban District whilst on business there will help you take full advantage of everything Barcelona has to offer in the most comfortable of settings, allowing you to get on with your work, yet feel right at home.
Major Attractions
Whether you want to sip coffee in Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter, spend an afternoon at FC Barcelona’s iconic Camp Nou stadium, marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia or enjoy some of Barcelona’s more alternative points of interest like the Espai Mescladis - a veritable haven for all foodies - there is something for everyone to enjoy in this laid-back, yet eminently cultured urban destination. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere near La Catedral and check out the stone gargoyles meticulously etched into this impressive gothic edifice, or spend the afternoon studying the works of the father of cubism at the Picasso Museum. For a truly beguiling sensory experience right on the edge of the city, don’t miss out on Park Güell, where Gaudí experimented with landscape gardening. If you’re craving a short break away from home or a week-long city break, Barcelona, as a destination, is bound to inspire, excite and relax you in equal measure.
If here on business, as opposed to pleasure, there are numerous venues that may be of interest to you. Chief among these is Barcelona’s International Convention Centre (CCIB) situated in the freshly renovated Diagonal Mar district. Located on Barcelona’s northern seafront, this area concentrates a large number of offices, as well as the regional headquarters of important companies, such as Spanish telecoms giant Telefónica. Fira de Barcelona, for its part, is the city’s trade fair institution, and is among the most important in Europe. It operates through two venues: Fira Montjuïc and Fira Gran Vía. Numerous annual conferences take place in the city every year, including the Mobile World Congress in February or the seminars and conferences of various industries and trade associations that congregate in the city throughout the year.
What to eat?
For most visitors renting an apartment with Urban District during their stay, tapas will of course be de rigueur. But Barcelona offers a vast range of gastronomic options, from traditional, hearty paella and arroz negra, to Basque and Catalan cuisine (Senyor Parellada is an especially great example of the latter), right through to avant-garde Japanese fare in restaurants like Double Zer00, which mixes Japanese cuisine with more Latin culinary traditions. While on holiday or on business in Barcelona, don’t miss out on the wide range of superb seafood taverns, and be sure to enjoy an abundance of jamón ibérico at decidedly enticing rates over the course of your stay. To top it all off, there are myriad affordable and delicious local wines to choose from when you’re there. Montsant, El Penedes and Terra Alta are just three of the Catalan regional varieties that we recommend you sample during your trip.
Where to go out?
Your rental location may be dictated by the areas you wish to frequent most in Barcelona, either by day or by night. In the city’s Gothic Quarter you will find some of the more traditional Catalan cuisine and tapas bars in abundance. For African, Middle-Eastern and Asian cuisine, head over to the Raval district, a long-standing immigrant neighbourhood. For seafood, the Barceloneta locality is your best bet, with a host of eateries offering fresh produce. The area around Eixample, for its part, offers a more elegant gastronomic experience, while the Gràcia neighbourhood boasts upscale, modern cuisine in a more relaxed, artistic urban district, characterised by narrow streets and charming public squares.
In the evening you can enjoy old-school vibes at Marula Café, which provides soulful and funky tunes with a vintage flavour. Try Sidecar Factory Club for deep-underground rock, or if it’s jazz that you’re after, Café Vienés Jazz Club offers an elegant, film noir-style atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re in an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Barcelona also has a buzzing gay scene with great bars and clubs concentrated mostly in the Eixample neighbourhood.
When to go?
Seasonal rentals are an all-year-round affair in Barcelona, with each time of year offering something special. Most people visit Barcelona in the summertime for the spectacular weather and bustling energy, but Spring and Autumn have comfortable temperatures, mostly sunny days and a more relaxed ambience, with fewer tourists. Winter tends to be dry and quiet, with clear blue skies and temperatures that rarely descend below 5 degrees. You can pack in the major sights over the course of a long weekend or enjoy more of the city’s hidden charms during a longer stay. Each season truly offers a different perspective on this stunning city.