Camp Nou stadium

When Barcelona’s iconic Camp Nou stadium celebrated its 50 year anniversary earlier this year exciting new plans were launched for the ‘remodeling’ of the stadium in order to turn it into an eye-catching sight and fully integrated monument in the architectural heritage of the city. The British architect Norman Foster has proudly been named as the brains behind the estimated 250 million euro project, with worldwide projects such as Wembley Stadium to his name, the project is considered a reciprocal honour for both architect and the city.

As you can see, the outer shell of the stadium will be mosaic-like in appearance (…not dissimilar to the Torre Agbar?) and will create an impressive visual impact, especially by night. The top tiers of the stadium will be henceforth accessible by escalators, providing views over the surrounding area. As for seating arrangements, although seating numbers will not be greatly increased, it is planned that at least 50% of seats will be undercover.

Fans are assured that there will be no disruption to fixtures during the time of construction. Only guided tours of the stadium will be mildly affected at certain crucial times of construction.

For accommodation in Les Corts close to Barcelona Camp Nou stadium click here

Directions: take the green line (3) metro to Maria Cristina, come out of the 'Avenida Diagonal' exit and then follow sign to the stadium, a short walk around the corner. There'll be plenty of other people going the same way!

Bus turistic

Short on time but want to see as much of Barcelona's sights and attractions as possible? The Barcelona bus turistic is the perfect answer. Sit back, bask in the Autumn sun on the top deck of the bus and take in the sights with an informative and entertaining commentary as you go. With a total of 44 stops over two main routes with a bus turístic ticket you've got most of the city covered and easily reached from your barcelona apartment

The Northern routes encompasses many of the main sights of Gaudi's Barcelona from La Pedrera to Sagrada Familia and Park Guell in the North of the city. Meanwhile the Southern route takes visitors to Sants, Plaça de Espanya, Mont Juic (including the Olympic Village and Fundació Joan Miró), then down to the seafront and old port. During the summer months a third route 'Forum' runs round the sea front, new town and up to el Forum.

Tickets cost 19 euros per day for an adult, raising to only 23 euros for a two day (consecutive) ticket and can be used on any route. Tickets can be bought in advance at tourist information centres, Sants Station or online or alternatively onboard the bus. What's more, with your ticket you will be given a booklet of discount vouchers such as reductions on entrance to Sagrada Familia, some restaurants and even on F.C. Barcelona tickets.

Trust me, I'm normally against these over-touristy things but this really is worthwhile.

Barcelona airport transfer

If you want to get public transport from the airport to the city centre (or vice-versa) you have two options. The first of these is the train from Barcelona airport. This RENFE operated service runs approximately every 30 minutes and takes 25 minutes to reach the city centre.

BE WARNED: recently this service has experienced many problems with delays becoming common place so if you want to ensure that you don’t spend an hour waiting at Sants Station staring helplessly at the word ‘avería’ (delay) my recommendation is that you take the Aerobus.

This is a shuttle bus service which runs every 15 minutes between the airport and the city centre. It stops at all 3 terminals and will cost you 3.90 euros for a single and 6.70 Euros for a return ticket. With main stops at Plaça de Espanya, Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia and Sants this service will take you right into the centre to your Barcelona hotel without the hassle of the train or metro system. It is advisable to allow a little more time during rush hour, but otherwise this is the most reliable way of making a Barcelona airport transfer.

Bicing fever in Barcelona

Looking for an eco-friendly way to get around the city without the hassle, noise and crowds of the Metro? Look no further. Since hitting the streets of Barcelona at the beginning of the year, 'Bicing' has revolutionized the way that its inhabitants get about town. From suit-clad businessmen zipping down La Gran Via to teenagers making their way to school, people of all walks of life have embraced this exciting new mode of transport.

With 3,250 parking spaces, 365 day a year access and 24h availability on Fridays and Saturdays this service appeals not only to residents, but also visitors to the city travelling between their Barcelona hotels and the many sights of the city. What more pleasant way to get around Barceloneta and the Paseo Marítimo than on two wheels?
With a 91 hour non-stop service during La Merce 2007 last weekend, this service caters for the times when people most need to get around town.

Like the 90,000 other registered users I too have jumped on the Bicing bandwagon. At a mere 24 euros per year and arguably the most pleasant climate in Europe I can't think of a reason not to....

Which Barcelona airport?

Reus, El Prat, Girona....to name but three of the airports serving Catalonia's capital. The so-called Ryanair phenomenon is bringing more and more vistors into Barcelona but chosing airport locations far out of the city to keep costs down. It's the name of the game and situation replicated all over Europe. Unaware that 'Barcelona (Reus)' actually involves an 80km drive to even reach the city, planeful after planeful of tourists arrive on the late night flight from London only to find themselves with yet another leg of the journey before reaching their destination.

My advice: when you book your incredible value taxes-only ticket, look carefully to see which airport you are going to land at to avoid a frustrating transfer to the city and late arrival at your Barcelona apartments.

Getting from Barcelona to Valencia

Getting from Barcelona to Valencia is relatively easy as there are various ways of making the journey. The cheapest means of travelling is by taking the autobus Valencia via the Bus Alta company. The journey costs €26 and takes 4 hours.
Another option is to take the Valencia Renfe train from your Barcelona accommodation which takes 3 hours if you take the fast train and costs €38. Also you can take the Valencia Renfe on the cheaper ticket at €32 to arrive at Estacion Valencia in 4 hours.
The trip is highly recommended as Valencia is the birthplace of the world famous dish, Paella. It is the 3rd largest city in Spain and many tourists flock to the city for the great weather as it is the sunniest city in Spain. Also there are many famous events which take place in Valencia including La Fiesta de Las Fallas and it is the starting point for the world famous Americas Cup Boat Race.
Famous landmarks to visit include; the Serranno Towers, Malvarrossa Beach, and in the new part of the city, the Parc Natural.

For a more comprehensive Barcelona guide.

The Barcelona Cable Car to Montjuic

A great way to spend an afternoon sightseeing in Barcelona is by taking the Air Ferry Barcelona Cable Car across the Barcelona port. The Air Ferry Barcelona Cable Car connects the Tower of Sant Sebastià (Sant Sebastià beach) with the Jaume I Tower (World Trade Center) and Miramar (Montjuïc mountain) and is not to be confused with the Montjuïc Cable Car or the Montjuïc Funicular Railway.
It really depends on your preference but i believe the best way to take the Air Ferry Barcelona Cable Car journey is from the Tower of Sant Sebastià at Barceloneta and from there going to Miramar. A single ticket is €7.50 and return €9 however one journey should suffice.

You can catch the cable car at the halfway point at Jaume I Tower however the full journey is recommended.
To get to Sant Sebastià you take the metro to Barceloneta and from there you will be able to see the tower and just follow the way but if your renting apartments Barcelona in the area then even better..
The views are absolutely stunning as you can see the whole of the city and the port. Definitely bring your camera as it will make for some great photo opportunities. When you reach Miramar at Montjuic you can have something to eat of a quick drink in the restaurant meanwhile taking in the views of the city.
For a more comprehensive Barcelona guide.

Flights from Scotland to Barcelona

For all Scottish people looking to fly to Barcelona for a holiday to stay in great Barcelona apartments then transport is relatively simple. As Scotland is such a small country, there aren't many flights between Barcelona and Scotland, however there really is no need for many. It is only really during the summer months, usually between Friday and Monday, when the flights are full so getting a seat is never a problem to reaching your Barcelona apartments.
For low cost airlines there are basically 2 companies which fly between Scotland and Barcelona, the first is Flyglobespan which is a Scottish company and second is the well known Ryanair.






Flyglobespan
Flyglobespan fly directly to El Prat International Airport of Barcelona which is only 20 minutes bus journey from the city.
They fly from 3 airports: from Glasgow (Daily) 9-12.40 and return 13.30-15.45 except from November during the winter season when they alternate return flights from the usual 13.30-15.45 to 20.30-22.30 every other day.

Edinburgh is the second largest airport and has daily flights which mirror the Glasgow flight times. Outward 9.00-12.40 and return, 13.30-15.15. However from November the flights are reduced between Thursday and Monday over the weekend and flight times change on the outward flight to 16.00-19.40
Aberdeen Sun 7.00am-10.55 or Thur 17.00- 21.00

Ryanair
Ryanair fly from Glasgow Prestwick which is on the Southwest coast of Scotland and go to secondary airports Reus which is in Tarragona and Girona. These are both roughly 1 hour 20 minutes from the city of Barcelona. During the winter there are no flights between Glasgow and Reus but the daily flight to Girona flies 14.00-17.35 and returns 18.00-19.45.
Flights may seem cheaper with Ryanair however you must add an extra £17 return bus ticket from the airport to the city onto your flight price as oppose to £5.50 from the main airport.

For a more comprehensive Barcelona guide.

Transport between Barcelona and Madrid

The most visited destinations in Spain are of course Madrid and Barcelona... but which is the best way to get from one place to the other??

The holiday season is here and why not, after a weekend in the exciting city of Barcelona, go to Madrid, the capital, where you can also enjoy the nightlife...

The following is a table with some useful info:

Type of transport	Company	Cost (2 ways) On average	Duration	Schedule
airplane	Vueling	50€ - 80€	50 min.	Day/evening
airplane	Spanair	40€ - 70€	50 min.	Day/evening
train	Altaria	65,80€ (2ºclass)	5 hours	Day/evening
train	Alvia	65,80€ (2ºclass)	5 hours	day
train	Costa Brava	38,40€ (2ºclass)	9 hours	night
bus	Alsa	47,41€	8 h. 20 min.	Day/night

The train (www.renfe.es) costs more or less the same as low cost airlines, but it takes a lot longer. In any case it’s a good option for those who wishe to travel during the night (and can sleep!), as well as with the bus.... When the high speed train (AVE) from Barcelona - Madrid is ready, it will be possible to go from one city to the other in less than 3 hours, at a maximum cost of 250€.

For a more comprehensive Barcelona guide, just look online.