A vista d’hotel, the week of Barcelona's terraces of hotels

From 5 to 14 June 2015, sixty hotels in Barcelona will open their terraces to the public on the occasion of the new edition of "A vista d’hotel".

“A Vista d’Hotel” is a unique experience that allows you to enjoy free performances of music, wine tastings, culinary workshops, fashion shows and more with spectacular views of Barcelona.

A vista d’hotel, la settimana delle terrazze degli hotel di Barcellona

The initiative, created by the will of the Gremi d'Hotels de Barcelona to bring citizens closer to the hotels of the city, is now in its fifth edition this year and provides in particular for more than 250 free activities.

Below, all the hotels of "A vista d’hotel":

Hotel H10 Marina Barcelona, Hotel Silken Diagonal Barcelona, Hotel América, Hotel Barcelona Princess, Hotel Claris, Expo Hotel Barcelona, Hotel Barcelona Catedral, Hotel Barcelona Center, Hotel DO Plaça Reial, Hotel Duquesa de Cardona, Hotel España, Grand Hotel Central , Hotel H10 Itaca , Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Golf , Hotel Casa Fuster, Hotel Condes de Barcelona, Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, Hotel Mandarin Oriental, Hotel Miramar Barcelona, Hotel Neri, Hotel Novotel Barcelona City, Ohla Hotel Barcelona, Hotel Olivia Plaza, Hotel Pulitzer, Hotel Pullman Barcelona Skipper, Hotel Villa Emilia, Hotel Jazz, B – Hotel, Hotel Barceló Raval, Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel *WTC Barcelona, Gallery Hotel, Gran Hotel Princesa Sofía Barcelona, Hotel Granados 83, Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I, Hotel 1898, Hotel Bagués, Hotel Catalonia Plaza Cataluña, Hotel Cram, Hotel Grums, Hotel Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona, Hotel H10 Universitat, Hotel Omm, Hotel ZT Villa Olímpic@ Suites, Hotel H10 Casanova, Hotel Melià Barcelona Sky, Mercer Hotel Barcelona.

Show of light and color for the fountains of Plaça Catalunya

The twin fountains of Plaça de Catalunya have opened their show of light and movement of water after a total restoration that has improved energy efficiency with important environmental benefits.

Show of light and color for the fountains of Plaça Catalunya

The Fonts Bessones have begun to work giving rise to their performances: one of the novelties is that the music of the show does not feel the outside but is available through an app that allows citizens to see the show and listen to live music through the Mobile phone.

Show of light and color for the fountains of Plaça Catalunya

After more than 50 years during which they had never been renovated, the fountains of Plaça de Catalunya, as we said, have been subjected to a complete restoration which now allows admire them in their renewed splendor.

Show of light and color for the fountains of Plaça Catalunya

In particular there are two times to see the fountains of Plaça Catalunya in action;

- During the spring and summer the shows are held
from Thursday to Sunday, from 21:00 to midnight, every 30 minutes.

- In autumn and winter,  the shows will be held from 19:00 to 23:00, also every half hour.

La Boqueria food market – a feast for the senses

Arguably the king of all European food markets, La Boqueria is a feast for the senses and cannot be left off your Barcelona bucket list. Just off the Ramblas, this fabulous market is loved by both the locals and the throngs of tourists who visit every day. Come here to stock up on the freshest and best-quality produce or just to take in the sights, smells and sounds that surround you.

La Boqueria food market, Barcelona

Trust us, you will feel the electric atmosphere as soon as you step over the threshold and through the market’s iconic iron gates.

From humble beginnings…

The history of the formally known ‘Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria’ is rich and complex, the first mentions dating back to 1217. It has lived through many phases, originating as a travelling open-air market where Catalans would sell their fruit and vegetables in front of the old city wall. Since then, the market has passed through various stages of construction, most notably in 1836 under the guidance of architect Mas Vilá. In 1914 the market’s emblematic metal roof was added.

La Boqueria food market, Barcelona

…to a modern day mecca for foodies

La Boqueria is more or less like a supermarket in terms of its size and produce available. It takes up 2,583 square metres and is home to around 270 stalls selling the most mouth-watering ingredients. If you fancy doing something different, you can take a tour round La Boqueria as part of a cooking class, but it’s just as good to go and explore the place yourself.

La Boqueria food market, Barcelona

At the entrance you’ll find stalls selling dried fruits, nuts, chocolate and sweets, but try to resist these until the end as these appetising displays are also the most expensive. Instead, head straight into the middle of the market to check out the seemingly endless samples of fruits you will struggle to put a name to. Grab a delicious fruit smoothie – there’s extremely good value and the perfect portable drink as you’re meandering around.

La Boqueria food market, Barcelona

Of course, the Boqueria has much more on offer than just fresh fruit and veg. Continue further and you’ll see the delights the butchers have to offer (you won’t stare the pigs out, we’ve tried). Make your way through the dizzying maze of Serrano hams, chorizos and fuets (cured, Catalan sausage) and enter the beating heart of the market where the floors are glistening wet from melted ice – welcome to the domain of the fishmongers.

Don’t neglect the furthermost corner of La Boqueria, either. Right at the back are some little-known stalls selling all sorts of wild mushrooms, while on the fringes are several spots to perch on a stool and grab a bite to eat. This is the perfect way to really absorb the madness going on around you.

La Boqueria food market, Barcelona

The need-to-know

La Boqueria is open from 8am until 8pm every day except Sunday but to snag the freshest produce, you really you need to get there before midday. The market tends to be less busy in the afternoon, which might be a better time to visit if tightly packed aisles aren’t your thing.

It’s very easy to get taken in by the ambience, but try to keep in mind the pesky pickpockets who take advantage of distracted tourists whose eyes are occasionally not on their belongings.

La Boqueria food market, Barcelona

If you are intending just to do a quick shop then don’t head to La Boqueria; it’s always very busy and you have to do some serious weaving. The prices are higher than in the supermarkets but that’s to be expected given the top-notch quality. Take a shopping trip here and you are sure to have a truly wonderful Catalan feast… enjoy!