Archive for December, 2011

The Spanish Bruce Springsteen’s Tour in 2012

Published: December 13, 2011Posted in: UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The legendary singer is already prepared for his next year’s visit in Spain. With his music companions, the E Street Band, Bruce will perform a very special concert for all his fans. Despite being 62 years old, the EEUU artist is eagerly looking for his next visit in Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla and San Sebastian.

Bruce Springseen in Spain

Bruce Springseen in Spain

The date for the Catalan concert is 17 May, although finally Springsteen decided to extend his stay one more day, so there will be a second concert on 18 May.

In Madrid, the appointment for the fans is 17 June. The big event will take place in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where the music will let the people vibrate with his eternal pieces: from “Born to run”, to “Streets of Philadelphia”, passing through “Born in the USA”.

In Barcelona, the chosen place is the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Again, the concert is expected to mobilize thousands and thousands of people.

Bruce Springseen in Spain

Bruce Springseen in Spain

If you can’t wait to attend this big celebration in Barcelona, you can already buy your ticket online: The prices start on 65€.

After and before the concert, you can take advantage of your days in Barcelona or Madrid, and visit the most significant attractions in both cities: Sagrada Família, Passeig de Gràcia, the Barcelona’s port and beach… the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Gran Via, full of shops and life, etc.

As we want to help you to have the best possible vacations in Barcelona and Madrid, we recommend you to check our range of top rent apartments. All our luxury short term rentals in Barcelona and Madrid are equipped with the facilities you need to make the holiday apartment become a dream place.

Concert, night, glamour, sightseeing… it sound well, doesn’t it? Now, you can make your plan a perfect plan, with a private top class holiday apartment for rent in Barcelona and Madrid!

 

TOUS, a Catalan jewelry company

Published: December 12, 2011Posted in: UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Tous” is the name of a worldwide famous brand within the fashion and jewelryuniverse. The most representative icon of the company is the lovely teddy bear, whichnow can be found in pendants, earrings, rings, and in the products of its complements’collection, composed by bags, purses and luggage.

Tous, Barcelona

Tous, Barcelona

This company works in Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Middle East, but its origin isin a familiar shop. In 1920, the Catalan Salvador Tous and his wife opened up a smallclock’s reparation studio in Manresa, close to Barcelona. In 1965, the couple’s son,also called Salvador Tous, marries Rosa Oriol. Together, these talented artists soongave to the business a modern and innovation focus, by designing exclusive jewelrypieces.

Plenty of top models and celebrities have become the image of Tous from the start ofits international popularity, in the 80s: Kylie Minogue, Jaydy Michel, or Spanish famouswomen such as the tennis player Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, have wore its luxuryproducts in commercial and promotional photographs.

As we have said, the most popular icon of the company is the bear, but… do you knowhow did they have this idea? It is said that Rosa Tous, one half of the duo behind Tous,once saw a teddy bear in a shop’s showcase. She thought of the tender memories weall have about this toy, and she was sure it could become a very beloved image for thewoman target, who surely would want to wear it in jewelry, bags, etc.

You can buy Tous products in several cities of the world. However, if you have theopportunity to visit Barcelona, you will be able to visit the shops in the brand’s birthplace. You can check the 11 existing shops in the official Tous’ website, and decidewhich one is closer to your Barcelona’s accommodation.

Tous, Barcelona

Tous, Barcelona

Talking about accommodation: Have you already decided where are you going to stayduring your exciting days in Catalonia? We can help you! All our top rent apartments in Barcelona are luxury and spacious flats for days located in front of the sea or in theheart of the city. Comfort and freedom mix in this paradisiacal home for you and yourtravel mates. You deserve a top rent apartment in Barcelona and we have the perfectsolution! Check our range of short term top rentals in Barcelona and start dreaming.

Studying Design in Barcelona

Published: December 8, 2011Posted in: UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Barcelona is one of the cities with a larger offer of design jobs and with the most affluence of designers of Europe. Every year, professionals from around the world decide to move to this city to carry on with their studies or jobs, as the combination of career’s opportunities and live-style is more than recommendable.

Besides the rich artistic tradition of the city – with the Antoni Gaudí’s heritage, among others –the growth of a new area located in Las Glorias, devoted to the research, knowledge, new business, etc. is letting Barcelona become a referent place for the innovation and the state-of-the art fashion, with ultra-modern buildings and institutions.

Elisava school in Barcelona

Elisava school in Barcelona

If you are into the design world, you will like to know some schools and universities where you can attend some short-term courses, masters or workshops.

Among them, there is the Massana School, which offers fashion programmes, graphic design, etc; IDEP, the design’s institute of Barcelona; ELISAVA, an associated school of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, specialised in graphic design, that also prepares events like the Thinking Week, which will be celebrated from the 6th to the 10th of February 2012; the Superior Art and Design School La Llotja; or the BAU school.

Moreover, you can check the IED (Europen Design Institute) webpage, which offers really interesting regular workshops.  Other smaller groups also organize valuable activities and events, such as the summer workshops of the Folch Studio, the Andreu Baliu’s masterclasses (the next one in May 2012), or the amazing and young group, OFFF Atelier, which is constantly offering workshops and courses.

Design summer courses in Barcelona

Design summer courses in Barcelona

If you are looking for an opportunity to open your mind and take the best of the inspiration that the world can bring to you, don’t hesitate in moving to Barcelona. Even just for a short period of time, this city is fantastic and will give you thousands of inputs to work with.

Help your creativity in the best schools of Barcelona, and book the accommodation you need in order to own a place to work and create. We have a great range of luxury apartments in the most privileged locations of Barcelona. They are private flats to rent for some days or weeks, which will ‘hug’ you as if they were your own home. All the apartments are decorated following the most fashion and stylish ideas, providing the perfect atmosphere to feed your talent.

CentroCentro, Madrid in the art

Published: December 8, 2011Posted in: UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This original name, “CentroCentro” (CentreCentre) hides an interesting museum in Madrid, devoted to the city itself. It is located in the Cibeles Square, 1. Its artistic content goes from its amazing architecture structure (the museum is located in the “Palacio de Cibeles” set, considered a building for the cultural interest in 1993), to the changing exhibitions of its several rooms. Its permanent idea: Madrid as an urban reality, society, change, identity.

CentroCentro in Madrid

CentroCentro in Madrid

You will find this museum in front of the emblematic and famous Cibeles Fountain. Its classic style from the outside contrasts with the rehabilitation of the inside, which makes the centre a very original symbiosis between classicism and modernity, decoration and simplicity. It is really one of the most recommended art points of Madrid.

Besides the regular exhibitions, this centre also hosts speeches and conferences. In some days time, for example, the IV International Conference on Creative Cities will take place in some of its rooms. From the 24th to the 26th of November 2011, this event will make people ask about subjects like the innovation, the role of the cities in the creation process, or the digital society.

This centre has become an important referent in the world wide reflexions about art, creativity and society.

CentroCentro in Madrid

CentroCentro in Madrid

Discovering this museum means discovering Madrid in the most artistic way. This is a clear opportunity to open to another language that uses the art to talk about where we live. Do you want to participate in this discussion? Yes? Then, get up, do your luggage and start checking our range of holiday apartments in Madrid, perfect for your days in the Spanish capital. All our flats for rent are luxurious and with all the facilities you may look for. Security, comfort and intimacy completely guaranteed.

The theatres of Barcelona

Published: December 8, 2011Posted in: UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , ,

Theatres in Barcelona

Theatres in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city of art. Its cultural activity keeps dynamic and active, and the audience seems to share the same attitude. If you are having your holidays in the city, you can take the most of your evenings by attending a comedy, musical or tragedy play in one of the remarkable theatres spread around the Catalan’s capital.

One of the most luxury theatres of Barcelona is the Liceu. This sophisticated site is located in the middle of Las Ramblas, and offers frequent operas and concerts. You will have to dress with your most glamorous clothes to enter this richness’s dream and live one of the most special nights, in touch with the most pure emotions of the music. The situation of this theatre couldn’t be better, as Las Ramblas is one of the most popular and centric parts of Barcelona. For an absolute privilege, you can book your accommodation in this area: We have outstanding top rent apartments in Barcelona placed here, which will let you have a perfect theatre evening.

Another important theatre in Barcelona is the Catalonia’s National Theatre. It is place close to Las Glorias and L’Eixample. It is a modern and huge building that holds top artists and dramas, most of them from Catalan’s companies. The scenery uses to be amazing, as well as the whole acting.

Just in front of this theatre, we can find the Auditori, the Barcelona’s concert hall. Excellent musicians and orchestras from around the world perform play in this building. Another beautiful sample of a concert theatre in the city is El Palau de la Música, a masterpiece of the decoration and beauty, which will leave your speechless thanks to its incredible inside.

"Teatre Nacional de Catalunya", in Barcelona

"Teatre Nacional de Catalunya", in Barcelona

Other smaller stages in Barcelona are the Capitol Theatre or the Poliorama Theatre, located almost one in front the other, and both place in Las Ramblas. They have two different rooms where all kinds of plays are represented, and although they are not as spectacular as the previous cases, they are very worth seeing too.

Another good theatre in Barcelona is the Teatre Neu, with different plays to choose simultaneously. Comedy monologues, improvisations, magic…everything you want, can be seen in the Teatre Neu.

Going to the theatre not only entertains us, but also enriches our intellectual search. Moreover, it can become a good plan to find out how is night in another city, like Barcelona, and to integrate with the live and culture of its inhabitants. Another way to integrate in the life of a city is by staying in a private apartment with kitchen, living room, terrace, and lots of other facilities. The luxury flats to rent for your holidays will give you intimacy, comfort and freedom.

The children’s paradise: “El saló de la infància”

Published: December 7, 2011Posted in: UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , ,
The childhood's festival in Barcelona

The childhood's festival in Barcelona

It has become a tradition for the Catalan children. For almost 50 years, the little ones have an appointment with the most funny fair: The called “saló de la infància”, translated as “the childhood’s room”, offers and unless range of activities, workshops, adventure’s attractions, shows, etc.  You can’t miss this lovely event from the 27 of December 2011, to the 4th of January 2012.

The chosen place is the Barcelona’s Fair, in the Montjuïc site. The pavilion fills with enormous structures, climbing walls, stalls, etc. Among the prepared activities, you will find cooking lessons for children, all kind of games, drawing contents, and original sports like arch, jockey, or as we have said, climbing.

Professional monitors are constantly supervising the young visitors, ensuring both their security and diversion are under control. The aim of the fair is giving a moment of pure fun to the young, as well as promoting the educative values through a responsible leisure programme.

Besides the inside’s activities, the participants will have the chance to take home most of the products done during the workshops and lessons, as a beautiful souvenir that will let them wait better the next year’s edition.

Another reason to attend this fabulous fair is to meet other children and make new friends. Having a great time playing with other boys and girls help them to enrich their world, open their mind, and socialize.

The entrance is valid for all the day, so you can take advantage of this and stay from early in the morning, until the closing.

The childhood's festival in Barcelona

The childhood's festival in Barcelona

As you see, this is a very good way to spend your Christmas days in Barcelona. All the family will have fun in this unequal event, and the little ones will remember forever the funny time in Barcelona.

And during the rest of your days, visit the lovely full-of-life streets of the city, try the hot chocolate in a cafeteria or attend a theatre play! Barcelona is special all year, but becomes magic in Christmas.

Make your holidays in Barcelona even more special but staying in one of our top rent apartments. They are luxury flats to rent in Barcelona, with all the facilities you and your family may need, and a fantastic atmosphere that will hug you with all the wellness you deserve.

 

Fair Trade in Barcelona

Published: December 7, 2011Posted in: UncategorizedTags: , , , , , ,

If you have a personal commitment with the fair trade, you don’t need to give up your ethical routine when you travel abroad. In fact, people who have chosen this way of thinking and buying, follow a philosophy shared by plenty of other people around the world.

Fair Trade Barcelona

Fair Trade Barcelona

In Barcelona, for example, you can find some interesting Fair Trade’s Shops, which respect the principles of this kind of commerce. As usual, these sites has most of their products ecological, and look for a proportional relation between the price that you have to pay for them, and the price paid to the suppliers.

 One of the major Fair Trade Shops in Barcelona is the “Intermón Oxfam” one. You can find them in various locations, such as the Gran de Gràcia Street, 156. This shops act like bookshops that also sell food products, clothes and other merchandising. Volunteers are in charge of the shop, which also is a meeting point for people who want to know more about the ONG’s work.

Another sample in this category is “Naidunia”. It is located in L’Eixample district, in the Rocafort Street, 198. Its main aim is to promote a fair commerce and a fair consume.

“Xarxa de Consum Solidari” is the name of a group of shops with the same ideas. There are different shops in Barcelona, as well as L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Besides offering the same services as other groups, they work to promote a day-to-day responsible consume and life.

As you see, travelling doesn’t mean stopping your regular way to live. Moreover, if you fancy having freedom to plan your holidays as you want, you can book a comfortable and luxury touristic apartment in Barcelona. This will provide you with a very beautiful space that will act as your home in the city, and where you will be able to cook and eat with all the tranquillity and intimacy that only a temporary top flat for rent can give you.  

Renting a car in Madrid

Published: December 6, 2011Posted in: UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Renting a car in Madrid

Renting a car in Madrid

In previous articles, we have talked about the possible excursions available to do from Madrid. Most of them are not far from the city, but the most comfortable option to travel keeps being the car, as it gives you total flexibility regarding the schedules, and the stops you can realize during the journey. Moreover, you can decide the specific route to follow.

In Madrid, there are different companies offering cars for rent. One of them is Europcar: In this company, you can rent cars from one day and up to as many days as you want, and choose between different types, from Audis, to ecological cars. Also the families can find their perfect car in Europcar.

Another company is Atesa. It works with Citröens, Peugeot and Mercedes, and also rents vans. They offer the possibility to rent the car and start using it from the airport, something that can be really useful to get comfortably to your apartment in Madrid.

Autos Alcala is another agency specialized in the car renting, which offers both cars without driver, and with driver. This last option is thought for luxury travels or tours, weddings, etc.

Finally, Ancora is specialized in the van’s renting, although they also work with the Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa and Renault Megan models. You can also rent a minibus if you are part of a large group.

Renting a car in Madrid

Renting a car in Madrid

If you fancy having more freedom in your transport, you may also love staying in a top rent apartment in Madrid, with all the facilities, a quite and nice terrace and amazing views of the city.

Besides, more space for you, more comfort for you family or friends, no control nor schedules, and the feeling of living in Madrid as if you were a real “madrileño”. The perfect days in the Spanish capital are waiting for you and your rent car!

 

El Rastro, the most famous market of Madrid

Published: December 6, 2011Posted in: UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

El rastro Madrid

El rastro Madrid

During your days in Madrid, you have to get in contact with all the different faces existing in this city. This means going shopping in the glamorous Gran Vía, but also discovering another very famous way to buy in the city: The Rastro market.

This is an old market full of vendors who bargain with the tourists or locals that stop by their stalls in order to ask for a price. There, you can buy almost everything you can imagine, especially second-hand objects, cheap jewelry, antiquities and all kind of curious objects able to bring to your home, an original and unique attribute.

The Rastro market is placed in the “Ribera de Curtidores” site, and grows through several streets, such as the Toledo Street, San Cayetano Street, Carlos Amiches Street, etc.

Every Sunday morning and bank holiday, the around 1000 vendors that compose this market, offer their products to the visitors that bring life to this alive tradition which has become a symbol of the Spanish capital.

El rastro Madrid

El rastro Madrid

Take advantage of your visit to Madrid, and look for that beautiful souvenir that only you will bring back home, from the Rastro Market. This will be a very original way to remember your experience in Madrid, for the rest of your life.

And meanwhile you still stay in Madrid, you can keep your souvenirs in your top rent apartment. All the luxury short term rentals placed in Madrid will provide you with the glamour, comfort and facilities you can require during your holidays in the city. While the hotels and the traditional tourism have certain limitations regarding the schedules and the freedom of their guests, the top rent apartments have plenty of flexibility as they act just like your temporary home abroad. Choose your desired location and feel the benefits of this new and privileged way of travelling.

The Barcelona’s Blue tram

Published: December 6, 2011Posted in: UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It is considered the most ancient tram in Europe. It was inaugurated in 1901, and from then on, it has never interrupted its function. Still now, it is kept as a lovely witness of the history of Barcelona in the last century.

Blue tram Barcelona

Blue tram Barcelona

The current itinerary of the Blue’s tram starts in “Plaça  J.F.Kennedy” and ends by the “Plaça del Doctor Andreu”, on the base of the Tibidabo Hill. In total, the small blue train moves along 1276 meters, in a slow speed to let the tourists, enjoy the experience.

Nowadays, Barcelona uses a very modern version of this tram, which offers service in the newest areas of the city. However, the possibility to sit and travel in this historical treasure is a very original way to find out the highest zone of the city.

From this site, especially if you can reach the Tibidabo’s Amusement Park, you will enjoy the best view of Barcelona, with the Mediterranean Sea behind, and the entire city in the middle.

There are up to 7 different models of this mythic tram. Almost all of them are blue and were built between 1901 and 1906.

Blue tram Barcelona

Blue tram Barcelona

A curious anecdote: The famous Catalan’s architecture, Antoni Gaudí, the author behind the Sagrada Família temple, the Pedrera, the Casa Batlló, or the Parc Güell, died while he was crossing the road, hit by a tram.

As you see in this article, Barcelona is full of exciting details. You only need to know them to take the most of your days in the city. Another way to ensure a perfect getaway in the Catalan’s capital is booking the best accommodation’s option: a luxury holiday apartment. All the renttopapartments’ short term rentals are provided with all the glamour, luxury and smartness you can wish, in order to make your days, a dream. Don’t hesitate, and trust the guarantee of the most top rent apartments in Barcelona.

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