Barcelona

Spain

Things to do in Barcelona:

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Barcelona Restaurants

Cheap (51)

Dar-El Tajin

If you don't mind the no-alcohol policy, come here to dine on delicious couscous, tagines and other traditional Moroccan dishes. read more
Affordable (52)

Balthazar

This swish eatery has a sophisticated New York-type d�cor, but specialises in Catalan cooking with a particular emphasis on rice dishes. Try the rice with cuttlefish and wild mushrooms. read more
Good quality (52)

Thai Gardens

In an elegant atmosphere that feels more like a five-star Bangkok hotel than a Barcelona eatery, supreme Thai cuisine is served. Order the fragrant green chicken curry or Thai pearl (saut�ed... read more

Barcelona Nightlife

Chilled (56)

Bar Rosso

Inside the chic little Market Hotel, this new bar is the perfect place for a snug evening snifter with comfy, colonial-style furniture, marble-top tables and an open fireplace. read more
Live Music (45)

Sala Monasterio

You never know what you'll find at this cosy, cave-like bar near La Barceloneta. Brazilian beats, jazz, rock, techno, folk, blues... it's all played here. read more
Clubbing (48)

Cabaret Berlin

The decadence of pre-war Germany is paid homage to at Cabaret Berlin, a nightclub that features cabaret music, dance and marvellous circus acts on Fridays and Saturdays. read more

This Month in Barcelona (February):

By Suzanne Wales

Shopping: Nani Marquina makes beautiful hand-woven rugs in bold colours and abstract designs, and her first retail shop has just opened in the city (265 Rosell�).

Sightseeing: See the best documentaries, shorts, web animation and other moving-image art at Barcelona Visual Sound. Running 9-19 February at various venues across the city (bcnvisualsound.org).

Key areas: Santa Eul�lia is Barcelona patron's saint and the city honours her in celebrations that are particularly aimed at children. Head to the streets around the main cathedral on 12-14 February to see colourful dancing, dressed-up giants and traditional music.

Day trips: Get in the party spirit at Carnival. While Barcelona does its best, Sitges is where you'll find the most exotic action. Get the train from Barcelona's Passeig de Gr�cia station down to Sitges on 14-16 February to see the lavish parades. The journey takes about 40 minutes.

Barcelona News & Gossip

Travel News: Hotel Santos Porta Fira

BARCELONA

Cutting-edge Japanese architect Toyo Ito's mantra is: "There is no better architecture than the one coming from a tree." And judging by his latest creation, the Hotel Santos Porta Fira, he clearly practises what he preaches. This red, twisted tower looming large over the Barcelona skyline in L'Hospitalet business district, closely resembles a tree trunk. All 320 rooms and suites are kitted out with the latest technology, and as the hotel doesn't have one principal fa�ade, the view from every room is different. It has all the amenities you'd expect from a top hotel - a wellness area, business centre and gardens. Although rooms start at �90, the hotel is also expecting some high-profile guests as there's a helipad on the roof.

Book at www.hotels.easyJet.com

Barcelona Trivia

February: The Barcelona-based Galactic Suite Space Resort is now taking reservations for its first hotel. Due to be completed in 2012, guests will spend 3 nights in the space hotel after taking an 8-week training course on a tropical island. Cost: a mere �3m per person, all inclusive.
January: In an attempt to cut down on binge drinking, the Catalan government has prohibited two-for-one happy hour offers. Rest assured, though, that drinks here are still some of the cheapest in Europe.
December: Caganers are regular nativity scene items. These tiny figurines have streams of excrement pouring forth from their behind! They're supposedly a gesture inspired by Catalans' innate connection to the earth.