The Backpackers Hostel Blog

Govinda is a unpretentious, elegantly decorated space in which the combination of relaxing music and exotic smells and flavours will take us somewhere in India. There are different rooms-one of them for groups up to 20 people- and all of them are quiet and peaceful. As it is a real vegetarian restaurant, any dish of the menu is made with animal products, not even eggs or fish.

There are menus for lunch (from Monday to Friday): 10,30 €,  and weekends: 15 € 

More info: click here

In the heart of old city, in the Born District, where the citadel´s defensive wall was set, we hace reliably restored an ancient Arab Bath. Enjoy the custom of Arab Baths, with routes that will submerge you in the warm waters of the tepidarium ( 36 º c) , hot waters of the caldarium ( 40º) and, finally, cold waters of the frigidarium ( 16ºc) . The benefits to your skin and your heath have been tested for thoursands of years…. But the pleasure you will feel , it will only be weigh up by your senses. You will also enjoy steam baths in the Hamman , feel the touch of the bath of a thousand spurts and, if want to , receive a relaxing massage on hot marble.

 You will also submerge yourself in the ancient wells that were part of the water system of the old city that we have restored just for you, your body will floar when entering the salt baths… We have thought about everything to join you with this ancestral tradition.But we didn´t want to forget two essential details: Silences your relaxation won´t  be only physical, but mental- and aroma, through the most exquisite natural fragrances.

More info: www.airedebarcelona.com

You can find a little of everything in this little shop in the Born: designer toys, CDs, books, notebooks, paintings, clothes, accessories and more. On the upper floor there are exhibitions: photography, drawings, paintings or any other format suggested by the artists.

Address: C/ Rossic, 6

More info: www.duduadudua.com

Now in it’s 4th year, La Pedrera will welcome three chamber music events every day in August, which will last 30 minutes each. The objective of this project is to bring the public closer to chamber music and make them aware of the impressive group of musicians and creators in Spain, enjoying the architectural beauty of one of Gaudí’s most emblematic creations at the same time. 
 

Ticket sales via:  Tel-Entrada 

Check  Programme

Palau Novella is an old Spanish style mansion in the Garraf Natural Park – Parc Natural del Garraf just south of Barcelona. Since 1996 it has been home to the first buddhist monastery in Catalonia called Sakya Tashi Ling. Part of the premises is open to the public on weekends and holidays. Palau Novella, was built in the 19th century as a family residence for a wealthy “indiano” trader, who returned from the Spanish colonies with his fortune.

There are guided tours of the monastery in English, Spanish or Catalan. The tours are not that long, but interesting and offer a glimpse of the buildings itself and the art and culture of Tibet.

The monastery also has restaurant, a hostel and a souvenir shop.

The Buddhist community organizes one-off conferences every Saturday and additional seminars for those who want to study the religion more profoundly. Other activities include courses on meditation, tai chi, yoga, reflexology, qi gong, chakras and reiki.

More info: www.sakyapa.org

How to get to the Garraf Natural Park near Barcelona

By train:
Garraf is the last stop before Sitges, approximately 25 minutes from Barcelona-Sants.
By train (Rodalies) from Sants Estació on line 2 with direction St. Vicenç de Calders.

By car:
Follow the motorway of Castelldefels until the A-16 or taking the Tarragona-Sitges to Costes del Garraf.

Taken from: www.barcelonayellow.com

Vall de Nuria, a highlight of the Spanish Pyrenees, offers great skiing and hiking trails. It’s known for “Mare de Déu de Núria,” a legendary statuette held in a large gray sanctuary

How to reach Vall de Núria from Barcelona

This valley in the Spanish pyrenees can only be reached via the “cremallera,” a 1930s railway that leaves 6-12 times a day from Ribes-Enllaç. The rickety ride up is absolutely spectacular.

To get to Ribes-Enllaç you take can get a train from Barcelona, which runs about 6 times a day.

Tourist Information

Tourist Office / Sanctuary Complex

• Tel: (+34) 972 73 20 20
• Open: Summer hours 9am-8pm daily; Winter hours 9am-6pm daily

Camping Grounds

• Behind the Sanctuary there is a camping area with limited facilities.
• Book in advance since Catalonia prohibits unliscenced camping.
• Tel (+34) 972 73 20 20

Youth Hostel “Alberg Pic de l’Áliga”

• Tel: (+34) 972 73 20 48

From: www.whatbarcelona.com

The Neighborhood Festival of Gracia, celebrated during the last half of August, is an incredibly well-organized and artsy local fiesta. Gràcia’s residents spend months planning parades, concerts, floats, arts & crafts activities and more. During the day, events are held in the area’s brightly decorated streets and squares. Acrobats build amazing human towers; performers dress up as giants and devils to express Catalan folklore.

At night, the Festa Major de Gracia inspires live music, dancing, fireworks and general partying outdoors. Best of all, it’s not just for those who live there: the whole city heads to Gràcia to join in the fun!

where – Gracia
more info – click here

Palounge: From Monday, 2nd of August till Sunday 29th, from 21 to 22h, the Plaça del Palau will offer nights of Cuban music (Monday), tango (Tuesday), sogwriting music (Wednesday), rumba (Thursday), Brazilian sounds (Friday) and Celtic (Sunday).

Free access.

To check the program, click here.

  ORGANIC : Junta de Comerç, 11 08001 Barcelona
The Organic Restaurant in the Raval has quickly established itself as a popular hangout for local vegetarians. In addition to serving healthy, organic food, the restaurant sports other little luxuries,…

Ph. 93 301 6837

Price range: 11 to 20 €

 FRESCO:  Various branches throughout the city. Please see the restaurant website for exact addresses www-frescco.com
If you are a) very hungry b) vegetarian c) in a rush or d) a student, then you will be happy here. If you are a very hungry veggie student…

Ph. 93 317 33 31

Barrio Gotico 

Price range: 21 to 30 €

  VEGETALIA : Escudellers, 54 Plaça George Orwell
Vegetalia, one of the leading Spanish producers of organic vegetarian food and products has opened its very first bar/restaurant and store right in the heart of Barcelona. The bar/restaurant offers a relaxed,…

Ph. 933 024 330

Barrio Gotico 

Price range: Less than 10 €

  JUICY JONES:  Two locations: Cardenal Casañas, 7 (Off Las Ramblas) Hospital, 74 (Between Las Ramblas and Rambla del Raval) Ciutat Vella
This funky, hip vegan restaurant offers international and Indian vegetarian and vegan dishes made from all natural ingredients. If vegan or vegetarian dishes are not your fancy, Juicy Jones, as…

Ph. 667 042 313

Barrio Gotico 

Price range: 11 to 20 €

  BIOCENTER: Pintor Fortuny, 25 Barcelona 08001
Being one of the very first organic restaurants in Barcelona, Biocenter remains one of the best places in town for vegetarian cuisine. With a warm and welcoming feel, Biocenter…

Ph. 667 042 313

Barrio Gotico

Price Range: 11 to 20 €

Last July it became possible to see the metropolitan area of Barcelona from the air. The flight is arranged by a service named BCNSkytours and leaves from the heliport located at the Moll de Barcelona, immediately after crossing the Puente Europa (Europa Bridge).

This is a treat for people who do not suffer from a fear of heights. The trip lasts about ten minutes and costs 70 Euros per person. Each helicopter can accommodate up to five passengers and reaches an altitude of 500 metres above sea level. It is the perfect distance to escape the city noise while still enjoying clear visibility from the air.