Barcelona Attempts to Regulate Impact of Tourism in the City

Last year Barcelona had the pleasure of giving accommodation to 8.303.609 travelers. This astonishing figure, that represents an increment of 5,4 % against previous year, would please the majority of local citizens and institutions if it weren’t for the fact that all in all they spent 2,1% less than in 2014. Low budget tourists increase in spite of the fact that the economy is getting better thanks to the constant flow of cash that evidently creates new jobs especially during the high season. During a whole decade, low cost travellers have been the general tendency in the city so according to many, new regulations should be implemented. Starting this year, representatives of hotel sectors, local authorities and boards of neighborhood members managed to reach some sort of agreement that controls the impact of tourism per areas in the city without restraining the successful figures of the Catalan economy.

 It is a fact that everyone has the right to travel according to their own pocket and it is difficult to apply the right of admission as if you were in a bar or something. Perhaps our town hall should read articles like this: Making tourism more sustainable

When it comes to low budget tourism it is inevitable to think of backpackers but as I said not everyone has the money to stay at Hotel Mandarin and you can find tight pockets in many illustrious hotels.

If you happen to be a backpacker and you want to visit Barcelona, you might consider this short list of hostels, quality and stylish hostels where you could vindicate your right to know our culture, enjoy your great holidays, study, find a couple, establish, integrate into our society or be a mere temporary visitor without no one telling you what you have to do and for the less amount of money you can pay. The only thing we ask is that you feel at home and you treat the city as such. By the way, this is valid for the spending kind too. Welcome to Barcelona everyone!

      • Casa Gracia 

      • St.Christopher's Inn 

      • Urbany hostel 

      • Kabul Hostel 

For those who simply want to search for the perfect hostel online, you could try Hostelz.com

Crypt Pillars and Ceiling at Sagrada Familia Cathedral

Close your eyes and think about architecture, try to establish a pattern of what is something astonishingly beautiful for you and for people in general and I am sure that when you open them again you will hardly come even closer to what Antoni Gaudi should have had in his mind when he created these beautiful pillars and that odd ceiling for his Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Who would have thought of such daring strange shapes then, by the end of the XIX century and who can think of them right now unless you take a computer and use an advanced software to calculate mathematical possibilities for architectural impossibles.

10 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona is among the most popular choices in the world, when it comes to holiday destinations. This is because there are so many great things to do there – like these ten.

1. Taking a stroll

Barcelona offers great weather for wandering and attractions unique to the city. Montjuic Castle, Parc de Joan Miro and Parc de la Ciutadella are among the stunning parks and buildings that you can enjoy at any time of the year.

2. Take in a concert

While Barcelona is home to many concert venues, perhaps the best is Gran Teatre del Liceu. From the luxurious red carpeting and gold leaf, to performances of Beethoven, Wagner and the annual Christmas concert, this is a pleasure to visit.

3. Take the Picasso tour

Picasso spent his youth in Barcelona and you can grab the chance to visit haunts like the site of his former home on C/Merce, hit Els 4 Gats, where he spent time with the likes of Salvador Dali and finish at the Museu Picasso.

4. Attend a Barcelona match

Barcelona is a city passionate about football and for anyone with an interest in sport, a visit to Camp Nou will be essential. Obviously this is best outside of summer, so you can take in a La Liga fixture.

5. Tibidabo

This enormous mountain overlooks the city and yet many visitors neglect it. During the summer months it will provide superb views of the entire city.

6. Las Ramblas

This area of the city is very tourist-heavy, but still well worth a visit – especially off-season. Then you will best be able to enjoy the shops, street performances and colour of this vibrant locale.

7. Steel Donkey Ride

This means a bicycle, but the rides take in less touristy spots – such as El Borne’s back streets, the Gracia village district and the Poblenou ruins. This is perfect for anyone who wants a more individual experience of Barcelona.

8. Skateboarding

Perhaps surprisingly, Barcelona is a European skateboarding centre, and a visit to the Plaza del Angels will be the ideal activity for any teenagers you have with you.

9. Visit the Casino Barcelona

The city has several casinos, but the Casino Barcelona is the best. Poker is the popular game here, with the numerous tournaments having built the reputation of this casino. If you don’t fancy the hassle of going to actual casino try some online mobilepokies with sites such as mobilecasinoaustralia in the comfort of your own room. However you will also find slots and other table games in the actual casino.

10. Try the cuisine

One of the best restaurants for sampling local Basque cuisine like Pinxtos is Euskal Etxea, making this a great stop for those who want the authentic culinary experience.

There is so much to sample in Barcelona, if you research and explore a little.