This wonderful apartment is very spacious (about 100 sqm) and can accommodate amaximum of 7 guests. It is located on the fourth floor (with elevator) of a palace built in the late 1800s,

It is furnished with elegant and functional taste and has just been renovated to make your stay simply unforgettable! In the large hall, from where the corridor connects all the rooms, a convenient sofa has been placed to make the apartment very comfortable.

The kitchen, large and well equipped in a rational way is furnished with a table with seven chairs.

The modern furnishings of the three large double bedrooms manages to combine practicality and elegance.All rooms are equipped with wardrobes, and are quiet and bright as any other room. The bathroom has a tub-shower. The apartment has an efficient and independent system of air conditioning and heating.

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The Ramblas apartment in Barcelona is located on the second floor of a recently refurbished building with an historic façade. Peaceful and light apartment, the building has a new elevator and entry security video phone.

The apartment features design decor, it is fully furnished and equipped. It has an entrance hall, kitchen, dining room, living room with sofa bed, one balcony. There is one bedroom with two single beds, one large bedroom with two beds and a fully equipped bathroom.

Location

The very central street, Boqueria Street, where the apartment is located, is one of Barcelona´s most emblematic and lively streets as well as a traffic restricted zone in the Gothic area, near Pi Square, The Cathedral, The Ramblas and The Liceo Opera house. The Lyceum Underground (L3) is just 30 m away and a public parking is just 60 m away.

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The Portaferrissa apartment is a luxury flat situated in the historic centre of Barcelona, 75m from the cathedral and just 50m from the famous Ramblas.

This quiet and elegant 55 m2 apartment is on the first floor of a recently renovated building, which maintained the historic façade of the area. The designer apartmentfeatures restored wood-ceiling, originally stone walls, wooden floor and designer kitchen.

This is a very large apartment featuring an entrance hall, living-room with a double sofa-bed, fully equipped kitchen, double room with one king-size bed and a fully equipped bathroom.

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Located on the first floor of a recently renovated building featuring a historic façade, this apartment has an area of 50m2 and a double balcony. Quiet and bright, this is a designer apartment as it boasts restored wood-ceiling, original stone walls, wooden-floor and designer kitchen.

This is a very large apartment featuring an entrance hall, living-room with a double sofa-bed, fully equipped kitchen, double room with two beds and a fully equipped bathroom.

The Picasso apartment is a luxury loft located in one of the most prestigious areas of the historic centre of Barcelona. Close to Paseo del Born in the Gothic Quarter,  just 50m from the Gothic Church of Sta. Maria del Mar, the Picasso Museum, the Cathedral and the port. The closest underground (L4 Jaume I) is 200 m away and a public parking is 20m from the apartment.

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This 55m2 modern apartment, with its own private terrace,  is situated on the top floor(with elevator, though there are eight steps to do on foot) of the building. Its orientation towards the inner patio guarantees total tranquility. The living-room with sitting and dining area is pleasant and comfortable with happy colours, and has been separated from the very well equipped kitchen. There are two bedrooms, both with lots of storage space for your personal belongings. The beautiful master bedroom has a double bed and the second bedroom has bunk beds and a small desk. The apartment also features one fully equipped bathroom with shower.

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The Liceu Apartments are the perfect accommodation solution both for business and pleasure as they are located in the heart of Barcelona, near the famous Las Ramblas and walking distance from many of Barcelona museums and monuments, also well connected to the exhibition centre, the Fira, as well as to the city business areas.

The entire building is dedicated to accommodate guests and has been fully redecorated maintaining and improving the ancient façade. The interior decoration is modern and exquisitely refined with a personalized chic and basic touch that creates a stylish ambience with all the mod cons you need.

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I have remained as open and impartial as possible and try not to be judgmental about certain areas, but I do understand the preoccupations of many tourists with regards to straying into the wrong areas etc.  Barcelona has a reputation for petty theft.  Let me assure you that if you pay attention to some small details (more like common sense) Barcelona is perfectly safe.

Brief but essential advice for Holidaying Tourists

Rule number one: Do not wear your expensive camera around your neck: I cannot stress this enough, and I’m sure it doesn’t just apply to Barcelona.  Buy a non-descript hold-all and carry it in there, out of sight.
An extension of this hold-all rule is also to take care not to put all your essential documents and valuables in one place.  Spread them out around your person and persons.

Guide to the Best Areas of Barcelona (or, Know your Area)

The “best area” is a vague term to enquire about, as each person will have his or her preferences and the “best area” can differ.  Of course, we all understand that, in general, when people are looking to stay in a strange city the “best area” usually means “the safest” and “the closest to the main attractions”.  Of course it can also mean “the best places for the beach” or the “best places to eat”, “the best area for bars” etc.

I’ll try to cover all these.  And I’ll do it, “barrio” by “barrio” as the Spanish call each area of the city.  I’ll order the list by popularity and size.

The Barri Gotic (The Gothic Quarter)

The Barri Gotic is probably the most popular area of Barcelona and is habitually crammed with Tourists.  It is generally a maze of narrow streets and small squares, some more desirable than others.  It is filled with quaint bars and restaurants and it contains the oldest architecture of Barcelona.

Now, before this turns into a typical guide, I’ll get to the point.  Is this the “best area” of Barcelona? Well, it’s very central.  You couldn’t ask for anything more central.  And generally you will mingle along with the other tourists and be generally “safe” in numbers.  On the other hand, there are many side streets which are inadvisable to venture into.  How can you tell which streets are fine and which are not?  You can generally tell because you will notice the “dodgy” side streets are empty and look fairly dingy.  My advice is, stick to the masses.  Go where everyone else is going, you will see enough narrow streets this way and will avoid getting lost.

By night:  This area is generally safe by night.  Again, don’t go wandering off down dark-looking alleys.  The main areas are well-lit and popular and you will be fine.  The Barri Gotic contains innumerous great bars and restaurants and you could probably enjoy a short break in Barcelona simply strolling around this area.  Although there is a lot more to see, like…

Eixample

I mention this area next because it is large, architecturally beautiful, safe, central, and has great bars and restaurants.  I, personally, would always recommend this area to tourists wanting to stay in the “best area”.  Pay attention, however, because as I said, this area is large and so being also “central” really depends on where you are.  In general, stay in Eixample and find somewhere relatively close to Plaza Catalunya (which is the main square).

A few more words on this area:  By night it is just as safe as the daytime.  There are plenty of great bars and restaurants here, although they are more dispersed geographically.  It is not as “touristy” as the Barri Gotic and you will mingle more with the “natives”.  The natives in Eixample being the 25-45 age group rather than the younger groups strictly in the centre and The Raval and Gracia (explained later).

As a sidenote, Eixample can be clearly distinguished by its large avenues, grid-like design and art-nouveau style facades.

The Raval

The Raval used to be the Chinese quarter but they have since moved uptown.  It is mainly an immigrant based community who live there now, and as such, has ethnic flavour.  Before I go any further, this area is not the safest!  That sounds like a stark warning, it’s not that bad.  It is one of the poorer areas of the centre and as such carries its own burdens.  If you dress normally and don’t advertise yourself as a liable target (i.e. the camera around the neck) you will be fine.  At night stay more alert.

I have painted a rough picture of The Raval but it really does have its own charm and I would recommend everyone to visit the area.   Some parts have been renovated and as a reward it is generally much safer.  My advice to holidaying tourists is to stick to these areas;  Let’s call it the “shallow-end” of the Raval where the Museums of the CCCB and MACBA are located and along the Rambla (the Raval Rambla, not the main Ramblas).

This area has an artistic flavour and there are many great restaurants and a lively nightlife.  Some of the best bars are located in The Raval and the atmosphere is young and electric.

To holidaying tourists over, say, 28, wanting to find out where to book their hotel or apartment in the “best area”, I say, “not here”.  Visit by all means, but you are better off renting elsewhere.

Gracia

Gracia is like a little village unto itself.  It is very popular at nights, has great restaurants, lively bars and a young atmosphere.  It is popular with students and has many artistic nooks to visit.  The streets are narrow and it’s easy to get lost.  The area is generally safe however.

It is situated north of the city a little out of the “centre”.  It is generally quiet by day and lively by night.

Poble Sec

This area could probably include Plaza Espanya and in fact Plaza Espanya is probably the only area worth visiting in it.  Poble Sec is mostly residential and generally not touristy.  There are a number of theatres located here and maybe even the Raval comes under its denomination.  But apart from that, there isn’t much.  I would advise looking elsewhere for your accommodation.

Born

I’m not sure if the Born area comes under the Barri Gotic.  They recently changed denominations of many areas so now I’m even less sure.  But anyway, I will give it a brief mention.  It comprises the area around the Santa Maria del Mar cathedral and is cram-packed with great bars and restaurants.  The area around the Paseig (a small rambla type street) is very popular and contains innumerous places to eat and drink.  Born is very central and sits between the “city centre” and the “beach area”.

Apartments and hotels here are generally good quality, nicely decorated and renovated (for the main part).  It is generally safe and I would recommend this area as a decent place to stay.

Barceloneta

This area is right next to the beach.  It is generally cramped, can smell bad at times and is probably not the safest area.  That being said, it’s right on the beach!  It also contains some authentic, and probably among the best, fish restaurants in Barcelona.

There is not much real nightlife in Barceloneta itself, it is a residential area.  But along its peripheries there are plenty of bars and restaurants; along the port and sea-front and leading up to the Vila Olimpica.

Vila Olimpica

Vila Olimpica was created for the Olympic Games and as such has a modern flavour not really representative of Barcelona as people imagine it.  It is relatively quite and generally not too populated with bars and restaurants.  It’s a quiet, mostly residential area situated just outside the “centre”.

The great thing about Vila Olimpica, however, is that it is right next to the beach and the Port Olimpic.  Staying around this area ensures you are within 15 minutes walk from the centre, but 5 minutes walk from the beach.  Port Olimpic contains several plush bars right on the beachfront, alongside some not-so-plush ones along the port area itself.  Some bars/clubs/restaurants of interest are Shoko (stylish, Oriental style ambience) and the Carpe Diem Lounge Club.

Before I stray from the point again, let me re-iterate that this area is safe, not far from the centre, quiet, and close to the beach.

En Fin

Well, this has lasted long enough.  I have covered the main areas of Barcelona.  Which one is the “best area” is really up to you.  Of course, there are other areas of Barcelona such as the Forum and the Sarria-Sant Gervasi districts.  But they are quite a distance from the centre and generally not visited by tourists, so I leave them out.

Enjoy your stay.

Content Copyright © ShortStayApartment.com 2009.  Photos copyright © Derry Birkett 2009.

Day One – First Steps Stroll

Plaza Catalunya

Most people begin their tour of Barcelona at Plaza Catalunya, and this is a great place to start. From here people generally head in either up or down to begin their tour: Down the Ramblas, towards the Port area or Up through the shopping districts of Eixample.

The main tourist office is located here, as are central terminals for the bus and metro, there is even a connection to the local railways here for heading out of the city.

Las Ramblas

You will probably then head down Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous street. A tightly-packed, colourful and cosmopolitan strip that leads all the way down to the port. It is absolutely crammed with people, lined with restaurants and buskers of all types and requires a good, steady stroll to take in all the sights.

Stop off for a Coffee at the Cafe Opera half way down on the left-hand side. You will see throngs of people sat at the small terraces of local bars and restaurants along the flanks of the Ramblas, but be warned, the prices are higher than usual.

Our Short Stay Apartment Liceu is based half-way down the Ramblas on the right-hand side, along the Nou de la Rambla street.

Plaça de Colón

At the foot of Las Ramblas stands the column and statue of Christopher Columbus, which you can squeeze into for an excellent view of the city. There is a lift, but the space is limited.

From here the Ramblas has been extended across the port into the shopping area of MareMagnum. You can pass through the shopping centre which leads to the Aquarium and Imax Cinema. Continuing along you will lead you to Port Vell.

Port Vell

Port Vell (Old Port) houses the Museum of History of Catalunya as well as some fine restaurants in the same corner. The street upwards towards the sea is then lined with more traditional restaurants, these are some of the best fish restaurants in Barcelona, and have reasonable prices. You will find many locals in this strip mixed with the tourists. If you haven’t eaten already, this is a good spot to find some great value seafood. Obviously Paella will always be available and is a common favourite amongst tourists and locals alike. The Paella takes about 25 minutes to cook so be prepared to wait.

Barceloneta

After passing all the fish restaurants and boats moored along the harbourside you will come to Barceloneta, the closest and most central beach of the city. The quality of the beach is not great but it is generally crammed with bathers in the summer, and at night, it is regular host to socialising and ‘Botellon’.

The stroll along the Promenade from Barceloneta towards the Port Olimpic (signalled by the two, tall towers) is a common occupation on Sundays and you will see all kinds of people enjoying the beachside lifestyle; skaters, bikers and joggers are common sights.

Port Olimpic

Port Olimpic was re-modelled for the Olympic Games of 1992 and has been internationally recognised as a great achievement in urban planning. The area is now full of leisurely activities; bars, restaurants, gyms and discos are all located here and are generally very good quality. On the port side of the strip however are more touristy locales which will attempt to poach passers by into the clubs and restaurants which can be a disagreeable experience.

The popular restaurants Bestial and Shoko here come highly recommended.

Day Two – Shopping?

After the long stroll down the Ramblas and along the seas front on Day One, maybe it’s time to slow it down and browse the local shops. We have chosen to highlight the Paseig de Gracia, Diagonal and Rambla de Catalunya shopping route. This route is less touristy, contains a great variety of shops and is pedestrian friendly.

Paseig de Gracia

This is the main, and most expensive, street in Barcelona and apart from it’s delicious art-nouveau style ascetics you will find a great number of interesting shops, cafes, bars and a couple of Gaudi masterpieces dotted along it’s flanks.

Not to be missed here are Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and Pedrera. Interior design lovers will also find the renown Vincon store housing all kinds of modern objects for the home.

Diagonal

The longest street in Barcelona, and maybe Europe, is lined with a variety of shops. We will just be briefly visiting this grand boulevard as we pass from Paseig de Gracia towards the top of Rambla de Catalunya, which is the same Ramblas as that which leads down to the port.

Ramba de Catalunya

This street is a pedestrian friendly, tree lined boulevard which contains some great shops for clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac and is also dotted with great coffee shops and bars.

If you are feeling peckish at this stage the Cerveceria Catalana just in the Mallorca street off the Rambla is highly recommended; it offers great tapas with delicious beers and wines.

The Rambla de Catalunya will drop you again at Plaza Catalunya, and if you haven’t shopped enough already there is the Triangle centre on the right hand side which contains FNAC and some other stores, and of course, El Corte Ingles department store on the Left side of the plaza, which contains all kinds of products from clothes and electronics to gardening and musical instruments.

Text Content Copyright © ShortStayApartment.com 2007. Photos copyright © Derry Birkett 2007 No reproduction or copying of this text is allowed without express permission from the authors.

One of the most beautiful location in Paris! Opposite of the Ile Saint Louis, under the Pont de la Tournelle, just at the bottom of the famous restaurant La Tour d’Argent.

This beautiful houseboat is in a clean uncluttered calm, only four or five boats are on the quay. L’ile Saint Louis, Notre Dame de Paris, Place St. Michel are within 5 minutes walking distance away.

The master bedroom has a double bed (160 * 200) with a small shower which has the good idea of having a beautiful opening view on the Seine.  On the other side of the lobby are the other bedrooms. A double cabin is in the peak with a double bed, two cabins with single beds. These three areas share a bathroom with a bathtub.

The lounge is very spacious with a gas fireplace, a nice place with sofas and a large dining table allowing up to 8 guests. The kitchen is open on the living room.

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These Budapest apartments guarantee a comfortable stay for short term tourists and those who would like to stay for a longer period in the apartments at Akácfa street 26. Every apartment features a perfectly equipped kitchen, TV, DVD player, and free WIFI connection is available for the comfort of the guests.

Apartments of one or two bedrooms and a deluxe apartment are available, all with the usual modern conveniences.

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Located on the street Rozengracht number 114, in a typical Dutch building, the place is perfect to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. The restaurant has a bar where the guests can order an espresso or another drink while waiting for the meal. The food is delicious, but you have to keep in mind that they are not very fast.

Image copyright mazzoamsterdam.nl

Our advice is to take your time and do not be in a hurry, because the restaurant is very busy, especially during lunch. The idea that “what is good is worth waiting for” can be applied in this case as well, so be prepared to enjoy the atmosphere for a while. The “Mazzo experience” is one of the most Dutch things you can do in Amsterdam and have a story to tell.

If Amsterdam is one of the cities on your winter list and you are looking for a short stay apartment, here you can find the best choices.

Image copyright iamsterdam.com

In general, the shops are open starting with 1 pm until 6 pm on Mondays, but they are open at 10 am from Tuesday until Friday. Keep in mind that most of the stores are closed on Sundays (not only in Amsterdam, but all over the Netherlands). The center of the city is perfect to walk around and check the stores that seem interesting. There are no cars in the center, but you should pay attention to the trams and bicycles.

When thinking about souvenirs and Amsterdam, the first ideas that come into our minds are: tulips, chocolate and klompens (wooden shoes). Depending on how much you want to spend and the quality of the souvenir, you will find nice gifts for different prices.

If Amsterdam is one of the cities on your winter list and you are looking for a short stay apartment, here you can find the best choices.

This Apartment is placed in a registered historical building of second degree located in Karaköy – one of the most historical and characteristic quarters of İstanbul. The building is called Gümrük Han which means “custom-house”. Indeed, Gümrük  Han since its construction in the late XIX. century has served as an Ottoman custom-house. Later, changing its function, it was divided in a number of offices for the trade of small construction material.

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These apartments are located in Karaköy where Bosphorus connects to Golden Horn. The area is not only famous for it historical and natural richness but its nearness to the centre of the main old city Sultanahmet (Where there are: Santa Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, The Basilica Cistern…)

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