Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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Previous issues for Barcelona

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Spain : Barcelona - January 2009

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Start the year under Barcelona’s crisp, blue sky where, at worst, winter means donning an overcoat for lunch on a sun-lit terrace. Take a bracing walk along the 4km waterfront, prepare for more festivities when Els Reis (Three Kings) arrive bearing gifts for kids on 5 January, or fi nd your own treats in the sales. Judy Thomson looks out for bargains and more

Getting around

El Prat

Bus: The nearest airport is El Prat Airport, about 12km from the city.

PORT VELL

Where La Rambla meets the sea, a whole new area has emerged which includes a marina, a leisure centre and one of Europe’s biggest aquariums.

Shop til you drop – In the middle of the port, Maremàgnum (5 Moll d’Espanya) has lots of January discounts and is open 10am-10pm daily. Check out the wacky world of Desigual, or the urban-wear branch of designer Adolfo Dominguez, both on the first floor.

Must eat – A walk across the Rambla de Mar footbridge leads to Restaurant Elx (Local 9, tel. ), famed for its paella and other rice dishes, a haven among the fast-food chains in the Maremàgnum centre. For authentic tapas, venture into Carrer Mercè, a narrow street behind the waterfront where bars like Celta (16 Carrer Mercè, tel. ) serve fried squid and patatas bravas (potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce).

Culture vultures – Greet the Three Kings on 5 January as they sail to the Portal de la Pau amid much fanfare, before parading around the city. Get things into perspective from the top of nearby Colom, the monument to Christopher Columbus, or on the cable car which glides across the port from Torre Jaume I (Moll de Barcelona).

Sleep soundly – Set in a 16th-century nobleman’s house, four-star Duquesa de Cardona has an air of modern elegance and is in a prime position overlooking the harbour.

BORN

With narrow streets winding around the exquisite church of Santa Maria del Mar, this part of the old town still retains its medieval charms.

Shop til you drop – Located in an atmospheric 14th-century palace, Café de la Princesa (21 Flassaders) stocks stylish clothes and accessories, including the cool sophistication of Julie Sohn.

Must drink – Tiny Xampanyet (22 Montcada) gets crowded at prelunch vermut (sweet vermouth) time, a Barcelona essential.

Must eat – Japan meets Brazil at ikibana (32 Passeig de Picasso, tel. ), which serves delicious fusion dishes and morphs into a lounge club as the evening goes on.

Culture vultures – The magnificent Museu Picasso (15-23 Montcada, museupicasso.bcn.es) is currently showing a new exhibition entitled Living Things, on until March.

PLAÇA DE LES GLÒRIES

State-of-the-art architecture and cultural complexes rub shoulders with 19th-century factories and an ancient flea market.

Shop til you drop – Seek out a bargain amid the junk at the city’s much loved flea market Els Encants Vells (8 Plaça de les Glòries) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It’s due for imminent designer treatment, so get there fast.

Dance the night away – One of Barcelona’s best established venues, Razzmatazz (122 Carrer Almogavers) has an eclectic music policy and a busy schedule of live gigs. It’s hosting The Stranglers on 28 January and Kaiser Chiefs on 29 January.

Must eat – Taste genuine Basque cuisine at traditional restaurant Gorría (421 Diputación, tel. ), known for its fresh fish.

Culture vultures – The city’s new landmark, the Torre Agbar (Plaça de les Glòries), is a gherkin-like office building that is lit with bright colours by night. The nearby L’Auditori (150 Lepant, auditori.org) is the new concert hall with a full programme of classical music, including weekend concerts for kids.

Sleep soundly – A new generation of hostel, Urbany Hostel has designer dormitories, a Jacuzzi and a built-in social life. If butler service is more your thing, the Perrault-designed ME Hotel is 31 floors of cutting-edge mod cons.

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