1. Gastronomy.

At the beginning of the lent the “Coca de Llardons”, when in there the “bunyols” and, at its end at Easter time, the “monas de Pasqua”. This is really the queen of these dates. Try them at Canal, Bubo, Oriol Balaguer y La Colmena. www.canal.es, www.bubo.es, www.oriolbalaguer.com y La Colmena, Plaça de l´Àngel, 12.

2. Processions.

Barcelona is not Seville but it also has its own traditional religious processions. The most well know is in the evening of the Holy Friday (the 29^th of March), organize by the Hermandad Esperanza Macarena. It starts at the San Agustin church to the Cathedral and pasing by Las Ramblas.  http://barnacofrade.com

3. Dance.

The Spanish dancer Sara Baras pays tribute to the commemoration of 200 years since the 1812 Spanish Constitution, which was passed in Cádiz, her place of birth. The flamenco drama performance “La Pepa” transmits all the intensity of this period: war, the beauty of Andalucia, the political significance of the creation of the constitution, the desire to live and freedom. At Tivoli theatre from the 6th to the 31th March. www.festival-millenni.com

4. Music.

On March 25th, Easter Monday and March 28th, Holy Thursday, at the Palau de la Música, a classic of this time of the year, Mozart’s Requiem, will be performed on the first day by Orquestra de Cambra de l´Empordà and the Polofònica de Pug Reig and the second by the National Symphonic Orchestra of Ukraine with the choir of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Belarus. www.palaumusica.org

5. Shopping.

Start the spring with a change in your look to say hello to the new season. For little indie boutiques go to the Barrio Xino, for trendy fashion enjoy El Borne and for high street fashion to luxury brands go to Paseo de Gracia. Santa Eulalia is a must go visit. www.santaeulalia.com

6. Beach.

Easter means also the arrival of the first sea swimming. Go to vibrant Barceloneta to enjoy the sun, walking with the sea breeze, post your photos at Instagram or simply enjoy a paella overlooking the Mediterranean (try the ones of El Xiringuito d´Escriba). www.escriba.es

7. Parks.

This is the best moment of the year to visit the parks of the city. From the Citadella to the Park Güell and even the ones in the Montjuic Mountain. Enjoy the explosion of flowers and colours.

8. Nightlife.

The clubs and bars are open to the sea with the arrival of the good weather. Have the first “al fresco” drinks of the season in the terraces located on the maritime promenade, the marina and the Port Vell. One of our favourites is Sotavento. http://sotaventobcn.com

9. Sports.

The 2013 Ruta de la Sal will take place from 28th to 31st March during Easter Week. This regatta attracts some 3,000 yachtsmen and women and a varied fleet of more than 300 boats that cross the Mediterranean to commemorate the original crossing that took place in the 19th century when sailors used to set off in search of white gold: the salt. www.larutadelasal.com

10. Nature.

Enjoy the city from the sea, a perfect plan to enjoy with friends and family which runs daily. From the Olympic Port you can enjoy sailing in ships of 12 meters and in the company of a professional patron (ask at reception). www.barcelonaturisme.com

Much more at: http://insiderbarcelona.com

Hotels in Barcelona: Grand Hotel Central

Epoque Hotels would like to congratulate Hotel Rekord and its wonderful staff!

Hotel Rekord, Barcelona

Barcelona Hotel Rekord is an oasis of peace, offering its customers exquisite, personalised attention. Fully up-to-date, it has preserved the classical spaciousness of its 15 rooms, refurbished to meet the demands of today’s customer. Splendidly equipped, it boasts all the services of a four-star hotel.

The boutique Hotel Rekord awaits you with all its five senses aimed at achieving excellence. Let your sight wander around our exclusive rooms: large, spacious, bright and decorated in soothing tones. There is one characteristic sound at the Hotel Rekord: silence.

With just two rooms per floor, quietness is guaranteed. This wonderful absence of noise, which can only be offered by a small boutique hotel, is one of the features most highly valued by our customers.

Location:

The Hotel Rekord is in the centre of Sant Gervasi neighbourhood, in Barcelona city north area. Easy access to the Metro . – View Location Map.

General Information:

Category:	Avantgarde Superior [learn more]
Address:	Carrer de Muntaner, 352, Barcelona [view map]
Type:	Boutique Hotel
Best Rate:	106 EUR [View Calendar]
Total Rooms:	17
Languages Spoken by Staff:	English, French, Italian, Spanish, catalan
Credit Cards Accepted:	MASTERCARD, VISA, AMEX, DINERS, MAESTRO
Download full info [↓]

People who live in Barcelona know that Hotel Duquesa de Cardona as a hotel is very much involved with music. The former stables of a 19th century Barcelona palace, La Duquesa restaurant is today an extraordinary space with high ceilings, wide arches, frescos painted on the walls with roman motives, lamps and baroque chairs from the designer Philip Starck and stone stairway that are reminiscent of the history of this palace. It was once owned by one of the most well known aristocratic families in Catalona: the Cardonas.

Live Jazz

Within a natural blend in the world of Jazz, during every Friday and Saturday evenings, listen to your favorite Broadway songs, Hollywood Golden Age and Pop music be played by the unique “The Piano Has Been Drinking Jazz Trio”. Immerse yourself in an alternative environment that takes your favorite sounds and transforms them into a world where the piano, bass and vocals sooth your sense of hearing.

p

Lyric Opera Dinner

While enjoying an exclusive Mediterranean cuisine, you are welcomed to get immersed with the great sounds of the Lyric Opera Dinner show. In between each course and at the end of the meal, your taste buds will be enhanced with the musical selection by the Soprano Mireia Dolc, Baritone Ulises Orduñez and by the pianist Xavier Dolc. Enjoy a wide selection of songs such as La Traviatta, O sole mio, Barcelona and Il maestro campanone.

Calender: 22nd October, 12th November, 17th December

22nd October Menu

Appetizers Chef

***

Watermelon Salad with foie and Pedro Jiménez reduction

***

Monkfish Grilled Medallion with rosemary and garlic quince mayonese

or

Filet Minyon with truffle sauce and steamed vegetables with nut butter

***

Strawberry Soup with Vanilla ice cream and almonds on cinnamon cookie

Mineral water, white and red wine and coffee

Price: 50 € per person

Interested in staying at La Duquesa de Cardona in Barcelona?

Grand Hotel Central Barcelona is located next door to El Born, Barcelona’s most fashionable area with its boutique shops, designer bars and restaurants scattered throughout its narrow streets. Las Ramblas, Plaza Cataluña, the museums and the sea front are just minutes walk away.

The original structure of this restaurant helps to create a unique atmosphere and a special acoustic that are particularly suitable for this kind of event.

In between courses, artists Mireia Dolç , Ulises Orduñez and Xavier Dolç , surprise the assistants by walking through the tables, descending the stairs and even looking for the collaboration of them just singing well-known pieces of the opera such “La Traviata”, “Il maestro campanone”, “O sole mio”, “Amics per sempre”, “Una furtiva lagrima”… At the end of the evening, the soprano and the baritone sing a few more songs to end up the night. The next appointment is March 19^th for the 6^th Opera Dinner edition with Soprano: Mireia Dolç,  Baritono: Ulises Orduñez and Piano: Xavi Dolç.

Barcelona citizens know Hotel Duquesa de Cardona as a hotel very much involved with music. The former stables of a 19th Century Barcelona palace, La Duquesa restaurant is today an extraordinary space with high ceilings, wide arches, frescos painted on the walls with roman motives , lamps and baroque chairs from the designer Philip Starck and stone stairway that are reminiscent of the history of this palace. It was once owned by one of the most well known aristocratic families in Catalona: the Cardonas.

Unlike any other hotel awards programs in the world, TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice® winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions about hotels on tripadvisor.com™ and content from across the web.

Situated in Paris’ most prestigious area and distinguished as the latest creation by renowned designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, Hotel Keppler stands for boutique hotel style. Elegant, sophisticated, and chic, Hotel Keppler bears the indelible signature of this outstanding designer, who is recognized for his exceptional eye for color, texture, and detail. Epoque Hotels congratulates Hotel Keppler for this great achievement.

In order to check availability please click here.

VISIT: Barcelona Walks Gòtic

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter links past and present. Discover in a guided tour the charm of its streets, squares, hidden corners and hundred-year-old buildings with expert guides who will take you, step by step, on a journey through history.

Departure point: Turisme de Barcelona information office at: Pl. de Catalunya, 17 basements. You should be at the information office 10 minutes before the visit of the Gothic Quarter begins. It takes 2 hours long and you could start every day. It takes 2 hours long. Times: In English: Monday to Sunday at 10 am. In Catalan/Spanish: Saturdays at 12 pm.

http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/

DISCOVER: Collserola Park

The Collserola range offers visitors the chance to feel as if they were in the middle of a forest. The park is spread out over close to 8,000 hectares, releasing 60,000 metric tons of oxygen every year and eliminating 80,000 of carbon dioxide. It contains some 10 million trees, 1,000 different species of plants and close to 190 species of vertebrates.

The park has eleven important scenic viewpoints, such as those on Carretera de l’Arrabassada, Torre Baró, la Font Groga and el Puig de la Guàrdia, all offering different views of the park. You can reach Tibidabo by public transport, either by bus or local train, the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat and then the Tramvia Blau to Peu del Funicular, or from one of the park’s many footpaths. At the top of the hill there are a few restaurants and the Tibidabo Amusement Park.

http://www.bcn.es/turisme/english/turisme/welcome.htm

ENJOY: Sightjogging in Barcelona

Whatever for people on work or vacation – Sightjogging in Barcelona is a unique way to experience the city. We run at the place suited for you and your group. You can choose from eight different routes. Barcelona is trendy. But only in the early morning you will escape the big heat, especially in the summertime and the big crush of tourists in the streets. Therefore our advice: Discover the awaking city between 6 and 10 am. If you want to be picked up use the pick up service.
All you need are your running shoes and comfortable running attire.

http://www.sightjogging-barcelona.com/

CUISINE IS PASSION…

A special day means a special dinner here at Ávalon restaurant. Our recognised chef, Ramon Freixa has created a Valentine’s Menu, the most romantic dinner with candles, selected wine and the best company. Celebrate with us this unique day in a different way!

Book your table now! welcome@avalonrestaurant.es