11 activitati in Barcelona, Catalonia, SPAIN

ou can read any book, but just with few it’s possible to live and breathe them. We present this walking tour as a unique opportunity to wander around the amazing Barcelona depicted in “The Shadow of the Wind”, a novel that has captivated thousands of readers all around the world. From letters to words, from imagination to reality. Just as Daniel Sempere, Julian Carax, Fermín Romero de Torres, and the other characters of the novel, we will walk through a labyrinth of mysteries and surprises turned into a charming tour, with a bewitching Barcelona as the backdrop. The participants of the tour will become the characters, as you move around Barcelona to places which are still recognisable to today’s inhabitants, such as: Santa Anna street, The arch of the Theatre, King’s square, Las Ramblas, Sant Felip Neri square and Montcada street. Not often do we have the possibility to turn fiction into reality but this is one such chance. Going through Argenteria Street we reach Santa Maria del Mar and Montcada Street to discover the Santa Lucía Asylum and Xampanyet. Next stop is Els Quatre Gats, Santa Ana Street and Canuda Street to learn about the Athenaeum of Barcelona, "a spot in the city that hasn't left the 19th century.

If you’ve read and been captivated by Carlos Garcia Zafón’s The Shadow of the Wind, then you’re going to love this literary walking tour of the actual locations mentioned in the bestselling novel. This is a special opportunity to explore the magical Barcelona described in this book that has enthralled millions worldwide. Explore places that still exude the mystery and darkness of Barcelona in the years after the Spanish Civil War… from the letter to the word, from imagination to reality. The tour starts at the Rambla Santa Monica and as you pass through the Arc del Teatre, you’re sure to remember the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, ‘the abandoned corpse of a palace, a museum of echoes and shadows’. Then head to the Plaça Reial, the Carrer del Call and the Baixada de la Llibreteria, just like in the book. Follow in the footsteps of Daniel and Fermín, the protagonists of the book, as you retrace their journey to find the mysterious Julian Carax and his books. Continue down the Carrer de Argenteria towards the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar and Carrer Montcada, where you’ll come to the Asylum of Santa Llucia and El Xampanyet. Now you’ll come close to where Daniel’s father had his bookshop in the Carrer Santa Anna before heading along the Carrer Canuda to the Ateneu Barcelonès, one corner of the city still firmly stuck in the 19th century.

Architecture, design, art and innovation. Torre Glòries's viewpoint is the new cultural and leisure experience in Barcelona. A spectacular double viewpoint, from which to see the city from a different perspective. Located in Barcelona´s most emblematic building of the 21st century and designed by Jean Nouvel, Mirador Torre Glòries is a new observatory that allows us to get to know Barcelona from a new perspective through a tour of different spaces. The visit begins on floor -1 where the Barcelona Hyperviewpoint is located, an exhibition space that shows the city beyond what we see at first sight, to understand it as a living being with a heartbeat that strongly impacts our way of inhabiting it. An unprecedented dynamic space in which art, music, technology and large-format audiovisuals are combined, giving rise to artistic installations of great beauty, some of them elaborated from the collection of data from Barcelona in real-time. Continue the route to the 30th-floor viewpoint, at 125m high, you will be able to observe the city from an exceptional 360º perspective. What´s more, you will also find the Cloud Cities Barcelona sculpture, designed by the renowned contemporary artist Tomás Saraceno. This amazing multi-sensory installation is suspended from the top of the dome, at a height of 130 m, and offers a uniquely immersive and daring walk through its interior. Without a doubt, the overall experience will transform the way we see things, rethink our role in the city and be able to reimagine it. Languages Audioguide available in English, German, Spanish, French and Italian

Highlights - Discover Barcelona's Gothic Quarter on a guided walking tour. - Hear about thousands of years of history, from the Romans to the middle ages and present day. - Wander the twisting streets and quiet plazas of this charming neighborhood. - Walk alongside one of the world's best-preserved sections of Roman wall. - See medieval architecture like the Plaça del Rei and Barcelona Cathedral. - Visit the Plaça de Sant Jaume, the political center for Catalonia. - Check out iconic Barcelona landmarks like La Boqueria food market and Las Ramblas. Meet your guide in the center of Barcelona in the morning, and get ready for your 2-hour walking tour of the Old Town and Gothic Quarter areas. Follow your guide along the ancient streets, and discover the origins of Roman Barcelona, dating back more than 2,000 years. Imagine the Roman Forum in the current Plaça de Sant Jaume, which, even today, remains the political power of Catalonia. Walk along one of the world's best-preserved Roman walls, and imagine how even at that time thalassotherapy baths were taken at the Roman Baths of Pati Llimona in the eastern part of the wall. Admire the architecture and monumental buildings of the Gothic Quarter, including the 14th-century Plaça del Rei. Learn about the city's Christian side at the Barcelona Cathedral and Santa Maria del Mar, an outstanding example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Soak up the energy of the surrounding neighborhood, filled with bars, restaurants, and small boutiques. Walk along the lively Ramblas, and see street performers before continuing on to the famed Boqueria market for a glimpse at the gastronomic traditions of the Catalan people.

PortAventura World, an ideal destination for all the family, invites you to explore different worlds where fun and excitement are guaranteed. Highlights - Amazing theme parks for every taste and age - Live a vibrant night in a festive atmosphere Pick your experience and prepare yourself to enjoy a day complete with adventures and magic. PortAventura Park You’ll have the best time in one of the best theme parks in Spain, located in the charming Costa Daurada. Live through adventures in six different themed zones, including China, the Far West, Polynesia, Mexico, Mediterrània and SésamoAventura. In any zone, you’ll discover fantastical worlds and enjoy attractions and shows for all the family. Shambhala is the star attraction of the park and offers a totally different experience. It’s the tallest rollercoaster (76 metres) and it’s the longest drop in all of PortAventura Park. In the short time it takes to go up the second tallest rollercoaster in Europe, you’ll feel as if you’re flying through the air as you whizz up and down in a ride that defies gravity with speeds up to 134km/h. After all the emotions of the rides, you can relax and recharge your batteries in one of the park’s restaurants where you’ll have the chance to taste a variety of dishes from all over the world. PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park Freshen up at PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park and glide down slides in a world where water is the main attraction. Head to all the attractions such as El Tifón or El Torrente and try other more relaxing ones like Mambo Limbo, the rapids or hydro-massage pools. There’s loads of slides, some only for the bravest. In PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, you’ll find more than 50,000 m2 of fun in a lush environment with more than 4,300 tropical plants. For the little ones there’s an exclusive zone that includes, amongst others, a two-level pool and a pirate ship complete with characters from Sesame Street where they can let their imagination run wild. The biggest attraction in the park is without doubt King Khajuna, the tallest slide in Europe. Don’t be scared by this giant structure – take on a free fall from a height of 31 metres with a dizzying 55-degree descent. Ferrari Land Put yourself in the shoes of an F1 driver and get to know the secrets of this prestigious Italian make and its creator, Enzo Ferrari. Up to 11 attractions using the most advanced technology await in this innovative park, dedicated to the exclusive world of Ferrari. Live through all the sensations of F1 in the tallest and fastest vertical accelerator in Europe, where in just 5 seconds you’ll accelerate from 0 to 180 km/h to reach the highest point at 112 metres. Experience a release of adrenaline in the free fall Towers, a large-scale representation of all the mechanics. And there’s the bounce-back Tower, which will lift you up to the sky while simulating the movements of Ferrari pistons. And if that’s not enough, in Ferrari Land you can compete with your family on the 570-metre race track, simulators and the opportunity to take a journey through Ferrari’s history in the Ferrari Experience. PortAventura Nights Awaken your adventurous spirit as night falls with entry that gives you access to attractions, shows, restaurants and shops up until midnight. Enjoy enchanting PortAventura at the end of the day, when it’s filled with colourful lights and a magical atmosphere. PortAventura Special Nights

Unlimited journeys by metro and other public transport networks Experience Barcelona in your own way! Get around freely with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card which provides unlimited journeys on public transport in Barcelona for consecutive periods of 2 days (48 h), 3 days (72 h), 4 days (96 h) or 5 days (120 h) from the time it is first validated. Start using your Hola Barcelona Travel Card at any time of day and take advantage of unlimited journeys for 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours from the first time you validate it. Hola Barcelona Travel Card is a non-transferable travel card that allows you make as many journeys as you like using the metro, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), urban railway (FGC, Zone 1), Montjuïc funicular, tram (TRAM), Renfe regional railway (Rodalies de Catalunya, Zone 1) and Barcelona-El Prat airport transfer(Metro or Train). Buy now to receive 10% discount. Remember that children under 4 travel free! - Travel to Barcelona-El Prat airport included Hola Barcelona Travel Card includes metro service travel between the airport and Barcelona city centre. Avoid paying extra for airport transfers and enjoy your Hola Barcelona Travel Card from the minute you touch down. - Get your travel card at any metro station We will email you a voucher with a personalised code. This code can then be used to pick up your travel card at any metro station. Only Hola Barcelona offers this service. Save yourself the cost of postage and avoid the queues. Reservation valid for 90 calendar days from the date of purchase, until the last day of February of the following year at the latest. The easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get around Barcelona!

Come and experience the fiery passion of flamenco in one of Barcelona's top tablaos, the magnificent Nervion restaurant. This flamenco bar and restaurant is situated in the Born Quarter, just a stone's throw away from the Picasso Museum. Sit back in this luxurious setting and enjoy this spellbinding art form where guitar, dance and song combine to form an incomparable, unforgettable spectacle. Choose from different options in the restaurant’s comfortable dining room. Treat yourself to a full traditional Spanish meal, including a selection of tapas or salad, grilled steak, paella or fish of the day as well as home-made desserts, a bottle of wine or sangria and coffee. Or if you wish just order a drink as you sit back and enjoy the show. Flamenco is unique for the way it creates a special communication between the artists and the audience, making for an atmosphere that is much more a musical show. It can be felt in the beating of your heart and the rising of the hairs on the nape of your neck. So come to the Nervion for an unforgettable evening of flamenco.

Discover many of Barcelona’s cultural and leisure activities, with the Barcelona Card Express. You can get the train to and from the airport, and 2-days unlimited travel on public transport, and more than 100 discounts. 2-days free travel on public transport: Barcelona metro and city buses run by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona, and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya city and suburban trains, trams, Barcelona airport train and Renfe suburban trains zone 1. Over 100 discounts at museums and city sights, on visits and tours, leisure and entertainments, nightlife, at shops, restaurants, unique means of transport and other services. See list General map of Barcelona with the location of the places offering discounts and map of the metro. Duration 2 consecutive days. Others Card valid for calendar days not for 24-hours periods.

The Cultural Visit “Open Date Vicens” offers a magical trip to Gaudí’s first house . You can visit all the rooms and gardens of this summer house commissioned in 1883 by Mr Vicens, a Catalan bourgeoisie of the late nineteenth century: The House is considered a work of art in which a young Gaudí unfolds his skills and creative genius for the first time: you will be surprised by the structure of the House, its garden, its surprising and cozy corners. You will be captivated by the different artisan techniques that decorate interior and exterior, continually appealing to nature, the color and mixture of styles, the first terrace that can be walked on….Casa Vicens is a gift for your eyes, and represents an unprecedented Gaudí to discover. “Open Date Vicens” allows you visiting Casa Vicens at any time you want the day you want (from the date of purchase you can come whenever you want and with the same ticket you will have 6 months to arrive at any time).

Come on this walking tour of Barcelona's atmospheric Gothic Quarter. The Barri Gotic is a maze of narrow streets, shady squares and beautiful old buildings together with lively bars and tapas restaurants and trendy boutiques. Journey through history step by step as your knowledgeable local guide provides you with fascinating snippets of information about this neighbourhood and its inhabitants. Step by step you'll learn all about the quarter's fascinating history and people. Alongside mediaeval buildings you can find what remains of the ancient Roman city of Barcino with the haunting ruins of the Temple of Augustus and the old Roman City Walls. Other attractions you will explore include mediaeval mansion houses, the Bishop's Palace, the Churches of Sant Felip Neri and Sant Server, the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and Cloisters (watch out for the famous geese!), the Chapel of Santa Agata, the Palau del Lloctinent, the Plaça Sant Jaume, Plaça del Rei and the Plaça Reial.

Barcelona Aquarium in the historic Port Vell docklands makes for a fascinating day out for all the family. Highlights - Walk through the spectacular 80 metre long underwater tunnel - See diverse species at the immense Oceanarium - Visited by over 14 million people Come and dive into the depths of the oceans and discover a fascinating and unfamiliar world, coming right up close to its inhabitants and learning about their curious behaviour along the way. The aquarium is the world’s most important sea life leisure and education centre dedicated to the Mediterranean. Behold the denizens of the deep in the 35 tanks that are home to more than 11,000 animals from 450 species and walk through a spectacular 80-metre-long underwater tunnel. There’s also an immense Oceanarium, unique in Europe, with incredibly diverse species from giltheads to ocean sunfish, rays to morays and two kinds of sharks. All combine to make Barcelona Aquarium a truly special leisure attraction that has been admired by more than 14 million visitors. Among the other attractions are the coral reefs, unique architectural creations of spectacular beauty. You’ll be entranced by the mini-aquaria where you get close up to the fascinating world of seahorses and other smaller sea creatures such as the captivating sea eagles and colourful sea anemones. At Planeta Aqua you will be able to see how sea life has adapted to different climatic conditions the highlight being a penguin amphitheater where you can even see these beautiful birds swimming under the water.