Top Barcelona Sights Around The Hipstel

Written by Nina on 29 dezembro, 2016. Posted in Blog

When you come to a new city you want to see as many new and exciting sights as possible. You don’t want to spend your precious time getting lost while changing metro lines and explaining the bus driver where you want to get off. Having that in mind, we chose a location for the hostel which is in the very center of Barcelona, and surrounded by must-see sights for any first-time Barcelona visitor.  

These are the Barcelona sights and good spots within 15 minutes of walking distance if you’re staying at the Hipstel hostel. 

5 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Travelers

Written by Nina on 16 dezembro, 2016. Posted in Blog, Sin categoría

It’s time for some last minute Christmas gift shopping! It’s really rare to hear that someone doesn’t like traveling and discovering new places, however, some people are bigger nomads and adventurers than the others. Those who spend big amounts of money on making memories around the world will certainly like anything that is travel-related. But how to pick a perfect present for your favorite globe-trotter?

Good news! We can help you. Here are five gifts for travelers.

5 Reasons Why You Should Stay at The Hipstel

Written by Nina on 27 agosto, 2016. Posted in Blog

Why the Hipstel?

Wondering what makes the Hipstel hostel in Barcelona so special? We’ll give you five reasons why you should stay at our hostel. There are many more, but you’ll find that out when you come and see it yourself.

The Hipstel Quiz – How well do you know our hostel?

Written by Nina on 5 agosto, 2016. Posted in Blog

Take the Hipstel quiz, answer 8 simple questions and find out how well you know our hostel!

All answers can be found on our website. You can have a look – we won’t tell anyone.

Let us know the results of the Hipstel quiz!

Five Parks in Barcelona You Should Visit

Written by Nina on 4 agosto, 2016. Posted in Blog

We all love Barcelona for being such a lively and exciting city, but sometimes it’s too lively and exciting. Luckily, there is a quiet and peaceful side. The parks in Barcelona are full of green spaces, fountains, shady spots, and sculptures. Whether you wish to play sports, get a bit of tan, have a picnic, or just recharge your batteries after an exhausting party night, head to one of the magnificent public parks and gardens with Mediterranean charm. Here are our five picks to choose from.

By Alain Rouiller (Barcelona Parc Ciutadella 2) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Parc de la Ciutadella

Opened in 1887, this is one of the oldest, biggest and most popular parks in Barcelona. The park is not only really pretty – but it also has an interesting history. Instead of a military citadel (ciutadella) which was planned and built, this vast area was turned into a park. It’s famous for its Waterfall Fountain, resembling the Trevi fountain in Rome, Italy. In addion to that, there is an artificial lake, a zoo with 400 different species, museums, playgrounds for kids, beautiful sculptures, and a greenhouse. Looking for a more active kind of rest? You can rent a bike, rowboat, play tennis or go jogging.

Gogo69 [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Gardens of Joan Brossa

Once an amusement park – Montjuïc Fun Fair, the space turned into the Joan Brossa park is perfect for those looking for a magnificent view of Barcelona and a place to stroll through Mediterranean vegetation, play, and have a picnic. There are still three playgrounds for kids (and adults, why not?)

By ferran pestaña (Flickr: Parc del laberint d’Horta17) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Laberint d’Horta

The magical park, dating all the way back to the 18th century, is situated on a slope of the Collserola. Known for its maze, the oldest planned garden, the Palais of the family Desvalls, and a magnificent view, this secluded and fairytale like spot will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of the city once you get to enjoy its peacefulness and neoclassical gardens. Or maybe you would like to go to the labyrinth and test your memory and orientation? Either way, don’t forget that the labyrinth entrance is free of charge every Sunday and Wednesday.

By Jordiferrer (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The Laribal Gardens

If you’re visiting the Olympic Stadium and the Joan Miro museum, don’t forget to spend some time in the The Laribal Gardens (Jardines de Laribal) which are close by, situated on the lower slopes of Montjuic. The ornamental flowers and tiles, typical of Arabian gardens might remind you of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Apart from the wonderful vista, this tranquil and shaded place is known for the fountain Font del Gat, ponds, terraces, pergolas and small squares. Just sit on one of the numerous benches and enjoy the view.

By Bernard Gagnon (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Park Güell

Park Güel is not exactly the best place to relax and rest during the high season, as it is one of the symbols of Barcelona and very popular with tourists. However, there is a reason why no one who comes to Barca leaves without visiting the park. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1984, Park Güel was designed by Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi is the face of Catalan modernism and the author of works on basically every postcard and photo from Barcelona. This magical place is inspired by nature and organic shapes. It’s full of really interesting and unique features – such as the main terrace with a bench that resembles a serpent, colorful tiles, the mosaic lizard at the main entrance, and of course, the Gaudi House Museum.