Tag: Barcelona

Activities, Around Us, Family

Barcelona Parks

With the arrival of spring and with the longer days, you want to enjoy the outdoors, take long walks, have picnics or simply see nature in its greatest splendor. And what better way than visiting the parks that we have in Barcelona? Today, we present you 6 options that you will love.

PARQUE GÜELL

If you haven’t visited Park Güell yet, what are you waiting for? This famous park is one of the symbols of Barcelona; a jewel of Gaudí, the greatest exponent of Catalan modernism, which fuses monumental architecture and nature in a single and indivisible element.

The central point of the park is a large plaza in which there is a huge 110-meter-long bench, with the appearance of a snake covered by small pieces of ceramic. In the park grounds there is the Gaudí House Museum, with a collection of works by the architect and the Casa del Guarda, which houses audiovisual exhibitions on the park’s past.

Location: Carrer d’Olot, 3

Admission: € 10, except residents of the adjacent neighborhoods (El Coll, Vallcarca-Penitents, La Salut, El Carmel, Can Baró and Baix Guinardó).

JARDINES DE PEDRALBES 

It is one of the most stately and extensive gardens in Barcelona, both French and English style, the truth is that entering them transports us to a time when serenity and majesty were determining elements of the landscape.

When we walk through the magnificent wrought iron entrance gate, we are greeted by a large 7.28 hectare area (equivalent to 8 football fields). Once inside, the protagonists are the trees, paths and the large areas of grass and shade. Inside we can enjoy the majestic Royal Palace of Pedralbes, and also the sculptures and historical architecture. The Fountain of Hercules, by Gaudí, stands out.

It is a perfect place to go as a couple or spend a relaxed afternoon with friends, this quiet park will transport you to another era, being a perfect place to disconnect from the outside noise outside its walls.

Location: Av Diagonal, 686

PARQUE DEL LABERINTO DE HORTA

The Horta Labyrinth Park includes the oldest preserved garden in the city and is a romantic space, a harmonious walk full of architecture and nature.

Its name comes from the labyrinth of cut cypress trees that we can visit and explore in the lower part of the garden, as well as ponds, fountains, pavilions and sculptures. But the Horta Labyrinth park is much more than a huge labyrinth. Along the tour of the enclosure, you will find all kinds of flora, such as the Himalayan cedar, a linden, a Jupiter tree or a huge plantation of camellias.

It is a place that could well be considered a garden-museum, since you will find a route between neoclassical and romantic buildings, and gardens of all kinds. It is especially interesting to see how architecture and nature integrate and achieve perfect harmony with each other.

We recommend that you visit it on Sundays since admission is free on those days.

Location: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1

JARDÍN BOTÁNICO

Located in the Montjuïc Park, the Barcelona Botanical Garden offers visitors an enchanted walk through the vegetation of the five regions of the world with a Mediterranean climate. The function of the Garden is to preserve and make known collections of Mediterranean plants from around the world.

You will be able to enter the whimsical network of paths and discover the most characteristic plants of the main Mediterranean plant landscapes. Starting with the vegetation of the Canary Islands located at the entrance and going up to the western Mediterranean. In the Northern Hemisphere, the area with the greatest representation is the Mediterranean Basin, following the visit route you can access the Mediterranean-climate coasts of California. Then there are the Mediterranean areas of the southern hemisphere where you visit the Mediterranean region of Chile, southern Africa, and the two Mediterranean regions of southern Australia.

In addition, you will see most of the flowering Mediterranean plants. The Garden then becomes a spectacle of colors that also invites the animals to get closer to the plants and pollinate them.

Location: Carrer Doctor Font I Quer, 2

PARQUE DE CERVANTES

We can say that the Cervantes park is one of the largest as it has an area of 87 665 m². You will find it located in the Pedralbes neighborhood, inaugurated in 1965.

It should be noted that every year a contest for new roses is held in this park, which are baptized with different names by their creators. In addition to the rose bushes, in the park there are several grassy areas and small groves, ideal for jogging, cycling, gymnastics or the simple art of contemplating in the heart of the Pedralbes neighborhood. There is also a children’s play area, table tennis tables and a picnic area.

Location: Avenida Diagonal, 706

PARQUE DE DIAGONAL MAR 

Diagonal Mar park is the third largest park in Barcelona and the most modern, in which its metallic structures stand out. It is an immense and sunny space with exuberant vegetation.

The park is divided into three areas, two smaller ones next to the littoral zone, both with a small pond, and a larger one that houses a larger lake, populated by ducks, geese and aquatic birds. A wooden bridge connects the two shores of the lake.

Diagonal Mar Park is home to a children’s play area, a petanque court, ping-pong tables, basketball and soccer courts, a sports area, an amphitheater and the star attraction: “The Magic Mountain” that welcomes different giant slides where the kids will have a lot of fun.

Location: Carrer de Llull, 350

Around Us, News, Nightlife, Restaurants

Bast places to eat in Barcelona

Today we put the focus on the most top restaurants in Barcelona and that is why we present below our selection of the 10 restaurants that have a unique and excellent cuisine, with an amazing atmosphere where you can enjoy an unforgettable foodie experience.

Isabella’s is located in the neighborhood of Sant Gervasi and is a charming, close and familiar place, with a careful decoration to create a distinguished environment where customers can enjoy a gastronomic experience as if they were in Italy itself.

They have their own chef and an extensive network of local suppliers to offer the highest quality. The result is a Mediterranean gastronomic proposal based on seasonal products, made simply for lovers of authentic Italian food.

In The Onsider we highlight the Burrata with basil oil, tomato confit and fossil salt, all its pizzas and how not the Veal Tagliatta with Parmesan. In addition, it has a small terrace to enjoy a beautiful evening, and all that just 5 minutes walk from our apartments.

Maná 75 it is a restaurant located just a few steps from the beach and distinguished by its open kitchen of more than 20 meters, where the mimcook paelleras are arranged, thus being able to see the work of the chefs.   He specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and fusion with certain Asian touches. In addition, it has an extensive and varied menu, where you will find authentic delicacies such as “Ceviche” of sea bass with tiger milk, seafood rice with crayfish and clams, beef tenderloin with foie, port and seasonal mushrooms, among many others .

Xavier Pellicer is the chef’s personal project and his new home. It has a very careful image and a total capacity for 66 people in the restaurant and 20 people in El Menjador.

His bet is to offer the diner “Healthy Kitchen”, a combination of organic, local and healthy products and he does it through 3 Tasting Menu options: a vegan, a vegetarian and an omnivorous. These proposals are offered in 9 steps collecting seasonal products in creations inspired by the natural world. The menus are prepared based on fresh and seasonal products.

El Nacional is the first restaurant in Barcelona that has 4 spaces where you can enjoy traditional recipes from the Peninsula.

It has 4 spaces each dedicated to a meat restaurant, a fish restaurant, a tapas and rice restaurant and a fast deli restaurant. They are complemented with 4 bars specialized in: beer, wine, cava and cocktails, which make El Nacional a trendy restaurant in the city.

Located on the Paseo de Gracia, and with capacity for more than 700 people, they make the National one become an emblematic place full of history (built in 1889). The restaurant is characterized by its large windows and metal pillars that give the place a unique charm, which you will have to go see in person.

Cecconi’s is a modern and classic Italian restaurant with a wide variety of dishes; Handmade pasta, seafood and dishes from northern Italy using the best ingredients, and we cannot forget their delicious cocktails made to enjoy the evening in good company. The Onsider recommends Bloody Mary. It’s delicious!

It is located on the ground floor of Soho House (Gothic Quarter of Barcelona), a private club founded in London in 1995, but characterized by its modern and minimalist design.

The Green Spot restaurant specializes in vegan food, and obviously, salads and vegetables play an important role in the menu of this cozy restaurant that is located in the Port Vell of Barcelona.

You will find dishes as different as: Green spelled burger with fries, Chili without meat, Cereal spaghetti with pumpkin, leek and truffle, Charcoal vegetable rice, among many others. You can also enjoy a pleasant evening with Sunday brunch, live music and exotic cocktails.

Its friendly atmosphere and relaxed interior are the setting for moments that you never want to end.

If you are looking for a terrace with magnificent visits, Blue Spot is the ideal place! It is the terrace located on the roof of the Ocean Building (8th floor), which has spectacular 360º views over Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.

The kitchen is visible from all tables as it is located in the center of the restaurant, giving the widest views to all its tables. It leaves dishes with Lebanese flavors, combined with other more local like grilled fish and rice. We recommend you go on Friday nights as they prepare cocktails and live DJs.

Zero Patatero is a restaurant located in the emblematic Born district of Barcelona, in which they bet on a Km 0 quality raw material, with star dishes such as avocado tartare, mushroom, apple, grapefruit and smoked eel with a lime sorbet and Basil or mussels casserole in its juice with ginger.   It is a modern, charming restaurant that is a safe bet to enjoy in good company.

If you want to live a gastronomic experience, you cannot miss the Mazah restaurant, as it is the largest Lebanese themed restaurant in Barcelona, which is characterized by its traditional Lebanese cuisine combined with the abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits, with a base of cereals and legumes , which complement with their meat and fish. Sojoh, Reyah or Othmaleya are some of the dishes you will find in their extensive menu, and it has 96 dishes! You can place the order with the traditional menu or through a Tablet, looking through the photos of their dishes.

You can find it right in the center of Barcelona, in Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes.

The restaurant Alkimia by chef Jordi Vilà (awarded with a Michelin star) is one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona, and is that he was awarded the international award for the best SBID design restaurant 2017, since the interior of the restaurant is unique, located Inside a modernist building. In Alkimia they not only take care of the gastronomic experience, but they also seek to surprise you with their avant-garde aesthetics, with winks to the marine world.

When it comes to gastronomy, we can say that the secret of this restaurant is to create with imagination new dishes from traditional Catalan cuisine, with local ingredients. We highlight the sea ox coca with zucchini in bloom and oxtail and blackberry gelée or the tartare of crayfish, prawns and fish.

Around Us, Education, News, Schools

International schools in Barcelona

Most of our residents are families with kids. Thanks to our convenient location in proximity to the international schools, it makes The Onsider Extended-Stay Luxury Residences an ideal choice for your arrival in Barcelona.

The Onsider Extended-Stay Luxury Residences is well connected to the best international schools, some of which are located in the same neighbourhood (Sarrià-Sant Gervasi). Depending on the education you want to choose, below you will find a summary of each school.

Location: Sant Gervasi.

The system of education: English system of education with the possibility to obtain the international Bachelor’s diploma in the English language.

Number of students: around 700 students of 50 nationalities.

Students’ age: 3-18 years.

Cost of education: 9.000 – 14.000€ per year, depending on the student’s age. One pays separately the school admission fee of around 5.000€, the “matricula,” or registration, fee of 1.000€ per year, meals that cost around 140€ per month, and bus, uniform, extra-curricular activities, and other small expenses.

Website

Location: Sant Gervasi.

The system of education: English system of education in the primary school; the secondary and senior schools use trilingual programs based on the Spanish system of education. Students have the possibility to obtain the international Bachelor’s diploma in the English language.

Number of students: around 1000 students.

Students’ age: 3-18 years.

Cost of education: 8.500 – 10.000€ per year, depending on the student’s age. One pays separately the school admission fee of 600 – 3.000€, meals, bus, uniform, extra-curricular activities, and other small expenses.

Website

Location: Pedralbes.

The system of education:English system of education.

Number of students: around 300 students.

Students’ age: 3-18 years old.

Cost of studying: around 10,000 euros per year, depending on the student’s age. One pays separately the admission fee of 3.000 – 4.500€ per year, depending on the age of the student. Meals cost about 400€ per trimester, and fees for the bus, uniform, extra-curriculum activities, and other small expenses are extra.

Website

Location: Esplugues Llobregat, 7 km away from Barcelona.

The system of education: American system of education, including the possibility to obtain the international Bachelor’s diploma in the English language.

Number of students: around 900 students of 51 nationalities.

Students’ age: 3-18 years.

Cost of education: 10.000 – 20.000€ per year, depending on the student’s age. One pays separately the school admission fee of 5.000€, the “matricula,” or registration, fee of 1.000€ per year, meals that cost about 1.650€ per year, and bus, uniform, extra-curricular activities, and other small expenses.

Website

Location: Pedralbes.

The system of education: Spanish system of education, with teaching in Spanish, English, and Catalan, and programs for the study of other foreign languages. The school has a special program of preparation courses designed for students entering the schools of Great Britain at the advanced level.

Number of students: around 630 students of 30 nationalities. The seats for the international students are limited by a quota that depends upon the country of origin.

Students’ age: 12 months -18 years.

Cost of education: 10.000 – 16.000€ per year, depending on the student’s age. One pays separately for the “matricula,” or registration, starting at 1.300 – 3.000€ (the fee depends on the student’s age), meals, bus, uniform, extra-curricular activities, and other small expenses.

Website

Location: Pedralbes.

The system of education: French. This lycée offers the french curriculum for the children of 3 to 18 years old. The classes are taught in French with Spanish, Catalan and English. Pupils pass the French academic exams and the “Selectividad”.

Number of students: 2800 students.

Student’s age: from 3 (maternelle) to 18 years.

Matriculation Fee: 420€ – 1000€.

Tuition (paid annually): 4569€ – 5601€.

Website

Location: One branch is located in Castelldefels, near the coast and 20 km away from Barcelona. The second branch, consisting of children’s and primary schools only, is situated in Sitges, 35 km away from Barcelona. Upon graduating from primary school, the students from Sitges are transferred to the branch of the school located in Castelldefels.

System of education: English system of education.

Number of the students: over 1,000 of students.

Students’ age: 3-18 years.

Cost of education: 10.000 – 13.000€ per year, depending on the student’s age. The registration fee, or matricula, is 3.000€ and is charged separately, in one payment made during the admission process; meals cost around 180€ per month, and bus, uniform, extra-curricular activities, and other small expenses are extra.

Website

Location: Sant Cugat del Vallès.

The system of education: Spanish, American and British curricula and participation in a large number of academic and international sporting events. The school is a member of the ECIS (European Council of International Schools), CIE (Cambridge International Exam) and EDEXCEL (IGCSE Exams and International Advanced Levels). Featured projects: Program for Gifted Students, High Performance Program (for professional athletes), EAL (English as Additional Language), MUN (United Nations Model).

Number of students: around 1400 students of 30 nationalities.

Student’s age: From 0 to 18 years of age, the project begins in the Infant School and is consolidated in the Baccalaureate.

Cost of education: 3.000 – 8.000€ per year, depending on the student’s age. One pays separately for “matricula,” or registration, meals, bus, uniform, extra-curricular activities, and other small expenses

Website

Location: Pedralbes.

The system of education: The development of the student’s personality, since emotional well-being facilitates learning.

In 2012 the Philia Project (Aula’s own project) was launched, which aims to promote the full development of the student’s personality by working on 5 key emotional intelligence skills:

  • Self-awareness
  • Self-regulation
  • Motivation
  • Empathy
  • Social skills

Number of students: around 630 students of 30 nationalities. The seats for the international students are limited by a quota that depends upon the country of origin.

Students’ age: 3 -18 years.

Cost of education: 1000€ per month.

Website

Location: Sant Gervasi.

The system of education: Swiss curriculum. The classes are taught in German but also the students receive classes in Spanish, Catalan, English and French. Students leave the school with a double Swiss and Spanish diploma.

In addition to the academic program that focuses on balanced intellectual, emotional, social and physical development, the school is well known for its personal approach to students and their families. The highly qualified and experienced staff keeps the children motivated and eager to learn.

Number of students: 640 students.

Student’s age: from 3 to 18 years.

Cost of education: 5.700€ to 8.400€.

Website

Location: Santa Coloma de Cervelló.

The system of education: Montessori. They are an accredited and trilingual school, with personalized education, named Pedagogy of Talent, offering the stages of Pre school and Primary Education with a forecast of starting Secondary Education in the  2020-2021 school year and High School with the organic growth of the school. They share the vision of neuroscience and multiple intelligences, where all are unique and intelligent, with different forms and learning processes, hence personalized education.

Number of students: 90 students.

Student’s age: from 3 to 14 years.

Cost of education: 850€ per month.

Website

In case that you still need more information, visiting this website will help you to decide the best option.

Moving, Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods in Barcelona to live

Are you thinking of moving to Barcelona? In this article we will explain what are the most popular and safe neighborhoods so you do not make mistakes when choosing your next home.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and 120 km south of the Pyrenees. Its international airport is only 15 minutes from downtown. It is the second most important city in Spain and stands out among the most cosmopolitan and avant-garde cities in Europe given its cultural, artistic, financial, commercial and tourist influence.

Barcelona has a total of 73 neighborhoods grouped into 10 administrative districts, in this article we will detail information on the 6 most important.

EIXAMPLE

It consists of six neighborhoods:

  • Dreta de l’Eixample (Right of the expansion)
  • Antiga esquerra de l’Eixample (Old left of the expansion)
  • Nova esquerra de l’Eixample (New left of the expansion)
  • Sagrada Familia
  • Sant Antoni
  • El Fort Pienc

Eixample is famous for being one of the most dynamic districts of Barcelona. Three of the most important roads in Barcelona pass through it: Paseo de Gràcia, Gran Vía and Avenida Diagonal. In addition, it hosts many of the most important attractions of the city such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. On the other hand, thanks to its configuration, it is possible to find restaurants, bars, supermarkets or any type of trade in the same block. In addition, it is an ideal area for shopping, either in the elegant Paseo de Gràcia or along the Diagonal. In this area we can find our new The Passage apartments, located in the center of Eixample.

CIUTAT VELLA

The district of Ciutat Vella is delimited by the perimeter of the wall of the old city and corresponds geographically with the historic center of Barcelona.

Ciutat Vella is the first district of Barcelona, the embryo of the city. Therefore, talking about Ciutat Vella is talking about the history of the city since its inception. The district limits to the west with L’Eixample, to the east with the Mediterranean Sea, to the north with Sant Martí and to the south with Sants-Montjuïc. Ciutat Vella is formed by four neighborhoods, each with its own uniqueness. In the south we find Barceloneta; in the west, the Raval; in the center, the Gòtic; and in the east, Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera, commonly known as “El Born“.

Ciutat Vella is a district that offers everything: culture, heritage, history, neighborhood and entertainment.

SARRIÀ – SANT GERVASI

It is one of the greenest districts of the city and is the entrance to the Collserola park. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is a nucleus with a town center, composed of the districts of Sarrià, Tres Torres, Sant Gervasi-la Bonanova, Sant Gervasi-Galvany, Vallvidrera, Tibidabo i les Planes and Putxet i el Farró.

It could be said that until this area of Barcelona the wide streets and the high-rise buildings did not arrive. The district was chosen as a place of residence by the Catalan bourgeoisie of the 19th century. Most of its imposing modernist houses, palaces and gardens have remained intact to this day.

Here are most of the schools in the city, is an ideal district for families with children and that is why most of our residents choose to land in Barcelona when they come with their family.

LES CORTS

The upper area of Barcelona has traditionally been a distinguished area reserved for the upper classes of the city. In fact, for many centuries it was a territory without a municipality and directly dependent on royalty. At the moment Les Corts continues being a district with elegant airs but the urban growth of the zone has propitiated its adaptation to the middle classes. It is a district full of parks, gardens and green areas.

Currently, the district of Les Corts is formed by three neighborhoods: Les Corts, Pedralbes and La Maternitat i Sant Ramon.

SANTS – MONTJUÏC

From the sea and towards the mountain lies one of the districts with more cultural and sports offer of the city. Factories converted into museums, nightlife areas, popular markets and, of course, the sports facilities in which the emblematic 1992 Olympics were held.

The district of Sants-Montjuïc is the largest in Barcelona, with an area of 2,090 hectares, which represents almost a quarter of the municipal district of Barcelona.

GRÀCIA

The Gràcia neighborhood is just one stop from the beginning of Passeig de Gràcia but it seems a completely different world. Gràcia was an independent town until the end of the 19th century and even today its community is small and closed. The locals are very proud of their roots; they do not say “I’m from Barcelona”, they say “I’m from Gràcia”.

The area is populated by bohemian artists and crowds. It has a wide diversity of races and has a large concentration of international restaurants. Plaça de Sol is the best known place in this neighborhood. It is full of cafés-terraces and at night it is the place that people choose to go for a drink, however, despite its modern nature, Gràcia is at the same time a very traditional neighborhood with a large population of elderly people. This creates a strange and fun mix that makes it a special place to sit and enjoy watching people go by.

Formalities, Luxury Apartments, Moving

Moving to Barcelona

We know how stressful it is to move, and more so if it is from one country to another. That is why we have prepared this guide with everything you need to know if you decide to move to Barcelona. We are not only the place to land, we also want to make it as smooth as possible to move to Barcelona.

Before you get to Barcelona

Depending on your country of origin, we recommend you to look for the closest  Spanish Consulate to inform you about the processes and documentation necessary for the processing of your visa or residence in Spain. Normally it is a process that we recommend to be done 4 to 6 months before the trip.

During your arrival

The first thing you have to do once you get to Barcelona is to register. This procedure is free and serves both to apply for residence and work permits, as well as for registration in schools and / or universities, validation of driving license, etc. It is done in the town hall corresponding to the neighborhood in which you are going to live. Request an appointment.

You will need a proof of address, which in this case is the signed rental agreement, the registration form that can be downloaded online or in the corresponding office, and finally your passport (photocopy and original).

NIE

Once you are registered, you must process the NIE, which is the Foreigner Identification Number. This number will help you to carry out most of the procedures such as opening a bank account, buying a property, buying a car, etc.

To apply, you must present yourself in person at the Foreigners Office or at the police station where you live, in most cases a prior appointment is required. As for the required documentation you will need the official application form (downloadable on the immigration website), passport (original and photocopy), and documentation proving the reasons for your request. You must select the document according to your request depending on the type of procedure to which you apply. Remember that if you are going to stay for less than 3 months in Spain, it is not necessary to obtain the NIE.

NIE prior appointment request.

TIE

You must request the Foreigners Identity Card it in the case that a visa or an authorization to stay in spanish territory for a period exceeding 6 months has been issued. In the card will also appear the NIE that will be definitive when the result of the residence procedure is resolved favorably.

At the Police Station or Foreigners Office where you applied for your residence permit, you must request an appointment to process the TIE. For this you have only one month from your arrival in Spain or permission.

You must submit the application form in official form (downloadable here), the proof of payment of the card fee, a recent color photograph on a white background, card size.

DNI

If you have Spanish nationality then you need to process the DNI and you must bring from the consulate of origin the literal Birth certificate issued by the corresponding Civil Registry, or if applicable, the Certificate of registration of the nationality.

In addition they will ask you for the registration that must be issued with a maximum advance of 3 months to the date of application for the DNI and a recent passport-sized photograph.

On the website of the Ministry of Interior you will find detailed the specific procedure to follow.

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