Discover Catalonia

agosto 25, 2016 by staff

Barcelona is an amazing and vibrant city but you don’t need to spend all your holiday days in, why not discover the countryside and places nearby? Catalonia is an amazing land that you need to know. You can use Barcelona as a camp base and move around using train, bus or renting a car.

Astonishing landscapes, beautiful paths and sacred places amongst others attractions will surprise you. Here there is a short list of some places that you must go:

Montserrat Mountains:

50 kilometres from Barcelona, Montserrat is much more than a place of pilgrimage to pray to the Black Madonna. In addition to his monastery habited by Benedictine monks there are some granite massifs that make this place a beautiful natural park. A cool placer for trekking.

Bagà and Pedraforca:

Bagá is a perfect medieval village, but also is the gateway to the natural park of Cadi-Moixeró, the starting point to get into this protected space where you will find the emblematic mountain of Pedraforca, a paradise for those who are looking for high mountain routes.*

Maresme Coast:

You can take a train (R1 from Sants Estació) and stop in any of these villages for a beach day: Caldes d’Estrac, San Pol de Mar, Calella, Malgrat de Mar…etc. All of them are perfect! Clear and blue water to spend a beautiful day. You can have a picnic there or enjoy some tapas in some bars that you will find on the beach (chiringuitos).

Figueres:

If you would like to enjoy some art, it is a must to visit Dalí’s museum in Figueres. You can get there by train also departing from Barcelona Sants Estació. Highly recommend it if you want to have an authentic experience.

Colonia Güell:

Is located in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, an old textile town. It’s a place where you can find several modernism buildings, including the most unknown Gaudí’s work, named Gaudí’s Crypt. In 1.898 Eusebio Güell (a business man) commissioned the architect Gaudí the project of a church for this

Free activities in Amistat Beach Hostel

agosto 15, 2016 by staff

Hi there!

Sometimes when we don’t travel or explore much destinations sometimes because we don’t want to get out of our comfort zone and sometimes because we think we are going to spend lot of money. But let me tell you this will not happen if you stay in Amistat Beach Hostel. Our hostel in Barcelona is located just two steps from the beach offers lots of free activities. And why? because we want our guests to be happy! We understand that our guests prefer to invest their money and time in exciting, local and vibrant experiences.

Since you step in our hostel in Barcelona, you will find a friendly and cool atmosphere. Our staff will introduce you our hostel and they will make you feel as at home. Amazing, isn’t? You will find in our common areas nice guest to meet. People from everywhere in the world visits this great city, Barcelona. But you can also join free walking tours and meet people from other hostels in Barcelona. These free walking tours departs in different hours starting at 10 am, you can find the meeting point information at our reception desk. Attending these free tours, you will have a general idea of Barcelona and information about the main attractions basically located in Gotic and Eixample.

After your walking tour you can always hang out on the beach and get a sunbath! This is free too! Or a cheap way to enjoy yourself is to grab some drinks and food from a store and have your picnic at the beach or in a park. Bogatell beach, located 3 min away from our hostel in Barcelona is a very good option!

Full moon nights, from June to August, we organize a FULL MOON PICNIC night also for free! Our guests can enjoy some sandwiches and sangria at the beach. The perfect scenario for meeting nice people and have fun.

But our best seller, is our community dinners in our hostel in Barcelona. Every day, we cook a special and traditional spanish dish, very cheap. For 6 euros you get a starter + main dish + soft drink. Twice per week as main dish we offer a tasty paella! Cool right!! For special events, we offer FREE DINNERS to our guests.

Don’t forget to learn salsa with us every Tuesday! FREE salsa lessons. Wilfredo, our cuban teacher, will teach you how to move your hips!

So, after all this, still hesitating to come over? Just book your flight! We are waiting for you!

Skate spots in Barcelona

agosto 4, 2016 by staff

Are you a traveler but also a skater? Would you like have the taste an authentic local experience meanwhile you are also practicing your favorite sport?

If the answer is YES, welcome to Barcelona! Our amazing city is not just a destination for shopping, going out, beach, sun, culture, sightseeing, amongs others. It’s a vibrant city, a nest of new and inspirational designers.A place to enjoy your passion, to skate!

Barcelona offers hundreds of spots where to skate and unleash your adrenaline. Amazing right?

Where to stay during your skating trip in Barcelona? This is the answer! In our hostel in Barcelona, why? Because we are located in a very local neighborhood and just 3 min from the best beaches of Barcelona and guess what??? Just 3 min away from the best skate park of the city!! Unbelievable!

Skate park Marbella

If you are staying with us and you don’t want to pay extra luggage in your fly ticket, no problem! You can borrow a skate from us to satisfy your anxious to experience the skate park Marbella.

But is not just about to meet cool people in and out of Amistat Beach Hostel and skate in Marbella beach, noooo, it’s about to experience the different skating spots that you can find exploring the city. Here there is map of lots of skating spots.

This map includes any spot in Barcelona that is for skating. The locations are exact, just need to click on to have more information.

But not your visit has to be just for skating, after your skate session why not to join our daily community dinner in our hostel in Barcelona? You will make a new hostel friends, having a good time and enjoying an amazing typical meal just for 6 euros! So cheap!!

After dinner, if you still have energy join our night tour and enjoy one of the best night out of your entire live.

That’s all! Don’t hesitate, buy your flight. Amistat Beach Hostel is waiting for you my friend!

Beaches in Barcelona

julio 20, 2016 by staff

To enjoy a beach day and an exciting night out is more than possible in a city like Barcelona, and a easy option if you are staying in our hostel, Amistat Beach Hostel.

Since the Olympic Games water and sand quality has improved a lot, offering a clean and nice beaches. Barcelona has 9 diferent beaches and offers 4.2 kilometers of golden beaches.

Playa de la Barceloneta

The Barceloneta beach is, along with Sant Sebastià, one of the largest and oldest large beaches of Barcelona. Its central location and easy access by public transport make it one of the most popular beaches by local foreign users and young people who practice sports. The beach has an extensive sports and leisure equipment as volleyball courts , playgrounds , ping -pong , fitness area and service ” biblio- beach ” .
Playa de Somorrostro.
Located between the Hospital del Mar and Calle de la Marina. Somorrostro Beach boasts a central location and convenient access via public transportation makes it one of the beach areas preferred by young local and foreign users .
Playa de Sant Miquel

Located between the beaches of Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta Beach. It was refurbished in 1755.

Playa Sant Sebastià
Located next to the Playa de Sant Miquel , Sant Sebastia Beach is one of the largest and oldest beaches of Barcelona. Sant Sebastia are some of the most important sports clubs of Barcelona. Together with the Bogatell Beach , Sant Sebastia is one of the beaches frequented by older people.
Playa Nova Icària

Nova Icària Beach is one of the quietest beaches in the city and is often frequented by families with children and groups of friends. Thanks to its central location next to the Olympic Port, many users reach it by walking or using public transportation.

Playa Bogatell

Renewed during recovery of the seafront of the city in the nineties , the Bogatell beach gets very crowded , though less crowded than the beach of Barceloneta.
Playa Mar Bella
The Playa Mar Bella was created during the urban renewal that took place on the coast to mark the 1992 Olympic Games . Frequented by a very young audience , the beach has a space used as a nudist beach , and several sports facilities like volleyball court , basketball hoop and ping -pong . There is a nautical base from which to carry out water activities.
Playa Nova Mar Bella
Nova Mar Bella Beach was created during the urban renewal that took place in Barcelona on the occasion of the celebration of the 1992 Olympic Games . It is a quiet beach frequented by a very young audience.
Playa Llevant

It’s one of the last beaches that were added to the coast of Barcelona. It is located next to the Nova Mar Bella Beach , a little further away from the center of the city, so it is possible to find a quieter atmosphere and less crowds .

Enjoy our amazing city!! Our hostel in Barcelona, Amistat Beach Hostel is located just 3 min from Bogatell and Marbella beach. Come and stay with us!!!! 🙂

The curious origin of Human Castles

julio 7, 2016 by staff

The Castles or Human Towers is a spectacular Catalan tradition, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage from 2010. The towers are build with “castellers”, those who built with their bodies.

Apparently the origin is from smaller uprisings that were erected during the so-called dance of Valencians , a dance that was held south of the Ebro delta in the fifteenth century.

Three hundred years later they extended to the Camp de Tarragona, in southern Catalonia, where overcharged own entity, detached from dances and focused on achieving ever higher and original towers. Then they were renamed castles and become part of local festivities.

The first documented performance of castellers dates from February 2, 1801, during the Decennial Celebrations of the Virgen de la Candela in Valls (Tarragona). The groups called colles castellers and castles are divided into several parts: the pinya or base, formed by several concentric strands of persons; the tronc, visible trunk of the tower, multistory; pom de dalt or upper floor; and enxaneta, the child who climbs to the top and lift the arm without the castle crumbles.

Normally nobody gets injured, they are very prepared and trained. The little boys that climb to the top always are wearing a helmet. The tallest castle could be until 10 floors of three people each floor and also can have differente shapes as a pyramids, revolving towers, etc. Some of the structures can be pretty intricate. The music, as in the castells, is always present, although they do not go as high up as the human towers.

Here in Barcelona almost once per week, castellers performance in different places of the city. Do not hesitate to assist to such amazing performance.

In this link you can check the agenda of the castellers of Barcelona: http://www.castellersdebarcelona.cat/ . If you are staying in our hostel in Barcelona our staff will help you with indications.

Barcelona is an alive city, full of traditions and historic remains. A city that needs to be lived! Also in our hostel in Barcelona, Amistat Beach Hostel, you will find some extra information about the city in our different maps, but I would recommend to join our free walking tour to discover the best spots of Barcelona.

Be a local!

junio 23, 2016 by staff

Are you a traveler or a tourist?

The difference between a traveler and a tourist is than traveler wants to live a real experience, wants to meet locals and experience the place in a genuine way. Tourist prefers to have everything organized and the comfort of a hotel.

Here in this pics you can understand the main differences:

Good news, you can enjoy Barcelona a local. First, you have to mix with local people, escape to have drinks in touristic restaurants and bars because you will just meet tourists.

There are many platforms that offers multitude of events host by locals as www.meetup.com or www.trip4real.com.

Cooking a paella with a foodie local or visiting the city with a guide and a scooter there are just a few of the experiences that you will find. This type of activities are very affordable and genuine. An opportunity to mix with locals and tourists.

Locals are the best guides and the ones that can show you a real experience. They know the best and secrets spots in the city, the best deals in transport, bars, products..etc.

Ask also to our receptionist team in our hostel in Barcelona which bars and local restaurants to go. If you are walking around and you find a bar or restaurant just with spanish menu, sure that is a real local one!

Our hostel in Barcelona, Amistat Beach Hostel is located in a very local neighbourhood, you will just meet locals and few tourists and the best is that is located just a few stops by metro from the city center where you can find thousands of tourists.

Enjoy Barcelona!

How to save money during your trip in Barcelona

junio 16, 2016 by staff

Here we reveal some secrets how to save money in this amazing city. If you are wondering to come or not to Barcelona, I would recommend BOOK YOUR TICKET RIGHT NOW!! Why? because just your ticket could be the most expensive item of your journey.

Depending your departing city, you can get to Barcelona by plane, train or bus. Barcelona is very well connected! Regarding accommodation there is multiples options as coachsurfing (you sleep in a coach of some local) or hostels as Amistat Beach Hostel where you can sleep for a little money comparing the comfort, services and activities that you will have. Comfortable beds and a big kitchen where to cook your favorite dishes will make you stay nice and cheap!! But the most amazing is that our hostel in Barcelona offers you FREE PASTA! so you just need to buy your favorite toppings!

Also you can join many of the activities that we offer as free walking tours, community diners just per 6€ and cheap night tours…what else!!

Now that transport, hostel and food is solved, let’s see how you can save money discovering the city:

Avoid to drink or eat in very touristic places as Las Ramblas.
See the main museums and attractions when offer discounts or are free (this happens certain days or times a week)
Get the Barcelona Card if you would like to get to the main attractions anytime.
Go clubbing before 2:00 am and skip paying the entry fee.
Use public transport or rent a bike. If you use public transport you can by a transport card (T10) per 10€ and you can have 10 rides using bus, metro, tram and train (Zone 1). A single ticket cost 2€.
If you have lunch in restaurants, always ask for MENU DEL DÍA. Cost less than 10 euros and you have starter, main course, dessert and water included.
Attend meet ups organized by locals, and enjoy some events for free. You can check this events in www.meetup.com

Money is not an excuse anymore!

Our hostel in Barcelona is a very good option if you want to have a local experience adding that we are just a few steps from the beach 🙂

You will enjoy your visit to Barcelona! Do not hesitate, make your booking!

Special routes in Barcelona

junio 2, 2016 by staff

How many differents Barcelona are? Do you know? Would you like to explore it? This ancient city has been invaded for Romans, Visigoths and Arabs and you can find vestiges of the history. Also you can appreciate part of the medieval wall and lots more of this vestiges. We would recommend to join one or all of this routes. Barcelona offers more than good restaurants, nice venues and amazing beaches.

Roman Route

You can breath this old roman culture. A tour of Roman Barcelona is a box of surprises containing archaeological remains dating from the time the city was established. Barcino, the Roman city, has left us a valuable legacy, which can be found in the Gothic Quarter, the site of the early walled city.

Medieval Route

A visit to medieval Barcelona is a very fascinating city itinerary. The power wielded by the Crown of Catalonia and Aragon over the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages has left a valuable legacy of palazzos, churches and civic buildings. Most of them can be found in the old town, Ciutat Vella.

Modernista Route

Barcelona and its home-grown art nouveau movement, modernisme, go hand in hand. The style emerged in all its glory at the end of the 19th century to reveal itself in hundreds of extremely beautiful buildings which line the way. Let yourself be captivated once again by these masterpieces. Gaudí was one of the most important artist.

Contemporary Route

Barcelona is known throughout the world for its architecture. This is why the city didn’t want to fall behind in the race to have some of the world’s finest contemporary buildings. The names of today’s great architects and artists are present in almost every city neighbourhood.

Gaudí Route

Gaudí is a name associated with Barcelona who needs to be discovered while you admire his finest landmarks: a treasure trove of forms, ideas, symbols and fantasy which is hard to surpass. The Gaudí landmarks in Barcelona give a greater understanding of one of the most famous architects who ever worked in the city.

The best way to spot all this routes is to attend a Tourist Office and ask for information. They will help you also with the directions and how to move in the city. Sure you will be amazed by the nice and wonderful city of Barcelona.

If you are staying in our hostel in Barcelona, our receptionist team will help you also with the directions. Enjoy this amazing city!!

Reasons to chose Amistat Beach Hostel in your visit to Barcelona

mayo 13, 2016 by staff

If you are looking for a local experience during your visit in Barcelona, Amistat Beach Hostel is your place! But this is not the only one reason to stay with us. Our hostel, is located 3 min away from the best beaches of Barcelona city.

The Amistat Beach Hostel has a privileged location in Barcelona near everything! The beach, the city centre and many more just a few minutes away. Our beach hostel in Barcelona is much more than what you can expect.

When you’re on holiday in Barcelona you want to live each day to the fullest. And for that you need a good night sleep. The rooms of our hostel in Barcelona are designed for you to enjoy the maximum comfort during your time off in Barcelona. All rooms have a state of the art air conditioning system so you can rest peacefully. Each bed has an individual light, a plug to charge your electronic devices and large private lockers. Ah! And all with the best material because we want you to discover Barcelona well rested. What else? you can choose betwen private rooms or mixed rooms with capacities from 4 to 12 people.

If you do not want to stop having fun on your vacation, join the activities organized in our youth hostel in Barcelona. In our youth hostel there is always something to do: at night we offer cooking classes on how to prepare traditional dishes, salsa lessons, organize parties with local DJs, offer walking tours for Barcelona, among other activities.

Also we offer FREE PASTA, you can cook your favourite pasta dish for free! just need to buy your favourite sauce! As you can find below we have a full equipped kitchen for guest’s use.

Our staff will be happy to recommend concerts, events, restaurants and bars of the city. Barcelona is plenty of leisure and activities.

We are looking forward your visit!

Stay with us, you won’t regreat it!

Poblenou Open Day 07/05

mayo 5, 2016 by staff

OPEN DAY! POBLENOU URBAN DISTRICT SATURDAY 7^TH MAY 2016 FROM 12H TO 20H

Assist to the coolest event in our neighbourhood, Barcelona’s art and creatitity district. This is an initiative by Poblenou Urban District that presents events related to art, creativity, cuisine, performing arts and music. This is a unique opportunity to discover venues that are usually closed to the general public.

Art galleries, creation centres, artists’ studios, audio visual producers, showrooms, gastronomic spaces, shops, hotels and restaurants have agreed to open their doors and offer a program – organised exclusively for the occasion – full of free activities and special promotions.

URBAN FESTIVAL

Poblenou Urban District and Van Van Market present one of the main activities of Open Day: Urban Festival. The festial takes place on the intersection between Àlaba and Tànger streets.

Van Van Market, gastronomad market, presents a wide variety of food in its attractive food trucks and transforms the lot in an extraordinary market. Sorrounded by art, that will be an authentic and genuine spot.

There is also going to be different artists’ artworks, and a music program by Nacion Funky and Story Music Box, who will perform all day long.

PROGRAM:

CONCERT HALLS

HOTELS-HOSTELS

Properties as Novotel Barcelona city offer full of free activities and special promotions, as enjoying the view form the rooftop. Aslo you can visit our hostel in Poblenou, Amistat Beach Hostel. The best beach hostel located in Barcelona!

DESIGN STUDIOS–ARCHITECTURE–PRODUCTION

COWORKING–HUBS

ART GALLERIES–MUSEUMS–SHOWROOMS

As Antoni Yranzo or Espacio 88

PUBS–RESTAURANTS–COCKTAIL BARS–DELICATESSEN

HOTSWING on Open Day

5 hotels, 5 swing lessons, 5 nights at a hotel for free
HOTSWING is an event open to everyone where Swing will be the main focus. Organized by Poblenou
Poblenou Urban District along with the SwingManiacs dance school. Have fun, be a swing dancer.

This is your opportunity to discover many interesting local places, that as we mentioned normally are closed to the general public. Also it will be very nice for us to meet you and show you the facilities of our hostel in Barcelona, Amistat Beach Hostel, so next time in your visit to Barcelona you can stay in our hostel!

OPEN DAY! POBLENOU URBAN DISTRICT SATURDAY 7TH MAY 2016 FROM 12H TO 20H