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TAPAS GRATIS! FREE TAPAS!

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YES! It’s true! there is some bars in Barcelona that offers FREE TAPA with your drink! Unbelievable? right?

We have been working hard for you! We have been walking around looking for the free tapas bars! Honestly most all the times we ended up a bit drunk but with a happy and fully belly!

Find below the best free tapas bars:

Caporal  – C/ Escudellers, 5

This local serves both  vermouth and gin and tonic. The best is to access to their free pintxos bar.
Casa Lolo – C / Arizala, 5-7They will get a free beer with each tapa that you order, very original, right? They have their own merchandising products, which match with their kitsch decor.

 Xula Taperia – C / Mare Deu dels Desemparats, 18

We recommend to have a wine instead of a beer to accompany  their original tapas. Tapas are very original (coca tataki  tuna or salmon tartare ), but also have a classic a Patatas Bravas or Tortilla de Patatas.

Cal’l Chusco – C / Almirall Aixada 5

If you want to take free tapas in Barcelona and you like football, this is your place. Broadcast all matches of the Champions League and accompanied by homemade ration.

 Gata Mala – C / Rabassa, 37The dimensions of this local are not suitable for claustrophobic people because it is so small  but worth it to be. A cold Mahou beer is always well accompanied with potato omelette,  potato salad (amazing) or bravas prepared baked and homemade salsa. Ñami, ñami….
In previous post you will find more information about free tapas bars in Barcelona. As you know spanish culture is about share, as we share tapas, we share moments!
Also you can share accommodation and save some money staying in our hostel in Barcelona. Amistat Beach Hostel Barcelona offers you dormitories with 4, 6, 8 , 10 or 12 beds. The perfect combination to invest your money in experiences, not just in accommodation.

How to travel around the world

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Bored of your routine? every day same faces, same places…etc. Thinking in some adventure? adrenaline? You need a break? do not hesitate and take your old backpack and start to prepare yourself for one of the best experiences in life: Travel around the world.

You will be thinking what I should do?

First of all, decide if you want one around-the-world ticket or you will rather buy tickets during your journey.

As a recommendation «Around-the-World» ticket. will be much cheaper than booking a dozen one-way flights. The two largest airline alliances are Star Alliance and Oneworld. The Star Alliance is the bigger alliance.

Star Alliance is based on how many miles you travel and they offer passes in 29,000, 34,000 or 39,000 mile’s increments. To put that in context, 29,000 miles (47,000 km) you will roughly get 3 continents (outside of the United States), 34,000 miles (55,000 km) will get you 4 continents and 39,000 will get you 5 or 6 continents. The more miles you do, the more destinations you can see and vice versa. Each pass allows up to 15 stopovers. Star Alliance also requires passengers to start and end in the same country, though not necessarily in the same city.

Oneworld offers two different pass options: one that is segment based and the other that is mileage based. Global Explorer is Oneworld’s more conventional, mileage-based ticket. There are three levels – 26,000, 29,000 and 39,000 miles in economy class.

Once you are in the country, the cheapest way to travel inland is:

  • For train travel: In the US, you can travel by rail with Amtrak . For non-EU citizens in Europe, look into Eurail passes; for EU citizens, Interrail passes are a good bet. In Asia, the Trans-Siberian railway goes from Moscow to Beijing. There you can connect to Shanghai and onto Tokyo.
    • A Global Eurail pass is around $500 (€390) and will get you to 24 different countries.
    • Moscow to Beijing on the Siberian railway costs $2100 (€1635) for the no-frills, 16-day trip.
  • For bus/coach: Greyhound is the line to travel in the US. The European equivalent is Eurolines — where you can travel between 50 or so cities. And Megabus actually operates on both sides of the lake, only going intercity, though.
  • For ship/ferry travel: Cruises can be a frugal option of you think about the money you’re saving on accommodation and food.

Also visit the websites of each country to know if you need a VISA or no.

The cheapest accommodation is hostels! nice hostels as Amistat Beach Hostel here in Barcelona, where you can meet other travelers, cook your own food and have fun.

Don’t forget to pack lightly and set a budget. Also find an insurance that covers hospitalization.

No excuses, take the backpack and enjoy life! don’t forget to visit the greatest city in Europe, Barcelona. Warm weather, thousands of attractions, art, sun, beach…what else?  You can stay in our hostel in Barcelona, we are just two minutes from the beach located in a very local neighborhood!

Exciting activities to do outside Barcelona

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Almost everyone’s know what to do or what to see in Barcelona, but what about enjoying exciting adventures and activities outside of Barcelona? Catalonia has plenty of attractions mountains, valleys, amazing beaches, charming medieval tows.,.etc, and also offers cheap accomodation as you can find in Barcelona.Hostels and two stars hotels are a very good option.

We can divide Catalonia in three big areas:

– Coast – crystal clear water, beach hotels, water sports, family resorts and wine tasting.

In the coast you have more than two hundred kilometers of coastline; 17 leisure ports; more than thirty diving centers, sailing schools and windsurfing; three natural parks, including a large reserve in Medes Islands.

Also with underwater viewing boats you will discover the beauty and richness of the sea without getting wet.

We will recommend you for this activites visit Lloret de Mar, Roses, Blanes, Tossa de Mar, Empuriabrava and many others located in Costa Brava. More in the south you can enjoy the most famous attraction park in Costa Daurada, PortAventura. Also there is small towns that offer a range of water activities as Delta de l’Ebre, Cambrils, Salou and many more.

– Landscapes – historical towns, great architectures, delicious food, and adventure.

Catalonia has seven green ways offering impressive views. In addition, you can always combine biking with a good lunch or a cultural visit.

You can take the Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó disused «iron and coal» railway route (from Ripoll to Ogassa) and the Ruta del Carrilet and the Via del Tren (one route from Olot to Girona and another from Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols).

You can visit the medieval towns of Besalú or the volcanic region of Olot. Also you ride a bike to make a stopover and get to know the architectural heritage of Balaguer or Agramunt on the Ruta de la Terra Alta, or take a tour of the mountain passes and sierras of Pàndols and Cavalls.

– Pyrenees –mountains, natural parks and spa.

Pyrenees are an amazing natural environment and biodiversity, both as regards flora and fauna. This makes them unbeatable places to enjoy nature.


Catalonia inland tourist destinations are: the valls d’Àneu valleys, the Prades Mountains, Berga and the Vall de Boí. Shortly, Vall d’en Bas valleys (Pyrenees), as well as the FGC ski and mountain resorts (Vallter2000, La Molina, Port Ainé and Vall de Núria). You can enjoy activities as ski, horse riding, rafting, trekking.etc.

Learn more about Catalonia in: www.catalunya.com.

If you are staying in our hostel in Barcelona could be a good camp base, using public transportation as train or bus you get in many of the mentioned places.

For directions or more information ask at reception desk in our hostel in Barcelona.

 

BIGGEST MUSIC FESTIVALS 2016 IN BARCELONA

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Can’t wait for the coming festivals this year 2016. Barcelona has the best indie, electronic, techno and rock festivals.

Find below the trendiest and the most amazing festivals, get ready!

Barcelona Psych Fest 2016

This is a new festival just for phycedelic music.

Barcelona Psych Fest 2016 will take place on 8 and 9 April and will feature international bands, DJs , light -shows and some more surprises.

You can buy your ticket in this link: http://entradium.com/entradas/barcelona-psych-fest-2016

Primavera Sound 2016

The most popular Festival, Primavera Sound, takes place on 1st to 4th June in Parc del Forum. The festival Primavera Sound  has taken place in Barcelona since 2001. During fifteen years we have been enjoying bands as Franz Ferdinand, Television, Devo, Enrique Morente, The White Stripes, LCD Soundsystem, Tindersticks, PJ Harvey, Shellac, Dinosaur Jr., New Order, Fuck Buttons, Swans, Melvins, Psychic TV..etc.

Hurry up! Tickets will be soon sold out! https://www.primaverasound.com/

 

 Sonar 2016

Sónar is a pioneering cultural event with a unique format and content, the best festival of electronic music. Sónar is able to unite established artists with emerging talent, in all areas of musical and audiovisual production.

Sónar has been created to facilitate and improve relationship between creativity, technology, innovation and business. And it is the most succesful festival in this field. You can learn more about it: https://sonar.es

 Cruilla 2016

Cruïlla Festival of Barcelona will take place the next 8,9 and 10 July , with the aim of bringing back the best national and international bands of independent music.

Heare you check out the line up: http://www.cruillabarcelona.com/en/

Barcelona Beach Festival 2016

Barcelona Beach Festival 2016 will return to the Platja del Forum Parc de la Pau located in the town of Sant Adria de Besos (Barcelona) ​​on July 16 with the best electronic music of the moment. The greatest DJ’s in the world will play the best and the trendiest music.

Barcelona Beach Festival 2016 - BBF

DGTL Barcelona 2016

DGTL Barcelona is Spain’s edition of the classic Dutch techno festival. Great party of techno music with international pioneers of techno and tech-house music supported by the finest underground visual shows around.

You can buy your ticket in this link: http://bcn.dgtl.nl/?skip_portal=1

Lots of festivals to attend this spring/summer 2016 in the greatest city of Catalonia. You are lucky if you are staying with us because most of the festivals take place in Parc del Forum, very close to Amistat Beach Hostel. It just take a few minutes by bus or 20 min walking!! amazing..right?

During your stay in  our hostel in Barcelona ask to our receptionist team how to get there, they are always ready to help!

 

EAT CHEAP IN BARCELONA

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In Amistat Beach Hostel we are always searching for new tasty and cheap places because we want make happy our guests. Afte more than one week walking around and experiencing wonderful flavours here we have list some peculiar and cheap places to eat.

1. Tacos Tacos. Those who have tried the tacos we in Mexico we find it difficult to find places with the same taste.  Tacos Tacos prepare  authentic Mexican tacos  at a great price. Tequilas 1.5 € !!

Where:  Tapioles, 9 near the Metro station Paral.lel.

2. Temaki-ya. Japanese are not that expensive,  you know that? The restaurant is described as «the first healthy fast food Japanese Spain». Specialists Temakis is a type of sushi that is rolled into a cone shape. Be attentive to your promotions because Thursday is the day of ‘temakólatra’ and the second temaki leaves you alone for 1 €!

Where: Gignàs  28, near the Plaza Post Via Laietana. Metro Barceloneta or Jaume

3. The dog is hot. Artisan bread, sausage imported from Germany and more than 20 different ingredients. Also for vegetarians (with tofu)! From 2.60 € the basic hot dog. They have a store in the neighborhood of Gracia and one in the Raval. 

Where: Gracia/ Fontana, 40 Metro Fontana or Joanic and Raval/ Calle Joaquin Costa , 47  Metro Universitat

4. Frank-burg. Easy, fast and cheap if you are in the area of Glorias and Sagrada Familia you may be interested. They serve burgers and sausages. Lunch menu for € 4.90 includes sandwich the house, drink and fries. So cheap!

Where: At the crossroads of Arago with Padilla. Metro: Monumental Sagrada Família, Glories and Encants.

 

You don’t have excuses to keep a healthy economy! If you are staying in a hostel in Barcelona or in Amistat Beach Hostel don not hesitate to ask  for further information at the reception team.

But if you really want have fun an a cheap cooking lesson of traditional spanish dishes you have to join at night to our cooking team in our hostel Barcelona. Starter+main dish+ fun+friends+soft drink just 6 euros! Do not miss it!

FREE TAPAS & BARS

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Traveling doesn’t need to be expensive. Barcelona is a city that offers expensive experiences but also affordable ones.

You can enjoy a romantic and sophisticated dinner in a Michelin restaurant but also you can have some tapas for free with a beer in a very local and trendy bar. As we know that you like to invest in experiences here we have listed for you a few bars with FREE TAPAS:

Ambiente del Sur:

A tapa can be from a squid in batter until sausage , trought , summer salad or potato salad.

Try the omelette! it can feed a family for a week, the portions are surprisingly generous .

Nou Ambiente del Sur  Where: Floridablanca, 88

 

 

 

 

Gata Mala:

A place where the priority is to feed yourself well with a 100% home made cooking , you feel good and therefore there again more often. La Gata Mala  will gradually change your tapa with every drink , so get out dinner for less than 10 euros.

Gata MalaWhere:  Rabassa, 37

Tapa La Canya:

Tapa La Canya is the ideal place if you are looking for a place to go for tapas with friends , family or couple , as they have covered terrace throughout the year , to enjoy the best tapas with a refreshing beer . Do not hesitate and book now !

Where: Comte d’Urgell, 42

Cal Chusco:

The place where you can still find a slight tradition of tapas free. And a reference in the field for many years is funny Cal Chusco, where the beer just cost (2 € ) or small beer ( € 1.20 ) , you can have a serving of ham or cheese to spicy , sausage , trout croquettes . Isabel, who practices homemade cuisine, can also serve you with a good dose of fried , and every day has five or six different tapas to serve the food .

Where: Almirall Aixada, 5

Cal Chusco

Any indications or more information, please do not hesitate to ask us for more information if you are staying in our hostel in Barcelona. Our receptionist team will help you to find this amazing places!

Enjoy your stay! Enjoy the city! Enjoy your stay in our hostel in Barcelona!

Independent Label Market now in Barcelona

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Independent Label Market announces its celebration in Barcelona, a market that has already been successfully held in cities like Berlin or London and will feature labels like Hivern Discs, Cómeme or Subterfuge Records. It will take place on 19th and  20th of March at  CREC (Carrer de Blesa, 27).

ILM has been presented as a platform that wanted to bring together founders and owners of independent labels of the locations where it has held so they can offer their products and special editions to the public, always with a penchant for vinyl.

You will find DJ’s, street food, craft beers and lots of people ready for having a nice time. If you are staying in our hostel in Barcelona, our recepcionist team will help you to find the place and also will inform you about what to do in the city.

Flyer Independent Label Market Barcelona_2016

Here you can check how was the edition in Berlin.

Do not miss it if you are staying these dates in Barcelona. Also remember the city offers a lots of activities and events. Experience as a local, if you are staying in our hostel do not hesitate to ask us about things to do.

Enjoy your stay. Enjoy Barcelona, there are 4.2 km of golden sandy beaches only 10 minutes from the city center and 4 main beach areas waiting for you and your friends. 🙂

#Barcelona #hostel #fun

 

Places to visit in Catalonia

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Barcelona has a lots of attractions but outside of the city it’s also a lot of to do and a lot of discover. In your stay, in our hostel, Amistat Beach Hostel our staff can help you with indications.

You can visit Aigüestortes and San Maurici. Aigüestortes is the only Natural Park of Catalonia. You can discover the Park walking or taking a taxi. It’s a mandatory to make a picture of the San Maurici lake, is a really beautiful spot.

Besalú, is a pleasant and beautiful city located in Girona province . it’s a medieval city , the most photographied city.

The amphitheater an roman theater in Tarragona is another attraction to visit. You can take a train from Barcelona  and arrive to Tarragona. It was one of the most important roman villages in Catalonia and still you can admire and imagine how was the roman area.

Calella de Palafrugell, located in the Mediaterrean sea between Barcelona and Girona, it’s a cozy, inspiring and beautiful sea town.

Calella de Palafrugell (Baix Empordà)

 Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. If you like nature this is a nice place to discover. It’s an area full of wedlands and lot of birds, the most common are storks.

Camprodon is a small city located in Alt Empordà, nice place to visit also.

I invite you to find more information about this spots in the following link:

http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/ciudades-pueblos/comunidades-autonomas/cataluna.html

 

Vermouth time!

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Vermouth time is the time for terrace, sun, friends, tapas,..etc. Vermouth it’s a classic in Barcelona , it’s the practice of meeting friends at lunchtime to share.

It is believed that vermouth was brought to Spain from the hand of Flaminio Mezzalama, who owned the famous Café Torino in Barcelona, and he was precisely the manager of Martini & Rossi.

We have listed for you the best vermouth bars in the city center. Easy to reach them by walking from our hostel in Barcelona, Amistat Beach Hostel.

Balius

Balius is a vermouth cocktail bar specializing in cocktails and vermouth, which offers a repertoire of salted food, tapas and small plates. The cuisine is uninterrupted, and the product is local and organic as much as possible. 

Where:  Pujades, 196 ( 5 min walking from our hostel in Barcelona).

 

Bodega L’Avi Manel

This little girl winery was founded in 1960 initially only bulk wine shop and grocery. It is a charming winery establishment where you can enjoy a vermouth just for 1,75€.

Where: Consell de Cent, 416

 Bar Electricitat

This winery is one of the great classics of Barcelona: fin best bombs, spanish omelette, Russian salad and homemade vermouth those that create fans.

Where: Sant Carles, 15

La Plata

Also known as Los Pescaditos for its blue fish freshly fried. They Perucchi vermouth of the house, the oldest in Catalonia. Just prepared fried fish, tomato salad and sausage stick, but delicious.
Where: Mercè, 28

Bodega 1900

Looking for  quality food and nice vermouth?
Salazones (salted products), comfits, marinades, preserves and chargrilled cuisine form the basis of the offer at Bodega 1900; one that changes form as time passes by, like all, old and good vermuterías.
Where: Tamarit, 91
Mix yourself with the spanish culture, experience as a local. Any questions or indications you can ask to our receptionist team. Enjoy!

Barcelona Music 2016

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Hey! How is going your week? Tyred of the routine? Just break it! Join us! Enjoy the sun & the music! adrenaline, fun, music,  freedom, hapyness.. this is what you can expect if you come to join these concerts and stay in our hostel in Barcelona.

Here you are the list of the biggest concerts in Barcelona this year:

Eros Ramazzotti

Where: Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 14/02/2016

Florence + The Machine

Where: Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 16/04/2016

Silvio Rodríguez

Where:  Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 17/04/2016

Malú

Where: Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 20/05/2016

Queen + Adam Lambert

Where: Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 22/05/2016

Adele

Where: Palau Sant Jordi

Date: from 24/05/2016 to 25/05/2016

5 Seconds of Summer

Where:  Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 10/06/2016

Alejandro Sanz

Where:  Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 08/07/2016

Laura Pausini

Where: Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 08/10/2016

Estopa

Where:  Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 15/10/2016

Justin Bieber

Where: Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 22/11/2016

The Cure

Where:  Palau Sant Jordi

Date: 26/11/2016

This is just a short list of  concerts  that Barcelona city offers. In this link you can buy the tickets and check what else the city offers you! http://www.ticketmaster.es/es/

Life the city staying in our hostel!