The demonstration that started improvisedly, has been growing day after day and many people are still joining Plaza Catalunya (Barcelona) where [...]]]> Since a few days before the local Spanish elections, the main Spanish cities are holding in their most representative squares, peaceful demonstrations against the government under the slogan of “they (politicians) do not represent us”.

The demonstration that started improvisedly, has been growing day after day and many people are still joining Plaza Catalunya (Barcelona) where around 10,000 people remain in calm and harmony.

“Indignats” as they have been nicknamed, are staying 24 hours at they very city center of Barcelona has trespassed borders as it is followed around the world through social networks (facebook, twitter, …).

The Spanish people is requiring a deep meditation from the Spanish politicians to get a change of mentality as people is already tired of always being the victims of the mistakes of politicians.

If you are in Barcelona or you are planning a trip, Barcelona’s safety has not changed. This demonstration is totally peaceful, however, if you visit Plaza Cataluña you will see a totally different view of the place as it is overcrowded and with a large presence of police. In order not to get involved in any trouble, we recommend you to visit any other place of the city.

Formula 1 is back in Barcelona. The Circuit de Catalunya will host the fifth Formula 1 Grand Prix of the season (GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA BARCELONA 2011) between the 19th and the 22nd of May.

Aphrodite is Minogue’s eleventh studio album and the Aphrodite – Les Folies World Tour will bring her to Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.

Kylie Minogue will be joined on stage by a cast of dancers, aerial performers and [...]]]> Australian singer Kylie Minogue will bring her ‘Aphrodite – Les Folies  Tour‘ to Barcelona next 12th of March.

Aphrodite is Minogue’s eleventh studio album and the Aphrodite – Les Folies World Tour will bring her to Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.

Kylie Minogue will be joined on stage by a cast of dancers, aerial performers and a live band.

Venue: Palau Sant Jordi (Pg. Olímpic, 5)
Date: 12.03.2011
Tickets: €40 – €165

Check also other Concerts in Barcelona.

However, on January 2nd 2011, Spain introduced a new Smoking Ban (‘Ley Antitabaco’ in Spanish), much tougher [...]]]> In January 2006 Spain introducted a smoking ban, however bar and restaurant owners could decide whether or not smoking was allowed depending on the size of their premises. Large bars and restaurants had to have a designated smoking area.

However, on January 2nd 2011, Spain introduced a new Smoking Ban (‘Ley Antitabaco’ in Spanish), much tougher than the one introduced in 2006. The objective of this ban is not only to protect non-smokers but also smokers within their workplaces. Therefore from January 2nd 2011 it is not possible to smoke in bars and restaurants.

Similar bans have been already implemented by most of other UE counties. However Spain’s ban is even tougher as it prohibits smoking in some open spaces like children’s playgrounds, and access points to schools and hospitals.

Fines for breaking the ban range from €30 to €600,000.

How is the fare calculated?

Basically there is a minimum fare, just to start the meter, and after that a fee per km is applied (see Basic fares table below). On top of that there are number of supplements (see Supplements table [...]]]> These are Barcelona’s Taxi Fares established by the Metropolitan Transport Authority (EMT) for 2011.

How is the fare calculated?

Basically there is a minimum fare, just to start the meter, and after that a fee per km is applied (see Basic fares table below). On top of that there are number of supplements (see Supplements table below).

Taxi Fares:

Supplements:

*T-1 and T-2 would be city fares, and T-3 would be inter-city fares.
** 23-24 June, 24-25, 31 Dec and 1 Jan from 21h to 7h
*** Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 21h to 7h.

For further information visit the Taxi section. Also check Barcelona’s Public Transport section.

Remember that you should only pay what the taxi meter indicates and you should always ask for a receipt.

For a complete fare list and any other information, please check the Institut Metropolita del Taxi (taxi regulator).

Single ticket (1 journey): €1.45

The above are valid for an unlimited number of journeys in as many consecutive days as [...]]]> Price of Public Transport increases every year on the 1st of January. Here are the new Bus and Metro fares for 2011 in Barcelona:

Single ticket (1 journey): €1.45

The above are valid for an unlimited number of journeys in as many consecutive days as printed on the card (e.g. the 2 Day card is valid for an unlimited number of journeys in 2 days, and so on).

These are valid on all means of transport (Metro, Bus, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat urban lines (FGC), Renfe’s Rodalies train and the TRAM).

Apart from the above, there is also a T-10 card (valid for 10 journeys) for €8.25.

In my opinion, the T-10 is the most interesting card as it can be used by different people and the price is very reasonable.

There are other travelcards for longer periods of time, although these would be for people living in Barcelona rather than tourists.

*T-50/30 – Valid for 50 journeys in 30 consecutive days.

** T-Mes – Valid for an unlimited number of journeys in 30 consecutive days.