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Important tips for Erasmus students in Barcelona
All the tips you should know if you are an Erasmus student in Barcelona that you cannot miss
If you are living the experience as an Erasmus student in Barcelona, then you are a more than lucky person. However, in these few months you have been in the Catalan capital, do you think you know all the essentials of the city?
Well today you are lucky because at The Lofttown, your university residence in Barcelona, we share a complete post with all the important information you should know as an Erasmus student in Barcelona, so that you can enjoy your stay in the city without missing any details.
Join us? Welcome once again to our blog with the best tips for university students in Barcelona!First steps like Erasmus
After the excitement of being accepted into a university in Barcelona, the perfect time comes for you to know what all the documentation you need to have collected and in order, especially in time.
So future Erasmus in Barcelona, pay attention of all the steps because the great time has come for you to take the first big step in your new academic adventure, maybe the most important of your life, Barcelona, a magnificent city that will impress you forever.
So take note, because we are talking about your great move to the Catalan capital and all the aspects that this entails, so you must be ready and mentalized that will not be easy at first.What does Barcelona mean?
Barcelona is more than a city. Barcelona is a unique experience that marks us in life. We remind you that you will live in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, considered also among the top 10 cities to study abroad and where you will find a great variety of cultures in the same place.
Therefore, our recommendation to make your best adaptation to the city and the fastest, it is essential that you know what are some particular details of the Catalan capital, so that you are prepared 100% in front of all the experiences and curiosities that you will find in the city every day.Catalan, a new language you should know
In Barcelona the official language is Catalan. However, its inhabitants speak all the languages of the world you can imagine, since Barcelona is a multicultural city where countless nationalities from all six continents coexist.
However, English is the main language among foreign students, don’t forget people e who already speak Spanish. Otherwise, if you have the opportunity to go further and learn a bit of the Catalan language, we assure you that you will appreciate it very much, especially if you have contact with local people or friends here. Don’t forget that local people are bilingual and won’t have a problem speaking to you in either language without any problems.
On the other hand, when we refer to Spanish-speaking students, especially those who come from Latin America and have Spanish as their mother tongue, the change to the Catalan language is not a big problem, as for people from France or Italy, because there is a great resemblance to Catalan.However, if you are from a country outside these languages, the situation changes a lot because of the difficulty of learning Catalan from the beginning. Therefore, we recommend that you adapt as much as possible to the language so that you do not have problems living together, especially for a matter of respect for local people. Good news is that at the universities of Barcelona there are free Catalan courses for their foreign students who want to learn it.
Adapt to the local culture
You know that every city in the world has its own local customs and Barcelona is one of them. In the Catalan capital, for example, shops usually close at midday, dinner is very late in the night and when you go to restaurant tips are optiona. Also, don’t forget something fundamental for local people, we mean nap time!
So, if you want to adapt to the city perfectly then it is necessary that you also do it to their customs conveniently and without any problem. Our recommendation is that you make friendship with people from Barcelona so that you will get to know how people are here and what it means to be a foreigner in Barcelona.Discover the secrets of the city
As we said before, Barcelona is one of the best cities in Europe to study and live. But so it is when we refer to the connection it has with public transport. Therefore, it doesn’t matter where you live in the city, whether in the city centre or outside, because you will always find a simple, easy and quick way to get around Barcelona, whether by public bus, metro service, tram and without leaving the bike service.
If you go more cycling, then we tell you that Barcelona has thousands of exclusive lanes for people who decide to opt for a more sustainable and healthy mobility.Get lost in the neighbourhoods of Barcelona
In Barcelona you will find neighborhoods of all kinds and for all cultural tastes. If it’s a bohemian life near all the bars, artistic atmosphere and top restaurants in the city that suits you best, then Gothic and Born are a perfect choice for you, because they are located in the heart of the city and offer you all the services you need as an Erasmus student to make your life much more comfortable and especially fun.
Also, if you like more the connection with the sea and the sailor spirit, then Barceloneta is a neighborhood that you should know. Located in the heart of the city centre and port, this century-old fishing quarter has all the magic of being anchored in a port, with all kinds of shops, bars and restaurants that are characterized by being 100% authentic, and where all cultures converge in perfect harmony.
Finally, if your desire is to find a place with more tranquility, we recommend exploring the most residential neighborhoods of the city, such as: l’Eixample, Poble Nou and Sant Antoni y Gracia. These neighborhoods are characterized by being less noisy compared to the more central neighborhoods. However, they are also well-connected and have all the essential services for your comfort.
Let yourself be seduced by Catalan cuisine
Barcelona is characterized by having a wide variety of restaurants for all tastes and budgets especially when you are a student. For this reason, foreign students will be able to find all kinds of restaurants and special corners with meals from around the world at a fairly affordable price for their pockets that they will also love.
The options range from traditional Catalan and Spanish food, Latin American and Asian restaurants, fast food, tapas, pizzerias and many more options. The secret is to explore the city to find that culinary corner that completely satisfies your tastes without affecting your budget.Now that you know our guide to live the maximum of your university stage as Erasmus in Barcelona, we remind you that at The Lofttown, your university residence in Barcelona, we want to count on you to live a unique and unforgettable experience, while you study in Barcelona to become one of our #TheLoftowners. If you need to know more about tips and curiosities of Barcelona, we will always be ready to help you in what you need.
If you want to know more about us we also invite you to follow us on Instagram so that you are always up to date with the latest promotions and news in our university residence.
Enjoy Barcelona very much!
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Dec 19 2021 
Discover the best music bars in Barcelona
Live music is synonymous with Barcelona and today we are going to tell you about those musical corners that you cannot miss
Are you music lovers and want to enjoy it to the fullest in Barcelona? Then you are in the right city, since when we talk about the “center of Barcelona” we also refer to a great variety of music bars located in the Raval, Gothic, Borne or lower Eixample neighborhoods, with a wide range musical that will surprise you.
Without a doubt, this is the nerve center of the Catalan capital where musical offers abound until late at night. For that reason, today at The Lofttown, your university residence in Barcelona, we share a post with the most emblematic music bars in the center of Barcelona where you can enjoy a drink and, of course, listen to good music. Take note of our advice!
The Shamrock in the Eixample
A mythical Irish pub in the center of Barcelona. We refer to The Shamrock, a unique and ideal space to enjoy a great selection of craft beers in a very relaxed, artistic, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Here you can taste Irish beers but also listen to the best live music from the 70s and 80s when night falls from the hand of local and foreign artists. A fascinating experience that you must live if you like Irish pubs and live music.
Big Bang Bar in the Raval
Big Bang Bar is a Barcelona classic. We refer to a musical tavern that has been open for more than 100 years and that currently continues with its assorted musical programming. Here you will be able to find new emerging artists who are looking for a different space for artistic dissemination and exchange, for that reason, numerous concerts and especially jam sessions are programmed here weekly in which talented local and foreign musicians always participate.
We remind you that the Big Bang Bar is open all week and also to any type of cultural manifestation, be it theater, dance, exhibitions, movie shows, poetry readings, etc … For all this, it is one of the most popular bars. cultural that exist in the Raval and in which you will enjoy the most authentic and alternative Barcelona.
Míramelindo in El Born
El Born is synonymous with art. And here is located another of the most outstanding music bars in the neighborhood, we refer to Míramelindo, located in the heart of Passeig del Born and which has an assorted cocktail menu with the best local social and artistic atmosphere.
In addition to enjoying these tasty cocktails, you can also enjoy pleasant live background music, based mainly on classic and modern jazz, which will undoubtedly transport you to a very cozy atmosphere as if you were in Paris or New York, ideal for relax and chat with the best company. We recommend you to walk through the Born because it is one of the most charming and culturally active neighborhoods in Barcelona.
La Alcoba Azul in the Gotic
Located in the very narrow Sant Domènec de Call street, in the Gothic quarter, you will find La Alcoba Azul, a charming place that is also in constant evolution, where you will teleport to the past thanks to its decoration with antiquarian objects, centuries-old candles and dim lights , books, paintings, furniture … all in a unique vintage style.
Here you can enjoy a great selection of drinks and cocktails but above all the good atmosphere that is experienced while listening to artists play live jazz, blues, swing, flamenco, bougainvillea or soul among many other musical styles.
The Black Horse in El Born
Located in the heart of the old town in the Born district, you will find The Black Horse, an authentic space whose interior is decorated in a special way with stone walls and ceilings with high vaults that give it a unique and historical atmosphere.
Here you can enjoy live music that are perfect to liven up your nights in Barcelona with a great variety of artists of all genres you can imagine.
Marula Café in the Gotic
You will always find the party and the best live music at the Marula Café Barcelona. Considered one of the most important and long-lived music bars in the center of Barcelona for more than 30 years, it is a unique venue in the city where live concerts and also jam sessions with funk and soul music are organized. , disco, swing, jazz, etc. Here you can experience a unique atmosphere with the public and artists from all over the world that you cannot miss.
Cassette Bar in the Raval
One of the most original and popular bars in Barcelona is the Cassette Bar. Located in the Raval neighborhood, in Ciutat Vella, this establishment works both as a bar to nibble on some tapas and as a music pub where you can listen to the best electronic music of the moment. , as well as the hits of the nineties or the indie music that is triumphing in Barcelona.
At night, the bar is transformed into a modern pub that welcomes a 30-year-old atmosphere to those who like current music and a pleasant place to spend a relaxed evening. The gin and tonics are also one of the most sought after on your menu, for a reason!
El Cangrejo in the Raval
It is a cocktail bar and nightclub located in the Raval where you can enjoy hilarious drag shows in a tolerant, diverse and liberal environment. It is a small venue that is filled to the brim and where weekend nights begin with a rogue and mischievous show performed by one of the dragons of the moment.
After the show, El Cangrejo becomes a fun party room where you can dance to the best hits of the moment and classics of a lifetime that will make you spend a hilarious night with friends.
Jazz Sí Club in Sant Antoni
A synonym for live music is undoubtedly the Jazz Sí Club located in the heart of Barcelona between the Raval and Sant Antoni neighborhoods. A small corner of Barcelona full of authenticity and the best musical talent that you can find in the city on any day of the week. The styles are for all tastes, including Jazz Mondays, Rockandroll and Jam Sessions Tuesdays, Flamenco Wednesdays, Latin Thursdays and the weekends of varied and exclusive concerts. So, if you want to live a unique musical experience with authentic musicians from Barcelona and visitors from all over the world, then the Jazz Sí Club is your ideal destination.
Now that you know which are the best music bars in all of Barcelona, we remind you that at The Lofttown, your university residence in Barcelona, we want to count on you to live a unique and unforgettable experience, while you study in Barcelona so that you become one of our #TheLoftowners.
If you want to know more about us, we also invite you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you are always up to date with the latest promotions and news in our university residence.
Enjoy music in Barcelona!
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Dec 13 2021 
Enjoy the best Christmas plans in Barcelona
Everything you need to know about the best Christmas plans in Barcelona throughout December that you cannot miss
December is around the corner and with it all the magic that Barcelona offers everyone. After a year with many restrictions that did not allow to enjoy Christmas as usual, this December does promise to be unforgettable in the Catalan capital. For that reason, today at The Lofttown, your residence for university students in Barcelona, Christmas bells are already being heard and we will tell you which are the best Christmas plans in Barcelona that you cannot miss.
Welcome back to our blog with the best tips for university students in Barcelona!
1. Visit the Christmas markets
A Barcelona Christmas without taking into account one of its wonderful Christmas markets, full of a magical and festive atmosphere where you can find tree decorations, handmade figures for the Nativity scene, poinsettias, a caga tió and many more options that will surprise you. The two main traditional Christmas markets that you should visit are the following:
Santa Llúcia Market
A synonym for Christmas in Barcelona is the Fira de Santa Llúcia, which is the Barcelona Christmas market par excellence, as well as being the oldest in the city with more than 235 years of tradition, if not because it is also the most emblematic. Located on Avenida de la Catedral, it has 175 Christmas stalls where you will find nativity scenes, trees and handicrafts. Remember that the market will be available until December 23, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.Sagrada Familia Christmas market
Another traditional Christmas market is the one near the Sagrada Familia, with all the magic that this implies of experiencing Christmas with views of the impressive basilica designed by Gaudí. This market was created when the one in Santa Llúcia no longer supplied its visitors. It is characterized by being a little smaller and has 100 stalls where you will also find cribs, trees and plants and Christmas decorations, gifts of all kinds and also spaces with food products such as chestnuts, nougats and churros. We remind you that this market runs until December 23, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, and until 10 p.m. on the eve of public holidays.2. Contemplate the Christmas decorations of Barcelona
As of November 24, Barcelona is once again adorned with millions of lights that flood the entire city with the Christmas spirit. For this 2021 the most emblematic spaces and streets are Plaza Catalunya, Gran Via, Paseo de Gracia or Aragó street, which will also feature renovated lighting.
On the other hand, Christmas trees will also be installed in the main shopping streets of the city. Without a doubt, we recommend you stroll through the streets of Barcelona throughout December, as they will make you live a different experience and enjoy the decoration, the shop windows and the great variety of lights.3. It’s time to give away
If you still don’t know what to give to your family or friends. So, here we share several options where you can find the Christmas gifts you need:
* Sant Jordi de Nadal, this Catalan book festival brings its Christmas version, which will be held on December 11 and 18 at the Old Estrella Damm Factory.
* Mercantic, the classic market for the sale of traditional furniture and decoration in Sant Cugat, arrives this year loaded with many novelties, this December 18 and 19 with its Christmas edition celebrating the Mercat de Nadal.
* Palo Alto Market, on November 20 and 21 and December 4 and 5, this market, which is already a classic of Poble Nou, will unite again in its Christmas version, art, design, music, fashion and beer.
* The Santa Llucia and Sagrada Familia markets you will find all the Christmas details with which you will surprise.4. Christmas with chocolate and churros
Churros with hot chocolate are already a classic in Barcelona. However, at Christmas time in Barcelona, there is no need to look for any excuse to enjoy this gift for your palate at a stop to recharge your batteries on a cold afternoon of shopping in the center. In this sense, you should not miss the great Barcelona classics in churros with chocolate such as: Granja Viader, Dulcinea or Petritxol, Churrería Trébol or Comaxurros, which we are sure will not make you enjoy Christmas in Barcelona any more.
5. Discover the Käthe Wohlfahrt store
If you are looking for a magical corner in Barcelona for your Christmas shopping, this is the Käthe Wohlfahrt. A German store with many years of tradition in handmade Christmas decoration, which is also one of the most important in Europe. Located for more than two years in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, it has already become a place of pilgrimage for Christmas lovers. Here you can feel like in a Christmas town, in which each area is designed for each of its products such as: nativity scenes, tree decorations, Christmas clocks, nutcrackers or the traditional Christmas pyramids.
In addition, you will also find exclusive pieces inspired by Barcelona with designs inspired by Gaudí, the characteristic yellow and black taxi or the unmistakable caganer.6. The Christmas Poble Espanyol
If Poble Espanyol is already a must-see in Barcelona, then in December it becomes a must for everyone. And it is that in December it dresses up for Christmas with many impressive details that will make you fall in love at first sight. We remind you that from December 4 to 8, December 11 and 12, December 18 to 30 (except December 25) and from January 2 to 5, Poble Espanyol becomes a giant advent calendar .
In this way, it will be filled with 24 thematic corners that will be related to characters, traditions and typical Christmas scenes, such as the 24 windows of an Advent calendar. You can also visit the House of Santa Claus until December 23 or to one of the Magi from December 26, to deliver your letter personally.7. CABALGATE OF THE WISE KINGS
Barcelona dresses up next January 5 starting at 6 in the afternoon, which is when the majesties of the East officially arrive with the best staging of floats and sweets in abundance. The parade begins as always in av. Marquès de l’Argentera in front of the Francia station. The Kings and their entourage will parade through the main streets of Barcelona, passing through Pla de Palau, p.º Isabel II, Vía Laietana, pl. Urquinaona, Fontanella, pl. Catalunya, Pelai, pl. University, rda. Sant Antoni, Sepúlveda, av. Paral·lel, av. Queen Maria Cristina. A unique experience that you must live once in your life if you are in Barcelona.
8. The New Year’s Eve chimes
With the arrival of the end of the year, the classic fireworks also come to the city. This usual pyrotechnics show that traditionally took place on Avenida de la Reina María Cristina, for this year will be done, but in a decentralized way, that is, throughout the city, so that residents of the entire city can enjoy the fires from your windows without having to travel to Plaza Espanya.
9. Els Llums de Sant Pau
The Sant Pau Modernist Campus in Barcelona will open its doors every night from November 22, 2021 to January 9, 2022 for a very special walk. And what does this show consist of? You will discover a luminous fairy tale landscape with Christmas lights, impressive illuminated vegetation and creative light figures.
10. Attend a Christmas show
During the Christmas holidays, we recommend you attend the theaters of the city, because they are filled with shows for Christmas that you cannot miss. Here we tell you which are the most important:
* Gran Teatre del Liceu
The Gran Teatre del Liceu will host these festivities in full swing, thanks to the famous Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future will soften the hard heart of usurer Scrooge on December 17, 18 and 19 at 11:00.
The Christmas ballet par excellence, the Nutcracker, will also be present these holidays, on December 28, 29 and 30 and on January 2, 3 and 4.
And on January 1 at 8 p.m., the Great New Year’s Concert will be held, the most famous production in Europe backed by 30 years of success and 5 million viewers around the world.* Palau de la Música:
The Great New Year’s Concert, the program is inspired by the traditional musical event that is held each year in Vienna, will take place at the Palau de la Música on December 19, 25 and 31 and January 2, 3 and 6.
On the other hand, on December 25, Txaikovski’s Nutcracker will be held, the quintessential Christmas ballet.
And to close the Christmas holidays, on January 4 the Great Christmas Concert will take place with the Great Symphony Orchestra, with Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Find all the information and ticket sales you will find on the website of the Palau de la Música Catalana.* L’Auditori
The Auditori this year will also host the Great New Year’s Concert, on December 26, on December 18 the Christmas Concert will be held with the Barcelona Accordion Chamber Orchestra and on December 19 the Gift of Life, together with another Christmas concert.
Now that you know what the best Christmas plans are in all of Barcelona in December, we remind you that at The Lofttown, your university residence in Barcelona, we want to count on you to live a unique and unforgettable experience, while you study in Barcelona so that you become one of our #TheLoftowners.If you want to know more about us, we also invite you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you are always up to date with the latest promotions and news in our university residence.
Enjoy December!
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Dec 02 2021 
Visit the most beautiful parks in Barcelona
Everything you need to know about which are the most beautiful parks in Barcelona and which are ideal for you to meet your friends after university
Barcelona is a great metropolis, but it also has many green areas that you cannot miss. So, if you like nature a lot and are always looking for a moment to disconnect, today at The Lofttown, your university residence in Barcelona, we will tell you below which are the best parks in the city so that you can do it with total peace of mind and at your own pace.
Welcome once again to our blog with the best tips for university residents in Barcelona!
Ciutadella Park
We refer to the largest green area in all of Barcelona. One of the quintessential parks in Barcelona that has a long history to its credit and is perfect for youth gatherings.
Therefore, if you are looking to study casually and pleasantly with a touch of nature, come to the Ciutadella park, either with a blanket to find a good place on the grass or in the shade of a tree.
Then you just have to take out the books, your notes or your computer and enjoy the good atmosphere that is lived in this magical place. In addition, when you take a well-deserved break, you can also take a walk around the impressive water fountain or have a coffee admiring nature either alone or in the good company of your friends.
The Gardens of Laribal
If you are looking for a quieter version than the Parc de la Ciutadella, then we advise you to visit Els Jardins de Laribal in the heart of Montjuic. And is that in this area, being less crowded, is ideal for studying with a quiet atmosphere and without many tourists around.
In these gardens they are next to the Joan Miró Foundation, a museum that we also recommend you visit because it is a classic of Barcelona.
Here the gardens offer a lot of shade and wonderful fountains, which make it an ideal area to study or enjoy a good book.
La Tamarita Gardens
These gardens are located in the Sant Gervasi district and have vegetation and play areas that will make you forget even that you are in the city.
It is characterized by having two different areas, one perfect for walking and enjoying a beautiful garden and another area to sit and read in complete comfort.
An ideal Park for any time of the year thanks to its large shaded areas and the total tranquility it transmits to its visitors.
Sentmenat Gardens
They are without a doubt one of the most preferred gardens by Barcelonans. Eina Park becomes a very large park as well as clean at all times.
It is also perfect for cycling, lying on the grass, reading a good book or having a picnic with friends, as it also has a bar and terrace, perfect for a vermouth while you take a break from your studies.
Slide park on Diagonal Mar
This is one of the most original parks in the city thanks to its architectural design. Located next to the Diagonal Mar shopping center, here you will find a huge space perfect for cycling, walking or running by the lake.
And while you want to review your notes or meet with your friends for an outdoor job, then this park becomes the best space to work with nature.
Joan Miró Park
This park, also known as the zip lines, is a huge space in the middle of the city of Barcelona that borders a beautiful library designed in the shape of a boat. Here you have several very different areas depending on your needs, whether for leisure, pleasant meetings or to study and concentrate as you like.
Now that you know which are the most beautiful parks in all of Barcelona, we remind you that in The Lofttown, your university residence in Barcelona, we want to count on you to live a unique and unforgettable experience, while studying in Barcelona to become one of our #TheLoftowners.
If you want to know more about us we also invite you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you are always up to date with the latest promotions and news in our university residence.
Enjoy the parks of Barcelona!
