Adieu!

Bailèn 41 has been sold to private owners after 6 happy years of operation. But as a public service, the Bailèn 41 blog will live on - at least for a while! - so that others can put to good use the walking tours and suggested excursions.

Bona Diada!

Monument to Gen. Casanova

From the Catalan: "Happy National Day!" 

On this day in 1714, Barcelona succumbed to a 14-month-long siege by Spanish troops fighting to deliver the Spanish crown to the Bourbons. Catalan General Rafael Casanova surrendered to the invading troops and the War of Spanish Succession was technically over, although death and destruction continued throughout Catalunya under the occupying forces. 

Today like every other Diada, Casanova's monument was decorated with flowers. 

Surrealism in the time of COVID-19

The authentic surreal experience!

Of course your itinerary for that future Barcelona vacation will include a short train ride to Figueres and the "Theater Museum" of Salvador Dalí,  the most famous exponent of surrealism.

Although the museum is physically closed to visitors during the pandemic, Dalí fans can now ooh and aah over his works at any time of the day or night via virtual visits. Dalí would certainly approve! Click here to start your visit.

Since you can't come to Barcelona now, Barcelona comes to you!

When these bad times pass for all of us, Barcelona and Bailèn 41 will be here, waiting for you.

In the meantime, stay safe; stay at home!

Another great excursion from Bailèn 41!

If you're coming to Catalunya, you probably are looking for some great wine, fantastic food, and beautiful scenery.

One of the best and easiest ways to find all three is to follow our brand-new "Day Trip to Priorat," the latest in our ever-growing series of always fun expeditions from Bailèn 41. 

And feel free to contact us for more details!

The Garden of Delight

The Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona's must-experience sites and when you stay at Bailèn 41 you're just a hop, skip, and jump away from its beauties.

Here's just one example of the delights you'll find: the gorgeous rowing lake, complete with ducks, geese, and boats for rent!

For more info on the park, check out our "Walking Tour #1."

Photo taken 20 March 2018

January in Barcelona

A wonderful time to be in the city! Lots of great sunny days and never below freezing, thanks to the warming influence of the Mediterranean. Other advantages of being here in the low season include significantly fewer tourists and lower prices, including at Bailèn 41, only €850 for a week or, better yet, €2,500 for a month from Dec 1 to Feb 28!

Photos here are from an excursion on a glorious late January morning, from Bailèn 41 to Port Vell (the old port) and the Drassanes Reials (royal shipyards) dating back to the late 13th century.

From here, Christopher Columbus sailed in 1492 (that's him atop the column).

The only extant shipyard - and the only one worldwide remaining from the Gothic era - is now preserved as Barcelona's Maritime Museum (complete with outdoor restaurant).

A nice walk or a quick subway ride from Bailèn 41, the best vacation rental in the city!

A new year and a new review

• • "Not enough stars," said our first guests of 2018, who awarded Bailèn 41 its latest 5-star review: #70 in an unbroken string! 
    We are excited to kick off the new year with this new review, especially because it comes from returning guests who first stayed at Bailèn 41 in winter 2016. Here's what they wrote on VRBO about their most recent visit:

    

    Our stairway hedgehogs also are 5 stars!

    "All of Barcelona at your doorstep! This apartment delivers style and comfort aplenty with the added benefit of being in a perfect location. All of the most wonderful things to see and do are within walking distance and there is a metro stop on the corner for anything farther afield. 
    This was our second stay (the first for 3 months in 2016) and we were so happy to be back in our Barcelona home. Especially with the newly re-done bathroom which includes a huge shower, great lighting and lots of storage. The brightest star of this property is your concierge . . . [who] knows everything about the city and can assist with obtaining tickets to events or suggest day trips, if you have time. 
    As I said in my last review, come to Barcelona for as long as you can, and when you do, stay here. You won't regret either."
    We love our guests!
• 
  

Barcelona: Still Beautiful

Many thanks to guests of Bailèn 41 who have contacted us about the horror that took place in Barcelona 17 August. 

A particular comforting sentiment from recent guests from Calgary: "We loved your beautiful city and will not be deterred. We will share its beauty and joy with our friends, encourage them to visit and come back again someday."

Jump into Barcelona!

What's on your must-do list of activities during your stay in Barcelona?

• tour nearby wineries
• hit the tapas hot spots
• head to Montserrat to hear the boys choir
• travel to the Dali Museum
• go sailing/fishing in the Mediterranean
• enjoy a concert at the Palau de la Musica Catalana
• take a walking tour of the Old Town
• visit the Picasso Museum

Now you can book any of these - plus many more - before you even pack your bags, kick-starting your Barcelona vacation from the moment you arrive.

Thanks to a new partnership with VisitBarcelonaTickets (part of Barcelona Turisme), guests of Bailèn 41 can search for and book tickets on-line for a range of activities: Gaudí & modernism, sea & beaches, concerts & shows, food & wine tourism, sports & nature, culture, and more. Check out the offerings (many with special discounts) and make your selections. And message us if you have any questions.