Below we have put together some useful information for you about the apartment, its neighbourhood, Barcelona and what Services Akaza can offer you.

First of all we want to thank you for choosing to book your accommodation with Akaza. We hope that you enjoy your stay in this wonderful city, and that you have a great time in this apartment.

Please take good care of the flat, cleanliness is important, so we would ask you kindly to leave it as tidy as you found it.

The garbage/rubbish can be placed in any of the grey containers on street corners, as there are no allocated bins for the apartment.

If the apartment contains plants we kindly ask you to help us keep them alive :->

Please respect the neighbours and keep the noise level down, this is a residential building where people here live and work year round, and they have little tolerance for late night disturbance.

At the end of your stay, please be sure the balcony/windows are closed and the lights and electrical equipment are switched off. All your garbage should be taken out and the keys left on the table.

Departure time is at 11am. If you wish to leave at a later hour, please call me, Andrea to see if I can accommodate your needs.

We do remind all our guests to NEVER let go of their personal belongings at any time, as pocket thieves are numerous and quick in this town.

However this is the only real crime scene we face in Barcelona, even in restaurants and cafes, do not leave your bag unattended on the chair next to you.

Contact telephone numbers (including mine +34 626658548) are available in the AKAZA Barcelona directory provided.

Have a fantastic stay in Barcelona!

Andréa Drottholm

Owner of Akaza Service Agency

Your neighbourhood

Barceloneta

Some say this is the next Born… an up and coming, trendy area. Maybe it’s not quite yet there as it still with holds onto its charm without the designer boutiques. Barceloneta beach is the closest beach to Barcelona city centre. This area is probably one of the favourite areas for the tourist coming to Barcelona on a holiday but also wanting to hang out on the beach. As Barceloneta served as the fishermen neighbourhood this is obviously also where you can find some of the best fresh seafood on offer in Barcelona (amongst these we do NOT recommend (Rey de las Gambas!).

Barceloneta beach is the first choice of beach being closest to town. this quickly fills up during the summer months, and is definitely not a relaxing beach, but more of a people watching place, full of people offering plenty of entertainment. From the Frenchmen selling doughnuts from a basket on their heads, while singing and balancing through the crowds, to family dramas and fully tattooed bodies exposed to the passing crowds. A drink on the beach is not a problem as the Vendors make sure you have a fresh drink in your with their distinctive chants of, “Fanta, agua, Coca Cola, Cerveza,” …so if you are up for a day on the beach in Barceloneta, either expect the theatre that comes with it or bring some good music with a head set. For more quiet beaches you can walk along the seafront to some of the other beaches along, the further away you walk the more peace you will find.

As Barceloneta is within short walking distance to Las Ramblas and the Born, it makes it a desirable place to stay at night with its tranquil streets, since there are no late night bars and clubs in the area. You could say that Barceloneta is its own little village in the heart of Barcelona, as the Barceloneta natives see themselves as being apart from Barcelona. You will find everything you need within the neighbourhood; shops; supermarkets; bars; restaurant; bakeries and even daily fresh produce market.

Barcelona

This fantastic city is rated as one of Europe's number one destinations, not for nothing, as Barcelona has more to offer then most large cities known to the world. Its given attraction with the world famous Gaudi architecture mixed in with modern architecture of the 21st century, makes Barcelona a destination for many architects and students, as well as a popular tourist destination.

In the old town you can find the narrow cobbled streets with buildings going back further than most people can count to and in the middle of it all we find the cultural centre of Barcelona, Las Ramblas, known for its famous "human statues" and numerous outdoor cafes. Las Ramblas, however, is only a start to what this city has to offer its visitors. Not many major cities in the world can say they have beaches and, more over, amazingly clean beaches. This is among the few cities to have a metro line dropping you off a 2-minute walk away from La playa.

"I came to Barcelona 11 years ago only to return 7 years later, after having travelled the world and seeing a few continents in the past 17 years, my heart called out for Barcelona. The buildings, the people, the endless activities, restaurants and bars in all shapes and forms. We have it all here under one umbrella. It is not hard for me to talk about Barcelona and give it the credit it so well deserves. The locals are very proud of their city and it is projects to improve Barcelona and build it up to an even better city is something that everybody gets involved with, and they do. The place is becoming more and more metropolitan being home for people all over the world, and the Catalans are very open minded about receiving outsiders.

Andréa Drottholm - Akaza

Night Life

For tourists who love their nightlife, Barcelona will not disappoint you. We have some of the most famous musicians and DJs coming to play in anything from the small smoky underground clubs, to the massive big out door discos. The variety of music is endless, Jazz, Techno, Flamenco, Salsa, Pop and Reggae are some of the sounds played in various locations. The Catalans love their festivals. Any excuse for a Fiesta is valid. Year around there always seems to be a festival of some sort in one of the barrios (neighbourhoods), where the smaller of children right through to the grannies all drink, eat and dance together. At the end of the celebrations, it is not a proper festival if it is not finished off with Fireworks and in Barcelona they do it in a very grand style!

Bars:

La Concha – C/Guardia 14 (Arabic music mixed with Flamenco, very original bar)

DosTrece – C/Carme 40 (restaurant, bar, club, cinema all in one)

Jamboree – Placa Reial 17 (speacially good on Monday)

Harlem Jazz Club – Comtessa de Sobradiel 8 (live Jazz music)

Pipa Club – Placa Reial 3 pral (very original bar, flat converted to a bar, with several rooms and a Pipe collection)

Que Bar –C/Baluard (A local Bar for mainly local expats in Barceloneta)

Clubs

Sala Apolo – Nou de la Rambla 113 (very varied music played here, the venue is an old theatre, Thursdays, funk and soul)

Mond Bar – Plaza del Sol 21 in Gracia

Arena C/Diputacio 233 (Gay & Lesbian Club)

Catwalk - Ramon Trias Fargas 2-4 Porto Olimpico (another designer and “in” place to go to)

Moog - C/Arc del Teatre 3 (electronical music)

Razzmatazz - C/Almogavares 122 ( different rooms with different music, one of the most popular places in Barcelona)

City Hall – Rambla Catalunya 2-4 (various line ups of well know DJs)

La Terrazza – Avd. Marques de Comillas (Poble Espanyol) (Outdoor club in an old replica house, young crowd)

Restaurants and Cafes

Find additional sheets for restaurants with the contact details of restaurants that we recommend.

Feel free to add your own comments and recommendations to help future visitors.

Starting from the top are the more exclusive restaurants followed by the medium priced to the budget dining. The stars indicates the quality of the food, and the € sign the prices.

Things to Know about this apartment

Rubbish/Garbage

You may use any of the grey containers in the street, as there is no specific allocation for this apartment.

Towels

Please refrain from using the bathroom towels for the beach, as they will get stained and difficult to wash out. Please use the coloured towels provided for the beach.

Hot Water

There is a hot-water tank containing 100 litres of water. Please keep this in mind, as hot water will only last for finite amount of time. However, it will reheat within an hour.

Fans

Please remember to turn the fans off when exiting the apartment for the day.

Washing Machine

Instructions for the washing machine and which program to use is in the powder drawer.

( 2=90 degree hot wash only recommended for white towels and linen, 3=60 degree for white washing, 4= 40 degree, for coloured and more delicate material). Washing liquid is stored under the kitchen sink.

Keys

Don’t forget to take the key with you as once you have closed the door you cannot reopen it without a key. If you lose your keys, don’t panic! Give us a call. There is a replacement cost however.

Toilet

Make sure when you use the toilet, that the flush is back in its place. Do not flush down any other objects (cotton pads, panty liners, slips, etc) other than toilet paper into the toilet, as it will get blocked.

Rules of the House

Nobody other then the people renting the apartment is to enter the apartment. Late night disturbance will not be tolerated and breach of these rules may result in guest being asked to leave the apartment.

If anything has broken down, or been damaged please notify Akaza as soon as possible.+34 626658528.

Please do not try to fix it yourself as this might cause further damage.

We kindly ask you to step outside on to the balcony, if you wish to smoke.

Barcelona Directory

Emergency Numbers:

If you have been robbed or attacked, you need to report the incident as soon as possible at your nearest police station. The one to be more likely to have English-speaking officers is the Guardia Urbana on Ramblas.

Operator Service:

Taxis:

Car Rental:

Easycar /http://www.easycar.com/ Passeig Lluis Companys, 2-nd level of underground park house.
Other branches: Sants Railway station, Gran Via Carlos III 97-105. Tel: No phone, only online booking, Open: 07:00-23:00

Europcar /http://www.europcar.com Placa dels Paisos Catalans, Sants, Tel: 93 491 48 22 Airport branch: 93 298 33 00 Open: 07:30-22:30 Mon-Fri, 08:00-13:00 Sat.

Vanguard/ www.vanguardrent.com C/Viladomat 297 Tel: 93 3227951 Open: 08:00-14:00, 16:00-20:00 Mon-Fri,09:00-13:00 Sat, Sun.

Bicycles:

Un cotxe meyns Bike rentals Esparteria, 40 Tel: 932682105

Biciclot Bike rentals and Bike tours Passeig Marítim, 33 (A peu de platja) Tel: 932 219 778 Fax: 932 219 778

Airlines:

Consulates:

Out and About

The key services nearest to you are identified on the map at the back of booklet.

1. Metro station
2. Bus stop
3. Pharmacy
4. ATM
5. Internet
6. Supermarket
7. Fresh market
8. Closest Hospital
9. Police station

Akaza services:

Akaza offers a wide range of services to our clients, in order to make your holiday and stay in Barcelona as smooth and as unique experience as possible. To enquire or book any of our services please call Andrea on: +34 626658548

DAYS OUT AND EXCURSIONS

For those who love nature, you do not have to go far to breath fresh air. Jump on one of the suburb trains, and in 20 minutes you will find yourself in the middle of the beautiful Montseny Natural Park. The smart little seaside resort Sitges only 30-minute train ride south of Barcelona, is a popular place to visit for a day on the beach or only to stroll around its quaint little lanes. For the art enthusiast a well worth visit is the Dali Museum. Up North a worthwhile visit is Figueres, which was once home to the world famous artist, Salvador Dali. It houses his artwork from his early days up to his most recent work. This is only to mention a few out of many easily accessible destinations for a day out of Barcelona.

"Beatle City Tour" - Barcelona Sight Seeing

How about a Barcelona excursion in a Beatle?? Barcelona has a lot to offer and should not be missed out. We can tailor make your tour in the city for the day, to see various sights such as: the world famous Gaudi Cathedral Sagrada Familia, Plaza Espana, The Gothic Cathedral, Montjuic Castle, Parque Guell, Poble Espanyol Nou Camp etc...it is all there waiting for you.

"Kayak Central" - Sea Kayaking the Best of Costa Brava

Catalunya’s Costa Brava is regarded as one of the best destinations for Sea Kayaking in Europe. Launching from one of the many gorgeous beaches, you will be guided along the Costa Brava’s dramatic cliffs exploring deep caves and warm, secluded coves and beaches. Depending on the Tramuntana (north wind) and paddler preference, outings are from 2 to 4 hours, stopping for lunch and a short siesta at turn around points. 8 hour trip. *All ages and kayaking ability levels are accommodated to ensure a positive, unforgettable experience.

"Save the Castle"- Castle Exploration

Castles explorations are an excellent way to understand the rich culture and history of Catalunya. From Barcelona you have great castle storming opportunities. While some castles are in better shape than others, they are all fascinating in both architecture and lore. As castles are logically located in protected, remote areas, we have logically included great trekking opportunities and Catalan fare in authentic country restaurants. 8-hour trip

"Medieval Villages"- Village Explorations and Nature Walks

Amazingly well preserved medieval villages of the Pyrenees, the coast and interior are quietly waiting for you. We take you deep into the spirit and history of the Catalan culture that few Barcelona visitors ever see or even hear about. You’ll explore age-old villages and enjoy a hearty lunch of Catalan food at one of the local restaurants. The nature walks are highly recommended but purely optional. While these ultra-charming villages are still inhabited, you will not find the crowds of Barcelona at your heels this day! 8-hour trip

"Wines of Catalunya"- Wine Country and tasting

Catalunya, Spain is home to several innovative and exclusive wines and cavas. We offer you private visits and tastings in small wineries located in beautiful, remote locations only a stones throw from Barcelona. Our wine and cava country trips are not only entertaining, but also very informative for those wanting to learn more about wines and cavas as well as product elaboration methods of the past and present. Great food from the region accompanies these trips to make the tasting all the more enjoyable! 6 hour trip

"Routes and Tasting"- Cycling the Wine Country and tastings

We offer you tasting of the regions finest wines, cavas and foods mixed with great cycling excursions through the rolling wine and cava region of El Penedes, just south of Barcelona. Pedaling through the picturesque terrain of El Penedes’ rolling hills, flanked by the peaks of Mediterranean mountain ranges makes visiting these wineries all the more memorable. This is a great day’s escape for both wine and cava connoisseurs or ever those simply looking to drink wine and cava and enjoy the hidden corners of the region. *Cycling routes vary in length and are not difficult. A support vehicle accompanies those preferring not to ride or who simply get tired. Families and all ages and abilities are welcome!

"Peaks, Valleys and Coves"- Trekking Catalunya's Best

Why not get out of bustling Barcelona for some great walking or trekking? Barcelona is only an hour or so from the peaks of the Pyrenees, the rugged Costa Brava and an impressive interior all loaded with lush valleys and winding mountains capes. We take you along the best routes in Catalunya and through various charming villages along the way making this day trip more than satisfying for any culture, nature and adventure enthusiasts. All ages and physical abilities are welcome! 8-hour trip

"Canyon Conquest"- Canoying

Descend beautiful river canyons and waterfalls by rappelling, sliding or jumping off astounding rock formations into crystal clear pools. The unique landscape, location, weather and pristine condition of the Pyrenees make Catalunya one of the best destinations in Europe to practice this exciting sport. Canyoning is, in fact, safe and is today one of the most popular adventure activities in Catalunya among locals and visitors all ages.*Specialized training and equipment is provided for guests. Safety and careful calculation are the highest priority with all our guides, who are always the first and last to go over the edge. 10-hour trip

"Snow Bound"- Snow shoe the best of the Pyrenees

Why walk when you can snowshoe? Snow shoeing is definitely the best way to see and experience the Pyrenees Mountains in the winter. About an hour’s drive from bustling Barcelona, you’ll snowshoe one of the sunny Pyrenees peaks or valleys to be rewarded with views that many only dream about. The natural environment of the Pyrenees is rich in plant and animal life that you will experience and enjoy first hand with our expert guides. *Only gloves and warm clothing required. All ages and experience levels are accommodated. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! 8-hour trip

"Horse Around"- Horse Trekking Catalunya

Expert guides lead riders along the trails that flank the coast and pass through the gorgeous valleys and rugged mountains of Catalunya. We invite you to a ‘horse around’ and experience the beauty of Catalunya from the saddle. Guests gain a true respect for Catalunya’s beauty, as these outings are guaranteed to make an unforgettable positive impression on any new or experienced rider.*Excursion destinations and lengths vary depending on rider experience and preference. 6 hour trip

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Limousine Services Are you one of those that have always dreamed about cruising around in a limo? Well why wait? Feel like a star even if it’s for just a moment. We can organize pick up services in a spacious, comfortable vehicle of your choice, with a driver that speaks your language.

Airport Pick Up We can arrange personalised pick up service from the airport. No need to worry about the taxi driver taking you for a ride making sure to double the standard taxi fare. We have a flat fee of 40 Euros, one of our team members will meet you at the airport, and give you a brief city tour on the way to your final destination.

Ticket Service to Barcelona Events Would you like to go and see a Barcelona football game, FCB voted the best football team in History? We can arrange tickets for you in some of the more privileged seats in the stadium. We can also purchase tickets for you and your group for any other events taking place in Barcelona. To find out more or book any other ticket contacts us for assistance.

Babysitting Did you come with children, but would like to enjoy Barcelona by night? If you need someone to look after your children, we have reliable baby sitters that can come to your home for the hours you are gone. All our baby-sitters have been interviewed and come with references that have been carefully checked.

Massage Massage is a unique form of bodywork that rebalances body and mind, leading to a profound state of relaxation.. Duration: 1h

COURSES

Language Courses You can learn Spanish, English, French or Italian, if you wish. Courses are offered at your own pace and with emphasis on what you would like to learn; conversation, grammar or pronunciation. If you need someone to help you translate or interpret, we have the solution for you in many different languages, Spanish, French, German, Swedish, Italian, Hungarian, Catalan, etc.

Music Technology Courses Located right in the gothic quarter, the BCNSOUND music studio teaches music technology and production courses, focusing on the latest software. The main options are Logic Audio and ProTools, which are industry standard tools. The tutor has previously taught on industry recommended courses in London, and courses are taught in English or Spanish. All levels of user are catered for, from beginner to advanced pro users. Classes are one-to-one or in small groups, with plenty of hands-on experience.

Cooking Courses Would you like to improve your cooking skills or maybe extend your skills into a different cuisine? You can learn how to cook Mediterranean food with one of our qualified chefs. The courses are offered in a very relaxed atmosphere, where the Chef invites you to her own kitchen only accepting small groups. The course can be structured over several days or as an intensive course, all tailor made for you.

Reiki 1 or 2 Our Reiki Master offers a 6-hour course to enter the world of Universal healing. A gift we all hold within us, which needs to be developed. Emily will work on opening your channels and guide you through the first steps on how to become a Reiki healer. We also offer a Reiki second level course.

Ashtanga Yoga Would you like to come to Barcelona to practice Ashtanga Yoga. Our Yoga master offers intensive courses over weekends or week long courses with a few hours of Yoga and Meditation on a daily basis. Classes can be offered privately or participation in Mysore style morning classes. Sunday to Friday.