#Private Hostel Room Barcelona

[enjoythesilentworld]

Simon's Month - Travel

day 10! @youngroyals-events <3 tack för allt

Simon and Wille take on a new city, and a new tour, and Simon neglects to read the fine print (again).

Or, FoodTour!Wilmon part 2

read below or on ao3 (M, 2.5k) (cw: implied sexual content)

As it turns out, Wille’s embarking on a solo travel trip had been even more spontaneous than Simon. He’d told Simon, that next morning over breakfast, that he’d spent his whole life having every trip planned out for him down to the second — fancy hotels and yacht tours and five-star restaurants — so he felt it was necessary to try zero planning for once. So, allegedly, he’d just bought the first plane ticket he found and left, and has been living night to night in hostels for a few weeks now. All for the sake of freedom, or choices, or something like that. 

Wille cites this reasoning when Simon asks what he wants to do, and he simply says, “Whatever you want to do. Really, Simon. I just like spending time with you.” 

Simon isn’t totally certain if he’s being truthful. Surely there are other things Wille would rather do than follow Simon around the city all day. But, he’s so flattered by Wille’s adoring gaze and entertained by his jokes that Simon decides to keep him around, anyway. 

They spend a few more days wandering around Barcelona. It’d become obvious that booking romantic food tours, as fun as it had been, wasn’t the most economical activity. So, instead, they hit all the popular spots. They climb to the top of church towers for windy-swept selfies, stealing kisses in the tight stairwells. They get wine-tipsy over lunch then stumble through museums, muffling their giggles into each other’s skin. At the end of each day, they end up on the beach, lounging in chairs and soaking up the sun, or tackling each other into the water and reveling in the coolness of it. 

One of said evenings, still a few hours before sunset, he turns to Wille over their makeshift beach-picnic dinner. 

“Tonight’s my last night here.”

Wille looks at him with guarded eyes. “Where are you off to next?” he asks, casually. 

Simon smiles softly. Clearly, the man is bracing for a goodbye. 

“Porto, Portugal.” 

“I hear it’s beautiful.” 

Simon hums. “Yeah, I’ve heard the same.”

Because Simon’s a bit of a shit and he’s learned enough about Wille in the past few days that he knows he can get away with it, he lets the man squirm for a bit. He watches as Wille tears the label off his soda bottle and begins to shred it into tiny pieces. 

“Where are you going next?” 

Wille shrugs. He looks a bit dejected, but is hiding it well, and Simon cracks. 

“Do you want to come to Porto with me?” Simon asks, then reaches out, grabbing Wille’s hand and stopping his attack on the damp paper label. 

A sunny, hopeful smile grows on Wille’s face, and he squeezes Simon’s hand. 

“Can I?”

Simon nods. “I’d really like it if you did. I hear it’s beautiful.” 

Wille laughs brightly and jumps over the food to tackle Simon back into the sand. Their lips meet in a sloppy kiss, half lips and half teeth because they’re both laughing now. He tastes like soda and strawberries and the warmth of him against Simon feels just as electric as it did earlier today, and the day before that, and on that first day on the pier. 

Through no small feat of luck, they book incredibly cheap flights for the next morning and grow even closer as they navigate the chaos of airports and budget airlines. In less than 24 hours after that short conversation on the beach in Barcelona, they’re standing, shoulder to shoulder, at the front desk of a hostel in Porto. 

“Private room? Or bunks in a dorm?” 

“Uh—” Simon stutters, glancing over at Wille. 

Somehow, during the hours they’d spent the night before, huddled around Simon’s phone in the hostel bar, looking up places to visit in this new city, this part had not come up. There was definitely a growing tension between them. There was only so much making out one could do before it got to be too much, and slipping into a bunk with eight other people in the room wasn’t exactly mood-setting. Maybe when he was 16, he would’ve let Wille ravish him in the hallway, stumbling down to their shared dorm room, without caring if they might be seen. Unfortunately, now that he’s an adult, he’s not too keen about the idea of stripping down for a quick one in a hostel bunk. Still, Simon would most definitely like to have a private room, so he could finally put his hands on Wille for real, but he didn’t want to presume—

“Private,” Wille says slowly, almost a question, meeting Simon’s eye. Simon bites back his grin and gives a single nod. Wille nods, too, then, more sure this time, repeats, “Private. Please.” 

Out of the corner of his eye, Simon sees the small smirk on the face of the front desk person.

 

It’s still too early to get into their room, so they drop their bags and head out onto the streets, slowly meandering their way towards the river that flows through the city. Though it’d been a bit of a joke before, Porto really is beautiful with its colorful buildings, charming squares, and unreal views of terracotta roofs by the water. That, along with the low hum of people and Wille’s hand in his, brings a certain comfort to Simon. They have nowhere to be, nothing to do, except be with each other and walk down these stone streets, smiling at street vendors and pointing out pretty architecture. 

After some time of chatting and leisurely strolling along the river, they settle down for a late lunch, at a beautiful little cafe near the river, and Wille says, “We should do another tour of some sort.” 

“You’re just flush for cash, aren’t you?” Simon teases. 

He blushes lightly. “I just meant— You took me on a tour date, even if it had been a sort of accident, it feels only right that I get to take you on one now.” 

“Oh, was that a date?”

Wille sticks out his tongue and steals a bite off Simon’s plate. They get distracted for a moment, taking food from each other and laughing. Simon accidentally dips his forearm in a bit of sauce in the process and Wille licks it off sloppily. In order to not think too hard about that, Simon scrunches his face in mock disgust and pushes Wille away, giggling. 

Once they are back seated mostly in their own chairs, though they’ve shifted to sit a bit closer to each other now, Simon asks, “What kind of tour were you thinking?”

“Well,” Wille starts slowly, “I was thinking we could just do one of those sightseeing tours. You know, where you hire someone to drive you around and you see all the big attractions?” 

Simon nods, then tilts his head in confusion when Wille chews on his lip for a moment, nervous eyes flickering over Simon’s face, before continuing, “Maybe that way we get all those done in one day and we’ll have more time to spend,” he leans forward slightly, “in that private room of ours.” 

“I see,” Simon muses, leaning forward as well, until there’s only an inch or two separating them. 

“I just wish I could have one minute alone with you,” Wille breathes, gaze flitting between Simon’s eyes and lips, “without a dozen other people around.”

“We’ll just have to make that happen,” Simon whispers and moves the rest of the way to close the gap between them. It is a soft, rather quick kiss, but it holds a promise, for later. 

Though Wille refuses to let Simon pay anything, they scroll through websites together, deciding on a car tour around Porto. Simon does the booking, claiming that Portuguese is much closer to Spanish, and he’ll have an easier time making sure everything is booked correctly. That being said, he is a little distracted by thoughts of their previous conversation, and thoughts of finally having Wille alone tonight. Somehow, he successfully books their tour, handing the phone to Wille to complete the payment, and then they abandon their meal to chase each other back to the hostel. 

Simon thought he’d learned his lesson last time. Apparently he had not. (Although, with how last time had gone, with what — who — he’d found as a result of his lack of reading, there hadn’t been much of a lesson to learn. Except, maybe, don’t read the fine print and you might just find the potential love of your life.) 

The next afternoon, after many hours spent in bed but very little sleep, they show up to the agreed upon meeting place and find the small, retro car parked along the street. A small, older woman hops out of the car and greets them with a wide smile. 

She introduces herself as Leonora and they go through a whole bout of pleasantries and explanations of things to come on the tour. Then, just as Wille and Simon slide into the backseat, she asks, “So, how is the honeymoon so far?”

A small laugh bubbles up from Simon’s chest. “I’m sorry?” 

“Oh,” Leonora glances at them in the rearview, eyebrows knitted, as she drives off towards their first destination, “Did I read the reservation wrong? You booked the honeymoon package, did you not?” 

Simon tries to think back to the booking website, all the English mixed in with Portuguese and the not-built-for-mobile website. But, all his mind returns are flashes of Wille’s tongue and eyes and hands and the things he whispered in Simon’s ear. 

Floundering for how to respond, Simon turns to look at Wille, who’s grinning at him with bright, amused eyes. 

“That’s right,” Wille says cheerily, keeping his eyes locked on Simon. “The honeymoon is going great, thank you.”

He gives Simon a tiny shrug, as if to say, Why not? 

And, well, they’d seemingly successfully convinced everyone on that food tour that they were together, when really they’d just met. It wasn’t too far of a jump to pretend they’d just gotten married, even though they’d only known each other for a few days. 

It really has only been a few days, but Simon feels like it’s been longer, like he’s known Wille for years. It’s simply so easy for Simon, being with Wille. Spending time with him and listening to him ramble about art and architecture. Kissing him and running hands over his skin, trying to pull as many desperate sounds as possible. 

“Yes, I’d say it’s going very well.” Simon smiles back at him and slides across the seat to tuck into Wille’s side, placing a warm hand on his thigh. 

Leonora coos at them from the front, but thankfully doesn’t ask any questions about their non-existent wedding. Instead, she points out buildings as they pass, explaining the history and adding little personal anecdotes. 

In a sly attempt to figure out exactly what they’ve signed up for with the ‘honeymoon package’, Simon asks what the difference is between their tour and a normal tour. Apparently, along with stopping by some of the more romantic churches and gardens and lookouts in Porto, they’ll finish the tour along the coast, with a pre-organized dinner on the beach. 

It’s all rather nice, and Leonora gives a wonderful tour, but no matter what he does, Simon can’t really make himself pay attention. He tells himself it’s to convince their tour guide that they’re actually on their honeymoon, but, really, Simon just can’t keep his hands off Wille. He’s nearly sitting in the man’s lap by their third stop in the city, whispering jokes in his ear and doing everything he can to steal kisses whenever possible. Wille doesn’t seem too upset about it, giggling ceaselessly at Simon’s comments about the silly American tourists and every phallic-shaped sculpture they pass, one hand around Simon’s waist and the other holding his hand. 

Presumably because this is how every honeymoon package tour goes, Leonora doesn’t seem too plussed about it, either, continuing to spout facts about the sights even when Simon and Wille get a little too lost in each other. They do break apart occasionally for Wille to ask a question about some art installation or for both of them to hop out of the car to grab a sweet drink from a street vendor. 

Eventually, they make it to the coast, and they roll the windows down and turn the music up loud, and Simon realizes he’s missed most of the tour, too busy ‘pretending’ to be drunk in love on his honeymoon, which doesn’t feel too much like pretending anymore. Wille’s hair is whipped wild by the wind and his smile is so wide. He reaches out with both hands towards Simon, cupping his face and bringing him in for a giggly kiss. 

“Today has been really fun,” he murmurs into Simon’s ear, nipping lightly as he does so. 

Simon gulps down a breath of the fresh, salty air and tucks his face into the space between Wille’s collar and his jawline. Pure joy and heat spreads across his body.

“Yes, it has.”

Leonora pulls the car up to a parking lot, and guides them down the beach a ways, which is surprisingly uncrowded. They are led into a small cove, a spot of sand hidden away from view of the rest of the beach, tucked into the rocks. Inside the cove, there’s a small table set up with a grazing display for dinner, scattered rose petals, and a pile of pillows and blankets off to the side. 

Their tour guide bids them goodbye for now, saying she’ll be back with the car in two hours. 

Officially alone, Simon laughs at the ridiculousness as Wille takes his hand and leads him closer to the table. The food spread is a fancier version of the lunch picnic they’d been having when Simon invited Wille to join him here in Porto, all the way down to the bottles of chilled champagne and sparkling grape juice for them to sip on.

“How did we not notice the price of this? There’s no way all this was cheap,” Simon asks, looking around at everything with wide eyes. 

Wille chuckles and wraps himself around Simon from behind. “We were a little distracted when we booked it, if I remember correctly.” 

Simon hums, “I suppose we were,” and tilts his head back to rest onto Wille’s shoulder, exposing his neck to the man and enjoying the warmth of his hands on Simon’s hips.

Wille takes the invitation in stride, attaching his lips to a spot of skin under Simon’s jaw, then nipping and sucking lightly.

“Do you think we should eat first,” A kiss to his jaw, fingerprints pressing into skin, “or take advantage of this private spot of beach first?” 

Hands roving now, Simon bites back the low sound crawling up his throat. He pretends to consider, but quickly loses his train of thought when a finger dips into the waistband of his pants. 

“We did the food tour thing already,” Simon breathes, and Wille’s giggle vibrates across his skin.

They nearly fall over into the sand as they stumble, laughing, unwilling to let go of each other, over to the makeshift beach bed and fall into the pillows together.

[thxnews]

How to Find Beautiful and Cheap Hostels in Europe

Traveling through Europe is like flipping through the pages of a vibrant history book while diving into a cultural melting pot. For us young professionals with the itch to explore but a keen eye on our bank accounts, the journey becomes not just about the places we see but also about smart traveling. Hostels, my friends, are the secret sauce to a fulfilling and budget-friendly European adventure. Let’s dive into how you can find hostels that are both easy on the wallet and pleasing to the eye (and soul).  

Why Choose Hostels?

Hostels aren't just about saving a few bucks; they're about experiences. Imagine waking up in a 200-year-old building in Rome, having breakfast with new friends from three different countries, and swapping stories that add to your travel itinerary. Forget the myths about hostels being dingy or unsafe; today’s hostels often boast cleanliness, security, and even privacy with options for female-only dorms or private rooms.  

The Stara Plana Hostel, Zakopane, Poland. Photo by Jordan Klein. Flickr.

Strategies for Finding Cheap and Beautiful Hostels

Utilize Trusted Hostel Booking Websites Start with the right tools. Websites like Hostelworld, and Booking.com, are your best friends here. They offer filters for everything under the sun—price, location, room type, and those all-important traveler reviews. Speaking from personal experience, don’t just glance at the ratings; dive into the reviews. I once found a hostel in Prague that looked average online but was praised for its welcoming staff and incredible local guides. It was one of my best stays.   Book in Advance Planning ahead can snag you better deals and more options. Some apps and websites even offer alerts for price drops. I booked a stay in Barcelona four months ahead and saved almost 50% compared to last-minute prices. Prices have gone up post pandemic but off peak bargains and early booking can snap up great deals.   Travel During Off-Peak Times Traveling in the shoulder season (spring and autumn) can cut your accommodation costs significantly. Plus, you get to enjoy Europe without the elbow-to-elbow tourist crowds. I visited Venice in late November, and the serene, misty canals felt like they belonged to me and a handful of locals.  

King Kong Hostel, Rotterdam, Netherlands. Photo by Marcus Loke. Unsplash. Consider Location Wisely A hostel right next to the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum will cost a pretty penny. Sometimes, staying a bit further out can save you a lot, and with Europe’s efficient public transport, you’re never too far from the action. I stayed in a quaint hostel in the suburbs of Amsterdam and discovered my favorite café and bookshop that I would have missed otherwise.   Look for Hostels with Amenities Free breakfast, communal kitchens, and social events can enrich your travel experience while saving money. I’ve made lifelong friends over free pancake mornings and city tours organized by hostels. Also, amenities like secure lockers and free Wi-Fi are non-negotiable for a comfortable stay.   Think Mosquitoes! I have a phobia and don't mind admitting it. Mosquitoes are found in many European cities all year but are more active in late Spring through to the fall. If you have air conditioning then close the windows before dusk for that added safety, not forgetting to check your wardrobe, curtains and even under the bed. Most good hostels have nets on request. The city center in Venice is pretty safe. A boat trip to Lido, especially down in Alberoni, might have the charm, but let me tell you, the mosquitoes there are not just your average buzzers; they're more like feisty little warriors out for blood.   Leverage Social Networks and Travel Forums Reddit and Facebook groups are goldmines for real-time recommendations. Before heading to Lisbon, I got a tip from a Facebook group about a newly opened hostel not yet listed on major booking sites. It was affordable, centrally located, and one of the best places I’ve stayed.  

What to Look for in a Hostel

Safety, cleanliness, and vibe should top your list. A good hostel fosters a sense of community, making it easy to meet fellow travelers. Look for places with secure entry, individual lockers, and clean communal areas. Don’t underestimate the power of a good common room to make your stay memorable.  

The Generator hostel in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Charles Hutchins. Flickr.

Making the Most of Your Hostel Stay

Dive into the social aspect of hostel life. Join in on movie nights, walking tours, or pub crawls. I met a group of fellow solo travelers on a hostel-organized boat tour in Budapest, and we ended up traveling together for the next two weeks. Remember to respect shared spaces and maintain good etiquette—your new friends will thank you.  

Conclusion

Hostels are more than just a place to crash. They’re gateways to enriching experiences, new friendships, and insider knowledge of your destination. With a bit of planning, savvy booking strategies, and an open mind, you can uncover beautiful and affordable hostels across Europe that will become the backdrop to your adventure stories. So, dear fellow young professionals, it’s time to pack your bags (don’t forget a padlock and a quick-dry towel). Europe awaits with its open roads, historical marvels, and a hostel bed where your next adventure begins. Happy travels! This casual guide aims to equip you with the know-how to uncover those hostel gems that will make your European journey unforgettable. Remember, the best stories often come from the most unexpected places. Your dream hostel, with its blend of comfort, culture, and camaraderie, is out there waiting for you.   Sources: THX News & Hostel World, Booking.com. Read the full article

[clehame]

absolutely unable to process that i’m returning to barcelona today but after a week of hostels i’m so excited to be in a hotel room tonight i’m gonna shower with a FREE TOWEL in a PRIVATE SHOWER!! and wash my MATTED HAIR!!!

[caitlin-scstudyabroad]

Post 5: Nice & Monaco

This week we made the spontaneous decision to buy a 40 Euro flight to Nice, France. This was my first flight on a low budget airline, and I was nervous because I have heard horror stories about how strict their carry on bag policy is and how they make you pay a ridiculous amount of money to place it overhead. We flew with Easy Jet, and they were so kind and helpful and did not even check out bags at all! It was also my first time staying in a hostel, and it was a great experience! We stayed at Hostel Ozz, had our own private room with two quadrouple bunk beds, it was walking distance from everything, and it was only 19 Euros a night! Our stomachs began to growl and we decided to find a crepe place nearby - something that Nice is known for.  Me and Mary Ashton split a sweet banana toffee crepe and savory goat cheese, prosciutto, and honey crepe. It was delicious!

We then started to explore with the sole goal of getting to the top of Colline de Chateau - but with no directions. Every turn we took had colorful little houses and cafes. We eventually made it the top with an aerial view of Nice, it was breathtaking.

We then walked along the beach and ran into some of our friends from Barcelona!

For dinner, we made reservations at a Mediterranean Tapas retaurant called Bocca Nissa. The atmosphere was incredible and not to mention some of the best tapas ive had (even beats barcelona!). We ordered hummus, eggplant caviar, roasted cauliflower, focaccia bread, avocado tosada, and truffle ravioli. 

The following day, we took a 4 Euro scenic train ride to the rich country of Monaco! Here we lived out out Selena Gomez Monte Carlo moment, stared at the yachts in the port and pretended which one we were going to buy. We walked by the Monte Carlo Casino but decided not go inside because it was so expensive. 

We waltzed over to the beach where there was a line of extravagant luxury shops and the customers decked out in Louis Vuitton and Dior. We had reservations at (no lie) my favorite restaurant I have ever been to. Everything was perfect here; outside table, right on the beach, overlooking the water, perfect temperature, incredible pasta and pizza, superb drinks, and the ambiance was everything I could of asked for. It was called Giacomos and it was surprisingly pretty cheap for Monaco, we ordered a prosciutto pizza, truffle pasta, duck rigatoni, truffle burrata, focaccia bread, and the best aperol sprtiz ever! Our waiter was especially nice and told us stories of his hometown Bari, Italy and we have made a pack to try and visit it!

With our stomachs full we walked back to the train station and passed by the Monte Carlo race track. We then took the train back to Nice gathered up our stuff in preparation back to our home base of Barcelona. We had the whole Sunday to to some Barcelona exploring; me and Anne went to Fleadonia, a market that only happens on the first Sunday of every month. It was insanely busy with numerous unique stands and shops with a variety of items from leather jackets to vintage cameras. I bargained in Spanish for the first time ever and obtained an old gold watch for only 10 Euros! And Anne got an oversized black leather jacket for 15!

We finished the night by going to the Palo Market Festival, which was similar to Fleadonia except with all different kinds of foods. We ordered loaded Nachos, empanadas, and Suaderos. They were so authentic and delicious. The night was complete with a live band playing beautiful songs and music. This was an amazing weekend!!

[miairviin]

Min Anisycheís

Spontaneity and being comfortable with the sudden changing of plans have been concepts I have often struggled with. I like itineraries. I like leaving on time. I like getting places early. I tend to get stressed when I cut things close, when a carefully budgeted day becomes riddled with delays and speed bumps. I should have known this trip would be keeping me on my toes when Madeline and I bought our train tickets the day before we left during the quick break between my classes. Kalambaka, Greece has most definitely been the epitome of spontaneity. 

Our day began with a 5 am wake up time so we could be on one of the first metros out of downtown Athens towards the train station in Larissa. We got to the train station early and boarded with no problems. It now being 7 am, my eye lids began to gradually feel heavier and heavier. I made an attempt to look out the window, to enjoy the fields of small houses and farms. To watch as the morning sky gradually opened up, the new sun pouring a golden color over everything it touched. It truly was beautiful. But it was also 7 am and the gentle rocking and rattling of the train was the perfect lullaby. I slowly fell asleep. When I woke up the train was stopped. I assumed it was simply picking up more passengers but that was not the case. I glanced around and saw people were speaking frantically in Greek, some of them even shouting at the employees that were hustling up and down the aisles. Language barriers can be daunting when you’re trying to order fries and tzatziki but when people are yelling and a train begins moving the wrong way? That is when the real fun happens. Luckily, the woman across from me used the few English words she knew and I was able to use the few Greek words I knew and I found out that something was wrong with the engine and we were heading to the station behind us for a quick repair. 

However, our tour was set to begin at 11:30. It was 10 and we were still a mere hour through a four hour journey. It was clear we would not make it in time. All things considered though, it really worked out for the best. We were able to change our tour to the next morning with no charge. In Greece they say min anisycheís, meaning no worries. 

After six hours on board, we headed for our hostel. Of course it wasn’t that easy. When I plugged the name into Google maps it approximated a three day walk. When we finally were able to track it down, (min anisycheís) my reservation had not gone through and the man had no record of any Mia that was supposed to check in. For a moment I panicked, but again, min anisycheís. This was the off season and not only did they have a room for Madeline and me, but it ended up being a private room. Min anisycheís. 

Now with a place to stay, we set out for our hike. This was of after my shoe lace snapped and I patched it together with a few tactfully placed staples and a little tape. Min anisycheís. Neither Madeline nor I had any idea where we were supposed to go to find a good hike and once again, Google maps let us down. Left to our own devices, we decided to wander the city until we finally found a footpath that took us through some nature. Again, min anisycheís.

When we were hungry, we turned around and set out for some food. It being the off-season coupled with the fact it was not quite dinner time for the Greeks, many restaurants were closed. We walked for a while with no luck. With hunger still rearing it’s ugly and uncomfortable head, we turned down a street we decided would be our last and we would accept defeat and get something delivered to our hostel. But then we stumbled into a small gyro place. We feasted, we drank wine, we made a friend in the form of a stray dog we named Stephanie, stopped for some dessert, and then we headed back to our hostel. min anisycheís. 

The next day, we were up and ready to see the monasteries of Meteora.  Kalambaka and Kastraki are small towns that stand in the shadows of these massive rock structures where Greek monks built monasteries on top of to live and pray in. It was surreal to see these structures as we drove upwards into the mountains. We went into a total of 3 monasteries each decorated with ornate religious artifacts and smelling of incense. At the door of each monastery, the women were required to slip a skirt on, as women wearing pants were prohibited in the holy places. Since the monasteries were built on top of these rock structures, the views were downright incredible. The two towns that sit in between the rocks, the river in the distance, the farms nearly lined with rows of cotton; you could see for miles up there. It was so tranquil sitting at the top of these structures, the sun warming your face as you stared at the world going on below you. 

The most rewarding part of this endeavor came in the gift shop. I was looking at what I learned to be a prayer rope when a man dressed in a Greek orthodox priests’ attire approached me. “Do you know what that is?” He asked me as he nodded towards the purple rope. When I answered no, he introduced himself as Father Michael, a salesmen selling Jesus Christ, he joked. He explained to me that monks and nuns carried one at all times in their hands repeating the same prayer over and over again: “Lord God have mercy on me.” He told me they are constantly praying as they go about their days. The monks and nuns wake up at 3:30 in the morning to pray and they pray after breakfast and after their work and before and after dinner. Their life is not punctuated by prayer, but rather defined by it. He explained that even before I came, the people of the monasteries were praying for me. Father Michael disappeared for a moment and quickly returned with a black bracelet. He explained that this was a prayer rope as well, and it was a gift from the nuns to thank me for coming. One of his companions, who was also a priest, explained the reason the knots that made up the rope were so important. He said that ancient monks would go into the desert for solitude and attempt to make prayer ropes out of knots. Despite their best efforts, at night the devil would come up and untie all of the knots they had devoutly tied. Frustrated, the monks wept. An angel then came down and showed them how to tie a knot the devil would never be able to untie. Symbolism soaks the knots: the knots appear to have crosses holding them together, the knot is tied in three steps for the trinity, and the material the ropes are constructed with is wool because Jesus is the lamb of God. The excitement and the eagerness and the pride in their voices as they shared their faith with me was beautiful and something I will be reminded of every time I glance at my prayer rope from Father Michael and the nuns. 

Once our tour was over, we set out into the city to find some lunch with our new friend who is studying in Barcelona. We decided on a gyro spot where we could sit outside in the sun. In the rawest form of chance and spontaneity, the kind woman from the train happened to walk by our restaurant and she greeted me with warmth and a smile. We had hours to kill before our train was set to leave, but they seemed to fly by. We spent hours talking over gyros and then we migrated to a cafe where we continued bonding over living in a foreign country, family, language barriers, social media, career aspirations, our high school years, and everything in between. If this trip has taught me anything, it’s that people are more similar than different. People who have grown up in the same country but miles apart have ended up in Europe at the same time, travelled to the same small Greek town, and booked the same tour share the same observations of society, the same anxieties and anticipation for the future, the same favorite movies and books. I am so thankful for that. 

Kalambaka was majestic. The food was unmatched. The views were stunning. The history was humbling. When times are hard, I will remember Father Michaels kind words reminding me that someone is always praying for me, and min anisycheís.  

[myblackswanthings-blog]

Breakfast, Private Rooms, Wi-Fi, 24*7 Reception, Common kitchen and living area and flexible Booking options, What all you want? The black swan is offering you cheap Hostel accommodation In Seville with all services mentioned above.    

[blackswanhostel-blog]

Finding the right hostel is similar to finding the right hotel. The only difference is hostel accommodation may serve as your residence for longer durations.

[thistransient]

A couple days ago, post dog-scare, I reached the bottom of the pit of apathy, and thus made my final evolution into a lifeless blob which coagulated onto the sofa (or alternatively the bed) and refused to move or eat beyond the free hostel breakfast and occasional stretching of arthritic knees. Even the return of the fleas had no effect (they might have been bedbugs but usually I can see and catch those...and the bites were somewhat tolerable compared to the ones in Skopje). I wasn't feeling particularly self-destructive, but the will to carry on had gone out of me entirely.

Nonetheless, I was looking at accommodation in the next town across the border, found a private studio for $9/night with good reviews, and decided if I wanted to lay in the dark all day, at least I'd be able to do it without people coming into my room and turning on the lights and rattling around. Yesterday, trying to use up the rest of my Albanian lek, I decided I really should try to go outside and eat something, staggered out into the daylight, cold and shaking slightly, and tried to consume a whole pizza. This was a grave mistake. My digestive system, on limited rations for days, was not prepared for that much grease and cheese. I retreated home, feeling ill, and by evening could tell I was coming down with some kind of sickness (likely a cold), which only got worse overnight. To make matters worse, a top bunkmate had arrived, a man who tossed and turned like he was being exorcised of at least seven demons at once. Suffice to say a good night's sleep did not occur.

In another turn of events, after weeks of unwanted solitude, I finally met another traveller with whom I could engage in genuinely interesting conversation, but now I'm leaving today (he would be leaving tomorrow anyways), and when he suggested we rent a car together next month in Spain to complete our personal quests to finish visiting all those small and pesky European countries, I had to admit my all of my flights from Barcelona were booked and unchangeable (and that I have a partner who would be coming to meet me).

So. Is my current sorry state a direct result of neglecting my personal health in the past few days, or was that lack of energy and appetite merely a harbinger of the woe to come? Or is is just inevitable when one stays in a lot of hostels and takes a lot of buses in a short span of time? At any rate, I'm glad I'll be able to plant myself somewhere (hopefully) peaceful to try to ingest maximum amounts of vitamin C and recover without disturbance (hopefully at a faster rate than when I've been employed and not taken sick days when I really could have used them). The only problem is that the street to the studio in Montenegro is apparently ridiculously steep but... I'll climb that hill when I come to it, eh?

[coolinstantlyshadowystudentfan]

The Jackaroo Hostel Sydney

I have never stayed in a hostel like Sydney Harbour's YHA "The Rocks". Don't worry, we have hostels with private rooms that will give you all the privacy you long for. Thanks to his decision to stay in a hostel, he is able to save valuable time. The guests here were very different from those at the other hostels on my journey: well-dressed middle-aged women; three families with dads in Converse high-tops; fashion-forward couples with gray hair.

Conveniently located next to Central Station, it's a trilby toss from the bars, restaurants and vintage shops of hipster-infused Surry Hills. What makes hostels great are the people one of best in Australia, and even the worst hostels will be great if you meet good people. With a huge rooftop, modern facilities and a friendly atmosphere you will really enjoy your stay here.

Whether you are looking to party, get some work done, get some privacy, or just save as much money as possible, we've put the hostels into different categories to ensure you have the perfect hostel for your time in San Francisco. This hostel is ideal for those travelers hoping to stay in Sydney long-term. Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway is another affordable and comfortable place to stay in Sydney.

Luckily now there is a good selection of backpacker hostels in Mumbai to choose from that offer affordable, fun and modern accommodation and are a great place to meet other travelers, especially important if you're traveling solo. I didn't really know what an amazing hostel was like until I stayed at the Yes Hostels in Lisbon and Porto as well as their new Yeah hostel in Barcelona.

Central Station is just 5 minutes walk. When you start browsing for Sydney accommodations, the prices per night may start to look scary… Fret not, as Mad Monkey has compiled the top budget hostels in Sydney to help you can get the best value for your money. Choose from city centre hostels with stunning harbour views or escape the city life and head north to the Pittwater YHA, located in the Ku-ring-gai National Park.

With well over 100 hostels in Barcelona it can be a real pain in the neck deciding where to stay. Both enable unlimited entries into Australia within the span of a year - the duration of stay cannot exceed 3 months at a time. It's a great budget accommodation, definitely one of the best hostels in Adelaide, Australia.

The heart of Surry Hills is just 15 minutes' walk to Sydney Central Station and another 10 to the CBD, meaning that everything is easily accessible, yet the accommodation options make the most of being in a more serene area of the state capital. What guests loved: great location and view from the top floor, very helpful and friendly staff, good facilities.

Located a short 12 minute walk from Barcelona Sants, the city's main train station, this hostel is well connected to transport links throughout the city, meaning you can enjoy all the incredible sights that Barcelona has to offer without a worry. Australians love to party; a lot. Another common job that Sydney Hostels offer free accommodation for is working on the reception, or travel desks.

Solo travelers find a family in every hostel and can always find a new travel partner; those with partners do well to occasionally stay in a hostel to meet some new companions. It is also part of the world's largest budget accommodation network, Hostelling International (HI). Among the best budget hostels in Sydney, the Lord Wolseley is located close to Chinatown.

[ibelieveinthemworld]

    Vorrei iniziare descrivendomi una delle città spagnole che più mi è rimasta nel cuore . L’anno scorso io e le mie amiche, stanche delle solite feste, avevamo deciso di organizzare un viaggio per capodanno insieme ad altri nostri amici, ovviamente il Budget era scarso e non potevamo scegliere una città fuori dai confini Europei così tra vari consigli e ricerche abbiamo optato per Madrid e sinceramente non potevamo fare scelta migliore. Madrid è una città giovanile ricca di locali e discoteche  e ovviamente la movida notturna non manca . Mi raccomando preparatevi con maglioni ,sciarpe e cappotti perché come potete immaginare , il clima invernale non è tanto diverso dal nostro, detto ciò vi descriverò i nostri 5 giorni trascorsi a Madrid consigliandovi : locali ,posti carini dove  pranzare e fare colazione,le discoteche e  le mete turistiche da non poter farsi scappare.

-DOVE ALLOGGIARE-

  il nostro viaggio è iniziato il 29 dicembre e si è concluso il 2 gennaio. In questi 5 giorni vi chiederete dove abbiamo alloggiato? Diciamo che ho dovuto cercare a lungo  prima di trovare un posticino che ci appagava sia per la posizione che per il prezzo ma alla fine tra varie ricerche sono riuscita a scovare un ostello carinissimo , in pieno centro , in una delle vie principali di Madrid , infatti davanti al nostro ostello si trovava il JOY ESLAVA una delle discoteche più famose di Madrid (molto bella ma anche molto cara  , però dai   una sera all’insegna dell’eccesso possiamo concedercela tutti soprattutto se siamo in vacanza) . In ogni caso tornando a dove eravamo rimasti  il nome dell’ostello era  : TOC HOSTEL

  queste sono le foto dell’ostello, vi posso dire che meglio di così non poteva andarci . La camera era veramente grande, i  letti erano a castello (perché eravamo in 5 ) molto spaziosi in più avevamo un bagno molto grande con due docce e due bagni uno per noi femmine e uno per i maschi . Nell’ostello era presente poi una sala ritrovo con i divanetti, il bar e il bigliardo . Una delle cose  più sorprendenti del TOC HOSTEL fu quella di scoprire che alcune sere i titolari organizzavano delle feste private dove eravamo invitati noi tutti che alloggiavamo lì , in più come detto prima eravamo in piena città infatti dal balcone di camera nostra potevamo ammirare una  delle principali vie di Madrid tutta illuminata. Per quanto riguarda la colazione potete decidere di pagare una somma in   più per averla oppure potete fare come noi che tutte le mattine ,tranne qualche volta e dopo vi spiego il perché , andavamo a Starbucks dato che era proprio di fronte all’ostello. Meglio di così non potevamo veramente chiedere e poi il prezzo, vi posso dire che per aver alloggiato lì dal 29 Dicembre fino al 2 Gennaio non abbiamo speso veramente nulla . sotto vi metto la foto della via che vedevamo dal balcone di camera nostra. ( Comunque ostello consigliatissimo anche le recensioni sono ottime , noi abbiamo prenotato su Booking. ) Ah quasi dimenticavo se siete in due non ci sono problemi sono disponibili camere anche con un bagno e un letto matrimoniale.

  La mia colazione da Starbucks

La via che si vedeva dal nostro balcone

Come detto prima ,non avendo la colazione inclusa solitamente mangiavamo qualcosa o a Starbucks o in un altro posticino CONSIGLIATISSIMO. Tra le mie numerose ricerche ovviamente non potevo non dedicarmi alla ricerca di un locale tipico di Madrid dove poter andare per colazione ma soprattutto dove poter mangiare i famosissimi “Churros”. Per chi non è a conoscenza di cosa siano queste delizie (non sapete cosa vi perdete!)  non sono altro che dei dolcetti fritti tipici della tradizione spagnola, si tratta di bastoncini di pastella a forma stellata serviti da soli cosparsi semplicemente con lo zucchero o per accompagnare la cioccolata calda , normalmente queste delizie vengono mangiati o per colazione o come spuntino. ( Vi allego qua la ricetta 😛 , sono facilissimi da preparare  : RICETTA CHURROS )

-SAN GINES-

  Tornando a dove eravamo rimasti, tra le varie ricerche trovai una cioccolateria  storica, tra l’altro una delle più famose di Madrid a soli 5m scarsi dal nostro ostello nella via: Pasadizo San Gines 5, 28013, Madrid . La cioccolateria in questione era la            “San Gines “(qui trovate le recensoni San GInes    e sotto vi metto la foto del menù con i prezzi così potete dare un’occhiata) offre una vasta scelta di churros o porras (vi chiederete cosa sono i porras ?beh non sono altro che churros soltanto un po’ più grandi) accompagnati da cioccolata calda con o senza latte , caffè etc.. . Insomma un posticino da non perdere per fare colazione ,rilassarsi e riscaldarsi con una bella cioccolata calda soprattutto in inverno. MI RACCOMANDO  c’è un però ! dovete stare veramente attenti lì alla cioccolateria ,non appoggiate i telefoni sopra ai tavoli , sicuramente le cameriere ve lo diranno , perché passano dei ragazzi ( ladri )che con una scusa vi appoggiano un volantino sul telefono per mostrarvi un menu’ con l’intento di rubarvi il cellulare.

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-EL CORTE INGLèS-

Dopo una gustosissima colazione ovviamente non ci poteva mancare un giro nella città tra i vari negozi . Tra i tanti che Madrid offre ovviamente non potevamo non andare al “El Corte Inglés” (che in spagnolo significa “Il Taglio Inglese”) è una catena di grandi magazzini spagnola, fondata nel 1940 ha sede a Madrid. Per volume di affari è al primo posto in Europa e al quarto posto nel mondo .  IL centro commerciale offre molti articoli di ogni tipo passando dal lusso sfrenato ad arredi per la casa , tra i numerosi piani troviamo “El Club Gourmet” è una sorta di rosticceria di lusso che si trova all’ultimo piano da cui possiamo ammirare la piazza principale di Madrid  La puerta del sol (Metro: Sol, linee 1, 2 e 3), in inverno posso confermarmi che è davvero bellissima nel centro della piazza viene montato per le festività natalizie un bellissimo albero che dopo vi mostrerò in foto. Quindi anche se non è di vostro interesse lo shopping o passare un giorno interno dentro a un centro commerciale io vi consiglio personalmente soltanto di salire all’ultimo piano per ammirare la bellissima piazza da un’altra prospettiva.

⇒El Corte Inglés Plaza de Catalunya, 14 08002 Barcelona, España. Tel: +34 93 306 3800 Orari di apertura: lunedi – sabato: 09:30 – 21:30

-UNO SPUNTINO PER RECUPERARE LE FORZE-

A questo punto dopo un po’ di tempo passato in giro per negozi non serve altro che un piccolo spuntino  giusto per recuperare le forze e riempire lo stomaco e se voi come me siete degli amanti del cibo non potete non assaporare i piatti tipici del posto. tra le molte delizie che la spagna offre primeggia in assoluto il jamòn ( il prosciutto). per chi non ne è a conoscenza esistono principalmente due tipologie di jamòn : il jamòn serrano e il jamòn iberico . Entrambi sono prodotti spagnoli di prima qualità ma  provengono da razze suine diverse. Le loro proprietà non sono  uguali e il prosciutto iberico vanta una maggiore considerazione gastronomica. Una delle differenze tra di loro compare perché, per il prosciutto iberico la carne proviene da maiali di razza pura almeno di 70%, mentre per il prosciutto serrano, invece, le principali razze suine di provenienza sono la Duroc, la Landrace, la Large White, la Pietrain. Per quanto riguarda il jamòn iberico la stagionatura deve essere mantenuta almeno da 24 a 36 mesi, mentre per il prosciutto serrano la stagionatura a uno sviluppo da 7 a 24 mesi . Per finire, arriviamo  al suo aspetto, al quale troviamo caratteristiche diverse. La carne del prosciutto iberico e di colore rosso intenso La carne del prosciutto serrano invece è più chiara. Io vi consiglio assolutamente , se vi va di gustarvi un bocadillo (un panino) farcito di jamòn , questo posticino  nella via: C/ Arenal, 28, 28013 Madrid, Spagna chiamato jamonerìa de juliàn Becerro  . 

qui vi assicuro che potete gustarvi panini, taglieri e formaggi accompagnati da un calice di vino ,birra etc… ad un prezzo modestissimo , se non ricordo male un panino ripieno di jamòn al costo di 4.50€.

          – MOVIDA MADRILENA-  

Parliamo adesso  della movida Madrilena che di notte prende vita .  Madrid  è una grande città e come tale offre molti locali e discoteche ,ovviamente la città è ricca di discoteche ma io vi parlerò di 2 discoteche in particolare in quanto mi hanno colpito maggiormente . Le discoteche in questione sono  il  kapital che anima le notti di Madrid dal 1994. Situata vicino alla stazione dei treni di Atocha, è una delle discoteche più grandi di Madrid. Occupa sette piani e ognuno di questi è dedicato a un tipo di musica differente, dal funky all’house alla latina. È impossibile annoiarsi, perché potrete cambiare ambiente e musica facilmente. All’ultimo piano si trova una terrazza con zona fumatori. (Indirizzo: Calle de Atocha, 125, 28014, Madrid) .→(SOTTO TROVATE LA DESCRIZIONE DEI PIANI DELLA DISCOTECHA) .

MAIN FLOOR: House and Dance music. 1′ PLANTA: The Privee. 2′ PLANTA: Music Studio Karaoke. 3′ PLANTA: The Box – Funky / R&B music. 4′ PLANTA: Kissing room – Cocktail Bar by Bombay Sapphire. 5′ PLANTA: The Party zone. 6′ PLANTA: Mojito and Cuba Libre – Bacardi area. 7′ PLANTA: The Terrace – Lounge bar and smoking area.

Spesso è difficile trovarsi d’accordo su cosa fare la sera in modo da soddisfare ognuno ,soprattutto se siete un gruppo numeroso di amici . Non a tutti piace lo stesso genere di musica ma magari a tutti interessa andare a ballare per questo credo che il Kapital con i suoi 7 piani ,ognuno con un genere di musica ,sia la soluzione perfetta . In più  se a qualcuno non interessa ballare ma vuole passare una serata più tranquilla la discoteca offre al 7 piano una terrazza molto grande con numerosi tavoli e divani dove è possibile sedere fare due chiacchere , bere un cocktail e fumare il narghilè.

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questa discoteca che  dal fuori sembra un normalissimo locale ma una volta entrati dentro sembra di essere in un mondo fantascientifico è ricca di sorprese . Oltre ai numerosi piani , bellissimi sono anche gli effetti tra cui coriandoli,palloncini E L’animazione nella main room  dove viene spruzzato un getto di fumo profumato e spesso dall’alto si esibiscono dei ballerini appesi al soffitto  come si vede in foto . Per quanto riguarda il prezzo beh noi non pagammo niente perché quella sera chi entrava prima di 00.00 non pagava (ovviamente dipende dalla serata ) in ogni caso a cose normali il prezzo dovrebbe aggirarsi tra i 20-22 euro + 2 di guardaroba , mi raccomando di  non dimenticare un documento , sono molto attenti i buttafuori , niente documento niente disocteca! . Il Kapital rimane vicino al centro non è molto lontano noi andammo a piedi comunque è facilmente raggiungibile anche con i taxi o magari scendendo alla stazione di Atocha mentre per il ritorno ci sono 3 fermate di bus notturni nelle vicinanze a Paseo del Pardo.                        

L’altra discoteca di cui vi parlerò invece è il FABRIK ( c/ Humanes Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spagna ,+34 902 93 03 22) . qua cambiamo decisamente genere questa è perfetta per gli amanti del techno, noi per l’evento si contattò una ragazza da cui si presero le prevendite ( vi consiglio di contattare qualcuno sulla pagine fb in maniera che possa darvi le informazioni necessarie per la navetta , gli eventi e i prezzi ) noi si prese la navetta , andata e ritorno 5€ . Una discoteca bellissima ricca di effetti a 30m circa in macchina dal centro.

-PLAZA MAYOR-

Un altro posticino che assolutamente non potete farvi scappare  è la Plaza Mayor che con l’avvicinarsi  del Natale si trasforma in un grande mercato pieno di stand colorati, dove i cittadini e i turisti trovano ogni genere di statuetta del presepe, strumenti musicali natalizi, giocattoli e scherzi . Se anche voi visiterete Madrid nel periodo natalizio non potete non fermarvi a dare un’occhiata ai 104 carinissimi stand dipinti con un rosso molto natalizio e i tetti triangolari   che ci fanno percepire al 100% l’atmosfera natalizia. Già nel XVII secolo la Plaza de Santa Cruz ospitava un mercatino di Natale in cui era possibile acquistare frutta e verdura, oltre a decorazioni e regali. Nel XIX secolo, la posizione si è stabilizzata in tale zona . Da allora, la Plaza Mayor è il mercato per la vendita di tacchini, torroni e dolci, mentre nella Plaza de Santa Cruz si concentrano gli stand di statuette del presepe, cornamuse, giocattoli e scherzi. Negli anni ’80, le tende delle bancarelle sono state sostituite da stand, un cambiamento importante che è rimasto fino ad oggi. Come dicevo prima La Plaza Mayor è una tappa obbligatoria anche per chi non visiterà Madrid nel periodo natalizio . E’ molto scenografica, con i grandi palazzi che la chiudono, gli ampi spazi e i tavolini dei caffè e dei ristoranti allineati. E’ lunga 129 metri e larga quasi 100; gli edifici che la circondano hanno tutti tre piani; 237 balconi si affacciano sulla piazza. L’edifico più importante della Piazza è la Casa de la Panaderia facilmente riconoscibile dagli affreschi (allegoria dello zodiaco) che colorano la facciata e dalle torri che la adornano. Da questo palazzo per secoli i reali spagnoli hanno assistito alle manifestazioni in loro onore ma anche alle corride, al carnevale e alle esecuzioni dei condannati. L’unico elemento che resta del palazzo originale è il portale Proprio di fronte c’è la casa della Carniceria. Si accede a Plaza Mayor attraverso nove porte; la più famosa e la più amata dai turisti e l’Arco de Cuchilleros . Nella Calle Cuchilleros ci sono alcuni dei ristoranti tradizionali più vecchi di Madrid; uno in particolare Sobrinos de Botin, è entrato nel Guinness dei primati come il ristorante più antico del mondo: è stato fondato nel 1725.

Plaza Mayor si trova giusto al centro della cosiddetta Madrid Asburgica. E’ facile arrivarci a piedi da Puerta del Sol. Se arrivate da una parte più lontana della città potete prendere il metro linea 1, 2,3, 5 Puerta del Sol o Linea 2 e 5, fermata Opera.

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-IL PARCO DEL RETIRO-

Dopo una mattinata passata tra i vari mercatini natalizi non c’è di meglio che concludere la giornata all’insegna della tranquillità quindi io vi propongo una bella passeggiata nel PARCO DEL RETIRO  . Situato nel cuore di Madrid, le sue origini risalgono al regno di Filippo IV, quando fu costruito il palazzo del Buen Retiro su iniziativa del conte duca di Olivares. Durante il regno di Carlo III furono aggiunti l’Osservatorio Astronomico e la Fabbrica Reale di Porcellana del Buen Retiro. All’epoca di Ferdinando VII risalgono invece il molo d’imbarco dello stagno e la Casa di Fieras. Tra gli spazi più interessanti del parco vanno segnalati il grande stagno con il monumento ad Alfonso XII, la Casa di Velázquez, il Palazzo di Cristallo, il Roseto e il Parterre che ospita uno degli alberi più antichi di Madrid, il Taxodium mucronatum. Nel 1935 fu dichiarato Giardino di Valore Storico-Artistico. Spesso la gente, e soprattutto i turisti, si fermano nelle zone più famose: lo stagno con il grande monumento dedicato ad Alfonso XII, il Palacio de Cristal e il Parterre, che in verità sono anche le aree del parco che più preferisco. l’unica mia osservazione personale è che forse il parco in inverno non riesci a vivertelo a pieno in fatti nel laghetto in inverno non è possibile montare sulle barchette e nel palazzo di cristallo non è permesso entrare , ovviamente come tutti i parchi inizia a prendere vita dalla primavera. Però è troppo bello.

⇒Orario Dal 01 ott al 31 mar Da Lunedì a Domenica Da 06:00 a 22:00

Dal 01 apr al 30 set Da Lunedì a Domenica Da 06:00 a 00:00                      INGRESSO: GRATUITO

⇒Metro: Linea 2: Retiro Renfe: Atocha Autobus: 1, 2, 9, 15, 19, 20, 28, 51, 52, 74 y 146

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-MUSEO DEL PRADO-

Il parco del Buen Retiro, sorge alle spalle del Museo del Prado  quindi perché non andare a visitarlo? tra l’altro questo è uno dei musei più visitati dai turisti con la sua pregiata collezione di 8.600 quadri e oltre 700 sculture. ( vi consiglio di prenotare l’entrata al museo e una guida). Il 10 novembre 1819 apriva per la prima volte le sue porte il Museo del Prado. Grazie al sostegno di Maria Isabella di Braganza, moglie di Fernando VII, l’edificio che Juan de Villanueva aveva disegnato come Gabinetto di Storia Naturale ospitava finalmente una parte importante delle collezioni reali. Con il passare del tempo, le donazioni private e le nuove acquisizioni ampliarono i fondi della pinacoteca. Durante la Guerra Civile le opere d’arte furono protette dagli eventuali bombardamenti con sacchi di sabbia situati al piano terra del museo. Infine, su raccomandazione della Società delle Nazioni, la collezione fu trasferita prima a Valencia e successivamente a Ginevra, da dove fu riportata rapidamente a Madrid dopo lo scoppio della Seconda Guerra Mondiale. Oggi  al suo interno  sono esposte opere dei maggiori artisti italiani, spagnoli e fiamminghi. Se siete degli amanti dell’arte non potete perdervelo.

Indirizzo: Paseo del Prado, s/n28014 Telefono: 902 107 077 Metro: Atocha (L1), Banco de España (L2) Bus: 9, 10, 14, 19, 27, 34, 37, 45

                                                                 Tariffe: Standard: 15 € Generale + copia della guida ufficiale: 24 € Ridotto: 7.50 € Gratuito: per visitare la Collezione del museo: Da lunedì a sabato dalle 18.00 alle 20.00; domenica e festivi dalle 17.00 alle 19.00 Tessera Paseo del Arte: Tariffa unica, 29.60 € Tessera annuale dei Musei statali spagnoli: Tariffa unica 36.06 € Orari Lun – Sab: 10.00 – 20.00 Domenica e festivi: 10.00 – 19.00 Chiusura: 1 gennaio, 1 maggio e 25 dicembre Giorni a orario ridotto: 6 gennaio, 24 e 31 dicembre, dalle 10.00 alle 14.00

  -MISS SUSHI

–

Dopo una giornata stancante non c’è cosa migliore di rilassarsi e mangiare, fortunatamente è possibile fare entrambe le cose . Se anche voi come me e i miei amici siete degli amanti del sushi ho proprio quello che fa per voi . Ebbene si ! infatti non siamo riusciti a farcelo mancare neppure nella Capitale spagnola.Diciamo che ci siamo imbattuti nel ristorante MISS SUSHI quasi per caso ma e stato amore a prima vista , l’arredamento  è curato nei minimi dettagli, tutto rosa e nero con una bella atmosfera , molto chic. Dal lunedì al venerdì per pranzo è possibile ordinare alla carta o  scegliere dai menù da loro predisposti per 12 euro circa, comprese le bevande. La sera invece il menu’ è a la carte . La sera in cui siamo andati abbiamo preso tutti e 5 due piatti di noodles , 4-5 tipologie di sushi e il sushi dolce, RAGAZZI UNO SPETTACOLO! VI CONSIGLIO ASSOLUTAMENTE IL DOLCE . Noi prendemmo il sushi al tiramisu’ , banana e nutella , nutella e cocco e fragola e nutella , una delizia ! Sinceramente a fine pasto eravamo convinti di aver speso molto ma alla fine abbiamo speso solo 25€ a testa (piu’ l’acqua che come da tutti i ristoranti di sushi costa una sassata ) quindi alla fine dei conti non era altissimo il conto ansi .

⇒Restaurante Miss Sushi Santa Ana   

                                       Certificado de excelencia 2017 Calle del Prado, 2 28014 Madrid santa.ana@misssushi.es 910 100 811

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-31 DICEMBRE / 1 GENNAIO-

Finalmente siamo arrivati al giorno tanto atteso , il Capodanno . Il cuore dei festeggiamenti del 31 dicembre  è senza dubbio a Puerta del Sol, la piazza più grande e centrale, dove ci si raduna per attendere alla mezzanotte i dodici rintocchi del celebre orologio della Real Casa de Correos che segnano l’inizio del nuovo anno e, ad ognuno di essi, tradizione vuole che si mangi un chicco d’uva e si esprima un desiderio. La “cerimonia” è così famosa tanto che troverete facilmente da acquistare il sacchettino con gli acini, ma preparatevi ad un vero bagno di folla e pazzia. Da anni infatti si è anche diffusa l’usanza di presentarsi in piazza abbigliati in maniera stravagante e con enormi parrucche colorate  , vedrete moltissimi di questi “parrucconi” aggirarsi per la città come se nulla fosse, ovviamente nulla vieta di adeguarsi allo stile! , infatti io e i miei amici comprammo al mercatino di natale strani cappelli da cowboy in più per la strada trovammo numerose persone travestite co buffe maschere di Obama o Putin .Prima dello scoccare della mezzanotte, è d’obbligo una cena a base dei piatti tipici della cucina spagnola in uno dei tanti ristoranti del centro: paella mista (anche se non è tipica di questa zona), frittata di patate (la famosa tortilla), l’ottima carne ed i salumi tagliati a mano… Il tutto innaffiato dal gustoso vino rosso della Castilla oppure da una deliziosa e rinfrescante Sangria  In alternativa, potete “andare per tapas”, uno dei passatempo più diffusi in città. Le tapas sono piccole porzioni che accompagnano una bevuta: si entra in un locale, si ordina una “cerveza” e 1 o 2 piattini a scelta  spendendo sempre meno di 10 euro… poi ci si dirige al locale successivo a provare altre specialità, e così via finché non si è sazi!  Io e i miei amici quella sera invece andammo a mangiare in una taverna molto tradizionale , come tutti sanno il giorno di capodanno è importante prenotare il ristorante , ebbene noi non prenotammo ovviamente il ristorante era affollato ma nonostante ciò dopo una mezz’oretta di attesa riuscimmo ad entrare .

La taverna in questione era Taberna Alhambra vicinissima alla puerta del sol , noi qui mangiammo una grigliata mista di carne con delle salsine piccanti accompagnate da patatine , insalata e ovviamente sangria . Il servizio fu impeccabile ed in più si ebbe la fortuna di trovare un cameriere italiano simpaticissimo.Mi raccomando però cercate di avvicinarvi alla porta del sol fin dal pomeriggio per evitare di passare il capodanno in qualche stradina sconosciuta in quanto ad una certa ora i poliziotti chiudono le vie che accedono alla piazza. Per quanto riguarda i trasporti pubblici, in questi giorni gli orari cambiano. Ad esempio, la notte del 31 dicembre, gli autobus e la metropolitana interrompono il servizio prima del normale, mentre nella mattinata del 1 gennaio cominciano a funzionare più tardi. Inoltre, se si desidera prendere un taxi, è meglio prenotarlo in anticipo per telefono, in quanto all’alba del 1 gennaio la domanda di veicoli aumenta in modo considerevole. E quanto dura l’ultima notte dell’anno? Dura fino a quando il fisico resiste. E prima di andare a letto, per concludere la nottata, niente di meglio che recuperare le forze con una cioccolata in tazza con churros . Deliziosi! Il giorno dopo, il primo giorno dell’anno, potrete rilassarvi, in quanto i negozi sono chiusi e sono pochi i bar e i ristoranti aperti. Un passeggiata nel parco o un pomeriggio al cinema sono una proposta perfetta per questa giornata.

⇒ TABERNA ALHAMBRA :Calle Victoria 9 | Calle de la Victoria , 7 y 9, 28012 Madrid +34 915 21 07 08

  -ULTIME TAPPE-

E’ naturale che quando si viaggia in gruppo è importante accontentare tutti , soprattutto i maschi che come appassionati del calcio non possono non andare a visitare uno dei migliori club calcistici . Ragazzi io non seguo il calcio ma devo dire che sia lo stadio che il museo al suo interno sono spettacolari. Lo stadio è accessibile in vari punti in più oltre a visitare il museo al suo interno è possibile passare dagli spogliatoi, sala conferenze e zona vip , veramente bello. Anche se non si è degli appassionati del calcio fa veramente effetto vedere tutte quelle coppe nel museo è quasi emozionante. Io vi consiglio di prenotare il biglietto prima di partire per la capitale su internet , il prezzo è di 25€ . Durante i giorni delle partite lo stadio è aperto 5h prima dell’inizio della partita mentre la sala dei trofei rimane aperta fino a 2h prima del calcio d’inizio.Il campo casalingo della squadra del Real Madrid sin dal 1947, uno stadio di serie A, ha ospitato innumerevoli incontri mondiali compresi i Mondiali del 1982 e varie finali delle coppe europee. Le principali attrazioni includono il tunnel per gli spogliatoi – dove hanno camminato giocatori acclamati come Sergio Ramos e Cristiano Ronaldo e la tribuna presidenziale dove si sono seduti molti dignitari per vedere una partita. Lo stadio Santiago Bernabeu prende il nome da uno dei primi allenatori del Real Madrid ed è riconosciuto come l’edificio che ha contribuito a lanciare la squadra nell’avanguardia del calcio europeo.Se si vuole gustare uno spuntino o un drink veloce (a proprie spese), lo stadio ha anche una caffetteria in loco che è possibile visitare. Il biglietto consente di trascorrere tutto il tempo che si desidera all’interno dello stadio durante gli orari di apertura.

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-MERCADO SAN MIGUEL-

⇒Plaza San Miguel, 28005 Madrid, Spagna

+34 915 42 49 36

⇒HORARIO:

L-M-M-D:  de 10:00 a 24:00 horas J-V-S:  de 10:00 a 2:00 horas

“Situato nel cuore del centro di Madrid, questo edificio è un mercato tradizionale (l’unico costruito in ferro che si è conservato nel tempo) che oggi respira modernità e offre prodotti di alta qualità. Qui potrete fare la spesa di tutti i giorni, partecipare ad attività e mostre, degustare prodotti, passeggiare, prendere qualcosa…”

Ecco questo è l’ultima tappa che vi consiglio , se vi va di fare un tuffo nelle tradizioni culinarie spagnole questo è il posto che fa per voi. Qui potete assaporare varie tipologie di tapas, jamòn, frutta ,dolci etc.. tipici spagnoli , di ottima qualità . L’unica pecca diciamo forse è il prezzo , io l’ho trovato un po’ caro. Il Mercato di San Miguel , è formato da 33 negozi che vendono prodotti squisiti e materie prime selezionate. Come detto precedentemente  Punta  a diventare un Centro di Cultura Culinaria che possa accogliere corsi, presentazioni, fiere…Grazie all’ampio orario d’apertura, è perfetto per lo svago diurno e notturno. Lo completano negozi come una libreria gastronomica, un fioraio e un negozio di design.È considerato Bene di Interesse Culturale nella categoria dei Monumenti. I lavori di costruzione, diretti da Alfonso Dubé y Díez, si conclusero nel 1916. E il posto che lo accoglie, Piazza di San Miguel (vicino alla famosa Plaza Mayor), è uno degli spazi più animati di Madrid.

  -TEMPIO DI DEBOD-

Siamo arrivati alla fine , ho cercato di proporvi dei posti che una volta arrivati a Madrid non potete perdervi. Prima di salutarvi però voglio proporvi un’ultima meta, ovvero altri due posti molto belli da vedere, i luoghi in questione sono il tempio di debod. Uno dei monumenti più curiosi di Madrid. Situata per secoli in terre egizie, questa costruzione, che risale al II secolo a.C., è un regalo dell’Egitto alla Spagna.Il trasferimento di questo tempio, costruito per ordine del re Adijalamani, cominciò ad essere realizzato nel 1960, quando iniziò la costruzione della diga di Assuan. Nel 1968 arrivò a Madrid, dove può essere ammirato nel parco della Montaña, vicino alla piazza España. Qui è possibile ammirare uno dei pochi resti architettonici della civiltà egiziana completi, situati lontano dal paese d’origine. Il monumento, circondato da una bellissima fontana e da giardini, è il più antico della capitale madrilena e comprende un vestibolo, diverse cappelle e di una terrazza al piano superiore, e mantiene la decorazione originale negli interni.

⇒Orario:

Dal 01 apr al 30 set

Da Martedì a Venerdì

Da 10:00 a 14:00 Da 18:00 a 20:00

Festivi e Fine settimana

Da 09:30 a 20:00

Dal 01 ott al 31 mar

Da Martedì a Venerdì

Da 09:45 a 13:45 Da 16:15 a 18:15

Festivi e Fine settimana

Da 09:30 a 20:00

Giorni di chiusura: Lunedì

Giorni di chiusura: 1 e 6 gennaio, 1 maggio, 25 dicembre.

Ingresso gratuito.

Calle Ferraz, 1 28008  Madrid .

      -CONCLUSIONE-

Siamo arrivati al termine del viaggio a Madrid, che dire spero di avervi aiutato in qualche modo mostrandovi comunque le mete principali della capitale . Al prossimo viaggio, un bacione.

⇒ commentate , ditemi cosa ne pensate e se anche voi siete stati a Madrid e avete visitato i miei stessi posti.⇐

MW.

      Capodanno a Madrid Vorrei iniziare descrivendomi una delle città spagnole che più mi è rimasta nel cuore . L'anno scorso io e le mie amiche, stanche delle solite feste, avevamo deciso di organizzare un viaggio per capodanno insieme ad altri nostri amici, ovviamente il Budget era scarso e non potevamo scegliere una città fuori dai confini Europei così tra vari consigli e ricerche abbiamo optato per Madrid e sinceramente non potevamo fare scelta migliore.

[tamboradventure]

10 Things to See and Do in Girona, Spain

Posted: 04/20/20 | April 20th, 2020

From lively Barcelona to island paradises like Mallorca and the Grand Canaries to the historic cities of Andalusia, Spain is awesome. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world and one of the most budget friendly in Europe.

But there is one city that captures my love of the country the most: Girona.

Home to just over 100,000 people and only 45 minutes from Barcelona, Girona is home to a well-preserved Jewish quarter, ancient winding streets, and a walkable medieval city wall. Throw in lots of green space, colorful buildings, and perfect weather, Girona is one of my favorite places in Spain.

Girona is more famous today thanks to Game of Thrones being filmed there but this tiny city only 30 minutes from Barcelona remains somewhat off the beaten track and free of the crowds that make Barcelona unbearable sometimes. There’s good food, lots to do, and lovely people. I can’t sing the city’s praises enough.

To help you make the most of your trip, here are my top things to see and do in Girona:

1. Explore the Old Quarter

Girona’s Old Quarter (Barri Vell) sits beside the River Onyar. This neighborhood is home to some of Girona’s most popular and well-preserved historical sites. Filled with medieval architecture, colorful old homes, and picturesque bridges but without the crowds of Barcelona, this is my favorite area to wander around.

You can explore it yourself and enjoy getting lost, but before also check out the tours Girona Walks offers, so you can learn more about this section of town and how it has evolved over the centuries.  

2. Marvel at the Cathedral of Girona

Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona towers over the city. It’s the second widest church in the world, almost 23m (75 feet) across — only St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is wider. (It was also featured in Game of Thrones!)

The interior isn’t particularly ornate and has a bit of an austere feel to it, but it’s peaceful, and there’s a lot of information and a good audio guide available.

Plaça de la Catedral, +34 972 42 71 89, catedraldegirona.cat. Open 10am–6:30pm, April–June; 10am–7:30pm, July–August; 10am–6:30pm, September–October; 10am–5:30pm, November–March. Admission is 7 EUR ($7.70 USD). Dress respectfully, as it is a place of worship.  

3. Tour the Arab Baths

These preserved public baths were built in 1194. Their Romanesque style was inspired by similar Roman and Arab baths and was built in response to ancient Girona’s growing population and the need to improve hygiene.

While you can’t actually use the baths, you can take a self-guided tour to see what bathing was like in the Middle Ages. The building is covered by a large vaulted ceiling and includes a cold-water bath, a hot-water bath, and changing rooms.

Carrer del Rei Ferran el Catòlic, +34 972 21 32 62, banysarabs.org. Open Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm and Sundays 10am–2pm. Admission is 2 EUR ($2.20 USD).  

4. Stroll Along the Eiffel Bridge

The Palanques Vermelles Bridge, also known as the Eiffel Bridge, was built in 1827 by Gustave Eiffel just before the construction of his most famous work, the Eiffel Tower. Located over the Onyar River, it’s a great place to get some pics of the Old Town’s colorful buildings. I try to cross this bridge often, simply because the view is so nice!

5. Learn Something New at One of Girona’s Many Museums

For a small city, Girona is home to quite a few museums and art galleries. Here some I think you shouldn’t miss:

The Jewish History Museum – The museum is made up of 11 exhibitions that explore the history and culture of the region’s Jewish community, which was one of the biggest in the area. Admission is 4 EUR ($4.40 USD).

Girona’s Art Museum – This has the region’s largest collection of Romanesque and Gothic art (over 8,000 items). It’s huge! Admission is 6 EUR ($6.60 USD).

The Cinema Museum – This museum covers the history of cinema and is filled with old posters, films, and movie equipment. It also hosts regular events and movie screenings. A must for movie buffs! Admission is 5 EUR ($5.50 USD).

The Girona Archaeology Museum – This is one of the oldest museums in the region and boasts a collection of archeological finds from pre-history all the way to the Middle Ages. Though small, it goes into some good detail about the area. Admission is 6 EUR ($6.60 USD).

  6. Tour the Basilica de Sant Feliu

This historic Gothic cathedral is eye-catching and hard to miss. It almost looks like a castle. Its bell tower is visible from most spots around Girona, so it’s never far from view.

It was the first cathedral in Girona and remained the only one until the 10th century. Beyond the impressive architecture, the cathedral is home to historic works of art, including a 14th-century sculpture of Christ, as well as Christian and non-Christian sarcophagi that date back to the fourth century.

Plaça de la Catedral, +34 972 427 189, catedraldegirona.org. Open Monday–Saturday 10am–5:30pm, Sunday and holidays 1pm–5:30pm. Admission is 7 EUR ($7.70 USD).  

7. Visit the Monastery of Saint Daniel

Founded in the 11th century, this monastery located on the outskirts of town was created with the intention of establishing a nunnery in the region. While the abbey is no longer in use, you can still visit the church and the cloister. Inside, you’ll find Saint Daniel’s sepulcher, rumored to house the remains of the saint himself. The architecture is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic, with additions from the 12th and 15th centuries.

The monastery is surrounded by the Valley of Sant Daniel, a lush green space with lots of shade and picturesque natural springs.  

8. Walk Atop Girona’s Ancient City Wall

Dating to Girona’s medieval past, these ancient walls were partially destroyed in the 1800s to make way for city expansion. Fortunately, many of the missing pieces have been recovered or reconstructed in recent times. Taking a stroll atop them offers an unbeatable view of both the city and the countryside’s rolling hills. Plus, they’re free!  

9. Stroll La Rambla de la Llibertat

Lined by gorgeous neoclassical, baroque, and Gothic buildings, this is the main pedestrian street in town. The street dates back to 1885 and is full of shops, cafés, and restaurants. There’s also a flower market on Saturdays.  

10. Indulge at Rocambolesc

This is one of the best gelaterias I’ve ever been to! Owned by world-class chef Jordi Roca, it’s a great spot to (over)indulge in delicious ice cream and gelato topped with berries, cotton candy, fruits, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fudge, and so much more. I go there every time I visit (usually multiple times). It’s amazing and worth every euro!

50 Carrer de Santa Clara, +34 972 41 66 67, rocambolesc.com. Open Sunday-Tuesday from 11am-9pm and Friday-Saturday from 11am-10:30pm.

***

Girona’s long history, a unique and rich culture, so much delicious food, and stunning architecture. A lot of people make it a day trip from Barcelona but I’d recommend spending at least one night here. There’s plenty to keep you busy. I first visited here in 2012 and have been back a total of four times. I love Girona. Most people do. Make it part of your next trip to Spain.

P.S. – We’ve launched a new Patreon where you can get stories and tips I don’t share on this blog, a private Facebook group, phone calls with me and the team, live Q&As, postcards from the road, signed copies of my books, and much more! Click here to get access!

Book Your Trip to Girona: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation To find the best budget accommodation, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. My favorite place to stay in Girona is:

Can Cocollona – This is the best hostel in the city. It’s social, includes free breakfast, and the beds are super comfy!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

If you want to do a bike tour, check out Fat Tire Tours. They offer tours that are fun and informative. They’re my favorite company to go with. They even have some food-themed tours too.

Looking For More Information on Visiting Spain? Check out my in-depth destination guide to Spain with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo Credit: 3 – Doronenko, 4 – Toni Verdú Carbó, 5 – Teresa Grau Ros, 6 – stefano Merli, 7 – Josep Maria Viñolas Esteva, 8 – Montse Poch, 9 – rivigan, 10 – Joan, 11 – Jordi Sanchez

The post 10 Things to See and Do in Girona, Spain appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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[topfygad]

Where To Stay In Valencia: Hotels For Every Budget

From historic boutique hotels and beach resorts to apartments and budget hostels, this accommodation guide will help you decide where to stay in Valencia.

Valencia seafront

Move over Barcelona and Madrid – you’ve got competition. Say hello to Valencia. Officially Spain’s third biggest city (after Barcelona and Madrid), yet it feels underrated. I returned from my trip filled with enthusiasm for the city, desperate to share my passion for it.

It’s a city which showcases Spain’s rich history and cultural heritage. With impressive and innovative architecture, vast sandy beaches, and some of the finest paella you’ll ever taste, Valencia is a great option for a city break in Europe – especially when you’re in search of winter sun. 

City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia

When deciding where to stay in Valencia, there’s a big question you’ll have to ask yourself: city or beach? Valencia’s historic centre offers a whole host of attractions, including its famous cathedral, market, great restaurants, shops and nightlife.

However, if your inner beach bum is calling, you may prefer to pick one of the Valencia beach hotels that line the seafront at El Cabanyal or Playa de la Malvarrosa. Whichever you go for, you can still enjoy the best of both worlds, as the city and beach are only 20 minutes apart by public transport.

Another great reason to visit Valencia? It’s one of Spain’s most affordable cities in terms of accommodation, with plenty of budget-friendly hotels to book. So whether you’re visiting with your partner and looking for a romantic hotel in the old town, or fancy a family beach resort, this accommodation guide will help you decide where to stay in Valencia.

Colourful buildings in Valencia

Where To Stay in Valencia

Luxury Hotels in Valencia

The Westin Valencia

Of all the 5-star hotels in Valencia, the Westin Valencia is arguably the most impressive. It’s an Art Deco dream, filled with glittering chandeliers, exquisite marble, and elegant artistic touches.  It occupies a great location next to the Turia Gardens, just a short walk from the city centre and all of the charms of the historic old town.

The Westin offers the best in comfort and luxury with exceptional service, a world-class spa, and the fabulous Komori Restaurant, which serves up Japanese-European fusion cuisine. This chic hotel is one of the best places to stay in Valencia for couples, offering romantic surroundings to unwind in, after a busy day of sightseeing.

Check availability and latest prices at the Westin Valencia here

The Westin, Valencia

Bedroom at The Westin, Valencia

READ MORE: 29+ Things To Do In Valencia

Caro Hotel

Just around the corner from Valencia Cathedral you’ll find the beautiful Caro Hotel, once a 19th Century mansion and now one of the best luxury hotels in Valencia. This majestic palace is ideal for history buffs, as the Roman and Moorish remains that were found on the site have been integrated into the design of the hotel.

What’s more, each room has been lovingly decorated to represent different eras and events in Valencia’s past. In addition to its top notch spa, pool and stylish bar, the Caro is also one of the best hotels in Valencia for food. Michelin-starred restaurant Sucede offers a tasting menu that will take you on a culinary tour of Valencia’s – a truly unique and special experience. It’s no wonder that Caro Hotel is one of the most highly recommended hotels in the city! 

Check availability and latest prices at Caro Hotel here

Caro Hotel, Valencia

Pool at Caro Hotel, Valencia

Las Arenas Balneario Resort

If you fancy kicking back on one of Valencia’s beaches, head for Las Arenas Balneario Resort. Overlooking the inviting golden sands of Malvarrosa beach, Balneario Resort is equipped with all the facilities you’d expect from one of the best hotels in Valencia.

Don’t let the fact it’s a huge resort put you offer. It is highly-rated for service and amenities, and is a top choice if you’re visiting the city with a family. It has family rooms and suites, plus offers a schedule of child-friendly activities. It’s the best hotel on the beach, so perfect if you want to spend your days enjoying some sunbathing, pool time, spa relaxation, and feast on the freshest seafood direct from the Mediterranean Sea. 

Check availability and latest prices at Las Arenas Balneario Resort here

Las Arenas Balneario Resort, Valencia

Bedroom at Las Arenas Balneario Resort, Valencia

Hospes Palau de la Mar

For understated elegance and stylish décor, head to the Hospes Palau de la Mar – one of the classiest hotels in Valencia city centre. Situated in the pretty streets of the Eixample district, this hotel is in a great location for the train station, sightseeing in the old city and lazy afternoons in Turia Gardens.

It’s one of the best Valencia hotels for rest and relaxation – I mean the fabulous spa has everything you’ll need to recover from long days of sightseeing! Plus if you don’t fancy going out for dinner ever evening, you can enjoy a range of Valencian specialities in the hotel’s restaurant.  

Check availability and latest prices at Hospes Palau de la Mar here

Hospes Palau de La Mar, Valencia

Spa at Hospes Palau de La Mar, Valencia

READ MORE: Where To Go For The Best View In Valencia

Mid-Range Hotels in Valencia

Hotel Neptuno

One of the best things about staying in a Valencia beach hotel is waking up to stunning golden sunrises over the Mediterranean, along with views of surfers and sailing yachts. Hotel Neptuno is perched on the golden sands of Malvarrosa Beach, moments from Marina Beach Club.

Here you’ll find comfort and a little luxury, at a reasonable price, in a stylish building decked out with the work of local artists and craftsmen. If you want to stay by the beach, it’s a good option, and for lunches and dinners there are lots of restaurants right on the doorstep, serving fresh seafood and Valencia’s most famous dish – paella.

Check availability and latest prices at Hotel Neptuno here

Hotel Neptuno, Valencia

Rooftop and beach views at Hotel Neptuno, Valencia

Boutique Hotel Balandret

Hotel Balandret is a luxury boutique hotel on the beach in Valencia, and amazingly – it’s pretty affordable too! Located close to Las Arenas beach, it’s been lovingly decorated with traditional works of art that celebrate the city’s rich heritage, including unusual sculptures and lavish murals.

The friendly staff are happy to help with plenty of local tips, and the hotel restaurant serves up classic Valencian dishes each evening. Plus, from here’s it’s easy to hop on a bus and make your way to the city centre for a spot of sightseeing. 

Check availability and latest prices at Boutique Hotel Balandret here

Hotel Boutique Balandret, Valencia

Lobby of Hotel Boutique Balandret, Valencia

Petit Palace Ruzafa

The Petit Palace Ruzafa is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods. It fuses historic and contemporary design elements. Yes, the 19th Century building oozes period charm and class, but the rooms are sophisticated, minimalist and packed with 21st century mod-cons.

The Ruzafa district is one of Valencia’s coolest neighbourhoods, with a bustling central market, plenty of chic coffee shops (Ubik Cafe and Dulce De Leche in particular) plus some great shops too. It’s the perfect area if you want a local experience, while enjoying some sightseeing too. 

Check availability and latest prices at Petit Palace Ruzafa here

Rooftop at Petit Palace Ruzafa

Budget Hotels And Hostels In Valencia

Casual Valencia de las Artes

If you’re looking for where to stay in Valencia on a budget, you’re in luck – the city boasts some excellent budget hotels and hostels where low cost certainly doesn’t mean low quality. Casual Valencia de las Artes is a great example, where you’ll find fabulous, unique décor, friendly service, in a great location between the old city and the striking architectural complex at the City of Arts and Sciences.

Each room features reproductions of famous artworks, giving it a unique and quirky feel. There’s a pool, sauna and gym too – surprising for the price!  There’s no restaurant, but there are plenty of bars and restaurants close by, and the staff will be happy to offer recommendations.

Check availability and latest prices at Casual Valencia de las Artes here

Casual de las Artes Valencia

Pool at Casual de las Artes Valencia

Quart Youth Hostel

Moments from one of the impressive medieval gates to the city is this smart youth hostel. With modern decor, clean rooms and a shared kitchen, it’s a great option if you’re on a budget but still want to stay in a central location. There are a few options of rooms at this hostel, including dorms with bunk beds, private rooms and a loft space with two bedrooms. 

Check availability and latest prices at Quart Youth Hostel here

Quart Youth Hostel – dorm

Quart Youth Hostel – private room

Home Youth Hostel by Feetup Hostels 

This modern, quirky hostel is located moments from the key sights of the city including Valencia Cathedral and the Central Market. Rooms feature cool decor, with huge murals covering the walls, and colourful furnishings dotted throughout. 

I’ve heard this hostel has a great social scene, so if you’re travelling solo in Valencia, it’s a great option. 

Check availability and latest prices at Home Youth Hostel here

Home Youth Hostel Valencia – dorm

Home Youth Hostel Valencia lobby

I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas about where to stay in Valencia. If you want to continue the search, feel free to use the map below…

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  Looking for other things to do during your trip? Find out my 29+ AMAZING things to do in Valencia, where to go for the best view of Valencia, whether it’s worth buying the Valencia Tourist Card and read about my tapas tour of Valencia.  

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Benefits of Online Bus Booking

Benefits of Online Bus Booking – Ways to Find a Budget Room in Las Vegas – If you want to experience something exotic, then your destination you need to choose is not any apart from Egypt – Do not worry concerning the budget since the Egypt holidays all-inclusive will handle your financial allowance very well – There are several places in Egypt wherein you’ll be able to really make your tour memorable – Afar the original visitor attractions like Pyramids and Cairot, the Sharm El Sheikh called the Egypt’s City of Peace has gotten the complete attraction from Egypt’s Pyramids to the Read Sea’s adventurous aquatic sports activities Getaway Packages are Perfect Accommodation to Entertainment – The second step goes towards deciding by what will the time scale of the remain in the country – The best time to see Costa Rica on affordability is during the spring time, that’s within the month of August – In Costa Rica it rains a great deal however it does not keep raining in the whole day – Because of rain, tourists are not shipped here and prices usually become much cheaper – Choose Iberian Airlines because there are a lot for Costa Rica always in your – You may be lucky to acquire traveling by plane tickets as low as dollar 300 per person – Before booking tickets, seek advice from all travel backsides and airlines and choose the possibility that you just think could be the cheapest – The best service will likely be available amongst Orbitz, Expedia and Priceline Ways to Find a Budget Room in Las Vegas – When it comes to choosing your perfect city break, Hays Travel’s website enables you to pick the flights to match your getaway and then pair these with the accommodation to suit you – Whether you are looking for an allowance hostel, a boutique bolthole or perhaps a high quality deluxe hotel, Hays Travel’s will almost certainly hold the city break accommodation to match you – With competitive prices and bargains that can be had on both flights and accommodation, Hays can bring you huge savings on your city break – What’s more, they could provide private and shuttle transfers to and from your airport ion many resorts Also known by some since the City of the Spas, the heart from the capital of scotland- Budapest is richly endowed with natural springs which can be renowned for his or her various medicinal properties. Some 118 springs give the city’s spas and baths with water ranging in temperature from 70 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit (21-78??C).The Gellert Baths are some of the most beautiful baths can be found in Budapest Read Also – Cheap Holidays in Berlin enterdavao.com – A Barcelona city break provides tourists a chance to see and go through the town of Barcelona from close quarters. The visitors get discounted Barcelona holidays by way of cheap air travel, affordable and comfortable accommodations at good hotels. Most of the hotels in Barcelona are conveniently perfectly located at the city centre with easy accessibility to different sightseeing attractions. This short city break has something to make available to everyone trying to find excitement, exhilaration, sightseeing, shopping as well as the ultimate Spanish experience.

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Bopping Around Barcelona

Ana Warner

Computer Science ‘22

Spanish Language, Culture & Industry in San Sebastian, Spain

¡Hola! This weekend was a very special one for the summer session of San Sebastian students because it was our first side trip! Almost all of us took the free weekend to travel to Barcelona in two groups. After a bit of stress involved in planning logistics like transportation (a 6-hour bus ride) and housing (a private room in a hostel), everything went flawlessly.

We arrived late Friday night after the long bus ride and immediately flopped into bed in our hostel room. The six-person group was the perfect size to get an affordable private room.

First thing Saturday morning, we were up and out, on our way to the Park Güell, a gorgeous public space designed by Antoni Gaudí over 100 years ago. The famed architect wanted to make the park feel entwined with nature, and his genius shows through in every detail. 

Kayla, David, and Bushra explore the columns in the Park Güell.

We also toured the house in the park where the architect lived, which had gorgeous views of the whole city and the ocean. In truth, it almost felt like a Dr. Seuss drawing, with surprising curves and shapes and colored bright salmon pink.

I thought the park was awe-inspiring, but I had no way to prepare for the sight that was La Sagrada Familia, which we toured in the afternoon. 

This was the most beautiful thing that I have seen in my whole life. La Sagrada Familia is a basilica still under construction, Gaudí’s greatest work. It is massive and heart-stopping, the outside adorned with ornate sculptures depicting Biblical scenes and figures. The inside, however, is designed to foster introspection and closeness with God. The magnificent stained glass windows flooded the space with color, and the ceiling stood tall supported by columns that look like a forest.

The tallest center tower is still being built, due to be finished in 2026, 100 years after Gaudí’s death. His detailed plans and revolutionary process of modeling his ideas made it possible to complete the basilica in full compliance with the architect’s original vision. From far away you can see all the texture on the walls, giving a hint at the intense detail that they encompass. Photo Credit: C messier, Wikipedia.

In this image you can see the dramatic columns that branch along the ceiling. Photo Credit: Pinterest.

Inside, I wanted to sit down and cry. I was stunned and spellbound. How could one man have this inspiration?

Moreover, every detail was expressly designed with a purpose; for example, the main tower is 170 meters tall, one meter shorter than the tallest hill in Barcelona, because Gaudí believed that something created by man should not be greater than something created by God.

He was the first to ever envision the shapes and structures that he incorporated in his designs, drawing inspiration from geometry and nature, like the curves of leaves or the spiral of a snail. 

One thing that I noticed throughout the day, as we walked up and down the beautiful wide main avenues and colorful side streets, were the abundance of flags in the balconies of apartments: the starred Catalan flag “La Estelada” the most prominent among them. I knew that Catalonians wanted independence from Spain and had a great regional pride, but I was surprised by how many of the nationalist symbols there were. We started to realize that all the flags with a crossed yellow ribbon, the word “sí” in a speech bubble, and black banners proclaiming “llibertat presos políticos” (”free political prisoners” in Catalan) were all political statements. Later in the day, we even walked through a protest.

The energy and unrest were very palpable and a little frightening, as I knew that independence was a belief that the region would hold deeply and possibly bitterly. In our short day in Barcelona I realized just how prevalent the desire for independence is, and how strongly this affects life in the city. 

It was a pretty serious moment, but important. After this, we explored some of the old Gothic Quarter and went back to the Park Güell, then caught our night bus back to Pamplona.

Although we only spent a day in Barcelona, I fell wholeheartedly in love with its vibrancy, art and architecture, and unique style, and I know I have to go back some day.

Abrazos,

Ana

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Private Hostel Room In Barcelona Solve your accommodation problems with Black Swan Hostel in Barcelona. Be it free Wi-Fi, dinner, or recreational classes etc. You can always make new friends and enjoy the leisure time that too at affordable prices.