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        <title>Been there | Tips</title>
        
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        <description>
            Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love,
            live in or have just visited - are what make this guide.
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                <title>Sant Jordi Sagrada Familia Hostel</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31353</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[A super cool, hip hostel designed especially for skateboarders. I really loved the cleanliness and social atmosphere, and the bed was super comfortable also. They have a little something for everyone: huge common room, outdoor patio, guest kitchen, free internet, organized parties and more. The design of the hostel is oriented around the skateboarding scene of Barcelona and they have a cool display of vintage skateboards and even a real skate ramp. When I arrived, the staff, super nice, international travelers, gave me an explanation of the city map pointing out cool sites to check out in the city. The map was made by the hostel and even had all the best skate spots in Barcelona marked in cool letters. The staff also helped me several times with directions to bars and even how to get to places outside of the city. Great hostel.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Bohemian Gràcia</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30683</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[After spending two weeks in arty, alternative Gràcia it’s now my favourite Barcelona barrio. Predominantly a working class area, its residents are largely university students, artists, musicians, and designers, which explains the abundance of art galleries, boutiques, ateliers, and music stores that line the narrow lanes. It’s a living breathing neighbourhood with plenty to do if you like eating, drinking, shopping, and hanging out in cafés, bars, and sunny squares. It’s a good fifteen-minute walk to Plaça de Catalunya, although you can catch the underground train and it’s faster, but this means you’ll rarely see a tourist in Gràcia, which is what I like most about it. It’s not far from posh L’Eixample, where there are chic shops and some of Barcelona’s best restaurants, and it’s close to Park Güell, which is a short hike (or bus ride) up the hill.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Barcelona’s street art</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30680</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Most guidebooks will tell you to avoid certain parts of Barcelona during afternoon siesta when everything is closed, but for me this is the best time to wander around the neighbourhoods of Ribera-El Born, Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter), Raval, and Gràcia, when the shops and bars are closed and their shutters have been pulled down, because many are decorated with striking street art. While some view street art as graffiti, it’s actually not at all in this case – the owners of the stores actually commission Barcelona’s street artists to paint their shutters and garage doors. If you like what you see, head to the Montana Gallery and shop to learn more about the scene.]]></description>
                
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                <title>La Pizza del Born</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28369</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[In the heart of the trendy neighbourhood of El Born just minutes away from the chaos of Las Ramblas you will find this gem of a pizzeria run by a group of young friendly Argentinians.<br>The offering consists of a wide variety of delicious crusty deep base pizza by the slice made with quality ingredients. I recommend the pineapple and bacon and anchovy and tomato. They also have savoury tarts and empanadas. Each item costs a very reasonable €1.80.<br>If you feel like something sweet they have a range of typical Argentinian desserts that are worth a try.<br>The place is quite small, catering mainly to the locals and is usually always packed- a good thing since pizza is always fresh.<br>If the weather is obliging you can get take away and have it on one of stone benches outside.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Barcelona Urbany</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26356</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This is simply the coolest hostel in Spain, with edgy urban design incorporating graffiti and comic-book prints, paintbox colours and minimalist chic. It's within easy reach of the beach, but if the weather's less than great it's got free WiFi, CDs, DVDs and even Wii consoles you can use, a huge terrace where you can eat or just drink in the view and, best of all, free use of a nearby swimming pool and fitness centre. All yours for as little as €12 a night – and incredibly that includes a decent breakfast. Oh, and they'll charge your mobile or iPod for you. That's service.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Itaca Hostel</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26349</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Between the friendly, genuinely helpful and multilingual staff, and the great selection of accommodation (cheap but comfortable hostel / private rooms/private and fully furnished apartments), there really isn't anywhere else I would stay in Barcelona - on a budget of course. From my first stay as a solo traveller, to my last with a group of friends, they made my holidays stress-free and incredibly enjoyable!]]></description>
                
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                <title>Parc del Laberint</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24085</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This is a treat of a park out of the way in the quiet Horta district of Barcelona. One of the city's oldest, most romantic and unusual parks. The construction began in 1791, and this is certainly somewhere you can "get lost" (in the labyrinth) and escape into your own world.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Bar Oviso</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23774</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[A cool, funky bar which will accept you like a friend, whether you are an aristocrat or an alcoholic (or maybe both!). One of the cheaper bars in Barcelona, it may look a little rough and intimidating from the outside, but inside is a small oasis of calm, where people sit around discussing the days events, catching up with the papers, or simply whiling away a few hours, not doing much at all. <br><br>The surrounding area around Placa George Orwell is a little on the 'ghetto' side but on the numerous occasions I have been there I have never felt threatened, or uneasy. <br><br>Serves good, cheap food as well.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Eco camping in spain</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23536</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Great priced eco campsite only 1.5 hrs south of Barcelona. Only 20 pounds per night. It's run by a friendly family. Yoga is taught each morning in the flower filled courtyard. Beaches only 12 miles away. A 'get away from it all' holiday with a lot of activities to keep the non-yoga enthusiasts happy too. Castles to explore, beaches to sunbathe on, giant catfish to catch in the river Ebro, hiking in stunning mountains straight out of the front door. The camping facilities are clean and modern in a converted stable. It's only £20  a day too.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Centric Point Hostel</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23528</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[A great hostel in the heart of Barcelona. A beautiful modernist building situated on one of the grandest avenues of the city, Passeig de Gracia. In terms of location, you could not get much better. Easy walking distance to all major sites, in particular, Gaudi's Casa Batllo and La Pedrera.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Barcelona Museums</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23526</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Almost all the major museums in Barcelona offer free admission once a month - almost always on a Sunday and often the first Sunday of each month.<br><br>A little research and planning means visitors can save a small fortune while seeing some of the best laid-out museums I've seen anywhere.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Carrefour loyalty card</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23496</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Good at any Carrefour store in Spain, the card allows discounts on certain items. It is especially valuable when purchasing petrol. Complete the on-line application a couple of weeks prior to your arrival - use where you'll be residing in Spain as your address - ask the landlord or hotelier to hold your mail.<br>OR apply in person at a store's customer service desk.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Barcelona library services</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23495</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Tired of internet cafe costs or poaching a wi-fi signal? Become a member of the Barcelona library and have free access to computers and wi-fi. Membership is free. Complete the online application; choose the library nearest to your stay; pick up your card when you arrive.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Font Magica</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23430</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Barcelona's Font Magica is by far the best free event I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing - it is simply spectacular. Buy a bottle of wine or a couple of beers, some snacks, pack a blanket if it’s cool, and head to Montjuic to enjoy the fountains lit up like fire and dancing to the music. It may sound a little cheesy, but it’s amazing! From October to April it comes alive on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and in the summer (May to September) it’s packed with spectators for the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows from 9:00 pm to 11:30 pm. And it’s all free!]]></description>
                
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                <title>Caffè di San Marco</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23173</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This is a great value Italian restaurant and pizzeria in the uptown part of Barcelona. The staff are very friendly and the food is authentic.<br>It's a cosy trattoria and if you want to try an authentic Italian risotto, this is a place to choose.]]></description>
                
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                <title>The Kabul Hostel</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21881</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[The greatest hostel In Barcelona. Situated right on beautiful Placa Reial just off Las Ramblas, a really fun hostel, very clean, easy to meet lots of travellers and have a great time. Free dinner and breakfast, and a great happy hour are also a bonus. Staff were amazing and they provide great activities such as free walking tours and tapas nights. Definitely a place to party.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Multi-day Transport Pass</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21628</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Highly recommend a multi-day transport pass instead of the official bus tour (although you can do that as well!).  You get unlimited access to the whole Zone 1 network, (trains; to and from the airport, metro, trams, buses, funicular railways) for a cheaper cash outlay with a greater reach.  For the real explorers out there, this is a great option.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Culleretes Restaurant</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21375</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Tucked away on a narrow street just yards from the Ramblas and Placa Reial, Cullertes is not only one of Barcelona's finest restaurants, but one of its most historic, and best value. Its traditional Catalan interior of dark wood features is entirely authentic - Cullertes is over 200 years old, and remains atmospheric. The food is traditional catalonian fare, with a strong emphasis on game, pork and seafood, and despite what you might expect for the quality and location, the prices are extremely reasonable. The food is, it goes without saying, delicious. But it does get very busy and only has limited evening opening hours so booking is advisable at weekends and in summer.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Self-catering</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21368</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[For the first time ever, my husband and two kids decided to try a self-catering apartment recently on a trip to Barcelona. I was worried it wouldn't seem like a holiday if we were having to shop and do the washing up etc. However it was excellent, and with two small young children it was easier than being in a hotel. With our own space we were far more relaxed and we saved a fortune on our food bills.<br>The apartment was gorgeous too! <br>The company we booked through were very helpful and ensured everything went without a hitch. Will be going self-catering again in the future.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Carrer de Riera Baixa, shopping in the Raval</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21302</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Away from the tourist-orientated boutiques of the Barri Gotic, the high street stores around Placa de Catalunya and the high-end designers of l'Eixample is Barcelona's coolest district: the Raval. The district's charming mix of historic architectural styles in varying degrees of dilapidation and lower rents than most of central Barcelona have attracted young and up-and-coming artists and designers; they and their fashionable friends have transformed the Raval into the sunny, Catalan equivalent of Shoreditch. Like Shoreditch, the northern parts of Raval, close to the sleek modern art gallery, have been intensely regenerated and now draw the tourist crowds to what was once the 'wrong' side of the Ramblas. The southern reaches of the neighbourhood are still definitely on the seedy and even dangerous side, but somewhere in the middle is a genuinely cool and intriguing maze of streets peppered with achingly-hip bars, little galleries and a clutch of fantastic, independently-owned shops. The zenith of this is Carrer de Riera Baixa, a colourful street that might just be the best place to shop in Barcelona right now. It is neither pricey nor generic, and the mix of vintage and cutting-edge and unique new clothing boutiques makes it an irresistible stop for the cool young things of the city. Join them before the rest of the world finds out and the independent stores are forced elsewhere.]]></description>
                
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