A dynamic and exciting city, Barcelona has everything required to be an outstanding event destination. Excellent transport links, a range of conference and meeting venues and 4-5 star accommodation, as well as numerous historic and cultural sights and activities, which all add to this city’s attractions.
Travel
Barcelona can be reached via its airport, El Prat, just 14km from the city to which it is connected by train, metro and bus. The city is also home to one of Europe’s major ports and is linked to other major locations across Europe via the train network.
An integrated system of trains, metro and buses allows efficient and reasonably priced travel around the city.
Venues
As would be expected in a city of this size, there are a wide variety of venues to suit all types and sizes of events.
Two of the main Conference Centres are:
Centre Convencions International Barcelona
The Barcelona International Convention Centre is an integral part of Diagonal Mar, the newest part of Barcelona’s seafront. Its unique architecture welcomes up to 15,000 visitors.
Fira de Barcelona – Gran Via
This is located in a new business development area, close to Barcelona airport and connected to the public transport network. A large and modern venue The Gran Via venue houses the Convention Centre, a completely modular and versatile space, with capacity for 3,000 to 12,000 attendees, in addition to a variety of different rooms spread over the 8 pavillions.
Barcelona is not short of unusual venues for conferences or gala dinners. If you’re looking for somewhere quirky and unique for your event, Barcelona has a wealth of options to choose from. Our suggestions include:
Built in the 14th century and decorated with 18th and 19th century sculptures and paintings, each of the halls and rooms at this seafront venue has a story to tell.
Camp Nou has a variety of modern venues across the stadium suitable for conferences, meetings, receptions and dinners with opportunities for unique football-related theming and experiences
Set 560m above sea level with spectacular views over the city, this futuristic tower has a reception area and observation deck for up to 80 guests, reached via a walkway and panoramic lift.
Proud of its 180 year history this restaurant has several private rooms which are suitable for a variety of events and can cater for up to 80.
Gaudi’s elegant UNESCO World Heritage Site has a selection of individually designed rooms and terraces that can be hired for events.
Here 4 different venues among the vineyards cater for up to 200 guests. These are: the Visitor Centre, 45 mins from Barcelona, nearby Mas Rabell country house, The Waltraud Winery, and Cleer Priorat.
Social Programmes
Several of the main sights cater for groups by offering guided tours. There are also attractive places to spend free time and enjoy the city atmosphere.
La Sagrada Familia is definitely one of Barceona’s ‘must-see’ sights. Designed by Gaudi and still under construction, groups can book a 1 hour guided tour for up to 35 people.
A visit to the Nou Camp stadium is bound to impress even those who don’t follow football. The experience includes a guided tour and visit to the museum with group tickets bookable in advance.
Other places suitable for group visits include Parc Guell with its stunning Gaudi architecture and Montjuic Hill for stunning views of the city.
A stroll along the famous Las Ramblas is another of Barcelona’s iconic experiences – for a relaxing few hours take in the talented street performers, artists and perhaps a jug of sangria. Or stop by the historic Boqueria Market for a true flavor of the city.
Dining
Barcelona has several Michelin star restaurants to chose from including Caelis, located in the Hotel Palace with a private dining room for 12 and Via Veneto, where wine tastings and tours of the cellar can be arranged. For an unusual experience of understanding gastronomy through the sharing and tasting of food try Tickets La Vida Tapa.
Other recommended dining options include the modern tapas bar El Bar with a private dining room on the second floor and 1881 per Sagardi with its 900 m sq terrace dining room for up to 100 guests and gastronomic culture based on the taverns and cider houses of the Basque Country.
Hotels
Barcelona boasts a selection of 4 and 5 star hotels sure to meet the needs of any business traveller. Our suggestions include:
Barceló Raval
Located in the heart of Barcelona, 5 minutes walk to the Gothic Quarter, to Las Ramblas, Plaza de Cataluña and the Boqueria Market. This hotel offers 4 meeting rooms, 3 of which are modular, with a capacity for up to 100 people and a penthouse terrace with spectacular 360º views.
The Hesperia Tower hotel is in Barcelona’s new business and financial district, 10 minutes from airport and a15-minute drive from the city centre. It holds world-class meeting facilities including a 500-seat auditorium.
Located on the beachfront along the famous Barceloneta boardwalk. W Barcelona has 6.800 sq m of meeting space with a variety of innovatively designed meeting rooms and venue spaces, some with panoramic views over the Mediterranean and city of Barcelona.
Just a short stroll from the Ramblas on the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, this hotel has a choice of private function rooms. Uniquely designed BistrEau caters for up to 350; two flexible meeting rooms are available to suit 18 or 40.
Well connected to the train and metro system via Sants Railway Station, this hotel has 3,000 sq m of space distributed over 14 function rooms and can cater for up to 1,500.
Close to Las Ramblas this 5 star hotel has 4 elegant function rooms to host from 30 to 280 guests
Near Port Vell Marina, this hotel is housed in one of the city’s historic buildings, yet has a bright modern interior.
For help with conferences and events in Barcelona please contact Bien Venue on 01625 877776 or email us at sales@bvevents.co.uk