Ireland’s Favourite European City?

Planning a European getaway this summer? Of all the destinations worthy of a visit, it’s the Catalan capital of Barcelona that’s been voted the coolest city of them all. As big Barcelona fans, we’re not a bit surprised.

It’s not just the sun, the Spanish food or Gaudi’s stunning architecture that earns its position at the top spot, however. Apparently, according to a new survey with premium beer brand Estrella Damm, a massive driver towards this Spanish city is because 40% of us Irish find the locals in Barcelona to be more attractive than those of any other European hotspot. What’s more, though many of us think of it as a party destination, 53% of those surveyed said they’d prefer to visit the city with their partner, while 32% would rather go with their pals. Move over Paris and Rome; Barcelona’s making a name for itself as the up and coming city of love. Here we feature three stunning Barcelona rentals on Air BnB, perfect for lovebirds.

“Nice and Cosy Apartment, Barcelona. Located just five minutes walk from Plaza de Espa?a, where you have the magnificent shopping center “Las Arenas” and the sources of Monjuic, where you can enjoy its majesty and impressive water, music and light shows. Just at 2 minutes walk it is the large park of the “l’Escorxador”” €100 per night.

“Apartment on the Beach. 3 MINUTES walking to the beach! Ideally for 2 people (one nice and comfortable double bed) but can also host up to 4 people (not more though) because it has a sofa-bed (grey sofa-bed on the pictures). The flat is one of the typical Barceloneta apartments you will find in this amazing part of town – small (30sqm) but cozy!” €70 per night.

“Gorgeous loft, full of light, in a totally renovated 19th century flour mill factory, in ‘El Poblenou’, Barcelona’s trendiest quarter. The loft is just a five minute walk to the beach.” €120 per night

Looking for another reason to book those flights? From the nightlife to Sagrada Familia to FC Barcelona, you’ll find more interesting insights below.

The Estrella Damnn survey also finds we’re a wanderlust nation with 89% of those polled saying they love to travel and visit new places. Over half (55%) say they love immersing themselves in new cultures when travelling abroad, and an organised 53% say they don’t get on a plane without a map or a trusty guidebook.

• When asked to describe what they love about the city of Barcelona over a third (35%) described it as being cool, 35% said the city was alive and 1 in 5 described it as exciting
• When describing the people of Barcelona, just over 1 in 4 (27%) say they’re fun loving, 30% say they’re friendly and 18% think they’re cool
• When asked what’s the first thing they think of when they think of Barcelona, over half (51%) said street art and Gaudi, 15% cited music, culture and nightlife and 13% said FC Barcelona
• 44% cited Sagrada Fam?lia as the top tourist attraction to visit followed by Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona, at 16% and Park G?ell at 15%
• Almost a third (30%) cited Salvador Dal? as the most desirable Barcelonan of all time, followed by Gerard Pique at 12% and Cesc Fabregas (11%)

Apartment 1

Apartment 2

Apartment 3

@CarolineForan