Busy events Weekend in Barcelona

This weekend is set to be a busy one. The weather seems to have sorted itself out, and there are some great events to keep everyone busy.

Firstly, it's the Formula 1 Grand Prix at nearby Montmelo racetrack. After the panic that volcanic ash was going to create havoc with travel plans for many of the teams, it seems that everyone is here, ready and raring to go. Obviously Jenson Button is still the man to beat, and there'll certainly be a determination in Lewis Hamilton to do well, or at least beat Fernando Alonso, after 2008's disgraceful treatment of Hamilton here. Barcelona will surely be hanging the almost-full sign up in many hotels and apartments for this weekend.



Also starting today is the Salon Comic at the Fira de Barcelona in Montjüic. I remember going past the equivalent venture in Hospitalet of Manga last year, and it was hilarious, with many people dressed up as their favourite characters, so I'm sure today will be no exception.

The BBC has also their Walking with Dinosaurs exposition at Palau Sant Jordi, finishing on Sunday - tickets still available if you're interested.

Coming to Barcelona this Spring? Check out BCN Rentals for some late deals on apartments.

Grand Prix Comes to Town

Tomorrow is the Formula 1 Grand Prix in nearby Montmelo. Fans will remember the racial abuse targetted at Lewis Hamiltion last year.

Well, this year Hamilton was honoured by circuit director Ramon Praderas who said "We are pleased to have the opportunity to show you that you are a driver who is always welcome to Catalunya. Passion means Formula One and you are a part of this passion for motor sport. Keep like this for us. We need people like you."

Oranisers of the event this year have also invested in 24 giant screens including one huge 200m2 screen which have been strategically placed around the track. Earlier this week, pit lanes were open to the public with the opportunity to get right up close to the cars and mechanics workshops.

As of this mornings trails, the Ferrari team is still in the lead, and Hamilton only managed a 7th place finish - nothing compared to last year. Nick Heidfeld also crashed, leaving the BMW hardly any time to prepare for thisafternoon's qualifiers! As ever, lots of darama in the Catalonia Grand Prix!

If you're looking for things to do around the city, or only here on a whistle stop visit, why not try the Barcelona tourist bus, which is a quick and overground way of visiting the main sights? There are 3 routes, but only the red and blue take in the main sights such as Gaudi's Casa Battló, the nearby Casa Mila and the unfinished masterpiece that is Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral.