The first event kicked off in 1994, and since then the festival has become globally known for its groundbreaking international line ups and club nights. The festival attracts a wide range of artists, including Orbital, Chemical Brothers, Kraftwerk, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Bjork, Pet Shop Boys and the Scissor Sisters.  Sonar is focused on modern and relevant music, world class venues and amazing atmosphere.  Fira Gran Via is one of the best clubs, a massive state-of-the-art exhibition centre in the centre of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Here the venue is split into three different areas, Sonar Park, Sonar Pub and Sonar Club. Safe to say that if you like electronic music, and you like raving, you’re gonna have a good time.

Sonar festival, Barcelona, Spain by Musictechnologygroup

Formed in 2002, Sonar has held over 24 events across the globe, in several formats in many different locations and cities   Barcelona is the main spot for Sonar Festival, due to its thriving music scene and warm weather, making it the perfect location for a dance music festival.  As well as Barcelona, you can catch Sonar parties in Lisbon, Hamburg, Tokyo, London, Rome, Sao Paulo, Burnos Aires and Washington DC.  The event keeps on getting larger every year, with 2013 looking to be the most exciting yet.  The line-up for the 2013 event will be advertised over the coming months.  Keep an eye out to see first who’s playing where and when.

Travelling to Sonar

Travelling to Sonar is simple. The venues are just a ten minute car ride from La Rambla.  Getting to Sonar after dark can be done by regular bus service from the city centre, organised by the festival promoters. Sonar Bus departs from Placa de les Drassanes and shuttles are scheduled Friday and Saturday from 8:30pm to 8am.

This multi cultural city has an amazing vibe about it, tick every box for music enthusiasts and travellers looking for warm weather and big parties.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by davidd

Las Ramblas gets its name from a stream that used to run in the same path before the area was developed in the 16th century. Numerous bars and cafes are lined along the boulevard, and the boulevard itself is lined with large, shady trees. Mercat de la Boqueria is a colourful market that’s reputed to be one of the best in the world. The Erotica Museum and the Wax Museum on Las Ramblas are both fascinating places to pass a bit of time.

Las Ramblas is a crowded, popular tourist attraction, so paying attention to personal safety is advised for those visiting the street. Pickpockets and scam artists are somewhat plentiful, and some areas are best avoided after dark. Experienced travellers realize, however, that these things are fairly common in many of the world’s best cities, and that a bit of caution can go a long way towards ensuring personal safety.

Bus services in Barcelona are excellent, and Las Ramblas can easily be accessed from any part of the city. It is advised not to obtain lodgings along Las Ramblas itself if the traveller desires a quiet place to sleep, but those who are looking for fun nightlife will find many suitable accommodations along the boulevard.

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