A guide to Barcelona.
The city of Barcelona is located in Catalonia, a region in the northeast of Spain. The city has many architectural landmarks, parks and several urban beaches on the Mediterranean coast.
The beautiful mosaic in Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain. Taken last July 2012.
Take a stroll in the parks.
There are many parks in this coastal city. The Ciutadella park is located close to the city center and is one of the city’s largest parks. The Cascada fountain, an arch with an artificial waterfall designed by Gaudí, is one of the park’s main features. There are several museums located in the park, including the historical Martorell Museum and the Laboratory of Nature, a science museums with several galleries with exhibits from the Natural History Museum. The city zoo is located in the park.
Explore the architecture.
The city’s is known for its many ancient buildings, Gothic churches, medieval houses and renaissance palaces. Visitors will be able to walk around the city center. The Sagrada Familia is one of the city’s symbols. This large, unfinished cathedral was designed by Gaudí. Visitors will be able to climb up one of the towers, which has views towards the city.
The Sagrada Familia under construction during our visit last July 2012.
Barcelona is a city that can be explored on foot. The centric Eixample district is located near the Passeig de Gràcia, a large boulevard filled with chic lounges, designer stores and several boutique hotels with city views. Two of Gaudís buildings are located in this area. Casa Batlló is a sandstone building with a facade covered in trencadis, traditional colourful mosaic pieces. There are several skull shaped balconies. The rooftop is decorated with large statues covered in mosaics. The nearby Casa Milá is known for its wavy stone facade. There are no straight lines inside this building. Visitors will be able to climb on the rooftop, where they will find chimney in the shape of warriors and views towards the city center.
The city’s Gothic Quarter is one of the city’s most popular places. This ancient district has narrow cobbled streets and many dark Gothic buildings. The Seu Cathedral is one of its main landmarks, and after touring the cathedral visitors will be able to tour the cloister. This district has many boutiques and lounges and there are several clubs. A short walk away is Las Ramblas, a set of main streets with large boulevards filled with colourful flowers stalls, kiosks and street performers.
Enjoy tapas and visit the markets.
Barcelona is a city known for its variety of food. Those on a budget will be able to visit one of the city’s many markets, and those willing to splurge will be able to have dinner at one of the city’s Michelin restaurants. There are many tapas bars that serve these traditional Spanish appetizers with each drink ordered, and those who want lunch at a restaurant will be able to enjoy a menú del día, an affordable menu that includes two main courses, dessert and a refreshing drink.
The city’s main market is La Boquería market, which is located steps away from the Las Ramblas, a set of main street and boulevards that cross the city. Inside the market visitors will find El Quim, one of the city’s main tapas bars. There are several other markets near the city center.
Most traditional bars serve breakfasts, and the pan tumaca bread drizzled in olive oil and fresh tomato is a popular breakfast option. In the Las Ramblas area and the city’s sea promenade there are many tapas bars and lounges where visitors will be able to enjoy Catalonian, ethnic and international meals. After dinner visitors will be able to party until dawn in one of the city’s many clubs.
