One of the most treasured destinations in the world, Barcelona has “something” that other cities are missing. I’m not sure if it is about the contrasts, the brightness or the spirit but the city of Gaudi has become a living piece of art and a great destination for people around the world.
1. SHOPPING
Barcelona is a paradise for shopping addicts. From clothes, shoes, accessories to diverse handmade objects and decorations, perfumes and cosmetics, the capital of Catalonia offers a great collection of boutiques, shops, malls, markets and more to satisfy every single taste. On the famous Las Ramblas you will find the houses of illustrious designers like Versace, Armani, Burberry and the famous Spanish clothing brands- Zara, Bershka, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Pull and Bear and Stradivarius. Another place you should not miss especially when you’re looking for electronics is El Corte Ingles. Barcelona, like the entire Spain, is recognized for its massive discounts-“rebaixes/rebajas”. Every year, there are two main periods when people from all over Europe are coming here to shop. The first stage begins on 15th January when you can buy winter clothes at 10% of the first price. The history repeats itself in the summer, starting with 15th July. Mercat de la Boqueria situated on La Rambla de Sant Josep is one of the best food markets in the world and the oldest public market of Europe, with the freshest seafood, vegetables and fruits.
2. MUSEUMS
It would be a shame not to learn a little about Barcelona’s culture, not to explore its beauties and not to visit at least a few museums from the total of 55 of this tremendous metropolis. Sagrada Familia, the city’s emblem and the most complex work of Antonio Gaudi is situated on Calle Mallorca and it reveals the life and the genius of an artist and one of the most bizarre architectural styles. La Pedrera, the most unusual building in Barcelona, another Gaudi’s creation hosts an important collection of renaissance and modern art paintings. Joan Miro Foundation is a very special museum located in Parc de Montjuic where Miro’s works are exposed in their highest form, all wrapped in a contagious serenity. Picasso Museum is definitely a “must” when traveling to Barcelona. Here you’ll find the brilliance of a young artist, exposed in more than 3,500 works. Words are poor to describe such a legend, so you better go see for yourself this exhibition hall in Ciudad Vella. The Dali Museum is maybe the most interesting museum in Spain. Located in Figueres(1h and 30min driving from Barcelona), the village where Slvador Dali was born, the museum is highly recommended being a vast display of his work.
3. BEACHES
Barceloneta, Mar Bella, Nova Icaria and Bogatell are Barcelona’s beautiful main beaches and one of the reasons why this destination is one of the most popular around Europe. The 4.5 km of coast under the Spanish sun are an opportunity to catch a golden tan, to enjoy a great range of watersports, to relax and to party. On the cliff there are some of the hottest bars in town- “Icebarcelona” – the first ice bar in the world, located on a beach.
4. Night out
Barcelona’s nightlife is vibrant, diverse, fashionable and sparkly. Spanish people love to have fun and this is reflected in their way of life, in the great collection of bars, clubs, lounges, coffee shops, after hours and restaurants. The best areas to go out are: Barri Gotic and Las Ramblas -in the city’s centre, L’Eixample– in the North (also a great gay scene), Maremagnum– the biggest mall in Barcelona which is -half shopping center by day -half clubs by night and Port Olimpic– in the Olympic yachting marina. The most famous clubs of this cosmopolitan city are: CDLC Club, Mondo Club, Catwalk Club, Razzmatazz, Row 14 Club and the legendary Harlem Jazz Club.
5. PARK GUEL
Born from a Eusebi Guel’s idea as a stylish park for Barcelona’s upper classes, the park was once a well-developed project, established after the English model to sell the houses inside it. The plan was a fiasco, no building was sold and that made Park Guel one of the main attractions of Catalonia. Astonishing stone structures, vibrant colors, mosaic tiles, gingerbread houses, a Gaudi museum, Sala Hipostila- a great platform overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea, are creating a spectacular realm of fairytale.
6. LAS RAMBLAS
Barcelona would not be the same without Las Ramblas, the most famous boulevard of Barcelona which is actually a collection of 5 streets, starting with Rambla de Canaletes-in Plaza de Catalonia and ending with Rambla del Mar which leads you to Maremagnum. Las Ramblas is a living spectacle, filled with all kinds of artists, performers, colored stalls, street dancers, singing guitars, best restaurants, bars, elegant terraces, shops, sumptuous trees, living statues and flowers all over.
7. MONTJUIC
Montjuic is another principal attraction of Barcelona featuring a great number of sights. Poble Espanyol is a collection of different styles Spanish houses remembering the 1929 International Exhibition that took place on this hill. Castel de Montjuic was built by the Bourbons to defend the city and now it hosts the Museu Militar (Military Museum). Other important attractions on Montjuic are: Palau National, Montjuic Gardens, Anella Olimpica, Mies van der Rohe Pavilion and the Magic Fountain.
Photo by Ricard Aparicio
