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Whether for business or pleasure, a gastronomic visit or to see Gaudi's feasts for the eyes, Barcelona really does have something for everyone: Buildings that look like monsters in one glance and like they are melting in the next, restaurants offering unlimited all-you-can-eat seafood for very modest prices, nightlife which doesn't stop and a plethora of bars. Welcome to cloud nine.
Here are some things you should make time to see on your trip.
First Time in Barcelona.
La Rambla is the most famous street in the city, which is peppered with hotels and a few bars. The main attraction is the free entertainment in the form of performing arts and human statues. The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) is packed with bars and restaurants.
Gaudi's buildings offer a unique perspective on architecture, and even make it interesting for those of us who never really appreciated that "je ne sais quoi" that others enjoy in buildings. His buildings have evoked comments like George Orwell's "one of the most hideous buildings in the world", but nevertheless, the Sagrada Família is the most visited attraction in Barcelona. Some of the most interesting Gaudi works are: Passieg de Gracia: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, Sagrada Familia - his famous unfinished cathedral, and Park Güell - the magical gardens.
Some other key attractions include the Port Olímpic, a tacky neon lit development put up for the 1992 Olympics which is fun in the summer time, and Port Vell, or the Old Port which was changed beyond recognition also for the Olympic Games. For the best view of Barcelona try the Ferris wheel in Tibidabo.
Done the basics.
Time for something else. It depends who you talk to, but Raval, which is to the west of La Rambla is either a seedy district or a trendy upstart offering youth culture and plenty of alternative entertainment. Art fans will also want to check out the contemporary art museum (MACBA).
Once you’ve seen the main sights, there is plenty more to do. Firshermen used to live in Barceloneta, an area in the port deeply concentrated with residential housing. It’s very different from the rest of the city.
There are several museums worth a visit, among which are the Museu Maritim and MNAC.
One of the more unconventional attractions is the dancing water fountains (Font Magica) in Montjüic which is accompanied by a sound and light spectacular.
And if you still have not run out of energy, there are several day trips from Barcelona, such as to the lovely town of Sitges which has a harbour of boats which betray their owners’ wealth. Andorra is not much to look at, but there are great tax free shopping bargains to be had there. It’s quite a distance though, so you’ll need an early start. In the winter time the area offers pleasant skiing. Then there is Montserrat, the sacred mountain, where there is an excellent cable car ride to the top.
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