Overview
No matter how many times you visit Barcelona, there's always something new to discover. It has a fascinating culture and history, as well as miraculous architecture. Plus, it's right on the Mediterranean coast, so it also has beautiful beaches.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region in northern Spain. Catalonia was an independent nation before becoming part of Spain, and Barcelonans are very proud of their Catalan history. They consider themselves Catalan first, then Spanish, and they speak their own language, which is also called Catalan. Most restaurants have Spanish and English menus, especially touristy places, but it would be a good idea to get a guidebook that has useful Catalan phrases and words.
Sights/Landmarks/To Do
Gothic Quarter: The most popular neighborhood to explore in Barcelona is the Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter. Gothic Square is Barcelona's historical center, and the Cathedral of Barcelona is the centerpiece of the Gothic Quarter. It has a beautiful façade. Walk around the entire building to see breathtaking views of its architecture.
Las Ramblas: Las Ramblas is a grand 1-mile, tree-lined boulevard, stretching through the city and ending at the Mediterranean Sea. It's a crowded street, where the pedestrian is king. Cars are pushed off to the side, allowing waves of people to stroll up and down the boulevard. Be sure to make a stop at La Boqueria, one of the best food markets in Europe.
Port Olimpic (Olympic Village): The port used to be an industrial, "wouldn't want to be down there if you valued your life," kind of place, but when Barcelona was picked to host the 1992 Olympics, all that changed. The area was converted into the Olympic Village and is now one of the city's top destinations. It has many wonderful restaurants and is a great place to sit outside in the near-perfect Mediterranean climate and drink a glass of Chardonnay and dine on fresh seafood at the marina.
Metro: Ciutadella, Vila Olimpica.
Passeig de Gràcia: Passeig de Gràcia is Barcelona's most elegant avenue. It's also one of the best architectural walks in the city. Luxurious hotels, residences and expensive shops line the boulevard.
Casa Batlló: Barcelona has been heavily influenced by the work of one architect in particular, Antoni Gaudi. His work is easy to spot, and the Casa Batlló is an incredible example. The façade depicts the slaying of a dragon by Saint George, the patron saint of the city. To get a glimpse of the inside, you have to pay, but it's well worth it. The Casa Batlló was an existing house that Gaudi completely remade for a very wealthy textile family. The entranceway was designed to make you feel like you're inside the dragon, with a wooden vertebrae staircase and lights like reptile eyes. When the home was finished, people were so scared of it that they actually nicknamed it the House of Bones. It will stop you in your tracks.
Web: www.casabatllo.es
Where: Casa Batlló, No.43 Passeig de Gràcia, Metro: Passeig de Gràcia
La Sagrada Familia: Antoni Gaudi is the architect behind many of the buildings in Barcelona, including one so massive, so overpowering in scope, that even unfinished, it is the symbol of the city. It's the Temple de la Sagrada Familia, the Sacred Family, and there is nothing else like it in the world. Gaudi's design was so elaborate that it was unable to be completed in his lifetime (he was killed by a trolley car in 1926). He envisioned the entire Bible carved into its stone, with the three main façades of the cathedral depicting the life and times of Jesus Christ: the Nativity, the Passion and the Glory. Four towers on each of the three sides would represent the 12 apostles. Allow at least two hours to see Temple de la Sagrada Familia - you'll need nearly that much time to stand in amazement.
Web: www.sagradafamilia.org
Address: Plaça de la Sagrada Família, Metro: Sagrada Família
Hours: Oct.-March, daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; April-Sept., daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Montjuïc: If you visit Barcelona, you must take a cable car across the port up to Montjuïc mountain, where the 1992 Olympic Games took place. Overlooking the city, the mountain has become a recreation and leisure destination. One highlight on Montjuïc is El Poble Espanyol, the Spanish Village, which was originally built for the 1929 Barcelona World Exposition. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to wander in and out of, and lots of artisans are featured throughout the village. You can really make a nice stay of it up on Montjuïc. If you do visit, get the Montjuïc Card. This visitor's pass gives you deals on transportation and admission.
Address: Passeig Joan de Borbó s/n, Metro: Barceloneta
Hours: Daily, 10:45 a.m.-7 p.m.
Culture
The Sardana: Residents of Barcelona consider themselves Catalan first, then Spanish. Part of that Catalan pride is on show every day, right in front of the cathedral, where people join in the sardana - the national dance of Catalonia. When the brass band starts to play, watch out. Immediately, hands clasp and a circle is formed. It's obvious who the pros are, but first-timers are always welcome.
Hotels
The Hotel Claris: This luxury hotel is located in the restored 19th-century Palace Vedruna, in an elegant neighborhood full of wide tree-lined streets, town houses and former palaces. Sleek and stylish, the lobby features a glass hallway with water streaming across it. Guests of the hotel are drawn to its blend of old and new. A fifth-century Roman mosaic hangs, for example, over a curvaceous, sexy, retro sofa. On the first floor, you'll find a gallery of ancient Egyptian artifacts, and on the rooftop, a pool terrace. The furniture and lighting are all custom-made for the hotel, and every room has its own piece of original artwork. When booking a room, remember that exterior rooms face the street, and interior rooms face a courtyard. The rooms on the courtyard are quieter, but the rooms on the exterior obviously allow for better views.
Web: www.derbyhotels.es
Food/Restaurants/Bars
El Xampanyet Bar: This brightly lit, family run bar is one of the most popular places in town to enjoy some salty anchovies, the house specialty, with a glass of cava, a sparkling white wine.
Where: Montcada 22, Metro: Jaume I
4 Gats: This famous restaurant is housed in a beautiful building. Picasso used to hang out there. In fact, he staged his very first exhibition at the restaurant, showing some of his sketches and drawings to friends. 4 Gats is and was a very Bohemian, artistic hangout.
Where: Carrer Montsio 3-bis
La Boqueria: Year after year, this food market is voted one of the best in Europe. Stop by to pick up some fruit and cheese, eat at one of the frenetic lunch counters, or just walk around taking pictures of the produce, which is stacked up like art.
Web: www.boqueria.info
Where: Rambla 91, Metro: Liceu
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