The Personalities of Barcelona
Barcelona is captivated as a cosmopolitan metropolis. However, it is far more than just one city, and instead it is several personalities rolled into one. Along each turn, history unfolds itself in this city caressing the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the mountains on the other. Museums, theatre, galleries, music and a casino add to the jam-packed Bohemian flavour of Barcelona which makes it well worth a visit if spending your holidays in Spain.
Not to Be Missed
• Gothic Quarter (Barri Gothic): Historically, the old quarter is considered the ancient Roman portion of Barcelona. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets, where you will come across buildings and monuments of great historic value including the beautiful La Seu Cathedral. The plaza is a meeting place, with residents doing folk dances, stamp and antique booths, and street fairs.
• Sagrada Familia: The Sagrade Familia is the jewel of Barcelona and considered its icon. This Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece church began in 1891 and is not yet completed. Visitors can view the inside and climb to the roof viewing several spiral towers adorned with sculptures of vibrant fruits.
• El Paseo de Gracia: This upscale street is similar to upper 5th Avenue in NYC with a twist. Fondly known as the Discord Block, it is a mishmash of the architectural contrasts. But what a distinction it is, with most notably, the signature multi-colored and vivid ceramics in Gaudi designed townhouses and the open to the public, Casa Batilló.
• Montjuïc Mountain: Montjuïc Mountain is the area where much of the 1992 Olympic Games took place. It is now a recreation and leisure objective. Throughout the gardens and paths, are museums including Joan Miró, Nacional Museum of Art and El Poble Espanyo. The latter is an open air museum representing the different regions of Spain, including, culture, food and crafts.
Beaches
Barcelona offers miles of sandy Mediterranean beaches at its front door. The beaches are fully equipped and eating facilities are just a step away.
Dining
No matter what location of Barcelona, it is an international “restaurant row.” From 4 and 5-star dining to fast food, no palate will be left out. One of the nicest places to dine is along the waterfront for some of the best seafood available in Barcelona. Remember, lunch is the largest meal of the day in Barcelona, and dinner time does not begin until 9PM.
Transportation
Getting around Barcelona is easy and inexpensive for use on the bus, metro or tram with a T-10 card. Purchase this 10 trip pass at any metro station. A popular alternative is the Bus Turistic (open-topped double-deck bus). Hop-on hop-off the bus to discover all the points of interest.
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