Barcelona
Mediterranean vocation and art intertwine with elegance and dynamism in the most European of all Spanish cities. Endless images come to mind when we think of the amazing geography of the Mare Nostrum (ancient name given to the Mediterranean Sea).
Among the XIX and XX centuries, Barcelona has loved its first great urban transformation (the second ones corresponds to the celebration of the Olympic Games in 1992). The city has emerged from the mystical and obcure Barrio Gótico and projected itself in a practical, sofisticated way. Catalan bourgeoisie has incentivated the artistic miscegenation incentivou a miscigenação artística (heavily dominated by Modernism), with an architectural model which became a worldwide reference.
Nothing better than to start from the Boquería Mercat (market, in Catalan). Near Las Ramblas, the soul of the city. The market offers a combination of colors, aromas and flavors. Try a bread with tomate which they call pa amb tomaca and see what I am talking about.
Its historical part takes us to Barrio Gótico, a labirynth filled with churches, details and mystery. Crossing Las Ramblas we get to a neighborhood called Del Raval, restored on the last decade and with a vast multiethnic and cultural representation. Pueto Olímpico, near Colón statue, is another spot which deserves attention.
Gaudí is always present in Barcelona. The architect, who has always drawn inspiration from nature, has left a legacy of temples (such as the unfinished Sagrada Familia church), parks (Güell, with a great view) and private houses which have been turned into museums (Batlló or Mila, also known as La Pedrera).
We also shouldn´t ignore Barrio de Gràcia, a neighborhood with an interesting nightlife; Montjuich, the Olympic Games scenery; and Tibidabo park, over a century old and one of the best views in the region.
Gastronomy is another high goal. The main Spanish chefs are catalan. Among them we can mention Ferrán Adriá, alchemist and example in the culinary world; Carme Ruscadella, the woman who got the most number of stars in Michelin guide; and Santi Santamaría, who died recently.
In short, Barcelona is a city for everyone, with great public transportation and ready to attend people coming from all over the world. The mediterranean climate is responsible for humid winters and awesome summer times. If you visit in July and August, please do not let the beaches aside!
Tips
Enjoy a moment of the day to wander in Las Ramblas – the city´s main avenue. There you are able to find street performers from all over the globe, Liceu theater, pubs, stores and other important spots, such as the Puerto Olímpico and the Plaza de Cataluña.
A lesser known place to general tourists, although very popular among locals, is Can Paixano (Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7 – near Las Ramblas), where you´ll find traditional dishes and a locally produced sparkling wine with fair prices.
Regarding hotels, there is a vast amount of options, whether you are after the best price or the best bedroom. With over 36 museums, I would say the most interesting ones include: Museo Picasso (Picasso museum), Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (contemporary art), Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña (national art museum) and, why not, the curious Museo Erótico (erotic museum). For those who are in love with soccer, a visitation to Camp Nou stadium is compulsory.
Among the XIX and XX centuries, Barcelona has loved its first great urban transformation (the second ones corresponds to the celebration of the Olympic Games in 1992). The city has emerged from the mystical and obcure Barrio Gótico and projected itself in a practical, sofisticated way. Catalan bourgeoisie has incentivated the artistic miscegenation incentivou a miscigenação artística (heavily dominated by Modernism), with an architectural model which became a worldwide reference.
Nothing better than to start from the Boquería Mercat (market, in Catalan). Near Las Ramblas, the soul of the city. The market offers a combination of colors, aromas and flavors. Try a bread with tomate which they call pa amb tomaca and see what I am talking about.
Its historical part takes us to Barrio Gótico, a labirynth filled with churches, details and mystery. Crossing Las Ramblas we get to a neighborhood called Del Raval, restored on the last decade and with a vast multiethnic and cultural representation. Pueto Olímpico, near Colón statue, is another spot which deserves attention.
Gaudí is always present in Barcelona. The architect, who has always drawn inspiration from nature, has left a legacy of temples (such as the unfinished Sagrada Familia church), parks (Güell, with a great view) and private houses which have been turned into museums (Batlló or Mila, also known as La Pedrera).
We also shouldn´t ignore Barrio de Gràcia, a neighborhood with an interesting nightlife; Montjuich, the Olympic Games scenery; and Tibidabo park, over a century old and one of the best views in the region.
Gastronomy is another high goal. The main Spanish chefs are catalan. Among them we can mention Ferrán Adriá, alchemist and example in the culinary world; Carme Ruscadella, the woman who got the most number of stars in Michelin guide; and Santi Santamaría, who died recently.
In short, Barcelona is a city for everyone, with great public transportation and ready to attend people coming from all over the world. The mediterranean climate is responsible for humid winters and awesome summer times. If you visit in July and August, please do not let the beaches aside!
Tips
Enjoy a moment of the day to wander in Las Ramblas – the city´s main avenue. There you are able to find street performers from all over the globe, Liceu theater, pubs, stores and other important spots, such as the Puerto Olímpico and the Plaza de Cataluña.
A lesser known place to general tourists, although very popular among locals, is Can Paixano (Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7 – near Las Ramblas), where you´ll find traditional dishes and a locally produced sparkling wine with fair prices.
Regarding hotels, there is a vast amount of options, whether you are after the best price or the best bedroom. With over 36 museums, I would say the most interesting ones include: Museo Picasso (Picasso museum), Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (contemporary art), Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña (national art museum) and, why not, the curious Museo Erótico (erotic museum). For those who are in love with soccer, a visitation to Camp Nou stadium is compulsory.
Author : Rafael Paniagua
Posted in: 10/16/2017
Last modified: 11/27/2017
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