A Walk Around Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the few cities in the world that has it all: culture, history, architecture, sports, nightlife, beaches, authentic spirit. Besides it is among the top 5 easy accessible places in Europe. Millions of tourists travel to Barcelona by planes, ships, cars and buses. The majority of the travelers prefer to use one of the three airports that serve the capital of Catalonia. The most convenient of course is Barcelona International Airport in El Prat, while the other two Reus and Girona are approximately 100 km from the city. All of them offer excellent transportation to the center and tempting cheap flights to barcelona that you should consider every one of the three.
When organizing a stay in Barcelona have in mind that this multicultural place will surprise you with variety of attractions and things to do and flying back home you will realize that you couldn’t see or do half of the things you wanted to. Of course there are some attractions that are simply a must for everybody who had the luck to set foot in Barcelona.
The city architecture and some of the tours organized in the Catalan capital are dominated by Antoni Gaudí. The Spanish master became a superstar in the architecture. His influence can be noticed in the work of many modern architectures. His buildings give Barcelona unique charm and will mark your walks around the city. Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are usually among the first places in every traveler’s list. But La Pedrera and Casa Batlló are also worth visiting. One of the hidden treasures that many tourists simply forget about is Palau Güell. The recently renovated building with breathtaking interior and funny roof is just off Las Ramblas.
And while you are there treat yourself with one of the best experience in the city: a walk across the tree lined pedestrian mall. Las Ramblas is actually a 1.2 km compilation of shorter streets connecting Plaça de Catalunya with Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell harbour. If you can go to only one place in Barcelona pick this one and at the end of the walk you will probably understand why Federico García Lorca said “This is the only street in the world that I wish would never end”.
If you are looking for something spectacular to put a grand finale to your day in Barcelona, head towards Palau Nacional on the Monjuic Hill. There from 1929 till now tourists can witness pure magic in the form of a fountain. It may sounds a little exaggerated at first but after all this is Magic Fountain and must be seen. Just be sure to check the schedule for the show, which by the way is one of the greatest attractions in the city and is absolutely free.
Barcelona offers a sports Mecca as well. This is the Camp Nou stadium, home of the famous Barça football club. The guided tour will take you through the Museum, the changing room, the players’ tunnel, the dugouts, the press room and the commentators’ box. If FCB plays at Nou Camp while you are in Barcelona be sure not to miss that show. If soccer is a religion, Nou Camp is a cathedral.
When in Barcelona, forget about the fear of being lost. In fact challenge your fears: go to Barrio Gótico in the old city center and just walk through the narrow streets around the old Roman walls until you find your own way back. The buildings there are from Medieval times and some of the landmarks of the city are also situated in the Barrio Gótico waiting to be discovered.
photo credit: Paco CT via photopin cc
