Barcelona is a scintillating city with volumes to offer in a reasonably walkable space, although its excellent metro system can whisk you to all parts of town in a matter of minutes. The city is heavily influenced by art, cuisine and it’s location on the shores of the Mediterranean. It’s cosmopolitan without thinking too much of itself - or trying too hard - yet you can easily find great old world neighborhoods to wander through as much as new chic ones. Antoni Gaudi's innovative constructions – found throughout the city - are not to be missed, nor is the opportunity to laze the day away sitting in one of the city's numerous excellent restaurants and cafes.
I enjoyed the following during my stay in Barcelona:
La Ramblas - the city’s most famous thoroughfare runs from Plaza Catalunya (the main square) to the oceanfront. It’s full of restaurants, shops, hotels, street vendors and street performers which keep you entertained as you stroll along it. While it’s good, there is plenty more (and better) to see, so check it out then move on.
La Sagrada Familia - the ever-evolving masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi which is still only half complete some 125 years after it was begun. But, what exists today is stunning and absolutely mesmerizing. The unique design which seeps into even the smallest details is astounding and it’s difficult not to spend hours, if not days, admiring the genius of Gaudi even if (perhaps especially) you aren’t an artsy type.
Park Guell - another Gaudi design which cements his genius and more than anything just makes for one of the best parks you might ever wander around. Unique touches on walkways, park buildings, and the grounds themselves make it feel a little like Dr. Seuss meets Alice In Wonderland in the most excellent of ways.
La Barceloneta - the city’s oceanfront promenade which stretches from the old Olympic Village towards La Ramblas. I was there in early spring and there were a good number of people enjoying the walk along the Mediterranean, as well as the restaurants and stores, and I’m sure it must be ideal come summer.
La Ribera - a hidden gem of Barcelona right near the main tourist areas. It extends just beyond the slightly touristy Gothic neighborhood, but is home to more locals-oriented shops and restaurants. It’s labyrinthine network of narrow old world streets and walkways have plenty of character and make it one of the coolest areas in the city.
Arc de Triomf - Barcelona’s version of Paris’ more famous monument, but equally worthwhile. It sits at the end of a long promenade that stretches to the great Parc de la Ciutadella. There’s not much to do other than see it, but it’s worth the walk on the way to or from the park.
Parc de la Ciutadella - Barcelona’s great city park that’s also home to what is supposedly one of the better zoos in Europe (I didn’t go to the zoo). It has well-manicured gardens, but it isn’t so big that it would take hours to walk around it. It’s just the right size and a great place scenic diversion from the city life.
La Pedrera - probably Gaudi’s second most famous design, an apartment complex that seems to be melting with its sloping and twisting façade. The interior is now a museum which details Gaudi’s intriguing life as well as many of the other buildings he designed in the area. The attic is fascinating and the roof patio is unbelievable. Well worth the wait in the reasonable line for a ticket.
Casa Botlllo - one of the coolest of Gaudi’s architectural designs in the city (there are many). It’s the former residence of Gaudi’s client at the time and looks surreal from the exterior alone. The interior has only been open to the public for a few years, but promises even more amazing features inside although I ran out of time to check it out during my visit.
Montjuic - the city’s immense parklands that sit on a prominent and scenic hill to the south of the city center. It’s home to the Olympic Park, Botanical Gardens, an art museum, and a gondola that will take you to the top of the hill for great sights of the city. But, just walking around the grounds provides plenty of great scenery to make the quick trip from the city center worthwhile.
Passieg de Gracia - Barcelona’s version of 5th avenue with high-end (and mid-level) brand stores lining the wide boulevard stretching from Plaza Catalunya to the western edge of the city. La Pedrera and Casa Botllo can be found about halfway up as well.
Wash ‘n Dry - located a few doors down from Gaudi’s Casa Guell on a side street about halfway down La Ramblas. Clean, quick self-wash launderette.
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