Leaving Barcelona is probably the worst part of taking a vacation to this Catalan metropolis. This port city has become the it city to visit in Spain and rightly so: there are countless places to visit and there is a neighborhood for all types of travelers. Whether you are bohemian, rich, gay, etc. you could call Barcelona home.
Barcelona is a sea-level city with beautiful natural parks surrounding it that seem like mountains. These parks (Parc Güell, Montjüic) provide you with amazing views of the Mediterranean sea, the city, and the landmarks that make up the skyline of Barcelona. Visit Montjuic Park and you see a great fountain show that illuminates the night. This park is also home to the Olympic buildings and stands behind the pompous entrance of Plaça Espanya.
The city is quite centralized. Starting from the sea, the statue of Christopher Columbus begins the journey into central Barcelona by way of Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is a straight path of touristic stores, people, and activity. It is a great start to a vacation in Barcelona and provides multiple gateways in all directions to other landmarks. Here, you will find the huge market place known as La Boqueria. Due to competition here, the food is fresh and relatively cheap. There are great fruit drinks, baked products, and seafood throughout the marketplace and it is a nice way to save money. This is also the area of diversity in prices and styles. The general hint for finding your “spot” is to choose between wide streets and narrow streets. The wide streets in Barcelona are generally located in newer areas and are home to pricey touristic locations and pricey retail stores. Narrow roads throughout the old city provide more bohemian, street, and/or indie boutiques.
It is noteworthy as well that Barcelona is a very tolerant and diverse city; the gay life is bubbling and in many cases there will be more foreigners around than actual Barceloneses. Located in L’Eixample (nicknamed Gayxample, pronounced Lie-Shahm-pluh), the gay district is full of fashion boutiques and trendy bars. On the weekends, the district moves between the nudist beach La Mar Bella and the famous discos in the city. There is also quick and cheap transportation to a virtually all-gay beach town known as Sitges. Throughout the old city, one will find oriental and Arabian stores and restaurants. The food here in this area is relatively cheap as well and doesn’t sacrifice taste for the lower price.
Home to the famous architect Antoní Gaudí, Barcelona stands out from other European cities with its jewels of the “modernisma” era. Starting somewhat in central Barcelona, La Casa Battló and La Pedrera will catch your eye. These two building are located in L’Eixample on the Passeig de Gracia—an area in Barcelona filled with mansions, high-end retail, and a quick route to other locations. Three metro stations away and you will find the crown jewel of Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia. Although under heavy construction, La Sagrada Familia is a breathtaking church visible throughout many areas of Barcelona. Take the metro north, one will find the Parc Güell. It is quite a hike to reach the park—even with the metro—however the view is probably the most beautiful in Barcelona. All these locations have beautiful organic curves and interesting mosaic patterns.
Barcelona has made it very simple for visitors. Every 11 minutes or so, the bus from and to the airport is accessible from main stations and costs between 4 and 5 euros. With so much diversity, it is very easy to integrate into the city not only as a tourist but also as a fellow-Barcelones. The city is awake at virtually all hours of the day. Dinner is usually later around 21:00-22:00. Bars and light drinks begin around 00:00. The discos and real parties began after 02:00 and last until 05:00.
It is advised not to visit during late August/September because the town goes on vacation and lots of amazing places will be closed. However, the city—mentioned multiple times already—is too diverse and lively to ever be boring. Barcelona is a world city and has a home for everyone.
