Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a quite vibrant and touristic city. However, not very long ago, it used to be an industrial city. When General Franco ruled, he condemned the city in industrialism, without leveraging its fantastic position in the Mediterranean sea. Perhaps because the Catalans resisted during the Spanish Civil war.
After "the miracle" of the 1992 Olympic Games, the city transformed into a beautiful, accessible and youthful city. In Barcelona, the greatest change took place along the Mediterranean coast where the previous industrial zone and rubbish yard transformed into a 2 mile exotic beach and a modern marina.
According to businessinsider.com, Olympic infrastructure created for the games is thought to have provided over 20,000 permanent jobs for Barcelona. After the olympics,the city became a glamorous and trend-setting place, blossoming with culture, arts and tourism. The IOC says that 20 years after the games Barcelona is now the 12th most popular city destination for tourists in the world, and the 5th in Europe.
There is too much written for this city, which offers a bunch of attractions and a huge variety of bars and restarants. Here is my personal piece of advice.
1. Walk the city
2. Visit Gaudis masterpieces
The green oasis of the city have a name: Parc de la Ciutadella and Parc Guell.
4. Tapas, caña, clara y sangria
5. Barrio Gotico
7. Beach anyone? La Barceloneta!
8. Walk the famous Las Ramblas
9. If you are a football fan then visit camp Nou
Because Barca is so much more than a team..
10. Barcelona Markets
All photos taken by thanosg aka clopy-paste.tumblr.com
1. Walk the city
Having a quite big metro trespassing the city, avoid the temptation to use it all the time! Wear your snickers and walk around a bit. Its hidden treasures can be found in the most unexpected corners and streets. Graffitis, bars, taverns, secret concerts etc.
Look at this installation in the middle of a square!
Even if you don't want to spend so much money (it costs from 15-20 euros to enter each of Gaudi's buildings) you definitely have to see at least on the outside Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo, La Pedrera and Parc Guell.
3. Barcelona's Parks
The green oasis of the city have a name: Parc de la Ciutadella and Parc Guell.
Spain is very famous for its delicacies. Jamon, chorizo, salchichon, lomo, patatas bravas are only examples as the catalogue is huge. Take profit of the tapas and eat as many times as you can during the day!
Caña is the tap beer and clara (or clarita) is beer with lemonade. Try it, it is my favourite although seems more like a refreshment that an alcoholic beverage.
I can recommend the Carrer del forn de la Fonda which is a square with bars where you can eat and drink like a local and La Granja (Carrer dels banys nous, Barri Gotic) for crema catalana and on the same road there is a local production shop for churros.
5. Barrio Gotico
One of my favourite areas is the gothic quarter. Small narrow and dirty paths, really complicated, seem to me like a medieval labyrinth. Enjoy the small shops, the cute restos and cafes and the really interesting people in this neighborhood.
6. If you are not afraid of heights take the teleferic from Montjuic to Barceloneta. The view is amazing!
It is a short trip - but you do not need more, believe me. You feel like you fly over Barcelona and the view of Barceloneta is extraordinary from there!
7. Beach anyone? La Barceloneta!
The 2 mile beach is full of people every day during summer. Have a walk or better rent a bike to see it. The palm trees are magical and give an exotic tone to the area. There are so many chiringuitos (beach bars) to have a coffee or eat something, visit La Guingetta which is located in la Playa de San Sebastia and for paella El Gallito at Paseo Mare Nostrum or La Barraca at Passeig Marítim.
8. Walk the famous Las Ramblas
What can I say about that street. Although the most touristic spot in Barcelona I love that wide paved street and the shadow by the trees from both sides. I also love its ending to the statue of Colon.
Because Barca is so much more than a team..
10. Barcelona Markets
You should not miss drinking a freshly made exotic juice in the famous La Boqueria and feel the vibe inside that market. The perfect stop over for a cold delicious and healthy drink before you continue your walk. However, if this is too touristic for you, there is also Mercat de Santa Caterina with less tourism and more food options and Encants Vells which is a totally outdoor market hiding little treasures!
11. Palo Alto Market
Palo Alto Market is a new outdoor and sophisticated market in Barcelona, based on the concept of street food. It is an "urban oasis" with spectacular scenery where talent and sensibility mixes to enjoy with the five senses.
A group of professionals envisioned this market, wanting to redefine the exhibition, art and commerce, recover the original meaning of the market, take the street initiative, applaud the radical research and risk, cultivate and promote sustainable trade, regaining alive, free and independent spaces and learn to enjoy the joy of life.
Check the calendar of events http://www.paloaltomarket.com/es/home and if you are lucky you will be experiencing a unique local atmosphere there.
12. Wanna shop? Head to the outlet road.
Do you know Mango? Nice things? Javier Simorra? Montana?
Now you can find amazing deals without even getting off the city! Just take the metro and get off at Girona station. At Carrer de Girona you will definitely find some treasures!
Good luck and have fun!
Good luck and have fun!
All photos taken by thanosg aka clopy-paste.tumblr.com
Bonita in BCN
2 σχόλια
I've never been to Barcelona, but I wish I could visit this beautiful city one day. Hope I will. :)
ReplyDeleteYour photos are great and it's nice of You that You wrote some information about Barcelona!
Mój blog- ultradefenceless
Thank you Oliwia! Barcelona is so cool and fascinating you should visit one day! After all it is not that far from Krakow! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you traveled a bit through the photos :)
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