Date travelled: 25-27 August 2007
Since hosting the Olympic Games in 1992, Barcelona, Spain's second city and capital of the province of Cataluña, has flourished into one of Europe's "coolist" cities.
From El Prat airport, take the R10 train direct to the city centre (journey time 30mins). You are better off purchasing the 10 journey ticket, which gives you 10 single rides on the Metro system and the train system for €6.90, or you can pay €3 for just one single ticket. I stayed at the Hotel Comercio, which is just off the main boulevard of Barcelona, the Rambla.
The first area I recommend visiting in Barcelona is the Barri Gothic region. Just off the Rambla, The Barri Gothic is the medievel heart of the city, and contains many beautiful buildings. For example, the gothic cathedral can be found here.
Perhaps the most famous building in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia (Metro Stop Sagrada Familia). This truly magnificant cathedral is still under construction, and is scheduled to be completed in 2026. You can have a walk around the parts of the cathedral that have been completed for €8.
The Sagrada Familia.
If you love your football, you will know that Barcelona is the home of the biggest stadium in Europe, and home of FC Barcelona. As you walk around the city, you cannot help but notice the posters of their heroes displayed in many shops, and youngsters wearing the shirts with pride. The stadium itself, the Nou Camp (Metro station Collblanc), has a capacity of up to 120,000 people. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium (cost €11.50), and you are given a one in a lifetime chance of lifting a replica European Cup! If you are visiting on a Sunday, be aware that the stadium shuts earlier on this day than other days.
The Nou Camp.
To the east of the city is the Arc de Triompf (yes another Arc de Triompf!)(Metro Arc de Triompf). This perticular one was built in 1888 for the Universal Exposition, a celebration of Barcelona opening trade routes with the new world.
Arc de Triompf.
Perhaps on the more interesting modern buildings is the Torre Agbor (Metro Glores). This "gerkin" building displays a lovely lightshow in the evenings.
Torre Agbor.
If you like your shopping, or just general hussle and bussle, then the Rambla is the place for you. This wide boulevard contains many bars, restaurants, boutiques and street entertainers, all nicely shaded by the trees.
Rambla.
Just off the Rambla is a small yet vibrant square, called Plaça Reial. This square is the centre of youth nightlife in the city, and has a high concentration of bars.
Plaça Reial.
To the west of the city, is the region of Montjuïc. This area was the heart of the 1992 Olympic games, and the beautiful Palau Nacional, with its impressive fountain.
Palau Nacional.
Perhaps the true centre of modern day Barcelona is Plaça de Catalunya. This shaded square is full of cafés and more street entertainers. Barcelona's main transport network all converge here too.
Plaça de Catalunya.
If you like your heights, you can take a trip to Tibidabo, to the north of the city. take the L7 Metro to the end of the line, then you can take the tram half way up the hill (€3.70 return), then the funicular up to the top (€3 return). The views of Barcelona, the mountains and the mediterranean are simply incredible.
The view from Tibidabo.
You will also notice there is a church here, with Jesus Christ looking down over the city. There is also a theme park here (tickets €20).
Church on Tibidabo.
Barcelona is of course also by the sea, so a nice way to finish your visit would be visiting the beach and marina. On a nice day, flocks of locals come here to soak up the sun and top up their tans. You can of course take the cable car here if you like.
Barcelona Beach.
In terms of local cuisine, you cannot go wrong with a Piella, a mixture of meat, vegetables or seafood, served piping hot with rice. The local beers include San Miguel or my favourite Estrella Damm. Of course when in Barcelona, you must try the Sangria, a blend of red wine and fruit served chilled with ice. Be warned this stuff is suprisingly deceptive, and can make you lose your legs! The cost of a decent two course meal with drinks on the Rambla is €20.
So if you are looking for a groovy weekend away in the sun, say Hola to Barcelona!
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