If you only visit one city in Spain, it probably should be Barcelona. It's sophisticated, elegant and romantic, but has the energy and raffishness of a port city.
April 25, 2006 (Press Release) --
If you only visit one city in Spain, it probably should be Barcelona. It's sophisticated, elegant and romantic, but has the energy and raffishness of a port city. The inspiring and unique architecture of Antoni Gaudí is evident in buildings such as the Sagrada Família church and Parc Güell, and its world-class museums include Museu Picasso and the Fundació Joan Miró. There is a fascinating old quarter, the Barri Gòtic, and a night scene that rivals any in the country.
As a starting point, the area around La Rambla, Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol and Plaça Reial is a good place to pick up the vibe of the city. There's a buzz of activity and a constant stream of people promenading and enjoying the scene. There are hundreds of cafés, bars, shops and sights.
In the north of the city, the fantasyland of Parc Güell showcases Gaudí's work. For more modernism, try the Passeig de Gràcia and its surrounds. For one of the best modern art museums in Spain, head to the Fundació Joan Miró.
Barcelona has an imposing Gothic cathedral, where each Sunday at noon crowds gather for the performance of the sardana, a traditional Catalan dance. Just east of the cathedral is the fascinating Museu d'Història de la Ciutat (City History Museum), which features a subterranean walk through excavated portions of Roman and Visigothic Barcelona.
For retail therapy, the markets are great places to shop. The best are Els Encants Vells, a good second-hand market at Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes; the antiques market on Plaça Nova; and the crafts market at Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol. There are also enough chic boutiques to keep the fashion-conscious happy for weeks.
When you're all shopped out, there's always food and drink to pass the time. Barcelona has a seemingly endless variety of bars that are much more than just watering holes. The greatest concentration of bars and restaurants is within walking distance of La Rambla. There are many places to stay in the old city on either side of La Rambla.
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
As a starting point, the area around La Rambla, Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol and Plaça Reial is a good place to pick up the vibe of the city. There's a buzz of activity and a constant stream of people promenading and enjoying the scene. There are hundreds of cafés, bars, shops and sights.
In the north of the city, the fantasyland of Parc Güell showcases Gaudí's work. For more modernism, try the Passeig de Gràcia and its surrounds. For one of the best modern art museums in Spain, head to the Fundació Joan Miró.
Barcelona has an imposing Gothic cathedral, where each Sunday at noon crowds gather for the performance of the sardana, a traditional Catalan dance. Just east of the cathedral is the fascinating Museu d'Història de la Ciutat (City History Museum), which features a subterranean walk through excavated portions of Roman and Visigothic Barcelona.
For retail therapy, the markets are great places to shop. The best are Els Encants Vells, a good second-hand market at Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes; the antiques market on Plaça Nova; and the crafts market at Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol. There are also enough chic boutiques to keep the fashion-conscious happy for weeks.
When you're all shopped out, there's always food and drink to pass the time. Barcelona has a seemingly endless variety of bars that are much more than just watering holes. The greatest concentration of bars and restaurants is within walking distance of La Rambla. There are many places to stay in the old city on either side of La Rambla.
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
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