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Barcelona – The Beautiful Capital Of Catalonia

Barcelona is another great and fantastic city in Europe that I love so much! I have been visited twice and still feel as if I have not seen as much as I could or should have. There is so much to see and do there, you have no chance of ever getting bored. 

Though I have never taken the Metro in Barcelona, I have been told it is relatively easy to use to navigate your way around the city.

We walked around a lot, and made use of the Hop On Hop Off bus as our time was limited and we wanted to see as much as we possibly could. 

Besides, the weather was great on both occasions. Not to hot and not too cold. Just the way I like it.

Spending Time In  The City

If you love to go out to drink and party, you will love being in Barcelona. I grew out of my partying and clubbing phase well over 10 years ago, so I can’t tell you much about the club scene except that it is very much alive here. 

The Spanish eat late, drink late and go out late. People head out to clubs at about 01:00 and party until the sun rises. All this not just on weekends, but during the week too.

Most of the action is centered around La Rambla, the wide boulevard stretching from Plaça de Catalunya (the city center) to the Port Vell.

The last time I was here, I was with a group of friends and we had a great time. I was able to see Barcelona through different eyes.

Traveling with friends is quite an experience. You will love that post about our hilarious experience. 

Stunning Architecture In The City

Barcelona is well-known for its architecture which is one of the reasons I love it.

Very different to the architecture here in Austria where I live, but amazing in its’ own right.

Casa Milà

The Casa Milà which is popularly known as La Pedrera meaning the ‘The Quarry’.

It was the last civil work designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, built between the years 1906 and 1912.

Park Güell

The park has beautiful gardens and nice scenery, plus it is a great example of Gaudi’s work as well as beautiful views of the city.

It is a big hill to walk up to get to it, so if you don’t like walking too much or want to save yourself from climbing up all those stairs,  you should take the bus. I am not the walking or hiking type, but it is more fun walking up.

The tour costs 7 Euro so that’s pretty decently priced.

The only reason we decided against it because we wanted to see and explore the park ourselves.

The park overlooks the entire city of Barcelona and is breathtaking.

A great place for art and architecture lovers.

The Gorgeous Palace!

So Much To See And Do

Barcelona – How Does He Do That? Sitting In The Air?

Placa de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya, in English “Catalonia Square”; is a large square in central Barcelona that is serves both at its city centre and the point at which the old city and the 19th century-built Eixample connect.

A favourite meeting place for locals and visitors with statues and great buildings, shops and restaurants at the beginning of the Las Ramblas.

The amazing fountains are beautiful to sit and watch at night-time.

The Sagrada Familia

Most people know the La Sagrada Família as one of the major works of Antoní Gaudí.

This is true, however, he was not the first architect appointed to work on it.

Francisco de Paula del Villar was the chosen one to design the church.

In 1883, Gaudí assumed responsibility for the design of the Sagrada Família  after Villar retired from the project.

Gaudi used this opportunity to change the design and make it his own.

Barceloneta Beach Road

Eixample District

Passeig de Gracia

A wonderful, elegant and majestic boulevard that links the Plaça de Catalunya with the district of Gràcia.

Barcelona’s finest and most modern buildings take up the entire avenue which is a must see in Barcelona.

Do you love to shop? The Passeig de Gracia is a luxury shopping heaven!

There are lots of places to stop for some coffee, drinks or food.

The entire wide street avenue is flanked with restaurants and cafes on both sides.

The Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona will remind you of Les Champs Elysee in Paris.

Hop On Hop Off Barcelona

The Hotel Majestic

This hotel boasts not only acres of marble, but grand staircases and Louis XV chairs, a rooftop pool, and an excellent spa with a range of choices for treatments.

At the Hotel Majestic Barcelona, your every need will be met – 24 hours a day.

Are you a coffee lover? Start your day with a morning coffee with the Nespresso machine provided for in every room.

This palatial, upscale hotel is close to lots of shopping opportunities as well as the Sagrada Familia.

What Else Is Good To Know?

• All the city-run museums are free on Sunday afternoons, from 15:00 to 20:00

• Mercat de la Boqueria – Great indoor market

• La Catedral offers free entry in the morning and late afternoon

FIVE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SPAIN

• Spaniards are the most enthusiastic radio listeners in Europe.
• Spanish culture is greatly influenced by modern art of the late 1800’s. From artists like Antoni Gaudi, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí.
• Most of Spain was under Muslim domination from 711 to the mid 11th century.
• In July 2005, Spain became the third country to legalise same-sex marriage, after the Netherlands and Belgium.
• It is a crime in Spain to slander or libel the dead.

Have you been to Barcelona or other cities in Spain? Did you have a great time?

Share your stories and experiences with me in the comments section below.

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