Photo: Mercat de la Boqueria. © Turisme de Barcelona / Espai d’Imatge
Always topping the city break polls, Barcelona spells fun for its millions of visitors writes Karen Creed
There are some iconic cities that appeal to all types of tourists – young, old, hippy, fashionistas – and Barcelona is one of them. The glorious Spanish city by the sea is suited to all types of holidaymakers and its attractions are as diverse as the millions of visitors who swarm Barcelona all year round.
A Bite To Eat
Breakfast is generally a no-nonsense affair in Barcelona with croissants, some cream-filled pastry or a torrada, (an open toasted sandwich) being the typical fare. Lunchtime is usually from 2pm to 4pm and is the main meal of the day while the evening meal is usually after 9pm. The Eixample district is the place to go when you are seeking culinary delights. Most restaurants will have good prices for those merely seeking to satisfy their hunger, so you can still indulge in gastronomic excellence. The back streets of the Gothic Quarter are full of little tapas bars, while El Raval has plenty of restaurants that are worth a visit. The essence of Catalan food lies in its sauces for meat and fish. Other good things to look out for include oca (goose) and canalons (Catalan cannelloni). Wild mushrooms are another Catalan passion and local people disappear into the forests in autumn to pick them.
On A Budget
Almost all the major museums in Barcelona offer free admission once a month, usually on the first Sunday of each month. A little research and planning means visitors can save a small fortune while seeing some of the best laid-out museums like the MACBA (Museum of Modern Art) and the Caixa Forum, which has different art exhibitions every month. For food lovers La Boqueria Market is bliss to roam about with the fabulous array of fresh food of every kind and lots of nice wine. The place is always buzzing and is particularly atmospheric after dark. It is open until 8.30pm but closed on Sundays. To see the Calatans in their traditional dance mode, take a walk to the Cathedral Square on Sundays from 12 to 2pm, and see The Sardana dance and hear traditional Catalan instruments. For some tranquil time out Parc del Laberint is a lovely park in the Horta region of Barcelona and a great place to chill out.
Getting Around
The metro is the fastest and easiest way to get around Barcelona. Just find out the name of the station at each end of the line you are using, and you will know which direction you need to take, even if you don’t know a word of Catalan. I like to spend lots of time walking, especially in the city’s old Barri Gotic area and along Las Ramblas. Most of Barcelona is designed for pedestrians and walking gives you a chance to see the architecture, meet the people and experience the city at a leisurely pace. There is also plenty of opportunity to take rests along the way with a café or tapas bar on almost every street corner.
Something For Everyone
Barcelona is a child-friendly place with plenty of entertainment that will appeal to both kids and adults. It boasts the largest aquarium in Europe and there is the Zoo in Parc Ciutadella. Something else kids might enjoy is the cable car that runs from Barceloneta beach over to Montjuic. It might not be something for those scared of heights but you get spectacular views of the city. There is also a chocolate museum near Arc de Triomph which will show you the history of chocolate and the tour ends in a shop and café where you can rest and taste a deliciously creamy hot chocolate.
Passion To Purchase
Everything from books to jewels, haute couture to designer furniture, it is all on offer in Barcelona. Several markets take over the squares around the centre of town and even if you don’t plan to purchase, they can be a pleasant way to spend a few hours. Bargain-hunters should note that the winter sales officially start in the department stores on or around the 10th of January and their summer equivalents start around the 5th of July. The big department stores (such as El Corte Ingles) and shopping complexes (such as El Triangle) tend to open from 9am or 10am through to 9pm or 10pm at night, Monday to Saturday. Smaller shops often close for a few hours at lunchtime.
Sights To See
Barcelona is most famous for the fantastical architecture of Gaudi whose buildings can be found all around the centre of the city. The most famous and impressive can be seen along Passieg De Gracia where you will find La Pedrera and my favourite, Casa Batlló . The Parc Guell is a gorgeous park designed by the man himself. Often dubbed as the most impressive of Gaudi´s works is the Sagrada Familia, the huge, unfinished temple You can’t fail to be humbled by such an ambitious project, the detail on the exterior walls is just mind=blowing. If you are scared of heights don’t be tempted to climb to the top of the turrets. Other sights not to be missed include The Gothic Cathedral,
Where To Stay
Barcelona is not only blessed with panoramic sceneries, architecture and beaches but the city is also rich when it comes to accommodation. Because they want the best for their visitors they make sure that they can offer a wide range of hotels catering to all budgets. May to September is peak season but you can still find a good deal through the summer months. The prime location for hotels is in the heart of the city, close to Las Ramblas. You can choose to stay close to here if you want direct and quick access of the city. On the other hand, if you want a tranquil base, there are places also outside the city and close to the beach. See hotel offers on www.1800hotels.ie.
BARCELONA TIPS
The Barcelona Card www.barcelona-card.com, is a discount card that can get you into a number of sights at a lower price. If you don’t get the Barcelona Card make sure you get a ten-trip metro ticket. Each journey is nearly 50% of the standard fare and the ticket can be shared between as many people as you want. The ticket is also valid on the buses
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The best day trip from Barcelona for art lovers is to Figueres, a small town of little consequence other than the fact it was the birthplace of Salvador Dali. For sun worshippers, you can do a shot day trip to the beach to enjoy Barcelona’s coastal glory.
Barcelona restaurants put on the best menus at lunchtime. They are cheaper and you will usually get a starter, main course, drink and a dessert for less than euro 12.
Useful websites for visitors to Barcelona include www.barcelona.com and www.barcelonaconnect.com
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Fantastic article !
And I like Spanish art, especially graphic design in Barcelona. Being a graphic designer myself I pay attention to this kind of things. Barcelona is really a trendy city in this aspect, you will find many exhibitions, studies, agencies, even art design in hotels in Barcelona and the best Spanish graphic design come from this city, I must admit. You will notice that in the exhibitions posters, leaflets… and in many cool shops.