From the cruise ship dock, head to Las Ramblas, a wide
avenue perfect for strolling. On the west side is the Raval neighborhood, known
for theaters, nightlife and La Boqueria, an open-air market where you can
sample Iberian ham and other regional specialties. On the east side is
Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood, the Barri Gotic, full of historic buildings
and airy plazas. Sprinkled among the stately churches and Roman-era walls are boutiques
and cafes that serve delicious tapas (small plates) of Spanish omelet, Manchego
cheese and Galician-style octopus, among other delicacies.
You don’t have to be an architecture buff to enjoy the work
of Antoni Gaudi, the architect most closely associated with Catalan Modernism.
Several buildings in Barcelona provide a close-up look at his distinctive,
organic style. The best known is the Sagrada Familia, a multi-spired Catholic church
that has been under construction since 1882. Gaudi also designed Casa Battlo (don’t
miss the dragon-like spine on the roof); Casa Mila, with an undulating stone
façade and chimneys designed to scare away spirits; and Palau Guell, an elegant
family home.
If the weather is fine, Barcelona has lovely beaches and wonderful
parks. Parc Guell has a fabulous raised terrace and storybook buildings designed
by Gaudi, and the park’s highest point offers panoramic views of the city. The
views are also wonderful from Parc Montjuic, home to venues from the 1992
Summer Olympic Games, a fortress, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, and the
Magic Fountain, where evening fountain shows are coordinated with music and
lights.
In addition to the National Art Museum, art lovers can visit
museums dedicated to Picasso and Miro. Sports fans will want to see Camp Nou,
home of Futbol Club Barcelona, one of the world’s most successful teams. Even when
there’s no game on, it’s inspiring to tour the 99,000-seat stadium and immerse
yourself in the FC Barcelona Museum.
With Barcelona as your base, you can take a train to Madrid
for a day, or head south along the Mediterranean coast toward Valencia. For
more insight into things to see and do in Barcelona, Catalonia and other parts
of Spain, talk with Anita, your travel professional.
