Barcelona has this hip, big-city vibe that I love. You can travel there several times and still not have enough.
I stayed in the L'EIXAMPLE district and highly recommend it. It is a cool, green residential area that is very central, with nice design stores and tasty restaurants near, specially at the Promenade. It is also walk distance from venues you will want to visit.
GAUDÍ
You may know Gaudí's work by photos and may not be a fan, but walking through his masterpieces is another level of enchantment.
Inspired by neo gothic, nature and oriental techniques, Gaudí is the greatest architect of the CATALAN MODERNISM. With his natural and organic forms, he was a pioneer, developed his own language and was beyond styles, inspiring great movements and architects.
CASA MILLÁ's rooftop is a piece of art. No rules, but I would say that visiting his buildings is a must when you are there.
Among his most important projects is also PARC GÜELL where you can enjoy nature, relax, and take a stroll through his constructions. At first, Park Güell was meant to be a garden neighborhood for the rich to live in. It would have 60 houses and one chapel. Due to the high cost of construction, only three houses and the chapel were built. Then, it was decided to maintain the area as a park.
LA SAGRADA FAMILIA is the most visited monument in Spain.
The church follows the GOTHIC TRADITION, being still a piece of the 20th century, completely inspired by Gaudí's vision and nature.
GAUDÍ’S LIFE PROJECT is still not finished. The end of the construction is planned for 2026, and the costs are covered with donations and visitor entrance fees.
It has already been 144 years of construction.
CASA MILLÁ (LA PEDRERA), my favorite one, and CASA BATTLÓ (pics above), with its stunning dragon façade, both located in the L'EIXAMPLE district, are also open for visitors.
Walk through LA RAMBLA promenade, the most famous street in the city, from PLAÇA DE CATALUNYA down to the Columbus Monument. You will also find LA BOQUERIA, the public grocery market.
Take a stroll through the GOTHIC QUARTER, the heart of Barcelona and its historical center. Enjoy the charming medieval streets.
Enjoy some time at the BEACH. The beaches are not breathtaking, but we will not complain about them.
TAPAS
Perhaps my favorite thing in Barcelona? I love the numerous tapas bars and their sidewalk seating tables. Have a cold beer, order different types of tapas, and watch the pedestrians and the rhythm of the city. That's a good life.
