Barcelona, the self-confident and progressive capital of Spain, is a tremendous place to be. Though it boasts
outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, and some great museums—most notably those dedicated to Picasso
and Catalan art—it is above all a place where there's enjoyment simply in walking the streets, stopping in at
bars and cafés, drinking in the atmosphere. A thriving port and the most prosperous commercial centre in Spain,
it has a sophistication and cultural dynamism way ahead of the rest of the country. In part this reflects the
city's proximity to France, whose influence is apparent in the elegant boulevards and imaginative cooking.
But Barcelona has also evolved an individual and eclectic cultural identity, most perfectly and eccentrically
expressed in the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Scattered as Barcelona's main sights may be, the greatest
concentration of interest is around the old town (La Ciutat Vella). These cramped streets above the harbor
are easily manageable, and far more enjoyable, on foot. Start, as everyone else does, with the Ramblas.
The Ramblas
Barcelona's famous tree-lined street, the Ramblas is lively day and night with street performers and stalls and
shops selling everything from jewelry to tropical fish. La Ruta del Modernismo Gaudí's incredible flight of
fantasy, the still-unfinished Sagrada Familia church is an inspirational start to an exploration of Barcelona's
"modernista" architecture.
Montjuïc
Spend a day in the gardens, museums and amusement park on the mountain of Montjuïc, taking in art from
Romanesque to Miró, and Spain's architectural history in the Poble Espagnol.
The Port
The newly cleaned up beaches of Port Vell or Port Olímpic are a great place to sun bathe before sampling
the paella from one of the sea-view restaurants.
Museu Picasso
The Museu Picasso holds one of the most important collections of the great man's art in the world—muse
over paintings from his famous Blue Period in the setting of a beautiful medieval palace.
La Seu Cathedral
Situated in the heart of the old town, the Seu Cathedral is one of the great Gothic buildings in Spain,
whose soaring interior and rich altar pieces easily live up to the grandeur of its facade.
Tibidabo
The views from the top of Mount Tibidabo, which forms the northwestern limit of the city, are superb. On
clear days you can see not only the whole of Barcelona, but across to Montserrat and the Pyrenees, and
out to sea as far as Mallorca.
Parc de la Ciutadella
A short step from the old town, the Ciutadella park offers a refreshing break from the streets.
It encompasses a lake, the city zoo, Gaudí's monumental fountain and the Museu d'Art Modern.
La Boqueira
The bustling Boqueria food market is the largest in the city, assaulting the senses with its noise and smells.
If it makes you hungry, there are some great snack bars at the back.
Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Cataluny
These smart boulevards, leading off from the Plaça de Catalunya, are a great place to spend your pesetas
in a series of swanky stores, in between admiring the architecture and relaxing in open-air cafés.
