Exploring Barcelona

Barcelona is located on the Northeastern Spanish coastline, in a region of the country called Catalonia. This is especially important because in Catalonia, people speak a different language than the rest of Spain; specifically, Catalan. Therefore, everything in Barcelona is written in two languages, Spanish and Catalan, and occasionally some English as well. Engrained in Catalan/Mediterranean culture is a real love for the good life, and the good fiesta. For these reasons many who visit Europe make one of their stops the sunny, alluring, culturally diverse, Mediterranean metropolis that is Barcelona.

Barcelona locals know how to appreciate and enjoy a meal, meaning Barcelona has no lack of places to eat, drink and be merry. Of course, the seafood is not to be missed and visitors will find a wide array of restaurants serving fish and Spanish rice in the seaside neighborhood of Barceloneta. Cavamar Restaurant and El Nou Ramonet are two fantastic traditional seafood dining options. The classic Spanish tapa is also a must and tourists will encounter many weathered old doorways to duck into, the interior revealing small tapas bars.

In these authentic eateries platters upon platters of delicious little stacks of bread, cheese, salmon and sausages are arranged into scrumptious morsels. Once seated at the bar, the waiter will give diners a small plate, and customers can pick and choose, grabbing the tapas that catch their eye. For hot tapas such as grilled prawns and spicy potatoes, customers place an order with the barman. In the old part of the city, both El Vaso del Oro and La Bombeta specialize in traditional tapas.

For a gastronomic experience which is 100% local, visitors will want to try Catalan champagne. Called cava, this bubbly treat has been produced in Catalonia vineyards since 1872. It can be sweet or dry, white or rosé, and many attest that they actually prefer cava to its French competition. For a sip or two of the Spanish bubbly, head to El Xampanyet Bar located in central Barcelona. This old cava bar is a legend in town and well worth a trip. Cava here is sold by the bottle and a round of delectable tapas to accompany drinks is highly recommendable. Xampanyet Bar is located in the Born, one of the older and prettier areas of Barcelona, along a cobbled pedestrian street which adds to its overall charm factor.

Spain is famous for its nightlife, and Barcelona being the second largest city in Spain, is no exception. There are tons of places to shake a tail-feather in the city center and at times all the entertainment options in Barcelona are overwhelming. For classical music head to the Palau de la Musica Catalana. For a bit of jazz check out Luz de Gas. Those who prefer dance and ballet will enjoy Theater Mercat de les Flors, which has an impressive program any time of the year.

After all the eating and entertainment, visitors may be interested in a bit of looking around this truly magnificent and historically rich city. Barcelona was home to many famous painters and artists, Dalí, Miró and Picasso being among them. Visiting the Fundació de Joan Miró Museum is a good idea. The museum is located in the hills of Barcelona, providing sweeping views and weaving trails, adorned with sculpture and surprises along the way. The museum houses an extensive collection of Miró’s works, including everything from drawings to sculpture to tapestry. Also in Barcelona, is the famous and always morphing Sagrada Familia, an eccentric Cathedral built by architect Antoni Gauí. Many would agree that the Sagrada Familia is the centerpiece of the city, and while it’s a must to tour the outside of the building it’s a real treat to go I and worth the expensive entrance fee. The building is still under construction, and some locals speculate that it will never be completed.

There are many points of interest in Barcelona, and fortunately, most are easy to visit, reached by short walks through the city center, or a quick subway hop through town. Visitor information is readily available in most areas of the city including in Plaza Catalunya and at the airport. For those with little time in the city, opt for taking the tourist bus on a jaunt around Barcelona or a boat ride down through the port and down the city’s coastline. Most people will want at least three days in this lively Mediterranean city, which rarely sleeps except of course, for the afternoon siesta.

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