A colorful view of Park Guell – the creation of architect Antonio Gaudi. UNESCO world heritage site.
The ancient city of Barcelona is overflowing with incredible local art that covers the streets and abundant markets overflowing with mouth-wateringly delicious fresh food, drink, and craft. Dating back to Neolithic times, this magical city was founded by the Romans and quickly evolved into an epicenter of culture and trade. This has not changed as Barcelona has continued to blossom into a wonderful city of endless culinary delights, nightlife adventures, and deep beauty.
PLAY
↑ Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is a must-see local gem. Dating back to 1882, this cathedral was finished in whimsical modernist style by Gaudi and is a truly splendid mesh of classical gothic and Art Noveau architecture.
↑ Casa Batlló
A UNESCO World Heritage site and an icon in Barcelona, a visit to Casa Battlo feels like a step into Alice’s Wonderland and is a stunning example of the hyper-expressive modernist style.
↑ Artevistas
Artevistas, a contemporary art museum that features the work of emerging artists, makers and photographers is absolutely worth a visit. I am always entranced by the creations in this space and can spend hours exploring the heart, emotion and eccentric creativity that you can feel behind these wonderful pieces.
↑ Montjuïc Cable Car
A trip on the Montjuïc Cable Car is so much fun and boasts expansive views of the city and the surrounding countryside. It will carry you as far as the Castle of Montjuïc which is always an adventure to explore as you take in the truly fascinating history of this city and region. After you ride to the top you can walk down the mountain paths to multiple vista points and ride down the massive adult slides that weave in and out of the mountains magnificent gardens. These slides always make me feel like a five-year-old again as I gleefully cruise down the oh-so-slippery and artfully crafted local masterpieces.
↑ Barcelona City History Museum
Located in the Gothic district, Barcelona City History Museum is a wonderland for history lovers. Featuring the largest ancient Roman excavation outside of Roma, this wonderful museum tells the long and vibrant history through a series of engaging exhibits.
EAT
↑ Tapas and Sangria
The Spanish take a whole lot of pride in their food and that is evident in everything from the always fresh bread to the flavor-filled local tomatoes and jamón. Pa amb Tomàquet is my favorite and simply translate to bread and tomato. This dish is absolutely essential to Catalan cuisine and can be enjoyed as an accompaniment with every meal from breakfast to lunch and dinner. It’s made up of fresh baked and crusty bread, rubbed with garlic and the flesh of a tomato and seasoned with local olive oil, salt, and pepper. This dish is available anywhere that you can find tapas and is often topped with mouth-watering Spanish jamón. The grilled octopus, fresh corn and freshly made paella are also absolutely delicious and are always made with flavor-packed local ingredients.
After enjoying a round of delectable tapas in one of the cities ancient city corridors, I love spending some time in a local sangria bar where you can share massive pitchers of fresh made Sangria and get to know the wonderful locals. Barcelonians are incredibly friendly and warm and often have wonderful suggestions for fun and unique places to explore in the city.
↑ La Boqueria Market
The beating heart of the city, the world famous La Boqueria is overflowing with an array of mouthwatering local delicacies from cured meats, perfectly ripe fruit to freshly baked artisan-crafted bread.
I always enter and leave this place with a giant smile on my face which doesn’t seem to fade through the duration of my visit. From the warming sunshine to the absolutely delicious local food to the ever-present local art, Barcelona will always be one of my very favorite cities in Europe.