Barcelona is one of the biggest and most beautiful cities in Europe where many tourists spend their holiday. It has artistic buildings, beaches, culture and shopping. But if you have never been in Barcelona, it would be helpful to know what the most interesting places are. That is why I have listed, what I think are the must see places of Barcelona.
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is probably the first thing that pops into your head when someone mentions Barcelona. Although it is nothing but a long small street, it is the heart of Barcelona and is filled with tourists. North of the Ramblas is Plaza Cataluña located with around it many shops and on the South side, there is the Barcelona port and beach. Especially at night, the Ramblas is fun to walk around, watch street performers and get a drink. Make sure you don’t actually get a drink on the Ramblas or you will be paying 8 euro’s for a glass of Coca Cola
Plaza espanya
Plaza Espanya at night is one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona. It has many beautiful lights and multiple landmarks. In the middle of Placa Espanya stands the Central Fountain, created by Josep Maria Jujol. The sculptures adorning the fountain were created by the Spanish sculptor Miguel Blay Fabregas. On some nights, the lights of this ‘magic’ fountain go on.
The two towers near plaza Espanya leading to the Magic fountain and the Palau National are called the Venetian towers. These 47 meter towers are modeled on the Bell Tower in Venice.
The arena shaped building on Placa Espanya is called the Arena de Barcelona. Its purpose was to become a bullfighting arena. But bull fighting never really caught on in Catalonia, which is why it was turned in a shopping mall. The building still looks really impressive from the outside.
There is also a tower to get a great view of Plaza Espanya. Especially at night this view is magical. If you are looking for a cheap but romantic date, you should definitely go up this tower to enjoy the view.
Passeig de Gracia
Barcelona has a lot of places where you can shop, but there is only one street that sells the famous, expensive brands. You may compare it with the 5th Avenue of New York City. Luxury stores such as Diesel, Replay, Burberry, Loewe, Chanel, Armani and others are all located on this street. It is Barcelona's most elegant avenue and one of the best architectural walks in the city with lots of Modernist buildings. So is also the Casa Calvet located on Passeig de Gracia. This building is the first Barcelona landmark designed by Gaudi.
Port Olimpic
In the summer Port Olimpic is very popular. Many people go to the beach, take a walk over the boulevard, drink something at one the bars or party at one of the beach clubs. Occasionally there is also a market or a carnival close to Port Olimpic
La Sagrada Familia
Probably one of the most famous landmarks in Spain is Sagrada da Familia. This landmark is located on a remote location about 30 minutes from the center with the metro. La Sagrada Familia is Gaudi’s most famous work. It is a giant Basilica which has been under construction since 1882 and will not be done for another 30 to 80 years. Regardless that it is not ready, it is a truly magnificent building and one of the must see places in Barcelona.
Plaza de Reial
Plaza de Reial is a court on a side street of Las Ramblas. It is nice place to relax, get something to drink or eat and enjoy a nice afternoon in Barcelona. There are many good restaurants on Plaza de Reial where you can eat while enjoying some street performers. At night Plaza Reial turns into a place full of nightclubs and bars where youngsters come together and party until the early morning.
La Maquinista
La Maquinista is rather unknown under the local population and tourists. Or maybe it is because they don’t like to travel 30 minutes from the center. But in my opinion, La Maquinista is a great opportunity to spend your day. You can do some shopping at popular stores like Zara, G Star, H&M, Calvin Klein, Bershka, La Coste, Hollister, Nike, Footlocker and Apple and if you get hungry, La Maquinista has many dining possibilities. Pizza and Steak restaurants, fast food restaurants like Burger King, McDonald’s, Kentucky, Starbucks and Pans are all located in this shopping center. After a busy day there is also an opportunity to relax and catch a movie at the movie theater on the upper floor.
Camp Nou
The most important building in whole of Barcelona is of course Camp Nou. Camp Nou is the Stadium of the best Football team in the world ‘FC Barcelona’. When Barcelona is not playing, it is possible to take a tour through the stadium to look at their trophies, history, locker rooms, Sky box and the inside of the stadium. For around 60 Euro it is possible to take to attend a match of the great FC Barcelona. Although it is both an amazing experience, I think it is more spectacular to attend a real match.
Article written by J.Besters, blogger and writer for apartime.com provider of Barcelona holiday apartments.
0 comments:
Post a Comment