Barcelona The Gateway to Spain

Barcelona, in the north east of Spain, is the capital of Catalunia. A hectic modern city on the Mediterranean Sea is considered by many as Europe's gateway to Spain. It is bilingual as both Catalan and Castillian Spanish are its official languages and it enjoys a large degree of autonomy.

Particularly famous for Antoni Gaudi's unique and radical style of architecture, Barcelona has also produced great artists of note. Among them Pablo Casals, Josep Carreras and Joan Miro whose work is celebrated in the park named after him. Pablo Picasso, although a native of Malaga, spent much time here and his works can be seen at the Picasso Museum northeast of the magnificent port. This collection focuses on his early works.

The port itself can be viewed from Barcelona's sea-front hill, Montjuic which was also the principal site of the 1992 Olympic site. Montjuic with its Magic Fountains and amusement Park can be accessed by cable car from the port. The hill attracts many visitors not merely for the far reaching views but the old fortress, the Museum of Catalan Art, the Archaeological Museum, the Miro Foundation and Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol) are all very popular.

From Montjuic you can pick out the Columbus Column at the foot of Las Ramblas. This famous mile-long, tree lined pedestrian street is the hub of Barcelona. You can idle away hours wandering its length passing book sellers, beautiful flower stall and all manner of street vendors along the way.

The Rambla is divided into sections and has many meeting places along the way. A popular place at the foot of the Rambla is the Placa Reial where there is a colourful collection of café's and bars. Enjoy a beer with a tapa of calamres (squid), patatas brava (spicy, hot potatoes) or whatever takes your fancy. A word of warning, this is not a good place to be at night and beware thieves at all times.

Moving along, the Rambla del Centre is where the Liceu, the famous opera house can be found and opposite is another popular meeting place, the Café de l'Opera. With plenty of time on your hands a small diversion to the Placa del Pi is worthwhile. The small surrounding alleys and side streets are brimming with antique, art and craft shops. Pass the floor mural of Joan Miro (he pops up everywhere) and you enter the next section of the Ramblas.

Barcelona's main market, the spectacular Boqueria, borders one side of this part of the Rambla de las Flors while opposite is the Palau de la Virreina. The Boqueria is a huge open market teeming with life, fragrances and colour. Innumerable types of meats, fish, fruits and vegetables are sold daily from the packed stalls to the nonstop throng of noisy customers. This is a wonderful experience.

The Ramblas del Estudis is for the ever popular booksellers. Competition is keen so the prices are very reasonable but you would be hard pushed to find much for sale in any language other than Catalan or Spanish. The Palau Moja and the Betlem Church are in this area and worth perusing.

The final part of the Rambla includes the Font de las Canaletes where the aficionados gather to discuss the plight of their beloved Barcelona football team. The Café Zurich at the head of the Rambla is a great place to rest if you walked this far. Handily the metro station is conveniently situated here for your onward or return journey!

To get away from the hubbub of the city centre, Ciutadella Park is where you will find the Barcelona Zoo, The Aquarium, botanical gardens and the Museum of Modern Art (Museu d'Art Modern). Ciutadella Park is a large peaceful area to the northeast of the port.

South of the park is Barceloneta which has a somewhat small town feel to it as you walk under the billowing washing hung out to dry. Being so close to the port and the coast the aromas of both fresh and cooking fish mingle in the salt air. The once neglected beaches of Barcelona are here and now restored, are once again very popular.

When visiting Barcelona it would be a shame to miss the most famous work of the city's most famous son. Antoni Gaudi's work can be seen all over Barcelona but to the north of the city is Greull Park and the incomplete cathedral, El Temple Expiatori de la Sanrada Familia (The Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family). The park's colourful mosaic entrance is much photographed as are the sculptures found there and the cathederal is a spectacular monument to its creator.

The restaurants in Barcelona are as varied as locals and visitors themselves. Apart form the typical regional dishes you can find exactly what your heart desires from Japanese to Mexican, from pizzarias to haute cuisine. Of course the Catalan dishes are prominent and Basque dishes are to be recommended for the hearty eaters. Accompany this with the wide wine selections of the region and you will be ready to experience Barcelona's lively nightlife.

When booking Barcelona hotels or 'hostals' be sure to check the area as some are a little less desirable than others. You can get more information through one of the Barcelona travel guides. Make a note that a 'hostal' in Spain is a hotel but normally a family run establishment. You will still find good accommodation and meals, so don't think it is a youth hostel!

The weather in Barcelona is reliable warm from spring to autumn with summer temperatures averaging 25C. Occasionally a strong wind can come in and a sudden downpour may drown you but generally these phenomena do not last long and it's back to bright sunshine quite quickly.

Once you have your tickets to Barcelona you will arrive at the dynamic El Prat Aeropuerto, Barcelona's International Airport. It is 13km from the city and if you are using a hire car head for Autovia C-246 by Castelldefels. A taxi to the center of Barcelona will cost around €15 and the journey time is approximately 15 minutes. Barcelona airport transfers can be arranged in advance or alternatively the train and bus services are regular and reliable.

Edward Kirwan, resides in Andalucia, Southern Spain and with Danish writer, Dorte Holm Jensen, is co-founder of Finca Fantastica Travel. Visit them for more travel ideas.

You can find even more information by my co-authors right here:

Bed and Breakfast Barcelona Style

Barcelona, Spain in February 2006 Was Fabulous

Cheap Hotels in Barcelona With Positive Customer Feedback

Guide to Accommodation in Barcelona

Barcelona The Gateway to Spain