I visited Barcelona in the spring of 2009. It was my very first trip to Spain; somehow I had managed to avoid Spain to that day (not on purpose though, I’d had nothing against going to Spain, but for some reason just never had the chance nor made the effort). From all of Spain, Barcelona was definitely the place I most wanted to go to so I was very much looking forward to the trip in April 2009.
Gaudí’s handprint
Barcelona is world famous mostly for its splendid architecture, the legacy of the brilliant and eccentric Antoni Gaudi, who lived and worked all his life in Barcelona. I am a huge admirer of Art Nouveau (and Art Deco) and was more then hyped to see his creations in real life. During my trip I visited Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, Palau Güell and Casa Batlló and also saw Casa Milá from outside. I was amazed beyond my comprehension. There is so much beauty in his buildings, so many little gorgeous details. The buildings are colorful feast of imagination; they challenge the way you’ve thought things ought to be built. He was an amazing artist and the world is richer and better to have had him around.
Beautiful and colourful chimneys of Casa Batlló
Still unfinished, Sagrada Familia
Quirky and gorgeous, Casa Milá
Food, oh food
Barcelona is full of tasteful experiences from cute little cozy Tapas bars to La Boqueria (huge outdoor covered market selling fruit, meat, chocolate and everything in between), not to mention the delicious (and cheap) Spanish wines. During the day you can find a nice three-course lunch in the local cafeterias (enjoy it with the office suits and construction workers in a small, full-packed dining room to get the authentic experience) and in the evening indulge with the wide variety of tapas. Beware of the tourist restaurants selling your ordinary steak with fries.
Street art
Barcelona’s most famous street, La Rambla, is always bustling with street artists: painters, drawers, and performers. My personal favorites were the human statues, each personating different characters from the movies, history or pure imagination. They were by far the most professional ones I’ve ever seen – each mask and outfit was more than perfect and their manners and shows rehearsed to the detail. Edward the Scissor Hands totally stole my heart; I still wonder whether he’ll be there to greet me next time I’m in Barcelona.
In La Rambla, meeting Edward the Scissor Hands
Shopping
If you want to bring something home to remember Barcelona by, I would recommend it to be art or shoes. Spanish shoes are just about as quirky as Gaudí (well, you can find some to fit your everyday gray’s as well) and are of brilliant quality. They’re also cheaper there than if you’d buy them at home. Another great souvenir is art – whether paintings, handicrafts or jewellery, these descendants of Gaudí know their art.
What’s your favourite thing, place or passtime in Barcelona?