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Barcelona's Top Attractions Six Things to do in Barcelona The Spanish city of Barcelona (natives call is Barca, pronouned "Bah-sa") is a vibrant, large and extremely fun place to visit. It has countless attractions, from beautiful buildings to trendy restaurants, museums to tapas bars. And let's not forget the coolest feature: the Mediterranean Ocean comes right up the center of the city. If you're lucky enough to find yourself in Barcelona, be sure to be the following 6 things into your itinerary: 1. Walk. Unlike some cities, a few days in Barcelona is likely to energize you rather than leave you drained. This is because there are as just as many places to relax and unwind as there are must-see places. Like so many Mediterranean cities, it is possible to have a fantastic stay in Barca just by taking a walk - there are so many things to stop and admire. 2. Make sure to look at the gorgeous buildings designed by famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi. His work is colorful, fanciful and sure to lift your mood. Your first stop should be Sagrada Familia, the stunning cathedral that's been under construction since Gaudi was alive. Gaudi was a devout Catholic, and this amazing structure shows his passion for his religious beliefs. You can also take a look at the private apartments and houses the architect built all over the city. One striking example is Casa Mila, with a blue-green serpentine outer wall that curves like a watery wave. Travel up to the roof, where you'll find chimney stacks shaped like statues. 3. If you like Gaudi's buildings, be sure to stop by the Park Guell, also designed by this talented architect in the early 20th century. It will surely leave a lasting impression. The park is beloved by natives and tourists alike, who flock to see the colorful curving benches and whismical sculptures studded with mosaic tiles. Watch the youngsters playing football while their parents sit nearby enjoying a cup of coffee. If you want to get away from the crowds, pathways lead to more private areas of the park. 4. Ramble along La Rambla, the long stretch of street that runs from the water's edge to the old portion of the city. The street once carried water inland, but it's now an entertainment mecca, full of storefronts, theaters, bars and restaurants. It's also home to a covered food- hall where you can stock up on tasty treats, from cheese to ham to nuts to fruits and veggies. 5. Indulge your artistic side. Stop in at the Musee Picasso, a cozy museum devoted solely to the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Here you'll find many fine pieces of ceramic artwork, childhood sketches, mature works and information on the artist's life. The museum is full of fascinating and beautiful images, but it's small enough to explore over the course of an afternoon. 6. Sports buffs should run on over to Camp Nou, a stadium where some of Europe's most exciting soccer matches have been held. Try and catch a game, or if you're there on an off-day explore the soccer museum or take a guided tour of the facilities. As you can see, there really is something for everyone in Barca!
This article was posted on November 14, 2005
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