Travel Green to Barcelona

Description:

If it were put to popular vote, Gran Hotel La Florida would probably win the title of Barcelona's finest hotel. And if it did win, it would be for the second time; when it first opened in the 1920s, it was the favorite choice for Spanish aristocracy, movie stars, and monarchy who came seeking out the fresher air at the top of Tibidabo mountain. It was subsequently used as a hospital during World War II, and didn't welcome guests again until 2003. After a complete overhaul by some of the world's most prolific artists and designers, it is now stuffed with art that would be the envy of many a high-profile gallery, and boasts several designer suites. The feeling of being somewhere special starts on arrival, when guests are offered glasses of rose-petal water before being shown to soothing, sand-colored rooms, which all have spacious marble bathrooms with separate tub and shower. (Most of them boast magnificent views as well.) It's a 20-minute taxi ride to the city center, but many visitors simply prefer to stay here and enjoy the marvelous setting and facilities. These include a world-class restaurant, L'Orangerie, a spa and infinity pool, terraced gardens, and service that really does...

Our Local Expert Says:

After visiting the Arc de Triomf, take a victory lap around the Ciutadella Parc which is the biggest green space in the city's old center.

Description:

This brick arch was designed in the Mudéjar style, as the entry gate for the 1888 Expo, by Josep Vilaseca. The coats-of-arms, which represents all the Spanish provinces, were placed around it, with Barcelona's in the middle-the place of honor. On the sides of the arch are four statues of women symbolizing fame. Other stone carvings represent various countries' participation in the Expo, and Barcelona thanking them for their attendance. It is not as grand as the Paris version, perhaps, but still beautiful and worth a visit.

Description:

Barcelona's most formal park is also the one most steeped in history. The area was formerly a loathed citadel, built by Phillip V after he won the War of the Spanish Succession (Barcelona was on the losing side). He ordered that the "traitorous" residential suburb be leveled. Between 1715 and 1718, over 60 streets and residences were torn down to make way for the structure, without any compensation to the owners (although many were relocated to the neighborhood of Barceloneta). It never really functioned as a citadel, but was used as a political prison during subsequent uprisings and occupations. Once the decision to pull down the old city walls was made in 1858, the government decided that the citadel should go, too. Work on the park began in 1872, and in 1887 and 1888 the World's Fair was held on its grounds, with the nearby Arc de Triomf serving as the event's grandiose main entrance.

Today lakes, gardens, and promenades fill most of the park, which also holds a zoo . Gaudí contributed to the monumental, Italianate fountain in the park when he was a student; the lampposts are also his. Other highlights include the Hivernacle, an elegant, English-style hothouse with an adjacent cafe...

Our Local Expert Says:

Watch your belongings at any of the city beaches, better yet, come with the minimum. Perhaps just enough for lunch or to get a massage- people go up and down the beach giving massages while you sun.

Description:

This beach runs parallel to Barceloneta's esplanade to one side of the Port Olímpic. It offers excellent facilities that include safe drinking water fountains, showers, disabled access, parking and toilets. There are children's play areas and a few palm trees for shade. Lifeguards are on hand to make sure swimmers are safe, but you're advised not to swim near the breakwater, not to bring animals to the beach, and not to use soap in the sea.

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Biciclot is a Bike Co-operative that since 1986 has done of the bicycle its working tool. They are pioneers of the Biketours in Barcelona for organised groups and educational centres.

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The Cathedral la Seu is also known as the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, a saint whose crypt is in the cathedral and is one of Barcelona's patron saints. This place of worship can be viewed from the square in front of it only because several years ago it was decided that an entire block of buildings should be torn down to better appreciate the grandeur of the construction. The interior is a treasure box full of elaborate chapels. The first one on the left displays a marble baptism basin which is said to be the very place where Christopher Columbus brought the first six "Indians" from the Americas to be blessed. An impressive choir, located in the center of the central nave, is a typical characteristic of the interiors of Spanish cathedrals. Walking through the cloister visitors can step over the burial grounds as the tombs of the rich and important line the floor.

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This street runs down towards the sea, and is full of palaces that were built from the Middle Ages until the 18th Century. The architecture is mainly Gothic, and the palaces tend to have attractive central courtyards surrounded by a main stairwell. The street dates back to 1148 when Guillem de Montcada ceded the land to the city, and this area soon became the center of commercial life in the Ribera quarter. The first palace you come across when heading towards the port is Palau Berenguer d'Aguilar, which now houses the Picasso Museum and dates from the 13th Century. The next two, Palau Castellet and Palau Meca, are also part of Museu Picasso. Just opposite is Palau dels Marquesos de Llió, now housing the Textile Museum. Beside it lies Palau Dalmasses, rebuilt in the 17th Century. Finally, at number 25, is Palau Cervelló-Giudice. Along with the historical buildings and museums, the street also has many bars, cafés and souvenir shops.

Description:

Five medieval mansions on this street contain this museum of the work of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). The bulk of the art was donated by Jaume Sabartés y Gual, a lifelong friend of the artist. Although born in Malaga, Picasso moved to the Catalan capital in 1895 after his father was awarded a teaching job at the city's Fine Arts Academy in La Llotja. The family settled in the Calle Merce and when Picasso was a bit older, he moved to the Nou de Les Ramblas in the Barrio Chino. Although he left Spain for good at the outbreak of the Civil War -- and refused to return while Franco was in power -- he was particularly fond of Barcelona, where he spent his formative years painting its seedier side and hanging around with the city's bohemians. As a sign of his love for the city, and adding to Sabartés enormous bequest, Picasso donated some 2,500 of his paintings, engravings, and drawings to the museum in 1970. All of these were executed in his youth (in fact, some of the paintings were done when he was only 9), and the collection is particularly strong on his Blue and Rose Periods. Many works show the artist's debt to van Gogh, El Greco, and Rembrandt.

The highlight of the collection is undoubtedly...

Description:

On this private half day tour discover art expressions of Picasso and Miro with an expert Local Art Guide. The Barcelona Picasso Museum clearly confirms the ties that unite Pablo Picasso with the city of Barcelona. It holds the most important and exhaustive collections of the works of Pablo Picasso's youth and education. The Joan Miró Foundation Museum was set up on the initiative of Joan Miró thanks to the donations he made to his hometown. Miró conceived it as a living centre where students and general public could become familiar with his work and also contemporary art trends.

Description:

Specializing in organic and vegetarian cuisine, Sesamo offers a modern and cozy dining experience. A lunchtime set menu is available and includes three courses, bread and a drink. Menus change daily but often include delicious salad variations and pasta and rice dishes. For dinnertime, start off with a snack of Italian antipasto or marinated olives and choose from main courses like the Handmade Pasta of the Day, Pumpkin and Sage Risotto, or Cauliflower Souffle. There is also an extensive list of wines, liqueurs, and coffee drinks to complement your hearty meal.

Description:

If it were put to popular vote, Gran Hotel La Florida would probably win the title of Barcelona's finest hotel. And if it did win, it would be for the second time; when it first opened in the 1920s, it was the favorite choice for Spanish aristocracy, movie stars, and monarchy who came seeking out the fresher air at the top of Tibidabo mountain. It was subsequently used as a hospital during World War II, and didn't welcome guests again until 2003. After a complete overhaul by some of the world's most prolific artists and designers, it is now stuffed with art that would be the envy of many a high-profile gallery, and boasts several designer suites. The feeling of being somewhere special starts on arrival, when guests are offered glasses of rose-petal water before being shown to soothing, sand-colored rooms, which all have spacious marble bathrooms with separate tub and shower. (Most of them boast magnificent views as well.) It's a 20-minute taxi ride to the city center, but many visitors simply prefer to stay here and enjoy the marvelous setting and facilities. These include a world-class restaurant, L'Orangerie, a spa and infinity pool, terraced gardens, and service that really does...

Description:

This is the most spectacular building in Plaça Espanya and was built for the 1929 Universal Exposition, as were a lot of buildings in Montjuïc. The aim was to build a monumental, grandiose, enormous structure. The architects were Enric Català and Pedro Cendoya, with the collaboration of Pere Domènech i Roure. The Palace was restored by Italian architect Gae Aulenti and now houses the Museu Nacional de Arte de Catalunya (MNAC).

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Standing 173 meters (570 feet) high, this hill by the sea was not inhabited until after the Middle Ages, despite the fact that the Jewish quarter had extended to the nearby Miramar area. In 1607, the first path to the summit was opened and, in 1640, during the war of the Segadors, a fortress was built to resist Philip IV's incursions. This later became Castell de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Castle). For the last three hundred years it has been a popular park for locals looking to pick wild herbs or to spend a little leisure time.

Description:

Barcelona's Town Hall had these botanical gardens built on a former garbage dump. It takes up 14 hectares of space in the middle of Migdia park on Montjuïc hill. You'll see examples from the main species of flora found in the five regions of the world that have a Mediterranean climate. All the plants and flowers are arranged according to their region and habitat of origin to give you a brief tour of the plant world. Accessible for disabled people.

Description:

This great wooden boardwalk runs along the shorefront Passeig de Colom. The upper level offers a variety of trendy modern restaurants, cafés and discos while the lower level is a lovely place for a seaside stroll surrounded by palm trees and park benches to sit on.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take note of the uniformity in style of the architecture and consider the fact that this church was built relatively quickly.

Description:

The church of Santa María del Mar provides an exceptional example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Imagine the sea once rose closer to this place of worship, and think of how important of a symbol it was for the wealthy maritime class who had their hands in its construction. From the outside the horizontal lines and heavy façade deceive those who enter the church to find columns stretching lightly towards the Gothic vaults. Appreciate the simplicity of the interior which is missing the elaborate altar and chapel pieces typical to Spanish churches. A fire set by anarchists in 1936 burned through those heavy decorations.

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The monument to Columbus was opened to the public on 1 June 1888, some weeks after the opening of the Universal Exposition. Gaietà Buïgas i Monravà designed the metallic column and Rafael Atché modelled the sculpture of Columbus. The column is 51 meters (168 feet) high, while Columbus on top has his index finger symbolically pointing towards the New World. You can go up by elevator and enjoy a very nice panoramic view of the city.

Description:

The street seperates the Barri Gòtic from the La Ribera and the Barri de Sant Pere districts. It's lined with elegant buildings that now house a wide range of bars, restaurants and cafés. It was built in 1907 as a way of connecting the Eixample to the port and it's named after an Iberian tribe (Laietans) who lived in the area before the arrival of the Romans.

Description:

Explore the liquid side of the city-tours to the Cava Winery Cordorniu, in the beautiful stretch of vineyards off the city's southern border, take place round the year. Watch as the specialty of the region-a champagne called Cava-is fermented, purified and bottled. The glorious architecture of the building is attributed to Josep Puig i Cadafalch-a modernist expert in the same league as the famous Gaudi. Deep dark cellars, packed with rows of quietly-maturing, sparkling reds lay awaiting the next group of awed visitors. Check the website for more details.

Description:

This eatery has been in business since 1836 and has built up a loyal clientele that always packs the place. It serves traditional Catalan cuisine, with a few good ideas from Cantabria and Galicia thrown in. Try the Mixed Steamed Vegetables or Butifarra Amb Mongetes (sausage with beans). Follow that with one of their famous rice dishes, such as Arròs A Banda (like a two-course paella) or Arròs Negre (rice cooked in squid's ink).

Description:

If it were put to popular vote, Gran Hotel La Florida would probably win the title of Barcelona's finest hotel. And if it did win, it would be for the second time; when it first opened in the 1920s, it was the favorite choice for Spanish aristocracy, movie stars, and monarchy who came seeking out the fresher air at the top of Tibidabo mountain. It was subsequently used as a hospital during World War II, and didn't welcome guests again until 2003. After a complete overhaul by some of the world's most prolific artists and designers, it is now stuffed with art that would be the envy of many a high-profile gallery, and boasts several designer suites. The feeling of being somewhere special starts on arrival, when guests are offered glasses of rose-petal water before being shown to soothing, sand-colored rooms, which all have spacious marble bathrooms with separate tub and shower. (Most of them boast magnificent views as well.) It's a 20-minute taxi ride to the city center, but many visitors simply prefer to stay here and enjoy the marvelous setting and facilities. These include a world-class restaurant, L'Orangerie, a spa and infinity pool, terraced gardens, and service that really does...

Our Local Expert Says:

Although it's a massive tourist trap, Las Ramblas is a great place to shop for gifts. Check out the jewelry stands at the bottom of Las Ramblas, even locals buy things there.

Description:

Whether or not you've been to Barcelona, everyone's heard of Las Ramblas. One of the most renowned walkways in Europe and perhaps the world, this incredible stretch starts at el Colon (Christopher Columbus Statue) by the sea and extends all the way until Plaza Catalunya. Sprinkled with street vendors selling everything from fine jewelry to caged pigeons, the greatest attraction on Las Ramblas is the one of a kind street performers. Depicting the most innovative costumes it's possible to stare at a man sitting perfectly still on a toilet for as long as it takes until someone drops a Euro in his bucket and he makes a funny face. Overcrowded and a hot spot for pickpockets and prostitutes, Las Ramblas is still a definite must see if you're coming to Barcelona.

Description:

The flower vendors on the Rambla Sant Josep make for a colorful and scented background to the fantastic Mercat de la Boquería. The food market started as much smaller stalls, perhaps on the scale of the flower stalls. It was originally a traveling market dispersed on the outside of the city walls. However the Ramblas soon became a pedestrian throughway and the stalls merged into one official and permanent market on the Rambla Sant Josep in 1827. Several years later the convent of Sant Josep was demolished and the market moved into the space where shoppers continue to buy delicacies today. The variety and quality of fruits, vegetables, sweets, and meats are unbeatable and perfect for a traveler's picnic. At the entrance fruit stands always offer fresh squeezed tropical juices, and throughout the market the best lunches are had at bars and restaurants which serve the freshest ingredients possible...from the stands to their kitchens.

Our Local Expert Says:

For everything and anything foreign, check out FNAC department store, right across from the Plaza. It contains all types electronic gadgets, magazines in all languages and also has a nice coffee shop below. Best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Description:

If coming to Barcelona, you have to frequent Placa Catalunya. One of, if not the most popular plaza in Barcelona, this 5000 meter square is the cross roads between where the old city and the new city meet. Sitting at the top of the Gotico and Raval and leading into the Eixample and Gracia neighbourhoods, Placa Catalunya is not only a landmark but a gathering point for locals and tourists alike. Hosting outdoor, free concerts and celebrations, Placa Catalunya is right next to El Corte Ingles, FNAC and an abundance of other popular shops and cafes. There's always something happening in the plaza, even if it's just hippies sitting and playing guitar while children run around screaming, it's never dull.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're a museum buff save money on entrance fees by buying the Articket at participating museum ticket offices, tourist information centers, or on-line at www.telentradas.com. It includes seven museums: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Fundació Caixa Catalunya, Fundació Joan Miró, Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Museu Picasso.

Description:

The Casa Milá is a fine example of Modernism, which is Cataluña's version of Art Nouveau. Organic and flowing with images of nature at every turn, this is one of Gaudí's many masterpieces. The sea comes to mind with the curving balconies perhaps lined with wrought iron kelp. The octagonal tiles inside forming starfish and other sea shapes are also used along Passeig de Gracia's sidewalk, the street on which the Casa Milá sits. The building is held up by pillars and not by supporting walls creating a greater flexibility in design especially in the façade's windows. The rooftop could be the icing on the cake with its chimneys shaped like medieval warriors with helmets on. Everything practical is turned into art. While the Casa Milá was one of Gaudí's last secular buildings, there are still inscriptions of Ave María in Latin demonstrating the architect's strong religious self.

Description:

The last building of the trio, on the corner of Carrer del Consell de Cent, is the Casa Lleó Morera. This florid work, completed by Doménech i Montaner in 1906, is perhaps the least challenging of the three, as it represents a more international style of Art Nouveau. One of its quirkier features is the tiered wedding cake-type turret and abundance of ornamentation. Comb the facade for a light bulb and telephone (both inventions of the period) and a lion and mulberry bush (after the owner's name: in Catalan, lion is lleó, and mulberry is morera). Tragically, the ground floor has been mutilated by its tenant, who stripped the lower facade of its detail and installed plate glass. The shop's interior, which fared no better, is the only part of the building open to the public.

Description:

The works by national and international painters from the last two centuries are usually displayed in Manuel Mayoral. Some of these painters are prestigious artists such as Graner, Brull, Baixeras, Rusiñol, Casas, Grau-Sala, Pruna and Opisso. Works by more modern artists like Wifredo Lan, Fernando Botero, Celso Legar, Hans Hartung, Luis Freih, Antoni Clavé and Miquel Barceló are also exhibited here.

Description:

A soaring white edifice in the once-shabby but rebounding Raval district, the Museum of Contemporary Art is to Barcelona what the Pompidou Center is to Paris. Designed by the American architect Richard Meier, the building is a work of art in itself, manipulating sunlight to offer brilliant, natural interior lighting. The permanent collection, which is expanding all the time, exhibits the work of modern international luminaries such as Broodthaers, Klee, Basquiat, and many others. Most of the museum, however, has been allotted to Catalan artistic movements, like the Grup del Treball, who were a bunch of reactionaries producing conceptual art criticizing Franco's dictatorship with enormous documents promoting independence for Catalonia. Photographs by Oriol Maspons and Leonardo Pómes illustrate Barcelona street life and the bohemians of the Gauche Divine (Divine Left) in the '70s. Dau al Set, a surrealist movement led by the brilliant "visual poet" Joan Brossa, meanwhile, provokes thought and reflection through the juxtaposition of everyday items. Catalonia's most famous contemporary artists, Tàpies and Barcelò, are both represented. Temporary exhibitions highlight international artists...

Description:

This unique spot has been open for more than 50 years and acts as a magnet for all sorts of locals-shop assistants, pedestrians on the Ramblas, business executives, civil servants and politicians all wait patiently for their turn at the bar. There is no menu and the owners-Juanito and his family-simply announce what is on offer and take an order. These are just a few of the specials you might get to try-Artichoke Omelette, Stew, Grilled Norway Lobsters, Lentils, a wide array of rice dishes and clams à la Marinera. The restaurant even has its own cava (Spanish sparkling wine), called "Pinotxo."

Description:

If it were put to popular vote, Gran Hotel La Florida would probably win the title of Barcelona's finest hotel. And if it did win, it would be for the second time; when it first opened in the 1920s, it was the favorite choice for Spanish aristocracy, movie stars, and monarchy who came seeking out the fresher air at the top of Tibidabo mountain. It was subsequently used as a hospital during World War II, and didn't welcome guests again until 2003. After a complete overhaul by some of the world's most prolific artists and designers, it is now stuffed with art that would be the envy of many a high-profile gallery, and boasts several designer suites. The feeling of being somewhere special starts on arrival, when guests are offered glasses of rose-petal water before being shown to soothing, sand-colored rooms, which all have spacious marble bathrooms with separate tub and shower. (Most of them boast magnificent views as well.) It's a 20-minute taxi ride to the city center, but many visitors simply prefer to stay here and enjoy the marvelous setting and facilities. These include a world-class restaurant, L'Orangerie, a spa and infinity pool, terraced gardens, and service that really does...

Description:

Italian Dominico Bagutti created this park in the 18th century, in the grounds around a mansion. The most important feature is the labyrinth that gives the park its name. Lose yourself amid the artistic sculptures that represent love; in addition, garden has a wide variety of plants and flowers. The town council also organizes classical music concerts in June and July.

Description:

The Parc de Collserola (Collserola Park) is on Collserola Mountain just behind Barcelona. It spans 8,000 hectares, including large areas of white pine and oaks with squirrels, rabbits, foxes and other wild creatures running around. It is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. In addition to the different flora and fauna, there are Masies (traditional Catalan houses) and archaeological remains, and lots of trails for hikers and cyclists. Organized hikes take place on Saturday mornings, and two nights per month feature astronomical observations between 10pm and midnight.

Description:

The mountain of Tibidabo has been a popular retreat for Barcelonese since 1868, when a road was built connecting it to the city. You arrive there on the creaky old funicular -- or less dramatically by bus -- to find yourself confronted by an amusement park that combines tradition with modernity. In summer, the place takes on a carnival-like atmosphere, and most of the credit for this can go to a wealthy pill manufacturer by the name of Dr. Andreu who believed (quite sensibly) that fresh, mountain air was good for your health. He created the Sociedad Anónima de Tibidabo, which promoted the slopes as a public garden and was instrumental in installing both the blue tram and aforementioned funicular which get you there. Some of the attractions in the park date back from Andreu's time. L'Avio, for example, is a quaint replica of the first plane that served the Barcelona-Madrid route. In the Tibidabo version, you are treated to a whisk over the summit in a toy-like craft suspended from a central axis. Another dated attraction designed to scare you out of your wits is Aeromàgic, an exhilarating mountain ride which is greatly enhanced by the elevated position of the park itself. On a more relaxed...

Description:

Built in 1964, the winery offers quality wines, which are manually checked before going to the market. A tour to the vineyard gets visitors first hand information from the owner himself and tips on tastings and pairings. Watch where the award-winning wines are made and take a bottle or two home. Call for tour reservations.

Our Local Expert Says:

To experience a little more of the local side, walk slightly off the beaten path and further into the garden. There's often groups of hippies chilling, playing guitar and hanging out in the sun. They always welcome visitors.

Description:

One of Barcelona's greatest attractions and one of the few that are absolutely free, is Gaudi's incredible Park Guell. Get anywhere near the Vallcarca stop on the green line and you'll see tourists lumped together, maps in hand, asking locals for Park 'Guay'. Designed and built by Gaudi between 1900 and 1914, this spectacular mix of garden, park and architectural dream is a small oasis within Barcelona. From the mosaic benches, to the meticulously tiled rooftops, Park Guell is both fascinating as it is serene. One of the best places to spend a sunny day, the park is a great place to listen to music, enjoy a few copas of vino or just relax with a good book.

Description:

Gaudí's incomplete masterpiece is one of the city's more idiosyncratic creations -- if you have time to see only one Catalan landmark, you should make it this one. Begun in 1882 and incomplete at the architect's death in 1926, this incredible temple -- the Church of the Holy Family -- is a bizarre wonder. The languid, amorphous structure embodies the essence of Gaudí's style, which some have described as Art Nouveau run wild.

The Sagrada Família became Gaudí's all-encompassing obsession toward the last years of this intensely religious man's life. The commission came from the Josephines, a right-wing, highly pious faction of the Catholic Church. They were of the opinion that the decadent city needed an expiatory (atonement) temple where its inhabitants could go and do penance for their sins. Gaudí, whose view of Barcelona's supposed decadence largely mirrored that of the Josephines, by all accounts had a free hand; money was no object, nor was there a deadline. As Gaudí is known to have said, "My client [God] is in no hurry."

Literally dripping in symbolism, the Sagrada Família was conceived to be a "catechism in stone." The basic design followed that of a Gothic church, with transepts,...

Description:

If you came here when it opened in 1780, you could have eaten lunch for 2 ptas, which doesn't even translate into euros anymore. Check the walls adorned with documents, photos and paintings that record its long and illustrious history and immortalize the famous guests. As for the food, it is 100 percent homemade, traditional Catalan fare, like Cannelloni, Potato Omelet, Meatballs with Cuttlefish, Duck with Plums and Fried Fish in generous portions. The restaurant fills up every day with regulars, curious tourists and students.

Description:

If it were put to popular vote, Gran Hotel La Florida would probably win the title of Barcelona's finest hotel. And if it did win, it would be for the second time; when it first opened in the 1920s, it was the favorite choice for Spanish aristocracy, movie stars, and monarchy who came seeking out the fresher air at the top of Tibidabo mountain. It was subsequently used as a hospital during World War II, and didn't welcome guests again until 2003. After a complete overhaul by some of the world's most prolific artists and designers, it is now stuffed with art that would be the envy of many a high-profile gallery, and boasts several designer suites. The feeling of being somewhere special starts on arrival, when guests are offered glasses of rose-petal water before being shown to soothing, sand-colored rooms, which all have spacious marble bathrooms with separate tub and shower. (Most of them boast magnificent views as well.) It's a 20-minute taxi ride to the city center, but many visitors simply prefer to stay here and enjoy the marvelous setting and facilities. These include a world-class restaurant, L'Orangerie, a spa and infinity pool, terraced gardens, and service that really does...

Description:

This charming 19th-century square is just off the Ramblas and Carrer Ferran. It was the site of a Capuchin convent that was demolished in 1835 when Barcelona underwent a period of urban renewal. Architect Francesc Daniel Molina was put in charge of filling the vacant space. Plaça Reial has undergone a number of renovations since then. The street lamps in the shape of trees were designed by Antoni Gaudí. The Las Tres Gracias fountain in the center dates from the end of the 19th Century. Now Plaça Reial is a meeting point for young people on their way to and from the nearby clubs and bars.

Description:

This quarter of medieval origin is found below Plaza Urquinaona and on the left side of Via Laietana. It is called Sant Pere because the area grew around the Monastery of Sant Pere de les Puelles, and you can still see some of the monastery's ruins in the Sant Pere square. Traditionally, this quarter was the center of textile production in Barcelona and you can still find a large number of fabric and cloth shops. One of its more marvelous non-garment-related attractions is the Palau de la Música Catalana, built by Domènech i Muntaner, with sculptures of Miquel Blay. It's a nice area to spend time in, to get a feel of the old, pre-shopping mall Barcelona.

Description:

Natural products in an unusual setting, is what you can count on once you step into Camper foodBALL. Call it a fast food joint, a restaurant, or a health food store, the informal venue offers fresh and organic food in a unique atmosphere. There are no tables or chairs; instead, you can find a wide set of steps to sit down on and enjoy your snack. There are also fresh juices, sorbets, soups, and snacks to choose from.

Description:

This street stretches from Las Ramblas to Plaça de la Catedral. One of the gates to the city of Barcelona was built here. The street is a wonderful mélange of people buying, looking, walking, talking, and generally living life. It is one of the most popular streets for shopping. There are a lot of cafés and milk bars, especially in the Petritxol Street beside Portaferrissa where one can have a hot chocolate and rest a while after shopping. What a charming area!

Description:

The Roman walls once completely surrounded by the Barcino settlement. They were nine meters (30 feet) high and 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) thick, and stretched for 1270 meters (4170 feet). Most of the walls have disappeared or were used as the foundations for later buildings. The best preserved parts can be seen on Plaça de Ramon Berenguer el Gran (next to Via Laietana), on the Avenida de la Catedral, the Pia Almoina, Plaça dels Traginers, Carrer del Correu Vell and on Carrer Regomir, which led to the Roman port.

Our Local Expert Says:

There are a couple of ice cream parlors on this street which can save you on a hot day.

Description:

Extending from the Liceu on the Ramblas to Plaça Sant Jaume, this is where Saint James' Church was constructed in the fourteenth century, on the site of an ancient synagogue. Today only the facade of this church remains, the rest of the building dates from the XVI and XVII centuries. The rest of the buildings on the street are from later periods. It has been changed to a walking street, making it much more pleasurable to stroll along. There are a lot of shops and cafés here as well - check out the grocers' shops that still have wonderful display windows like in past.

Our Local Expert Says:

Watch your belongings at any of the city beaches, better yet, come with the minimum. Perhaps just enough for lunch or to get a massage- people go up and down the beach giving massages while you sun.

Description:

You might be surprised to know that there are lots of beaches in Barcelona (stretching over four kilometers' worth of coastline!), and most of them have been given a cleaned fine. The closest to the centre is near La Barceloneta neighborhood, and it offers a lifeguard service, palm trees for shade, disabled access, garbage collection and showers. In addition, there are special children's play areas.

Description:

Given its consistently well-prepared cuisine and overall class, this uptown restaurant -- which has been going strong for around 4 decades -- mysteriously tends to fall under the radar. Not that this in any way worries the management, who are busy catering to regulars and visiting sports stars. The restaurant has a reputation for serving the finest caza (game) and fungi around, especially in the fall. Look out for rovellons and ceps, both wild mushrooms from the Catalan forests, cooked to perfection in olive oil and rock salt. Other treats include liebre (hare) stuffed with foie and served on a bed of baked apples, and patito (baby duck), which is slow roasted and brought to the table for deboning. The wine list is dauntingly large as the cellar contains over 10,000 bottles, so ask the sommelier to help you. Finish off with a cheese platter or heady dessert combination such as chocolate mousse spiced with mixed peppers and cinnamon ice cream.