Barcelona Holidays

Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella (Catalan for ‘old city’) is the centre of the city and host to many of Barcelona’s most impressive monuments. Bursting with architectural attractions, this

is where you will find Gothic churches and houses, Romanesque churches, beautiful bustling squares, pretty fountains, narrow streets and fascinating museums.

Las Ramblas
The famous tree-lined boulevard of La Rambla runs through Ciutat Vella. In fact, a series of streets (and therefore also known as Las Ramblas), these predominantly

pedestrianised boulevards are lined with cafés, restaurants, street performers and open-air markets. Each individually themed, one rambla can be devoted solely to flower stalls; whilst another showcases the work of craftsmen.

Eixample
Eixample (‘the extension’), built largely in the 19th Century, is Barcelona’s modernist quarter. Considered an excellent example of modern urban planning, its grid-pattern streets and squares are home to a large number of the Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces. Gràcia lies to the north of the centre and this is where you will find Gaudí’s famous Park Güell.

Beaches

Barcelona also enjoys a vibrant beach scene less than half an hour from the city centre. Soak up the sun at Platja de la Barceloneta (closest to the centre), Mar Bella

(particularly good for watersports), Nova Icaria and Bogatell.

Galleries & Gaudi
Art enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, with the Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró – not to mention the works of Gaudí, scattered around the city like a fantastical treasure hunt. The magical UNESCO World Heritage Site of Park Güell hosts some of his finest designs, with Hansel and Gretel-inspired gatehouses, a mosaic lizard sculpture and

wonderful views of the city and beyond.

La Sagrada Famílía & Santa Eulàli
A visit to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without admiring the extraordinary architecture of Gaudí’s La Sagrada Famílía. This iconic and imposing church has evoked both delight and horror – but always wonder – with its exquisite mosaic work, dreaming

spires and stone tapestry symbolising the life of Christ. As yet unfinished, construction is expected to continue for at least another 30 years. Equally breathtaking but from an

era far removed from Gaudí’s time, the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Eulàli dates back to 1298 and is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona.

Camp Nou & the Estadi Olimpic
Sports fans can visit Barcelona FC’s renowned stadium, Camp Nou, and the Estadi Olimpic – host to the 1992 summer Olympics.

Tapas is unsurprisingly popular, though it did not originate from this region. Barceloneta offers some of the best tapas in the city and is a favourite with locals. ‘Pinxto’ – the Basque version of tapas: platters of bite-sized morsels served on top of bread – is

also popular.

Be sure to sample authentic Catalan cuisine, largely consisting of seafood paella, soups, salads, snails and different breads. Dining options are vast and varied around La Rambla, but expect to pay higher prices than in other areas of the city. Many restaurants offer a simple and good-value menú del dia (‘menu of the day’). People here eat late and it is worth noting that many restaurants are closed from 4pm-8pm.

Spain’s second largest city isn’t difficult to navigate. Barcelona International Airport (El Prat) is only eight miles from the city centre.

Once in the city, the hop on/off Bus Turistic stops at all the major attractions, and the metro is a useful and reliable alternative. Bicycles are also available for hire and walking is recommended as far as possible.