Barcelona
Barcelona is the vibrant and progressive capital
of Catalonia, and one of the most popular destinations
for travellers to Europe. Boasting outstanding
Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, world-class museums,
and an enviable location by the sea, Barcelona
is above all a place where there is simple enjoyment
in walking the streets, recuperating in sidewalk bars
and cafés, and absorbing the unique atmosphere.
Barcelona has in recent decades undergone a rejuvenation
of sorts, with thriving commercial, social, and cultural
activity unrivalled in Spain. The sophistication of
the city's artistic scene reflects both strong local
influences and those of a more international (most
notably French) flavour. With its elegant boulevards
and vitality, Barcelona is often characterized as
the brighter, fun-loving sibling of the more austere
capital of Spain - Madrid.
Two major influences have indelibly stamped themselves
on the Catalonian capital - the unique architecture
of Antonio Gaudi, and the positive impact of the 1992
Olympic Games and associated civic works. New
buildings, extensive renovations, and an upsurge of
civic pride have been a legacy of the Games, while
Gaudi's legacy is brilliantly encapsulated by the
Sagrada Familia, the unfinished cathedral that
is his masterwork and the abstract apartment complex
known as 'The Stone Quarry'.
A good starting point for exploring Barcelona is
Los Ramblas, a broad avenue cutting through the
Old Town (La Ciutat Vella) from the Placa de Catalunya
down to the harbour-edge statue of Columbus. The cramped
streets that radiate off Los Ramblas are easily manageable,
and far more enjoyable, on foot.
The Picasso Museum contains the most important
collection of the artist's early work, and is one
of the city's most popular attractions. The museum
is located within five medieval palaces.
Another aspect of Barcelona that should be sampled
by all visitors is the cuisine. Essentially Mediterranean,
Catalonian cuisine features plenty of fresh produce
- seafood, fruit, olive oil, and vegetables. Affordable
and tasty.
There are, however, darker sides to the prosperity
and confidence of Barcelona, with high rates of
drug abuse and petty theft. There are 'no go'
areas for tourists, and unfortunately the level of
theft from tourists is on the rise. Be prepared, and
follow sensible precautions.
Getting There
Plenty of airlines - including budget carriers such
as Go and Easyjet - fly direct from London to Barcelona.
An airbus runs regularly from the airport to the Placa
de Catalunya in the centre of town.
More Information
For more information on Barcelona, check out the
tourism website at www.bcn.es.
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