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| Barcelona, Spain |
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Visit Barcelona for Delicious Food and Endless Entertainment
Even among all of the fabulous vacation destinations in Spain, Barcelona stands apart from the rest. The climate is warm and sunny and the atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming. You can see world-class architecture and art throughout the city and enjoy terrific food and wine in nearly all locations. There is a beach, lively markets and so many interesting attractions that you will never be at a loss for fun or entertainment during your stay.
Barcelona Hotel Accommodations
The ideal choice for accommodations in Barcelona is in the La Rambla (or Las Ramblas) area in the centre of Barcelona. Las Ramblas divides the two neighborhoods of Barri Gotic and El Raval. You can explore the entire city from a hotel in the Las Ramblas area as it offers convenient transportation access. Plus, there are many great restaurants, shops and attractions at hand right in the immediate Las Ramblas vicinity.
There are so many hotels in the area of Las Ramblas; you can pick and choose among your favorite amenities as long as you book in advance. For moderately priced, comfortable and convenient accommodations, try the Hotel Gaudi Barcelona. Located on the narrow street of Nou de La Rambla just off Las Ramblas, this is a comparatively quiet hotel. It is a family owned and operated hotel that features a cafe including a bar and a nicely equipped gym. From the Hotel Gaudi Barcelona, you can walk to Las Ramblas in minutes.
An excellent choice for slightly more deluxe accommodations is the Hotel Catalunya Plaza located on Central Placa Catalunya in the center of Barcelona. The Restaurant Catalunya is located on the first floor of the hotel, along with a small TV lounge and a bar. The Hotel offers convenient access to many tourist attractions, is very close to Las Ramblas and the Placa Catalunya metro is located just outside the hotel.
Eating and Drinking in Barcelona
On almost every street throughout much of Barcelona, you can find restaurants, wine bars and cafes where you can enjoy tapas, a full meal or just a pastry and coffee or a glass of wine.
Tapas are small amounts of assorted foods served in bars throughout Barcelona, and they are the ideal way to sample many different kinds of dishes. A variety of fresh ingredients are featured and combined in tapas, including smoked ham and other meats, seafood, cheese, vegetables, olives, bread, eggs and mushrooms. Several courses of tapas may be ordered, and they are often shared.
The highlight of Barcelona cuisine is Catalan cooking, which features plenty of fresh seafood, meat, poultry, seasonal game, fruit and vegetables. Fresh ingredients are combined in truly unique ways in Catalan cooking, and it is not unusual to discover seafood and meat together in one dish, or fish combined with nuts.
Delicious sauces are also a key feature of Catalan cuisine, and garlic, olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, nuts and other ingredients are used in creating them. Whether you enjoy an assortment of tapas, raciones or full-meals, you'll quickly grow accustomed to the delicious taste of Catalan food and the fine taste of a perfectly matched glass of wine.
Try to avoid restaurants catering to tourists throughout the Las Ramblas area, and opt for smaller, more affordable restaurantes along the side streets, instead. You will be rewarded for your efforts in more ways than one, as the quality of the food, the atmosphere and the service in such restaurants is likely to be exceptional.
Barcelona Attractions
Much of Barcelona centers on eating and drinking, but there are many attractions you won't want to miss. La Sagrada Familia is a must-see gothic cathedral of enormous size in Barcelona. The temple has been under construction since 1882 and under the direction of master architect Gaudi, it was designed to feature 18 towers. A trip to the top of the high tower provides an astounding view of Barcelona from a dizzying height. Fans of Gaudi's work will want to visit Park Guell, which includes examples of his colorful tile mosaic works and sculptures.
You also won't want to miss visiting the magic fountain of Montjuic during your visit to Barcelona. This is a gigantic water fountain that is the focus of an incredible show that takes place nightly. Lights, motion, color and music combine in a truly breathtaking display. There are many other incredible attractions to enjoy in Barcelona, including the Zoo in Parc Ciutadella and the outstanding Picasso museum.
Barcelona attractions and the city itself at night are just as spectacular as they are during the day. The lights, sounds, excitement and lively nightlife keep the city entertaining all night long. There are so many nightclubs and bars and so much live music, you may have trouble sleeping if you're not a night owl!
Getting Around Barcelona
One of the nicest things about Barcelona is how easy it is to get around the city. The underground metro system is convenient, safe, clean and very affordable. Buses are another public transportation option, and taxis are readily available and quite reasonably priced. If you've never taken a ride on a cable car or funicular, you may wish to experience these unique forms of transportation, too. |
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