Barcelona is regarded as one of the most splendid cities that Spain can offer. It has many elegant hotels and world class restaurants. Aside from the usual spots that welcome tourists, Barcelona also has museums, theatres, and art galleries in addition to its pubs and clubs that make nightlife in the city very spectacular.
Undeniably, the city offers almost everything and anything that a traveler can ask for – regardless of his preferences when it comes to food and activities. However, what’s unique about this city is that if you really want to see it at its best, make it a point to always move around the area. Indeed, Barcelona is diverse not only in terms of the people that populate it but on the various types of entertainment that it offers.
Art and Museums in Barcelona
Barcelona has a lot to offer for those who are into fine arts. Foremost of which is the Museu Nacional d´Art de Catalunya (MNAC) which offers some of the finest Romanic paintings around the globe, including the wall frescos from the Romanic churches in Pirineos.
Another must-visit museum is the Museu Picasso. Settled within a medieval palace on Montcada Street, Museo Picasso holds a magnificent collection of the earliest paintings of the legendary artist. The notable art collection includes oils and drawings that provide the guests with a glimpse of the formative years of Picasso as a remarkable painter. Included in the 3,500 art collectibles are masterpieces such as “Man in a Baret,” “The Divan,” “Margot or the Period of Waiting,” and “Blanquita Suarez.”
In case you are a fan of Joan Miró however, you should stop by Fundació Miró. Other art centers that artistic tourists must pay attention to are Centre d´art Santa Monica, Fundació Tapies, and Centre de Cultura Contemporanea.
Spots for Strolling
Barcelona is a prime spot for romantic walks, educational sight seeing, or just plain adventurous strolling for the avid traveler. For first timers, the seashore walk is a must-try as the sun sets. From the Forum of las Culturas area, you can walk along Passeig Maritim and pass by the Vila Olimpica and la Barceloneta. Your journey continues along el moll de la Fusta and ends at the Colon monument.
If you are on for an exciting walking escapade, take a stroll along Las Ramblas. From Plaça Catalunya, you can walk towards Colon and find a perfect spot where you can sit and observe natural Barcelonian life. If that is not enough and you feel the need to walk some more, try the Barri Gotic route. Take a leisurely walk along the old streets of the Barri Gotic and head towards la Plaça Reial.
If you know some local people and you want to get a closer look at the city, you can immerse yourself in the city’s little Karachi. Your trip can begin with the city’s market – el Mercat de la Boqueria, and then pass by the decadent streets of el raval. If you have the time and the money, you can stop by Plaça Catalunya and walk along Barcelona’s most prided street when it comes luxury and extravagance – Passeig de Gracia. After you have exhausted every expensive boutique in the area, you can then proceed to Gracia, the city’s bohemian neighborhood.
