Barcelona won the 1999 RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architect) Royal Gold Medal for its architecture; the first and the only time that a city a city had been announced winner, but not an individual architecture. It is not a surprise for those who have ever visited Barcelona. Let's check why?
La Sagrada Familia - this giant Basilica was designed by famous architect Antonio Gaudi. The construction of the building started in 1882, unfinished yet - still need another 30 to 80 years to be completed. That means it is very different from others and confirmed that with every single visit I shall see something new. Go and experience a architectural masterpiece of the primitive modern age's mind under its construction!
Las Ramblas is the most famous street not only of Barcelona but also in entire Spain. Here lies many Spanish cum Catalanian style hotels, restaurants and eye catching shops with products from all parts of Spain. Seeing street performers is another added attraction for most of the tourists.
The Magic Fountain of Montijuice is another widely known popular tourist attraction of Barcelona with the extravaganzas of water, light and music at night.
La Pedrera (Quarry) is another masterpiece of Antonio Gaudi with wavy bricks and colourful tiles. Once the building was called CasaMila.
I am telling about the tourist attractions of Barcelona. But speaking truly, Barcelona is mostly famous for Barcelona Football FC than anything else. And no doubt, over half of the tourists who went to Barcelona visit their sacred temple - the Barcelona FC Museum and Camp Nou (the stadium) like me. It is not only the largest football stadium of Europe but also of the entire world.
Oh sorry, I have just forgot about Antonio Gaudi who designed a wonderful park, called Park Guell. The park is amazingly attractive and large with no entry fees except the "Monumental Area". The house where Antonio lived also lies within the park. You can see eye catching structures within the park. Though to the "Monumental Area" you have to give some Euros from your pocket; you actually should not come back without entering. Generally there is always a long entrance queue to visit the area specially to see the dream like views of the beautiful city of Barcelona from ceramic tiles seating.
You are in Barcelona and know that there is Picasso Museum. Do you understand what I want to say? If you are a art lover I know that like Picasso Museum you will definitely not going to miss Miro Museum too at all.
The most picturesque square of the city is Placa Reial, situated just off La Rambla. People take coffee, bites of tasty foods, one mug of beer or otherwise use to visit just for relaxation there. See the square with its fine restaurants, bars and the attractive fountain; and do not forget to make your mind calm with two large distinctive lampposts.
Barcelona Cathedral and the golden sandy beaches also attract a lot of tourists into Barcelona. The beaches offers you both to see vibrant youths and experience healthy Spanish food at a cheap rate. Barceloneta is the most popular beach. On road to the beach one can see 'Monument a Colom'; a memorial to Columbus and picturesque Port Vell de Barcelona (port). Other popular beaches includes Ica'ria Beach, Marbella Beach and Sitges Beach. Sitges need a train journey of approximately 30 minutes from the city. There lies a number of beautiful hotels, unique architectural designs on the beaches. The most unique is the leaning monument, called 'Homenatge la Barceloneta'. Famous W Hotel also looks like a wonderful piece of fine architecture from the beach.
Due to both; wallet and time I could not experience Tibidabo Mountain; a very popular site. 22@district area - the name given to an urban renewal area in formerly industrial area of Poblenoue, The Castle of the Three Dragons - a museum of history, archaeology, biology and natural sciences and Palau Ncional - The National Art Museum of Catalonia are worth mentioning among another tourist attractions of Barcelona.
Barcelona Cathedral is situated in the historic old town of Gothic Quarter along with many buildings dated back even before Roman settlement.
It is good to note that travelers can take full advantage of Barcelona Metro System to reach the major tourist hotspots of the city.
Barcelona is also heaven for food lovers and people take eating very seriously. I think you are not going to experience anything bad with the food of the city. I found Gaspatxo (cold vegetable soup) before main course very interesting and coffee of the city very genuine. Apart from worldwide reputed healthy Spanish cuisine; Catalanian cuisine, the cuisine of the province is popular to a great extent; though not very cheap. It is an ancient Mediterranean style of cooking; mainly characterized by the aromas and herbs of the mountains in and around Barcelona.
So, do you have a average fat wallet? Think about Barcelona .......................
By Jonathan Green
