When to go: September is an ideal time to visit Barcelona, the tourist season is just winding down, so not as much crowd as you would possibly see in summer. The weather is just right, not too hot, and not too cold. In the 8 days we spent there, it only rained on the last night, so take an umbrella just in case.
Where to stay: We stayed right off Ramblas (the main street, which is also very touristy) for convenience sake - the bus terminus is right there, its proximity to the Gothic Quarter (which we visited on more than one day) and Passeig de Gracia is convenient. We stayed at the Hesperia Ramblas, which is a boutique hotel - rooms are smaller (but keeping with European standards), clean and excellent service.
Where to eat: There are plenty of vegetarian options in Barcelona. If you want fast food that's also healthy, try the Maoz chain - it is a Middle Eastern place and for a few Euros, you get a pita wrap or salad that's sure to keep your tummy full for a long time. There's also the Boqueria which is like a farmer's market (similar to Pike's Place in Seattle) where you can find fresh squeezed juices for only a Euro. There's also Starbucks which was our savior on many occasions with their vegetarian sandwiches or pasta bowls. Not to mention the tourist traps posing as Tapas restaurants - overpriced, but worth visiting once; don't expect to eat there every night. Try Fresc Co - it is similar to Souplantation and/or Sweet Tomatoes in the United States. Good variety of vegetarian options.
How to get around: Barcelona, just like the rest of Europe, is very pedestrian friendly. We walked most of the time, occasionally taking the Bus Turistic, which is a 2 level bus that takes you to all the important tourist sites. For example, if you are staying near Placa Catalunya and want to get to Parc Guell, you cannot possibly walk all the way there. Bus Turistic is an excellent choice then. But plan your days ahead and purchase passes only for 1 or 2 days. It can get very expensive.
What to see: There's so much to do and see in Barcelona, that 8 days was not enough for us. We might even go back for another visit, if time permits. Here are some of my recommendations - don't stop just here and do your own rambling around to experience the city at it's most authentic.
The Sagrada Familia is a must-see, even if you are not religiously inclined to Catholicism. This church has been under construction since 1882 and it is expected to go on until 2026! Now if that doesn't intrigue you enough to go and see what's this church all about, I don't know what will! The beautiful finished facade at the back of theBasilica is a visual delight, in addition to the stained glass features and petal like ceiling inside the basilica. Entrance fee is 14.00 Euros per adult, but is well worth it! See some sample pictures below:
Barcelona is full of masterpieces by Antoni Gaudi. One of those is Casa Batllo, also known as "House of Bones"by the locals. You can see why :)
Casa Batllo is located on the famous Passeig de Gracia alongside two other splendid examples of Modernisme architecture. The contrast between these 3 houses is definitely worth visiting.
Another of Gaudi's creations is the Parc Guell. Situated on top of a hill, getting there is quite the hike. Once you're inside the park, you can see almost the whole expanse of Barcelona from there. There's an opportunity for you to hike further up the hill and the view from there is just amazing - you can even see the port and theships and the Sagrada Familia on a clear day. Its simply beautiful.
Barcelona is not all Modernisme and Gaudi... There's a lot of rich culture and history in the city from the time of Roman rule. The Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is full of remnants of the Roman Empire, from walls to columns to cemetaries. There are churches and more churches, with beautiful high ceilings and ornate carvings.
Then, of course, there's Salvador Dali and Picasso and their museums showcasing their paintings and scuptures.
Whatever is your reason for visiting Barcelona, be it to appreciate the architecture or Gaudi's eccentric artistic tastes, to study Dali and his work or simply to relax and take in a whole new culture, Barcelona has it for you. Enjoy the beauty and culture of my most favorite European city...yet.
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