Five separate streets strung end to end, La Rambla (also called Las Ramblas) is a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard packed with buskers, living statues, mimes and itinerant salespeople selling everything from lottery tickets to jewellery. The noisy bird market on the second block of La Rambla is worth a stop, as is the nearby Palau de la Virreina, a grand 18th-century rococo mansion, with arts and entertainment information and a ticket office. Next door is La Rambla's most colourful market, the Mercat de la Boqueria. Just south of the Boqueria the Mosaic de Miropunctuates the pavement, with one tile signed by the artist. The next section of La Rambla boasts the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the famous 19th-century opera house. Below the Placa Reial, La Rambla becomes decidedly seedy, with strip clubs and peep shows. La Rambla terminates at the lofty Monument a Colom (Monument to Columbus) and the harbour.You can ascend the monument by lift. Just west
of the monument, on Avinguda de les Drassanes, stand the Reials Drassanes (Royal Shipyards), which house the fascinating Museu Marítim. It has more seafaring paraphernalia than you'd care to wag a sextant at - boats, models, maps, paintings, ships' figureheads and 16th-century galleys.
Barri Gotic
The Barri Gotic contains a concentration of medieval Gothic buildings only a few blocks northeast of La Rambla, and is the nucleus of old Barcelona. It's a maze of interconnecting dark streets linking with squares, and there are plenty of cafes and bars, as well as the cheapest accommodation in town. Most of the buildings date from the 14th and 15th century, when Barcelona was at the height of its commercial prosperity and before it had been absorbed into Castile. Around the Catedral, one of Spain's greatest Gothic buildings, you can still see part of the ancient walls incorporated into later structures. The quarter is centred around the Placa de Sant Jaume, a spacious square, the site of a busy market and one of the venues for the weekly dancing of the sardana. Two of the city's most
significant buildings are here, the Ajuntament and the Palau de la Generalitat.
Museu Picasso
The Museu Picasso is Barcelona's most visited museum. It's housed in three strikingly beautiful stone mansions on the Carrer de Montcada, which was, in medieval times, an approach to the port. The museum shows numerous works that trace the artist's early years, and is especially strong on his Blue Period with canvases like The Defenceless, ceramics and his early works from the 1890s. The second floor shows works from Barcelona and Paris from 1900-1904, with many of his impressionist-influenced works. The haunting Portrait of Senyora Canals (1905), from his Pink Period is also on display. Among the later works, all executed in Cannes in 1957, are a complex technical series (Las Meninas), which consists mostly of studies on Diego Velazquez's masterpiece
of the same name. The museum houses some of the best works by Pablo Picasso, who donated over 2,500 of his paintings, engravings, and drawings in 1970. Picasso was particularly fond of Barcelona, the city where he spent much of his formative youth. In fact, some of the paintings were done when Picasso was only 9 years old. Many of the works, especially the early paintings, show the artist's debt to van Gogh, El Greco, and Rembrandt; a famous series, Las Meninas (1957), is said to "impersonate" the work of Velazquez. From Picasso's blue period, the La Vie drawings are the most interesting. His notebooks contain many sketches of Barcelona scenes. In 1999 the museum acquired two more medieval mansions for its exhibition space, increasing the museum's size by a third. This additional space is used for temporary exhibitions.
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is truly awe-inspiring - even if you don't have much time, don't miss it. The life's work of Barcelona's favourite son, Antoni Gaudí, the magnificent spires of the unfinished cathedral imprint themselves boldly against the sky with swelling outlines inspired by the holy mountain Montserrat. They are encrusted with a tangle of sculptures that seem to breathe life into the stone. Gaudí died in 1926 before his masterwork was completed, and since then, controversy has continually dogged the building program. Nevertheless, the southwestern (Passion) facade, with four more towers, is almost done, and the nave, begun in 1978, is progressing. Some say the shell should have been left as a monument to the architect, but today's chief architect, Jordi Bonet, argues
that the task is a sacred one, as it's a church intended to atone for sin and appeal to God's mercy on Catalunya.
La Pedrera(Casa Mila)
Another Gaudí masterpiece, La Pedrera was built between 1905 and 1910 as a combined apartment and office block. Formerly called the Casa Mila, it's better known now as La Pedrera (the quarry) because of its uneven grey stone facade that ripples around a street corner - it creates a wave effect that's further emphasized by elaborate wrought-iron balconies. Visitors can tour the building and go up to the roof, where giant multicoloured chimney pots jut up like medieval knights. On summer weekend nights, the roof is eerily lit and open for spectacular views of Barcelona. One floor below the roof is a modest museum dedicated to Gaudí's work.
Montjuic
Montjuic, the hill overlooking the city centre from the southwest, is home to some fine art galleries, leisure attractions, soothing parks and the main group of 1992 Olympic sites. Approach the area from Placa d'Espanya and on the north side you'll see Placa de Braus Les Arenes, a former bullring where the Beatles played in 1966. Behind it lies Parc Joan Miró, where stands Mir?'s highly phallic sculpture Dona i Ocell (Woman and Bird). Nearby, the Palau Nacional houses the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, which has an impressive collection of Romanesque art. Stretching up a series of terraces below the Palau Nacional are fountains, including the biggest, La Font Magica, which
comes alive with a free lights and music show on summer evenings. In the northwest of Montjuic is the 'Spanish Village', Poble Espanyol. At first glance it's a tacky tourist trap, but it also proves to be an intriguing scrapbook of Spanish architecture, with very convincing copies of buildings from all of Spain's regions. The Anella Olímpica (Olympic Ring) is the group of sports installations where the main events of the 1992 games were held. Down the hill, visit masterpieces of another kind in the Fundacio Joan Miro, Barcelona's gallery for the greatest Catalan artist of the 20th century. This is the largest single collection of the his work.
Tibidabo
At 542m (1778ft), Tibidabo is the highest hill in the wooded range that forms the backdrop to Barcelona. If the air's clear, it's a great place for views over the city. The locals come up here for some thrills at the amusement park Parc d'Atraccions, which has rides and a house of horrors. As hair-raising as anything at the Parc, however, is the glass lift that goes 115m (126yd) up to a visitors' observation area at Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower. The more sedate can find solace in Temple del Sagrat Cor, Barcelona's answer to Paris' Sacre Coeur; it's even more vilified by aesthetes than its Paris equivalent. Looming above Tibidabo's funicular station, it is actually two churches, one on top of the other. The top one is surmounted by a giant Christ and has a lift to the roof.
Pueblo Espanol (Spanish Village)
Built in 1929 for the occasion of the Barcelona International Exhibition, the Pueblo Espanol (or Spanish village) brings together some actually quite attractive traditional architecture from all over Spain and stuffs it full of handicraft and souvenir shops and packs the place with concerts and bars that somehow do not seem so tacky on hot summer nights.The Spanish Village is on the Avenida Marques de Comillas, going up Montjuich, a 10-15 minute walk from the Plaza Espana; the tourist bus also stops outside
Palau Barode Quadras(Casa Asia)
Like many of Barcelona's spectacular buildings, the Palau Barode Quadras (Av. Diagonal 373) was commissioned by a stinkingly rich private patron. A remodelled house designed by Puig i Cadafalch for the Baron of Quadras, who having newly acquired his title also wanted to acquire suitable property, the Palau now houses the Casa Asia, "a cultural information and reference centre for the Asia-Pacific region" and a "point of encounter for Spanish society and the Asian world."
Cathedral of Barcelona
The cathedral, the gem of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is an impressive structure. The cathedral, which was built mostly during the 14th century (the facade is from the 19th century), lies on the remains of both Roman worship grounds, as well as an ancient basilica, and is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, patron saint of Barcelona. Its humongous lacework steeples overlook a plaza. Standing out as a celebrated example of Catalonian Gothic architecture it is always filled with street performers, antique markets, and artists. With its large bell towers, blending of medieval and Renaissance styles, beautiful cloister, high altar, side chapels, sculptured choir, and Gothic arches, it ranks as one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain. Vaulted galleries in the cloister surround a garden of magnolias, medlars, and palm trees; the galleries are further enhanced by forged iron grilles. The cloister, illuminated on Saturday and fiesta days, also contains a museum of medieval art. The most
notable work displayed is the 15th-century La Pietat of Bartolome Bermejo. At noon on Sunday you can see the sardana, a Catalonian folk dance, performed in front of the cathedral.
Parque de la Ciutadella
Visit this park for relaxation.. You will be able to see the zoo, the Parlamento de Barcelona and the famous and important statue of the Dama de Paraguas. You can rent a boat and row around the lake.
Palacio Real Mayor
Originally the palace of the counts of Barcelona. Of particular interest are the "Salon de Tinell" of 14th century, the windows of 11th century , the "Mirador del Rei Marti" containing a gothic chapel of 14th century, and the ceremony hall of the counts of Barcelona, where Christopher Columbus is said to have been received by the king after returning from America. Archiepiscopal Palais Built in 17th century, with an inner court of late Romanesque style. Casa del Arcediano
was built in late 15th century over Roman fortifications. Today it contains the historic archive of Barcelona. Palacio del Archivo de la Corona de Aragón
Palace of the crown of Aragon. Renaissance-building of 16th century, containing the important historic archive. Palau de la Generalitat
Building in gothic and renaissance styles. Specially interesting is the inner court, Patio de los naranjos, with its gothic stairways. Palau del Ayuntamiento
Townhall. The facade is of neoclassic, the inner court of gothic style. Remarkable is the "Salon de las cronicas". Nao de Santa Maria del Mar
An accurate replica of Columbus' ship "Santa Maria", on which he was sailing to America. Monasterio de Pedralbes
The monastery of Pedralbes was founded in 1326 and is specially important for its museum. Palau de la Musica Catalana
An impressive concert house in modernist style , by Domenech i Muntaner. Hospital de Santa Cruz
Hospital of 15th and 16th century, together with a church of 15th century and an archive-building.
Beaches in Barcelona
Nova Icaria
Closest to the Olympic marina, and therefore always crowded, this wide swathe of rough golden sand is great for food goers. There are three spotless beach bars, two immensely popular restaurants on the promenade behind (Mango and Chiringuito de Moncho) and countless bars and restaurants off the Port Olímpic just a short stroll away. Bogatell This beach is twice the length of adjoining Nova Icaria and fringed by a stretch of stone walkway perfect for jogging, roller blading and cycling. The raised promenade cuts down on traffic noise and makes it possible to almost believe you're a million miles from the city. No beach bars, but three large informal restaurants on the promenade. Mar Bella
(Metro Ciutadella Vila Olimpica, plus 20-minute walk) Divided from Bogatell by a breakwater housing a school and hire center for windsurfing, hobie cats and kayaks, Barcelona's only naturist beach is tucked away behind a long hillock of rustling bamboo. Nearby is a peaceful park - good for a picnic or siesta under the trees. Barceloneta Very wide and long and fringed by woodendecking along which lies a series of American-style eateries(pizzas and Tex-Mex mostly) plus the busy Catalan restaurant Agua. Somewhere along its length, the beach becomes San Sebastian (Metro: Barceloneta), a traditional and popular stretch with locals and consequently crowded, noisy and very jolly.
The Catalonian capital boasts some appetizing looking beaches, notably around the Olympic Village, but they are often overcrowded, not particularly clean and prone to bag-snatchers. So if you're in search of cleaner waters and more space, hop a train for a short trip out of town.
The first decision is north or south? While local lore has it that the beaches to the north attract a better class of person, the main difference is that the beaches to the south are wider and longer whose shallow water makes them safer for children, while the ones to the north are usually prettier and deeper with bigger waves. Temperature differences can be quite marked and a lukewarm sea holds little appeal when what you really fancy is a refreshing dip.
In the south, the first beach of any note is Casteldefells - five kilometers of wide unbroken sand within 15 minutes' train ride from town. It is great for the kids and easy to get to, as the walk from the nearby station of Platja de Casteldefells to the beach is just 50 meters. It has good facilities, bars and restaurants, all within easy reach. The downside is that its very accessibility means it is also noisy and very busy.
Much better are the myriad beaches a bit further down the tracks around Sitges. El Garraf has good facilities, is not usually overcrowded and is an easy walk from the station (Baixador del Garraf). The pretty resort of Sitges, which is only half an hour away from the city, offers over 10 beaches complete with ice-cream parlors, rent able sun-loungers and jet-skis.
A popular gay resort, the town has a relaxed atmosphere and a couple of nudist beaches. The main sandy areas in front of the town, Fragata and Ribera, are high-pose zones with trendy bar kiosks where the Barcelona crowds compare swimsuits and thongs. If that isn't your scene there is a quieter beach just behind the pretty pink church set in pleasant cove,
which is less hectic and better protected from the wind. The only disadvantage of Sitges is that the walk from the station is longer than most other beaches, though the parking facilities are good, so long as you arrive early.
Just along the coast is the lesser-known Vilanova, a mainly family beach favored by locals. The facilities for children are excellent, especially the great park right next to the beach.
To the north, most of the beaches suffer from the presence of the badly planned coastal highway. It's best to keep going past the beaches of Badalona and Mongat until the electricity plants of Fecsa at San Adria are out of sight. Get off at Ocata, just after Masnou. The train drops you next to an enormous stretch of golden sand dotted with trees and climbing-frames, which runs into beautifully clean water. No matter when you visit, you're guaranteed plenty of space. Another plus is that the local council, in a bid to attract people away from the better-known resorts, organizes lots of activities for children.
Further up the line is Caldes d'Estrach, or Caldetes which has a wonderful beach with few facilities other than the chiringuito. The village is pretty and it's probably the least distance you have to travel to escape the urban sprawl of Barcelona. Beware of the sudden change in the depth of the water.
Any further up the line and the journey becomes rather longer than a comfortable day trip, but if you can manage just over an hour either way then San Pol is well worth a visit. The water is crystal clear and the village itself is surrounded by beautiful green hills. For the more adventurous, a beautiful little cove or cala can be found just after the train tunnel where nudist bathing is permitted.
Further a field, and only accessible by car, are lots of wonderful beaches within 90 minutes reach. Tossa de Mar is picturesque with its old castle on the hill overlooking the bay, but the beach is made awkward by the coming and going of the pleasure boats. Nearby, between San Feliu de Guixols with its working fishing port and the Platja d'Aro with its mega discos, is one of the six best beaches in Spain, Sa Conca, a beautiful cove with pine trees tumbling down rocky slopes to the sandy shore.
