Editors Review: Barcelona
My Thoughts: I have been in Barcelona three times for the last two years and I must say that I'm absolutely in love with this city. Wether in winter, with the grey charm of the elegant european cities, or in spring, when all the colors of the rainbow seem to light every corner of the city.
What is always read in all tourists guides about the city: cosmopolitanism, modernity and fashionable trends I must say it's absolutely true. People from Barcelona are normally busy, you’ll distinguish them because they always walk quickly to their works or business, always checking their watches and looking stressed, but they certainly have a peculiar way of being. Maybe it's true that, as they often say, Catalan character makes them special.
The Good: of course Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, a must see for all Tourists, both day and night! But Also the green landscape at the Cuitadella Park and the Zoo, Where you’ll see bands hundreds of parrots flying across the sky every minute. Also the Palau de Pedralbes, at the Avenida Diagonal, Barcelona That area isn’t normally featured in the tour guides: it has wide wonderful gardens and hosts two museums worth seeing: the Museum of Ceramics and the Decorative Arts Museum. And back to downtown, take the Shopping Bus from the Corte Ingles (300 meters from the palace), it will take you along the Avda. Diagonal and the Paseo de Gracia, one the most elegant streets Barcvelona. No need to buy, you'll find there the most expensive stores in Barcelona, but the ride is well worth it. And I recommend a walk around the Old Port at sunset, and take a Teleférico flight , you’ll get the best views of Barcelona, impressive! If the weather is clear, from there you can even see the Pyrenees!
As for the nightlife, I am always surprised that Monday through Friday, Barcelona locals do not usually come out late. Bars and nightclubs are often not filled, and if you stay up late, you’ll only find tourists there. But during the weekend Barcelona is one of the cities with the widest nightlife offer ... endless fun! You always find concerts, live performances and people on the street. I recommend especially the Eixample area, specially the streets Valencia and Consell de Cent between Enrique Granados and Pau Claris. Lots of people, mostly locals, terraces, drinks and music all night.
A special tip if you're going to go to Barcelona: try to dress as locals do, no tops and very short skirts for girls and no sleeveless shirts or colored pants for boys, no flip-flops, please! You'll enjoy Barcelona much better if you don't look like a tourist. And take care of your wallet and belongings, keep them safe ... it's not use taking special precautions, just what you would do while visiting any other great city.
The bad:
1.- Go to a flamenco show. The authentic flamenco is in Andalusia. What you'll find in Barcelona? Shows made for the tourists, expensive and not authentic at all.
2.- Do not sit at any terrace of Las Ramblas or Passeig de Gracia, they will charge you up to 10 € for a bottle of water! Better buy one in the supermarket and carry it all day.
3.- For lunchtime I suggest you to find some bar or restaurant with a closed price lunch menu, you can find some 9 € menu at many downtown bars and restaurants located at any side streets clode to the main ones. You'll find good prices and pretty good quality food. Avoid the Ramblas or Passeig de Gràcia restaurants.
