Taken from the rooftop of our gorgeous hotel,
Dequesa de Cardona Hotel
One of my all time favourite cities in Europe, Barcelona evokes a sense of "joie de vrie" or joy of life from the people, the Catalnonians. Barcelona city is a seaside port, and the marina is one of the many highlights of this amazing place.
Our hotel when we stayed, Dequesa de Cardona is located along the Passeig Colom right by the marina,and its 5 minutes minutes from the southern start of the La Ramblas which is the walking street where there are a multitude of shops, steet artists, tourists, together with pickpickets (Barcelone has the dubious honor of being the world's pickpocket capital). I would highly recommend its hotel, the staff are really friendly and helpful, the room was huge for the reasonable price ((500 ft2) quiet facing the indoor courtyard) of EUR 151.5 hich included a WONDERFUL buffett spread (costing EUR 18 each) serving 6 types of Nespresso, omelettes, fried eggs done any style, so many different kinds of cheese andthe piece de resistance, the Jamon Iberico ham (small pieces) - best in the world !
I had the shock of my life when I was pickpocketed and had my handphone stolen right under my nose by a couple of petty thieves. So, travellers be warned, keep your wallets, credit cards, passports and cash in separate places and only take what you need for the day.
I saw with my own eyes 2 guys chasing madly after some pickpocket, not realising I was the next foolhardy victim.
Atop Parc Guell
There are literally more than a dozen places to visit and soak in the history and culture. 3 of them are related to the famous architect and designer Antoni Gaudi. The picture above, is Parc Guell, which Gaudi was commissioned by the Government to create a modern theme park of sorts and which he did with his signature "no sharp edges" style.There was also the La Pedrera Building which was another signature building and the world famous La Sagrada Familia church first built in the 1500s, and Gaudi was the last designer to add on his touches to the outer facade. The aithorities plan to finish the church in 2025, 100 years after his sad death after being hit by a tram and left to die on the road in 1925.
The La Pedrera Building is a communal house meant for several families perhaps an extended family home.
La Rambla is both an attraction for its multiple popup stands selling lots of football momentos for their world class Barcelona team, street artists who go to painstaking lengths to amaze people with their makeup and art, as well as the street artists, painters, student doctors offering free health checks and musicians which make this place a "Unique Walking Street World Renowned. "
When we visited Barcelona 3 years ago for 5 nights, the place evoked a magical, bohemian and definately artsy feel about it. Never mind the pickpockets, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit there and would recommend to anyone who plans to go, do keep your valuables close at hand, separate your cards, money, passport and store them carefully. Never bring more than you need for that day of sightseeing.
So, in a nutshell, what are the top 8 places of interest to visit in Barcelona ?
8. Iberico Ham Museum, La Rambla
7. Born District - small stylish restaurants serving tapas ; must try the vermouth.
6. Montjuic hill, Jaon Miro museum
5. Marina, eat some fabulous seafood there
4. Parc Guell
3. La Pedrera - amazing architecture, and do visit the rooftop to view the chimneys !
2. La Rambla - watch your wallets and passports
1. La Sagrada de Familia (Sacred Family Church), inside decor is mind blowing.
CARPE DIEM.
Place de la Catalunya
Department Stores, Boutique Shops, Restaurants
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