BARCELONA
Church of the Sagrado Familia
Barcelona has a culture and history unrivalled in Spain, as
well as a modern cosmopolitan attitude that makes it a
special place to be.
It's perhaps because the Bourbons of Spain absorbed the
independent kingdom in the eighteenth century that the locals
of this city stubbornly hold on to traditions the way they do.
They refuse to stop speaking the Catalan language despite
pressure from the rest of Spain, they hold raucous festivals
to the patron saints of the city year 'round and they take
care that the monuments and remains from all the different
stages in the city's history still stand.
Barcelona is particularly proud of the Modernist architectural
genius Antonia Gaudi, whose buildings have been
designated as sites in the World Heritage List. Güell Park and
Palace and the the Mila Home are particularly revered in
Barcelona, as is the unfinished but stunning Church of La
Sagrada Familia.
The oldest region in Barcelona is the Gothic Quarter, an
oval-shaped region loaded with Gothic style buildings like its
Gothic cathedral, old City Hall Building, the Episcopal Palace
and the splendid Palace of the Generalitat, home of the
Catalan government. La Rambla, on the other hand, is the
most famous and typical street in Barcelona, and therefore
one of the places that is most frequented by visitors.
The best way to introduce yourself to Barcelona is to stroll
along the boulevard night or day and soak up the sights of
the meeting-plazas, the open-air markets, the florist stalls,
the historical buildings. Or you could just watch the world go
by from any one of the green plazas filled with locals and
guests.
Las Ramblas - BARCELONA
One of the most famous areas located in the old part of BARCELONA is the Las Ramblas
district. It is around 1.2 kms in length and is basically divided into two areas, one is
the seedy part at the southern end and the other which leads up to the Placa Catalyuna.
The local council have restricted the movement of vehicles along Las Ramblas which makes
it an ideal pedestrian walkway at anytime during the day or night. It is littered with artists, flower
and animal stalls and many other local characters who frequent this romantic and intriguing
part of the city.
Statue of Cristopher Columbus
Recommended
BARCELONA is one of the top three tourist destinations of the WORLD !! and as such offers every kind of hotel and other accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets.
Some of the most popular Hotels in Barcelona include the Pulman Barcelona Skipper
This fabulous hotel offers 5-star luxury next to Barcelona’s Olympic Port. It is just 100 metres from the beach and has 2 outdoor pools.
This modern hotel has spacious bedrooms, with a 32-inch (81 cm) LCD TV and DVD player. They have an elegant bathroom with rain shower.
The Pullman Skipper has a rooftop pool, with beautiful views of the city and sea. It is heated and opens all year round. The hotel also has a large terrace with sun loungers.
It is located next to Ciutadella Vila Olimpica Metro Station, just 2 stops from the historic city centre. Barcelona Zoo and the pretty Ciutadella Park are also nearby.
Another highly rated hotel is the Barcelo Raval This is a modern design hotel, in Barcelona’s vibrant Raval district. It offers free Wi-Fi access, and a roof terrace with pool and panoramic views.
Bedrooms at the hotel are all en suite, and have 32-inch plasma TV with 73 channels. They all offer an iPod charger and a Nespresso coffee machine.
The restaurant has stylish décor, and serves creative Mediterranean food. There is also an elegant cocktail lounge.
The hotel is in the heart of the fashionable Raval area, a short walk from the MACBA Modern Art Gallery. Liceu Metro Station and the Ramblas are only 400 metres away.
Other recommended hotels in the city include the Acta Atrium Palace ,
the Gallery Hotel and the Silken Ramblas .
To get a real experience of Barcelona, stay in Barcelona apartments. Bright, spacious and stylish Citybase Apartments have a great range of apartments for you to choose from with something to suit every taste, need and budget. Apartments provide a comfortable base to return to after exploring this exciting city, an ideal Barcelona accommodation choice for travellers, tourists or couples alike.
If your looking for good quality guided tours during your stay in Barcelona then I would highly recommend
the Barcelona Guide Bureau
The Barcelona Guide Bureau (BGB) is a tour operator founded in 1990 by a group of local expert guides who wanted to perfect the tour services offered to tourists and travel agents. Since then we have steadily grown, with a highly efficient office staff, training programs, quality control and online booking service.
BGB specializes in guided tours in and around Barcelona and we are known for our quality service and reliability. All our guides are local licensed experts and are friendly, interesting and considerate people who will make sure you have the best possible tour.
Staying in Barcelona is both affordable and exciting. This lively city is home to a number of cheap hotels that are suitable for every type of budget. From chic hotels with sea views to family-run B&Bs in the historic Barri Gotti district, there is something for everyone.
More on Barcelona
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Google Map of Barcelona
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