Considering a trip to Europe? From the desk of our NY writer, who returned recently from her Barcelona, Catalonia trip to Spain:
Entrance to the Parc Guell
What started off as a stormy trip with me stomping around rain-soaked Barcelona in search of my hotel, quickly turned into a relaxing and entertaining week filled with warm Mediterranean breezes. Barcelona, the capital of Catelonia, sits along the northeast coast of Spain. This beautiful city draws visitors from all over the world and in the short week that I spent there, I became friends with a few visitors from London, a Broadway actress from New York, and a few locals who had moved to Barcelona from Mexico and other parts of Europe. This cosmopolitan city seemed to be bursting of young vibrant energy and yet, it has somehow maintained its old world charm.
The amazing architecture of Antoni Gaudi can be seen throughout the city and tours of his great works – Parc Guell, La Padrera, Casa Batllo, Segrada Familia – are well worth the price of admission. My favorite was the Parc Guell, a magical wonderland that overlooks the city. Interesting tile work and sculptures can be discovered throughout the park and the walk up the steep hill to get there somehow added to its allure. Another cultural highlight was the Picasso Museum, which exhibits the artist’s progression.
Barcelona also boasts a fun, easy-going beach scene. It seems that on Sundays, the entire city population can be found lounging on the beach or in one of the many bistros and bars that line it. Be aware that many women on the beach may go topless – this is Europe after all.
If you’re still bursting with energy after a day of sun, sand, and site seeing, you can stay up all night in one of the many clubs located along the city’s main street, Las Ramblas, or in the Olympic Village area. As for me, enjoying delicious seafood dinners in Barcelona’s many excellent restaurants, followed by long strolls around the city and through its squares, were more my speed. The king crab at Botafumeira is a crab lover’s dream and Siete Portes, one of the city’s oldest restaurants dating back to the 1830s, is elegant and delightful.
I could have easily spent at least another week ambling through the city and visiting nearby towns. Then again, there’s always next time . . .
- Sophie
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