What should I see in Barcelona?

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traveler06

You need to see everything. Barcelona is one of the most emblematic cities of Europe. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city of Gaudi offers wonderful sigthseeings. You should take one of the orange double-dekker Barcelona Tour that allow you to go down every time you want and then go up when you want to continue with the rest of the tour. But you can also hire a taxi for the day to take you around http://www.infotaxi.org/city-230.htm but don't forget to negociate the price before hand. They normally have credit card terminals and GPS and most of them render a very good and serious service. Then you should definitely visit Las Ramblas, the boulevard that ends into the old port, by the see where Columbus statue awaits with the finger pointed to the "Americas", though not quite giving the orientation. But anyhow, the the symbolistic of his gesture is there. In the same square the naval museum worths visit, they have impressive ships from Medieval period as well as an interesting map collection.

Then, there are the works of Gaudi and I must tell you they are impressive as if they were alive, somehow, especially the one called "La Pedrera" but I particularly like BatllÃ³ House and one of his earlier works: Vicens House that is not located in the centre of Barcelona. And of couse, Sagrada Familia that should not be missed.

The Catholic Cathedral in Barcelona is gorgeous though they are in the middle of restauration process but even so, it si worth visit. It has a pleasen interior patio, with a beautifful garden and from there you can lose on the Medieval barrio of Barcelona, which is absolutely amazing. The architecture is well-preserved and you can admire the bolts and passages suspended in the air from one building to another, near the Cathedral wright wing. And if you follow the street eventually on your wright you'll find the beatiful Sant Jaume Square where you can see the "Palau de la Generalitat", which is the Government of Catalonia.

But if you are in mood for the new Barcelona, don't miss the BarrÃ OlÃmpic or with the new sea port built for the 92 Olympics where you can see the modern skyscrapers of the financial area of Barcelona and near the port you will have a wide variety of resturants to ease your hungry after such a marathon. Their specialities are fish-related but not only. My advice is to try and avoid paelle if it's not a rice-specialized restaurant because otherwise you would be very disappointed of this dish. It'a a great food, but only few restaurants will cook it properly.

You shoud also visit the Gardens near the Catalonian Regional Parliament and check with any Tourist Information Office (you can find them in every important square or monument) the days when you can actually go and visit the inside the Parliament as it is worth it.

Not to try in Barcelona:
JamÃ³n. The famous Spanish ham is not something one can taste so up north of the country, it will be expensive and not good, so stay away. If you really insisti on eating it, it best you go the El Corte InglÃ©s Supermarket and buy it there and take into account that in order to be a decent ham, it should cost an average of 80-90 euros per kilogram. Anything under, is pure raw meat.
Gazpacho. Again this cold soup is not from this part of the country.
Salmorejo either.

What your should try:
Fish, cooked in many ways, from grilled to steamed or cooked in the oven with fresh vegetable, rices or covered in a garlic mouseline (a fine cover of garlic mayonnaise) it's delicious.
Can Mauri: is a place which I call the Gourmet Cathedral of Barcelona. You can have, breakfast and lunch and take away many exquisite traditional and innovative dishes and never leave this place. The pastry and the desserts are also a piece of art and they have a very curious and ancient way of serving customers which is based on trust. Don't forget the adress is Rambla de Catalunya 102!

There are many other things to say but it would take me days so if you haven't plan your voyage yet, check the hotels there at http://www.infobarcelona.org/alojamiento_en_barcelona/hoteles_en_barcelona.htm and book it already because from my experience in Barcelona things can get quite difficult when it comes to accommodation in December.

Enjoy Barcelona as much as I have.

kveldulfgondlir

The bullfights, is a must if you're there.

Dada

Sagrada Familia

harish_usa

Bull fight!

rockstar8781

the cathedral, the neu camp stadium (barclona FC) and the olympic stadium

rootkush

Sagrada Familia, Camp nou stadium ,Las Ramblas,Barrio Gotico and there's much more...

skywalker

A lot of things. Where are you from?

Constant_Traveler

You know to be honest, nothing I saw in Barcelona blew me away. Sure walking down Los Ramblas is kind of interesting but none of the sites really stuck with me. I guess the thing to see is the Sangria Familia. It was okay and that park Gaudi built. I was way more taken with Seville. Lots to see there.

Oh I guess the Gothic Quartre wasn't bad. I did enjoy sitting at the wine bars there. They do have some lovely wines and don't be afraid to ask them to recommend one to you.

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