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Whats to see ???
Although their boundaries may seem arbitrary, history and city planners have defined clear borders for the neighborhoods of Barcelona. Each district has its own personality and distinctive features; where you should go depends entirely on the kind of experience you're after. The Barri Gótic (Gothic Quarter), with its Roman ruins, spired cathedral, stately palaces, and liberal sprinkling of romantic patios and plazas, is the essence of old-world Europe. Nearby, El Born and La Ribera, which peaked in the Middle Ages, boast soul-stirring medieval churches and haunts, as well as a (very chic) grab bag of trendy boutiques, bars, and restaurants. For cutting-edge contemporary design, art, and architecture, multicultural El Raval is the place to be, while a stroll through L'Eixample reveals fanciful Modernist creations dating from the turn of the 20th century.
NIGHTLIFE
For quirky locals' haunts, head to the Calle Joaquín Costa in El Raval; if you're looking for something more sophisticated, the streets around the Passeig del Born draw a fashionable crowd. Thirsting for alfresco drinks? The Plaça Reial is ideal, and the Port Olímpic is packed with touristy, but sometimes fun, mega clubs. Nights out begin with a late dinner, starting around 10:30 p.m. Closer to 1 a.m., everyone heads to the bars, but pace yourself, because you'll be barhopping until 3 a.m., when partyers gravitate toward a thumping club, where you can dance until around 5 a.m. The truly hard-core then head out in search of breakfast.
FASHION
For vintage numbers, head to the Portobello section of El Raval; visit El Born for boutiques from up-and-coming-designers, and the Passeig de Gràcia and Diagonal for flagship designer stores. The Eixample is good for offbeat fashion and gourmet food stores, while Spanish wardrobe staples such as Zara, Mango, and Adolfo Dominguez have branches throughout the city.
FOOD
A daring community of young chefs, taking their cue from the innovative Ferran Adría, are pushing the boundaries in their restaurants here, but that's not to say it's all futuristic fusion fare. Many chefs, like Caelis's Romain Fornell, have made a name for themselves by going back to basics and offering twists on classic dishes. While the tapas scene still doesn't rival that of Madrid or southern Spain, there are some fabulous little bars hidden away in most neighborhoods. Search them out on the narrow medieval streets of the Born district, for instance. |
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