Barcelona. The home of Gaudi and an extremely beautiful city. After just returning from a 5 day city break away (hence why there has been a lack of blogging!), I thought I would take this as an opportunity to show off some of the beautiful sights of sunny Barcelona. Whether you’ve visited the city before or not, there is always something new to see.
La Pedrera
One of Gaudi’s most famous architectural pieces is in the heart of Barcelona. An ensemble of exquisite, unique sculptures are arranged on the roof terrace of this building. Walking around makes you seem like you are in an imaginary world. It is something out of the ordinary. Being one of the most famous artists in Barcelona, this is what attracts large volumes of visitors and tourists to witness his work. Unfortunately on my visit, the front of the building was boarded up for cleaning as maintaining the appearance of these buildings is a key part of the process. Nevertheless, the view and sights from the roof terrace certainly made-up for it.
Parc de la Ciutadella
A vast expanse of beauty located just off the streets of Barcelona. Gaudi also made his stamp here by masking the most beautiful fountain in the centre of the park. The famous Cascada Fountain was built when he was an architecture student and is still to this day, the main feature of the park. We took a Rickshaw (one of those bikes which you sit on the front of and have someone take you on a tour of the city) to the park and got to see the majority of it’s beauty. Quite famously, there is a zoo located within the park’s ground that is home to dolphins and other animals. Although we didn’t visit the zoo, the park itself is enough to fill your day.
Harbour Cable Car
A 1450 metre harbour aerial tramway starts at the beach and takes you right through the city. The view from the car is just something else and you are able to absorb the city’s beauty on a wider scale. It’s not something for the faint-hearted as your journey begins with a lift ride to the top of the tower, which you are then ushered forward onto the car fairly swiftly.I wasn’t such a fan of the long queues but it was definitely worth the wait once your thousands of feet up in the air.
La Sagrada Familia
An ongoing masterpiece inspired by Gaudi’s design and architecture. Even in it’s unfinished state, it is one of the most visited buildings in the world. The cathedral is due to be finished in 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death. Inside the building, currently, you are greeted with dumper trucks and cranes but the design of the ceilings and walls are enough to absorb in one visit. The exterior is also something of a Gaudi masterpiece: individual sculptures and wall art spill over the entire outer of the building.
Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
Located off la Rambla is this market, fairly well known across Barcelona. The sights, sounds and smells within the market are amazing. Row upon row of different things for you to buy. From fruit to fish, everything was arranged and present in such an organised, vibrant manner that is a treat for your eyes. You need to be prepared to deal with the hustle and bustle of this crowded atmosphere as it is one of the more touristy areas of Barcelona, but nevertheless, its definitely a must-see.
There are so many other landmarks and places that you can visit whilst in Barcelona, and the beaches are just another to start you off. One thing to remember is that, compared to the UK, the Spaniard’s pace is a lot slower. Therefore dinner isn’t until 9pm, so make sure you fill yourself up around breakfast and lunchtime as there won’t be anyone about during the afternoon to make you something as this is time for a siesta. Now get to sleep!
katiemallalieu 