Barcelona

If you haven’t been to Barcelona yet.... you haven’t really lived. It’s a beautiful, cosmopolitan place. For me Barcelona is a great mix of Spanish atmosphere with an international feel. The majority of locals don’t like to be called Spanish, they think they are Catalans. Well, until they can produce a Catalan passport, they’re Spanish to me, there you go.

Things to see, people to do:
Las Ramblas: probably the most famous road in Barcelona. Goes all the way from Plaza de Catalunya at the top to the seafront at the bottom. It’s a beautiful boulevard lined with trees, which is almost 2km long and is dotted with hotels, cafes, restaurants, news stands. Watch your wallet as there are a few pickpockets. The area near the seafront can be a bit dodgy at night.

La Sagrada Familia: when a building is still under construction, people say “It’ll be nice when it’s finished”. This saying doesn’t apply to la Sagrada Familia as it’s already very nice although it’s not finished yet (the interior is still under construction). The main attraction is to climb up to the top of the building with stunning views of the city.

The Olympic port: I understand that this area was totally re-developed for the Olympic Games in 1992... and what a fine job they have done. This port area is full with shops, restaurants and bars. Most of them have tables outside so make sure to get a table al fresco if the sun is half-shining.

Filling your gullet:
La Boqueria market:
If you walk down Las Ramblas, you’ll find this market half way down on the right hand side. You’ll find lots of stands, selling a wide variety of hams and salamis, nuts, fruits, vegetables. Lots of locals shop here which is always a good sign. The market is in a big hall, and is open from Monday to Saturday – I don’t care at what time it opens as I’ll never be there at that ungodly hour, anyway it shuts at 8pm.

La Oveja Negra:
This sangria bar is in a little alley on the right hand side of Las Ramblas, less than 5 min. walk from Plaza de Catalunya. Don’t go there if you want a bit of peace and quiet as it’s mostly frequented by students (and pesky tourists). They serve jugs of great sangria at a ridiculously low price (hence all the students).

Tapas bars:
Needless to say, the city is peppered with tapas bars. I have found a few good ones, with plenty of atmosphere and great food in the Barri Gotico (left of Las Ramblas if you walk down towards the seafront). If I have to mention one bar in particular, I’d recommend Cal Pep (Plaza de les Olles 8). It’s probably a bit on the pricey side but their food is gorgeous. The place is very small and gets very busy, bordering on the chaotic so how they remember what everyone ordered is a mystery.