TRAVEL GUIDE :: BARCELONA
APRIL 08, 2020 | BARCELONA, SPAIN
BARCELONA, SPAIN—After several trips to the city, our Principal, John, is very fond of Barcelona. And for good reason. The overall demeanor of the city is relaxed. So relaxed that you just can’t imagine heading back to America and hunching your shoulders all day in a ball of stress. When you hear that the Spanish love a siesta, it’s no joke. Before lunchtime each day, the shops shut down and the side streets clear out while the locals take their time of rest. Who can argue with that?
You can’t talk about Barcelona without starting with the food. Tapas! We love them. As soon as you arrive, head to the Mercado de La Boqueria for a colorful array of gummy candy and savory hanging meats. The empanadas are plentiful, and you won’t have any trouble finding an array of cheese. If you’re looking for something fresher, there are plenty of stands piled high with fresh fruit. The tapas bars in the market are a hot commodity but try to grab a seat and partake in some people watching over a bottle of wine. For another diverse food experience, pop into El Nacional for a drinks or tapas. The space houses four restaurants and four bars under a stunning Catalan dome. A few other favorite restaurants are Eldiset, Cera 23, and Paco Meralgo.
As architects, we can’t forget to discuss Barcelona’s rich architectural history. Filled with a juxtaposition of gothic, modernist, and contemporary styles, Barcelona offers design you’ve likely never seen before. There’s truly nothing more enjoyable than walking the streets and taking in the bold colors, distinctive shapes, and unique design. The obvious choices are Gaudi’s masterpieces – Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Park Güell to name a few. The vibrant colors, mosaic patterns, and curved stones that define his structures create a truly radiating atmosphere. After a visit to these sites, stop by the Gothic Quarter and the narrow streets and alleys will make you feel like you’re trapped back in Medieval time.
Beyond the food and the architecture, one of the best things you can do in Barcelona is check out the city’s impressive museums and galleries. Not an art person? Trust us, these few are worth a visit. First, check out the Museo Picasso to walk through the famous artist’s transition from portraits to Blue Period to Cubism. Next, check out Fundació Joan Miró, a stunning building housing Miró’s modern works. The museum is surrounded by Parc de Montjuïc making it a perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
One of the most appealing parts of Barcelona is the proximity to the sea. There aren’t many major cities where you can spend a morning on the beach and pop over to the bustling city for some afternoon shopping or an exquisite meal. If you’re looking for a place to stay, we can’t recommend the W Hotel enough. It’s right on the beach and you’ll feel the relaxation wash over you as soon as you arrive.
Make sure you add this magical city to your travel list at some point in this new decade!
