Barcelona is the capital of the nation-within-a-nation that is the Catalunya region, Spain. Unlike its more flamboyant and overt southern counterpart, Madrid, Barcelona has a distinctly understated and reserved charm. This quiet good taste is belied only by the surreal and breathtaking power of the Gaudi and Dali influences that pepper the city – oases of chaotic genius in a sea of delicate good manners.
Culture
Barcelona is famous for its almost nightly events happening in some genre in some part of the city: As well as an abundance of international music acts, arts festivals, food/wine/cultural events, Barcelona is also world-famous for its underground street-art culture. One of the events that epitomize the city and appeal to a broad cross-section of locals and visitors is the Barcelona Guitar Festival, a yearly celebration of local and international guitarists in venues across the city that also incorporates art, food and late nights into an experience that is pure Barcelona.
Places to See
The number one attraction in Barcelona (apart from the people-watching) is La Sagrada Familia. This is the world's largest, probably last, and still unfinished, Catholic Cathedral. Designed by the great architect Gaudi, it is a surreal mish-mash of color, nature-inspired spirals and drunken-looking spires. Despite the insane first impression of the Cathedral, it is based on a deeply scientific creativity. Gaudi drew heavily from nature and all his designs (they are dotted around the city) incorporate designs that occur commonly in nature and are incredibly difficult to replicate in modern architecture. Entry to La Sagrada Familia is €12 per adult, with an elevator ride to the dizzying spires costing an extra €2,50. It is better to be early though: In true laconic Spanish style, the elevators close not according to the published timetable, but whenever the operators feel like it.
La Rambla
The heart of Barcelona is La Rambla. Every Catalunyan town has one of these pedestrian-only boulevards (it basically means Main Street), but the Barcelona Ramblas is bustling with shops, bars, and quirky side-streets that are designed to charm, and empty the wallet. Spain has the highest number of bars per capita than any other country in the world, as well as the lowest drinks prices. In post-economic crisis times, the art of tipping has been forgotten too, so there is no need to factor this into any costs.
Shopping
Any savings made on food and drink can easily be balanced out when shopping in the Passeig de Gracia. Here are miles and miles of designer stores (Chanel and Gucci are the most popular) interspersed with mid-price, high-value chains and independent stores. Sales start after Three Kings Day (the January 6th traditional Catholic 'Christmas') and Barcelona overflows with bargain hunters. The traditional siesta is rarely observed by food outlets or retail stores, although most other businesses will close their doors from around 1pm to 5pm, re-opening until between 8pm and 10pm. It is not common for Spaniards to eat before 9pm, so if you like to eat at the more 'normal' 7 – 8pm timeslot, you are likely to be the only people in the restaurant.
Off the Beaten Path
Getting off the beaten path is not only easy in Barcelona, it is almost unavoidable. With a comprehensive public transport system and a very pedestrian-friendly street network, visitors will stumble across all kinds of hole-in-the-wall venues showcasing art, music, and food. Be aware though, that even in Barcelona, English is not ubiquitous, and its advisable to learn a few phrases in Spanish. If you also can pick up a few phrases in the true language of the region, Catalan, your efforts will be well-appreciated.
The best place to get lost is in the Barri Gotic (or Gothic Quarter). This is the oldest, and now coolest neighborhood in Barcelona and is packed with boutiques, random street-art murals, buskers (often incredibly talented), wandering couples and families, as well as galleries and underground clubs. Keep an eye on your wallet, though, as Barcelona is still well-known for pick-pockets.
Events
The Barcelona Guitar Festival will be concentrated in the Barri Gotic in 2010. From 21 February to 20 June, the city will come alive with international acts like Tommy Emanuel (the staple of any Guitar Fest), Ana Popovic, and the local sensations Pedro Javier Gonzales Trio. Venues and prices vary, so check the website for details (http://www.theproject.es/en/global/index.php).
Hotels
Accommodation in Barcelona ranges from €17 per night hostel beds to ultra-luxurious suites of €1000 per night or more. The average price (in summer, the height of tourist season) is around €100 per night, with winter prices dipping to around 60% of the high-season price.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Barcelona, Spain.
(Photo:©iStockphoto.com/Richmatts)
