A Weekend in Barcelona
Barcelona has established a reputation as one of Europe’s premier city-break destinations, and it is easy to see why. With an artistic legacy the envy of cities the world over, glamorous boutique-lined avenues and an unrivalled culinary scene, the only problem is trying to fit it all into just one weekend. Nevertheless, there are a few must-see sights for any trip to the Catalan capital, along with a plethora of hidden gems off the beaten track. Below are a few personal favourites to help you get the most from a weekend one of Spain’s most rewarding cities.
No-one has done more to shape the international image of Barcelona than the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi. His most famous work is undoubtedly La Sagrada Familia, a magnificent church which towers above the surrounding landscape. Miniature models of this minor basilica adorn souvenir stalls city-wide, and this is representative of its popularity with tourists. It is worth noting that La Sagrada Familia is not yet complete, in spite of the fact that construction began in 1882. For an eternal monument to the Catalan artistic movement of Modernisme, look no further.
A stroll down the city’s most exclusive street, Passeig de Gracia, will reveal two more of Gaudi’s better known masterpieces. Departing from the Plaza de Catalunya end of the street, the first Gaudi you will encounter is Casa Batlló. The facade of Casa Batlló is hard to miss, as it seems to melt amongst the other, more traditional buildings. The entrance fee is steep, but worth it to see a truly unique interior. Inspired by nature, Gaudi set out to create a structure which contained no straight lines. This gives it a visceral impact that is sure to stay with you long after you leave. Further along the same street is La Pedrera (The Quarry). This stunning building has thankfully been restored to its original glory, and contains many of the religious symbols for which Gaudi is renowned.
Another feature which allows Barcelona to stand out from many major European cities is the fact that it has some attractive beaches. These beaches are also located close to the city centre, and were only opened in 1992, when the city hosted the Olympic Games. If you wish to avoid the more crowded areas, however, it is best to head to the beaches a little further from the centre. Each of Barcelona’s seven beaches is said to have a character of its own, so it may be best to try a few to see which best suits your mood.
For a refreshing late evening drink in Barcelona, you really are spoilt for choice. If you are still in the area around the beach, there are myriad seafront bars. These can be a little touristy and pricey, but nonetheless they do offer a spectacular panorama. For something a little more authentic, the Tres Flores bar in the Gótico area of the city is a good bet. There are also many great little bars in this area, so you can explore Barcelona’s historic old town afterwards.
While you are in Barcelona, you can use an Amex platinum credit card to collect membership rewards points for purchases you make abroad. Holders of platinum credit cards can then use these rewards points to take advantage of a wide range of travel and lifestyle benefits.
Enjoy the Liveliest Nightlife in the World in Madrid
Madrid boasts some of the liveliest nightlife in the world. The vibrant capitol of Spain is the country’s largest city and home to some amazing cultural and artistic attractions. In America, New York is called the city that never sleeps, but the nickname should be applied to Madrid. At any time of the night, its not uncommon to see locals and tourists hopping from bar to bar, and nightclub to nightclub.
The key to enjoying the nightlife in Madrid is to start late and take it easy on the drinking or you will never be able to keep up with the locals. Tourists tend to want to try exotic drinks they have never seen, but it’s best to stick with one new alcoholic beverage a night, and alternate with with non-alcoholic drinks in between. Plenty of food doesn’t hurt either.
The nightlife in Madrid doesn’t start until after 11PM, so forget about starting to visit the bars at 8pm, no matter what you’re used to. If you are going on holiday to Madrid and want to see the real Spanish nightlife, sleep until 10PM, then eat and head out. It’s the only way to stay awake long enough to see the action.
Barcelona is also a great city in which to enjoy the Spanish nightlife. The city boasts a wide assortment of after-dark venues for tourists. As most tourists are in Barcelona during the summer months, the beach bars are quite popular. The action starts earlier than in Madrid, it’s perfectly acceptable to visit a bar at 8 or 9 pm,and leave at 2 or 3PM. The beach bars let patrons drink outside until about midnight, then you are ushered inside.
Either city in Spain is the perfect place for a summer holiday when you can let loose and stay out late drinking and dancing. If you’re on a holiday with the family, remember, the legal drinking age is 18 years old, and your teenagers will likely be served alcohol if they go out at night.
Interesting Places in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia:
The Temple of the Sagrada Familia Expiatorio was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, and is still under construction. It is one of the icons of the city, and really impress your height and the details of the main facade (“Facade of the Nativity”) when you stand in front of his door. Certainly worth a visit. Inside, to be under construction, will not display the typical things you see in a church, but is very pretty sight from the towers, which itself can be accessed.
To get there by subway, you must get off at station “Sagrada Familia”, where they cross the lines 2 and 5. The schedule from October to March from 9 to 18 hrs and from April to September from 9 to 20 hrs. The service elevator up to the towers is 15 minutes before closing time general.
Park Güell:
The Park Güell is another of the great works of Gaudí. The park can be seen clearly as Gaudi was inspired by nature for the design of their buildings. To get to the Parc Guell by Metro, you have to get off at station “Lesseps” (line 3), then walk, following the signs or the amount of people that goes to there.
They can be about 10 or 20 minute walk, depending on each person, but keep in mind that the park is located at a height, so all there are paths to climb. The entrance to Parc Güell is free, and the schedule is 10 to 19 hours (although it may vary slightly depending on the time of year you travel).
Barcelona Travel Guide
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and is the capital of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia. It is a very cosmopolitan city where you’ll find many different people, and all over the world who live in it, like thousands of tourists who visit every day.
The official language is Catalan, and you will see that most signs are signs in that language, but still many also have a translation into Castilian, and also virtually all know both Castilian and Catalan, so language will not be a problem! : D
How to reach the center of Barcelona?
Arriving by air:
Barcelona airport is located about 12km southwest of downtown and has 3 terminals, which are connected by walkways, so you can walk from one terminal to another. To get to the airport, what do we think it’s better by train, from Sants station, Plaza de Catalunya and Arc de Triomphe. Trains (C10) runs every half hour, journey time is 20 minutes and the fare is 2.60 €.
Arriving by train:
The main train station is Barcelona-Sants Central Station. From there trains to international destinations, domestic and outside the city of Barcelona. Located near the downtown, which you can reach by using the subway, because there in Sants cross the green line (3) to blue (No. 5).
Arriving by bus:
In the case of being in a town near Barcelona, another way to get can be by bus. In particular, we go from Madrid to Barcelona (and vice versa) we did on that means of transport and it was pretty good. The company that made that journey was ALSA, the journey takes approximately 7 hours, and the cost of the ticket round trip is around 50 €. The buses to stop at the first Barcelona Nord station and then the Sants, you get off at the best fit you.