Trifter

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, with a population of 1,615,908.  The city is located on the Mediterranean coast and is a beautiful place to visit.

 Barcelona has 68 municipal parks.  These parks are divided up as 12 historic parks, 5 botanical parks, 6 forest parks and 45 urban parks.  Each park delivers history and breath taking views of Barcelona.

Montjuic Park is the largest and is located on Mt. Montjuic.  It overlooks the harbor to the southeast.  The eastern side of the mountain or hill is a sheer cliff, with a beautiful of the city’s harbor below.

Barcelona is famous for its beaches, and has seven of them.  Sant Sebastia`

and Barceloneta are the two largest beaches and the oldest.  They are also the most visited beaches in Barcelona.  The other five beaches in the city are Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Nova Mar Bella, Mar Bella and Llevant. 

There are many neighborhoods in Barcelona that make up the history of this beautiful city.  These neighborhoods are divided up into what Barcelona calls districts.  There are approximately 10 districts and each one is unique in its own way.  One of the most popular neighborhoods is Ciutat Vella, which means “old city.”  Ciutat Vella is the oldest neighborhood in Barcelona.  The streets are narrow and filled with history that goes back centuries.  The city hall in this district is located in the same spot where kings once reigned. 

Another interesting neighborhood to visit is Gracia.  It has a village feel and look to it, with its narrow streets and street level housing and workshops. The neighborhood was actually a separate city until 1897.  Gracia is a neighborhood visitors should see when visiting Barcelona.

While visiting Barcelona, a stop to the Museum Picasso is a must!  This museum displays the work and life of Pablo Ruiz Picasso.  There are more than 3,800 pieces of his work on display at the museum.  Before visiting the museum, be sure to check dates and times of business.  The museum does not have a parking lot, so be sure to make parking arrangements or take public transportation before you visit.

If castles intrigue you, then Barcelona has one that is a must see.  Castell de Montjuic stands on top of Montjuic Hill; it was built in 1640. It sits protecting the harbor with its show of arms.  It was once a military prison and now it is the home of the military museum. 

Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia or Catedral de Barcelona is one of the most impressive churches in the city.  The construction of the church began during the reign of King Jaume II.  The cathedral has images of angels and saints on five of the main doors.  It is a beautiful church and is worth visiting.

One thing to do in Barcelona is eat!  The city has many wonderful places to eat.  In 2002 French food guide Le Guide des Gourmands proclaimed Barcelona as the most gourmand city; the first to ever happen to a non- French city. 

Since Barcelona’s location is close to the ocean and also has mountain ranges, the food selection here is wonderful.  Things from seafood, to fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, hazelnuts, almonds and many more items can be found in Barcelona’s restaurants.

Barcelona has many restaurants and an array of food choices.  There are many straight forward Spanish dishes available in Barcelona, as well as other ethnic foods.  Travelers’ have discovered that the best deal is the “menu del dia,” a set price meal usually comprising of three courses and a drink thrown in.  A la carte meals cost a more, but the food quality is much better.

There are many things to do and see when visiting Barcelona, Spain.  Be sure to take your time and take in all the city has to offer!