I've been to many cities, many countries, but this one left something unexplainable in me that made me want to say "I will come back here, for sure!" Maybe because it is house of the most important architects/artists/characters such as Gaudì, Montaner, Dalì, Mirò, Picasso and Bacardi. Yes, the FAMOUS Bacardi. Beyond the architectural and artistic heritage, what I love about this city is it's freshness, the chill-out, mellow mood that you can feel walking around the streets. Especially in the areas around Barceloneta and La Rambla, you won't miss to encounter alternative people such as skaters, metalheads, tumblr-y girls etc. (but I bet most of them are tourists, ha!) And palm trees. Pink sunsets. And a cool cerveza by the shore. A.K.A. the good life.

It was the 1st of September. Our departure was from Fiumicino (Rome) and landed at El Prat Airport with a delay of almost an hour and a half, due to the GPS signal fault of the aircraft. I went to Barcelona with the whole family, and since we are five, we decided to rent a car for the rest of our holiday. If you are not afraid of driving in new countries, just bring a GPS navigation device with you and you're ready to go. Car rental companies usually have their free shuttles departing from the airport taking you to the head office. If else, there are a lot of taxis awaiting in front of the terminal, and the Airport-Barcelona fare would cost you around 26 euros. This option is okay if you're a couple or friends going on a holiday. From the Airport to Barcelona center are about 20/30 min by car. A tip if you choose the car rental option: be careful of the motorcycles overtaking you! I've never seen so many all together EVER, and it gets quite dangerous because some of them would do risky maneuvers. Especially running through the highway. Having a car makes everything easier, but you have to be ready to put aside a budget for parking fares. It's hard to find free parkings, especially in a very crowded city. The cost is around 2,50 eur/h, but there isn't a same standard price for every parking provider. You can move from a point of the city to another by bus or taxi (that are everywhere), but I think the subway is the best choice because they have metro stops in all the important tourist spots, and are disabled-friendly. As a family of five, we chose to stay in an apartment because you have many advantages, such as your own kitchen complete with furnitures and cutlery. And it would cost you less than a junior suite booked in a hotel. Our apartment was in a very strategic position, just about 15 minutes by walk to the Sagrada Familia, and 50 meters from the Recinte Moderniste di San Pau. Another tip, STAY AWAY from suburb apartments. I mean, if you find any offer that's located in any of their barrios (especially the ones in the Barceloneta area), you will not be welcomed from most of the "neighbourhood". We've came across many handmade signs saying "Tourists are not welcome", and that's not a good beginning. I'm not saying Barcelona is against tourists, but they are against the consequences to the citizens brought from mass tourism (price increase, late night noises, dirt, and the amount of alcohol consumed). I once found a "Tourist, respect or die" threat written on the asphalt. Not only for Barcelona, but wherever you go, just be respectful and you'll have a pleasant stay. Prices in Spain, compared to Italy, are a little bit lower, so you can have fun with any means. Of course if you go have a drink in a chic bar or eat in a restaurant with a sea view, you know what you're going through.

Of course at the top of the list there's the Sagrada Familia. Just about 15-20 min by walk from our apartment, through Avinguda de Gaudì street. What I love about their streets is that you'll see shops, pubs and restaurants both on your left and right side, so you won't notice any feet-ache (if you're not used to walk). At the end of Av. de Gaudì are KFC on the left and Burger King on the right (coming from the Recinte Modernista), and the majestic Sagrada Familia exactly in front of you. I suggest you to book your entrance tickets from the internet before you get there, because there's always a long waiting queue (and during summer, waiting for 30min up to 1h isn't that exciting) . Tickets cost from 12-18 euro, depending on your age and working status. Fast track tickets cost 18 euro. If you want a guided tour, it'll cost you more, obviously, but it's worth it, especially when you have absolutely no idea about the concept and construction of this masterpiece. You'll see many stalls and stands selling cheap and quality souvenirs, food, ice cream and beverages, but I suggest you to first look around because you'll always find the same souvenirs for less. I've bought 7 magnets big like the palm of my hand for 1 euro each. I could buy 100 and sell them 5 euro each, that'll be a great deal. Just joking! And of course, don't forget to visit the green area where the picture above was shot, Plaça de Gaudì! Just to shade from the sun, have a rest or take some artistic photos.

Barcelona is full of parks and green areas. Parc de la Ciutadella is 2,0 km from the Sagrada Familia, if you want to reach here by walk, the fastest route is to follow Carrer de la Marina. This park is perfect if you want to spend your afternoon having a picnic, having a nap on the grass or visit the Zoo. The main attractions are the Cascada Monumental (the fountain in the picture above), the Parlament, the Statue of the General Prim and a life-size Mammuth statue.

Before actually entering the Gothic Quarter, let's mention two museums that are worth visiting. The first is El Born Cultural Center and Museu Picasso. El born is one of the most artistic and sophisticated quarters of Barcelona, with a medieval and antique feeling.

The Picasso Museum is perfect for having a glimpse into the personality of Barcelona's world renowned artist. Average visiting time requires at least one hour and a half, and entrance tickets vary according to your age and working status. Underaged, unemployed under 25 and University students enter for free, but don't forget to bring your IDs because they're checking! Normal visitors entry ticket cost 7 euro for the temporary exhibition, 12 euro for the temporary ex. and the complete collection. When you'll start to notice the new and old buildings blending, the modernity

embracing the antiquity, that's when you know you're entering the Gothic Quarter.

Barcelona's Cathedral is clearly one gothic piece. I loved the fact that it was surrounded by street musicians that would make the perfect background track while you're sightseeing the old part of the city. Security is strict regarding the dress code, so be sure you're not wearing short shorts or backless dresses because they won't let you in. And of course, despite it's a tourist spot, it's always a church, so don't forget to bring your respect with you.

Plaça de Catalunya is among Passeig de la Gràcia and La Rambla. This square is right in the middle of the shopping area. You can find the Spanish warehouse El Corte Inglès (the equivalent of Italy's La Rinascente or America's Barney's), Topshop, Zara, H&M and Hard Rock Cafè. If you're looking for high-end, branded and luxurious shops such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, Chanel etc., then have a walk through Passeig de la Gràcia. At the same street are located Casa Milà and Casa Battlò by Gaudì, just 550 m apart.

La Rambla is an aprox. 1,5 km long street that features souvenirs and craftwork stalls, and there's a high concentration of street artists. From caricature designers to portrait and landscape painters, this street is so rich of colours and vibes, and you can sip some quality sangria or mojito while losing yourself to the mellow air. A tip: drinks in this area wil cost you more. Halfway this street you'll find the famous market La Boqueria. 

 

Selling fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and meat and everything you can see at a market. The thing that attracts tourists, besides the odors and colours, is that you can find street food and extremely cheap fruit salads and fresh blended juices (compared to hawkers, where a cup of fresh fruit or juice would cost you from 3,50/4,00 eur), you can enjoy a strawberry-mango salad for 1 euro.

The famous Gaudì park. The area with the major architectural inheritage has an entrance fee of 8 euro/head, but there's also a free area (which is wider, and has an access to the highest point of the hill, where you can admire the Barcelona skyline), both have different gateway. Words are never enough to describe any of Gaudì's art pieces, so you'll have to come visit this park yourself. Barcelona is an evergreen tourists destination, that's why I would personally suggest you to book your holidays two or three weeks before the hot season ends. Because I hate super-crowded places you can't even enjoy the city, but de gustibus. Hope this not-so-brief guide can help you organize your trip to this beautiful city and avoid typical touritsts pitfalls!

 Happy holidays!

RECINTE MODERNISTA

MUSEU NACIONAL D'ART DE CATALUNYA