Barcelona

Spread along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and basking in a hot Spanish sun, Barcelona is a treat for the senses. In the distance spires from a cathedral remind visitors of a fairy tale setting. On the streets the smell of wonderful food mixes with the salty sea air. It truly is an incomparable city and one that will leave its mark well after you have departed.

Barcelona is the capital of the semi-autonomous province of Catalonia in the northeastern corner of Spain. Known for their wealth and prestige, the Catalans also speak their own language, Catalan, in addition to Spanish. So not only does the history of Madrid and the rest of Spain make an impact, but the regions own history is very important. There is actually a wonderful museum in the port area of Barceloneta dedicated to the history of Catalonia. In this museum visitors can find out all about the waxing and waning fortunes of Catalonia, from its time as a free state to the repression by the hands of Francisco Franco. Needless to say the Catalans are justifiably proud of their nationality, and you would win many smiles to call them Catalan instead of Spanish.

Barcelona is the largest medieval European city outside of Paris, and it retains this medieval district in splendor. To best explore this quarter just slip down one of the narrow, winding streets on the east side of Las Ramblas. Immediately you will notice that it has gotten quieter, the noise of Las Ramblas fading. Now just keep your eyes, ears and nose open and you could find yourself at an impromptu outdoor music performance in an old square, or a sidewalk café with people conversing and drinking wine. If you continue making your way through the streets you might happen upon the Picasso museum. This exhibit displays an excellent collection of his work, including sketches from his early days. No matter where you end up by walking through the old town, just keep going. The best part of walking through the winding streets is to get lost and find yourself at a great café or whatever else you might find.

The medieval quarter is a wonderful part of the city, although it is certainly not the only part. The Ramblas are, although very touristy, an exciting street, and hawkers sell everything from fruit to live chickens. There are also a host of cheap hostels around this area so you will probably end up here one way or another.

L'eixample district past the top of Las Ramblas has a very Parisian feel with wide boulevards and rows of eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings. A lot of upscale restaurants, bars, and clubs inhabit these streets, and to enter one of these is to see Barcelona's rich and famous play. Also in this district are some of famous architect Antoni Gaudi's most exciting facades, including a building that could pass for the waves of the sea. His masterpiece, albeit unfinished, work is the Sagrada Familia just past L'eixample. This soaring cathedral with seemingly Salvador Dali inspired facades and spires attract thousands of tourists every day, and rightly so.

No matter where you go in Barcelona, if you can you should walk. Only by intermingling with the local culture on this ground level will you get the best experience possible. Don't simply hunt out the best Tapas bars listed in the guidebook, just get lost and when you fing an inviting place, stop and have a drink and a bite to eat. Then if you feel you need a bit more excitement to end your night slip into one of Barcelona's many clubs, and you'll feel very much apart of the city.