Earlier this year a friend sent me a link to an Around the World playlist that included Freddie Mercury’s “Barcelona.” Loved the tune (as well as the whole playlist) though it has not a hint of Spanish influence. It’s pure Freddie grandiosity (Viva Barcelona with a huge choir, of course.)
Though I’ve always had this fantasy of hanging out in a Spanish bar listening to gypsies play fantastic flamenco, I have to admit I knew little about Barcelona, let alone Spain, except that the Queen of Queens had this great song about it.
Really, other than my interest in Spanish guitar music, it’s never been on my radar. Vegetarian friends who had visited years ago hadn’t enjoyed themselves, frustrated mostly by the fact that the food was oily and heavy on the meat. While I don’t necessarily travel FOR the food, this wasn’t really a ringing endorsement.
And Spain doesn’t seem like one of those places (like Italy) where people return from their journey and can’t stop talking about it. Until you actually tell someone you’re going. Then the stories unfold.
In the weeks leading up to my departure, several people, after learning of my plans, came forward and admitted that Spain (and specifically Barcelona) was their very favorite destination. As in their favorite over and above any other place.
OK – they had my attention. Why Spain? Why Barcelona?
I discovered the answers were in the architecture, the art, the people, the Mediterranean Coast and yes, the food – the meat, the ham, the pork, the pastries.
At Sea-Tac airport I picked up the Lonely Planet Pocket Guide to Barcelona (excellent $15 purchase, by the way). I read the entire book in-flight all while taking notes and studying the map. I was starting to get it: Sagrada Familia, Guell Park, Casa Batllo, La Rambla, the beach. Oh, and the pastries and gelato 🙂
For the early part of my trip, I booked a hotel room that ended up being in an ideal part of town, the Passeig de Gracia. I was literally a couple of blocks from two Gaudi buildings and within walking distance of Sagrada Familia and the beach (though the latter are located at opposite ends of the city).
The weather cooperated early on and one day I clocked about 7 miles of walking. This was a good thing because it helped me work off all the pastries and pizza! It’s true, Spain is so heavy on the meat that I did have a difficult time finding vegetarian options. But I was undeterred, I wasn’t there for the food. I was there for TBEX – the travel bloggers conference – in Girona, but soon discovered the architecture, art and streetlife.
My advice to travelers is usually to walk confidently through a new city without staring up and around at everything. You don’t want to stand out as a tourist, you know? But so much of the interesting bits of Barcelona are up in the tall buildings. Early on I found myself walking past landmarks (the same ones several times) before finding them in my guidebook and realizing that the entryways were not significant but that up on the second stories and higher? Wow!
And even the non-landmark buildings are beautiful. Just look at the detail in the upper story of this narrow walkway.
While the indoor market on La Rambla isn’t housed in a gorgeous building, it’s well worth a visit for the variety of foods available.
Though I only slurped down a couple of fresh fruit juices (watermelon, of course, and also a coconut and strawberry mixture), there were meats, cheeses, fruit, veggies and candy available.
The passion and beauty extends beyond the architecture. On a festival day, we came across numerous street musicians – mostly guitar players banging out traditional Flamenco and Spanish guitar melodies. Which I loved. A friend had forewarned me that Barcelona was NOT the place to see traditional Flamenco. While there are performances geared toward the tourist crowds, I decided to skip these. Instead I enjoyed the little bits I heard from the buskers and have left my Flamenco fantasy for a return visit.
Because surely there will be one!
*****
If you go… pick up a guidebook in advance and study up about this wonderful city. I spent about 4 full days there and felt like I barely scratched the surface.
For hotel deals, try Trivago. I booked the Hotel Actual. For about $130/night it was a bargain with free breakfast. They even let me check in when I arrived in the city at about 10am (though of course that will always depend on availability) which gave me nearly the entire day to explore without worrying about my bags.
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Vegetarians: When All Else Fails in Spain, Eat Gelato
Mike says
Thank you for you insights to Barcelona. I just picked this city for an assignment for a Tour Operator course, and I have only scratched the surface. Now I can’t wait to visit.