If you’re planning a trip to Spain and hoping to visit Barcelona there are several things to consider when preparing for your vacation.
For those who have never visited the bustling city, Barcelona is one-of-a-kind. It is the perfect combination of history and innovation. The city's ancient past is reflected in the city’s grand and historic architecture. On the other hand, the city is a center for commerce, and the second largest city in Spain. Barcelona has a unique feel, but perhaps it is most similar to San Francisco, California.
Like San Francisco, Barcelona’s streets are filled with unique acts. The city’s most famous boulevard, Las Ramblas, is jam-packed with street performers and one-of-a-kind human statue art, whom you can pay a small fee to take a picture with. About half way down Las Ramblas, just off the road, there is a huge street market. The market contains a variety of food – ranging from fresh (and unusual) fruits and veggies, to freshly butchered meat, cheese, and some of the most amazing fruit smoothies you will ever taste. While Las Ramblas is a fun and entertaining part of the city, it is also popular pickpockets location, so keep your wallet close when visiting the area. Also, the area where Las Ramblas nears the water is highly frequently by prostitutes and robbers at night. So if you’re in the area, try to head out of that area in the early evening.
If you're short on time, skip a day at Barcelona's beaches. The beaches are not too impassive. While the view is decent, the water is dirty and the beaches' sands are covered with discarded cigarette butts. However, there are a number of decent, but fairly expensive restaurants near the waterfront and dozens of yacht and mega-yachts littering the shores.
If you enjoy unique architecture, make sure to stop by and tour Antonio Gaudí's La Sagrada Família. The Catholic church has been under construction for over one hundred years, and its completion is nowhere in sight. Numerous architects have overseen the construction of the largely Gothic style church, making it one of the most unique churches in the world.
If you enjoy La Sagrada Família, you will definitely like Park Güell. The park includes gardens, and a number of architectural structures that were also designed by Gaudí. While entrance to the park is free, guests can pay to tour La Torre Rosa, where Antonio Gaudí lived. If tourists decide to visit both La Sagrada Família and La Torre Rosa a discounted rate is available.
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