Best Barcelona cuisine
One of the main things why most travelers like to visit Barcelona Spain is not only because of its incredible panorama but also because of its infinite palatable cuisine. The reason why the catalan cuisine comes into various diversion is due to the influence of the different cultures taken the city before. The origin of the unique cuisine that Barcelona has dates back on the Roman times. After that, Barcelona already obtained recipes from the Italian, Greek, Provencal, Jewish, Arabian and French gastronomy. The result of these influences is a palatable cuisine with great excellence.
The cuisine of Barcelona is know of having abounding with characteristics of the Mediterranean cuisine, which means that Barcelona is abound with fish, vegetables and meats which is cooked with olive oil. The location of Barcelona is an advantage; this is because it is located in between the mountain and the sea. From the location that it has it could provide best fruits, wines fish and more. Since Barcelona produces healthy foods it reflects how people from Barcelona understands life in a healthy way.
Some of the cuisines to taste in Barcelona are the following:
- Calçots—one of the best dishes or meal to try in Barcelona; it is cook to the ash with various onion, the onion as well is mixed with sauce, pepper, mint, tomato, hazelnuts and some other ingredients. This is the best when you eat it together with your family and friends.
- Escalivada—one of the palatable dishes to try in Barcelona, it is made of eggplant and red pepper mixed with olive oil, salt and vinegar. But before making this dish, roast all the ingredients in order to fortify its flavours.
- Faves a la Catalana—this is a typical vegetables of Catalonia which is cooked in a pot mixed with various kind of meats like black sausage, ham, bolets and vegetable. Served and cook in a pot of clay.
Top three 2010 Barcelona Attractions
This year if you are planning to visit Barcelona Spain for your vacation, it is recommended that you check first what the hottest destinations to explore in the city are. If you are confused where to go in Barcelona, below are some of the top destinations you can visit while you were in the city.
- The Magic Fountain—this is one of the most attractive attractions to see in Barcelona. You should not miss the opportunity of seeing this part of the city if you were here, because you would miss half of your life without seeing this dancing fountain that you cannot find in the other corners of the world. The vibrant light and music that it features is incredibly awesome, and you wouldn’t take a chance to glimpse because of its jaw dropping feature. This amazing fountain was built in 1929 and appointed as the biggest attractions during the 1929 Barcelona World Fair and Universal Exposition. Nowadays, the fountain remains one of the most visited attractions in Barcelona that could allure up to 2.5 million of visitors every year.
- The Picasso Museum—the museum of Picasso was built to house some of the famous paintings painted by Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous painters in Barcelona during the old times. The museum is worth to visit, because the paintings that has been exhibited here is genuine, awesome and full of life. Though the museum of Picasso does not have exhibited some of the famous paintings however, you will see here unique paintings that you have not seen to the other museums before.
- La Sagrada Familia—also called as “Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia”. Appointed as the most popular attractions to see in Barcelona. Aside from that, the cathedral as well is designated as the only cathedral all over the world that remains under construction. It has been said to approximately finish in 2025. The cathedral is interesting and worth to see, because it has a unique structure and design that you never seen in your entire life.
Famous Entertainment in Barcelona
One of the traditional dances in Spain is Flamenco, every region of the country you will always encounter the Flamenco dance, since Barcelona is part of Spain, flamenco is part in Barcelona too. Since then, some of the business-minded people are getting an idea of putting flamenco into a business, which leads to Barcelona flamenco shows. But, though flamenco could be found in every corner of the country the traditional dance is not really famous in Barcelona. The dance is more often in Madrid and in the south of Spain rather than in Barcelona.
However, if your stop is in Barcelona you could still see the dance though it is not really common in the city. The most common featured dance and shows in the city are the following:
1. Opera and Flamenco—this is an interesting show to witness in the city. Opera and Flamenco is obviously a combination of two entertainments that would entertain you when you are in Barcelona. This kind of entertainment has unique features that you would never see in the other kind of Barcelona entertainment.
2. Tirititran Flamenco Tablao in Barcelona—feature as a small flamenco bar, it is located away from the touristy parts and it appointed as more authentic compared to the other bars.
3. El Patio Andaluz Flamenco—it is described by Frommers as touristy. It features two shows every night every 10pm and midnight. Just like the other flamenco show, expect to see the later showing. Although most of the visitors are Spaniards however, foreign tourists are also welcome to witness the show. Expect to see performers who would perform authentic dances and entertainment. So this is really an opportunity that you should not miss to witness in the city when you were here.
4. Tablao Cordobes Flamenco Show in Barcelona—this is a very touristy spot to witness the show, visiting this area of the city is an opportunity for every tourist since it has unique shows that you can never witness in the other part of Barcelona.
Barcelona’s Famous Parks
Barcelona is not just all about the beach, but Barcelona still has lots of scenic views to see and discover by the tourists. Museums are just some of the places to visit in the city, don’t forget to drop also in Barcelona’s incredible parks because you will be amazed of what you will be found out in the city’s parks.
Park Laberint—the park was built in 1791, on a various levels with stairways, pavilions and richly decorated railings. Within the garden, you will find incredible different methodological figures.
Park de la Ciudadella—located in the Barri Gotic. The park is an incredible location that features huge significant museums of culture and arts. The park also features lakes where you can rent boats. Originally, the park was purposely established as a citadel with a star shape, built in 1715 for King Felipe V. The park undergoes various histories before it ended up as a public park open for both the locales and the tourists. Recently, the park receives different comments from its visitors because of its amazing features and attractions.
Jardins del Palau Reial de Pedralbes—an incredible Royal Garden that you should not miss to visit in Barcelona. It has a classical designed abounding with fantastic flower beds and huge trees.
Park Espanya Industrial—this park is located at the west side of Estacio de Sants, the park offers two different aspects: one for industrial and one for charming.
Park Güell—the most famous park in Barcelona, designed by the famous artist Antonio Gaudi, Park Güell was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The park has been the subject to any criticisms and praises such like “surrealistic island”, “outrageous modernism”, “nightmare expressionist park” and more. But eventually, despite the bad and good comments about the park, it remains the most famous and most visited parks in the city.
Barcelona Transportation
Barcelona is not really a huge city compared to the other cities of Spain. When it comes to transportation, Barcelona is abundant of it. If you visit the city during their summer season, the best transportation would be the metro. The metro is the most useful way to take you to the major parts of the city. Since summer is awkward to walk under the heat of the sun, the metro is the sweet escape.
Another alternative form of transportation is taxis. It only cost 10 euros for every 15 minutes journey. Most of the licensed taxis will charge you on the amount being displayed on the meter. And if ever you are bringing extra luggage there will be a small surcharge. Tipping is common, but it is not really required anyways. Five to 10 percent of the tip will be added to the taxi fare if you wish to give a tip. The official taxis of Barcelona ranges from the color of yellow, green and black. If the light is on at the top of the taxi, it shows only that the taxi is available.
On the other hand, if you wanted to tour the city easily, renting a car in Barcelona is recommended. Renting a car in the easy would easily bring you to the areas you wanted to see or explore. But if you find car hire expensive, you still can opt to travel with cheap public transportation. Buses aside from car hire and taxis are also great alternatives for your Barcelona travel.
But if you really wanted to have the best experience in Barcelona, walking is recommended. Wandering around the city would make you experience a travel tour that you have not experience yet before. Traveling to Barcelona is a chance for travelers to see its captivating panorama and its tradition and culture.
The Main Attraction in Barcelona is the Retiro Park
Barcelona is one of the best places to venture your holiday vacation. Annually, Barcelona caters thousands of tourists and holidaymakers all over the world. With its various captivating scenery, nothing can easily beat Barcelona. In fact, some of the Hollywood movies are taped here. Due to its long stretched of beaches and rolling awesome hills and mountains, Barcelona is worldwide famous of being the best location for summer and holiday vacation.
One of the must see attractions in Barcelona is its major park; the Retiro Park. The park is also easy to access on its nearby attractions such like the Prado Museum. The park is the best area for strolling and mind rejuvenation, if you are too tired from work this is the place to be. Lovers, couples, friends, families of both the locales and tourists are found here. There is so much activities that you can do in this park. Since it is the sanctuary to many attractions such like monuments, sculptures, boating lake and more the park deserves to be visited by millions of people the whole year round.
In the 17th century, Retiro Park was only for the royal family. No one is allowed to enter the park during this time and the royal family was only allowed to use it privately. It was here where bullfights, pageants and mock naval battles are held. But the situation does not remain, after that later century the park was then open to the public. But despite that it was already opened to the public, visitors were not allowed to enter if they do not wear formal attire.
In the Retiro Park, you will also find the 19th century Crystal Palace which was built in 1887. The neo-classical Velasquez Palace can also be found here, this palace is mostly the venue for any different events the whole year round. To have the most experience in Retiro Park, planning it ahead of time is necessary.
Barcelona’s top 4 Most Impressive Attractions
So, you are all ready to travel to Barcelona, but the question is, are you also ready or aware where to go in the city? Barcelona is one of the best cities to visit in Spain, and you should have to be aware of this. The city is proud of being surrounded with great sceneries and attractions that lured millions of tourists to come here the whole year round. If you do not know well Barcelona, because it is your first time to visit the city, the attractions below are the best places that you can include in your list of itineraries.
Magic fountains—this is an interesting and impressive fountain that you should have to witness during your visit here. The fountain was built since 1929, and it is one of the rushing attractions in Barcelona. It has been designated as the magic fountain because it features vibrant colors and it dances together with its song.
Palau Nacional—the façade that this edifice has can be deceiving, because at your first glance you would find it as an old building, but it is not actually when you come nearby. The edifice houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia. The building was built in 1992 for the International Exhibition purpose.
Torre Agbar—this is the newest skyscrapers in Barcelona. The building was completed in 2005; the shape that it features draws most of the tourist’s attention. The façade that it has does not only create impressive impression but as well as it’s inside part.
La Rambla—this is the most popular street in Barcelona. Most of the people you can see wandering here are the tourists from all over the country. There is unique captivating scenery that you should have to see in this part of the city so if you are here in Barcelona, try to stroll here in La Rambla as well.
The Most Famous Barcelona Attractions
When you talk about Barcelona’s attractions, you might end up tired of listing all of it, because wherever you gaze around the city, you can always see an amazing and incredible view that you have not seen before.
Barcelona is a blessed city, having been abounding with a paradise like place. No doubt, Barcelona has been included in the list as one of the most visited cities all over the world. But, if you are planning to spend your vacation here, you should have to make your own list of itineraries before going here; because, you might end up wondering or confused where to go first and what to do.
So if you are confused what to include in your list of itineraries, you might like to include the following top most visited attractions in Barcelona.
1. Sagrada Familia—if you are here in Barcelona, this amazing piece of art by Antonio Gaudi is a must see. It is a gigantic temple which is still under construction since 1882. Accordingly, the edifice still has 30 to 80 years to go before it totally finished.
2. The Barri Gotic—this amazing gothic quarter is located east offs the Ramblas. It caters some buildings that date back since the 14th and 15th century. The main attraction of this gothic quarter is the gothic cathedral, Placa del Rei, Palau de la Generalitat and the Ajuntament.
3. La Pedrera Casa Mila—this is another masterpiece of Gaudi’s arts. It is appointed as one of the most rushing attractions in Barcelona. Previously called Casa Mila but recently, the building is now called La Pedrera—which means quarry.
4. Barcelona Zoo—this is the best place to include in your list of itineraries if you go to Barcelona with your kids. A great number of animals could be found here, and it is an amazing experience to see different forms of animal species with your kids.
5. The Picasso Museum—this is an interesting museum to visit, it houses Picasso’s paintings in a chronological order. The paintings he had started from his early time to the current. The idea of arranging his paintings like this would give you insights how he developed his unique way of painting.
Cuisines to try and Impressive Views to See in Barcelona
One of the best reasons why we go to a certain destination aside from the impressive scenery that they got is because of their cuisines. Particularly in Barcelona, when it comes to their foods the city’s foods are just mouth watering. The foods in Barcelona are also called the Catalan food. Since the 13th century Catalans were already written a recipe that depicts about the characteristics of their food, and one of the characteristics is the “mar in muntanya” which could be translated into English as sea and mountain—this is a combination of meat and fish.
Eventually, the Catalans were adding dry fruit to the meat and dishes. The sauces as well have an important role on the Catalan gastronomy. You can try the allioli this is with garlic and oil, a great partner to rice and meat. There is so much to discover about the Catalan’s cuisines, but among all the famous starters the popular dish called “mondonguilles amb sepia” is a cuisine in Barcelona that you should not miss having a try.
Aside from the foods, of course the important places to visit in Madrid should not be missed. As a tourist this is the most important reason why we come over to a certain destination, and for Barcelona the places that you should not miss visiting are the following.
* Sagrada Familia—this is one of the most impressive architectures to see in Barcelona. The architecture was designed by the famous artist in the city, Antoni Gaudi. He got inspired with the nature around him that leads him to design such an enormous and striking architecture of Sagrada Familia.
* Barri Gòtic—this part of Barcelona symbolized the religious and the civic heart of the city. If you want to see some of the medieval architecture of Barcelona, this is the best place to head of. This is also a great place for shopping, bar hopping, business and restaurants.
* Picasso Museum—this museum is located particularly in the three medieval buildings as well as in the other two buildings. It houses more than 3, 600 works segregated into paintings and drawings.
Barcelona is an amazing city of Spain, due to that fact millions of holiday goers come to visit the city every year, and even some of them decided to live here permanently.
Celebrating Valentines Day in Barcelona
Valentines day is about to come, of course everybody seems all excited perhaps except for those who were desperate enough to avoid the celebration. But no matter what, you cannot avoid valentines because it will really come and you cannot escape from it. Well then, if you are about to celebrate this romantic event with your sweetheart or even with your family, friends or coworkers into another place find somewhere else that you think offer a romantic environment. Though Paris France is the common place to go for lovers, the fact is there are still various romantic places to go.
Barcelona Spain is not just about the scenery, vibrant nightlife and beaches the city as well is a perfect destination for lovers. If you do not know, Barcelona has been considered as one of the most romantic destinations all over Europe. What makes Barcelona romantic? Of course, it is because Barcelona provides unique and romantic environment. With good weather Barcelona is perfect for the Valentines Day season.
What to expect during your valentine tour in Barcelona includes the ramblas and cobbled alleys. These are an amazing start to have a romantic experience in the city. Walking around Barcelona with your lover hand-in-hand is a moment you can never forget. If you want to savor the romance of Barcelona it is a great idea if you explore the city by foot. Renting a car is not really necessary unless you have decided to visit other areas of Barcelona that would take an hour before you arrive.
The cobbled stone alleys as well as the ramblas are not the only things to expect in Barcelona. They are just a few of the many things to discover about this romantic place. Bringing your sweetheart in Gaudi’s Cathedral is an awesome experience too. Gaudi—as the most famous artist in Barcelona creates many masterpieces for both lovers and holiday makers to view.
It would be very awkward if you do not bring your lover to a fine restaurant after the tour. Barcelona will amaze you because most of Barcelona’s restaurants served both traditional and contemporary cuisine. You will love the tapas and the wine as well being served to you. Going to Paris is a good choice too, but if you still looking for another place to venture your valentines date Barcelona is just perfect for you.
