Rose's Top Spots in Barcelona, Spain

Taking a stroll in Barcelona

A great thing to do in Barcelona is to take a stroll around a few areas of interest; in particular through the older neighborhood (Barri Gotic) to admire the buildings, cathedrals, small paved streets and to find hidden squares and cute terrace cafes to relax in. It can be easy to get lost in these maze of backstreets, so maybe take a map just in case.

I would start at Placa Catalunya, (Metro Catalunya) the main square of Barcelona. Here you can buy packets of seeds and feed the hundreds of pigeons which hang out there. From there you can walk down Las Ramblas (Barcelona's most famous pedestrian street). This street is truly chaotic, always packed with people and contains stalls, restaurants and street performers down its entire length.

Halfway down Las Ramblas and to the right is a massive food market, 'Mercat de Sant Josep La Boqueria', one of the biggest in Europe so I heard. It is an amazing sight, with everything and every color you could imagine and fruit from all over the world! You can buy delicious squeezed fruit juices or ready-made fresh fruit salads near the entrance to keep you going.

Now if you have had enough of the crowds, cross through Las Ramblas over to the other side, and walk down one of these streets. You are now entering into the maze of narrow streets of the Barri Gotic area. Through here you will cross many beautiful buildings, apartments and squares with outside seating cafes and restaurants where you can take a nice break.

You will come across many beautiful churches, cathedrals, statues and government buildings. On summer evenings and weekends you can catch displays of Catalan folk dancing in Placa de Sant Jaume (which is in the heart of the Barri Gotic area). You can hear musicians playing beautiful Spanish music in hidden alleys, museums, many interesting art galleries and if you are walking in shopping hours (usually 9am - 2pm, and 5pm - 8pm) there are many beautiful and unique shops.

If you still have energy after that, cross over the street (Via Laietana) which will take you into the El Born area. This area is also very beautiful and interesting to walk around, with some great restaurants. Or perhaps walk a stretch further toward the sea, and have dinner in some of the many but touristy restaurants they have there. This area (Barceloneta) also is worth walking around merely to admire the apartments and streets. Some great local restaurants are situatuated here, too, if you take the time to hunt for them.

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