Barcelona is a city filled with history, culture, and variety. As a
result, the city has a million different sites, monuments, and shows
to interest a wide range of visitors. Following is a list of Barcelona
attractions that every traveler should be sure to check out.
• Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, which lies at the heart of the city, is a
maze of narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and remnants
of the past. Here visitors will find several of Barcelona’s most esteemed
museums and monuments, as well as a plethora of art galleries, artisan
boutiques, shops, and restaurants.
• Cathedral of Barcelona
This impressive structure is the gem of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
The cathedral, which was built mostly during the 14th century (the
façade
is from the 19th century), lies on the remains of both Roman worship
grounds, as well as an ancient basilica, and is dedicated to Saint
Eulalia, patron saint of Barcelona. Its giant lacework steeples overlook
a plaza, which is always filled with street performers, antique markets,
and artists.
• Las Ramblas
This colourful strip of Barcelona culture, whose name comes from the
Arabic word for riverbed, was originally just a path beside a stream
running through the centre of the old city. Today, however, this famous
avenue is a bustling centre of activity. From the early morning to
the wee hours of the night, one can find nearly everything under the
sun on the Ramblas. There are street performers by the dozens, baby
ducks, snakes, and bunnies for sale, florists galore, as well as endless
restaurants and snack shops for when you need a break from all the
excitement.
Las Ramblas runs from Placa de Catalunya, a main square full of shops,
restaurants, and banks, located at the centre of the city, down to the
monument of Columbus on the waterfront. The avenue is broken up into
five distinct sections, each with its own name and characteristics. First
is La Rambla de Canaletes, named after the Font de les Canaletes. Folklore
has it that whoever drinks from this fountain will forever keep returning
to Barcelona. This is where you will find many, but not nearly all, of
the Ramblas’ street performers.
The next section is called La Rambla dels Estudis, after the Estudi General,
or Universitat. It is also known, however, as La Rambla dels Ocells,
or the avenue of the birds, because of its many bird and small animal
vendors. Further down is La Rambla de les Flors, where historically,
and still today, a jungle of florists and their colourful stands line
the streets with exotic bouquets. It is here also, where the century-old
Boqueria Market is located. Inside it’s walls you can find the freshest
produce, meat, fish, and dried fruit around.
La Rambla del centre comes next, followed by La Rambla de Santa Monica,
which brings one directly to Barcelona’s port. At the seafront continues
the pseudo-Rambla, La Rambla de Mar. On and around this pier, one can
find the beach, an aquarium, restaurants, movie theatres, as well as
several popular night-clubs, all overlooking the harbour.
• Montjuich
The mountain, which acts as a backdrop for much of the city, is home
to exotic gardens, the Greek theatres, several of Barcelona’s museums
and sculptures, as well as the Olympic stadium. At its summit sits
the castle of Montjuich, an old watchtower from the late 17th and early
18th century. However, mount Montjuich’s most popular attraction is
by far the Magic Fountains. This wonder of light, water, and music
was constructed for the 1929 Universal Exposition. Today, the fountains’
shows awe hundreds of visitors each weekend, while providing a spectacular
view of the National Palace in the background.
