I recently returned from a trip to Europe that included several days in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. I’ve been there three times in the last five years. It is one of my favorite European cities. I haven’t written a blog about this wonderful city before, so here are five reasons I love visiting Barcelona, Spain.
The #1 reason I love visiting Barcelona, Spain – sights
Barcelona is packed full of things to see and do. It’s an ancient city founded by the Romans, so you have a few centuries’ worth of sites to see, including important churches, the Picasso Museum, and the Gothic Quarter. You will want to wander around exploring its many neighborhoods. You will not get bored spending several days in this city.
Reason #2 – architecture
Barcelona is renowned for its modernista buildings, many of which were built by the architectural genius Gaudi. La Sagrada Familia, pictured below, is his masterpiece. We took a tour of it. This church is like no other in Europe. There are plenty of other buildings to see in addition to the modernista. There is beautiful architecture all over Barcelona.
Reason #3 – Cuisine of Barcelona
Barcelona is well-known around the world for its tasty food scene. I always say tapas is one of the greatest culinary creations ever. It allows you to sample various Catalan dishes without getting too full. I highly recommend taking a tapas tour while visiting Barcelona. Regarding alcohol, there’s good wine, excellent vermouth, and tasty Cava, the Catalan equivalent of champagne.
Reason #4 – location
If I have not convinced you that Barcelona is worth visiting, it’s on the Mediterranean and has beaches. In addition to that, there are excellent day trips not far away. You can head an hour in any direction, and you’ll be at a great location, whether Sitges to the South, Cadaques to the North, or heading over to Majorca for a tropical vacation.
Reason #5 – Catalan Culture
Catalan culture is unique. It is different from the rest of Spain. At special events, they build amazing human pyramids. The Catalan people are proud of this history, heritage, and culture. They should be. It produced world-class artists like Salvador Dali. The Catalonian people have their special foods, dances, and language. Go to Barcelona and experience it for all that it offers.
Bonus reason – football
Barcelona used to have one of the best football teams in the world. Yes, they had a rough season. They’ve hired a new coach, and hopes are high that they’ll return to the upper ranks of European football and win La Liga again. If you get a chance to see the team play, I highly recommend going, especially after the renovations of Camp Nou are complete. I hope to get there and experience another game firsthand.
One thing you may not like about Barcelona
It’s time to shift gears and talk about one thing you will not like about the capital of Catalonia. If you visit during the wrong time of the year, it will be packed with tourists. Many cruise ships leave from Barcelona. During certain parts of the year, like the summer, you will be elbow to elbow with sweaty tourists. Avoid the crowds by going in the off-season.
Five helpful hints for visiting Barcelona
Let me end this blog with five helpful hints when visiting Barcelona. They are below.
I am Doug Keating, and this is my letter to my sons.