Barcelona – A city that offers everything

There are few places within an hour and a half travel time that offer a cosmopolitan culture, world renowned architecture, gigantic parks, and a beach. City breaks are not everyone’s cup of tea but I think Barcelona has something for everyone and warrants more than one visit to really drink in the culture.

To get you on your way check out flight provider’s websites for departures from your regional airport as Barcelona is becoming more accessible with demand. When you get to Barcelona you will find the underground clean and reliable, coach routes are actually convenient and taxi’s less expensive than your average European city. The choice of accommodation is extensive ranging from budget two stars near Las Ramblas up to beautiful five star institutions on the Paseig de Gracia.

Gaudi’s architecture and thesis on life is captivating and really sums the essence of this great city. Antoni Gaudi was instrumental in the development of the Art Noveau movement in the late 1800’s; every form that encapsulated his ground breaking architecture came from nature. Casa Batllo is the best example of this.

Even those with minimal appreciation for architecture will be wowed by following theBarcelona's Gaudi trail. The Sagrada Familia is a good place to start, one of the tallest cathedrals in Europe that still remains unfinished eighty years after Gaudi’s death, the climb to the top spire is quite a feat. To finish the day I suggest taking a bus to Parque Guell to relax and drink in the view.

Foodie’s will adore Barcelona's La Boqueria market just where you can buy every type of cheese/fruit/vegetable/spice/meat/fish and some things that I couldn’t even identify. It is an absolute must to fill your picnic basket from here and head to the beach. There are half a dozen open air tapas bars in here too where you can point at what you fancy and it will be cooked instantaneously in front of you. If you really want to splash out Barcelona boasts two Michelin starred restaurants and some impressive fish restaurants around the quayside. After you’ve treated yourself to Lobster and strolled along the Barcelona beach make sure you find the entrance to the funicular cable car at the industrial end of the beach and enjoy the trip up Montjuic.

Believe it or not you will find a very relaxing evening watching a match at the Nou Camp stadium - home of Barcelona FC. The Catalans see football as a social event for all the family to talk, eat and generally enjoy the fresh air. Tickets for Barcelona games sell early as you would expect so I recommend going to see local teams play and take advantage of the cheap tickets and the friendly atmosphere. If you are an avid fan the more prestigious teams stay at the Hotel Art’s, identifiable by its impressive copper fish like sculpture on the beach.

I do hope you make the short trip to Barcelona and try to see a little of what this amazing city has to offer. I thoroughly recommend the very traditional and formal bar; Dry Martini (Aribau 166) with a huge wine cellar and a good cigar selection. I’m sure Mr Bond himself would frequent it where he a real person. 4 Gats (Carrer Montsio 3) is a traditional arts café with a wonderfully rustic bar area and restaurant backed with piano playing. It feels like a step back in time and Barcelona cannot be missed.