B A R C E L O N A

I. TOURING BCN

Barrio Gotico

– Catedral del Mar: The oldest documentary reference to Santa Maria del Mar found so
far dates back to the year 998. The church we see today is the work of the architect
Berenguer de Montagut. Building did not start until 1329, and continued for more
than half a century. In 1428, as a result of an earthquake that shook Barcelona, a large
rose window was broken. It was quickly replaced by another in the "flaming" Gothic
style popular at the time, which was completed in 1460. The reason for building the
church seems to have been the conquest of Sardinia, which completed the Catalan
domination of the Mediterranean that had begun 100 years previously with the
conquest of Mallorca. At its height, Sicily and Greece were also ruled by the House
of Barcelona. Santa Maria would have been the place of worship for the workers in
the Ribera neighbourhood, as the ruling class and the well-off had the cathedral.
– Catedral de Barcelona: The earliest origins of Barcelona Cathedral date back to a
basilica with three naves, destroyed by Al-Mansur in 925. The remains of this
basilica can be seen at the City History Museum. Around 1046, Bishop Guislabert
pushed for the construction of a new cathedral. There are hardly any references to
this cathedral. It is believed to have occupied part of the Gothic building but all that
has been preserved is Romanesque.
– Placa Sant Jaume: Today the junction between the two main streets of the Roman
City is the location for the modern city's two most important political institutions: the
Town Council and the Autonomous Government

Las Ramblas

– El Liceu: This magnificent theatre is Barcelona’s Temple of Opera, and its most
prestigious theatre. It is located in the heart of the city, on its most popular
thoroughfare: the Rambla.
– La Boqueria: La Boqueria market is a festival of colors, flavors, aromas and life you
will not find anywhere else in the world, a real show you just have to see. It is an
attractive, picturesque showcase for Barcelona and Catalan gastronomy, with local
produce and exotic items from around the world.
– Estatua de Cristobal Colon: The Columbus monument is in Plaça del Portal de la Pau,
where the southern end of the Rambla and Passeig de Colom meet, by the old port of
Barcelona. The statue, which welcomes visitors who arrive in the city along the
coastal ring-road, the Ronda del Litoral, is set on an iron column, and reaches a
height of 60 meters. There is a lift inside the column to reach the half sphere which is
just below the feet of the statue, and from here there is a panoramic view of the city.
– Placa Reial: Plaça Reial is one of the most distinguished squares in Barcelona and the
only one in the city with porticos. To get there, walk down the Rambla from Plaça de
Catalunya and turn into Carrer de Ferran. There, opening up before you on your right,
is the square, very traditional and interesting for its style and design and for the life
which goes on there.
– La Font de Caneletes: The old fountain, at the Estudi General, the forerunner of
today's university, had small pipes that channeled water into a kind of trough. After
 the demolition of the old city walls a more modern fountain replaced it and the water,
coming from the Montcada mine, acquired quite a reputation for purity. It is on the
right going down the Rambla, just before you reach Carrer dels Tallers. They say that
whoever drinks water at this fountain will keep coming back to Barcelona, and for
many years, after a football game, fans would meet there and hold lively discussions.
– Placa Catalunya: Plaça de Catalunya is considered the centre of Barcelona and is
where the old centre meets the new. It is the starting point for Passeig de Gràcia,
Rambla de Catalunya, La Rambla and Portal de l'Àngel, streets always crowded with
residents and visitors. There are shops, cafés, bars and banks in the square, which is
also a centre of urban transport.
– Palau de la Musica Catalana: This theatre, or concert hall, is one of the most
fascinating architectural jewels of the Modernista movement, a must see if you are in
Barcelona. The Palau de la Música Catalana was declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO in 1997. It is the work of the great Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i
Montaner (1850-1923).
– Parroquia de la Mare de Deu de la Merce: The main façade of the Mare de Déu de la
Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy) Basilica overlooks the old square of the same name that
was reopened a quarter of a century ago. On the southeast side of the square (or "sea
side", as the locals say) there is another building with a marble doorway. It used to be
the Mercè (Lady of Mercy) Convent but today it is the military headquarters, or
Capitania General. Opposite the basilica there is a fountain dedicated to the god
Neptune, by Adrià Ferran, with a sphinx, by Celdoni Guixà, which first stood in
Barceloneta for almost a century, and then in Parc de Montjuïc for another century.

Parc de la Ciutadella

– Parc de la Ciutadella: A large area with some funky modern art exhibited within the
grounds. It is a peaceful place. Apparently there used to be a fort here but in 1869 the
government allowed its demolition.
– Arc de Triomf: The Arc de Triomf is a monument at the junction of Passeig de Lluís
Companys and Passeig de Sant Joan, near Ciutadella park. It is a monument which
dominates the area, a very busy area with a public transport interchange linking the
Arc de Triomf station on Metro line 1 and four Renfe suburban train lines, plus the
nearby long-distance bus station, Estació del Nord.
– Estacio de Franca: It was originally built in the 19th century, as a destination for
trains arriving primarily from France. It was then rebuilt in 1929 for the International
Exhibition that year. Pedro Muguruza designed the two towering buildings that
surround the railway tracks, and these buildings were inaugurated by King Alfonso
XIII.

Paseo de Gracia

- La Pedrera: At the Casa Milà, also known as the Pedrera (Quarry), you can take a
close look at Antoni Gaudí's interior design. This is a gem of a building that imitates
the shapes found in nature. Its façades, windows, doors, stairs, walls and living
rooms, with their original furniture, create a dream world.
- Casa Batllo: Casa Batlló is one of the most visited houses in Barcelona, a really
original building in terms of shape, colors and decoration. What was supposed to be a
renovation of the Batlló family home ended up being the most poetic and sensitive of
Gaudí's work. He expanded the project to include the double loft, the staircase and
 interior decoration. The result was the architectural smile that is always associated
with Barcelona.

La Sagrada Familia

- La Sagrada Familia: The Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family (Sagrada Família),
Antoni Gaudí's best known work, is still unfinished but work continues with
donations from private individuals as well as public bodies.

Montjuic

– La Font Magica de Montjuic: This is the result of an inspired idea from the engineer
Carles Buigas (son of Gaietà Buigas, the architect of the Columbus monument), who
thought of creating a new type of jet fountain, where the artistic element would be the
changing shape of the water. The Magic Fountain was one of the last projects on the
site of the 1929 Universal Exhibition, which included the cascades and smaller
fountains which fill Avinguda de Maria Cristina.
– Placa d’Espanya: Plaça d'Espanya, at the foot of Montjuïc, is one of the most
important squares in Barcelona, and the gateway to the city centre from the
Llobregat. Major roads meet at the square, such as Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes,
Avinguda del Paral·lel and Carrer de Tarragona. There are very good underground
communications (Metro lines 1 and 3), the local Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de
Catalunya trains, and the central Sants station is also very nearby.
– Poble Espanyol: Built between 1926 and 1929, the initial idea of this "Spanish
Village" was to have representations, all in one place, of architectural features of all
Spanish regions: the church, the houses (humble or mansions), bars and restaurants,
shops, craft workshops - all are taken from the real thing. Plaza Aragonesa, Calle del
Alcalde de Móstoles, Travesia del Maestrazgo, Gradas de Santiago, Calle de Los
Arcos, Plaza del Carmen are names with a lot of meaning that takes us to different
places in Spain.

Tibidabo

– Tibidabo: As it is the highest point in the city, Tibidabo Amusement Park has
exceptional views to offer.
– Hotel la Florida: Located deep in the hills of Tibidabo and overlooking the whole of
Barcelona, it is a destination in itself. Re-opened in 2003, it has maintained the old
glamour that it enjoyed amongst the rich and famous in the 1950s, whilst adding
modern touches. Built in 1925, the old building can be seen for miles around.

Pedralbes

– Monestir de Pedralbes: One of Barcelona's hidden treasures; this monastery (in fact, a
convent) was founded by Reina Elisenda, widow of Catalonia's Sovereign Count
Jaume II, for Clarist nuns in 1326. The Gothic cloister is the finest in Barcelona. The
abess's day cell, the Capella de Sant Miquel, has murals painted in 1346 by Ferrer
Bassa, a Catalan master much influenced by the Italian Renaissance. Scratched into
the painting, on the right side between Saints Francis and Clare, you can make out
what is widely considered Barcelona's earliest graffito: Joan no m'oblides (John,
don't forget me), proof that not all of the novotiates were there by their own choice.
You can also visit the medieval living quarters and kitchen. Look for the ruts broken
 into the arcaded walkways by Napoleonic cannon during the 1809 French
occupation. The museum shows religious paintings and artifacts collected over the
centuries.
– Pavellons Guell: In 1883, Eusebi Güell wanted to extend the estate his father had
bought, in Pedralbes, and commissioned Gaudi for part of the work, under the
direction of Joan Martorell. Gaudí designed the gardens and the lodges at the
entrance on what is today Passeig de Manuel Girona. At the end of the 19th century,
the Güell family turned the estate into a summer residence, cultivating the
surrounding land.

Placa Universitat

- Universitat de Barcelona: The University of Barcelona (UB) was founded in 1450.

The present central building was inaugurated in 1871. Today the university has four
campuses, in different parts of the city. The UB is the oldest and largest of the six
universities in Barcelona, and of the ten in Catalonia.
– Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau: The Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Paul
is one of Barcelona's landmarks. Building work on the new hospital (the old one in
Raval dated back to 1401) started in 1902, coinciding with the city's industrialization
and new ideas on hygiene and public health, which were applied to town planning.

Port Olimpic

– Port Olimpic & Vila Olimpica: The modern Olympic Port is, today, one of the areas
with the most leisure and entertainment on offer in Barcelona. Here you can try the
seafood as well as the lively night-life, with bars and restaurants to choose from all
long the Mestral and Gregal wharfs, opposite the residential area of Vila Olímpica.

Parc Guell

- Parc Guell: This architectural marvel, created by Antoni Gaudí in the middle of
nature, was commissioned by Count Güell, who wanted him to design an elegant
estate with family homes. Now it is a public park and part of the city's heritage,
another marvel that awaits you on your visit to Barcelona. Don't miss Parc Güell: it
will really surprise you!

Sitges

- Sitges: Sitges is a beautiful seaside resort within close proximity to Barcelona. Due to the
short 45-minute train ride, the charming town has become a favorite summer destination
for Barcelona residents and visitors alike. While most visitors go directly to the beach,
the historic town does not lack in cultural and historical aspects. La Vila Vella (Old
Sitges) traces its roots to the pre-Roman period. It remained an agricultural and fishing
village before turning into a defensive castle in mediaeval times, but with increased
commercial links to the Americas in the 18th century, Sitges entered the modern period
with greater affluence and importance. The Fin de Siècle period attracted many Catalan
artists, writers and intelligentsia, thus making Sitges a focal point of Catalan identity and
leading to the construction of many Modernista buildings – an important manifestation of
Catalan self-expression.
 II. BARS & RESTAURANTS

A. Classic Cocktail Bars

- Cockteleria Boadas
- Gimlet
- Dry Martini

B. Historical Bars

- Marsella
- London Bar
- Almirall
- Kentucky

C. Classic Restaurants

- Els Quatre Gats

- El Pla
- La Carassa
- Pla de la Garsa

D. Tapas Restaurants

- Santa Maria
- La Confiteria
- Resolis

E. Designer Restaurants

- Salsitas
- El Noti
- Negro
- Principal
- El Japones
- Acontraluz
- Hotel Omm
 III. BARCELONA IN TWO DAYS

A. On the first day

You can spend the morning walking through the Barri Gòtic, (Gothic Quarter), an area in which you will
see the city's Roman origins. You can start at Barcelona Cathedral, at Plaça Nova, where you can take a
good look at this Gothic marvel and its surrounding Roman remains, which you will also find if you
continue along the passage in Carrer del Bisbe, through which you can then enter the cathedral's Gothic
cloister, another marvel not to be missed. At Plaça de Sant Jaume, which you will find at the end of Carrer
del Bisbe, you will see the office buildings of both the Generalitat de Catalunya and Barcelona City
Council. Close by is Plaça del Rei, an area with one of the city's richest histories. After you've crossed Via
Laietana, you can then walk down Carrer Argenteria, where you will get a good view of one of the gems of
Catalan Gothic architecture, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. If you wish, you can take advantage of
the Born area and have lunch in any of its restaurants. During the afternoon and evening, you can take a
walk through the Rambla, where, once you're nearby the Liceu stop, you'll find yourself in a highly iconic,
constantly bustling place recognized the world over. This is the Mercat de la Boqueria, an historic market
that offers a grand spectacle of daily life you simply mustn't miss. Afterwards, you can stroll up to the
harbor and take a ride on one of the Golondrines on which you can travel along the coast and gain another
perspective on the city. When you're back on land, you can take advantage of the place and dine at any of
the restaurants in the Port Vell, area, where you can enjoy a large range of cuisine and nightlife activities.

B. On the second day

Take the Barcelona Bus Turístic from Plaça de Catalunya, where the north-bound (red) route starts and
along which you can discover the northern part of the city. The route takes you through the Passeig de
Gràcia, the location for several Modernist buildings, the most notable of which being the Casa Lleó i
Morera, the Casa Amatller, the Casa Batlló and the Casa Milà. This route also passes by the Sagrada
Família, another of the gems created by Antoni Gaudí. The bus makes several stops you can get off it
should you wish to have a better look at any of these sights. If you need to take a rest or have a bite, you
can check out any of the restaurants you'll find in the Eixample area. In the afternoon and evening you can
take the Barcelona Bus Turístic once more, from its first departure point at its stop in Plaça de Catalunya,
and choose the south-bound (blue) route along which you will discover the western part of the city, and
find not only a large commercial area in Carrer de Sants but also Sants station and Montjuïc mountain.
Here, in addition to visiting the Catalan National Art Museum, one of the city's most important art
museums, you can discover the Olympic Ring, the main area in which the 1992 Olympic Games were held.
During the night, to round off your two days in the city, you can go back to the city centre and get better
acquainted with the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) up to Plaça de Sant Jaume; from there you will easily
reach the Gran Cafè, a Modernist-style, haute-cuisine restaurant.