Barcelona - the capital of Catalonia - is a vibrant and dynamic city, full of exciting things to do. From its stunning architecture to its delicious food and lively culture, there's never a dull moment in this city. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and Palau Nacional, or stroll along the famous La Rambla promenade, taking in the sights and sounds of street performers and vendors. Barcelona is also renowned for its art scene, with world-class museums and galleries showcasing the works of famous artists like Picasso and Miro.
Catalans have their own traditional dishes. Chief among them is pork sausage both cooked (butifarra) and cured (fuet), as well as the ubiquitous pa amb tomĆ quet (pan con tomate in Spanish), grilled bread rubbed with tomato and garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with sea salt.
For something more local, try fideuĆ , essentially the Catalan version of paella, made with short noodles instead of rice.
Make sure to sweeten up your trip with:
- xuxo: traditional Catalan pastry with sweet cream filling and sugar coating;
- mel i mato: dessert made from fresh goat cheese drizzled with honey;
- tarta de Santiago: a Galician almond cake made with ground almonds;
- panellets: small, round pastries made from ground almonds and flavored with coffee or lemon
For drinks, have a vermut (vermouth) instead of sangria; it's served over ice and garnished with a slice of orange and/or olives.
Also, you can try Cava, which got its name back in 1970 with the idea of distinguishing it from French champagne, the word meaning āCaveā or ācellarā. Cava is rapidly gaining prominence in the world and rivaling champagne, 95% of all Catalan cava is made in PenedĆØs in the vineyards surrounding the village of Sant SadurnĆ d'Anoia, close to Barcelona.
šµļø The famous Antoni GaudĆ - Spanish architect and designer from Catalonia, known as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism - worked almost entirely in or near Barcelona, therefore the city boasts with his works: Casa BatllĆ³, Casa MilĆ” La Pedrera (you can grasp a sight of the interior while having a coffee at Cafe de la Pedrera
DON'T MISS: the gift shop is amazing), Casa Vicens, Park GĆ¼ell, Sagrada FamĆlia church, etc.
ā½ļø For football enthusiats: you have to take a look around Camp Nou.
š”A trip to Abbey of Montserrat would also make a great idea.
ā±ļøPerhaps a day trip to Costa Brava (90 min by bus)?! š
