Barcelona I love u! (Barcelona)

Member Name: REALTRAVELLER

Product:	Barcelona
Date:	02/09/09 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great city

Disadvantages: None

I know Barcelona extremely well, because 3 years ago I was covering Spain and Portugal in the firm where I work and used to be in Spain every second or third week. Although most of our clients are based in Madrid, I always made sure that I was visiting clients in Barcelona at the end of the week, and then stayed there on my own account for the weekend.

Barcelona is a city of roughly half a million people, it is a large port and is surrounded by hills, when you land with Iberia, Ba, or Easyjet at the airport of El Prats you have a very good overview of the city. The landing route is the one from France, hence make sure you get a seat on the right part of the plane, if you consider the direction of the flight.

There are so many places and things to do in Barcelona, that even if you have a full week to spend there, you will not get bored, nor short of attractions.

I will give a general overview here and then review each place individually in due course in their relative sections, so watch my reviews if you want to know more.

The Ramblas are in many ways the icon of Barcelona, they stretch from the central Placa de Catalunya towards the sea. Originally a stream, which was then covered, today they attracts tourists and locals in masses, particularly at night. You hav flower stalls, stalls selling pets including mny peackocks and also street players who perform their tricks and accept to be photographed by tourists for a tip. My favurite of all is the chap who just sits on the floor with a ball, and raises up and juggles the ball like Maradona. Last time I was there, he had already clocked up more than 200 fines with the local police because differently from most of the other steeet artists, does not have the special papers and permits to play.

The area of the Ramblas is also known for pickpocketing and there is also prostitution going there at night. Although the main area is safe, normal precautions should apply, keep your valuables with you, bags closed, nothing that you do not know.

In the middle of Ramblas, going down on the right side, is the market called "La Boqueria". This is probably my favourite place in Barcelona. It is a real markt, locals go there and shop, but it is also a drag for tourists because of the amazing colours on display. Plenty of fruits and vegetables, but also cheese, cured meat, meat and in the middle fish. If you are renting a flat, or staying with friends, this is the place to go for shoppig. You can also have tasty and cheap meals at some of the local stands.

I am not a great fan of football, but a visit to the Nou Camp is a must for everyone who loves the beautiful game. The stadium can actually be visited during the week, but nothing can beat watching a match live there. Some games are sold out, particularly when Real Madrid comes to play Barcelona, but otherwise it is possible to find seats. My previous boyfriend who is a great fan of football and has been to more than 30 dfferent stadiums in the world rates the Nou Camp as one of the best.

Up in the North of the City you have Parc Guell. Originally designed by Gaudi as a park for high net worth locals, the project run out of money at the end of 1800 and was taken over by the local municipality. Today a public park, it display the famous turtle statue and other works of Gaudi. It also has great views on the city and, here comes a great tip, can actually be accessed at night by a side entrance and in summer I know few things more romantic and sexy than being cuddled on one of the benches of the park, with only few locals and the occasional jogger or dog walker around you and the lights of the city behind you. If you plan to propose, think about it :-))

Summary: Great destination