Barcelona
The capital of Catalonia is a place of superlatives. It has the largest preserved medieval quarter in Europe, the most outlandish architecture (thank you, Antoni Gaudí), and with Spanish, French, Basque, and North African influences, arguably the most inventive culinary scene in Spain.
Activities and Attractions:
Barcelona rewards aimless exploration on foot. La Rambla is the classic Barcelona stroll, but for a more authentic cultural experience, start by wandering the labyrinth of medieval alleyways that make up the atmospheric Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter.
Then traipse on over to L'Eixample, one of Europe’s first planned urban areas. The neighborhood is an exuberant celebration of modernisme, or Spanish art nouveau. The eccentric genius Antoni Gaudí placed three of his greatest buildings here: the undulating, sculpted Casa Milà, the gothic Casa Batlló, and Barcelona’s premiere attraction, the sand-castle façade and unfinished interior of La Sagrada Família church.
Also in the Eixample is some fine shopping. As you peruse Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya, and connecting streets, you’ll find upscale housewares and beauty products, as well as global brands like Chanel, Max Mara, and Loewe leather goods.
Gaudí isn’t the only artistic genius claimed by the city. Dali, Picasso, and Miró were also known to call Catalonia home; the latter two have excellent museums devoted to their works.
While those artists may have worked in oil and stone, today culinary art is being created every day in the kitchens of Barcelona. Don’t leave without trying tapas, a signature pa amb tomàque (Catalan foccacia), fideuà (paella with noodles instead of rice), or anything from one of the city’s six Michelin-starred restaurants.
Insider Tip:
Unless your American accent is otherwise undetectable, don’t even try with the Catalonian lisping “s” sound (“Barthelona,” “Grathias”) when speaking with the locals. If you really want to fit in, try dressing the part instead—you’ll notice that Barcelonís dress casually but smartly in long pants and shoes other than sneakers.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
 |
|