Barcelona

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Barcelona: City of Color

An April 2000 trip to Barcelona by T-bug

Barcelona is a city of color. From its array of people, to its architecture and hopping nightlife, Barcelona has a heartbeat all its own.

  • 12 reviews

Barcelona: City of ColorBest of IgoUgo

Overview

My second time here, I fell in love with it all over again. While in Barcelona, you shouldn't miss the works of Antonio Gaudí (Catalan Moderniste Architect), a stroll on Las Ramblas, or the hopping nightlife.

Quick Tips:

Be cautious, especially in touristy areas. Wear a money belt and keep any bag you may have on your person. Do not be distracted by someone asking for directions.

Best Way To Get Around:

I would recommend staying somewhere near Las Ramblas. This, however, would depend on your preferences - what you are there to see. The metro is easy; we used it to get to many places, but walking and just wandering around is also highly recommended!

KabulBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "The Kabul"

The dorm-style rooms are in one of the most theft-infested squares in Barcelona. But with a little self-awareness, you'll be fine. The hostel has its own security as well. Location is great - right off Las Ramblas. With 24 hour reception and no lock-out, you can embellish in Barcelona's nightlife without worry. There is great food (esp. for breakfast - LOVE THOSE SPANISH OMELETTES & FRESH SQUEEZED OJ!) and a great place to meet people. Reservations not accepted.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

Kabul
Placa Reial 17 Barcelona, Spain 08002
(34) 93 318 54 90

L'ArcBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

We liked this place so much that we went a second night. Excellent Sangria, Catalan bread and 'tapas'. Order a cafe after your meal, the waiter just might have one with you!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

L'Arc
Las Ramblas Barcelona, Spain

BocattaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

A quick place to get a cheap and delicious sandwich on the run, Bocatta has 'value meal' menus. You can get your ABOVE-average sandwich on that crusty bread we love so much.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

Bocatta
Throughout Barcelona Barcelona, Spain

MaremagnumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Although touristy, this is where you can get your all-in-one nightlife entertainment. We started in a more 'chilling' atmosphere in an Irish Pub (with live bands)on the upper level. Here we met some fellow hostellers with whom we ventured to the lower level and chose among the several discos for a little dancing.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

Maremagnum
Moll d'Espanya, s/n Barcelona, Spain 08003
+34 93 2258100

Palau GüellBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Güell Palace"

See some of the interior work of Catalunya's famous architect, Antonio Gaudí. The guided tour of this builing (required by fire code) illustrates Gaudí's creativity at its best. I recommend visiting this site first before viewing some of his other work. The tour will give you a better sense of the architect and you'll be able to pick out the similarities. (i.e. parabolic arches, ceramic mosaics, wrought-iron gates and balconies, decorated rooftops, and lots of color!)
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

Palau Güell
Nou de la Rambla, 3-5 Barcelona, Spain 08001
+34 93 3173974

RamblasBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Las Ramblas"

A great place to 'People Watch'! This pedestrian street is people-filled and action-packed. Stroll past newsstands, shops, florists, cafes, aritsts, and street performers. The street leads down to the harbor, where the Columbus Monument stands. Here, cross 'La Rambla del Mar,' the wooden pedestrian boardwark that I like to call the Wavy Bridge. It leads to Maremagnum - mall by day and nightlife supercenter by night.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

Ramblas
La Rambla Barcelona, Spain

Museu Temple de la Sagrada FamíliaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Sagrada Familia"

This is definite must-see while in Barcelona! Gaudí's cathedral is yet to be completed, but worth the look. If you pay to go inside you may not be able to see much depending on the construction at the time. However, a museum display in the basement illustrates Gaudí's life and the cathedral construction.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

Museu Temple de la Sagrada Família
Mallorca, 401 Barcelona, Spain 08013
+34 93 2073031

Park GuellBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Park Güell"

Gaudí had intended to build a planned city. The result was this park. Wander around to enjoy his colorful works and relax on his tiled benches.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

Park Guell
Montana Pelada Barcelona, Spain

Robin HoodBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Robin Hood is a great place to go if you are missing home a 'wee bit.' You will find many anglophones in this English Pub. You can chill at the bar, listen to live music in the back, or even dance later in the evening!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

Robin Hood
La Rambla Barcelona, Spain

La BoqueriaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

La Boqueria is a grand marketplace. Here you can just wander, taking in the smells. Or you can buy the sorts for your picnic lunch!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

La Boqueria
Rambla Sant Josep Barcelona, Spain

Casa Museu GaudíBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Other Gaudí Works"

Take a stroll to see the exteriors of these two unbelievably 19th century buildings. Casa Batlló, at #43, is eclectic with color, tiling and a wavy appearance. Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera), at # 92, is less colorful, but just as amazing. You can go inside this one and get a rooftop view.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by T-bug on September 28, 2000

Casa Museu Gaudí
Parc Güell Barcelona, Spain 08024
+34 93 2193811

About the Writer

T-bug
T-bug
Green Bay, Wisconsin

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