My First Impressions of Barcelona

The architecture and the people! Situated on the northeastern coast of Spain, on the balmy Mediterranean sea, it's hard to go wrong in Barcelona. The breezes in the spring are delightful and the city offers an endless array of visual treats. Add to that its delectable tapas cuisine and you have a perfect formula for success.

Quick Tips:

Don't miss the Palau de la Musica Catalana. The famous concert hall is a gem and should be enjoyed by architects and music aficionados alike. Also, allow a half day for the Parc Guell.

Best Way To Get Around:

Use their subway system—with a little effort—it's not hard to figure out. It makes getting around so much easier.

Clean, modern and comfortable. A lovely hotel situated in the northern part of the Old Town section near Plaça de la Universitat. It is central and very close to a metro stop (Universitat). The rooms are modern, air-conditioned and well appointed (safe, hair dryer, minibar, plasma TV, wireless access, bathtub) and offer plenty of closet and drawer space. The hotel has a small swimming pool on their rooftop with an adequate number of chaise lounges for sunning and relaxing. There is a restaurant on premises and room service is also available.There is usually a concern about evening noise in the area and we found that the sound-proofing in their windows was rather good. The door-style windows can be opened for fresh air, but when closed, do block out about 90% of the street level noise.The staff is bilingual and very helpful. We were most appreciative with the availability of our room, having arrived early in the day from a cruise. Though this may not always be the case, they will try and accommodate when possible.

Celler de Tapas is a modern styled tapas restaurant located on Plaça Universitat, which is situated on the northern border of the Old Town district. We visited it for dinner on a Sunday evening at 8:30pm, which proved to be a perfect time to arrive. The crowds flowed in shortly after our arrival. As no tables were available for us though, we decided to happily situate ourselves at their sleek and welcoming bar, where they also serve dinner.

Their delightful menu is made up of a variety of delicious assorted tapas. We ordered a tomato and cheese salad, skewered chicken with an Asian soy dressing, roast pork tenderloin, deep-fried peppers (these were incredible), all of which were accompanied by a bowl of olives from their wide selection olive bar and a fine red wine named, Gavanza.

The service was efficient and gracious. The bartender was attentive and helpful. The feel of the restaurant is modern with lots of light and conviviality. I heartily recommend it, and as I was enjoying my tasty café con leche I hated to leave. But, it made for a memorable meal in Barcelona.

If you want delicious and FUN, then this is the place. Qu Qu must have a well-known reputation because business is booming. Though busy when we arrived, we waited only 5 minutes for a table at 7:45pm. They are skilled at re-setting tables quickly, so waiting parties don't have to salivate long. If you weren't hungry when you walked in the door, you will be when you eye their open grill and the many enticing tapas that are being delivered to the tables. I was itching to order but wanted to try everything. Their assortment is varied in size, flavor and price range—something for everyone. The waiters are quick and efficient. Sangria seemed to be the beverage of choice, which would complement the dishes they offer. This place was just plain fun and delicious! I highly recommend it.

You only have to see the picture of the famous stained glass dome in this amazing structure and you immediately know that you must visit the Palau de la Música Catalana. This building, like many others in Barcelona, has its own distinct style but it is home to some of the region's most beautiful music, both Catalan and classical European. The tour fee of €8 is well worth it. The tour takes approximately an hour and begins with a short history film of the music hall's conception and construction. Included in the tour is a demonstration of the hall's magnificent organ. Tours are available in various languages, and tickets can be purchased at the ticket office. My husband and I were fortunate to obtain tickets for a vocal performance the night before we departed Barcelona. I quickly snapped a photo of the famed glass dome from our seats prior to that performance. You can also gather more information at their website: www.palaumusica.org. 

I can guarantee you that you will not have seen any concert hall quite like this one, and it would be a shame to miss it while you are in Barcelona!

There are parks, and then there are parks by Gaudí. This amazing creation was originally commissioned of Antoni Gaudí by Count Eusebi Güell in the 1890s. The style is pure Gaudí in its amazing mosaics and fanciful design. The size of the park is rather large, and one should dedicate enough time to leisurely stroll throughout the many sections. As you climb the ascending terraces you will see a picnic area at which you can stop and enjoy a lunch or just rest. As you enter the park though, your eyes are drawn to the Room of a Hundred Columns. Upon closer inspection, you realize that the columns are not properly aligned and look rather skewed in their construction. Yes, this is Gaudí. Don't miss the amazing mosaic designs on the ceiling. Each twist and turn throughout the park provides a new perspective. In the summertime, you will hear the sounds of local musicians (who are rather accomplished) providing music and selling their CDs. Though not mandatory to contribute, the music provides a delightful background to the scenery. Everyone becomes a kid again in this delightful park... I felt as if I had stepped through the wardrobe (in Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe) and entered another world. This park can be easily accessed by Barcelona's metro by exiting at the Lesseps station and following the directional signs for about a mile (actually 1500 meters).

The Sagrada Familia is without a doubt one of the wonders of cathedral architecture. Although incomplete, visitors are thrilled by the experience. Antoni Gaudí's unique personal style in the service of his fervent religious faith, makes his work the equivalent of that of a modern Michelangelo. Work has been in progress for over 100 years with estimates for completion in 30 years. Gaudí died in the 1920s and is interred on the grounds of his church. He anticipated that the project would involve many decades of work by his successors. He left an abundance of plans, sketches and models for following generations of architects, engineers and other artisans. Guadí anticipated that they would have to solve many of the structural and design problems that he had not yet resolved. Visitors to the sight should not miss the lower "museum level" where valuable photos, details and renderings are on display that illuminate the church's fascinating evolution. This is a tour that one should take more than once in a lifetime, because unlike the completed great monuments, this one is still a work in progress!