Semester Abroad

I lived in BCN for 4 months while finishing grad school and had the best time of my life. If you're looking for a great summer trip - PLEASE visit Barcelona. There is everything from the beach to great dining to fabulous shopping... the people are amazing, it's super easy to get around by bus or subway. Heck, because of all the transportation strikes, I walked practically everywhere (it's semi-relatively doable)... if you're wanting to visit more of Spain or Europe, that's a snap too but try to spend at least a week here because there is so much to see and do!

Quick Tips:

Visit everything Gaudi... he's the very famous architect that gave BCN it's look. He created parks, apartment buildings, you name it... just pick up a "Ruta Gaudi" at any Gaudi tourist location for entry coupons and a map on how to get around. Make sure you spend time at the beach... take in a quick meal at Quinze Nits; it's about for 3 courses - no kidding. Have a beer at La Oveja Negra and check out the great shops down Diagonal. You can find all these locations in any typical tourist book so I will spare you the details and directions. If you need a travel agent in a flash, your best bet is El Corte Ingles... you seriously can find everything here. Just watch your Spanish. In BCN the language is Catalan which is like a mix of French and Spanish with a lisp.

Best Way To Get Around:

You can take a bus or the subway... it's just like NYC, so get a map. The one thing I did find is that the bus system isn't totally reliable. They were on strike more frequently than not when I lived there... though that might have changed. Cabs are find too - the usual price. But if you're looking to check out BCN and outlying cities, rental cars are really cheap if you can drive stick. If not ... learn.

This place is great, super old world - it has been around forever and you can rest assured that whatever you order will be delicious. We were originally drawn in by the roasting chickens on the exterior corner of the building. It's always packed by locals and tourists alike. The bartenders are great and so is the wait staff - the place has great character and makes for a very festive dining experience. It was the first time I ate snails... clearly at the urging of the establishment's name and they weren't too bad, but I think my heart belongs to the chicken and the cochinillo. This restaurant is in the far corner of Plaza Real... PLEASE be careful in the dark alley way though as it is the site of many a pick pocket. And if you're feeling a little party afterward, there is a very tiny bar a few doors down. It's a bi-level and you can barely move, but the music rocks and the drinks are cheap... for the life of me, I cannot remember the name but it starts with an M and may actually be "Macarena."

Here's the deal. This place is the greatest bang for your buck, but they do not take reservations. It opens at 8 and you can get a table by waiting in line. Seriously, the line begins to form 30 minutes before this place opens. My favorite is the tomato soup starter with the lamb followed by crema catalana and all for about $15 us (note, this does include wine). You can not go wrong with this place! You might also note that this is a chain of sorts, the owner of this establishment also has at least two other that I know of. Also great deals.

It's a great way to spend a casual day in Barcelona. Take some time to travel around this park and take in the sights... bring your lunch and have a picnic. Make sure to visit highlights like the small house where Gaudi stayed, take a hike to the highest point and get a beautiful glimpse of the Sagrada Familia which even if it's 2020 and you're reading this probably will not be complete. There is a very cool water drainage system that include the beautiful tiled iguana at the entrance and PLEASE don't skip out on taking a brief nap on the colorful benches just atop the park.

This is less of a place than an itinerary... you can purchase this at any of the major Gaudi monuments and what it is, is a discount pack and map of all the Gaudi designs in the city from simple gates to major parks and apartment buildings. It is a great way to see the city and learn about the very famous architect who characterizes this very colorful city.

Amigos - this place is great! There are multiple floors and multiple rooms offering everything from hip hop to trance. There's a VIP room for traveling models so dress your best if you're looking for entry. It's a typical mid-range club but it's loads of fun and it stays open late. Drinks are a little pricey but who cares. This isn't a call drink place so make it easy and go for a vodka limon or a ron con coka.