Barcelona Vol.2

In my previous post I have listed the top touristic places to see since Barcelona is hosting many artwork many artist such as Gaudi, Picasso. However there are much more to do and enjoy the city like a local.
Top 9things to do in Barcelona to enjoy the city:

1)     Wonder in the streets of El Gothic. To reach these two areas you can take off at the metro stop Jaume 1. As you get off from the metro you find yourself in a little piazza, take the first left, there is a shop called Incas at the corner and walks the tiny street where you will see the old city walls. Back at the time the city was only that big in order to be able to protect the city. Now some towers are inhabited without destroying the façade.

Old city walls

Street view 

If you continue the street you will find the big gothic church which is just too beautiful. A little bit further in the piazza there is the writing of Barcelona from iron.

2)    Baixada de Santa Eulalia: 13 year old Roman Christian virgin who suffered martydorm in Barceolna during the persecution of Christians in the reign of emperor Diocletain.

The Street where they rolled her in the barrel

        For refusing to recant her Christianity, the Romans subjected her to tortures. First they put her into a barrel with knives stuck into it and rolling it down a street, then they cut of her breast followed by crucifixion on X shaped crossed and finally decapitation. Her tomb is now in the cathedral in El Gotic. 

Her tomb

3)     El Born: This neighborhood is so lively. Tiny streets are full of shops, cafes and bars. As you wonder around you will lose track of time. It’s a very lively neighborhood during night as well. 

Street art in El Born

Colors rule the streets in this area

4)     Passeig de Gracia: This long street full, trees planted on both sides has many shops, restaurants and one of Gaudi’s houses. But if you continue this street till Gracia you end up in a more alternative street which is quite nice to wander. It’s a good alternative to mingle with some locals. 

5)     Barcelonata: This place is known for its beach, bars and night clubs. Both locals and tourists are attracted to this side of the city. While you are here enjoy the long side walk. If you don’t want to look like a tourist you can hire rollerblades or a skateboard. Enjoy the view of the sea and the sand sculptures done by various artists, no matter the season. If you like gambling there is a quite big casino here.

6)     Bogatell: If you choose the summer season to visit Barcelona, be aware of the crowd in Barcelonata beach. However if you go a bit further from Barcelonata to Bogatell (15min walking or you can take the yellow metro line), you have the exact same sandy beach, only a less crowded place with a cleaner water.

7)     Montjuic: This little hill with a flat top overlooking to the harbor could be reached by a funicular. On the top of the hill there is a fortress from 17^th century.  It served as a prison, often holding political prisoners, until the time of General Franco. Now it offers an amazing view. There is also National Palace, some remaining venues from 1992 Summer Olympics. The slopes are covered with well attended gardens.

8)     Tibidabo Hill: This is the greenest place of Barcelona. The houses are more luxurious, the atmosphere is very relaxing. There is a church "Temple de Sagrat Cor" which was built in 60 years from 1902 to 1962, an attraction park with full of tools, it's super exciting enjoying a roller coaster from 500m higher and lastly "Torre i Mira dor de Collserola" which is 288m long and its 10th floor is the highest spot where you can watch over Barcelona.

9) Arc de Triomf: In 1888 Barcelona hosted the Universal Exhibition. The Arc de Triomf was built as the gateway to the fair which was held in the Parc de la Ciutadella. The monument is classical in shape and proportions and features ground-breaking sculptural and decorative finishes replete with symbolism. It has become one of the city's iconic landmarks.