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.

Top 7 things to do in Rimini

Rimini a big city lying at the west coast of Italy that have the border to Adriatic Sea. This city is famous for its 9km long beaches. Although beaches are beautiful they are all similar to each other and unfortunately the sea isn't as beautiful as the beaches.

1) Head to the beaches: Enjoy the combination of sea, sun and sand. There are many water activities available such as kayak, sea bike, kite surf and wind surf. There are many surf schools on the beaches as well.

2) 9km long beach is definitely something to enjoy and the most efficient way to enjoy it is to walk up&down along the beach while your feet are in the sea and afternoon sun is warming you. You can enjoy an afternoon drink at the beach bars.

3)Rimini eye:Although it's a little more expensive than it should be, the view from the top of it is just amazing and it's worth it.

4) Enjoy a historical tour at the historical center of the city. If you are willing to this I recommend you to skip summer months because it's super hot to move.

5) Enjoy fresh sea food  but there is one special one that you should definetly try: Rock Island. This place is situated at the en of the rock bay and the food is delicous, the space is super cute with an amazing of city and the service is good. I recommend a reservation to have a nice table with view.

One of the best octopus dishes I have tasted

6)Bar hopping: There are so many bars both in city center and along the seaside. They all serve delicious cocktails and good music.

Bars are alined across this amazing view

7) Eat piadina: Since Piacenza is famous for its piadina, this region is the best place to try it. I recommend Casina Del Bosco restaurant.

Barcelona : Top 10 To-Do's whether you are a tourist or local

This beautiful city never stops surprising tourists. It’s full of history and fun. It’s so big and there are always new things to do. Every season is good to visit Barcelona but of course if you are visiting during summer you can enjoy the long sandy beaches and refreshing water of Mediterranean Sea.

Of course if it’s the first time in Barcelona there are must see places:

   1)     Sagrada Familia: After Gaudi’s tragic death, this famous church is still uncompleted.  It was Gaudi’s will the church shall be completed by only public funding. The skeleton of the church and the design is so moving that it’s impossible for one to resist Gaudi’s talent. The construction is continuing according to his sketches.

 

Sagrada Familia

Inside peak 

   2)     Parc Guel: This parc build by Gaudi for Guel family. Guel family asked Gaudi to transform the areato one of the richest neighborhoods of Barcelona. Unfortunately it didn’t happen but there are 2 houses built by Gaudi in one of which he lived for some time.

   3)     Gaudi Houses : a) Casa Batllo: its one of the masterpieces of Gaudi. Located at the heart of Passeig de Gracia. It’s an inspiring piece of architecture merging art nouveau and modernism. This incredible design is reflected in every aspect of the house, from the facade to the structure within and individual hand crafted door handles. You get given a hand held device which gives you a visual and audio tour as you visit each of the rooms. As you point the device in each room it shows you what it used to look like and the inspiration behind the architects design. You can go on the roof and enjoy the view. Also it’s possible to go events organized in the house and on the roof during summer

b) Casa Mila: Constructed by Gaudi in 1907-1911. The house is situated at the corner of Passeig de Garcia. Again this house reveals Gaudi’s geniality. It’s the merge of two buildings, which are structured around two courtyards that provide light to the nine levels: basement, ground floor, mezzanine, main floor, four upper floors and the attic.

   4)     Picasso museum:  This museum embeds some of the best drawings of Picasso as well as his work from the earlier times including many sketches. The curves holding the façade and the patios are amazing as well as the arcs at the roof. The roof and chimneys are just the marks of his creativity and intelligence.  The modernist furniture on the main floor shows the beauty in simplicity.

   5)     Cathedral in El Gothic: Built in Medieval era, this big cathedral has the most significant interior of Gothic architecture. The peaceful courtyard with the palm trees and gooses enhances the spirituality. The tomb of St.Eulalia (whose story is in the upcoming post) lays inside. 

Tomb of St.Eulalia

Courtyard of the cathedral

   

   

Barcelona writing made of iron

   

   6)     La Rambla: This long street starts from Placa Catalunya and end up at the sea side where there is the statue of Christoph Columbus. The street is full of shops cafes. However I recommend the side streets where the bars and shops are better and less touristic. Also beware of pickpocketing.

   7)     La bouquieria in La Ramblas: Everyone should stop in this colorful bazaar of fruits. The colors, the layouts of the stalls are so inviting you end up trying all the exotic fruits.

   8)     Santa Maria Del Mar Church: This church located in the heart of El Born has traces of gothic architecture. Next to the church there is the memorial monument where the fire never ceases. This statue has been made to remember all the martyrs from the Civil war. Around the church there are many cafes, shops and restaurants. The night life of this area is quite vivid as well.

Side view of the church

Street art in El Born

   9)     Placa Catalunya: This is the connecting plaza of Barcelona. Airport shuttles leave you here, take off from here. There are many metro lines passing by. This plaza is connected to Las Ramblas, Universitat and even 20min walking distance from El Born. There are many shops and cafes in the plaza.

   10)  Placa Espanya: This busy plaza is famous for its magic fountains. You can start by going up the old bullring lift to get 360-degree view before seeing the beautiful fountains and MNAC building. 

View at night