Geography Birthplace to the eccentricity of Salvador Dali and the once hang out of Picasso, this second-largest city in Spain makes for a city-break immersed in rich Catalan heritage. Perfectly situated on the northeast coast of the Iberian Peninsula which juts out into the Mediterranean Sea, it is no shock that the city is an ideal seaport. Barcelona spreads out across a hilly plateau some 5 km wide, flanked by the two rivers Llobregat and Besòs and overlooked by the majestic Serra de Collserola. It is both the capital of Catalonia, one of seventeen communities in Spain and the seat of the Catalan government. As of 2008 the population was estimated at over 1.5 million in the centre, with a total metro population of nearly 5 million. Your airBaltic flight arrives in Barcelona International Airport, only 3 km from the city centre and the largest of the Mediterranean’s coastal airports. It is served by a number of airlines, some of which offer trans-Atlantic and Asian flights. Languages Most inhabitants of Barcelona speak Catalan, a unique language which has the sound of French or Italian but is certainly not a dialect of Spanish, the second of the major languages. While locals are friendly and helpful, don’t expect easy communication without a handy phrasebook, as English has not quite taken off as even a moderate second language. For an English language newspaper covering most major events, check out the Catalonia Today upon arrival. See and Do In 1999 Barcelona received the coveted RIBA Royal Gold Metal for outstanding architecture. This is almost no surprise, as the city has a wide variety of impressive structures, from its well preserved Gothic quarter to the many works of native Antoni Gaudí with his signature art nouveau style. With many hotels both budget and luxury as well as many acclaimed restaurants and an ecstatic night life, Barcelona makes for a rewarding city-break experience. Start off at La Plaça Catalunya known as the centre of the city with plenty of fountains and a jumping point to sights elsewhere. From there head to Las Ramblas, a picturesque tree-lined avenue alive with flower markets, street performers and yes, many tourists (so be wary of tricksters and pickpockets.) Then for shopping, explore El Portal de l’Angel, offering a broad array of boutiques and shops, no matter what you may be after. For art, the city is a walkable treasure trove of sights. Move on down the Ruta del Modernisme with a cheap pocket guide and delight in the art nouveau along its extensive route. Spend an afternoon or a full day in the Barri Gotic, the completely preserved Gothic quarter, whose origins date back to Roman settlement in the 2nd century B.C, and which you can further explore in the Museu d’historia with its underground Roman vault. Afterwards, have a drink at Els Quatre Gats, Picasso’s favorite watering hole, before getting tickets to the Picasso Museu to view some 24 of his masterpiece works. If time allows, of particular magnificence is the unfinished church of Sagrada Familia, begun by Antoni Gaudí in 1882 and scheduled for completion in 2026. Ready for some outdoor fun? Head to the always packed beaches, both old and new or head out to the peak of Tibidabo for the best views of the city. |
