Guide to Barcelona, spain, visit Barcelona, wine regions of spain, stay in Barcelona
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Places in Spain - Barcelona

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Barcelona introduction

Barcelona is the capital of the region of Catalonia and the 2nd largest city in Spain. Barcelona is located at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea on the Costa Dorada. A truly cosmopolitan city.12km south-west of the city is Barcelona International Airport, El Prat de Llobregat. Barcelona is Spain's major commercial and industrial centre and one of the most important European ports. Over the centuries Barcelona has grown and is now made up of five towns, not including the original city. You do not have to look far in Barcelona to see a monument or an attractive structure. They are everywhere.

 

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Monument to Columbus

 
Despite having a population of over 3 million people, Barcelona is a surprisingly easy place to find your way round. Most places of historic interest are to be found in the confines of the old town, which is a maze of narrow streets, easy to navigate by foot.
 

 

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The old town spreads northwest from the harbour and at its heart is the Barri Gotic, the medieval nucleus of the city where you will find the Cathedral and several of the major museums. At the western edge you will find the Ramblas, a series of five, short, lively streets that combine to make a broad avenue. You are likely to arrive here from the airport or the train. The Ramblas is a highlight to any trip to Barcelona and is lined with cafes, shops and restaurants as well as being the location for several important buildings and monuments. Above all, it is the street atmosphere that attracts visitors.
At the southern end of the Ramblas lies the harbour. West of the Ramblas lies the Barrio Chino (China Town) with its warren of winding streets. The medieval streets continue on either side of the Ramblas, reaching northeast through the Barri Gotic, past the Museo Picasso and southwest to the fortress-topped hill of Montjuic where the city's best museums and the Olympic stadium are located. A cable car runs from here to the waterfront area east of the harbour, an area where some of the best seafood restaurants can be found. The old town still consists of a group of neighbourhoods that were at one time, separate parishes.

 

 

   
Each has its own distinct characteristics. Among the things to watch for in the old town is the Placa de Catalunya, a large square with gardens, fountains and seats. Most of the buses and trains converge here and it is here you will find most of the main banks and stores.
   
The street that leads off to the west is home to the Museu de l'Erotica, which houses a large private collection of erotic art and artefacts. Placa del Angels is the home to the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Palau Moja dates from the 18th century and is sometimes open for visits. Another palace that commands a visit is the Palau de la Virreina an 18th century building that has been well restored. Inside, the rooms display wonderful examples of period decorative art as well as a collection of coins and other temporary displays. Just beyond this palace is the Rambla Sant Josep where you will find a profusion of flower stalls and the large indoor market hall. Barcelona's celebrated opera house the Gran Teatre del Liceu is also located here.

The theatre burned down for the third time in 1994 when workmen set fire to scenery during last minute preparations for a show. Barcelona also has a zoo, an aquarium and a nearby theme park. Pictured above is the singing dog, just one of many street entertainers on La Ramblas.

 

 

The harbour and Port Vell
In recent years the harbour area has undergone dramatic reformations and the area now combines high-class restaurants with trendy clubs and bars. Along the promenade you will find a monument to Columbus and several beautiful buildings including the Port Office (pic left). West of this you will find the cable-car station and the port from which the ferries sail to the Balearics. A swing bridge and a series of walkways lead from here, across the harbour to the new development of Port Vell (Old Port). Here you will find fast food, a leisure complex, cinemas and ample bars as well as the aquarium.
   

Antoni Gaudi and his works
Much of his early career was spent constructing elaborate follies for wealthy people. One of the most important was Don Eusebio Guell, an industrialist and ship owner. In 1885 he commissioned the Palau Guell. This was the first modern building to be declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. The palace is now a museum and worthy of a visit. Visit Park Guell (pic left) to see more of Gaudi's works. Gaudi however will be best remembered for the part he played in the construction of La Sagrada Familia, which has now become a symbol of the city.
 

The beach
Besides its historic and cultural attraction, Barcelona boasts a beach that over recent years has undergone vast improvement. The beach is now furnished with walkways, bars, cafes and showers. It can become packed in July and August. Pictured right is the marina.

 

 
Contacts
National Police Barcelona Emergencies 091
Local Police Barcelona 932 903 000 - Emergencies 092
Guardia Civil Barcelona Emergencies 062
Fire Brigade Barcelona Emergencies 080
General emergencies Barcelona 112
Medical emergencies Barcelona 061
Hospital General de la Vall d'Hebron 932 746 100
Hospital del Mar Barcelona 932 489 011
British consulate in Barcelona 933 666 200
American consulate in Barcelona 932 802 227
Tourist info Barcelona airport 934 784 704
Tourist information Barcelona 932 853 834 (Pl Catalunya)
Port of Barcelona 933 068 800
Duty pharmacies Barcelona 934 810 060
Funeral services Barcelona 902 076 902 
Town Hall Barcelona 010
Postal services Barcelona 900 506 070
Weather information Barcelona 807 170 365
 
Transport
Bus information Barcelona 902 130 014
FGC Local trains Barcelona 932 051 515
Barcelona Airport information 932 983 838
Trams in Barcelona 902 193 275
Taxi in Barcelona 934 811 085
Car hire in Barcelona at discount prices here
 
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