He is also responsible for a host of eccentric buildings in other parts of the city (especially El Eixample), parts of which appear to be melting, with elements of their facades and balconies looking more like mud and molten metal than hard stone and iron. This unconventional architecture perfectly sets the scene for Barcelona, which is, above all, a playful city, a place that has pushed the boundaries of life and art, and created a unique identity. It is one province of the Catalonia region, which, although part of Spain, is also fiercely independent and has its own parliament, language (Catalan) and culture, much of which dates back hundreds of years.
Don’t worry if architecture and history are not your things. The city hosts numerous restaurants and bistros, the famous pedestrian street La Rambla with its many stalls, and a fabulous stretch of beach and promenade. There are also winding streets and alleyways, quiet tree-shaded squares (perfect places to stop for a sandwich lunch and watch the world go by) and some of the best clothes shopping in Europe. And for those of you whose passion is more football than fashion, the city is home to the world-famous FC Barcelona, whose star players Messi, Neymar and Suárez play at the huge Camp Nou stadium.
On foot
A perfect day can be spent wandering through the labyrinth of walkways in the Barri Gòtic and El Born districts. Numerous local designers have small shops in these areas and some work there too, so they can explain their styles to you as you try on the cutting-edge fashions. There are also jewellery designer outlets and lots of handbag shops, maintaining the Spanish tradition of expertise in leather goods.
As you walk along the alleyways, the comforting smell of freshly baked bread and the glorious aromas of tapas dishes waft on the air. There’s no shortage of small food outlets and the local custom is not to linger over a large meal but instead to order a small plate or two of something tasty and then move on to the next place. Barcelona is famous for its seafood, so don’t forget to try some, especially the prawns (gambas) and octopus (pulpo or pulpitto).
Later in the afternoon, catch the cable car up to the summit of Montjuïc hill, where you will find the city’s Botanical Gardens, the National Art Museum of Catalonia and a museum dedicated to the artist Joan Miró.
Barcelona’s most romantic hotel
The Hotel Arts is my pick for the most romantic hotel in Barcelona, and is undoubtedly one of the most stylish in Europe. It’s expensive but worth it, especially if the trip is for a special occasion.
It’s within walking distance of the Barri Gòtic and El Born districts but also next to the beach, which means you can choose between rooms with views over the Mediterranean or the city. If you want the best of both worlds, go for a city view and then spend time each day in the hotel’s spa sauna, which faces the ocean.
If you really want to splash out, get a Club Floor room, which will give you access to the hotel’s excellent Club Lounge, where you can relax any time of the day with drinks, snacks and that amazing view. In the evening, as the city lights up, it makes for a quiet and very romantic spot to sip a mocktail with your partner.
The details
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies direct from Dubai, Qatar Airways (www.qatarairways.com) direct from Doha. Etihad (www.etihad.com) flies direct to Madrid, from where you’ll need to take to a domestic flight to Barcelona.
Where to stay
The Hotel Arts is the best (www.hotelartsbarcelona.com) – with the Mandarin Oriental (http://www.mandarinoriental.com/barcelona/) a close second but if you have a lower budget, try http://www.casacamper.com/barcelona/default-en.html and check out TripAdvisor for more suggestions http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotels-g187497-Barcelona_Catalonia-Hotels.html
What to see/do
Parc Güell: http://www.parkguell.cat/en/
Gaudí Museum: http://www.casamuseugaudi.org
El Born Cultural Centre: http://elborncentrecultural.bcn.cat/en
Picasso Museum: www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/en/
National Art Museum of Catalonia: http://museunacional.cat/en
Joan Miró Art Museum: http://www.fundaciomiro-bcn.org/?idioma=2
FC Barcelona: http://www.fcbarcelona.com/
More Info
Barcelona Tourism: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com
By Matthew Brace
