Amazing architecture and Football in Barcelona
Architecture
The first thing that strikes a tourist about Barcelona is its amazing architecture, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Much of the credit for the city’s dazzling architectural landscape goes to two architects, Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech y Montaner. Between them, they account for nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Casa Mila, Crypt in Colonia Guell, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Park Guell and Sagrada Familia.
Football
Anybody who loves football should visit Camp Nou, a veritable European football “cathedral” and home ground of FC Barcelona, the city’s number one team and a European football powerhouse. The arena can accommodate nearly 100,000 people, all of whom scream and stomp when their favorite team is in action. When Franco reigned, FC Barcelona was one of the few ways the people of Catalana could express their anger for the dictatorship, which is one reason why the team is so beloved.
La Rambla
Barcelona’s most famous boulevard is the perfect place to soak in the city’s culture. As the saying goes, if you sit here long enough, you will see all of Barcelona pass you by. Tourists pack La Rambla during the day to enjoy the sights, meander around the pet stalls or delight in the street performers. At night, the locals are out in droves. If you’re on La Rambla when FC Barcelona wins, especially against hated rivals Real Madrid, you will be treated to the fantastic sight of an entire city rejoicing.
La Plaça Reial
Sitting right beside La Rambla, La Plaça Reial is renowned as one of the most beautiful squares everywhere. Its charm is enhanced by streetlights designed by Gaudi.
Parks
Spanning an amazing 203 hectares and located on a mountain, Monjuic Park is the largest park in Barcelona. However, it’s the second largest park that really captures the fancy of tourists, Ciutadella Park, with its zoo, many museums, an old military citadel and the Parliament building. Oreneta Castle Park and Diagonal Mar Park are also can’t-miss destinations. Children will enjoy the Labyrinth Park, with its dizzying garden maze.
Museums
The Archeological Museum in Santa Madrona boasts of artifacts dating back to the 7th century. The Frederic Mares Museum displays a wide array of Spanish scriptures and artworks from the Middle Ages, including masterpieces of the Virgin Mary and the crucifix. As its name indicates, the Picasso Museum displays nothing but Picasso's paintings and his scope is amazing. The Wax Museums features over 300 famous and life-like figures. Sports buffs will adore the Sports Museum in Buenos Aires while FC Barcelona fans will consider the Museo del Futbol Club de Barcelona as a worthy shrine to their beloved team.
Olympic Port
Not sure what you want to do tonight? Head to the Olympic Port where you'll find countless bars, pubs, restaurants and other types of entertainment. The Olympic Port is one of the biggest reasons why the night is always alive in Barcelona.
Tibidabo
According to legend, this is where the devil tried to offer Jesus Christ the world in exchange for His allegiance. Located in the mountains, Tibidabo may not provide a view of the world, but it certainly gives tourists a dazzling view of Barcelona from a vantage point of over 500 meters high. Make sure you take the metro to Tibidabo Station and the Funicular to reach the top of the mountain. Otherwise, you’ll have to walk an entire day to enjoy the view.
Montjuic Castle
If you want a panoramic view of the city, another excellent place to visit is Montjuic Castle, a fortress built during the 17th century. The view is absolutely breath-taking. Montjuic also hosts some of Barcelona’s most popular parks and gardens.
L'Aquarium
This is Europe's second biggest aquarium where fishes, penguins and even sharks number in the thousands. Visitors can walk through a long "tube" made of glass and feel like they are in the water with the sharks and other fish. The tube is something that even Europe's biggest aquarium in Genoa doesn't have.
Pension Iniesta Hotel
