La Ribera & El Born
by sue_stone
The districts of La Ribera and El Born lie east of the Barri Gotic quarter and are currently the hippest parts of town. Home to numerous trendy bars and restaurants, this is a lively area with a history dating back to the early 13th century. An exploration of its narrow streets is mandatory and you may well fall in love with this part of Barcelona as I did.
The main draw card in the area is probably the Museu Picasso, located in five continuous stone mansions - which make even a visit just to the outside worthwhile. The museum is located on the medieval Carrer de Montcada which is the ancient heart of the district, and is lined with majestic houses.
Head down to Passeig del Born, which was Barcelona's main square from the 13th-18th centuries, and is these days lined with bars, making this a busy and noisy part of town. Just up the slope you will find Barcelona's finest Gothic church, Esglesia de Santa Maria del Mar, which was built in the 14th century. Also check out the nearby intriguing Eternal Flame.
Wind your way up through the north of La Ribera and you may come across the tiny Capella d'en Marcus with its unusual altar. You will probably spy the undulating roof of the Mercat de Santa Caterina, a modern food market, and stop by for a closer look.
Continue on to the Palau de la Musica Catalana - a concert hall created using modernista architecture, which is now a UNESCO world heritage sight.
Take some time out to relax in the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella, with its children-pleasing cascade fountain and woolly mammoth, or perhaps the kids (and mums!) would prefer a visit to the nearby Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum). Mmmmm....chocolate!
Christmas in Barcelona
by mikey_e
I had the pleasure of spending Christmas in Barcelona because of Alitalia's ridiculous airfares for December 20-25. Actually, it really was fun, although the Christmas season (by which I mean the time during which people put up decorations) is far shorter than in North America. The lack of snow and leaves on the trees makes the city not quite festive during the day, but it comes to light in the evening, especially in l'Eixample. Be sure to wander around the streets on the days before Christmas to see all the beautiful light displays, especially on major thoroughfares like Passeig de Gràcia, Aragó, Consell de Cent and Gran Via. Markets and major hotels usually have some sort of light show on their façades.
Christmas itself is a bit of a slow day, but the evening is very busy, as families and couples dine out or spend time at restaurants and bars for sweets, coffee and drinks. My greatest surprise was that family restaurants are sometimes open for business on Christmas - the one catch is that you dine with the family (not at the same table, but in the same room). It's heartwarming at first, especially if you're in Barcelona alone or without the family, but you soon feel guilty for making the server or cook get up from the family meal to bring you your food or cheque.
lots of room
by cherrie18
when out and about in barcelona it a good idea to have a rucksack with you. not only to put all your water and sunscreen in but to put all your purchases in, it is too dangerous to walk around with them in carrier bags i suggest comfy shoes as you will do a lot of walking bring a digital camera
Gaudi's House
by nicolettart
Gaudi's house is pink! Well, what did you expect? If you go to Parc Guell you can visit the house for a small fee. Not extremely interesting, especially if you just experienced the park, but you can see furniture he designed here.
Juggling, majic, and cool teeth too.
by Misha_abq about El Ingenio
This shop was just a treat to walk into. I found the assorted false teeth fascinating, my cohort wanted to buy clown shoes but they didn't have them in her size. Masks, puppet heads, and marionettes for the toy collector, this is a must see!!!! Crayon colored boxed with all kinds of cool stuff packed up to the 15 foot ceilings. AND no one speaks English!!! You'll love it.
Check all of my photos for some of the stuff on the shelves. I'd go for one of their handcrafted puppet heads--but then I like that kind of stuff. Average.
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Just ready to go shopping.
Beautiful Building
Banco Vitalicio Building
La Sagrada Familia: Nativity facade
