Barcelona city break
by Gili_S
The visit to Barcelona came in short notice without much of planning. Also knowing that it is just a trip inside Europe it does not need from my side much of planning and I only wanted to come and see this beautiful city with what's it offering. I was just going with the flow without too much planning and no sightseeing ticking. It was excellent city break.
when Rome ruled the world
by vivalasteph
In the 15th century AD, the town of Barcino was founded by the Romans. It was a prime location for trade throughout the Mediterranean, and by the 4th century, thousands of Christians and Jews had settled here. Great stone walls were built to fend off the many enemies of the Roman Empire.
Taken over by first the Visigoths, then the Moslems, Barcelona went through many stages of neglect and government rule. After Frankish control at the turn of the first millenium, the independent state of Catalonia was finally recognized.
Between 1500 and1700 Barcelona fought for its independence, but became part of Spain by 1714. Much of the original town of Barcino still exists. You can follow the ramparts, built in the 4th century, throughout the Barri Gotic. Many of the buildings standing today were built directly on top on the Roman foundations.
A close eye and attention to detail will reveal the history of this city.
There is a fascinating City History Museum at the King's Palace where yo can witness the ongoing excavation of the Roman village beneath the streets. Please see my "must-see" tip.
How do you get to l'Aquarium de Barcelona ?
by Klod5
L'Aquàrium de Barcelona is a recreational and educational marine centre regarded as one of the largest in Europe and the most important one in the world in things Mediterranean. Promoted by Mundo Submarino, SA, it emerged with the aim of being a latest-generation aquarium. Its main objectives are entertainment, information and education.
L'Aquàrium will take you to a different world. An unknown, surprise-packed world. The beauty of the seabed, myriad colours, forms, organisms and ecosystems on show make a visit to L'Aquàrium an organic and marvellous event. When you come to see us, you will be surrounded by over 4.5 million litres of water and will have the chance to observe 8,000 specimens of sea life from 300 different species. Yes..., it's that easy!, you get the chance to have an unique experience.
Moll d'Espanya del Port Vell, s/n - 08039 BARCELONA
Tel. 93 221 74 74 Fax 93 221 92 26
info@aquariumbcn.com
BUS : 14, 17, 19, 36, 38, 40, 45, 57, 59, 64, 91, 100.
METRO : L3 Drassanes station and L4 Barceloneta station.
RONDA LITORAL : Exits 21 and 22.
Camp Nou
by vivaBarca
Now my college had a big stadium, with 111,000 people. Or so I thought. This place holds a ridiculous 120,000 people. If you have any interest in soccer (futbol) whatsoever, you need to check out a game here. FC Barca is actually one of the best teams in the world too, so you're guarenteed a good time. Just make sure you hold on tight if you're seated in the nosebleeds. My friend almost got knocked over the railing it was so windy.
Great Beach, so close to BCN
by vivaBarca
IF I ever wanted to go to the beach, 9 times out of 10 I'd go to Sitges. It's only about a 25 minute ride from downtown, and getting to the Barcelona beaches would take me a good 20 minutes from my apartment anyway, including 3 metro transfers. All of that aside, Sitges is just a much nicer, cleaner, safer beach to be on. Not that the BCN beach is that unsafe (aside from the polluted water), but there are countless #s of theft when people turn their back on their valuables for more than 2 seconds. Sitges is alot cleaner and its a cool little town too. You can even get there by train from the Passeig de Gracia station, much more convenient that Sants Estacio. Also, Sitges has the best/craziest Carnaval celebration in all of Catalunya, so you should def. check it out if you are in the area around then.