Barcelona Local Custom Tips by seamandrew

The Mediterranean Sea has been vital to the people of Barcelona for centuries. Today, it continues to serve such a key role in the city's economic prosperity. Situated on the sea, Barcelona has several sea ports linking manufacturers and industrialists from around the world with the shops and merchants of Barcelona (and vice-versa). Numerous container ships come to port daily, and just as many leave. I have no doubt that this port-city serves great economic value to the European Union as it would be a key connection for ships coming from places like Central and South America, Africa, and other Mediterranean countries.

While the ships aren't the most aesthetically pleasing objects to look at (same goes for the ports), you can understand the significance of their purpose there. Montjuïc covers the view from most of the city so you would only see it if you went to visit Montjuïc. For a city that depends so much on the sea for the success of it's industry, commerce, and tourism, Barcelona is very fortunate to have situated itself in such a great location.

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The Mediterranean is not only key to the industrial and commercial success of Barcelona, but for a city that depends heavily on tourism, the sea ports provide the perfect place for cruise ships from all over to dock. This allows for the influx of thousands of day trippers into the Barclona' s shops, restaurants, and sites.

An added benefit is that whenever you wish to take a cruise of the Mediterranean, you can look for cruises that include Barcelona if you ever wished to go back and visit again (or for the first time).

Can you make out the name on the boat? Look just above the sailboat, below the red smoke-stack. Yes!!! It's the famous Queen Mary 2. We saw it just a week before this picture was taken in New York City! How surprised where we to find it here!

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Website: http://www.cruisedirect.com/dp_barcelona.php

Barcelona has a number of water fountains that connect to the city's drinkable water line. If you're thirsty, you can use one of these fountains as a place to quench your thirst. The water was a bit chalky to me so I decided to buy some bottled water instead. Feel free if you can stomach it. Don't get me wrong, it's completely drinkable, just tastes weird!

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Seems like a large number of Barcelonians choose the motorcycle over the automobile. It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Not only is the motorcycle much more feul efficient (considering the cost of fuel in Europe, that is no laughing matter!), but the weather in Barcelona is generally mild all year so it makes for a perfect selection.

You will literally find these parked all over the city. If you can drive one, I might suggest renting one to explore the city. I don't drive them so I didn't try it.

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I was a bit shocked to see this in such a large city, but there were countless stray cats roaming the city. Especially near Montju?c and Palau Nacional. They're all so cute, but you can't help feel bad for these little creatures. I'm not sure if this large stray population can be attributed to negligence on behalf of the city's government or just an uncontrollable problem.

This little kitty was minding its own business, answering a call to mother nature, when all of a sudden it realized it was also posing for VT'ers all around the world!

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Many people visit Spain to see the great works of Dalí. Exhibits run through the city all the time and his works can be seen in places like Montserrat all the way to Port Lligat where his former home is or the Gala's castle in Púbol it's hard not to find a place to study one of Spain's greatest artist's work. Look around or ask at the tourist centers. You're sure to find something.

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Website: http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/