Barcelona Things to Do Tips by Roadquill

Placa Reial - Restos and Vibes off of La Rambla Plaça Reial Review

This large square located off of La Rambla is filled with people at night enjoying the restaurants and bars that line the square. Also famous for the lights around the square designed by Antoni Gaudi, amoung his first public works. There is a sister square, Placa Garibaldi in Mexico City. It is home to one of the more famous restaurants in Barcelona, Les Quinze Nits, where there was a long line waiting to get in at around 8 PM. The fountain is named after the Three Graces.

Address: Plaça Reial

Directions: Barri Gotic east of La Rambla. Metro: Liceu

Covent dels Angels

Located next to the Museum of Contemporaty Art, it was built in the middle of the 16th Century as an Augustinian Convent by Bartolomeu Roig. It is now more of a cultural center. They were not too keen on me taking photos inside.

Directions: Placa dels Angels in El Raval

Pla de Palau

As early as the 14th Century everything that came by sea to Barcelona went through the Pla de Palau. It was the center of trade during the medieval period and there are several important government buildings that still line the area. Including the customs office and armory.

Directions: Barceloneta, by the port

La Pez (Fish) by Gehry Gehry's Peix (Fish) Review

The large sculpture in the Vila Olimpica just North of Barceloneta is one of the largest in the world and was created using computer aided design techology for the 1982 Olympics.

Address: Metro: Barceloneta, Ciutadella/Villa Olimpica

Directions: On the waterfront, North of Barceloneta

Sculptures and Fountains - Placa Catalunya Plaça Catalunya Review

Intermixed with hundreds of people, the sculptures and fountains in the Placa are still worth a visit. There are benches to enjoy the people watching, but don't expect to get a shot without lots of people in it. Also, beware of pidgeons. The Francesc Macia Monument stands out the most, with its reverse stairway look.

Address: Plaça Catalunya

Directions: Northwestern End Las Ramblas. Metro: Drassanes, Liceu, Catalunya

University of Barcelona

Roughly between Placa Espana and Placa Catalunya is the University of Barcelona. Established in 1450 it is the 5th oldest University in Spain. It is housed in a classic building by metro Universidat. It is easy to access via the vestibule which is a work in and of itself. There was a historical exhibit of the pharmacie in the entry. The park inside the University is very green, but with all the students I would not call it tranquil.

Address: GRAN VIA, VIA DE LES CORTS CATALANES,

Casa Mila - Extreme Gaudi Casa Mila - La Pedrera Review

Casa Mila is another one of Gaudi's masterpieces on Passage de Gracia. Its fluid shapes and chimneys are iconic.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia 92, Carrer Provenca 261

Directions: Eixample district Metro 'FGC Diagonal/Provenca'

Phone: 93 484 5900

Port area of Barceloneta

The Port area of Barceloneta is an enjoyable portion of Barcelona to walk around. From the metro stop Barceloneta, head down towards the water where there are many restaurants, cafes, gelato places. The Museum of the History of Catalan, with the multi-colored boats and sailing vessels lined up along the docks, then at the end is the telepheric cable car that one can take across the bay to Montjuc.

Palau de Mar Museu d'Historia de Catalunya Review

Located in the old port, the Palau de Mar houses the Museum of Catalan History. It is the sole building remaining of the Old Port.

Address: Pl. Pau Vila, 3,

Directions: Metro: Drassanes, On the waterfront.

Phone: 932 25 47 00

Website: http://wikimapia.org/15459/Palau-de-Mar-Museum-of-Catalan-History

La Seu Cathedral - Interior Cathedral La Seu Review

The inside of the Cathedral features many wonderful stained glass, arched ceilings, carvings, paintings, sculptures.A basillica was on site as early as the 4th century. The 13th Century Capella Santa Llucia is part of the cloister.

Address: Plaça de la Seu

Directions: Barri Gotic. Metro: Lines 1 and 3 (Catalunya Station) and Lines 2 and 4 (Urquinaona Station.)

Phone: 933151554

Website: http://www.catedralbcn.org