Barcelona Things to Do Tips by PierreZA

Mercat de Santa Caterina Shopping - Markets Review

This market does not have the atmosphere of La Boqueria, but offers some good shopping. It is very easy to find, as it has an almost Gaudi-inspired roof.
The market has a more upmarket feel in one or other way.

The market opens at 07h30 in the morning, and closes on deifferent times in the afternoon/early evening (15h00 - 20h30)

Address: Francesc Cambó 16, Ciutat Vella

Phone: 93 319 57 40

Have a beer Plaça Reial Review

This square can easily be found from the Ramblas (take C/Colom). The square has many bars and restaurants and has a lively atmosphere at night. Seems to be very popular with tourists.
The building lining the square are very impressive and makes it worth visiting during daytime as well as nighttime.
The lamp-posts were designed by Gaudi, and added to the square during the mid 1800’s.

Address: Plaça Reial

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

A lot to do Port Vell Review

This area was totally restored to waht it is today just before the Olympics.
It is a huge area, with a shopping mall, many restaurants, aquarium, IMAX etc.
The area has a lovely atmosphere at night and makes it a pleasent visit.

Directions: It is easily reaches form the Columbus Monument
Metro Station: Drassanes

A world class boulevard Passeig de Garcia Review

This is a beautiful avenue in the Eixample area of Barcelona.
It is home to some of Gaudi’s masterpieces (La Pedrera and Casa Batlló) and shops like Chanel, Gucci etc etc.
You cannot miss the ceramic benches and the amazing wrought-iron lamp-posts.
It is very nice to stroll down this beautiful boulevard, starting at the Plaça de Catalunya.

Directions: Metro station Passeig de Gàrcia

Do a City Tour Tours Review

A great way of introducing yourself to Barcelona is to make use of the open top tourist busses. There are two companies offering this service. The most popular seems to be the blue ‘Bus Turistic’. You see these busses all the time around the central part of Barcelona. There are three routes covered by these busses – one ticket covers all these routes.
You can get off or on at any of the many stops the bus makes. The only annoying part of these tours is the fact that the bus sometimes has to make stops for more than 15 minutes to remain on a schedule.
The busses start from the Plaça de Catalunya, and you can check for the colour code on the front of the bus, as to which route it covers.
An advantage of using this specific company is the booklet of discounts you get – to be used at major tourist sites in Barcelona.

Tickets cost 20€ (Sept 2008)

Being renovated Cathedral La Seu Review

The cathedral is currently being renovated, so no nice pictures available of the façade or spires. But it is still possible to enter and visit the cathedral. Also visit the beautiful cloister (with the geese).
Women need to be aware that they have to be dressed conservatively (covered shoulders etc) if they want to enter the cathedral.

Entrance fee = 5€ (Sept 2008)

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

Modernista Palau de la Musica Catalunya Review

A fantastic example of Modernista architecture. The building is extremely ornamented and decorated, I’m sure not everybody would like this. But, do go and have a look.
This concert hall was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and was built between 1905 and 1908.

It was unfortunate that I did not get the chance to take a guided tour or to attend a concert here - but will whenever I ger to Barcelona again.

Address: C/San Francesc de Paula, 2.

Directions: Metro; Urquinaona.

Columbus Monument a Colon - Columbus Monument Review

This monument is at the end of the Rambla, where it meets the Port.
It is a very tall monument with a 7m statue of Columbus pointing in direction (which is not in the direction of the New World).
There is a lift which transports you to the top (it seems very claustrophobic experience to me).

Address: Place del portal de la Pau

Directions: Metro: Drassanes

For locals and tourists Mercat Boqueria Review

Do look up at the beautiful sign before entering the market.
This is a food market with plenty of fresh produce to choose from. Fresh fruit, meat, fish, sweets etc van be bought here. Although many tourists visit the market, it seems that is still a popular place for locals to do shopping.

Open 08h00 to 20h30, Mon – Sat

No entrance fee

Address: Las Ramblas, 95

Directions: Metro: Liceu, Mercat exit

An icon Temple de la Sagrada Familia Review

One cannot visit Barcelona without a visit to this magnificent building (in progress). Construction of this Gaudi masterpiece started in 1882. The building of this cathedral is funded by public donations (eg entrance fees) only.
The Crypt and Nativity Façade are UNESCO heritage sights.
The museum on the site gives very good information and background on both Gaudi and this building.

Entrance fee: 10 € (Sept 2008)
Audio Guide = 4€ + deposit (Sept 2008)

Address: Carrer de Mallorca 401

Directions: Metro: Line 2 or 5 Station: SagradaFamilia

Phone: 93 207 30 31

Website: http://www.sagradafamilia.org