Barcelona, Spain

Answer 1

General Overview

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after the capital Madrid. It is also the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Located on the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain, Barcelona is notorious for its sprawling beaches. However, the city is not merely about relaxing on the sand in the sun. It is also a highly international city and serves as a major center for commerce, business and finance. This contrast between these two distinct cultures makes for a particularly intriguing dynamic in the city. Barcelona is located in the midst of a mountain range. It is situated on a slight plateau, giving locals and tourists a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mediterranean, though the sandy beaches are not far off.

Arts and Entertainment

As mentioned, the beaches of Barcelona are perhaps its main attraction to visitors. The city itself is home to nearly three miles total of beach and coastline. The two principal beaches are Sant Sebasti%C3%A0 and Barceloneta. They are the largest and oldest of the city. Barcelona’s beaches have even been featured internationally and acclaimed as some of the world’s best beaches. For those who do not care for the sea but still enjoy, Barcelona is home to many outdoor parks and botanical areas. Some of these parks serve more, as public gardens while other are vast recreational areas. It is easy to forget that, despite these serene patches, there is a bustling international business city, all around.

The commercial district is primarily concentrated in Avinguda Diagonal. There are some significant commercial complexes in Barcelona, and the city is also home to a number of modern skyscrapers. This means that oftentimes business men and travelling executives must coexist with the beach loving tourists giving the city a unique atmosphere of internationalism as well as relaxation. Amidst all this is a hot scene for performing arts, especially live music. Barcelona is the perfect place to go and experience international musicians. Opera still remains a significant component of Barcelona’s culture. The city is also host to a number of music festivals, many of which are international.

Food and Drink

Since Barcelona is located directly on the coast, seafood is the central tenet of Barcelonan cuisine. Also, because the city is located in the region known as Catalonia, a lot of its cultural roots differ from those of the rest of Spain giving Barcelonan cuisine a unique appeal. It shares a lot of commonalities with French food and some Andorran cuisine. Garlic and olive oil are two essential components of any Barcelonan dish. While the cuisine does have a decidedly Mediterranean flavor, the main reason the food is so delicious is that the ingredients are all fresh. One delicacy in particular is cargols a la llauna, which is a snail dish and is characteristic of the region. Barcelona is also well known for the Catalan wines such as Moscatel, a thick muscat wine. The cuisine is decidedly seafood-oriented, in keeping with the rest of the city: heavily influenced by the sea and the international clientele who enjoy it.

Answer 2

The artist genius of Gaudi, the historical barrio and the seaside promenade are all part of the traveler’s experience in Barcelona. A unique blend of historical and modern influences, give the city an energy that is easily felt by visitors.

Art lovers will want to immerse themselves in the moderisme creations of Gaudi. The giant Sagrada Familia church shows his architectural genius. At Park Guell you get a sense of the whimsy of this artist in the mosaic benches and sculptures throughout the park. Casa Battlo is another home designed by Gaudi. Its balconies are made of stone formed into skulls and crossbones. Even the puzzle-like pavement seen all over the city was designed Gaudi. The Picasso Museum is housed in a series of palaces in the historical centre and a must see for his fans.

Professional and amateur historians will want to take a walking tour of the Bari Gotic (Gothic Quarter). Down the cobblestoned streets you can see the remains of the Roman temple of Augustus, and the Roman wall which marked the center of the town. Here you can visit gothic cathedrals and the baroque church in the Placa de Sant Felip Neri. In the evenings, talented acoustic Guitarists play and the much reverberates off of the stone walls in the narrow streets.

For appreciators of fine food and wine Barcelona offers fresh seafood, famous chocolatiers, paella, sangria, cheese makers, and wines from the surrounding region. Tapas are one of the trademarks of the food culture in Barcelona. Traditional tapas bars place platters piled high with snack-sized foods speared with a toothpick. Customers take as many as they like from small Sandwiches, seafood, spicy sausage, to aged cheeses. Once the plate is emptied the waiter simply adds up the number of toothpicks and presents the customer with the bill, usually a very reasonable bill. To see what the locals buy visit the neighborhood markets or the famous Boqueria market off of Las Ramblas.

Modern Barcelona is found in the cool cafes with modern art adorning the walls, the moderisme architecture, fusion cuisine, and modern sculptures throughout the city.

Answer 3

Barcelona is a bustling modern metropolis and one of Spain’s greatest cities. With its seaside location, impeccable and unique architecture, coupled with a happening nightlife, Barcelona offers something for everyone.

In summertime, Barceloneta Beach is a mecca for sunbathers frolicking the Mediterranean Sea. With a boardwalk, sandy beach and architecture surrounding, there’s no better place to spend your day. Visit the nearby Barcelona Aquarium and stroll the Marina for a relaxing afternoon.

Known for its incredible architecture, Barcelona prides itself in being home to the architecture of Anthony Guadi. Much of the city reflects his style, its buildings and parks curving in beautiful ways. For sports enthusiasts, Barcelona’s famous soccer stadium, FC Barcelona deserves a visit.

Perhaps the most iconic structure in all of Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia. A masterpiece by Gaudi, this cathedral remains unfinished and vacationers should venture inside for panomaric views of the city.

As Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona is truly one of Europe’s greatest.