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Travel plan: what is it about Barcelona?

December 17th, 2024
Barcelona

The ‘Ciudad Condal’, ‘Gaudí’s city’, it’s easy to see why Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. There’s always a lot on offer, from gastronomy and heritage to art and landscapes, not forgetting the lively feel of the city itself. Because of this wealth of options, a visit requires some planning, especially when it comes to choosing a good hotel in Barcelona.

Gaudí

A key figure in the city’s history, Antoni Gaudí was an important architect during the realms of Spanish Modernism, and even more when it comes to the design of the city we know today. His distinctive style can be found throughout the city, probably best-known for the Sagrada Familia cathedral, the architect’s masterpiece and the greatest exponent of Catalan modernism, it’s a cathedral or temple of atonement.

The highly creative Gaudí also designed the Güell Pavilions, Palace and Park, the latter being the most famous of the three. Full of different sculptures and ornaments, the way the buildings are set in the landscape demonstrates the man’s genius for landscaping.

In the city centre, Gaudí’s most iconic works are ‘La Pedrera’, better known as the Casa Milá, and Casa Battló. Less well known, but equally beautiful and important, are Casa Calvet and Torre Bellesguard, which are well worth a visit.

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Gaudí’s magic comes to life – a house that is pure art in the heart of Barcelona.

La Rambla and Gothic Quarter

Any trip to Barcelona should always include at least one stroll down La Rambla, visiting the different streets and squares that surround it. This is the heart of the city and home to many of its finest and most popular bars and restaurants.

On either side of La Rambla we find the old El Gòtic and El Born neighbourhoods, where Gothic style abounds, such as the Santa María del Mar Cathedral, also known as Catedral de la Ribeira, in El Gòtic.

In El Born, there’s the Picasso Museum, not far from Parc de la Ciutadella, which possesses beautiful gardens and Barcelona Zoo. A little further towards the sea and we’re in Barceloneta, the harbour area that offers old-style charm and stories to tell.

And there’s more

Parc Montjuic is another must-see in this fascinating place. The name harks back to the reconquest of the city from the Moors in the 9th century, after which it was ruled by various counts.

Montjuic is home to the impressive Olympic complex, which includes the Lluís Companys Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics. The Parc is also known for its famous Magic Fountain, where visitors marvel at the impressive combination of light and colour.

If you want to enjoy all the city has to offer, choosing the right hotel in Barcelona is essential. The Pestana Arena Barcelona has a great location in the Sants neighbourhood, next to the Fira de Barcelona and Plaza de España station, just four metro stops from the Ramblas.

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Your getaway in Barcelona starts here!

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