Barça, Barça, Baaarça: All about Barcelona

“Barcelona is a very old city in which you can feel the weight of history; it is haunted by history. You cannot walk around it while perceiving it.” – Carlos Ruiz Barcelona is the second largest mediterranean city present in Catalonia, located in Spain. It is the capital of Catalonia. With several places of historical significance, notable art and artists, museums, mountains, hills, culture, renowned football club and much more; it is difficult to feel bored at Barcelona. Moreover, the Capital is the home to Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect with his exceptional skills and talent. His works majorly constitute a vital part of Barcelona including the most popular church Sagrada Família. Are you ready to delve deeper into the homeground of FC Barcelona and the city to explore its heritage, culture and tourist spots to have an amazing time away from home?
Live, Love, EAT
Just put Barcelona’s artists, art, clubs, culture, museums, and mountains aside; the only reason to go there is for the food. Even just tasting the tastiest dishes at renowned eateries with the brightest Michelin stars is worthwhile. The Catalan capital is one of the few places in the world whose cuisine can rival it. Here are the top 4 eateries and cafés in the area.
1. Bohl Cafe
Bohl Café, which has a minimalistic decor, is renowned for its plant-based menu. This beautiful location is in the centre of Barcelona. They provide a range of breakfast bowls to choose from and a choice of brunch items..

2. Alkimia
Alkimia is a secret gem despite having a Michelin star. The restaurant’s menu focuses on the past, present, and future of Catalan gastronomy under the direction of chef Jordi Vilà. Seafood is used in its recipes, such as the stew from Catalonia, and the head chef combines diverse cuisines to create fusion cuisine.

3. Solomillo
Solomillo refers to as the sirloin seak which is the best steak in Barcelona. Indulge your carnivorous side for a treat to your meat cravings as Solomillo serves the best steak in the city. The best part about this restaurant is that it has a customizable menu and so, you can pick your favourite combinations without any thought. Pick your type of beef, weight it, choose your toppings and favourite sauces for accompaniment.

4. Enoteca Paco Pérez
This restaurant’s personnel is first-rate, and the tables are set with white linens and an air of luxury. It has received two Michelin stars and typically has the crowd of either couples or businessmen. It is advisable that one should preserve dining at this place
only for special occasions unless you have deep pockets. The restaurant works under the leadership of renowned chef, an alum of El Bulli, the one who earned six Michelin stars under his own rights, Chef Paco Pérez.

On The Streets of Barcelona
In terms of the things we left out, Barcelona is the best town for sightseeing due to its numerous museums, parks, and coastal spots, as well as its picturesque mountains. Here are top 6 places to visit when you are at Barca.
1. Park Güell
Gaudi’s alluring creation, Park Güell is full of architectural elements like eccentric mosaics. This park is regarded as a symbol of representation of Catalan modernism. Just like a fairytale, its entrance has two houses with a fountain. In addition to this, you can also climb up to the highest spot, El Calvari and visit Gaudi’s House Museum as well.
2. La Sagrada Família
If you wish to immerse yourself in the world of immense peace, this is the right spot for you. Sagrada Família’s interior is one of its own with stained glasses, altars and unique architecture by Gaudi. It is a place worth visiting.
3. Montjuic Cable Car
The Montjuic cable car in Barcelona lets you indulge your eyes by taking in the city’s beauty, just like a ferris wheel in India. The sensation is similar to having Barcelona at your feet. The 750-meter circuit ends with the castle of Montjuic. One of the locations with tremendous historical value is the castle. You can see everything in Barcelona in a single day!
4. Camp Nou
With a maximum seating capacity of 99,354, FC Barcelona’s home stadium is the third-biggest association football venue in the world and the largest in Europe. Camp Nou is unquestionably the city’s second temple after Sagrada Famlia. In Camp Nou, you can visit the FC Barcelona museum in addition to the ethereal stadium. It’s an adventure for football fans to remember either the saddest or the most triumphant moments, such as Messi’s 3-2 victory at the Bernabéu. It is worthwhile to visit Camp Nou to learn more about the stadium and the club itself.
5. La Pedrera- Casa Milà
Casa Milà, one of the modernist emblems designed by Gaudi, is a peculiar structure. It is considered to be a historic site. It serves as a cultural and social hub for events including workshops and public exhibitions. Gaudi’s imaginative use of architecture ensures that a visit to Casa Milà will take you back in time.
6. Las Ramblas
It is the ideal shopping street in Barcelona. It is a popular tourist destination. Similar to Sarojini in Delhi, Las Ramblas contains all the confections and antiques one could want.
Nightfall at Barcelona
Aesthetic and artistic vibes are always in air at Barcelona but have you ever wondered about its night life? Disco, bars and pubs are common everywhere but the capital city has something else in town. Let us discover them.
1. Sunset in Tibidabo
To all the bollywood fans out there who romaniticise a scene like Naina and Kabir from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, this spot is a cue for your dream to come true. Located in Collserola mountain range, Tibidabo is one of the highest places from where you can witness a soothing sunset with your loved ones. The best part is that these mountain ranges look good both at the day time as well as the night.

2. Magic Fountain
You might have seen lightshows at Lumbini Park in Hyderabad or various such shows in several cities of India but the lightshow at Montjuic is worth visiting. It is a show of music and light with water. The Montjuc in Barcelona offers one of the most breathtaking views of Barcelona, even when the Font Màgica is not in use. On your city holiday in Barcelona, make sure not to miss the Magic Fountain.
3. Flamenco Show
How can someone possibly miss out on Flamenco when at Spain? The traditional dance of Spain, Flamenco is something you cannot miss when in Barcelona. The two outstanding places to catch a Flamenco show are:
i. El Patio Andaluz: This place is managed by a Flamenco artist. It is located in the Andalusian square.
ii. El Tablo Cordobes: Located at Las Ramblas, it is one of the most calmest and coziest places to visit.
However, always remember to book a Flamenco show beforehand as there are high chances you might not find a spot.
Well, these are the pointers you need to remember while you plan a trip to Barcelona. Feliz Viaje!