Created by 3GoExploring.
Barcelona is a treasure chest of stunning architecture, lively markets, and rich culture, best discovered on foot. Wandering through the narrow medieval streets, you will definitely discover something new around every corner.
Prior to leaving the ship, using trusty Google Maps we had made a rough guide, as we always find this tends to be a very rough guide as we discover more and more.
Even though it was still early in the morning, Barcelona's streets pulsed with life.
Taking a leisurely stroll up the iconic Las Ramblas, a pedestrian-friendly street already filled with stalls selling everything from flowers to crafts. Las Ramblas is around 1.2 kilometres long and from the cruise terminal drop off is one of the first landmarks you will encounter, it houses numerous attractions but can get extremely busy.
No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting its dynamic markets and we just love markets. La Boqueria is one of the most famous food markets located just off Las Ramblas. As you wander through, your senses will ignite with an array of colours and scents.
From fresh produce and local seafood to savoury cured meats and tempting sweet pastries, unfortunately, due to Amy's nut allergy most of these are off-limits. Make sure you also visit El Raval, where smaller quirky markets are abound, offering everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewellery, perfect for unique souvenirs that encapsulate Barcelona’s spirit.
After getting our fill of the local markets we made our way to the Basilica Sagrada Familia, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. This basilica is still under construction and awe-inspiring, its towering spires and intricate facades draw in millions of visitors each year. We would have loved to have seen inside but with so much still to see and the lengthy queues, we thought it was best to push on.
If you love churches and don't want to queue, we discovered Parroquia de Sant Francesc de Sales, located five minutes away from the Basilica Sagrada Familia. A stunning church considered the most important work of the architect Joan Martorell y Montells, born in Barcelona and Antoni Gaudi's teacher, built between 1878 and 1885 as part of the convent of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary.
From here our discovery of Barcelona was one awe-inspiring moment after the next, making our way to the Arc de Triomf, a classical archway which was built as the main entrance to the Universal Exhibition hosted by the city in 1888.Another must-see is the Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter. This stunning example of Gothic architecture features an impressive facade and serene cloister.
The square surrounding is a perfect place for people-watching, filled with locals and tourists alike. The Gothic Quarter or Barri Gotic is a fantastic area to explore, its narrow mediaeval alleys offer delights around every corner, hidden quaint cafes and art shops await as well as some impressive architecture, we loved this area and spent plenty of time exploring.
Dipping in and out of the narrow streets it's easy to lose track of your location and we did find ourselves in familiar locations once or twice. This we find is the joy of exploring by foot, entering locations from different directions allows you to view hidden gems you might have missed the first time around. A word of advice regarding the availability of public conveniences, we found this to be limited, however, we did discover some markets have facilities which were remarkably clean compared to those found in UK markets!
With so much to see and do in Barcelona one day is not enough, lucky for us we will be returning next year. With this in mind, we made our way to Sant Miquel Beach to view the America's Cup. For those who don't know, the America's Cup is the oldest international sporting trophy, dating back to 1851.The trophy was originally held by The New York Yacht Club, after holding the Cup for 132 years they lost it to Australia in 1983, since then it has only been won by the United States, Switzerland and New Zealand.
We were in luck or maybe not, as we were there to watch Ineos Britannia already three points down take on New Zealand. As you can imagine this race attracts the crowds, when we arrived at the beach we located a suitable viewing location that also let us see the big screen. This was something new to us, the futuristic-looking Yachts were amazing to see as they skimmed across the water, and you couldn't help but get immersed in the action. After a hard-fought battle it was New Zealand who again became victorious, it would have been nice to celebrate Ineos as the winners but that's the nature of sporting events.
Walking through Barcelona is more than just a means to see the sights; it's an unforgettable adventure that creates lasting memories. The market's lively buzz, the serene beauty of ancient cathedrals, and the vibrant pulse of cultural events all blend together to offer a unique experience. So like us, slip on your walking shoes and prepare to discover the city at your own pace.
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