Europe contains some of the world's most enchanting destinations, so I'm excited to begin a series of posts by Barry, a fellow travel advisor from Coasters & Castles Travel.
He'll be highlighting his top picks in some of Europe’s most iconic cities, offering personal recommendations and hidden gems that every traveler should experience!
Barcelona is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a unique blend of art, architecture, history, and Mediterranean charm.
Barcelona is well known for its architectural masterpieces, including Barcelona’s most well-known architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí’s, iconic architecture defines much of the city’s skyline, including one of the most popular sites in the city, the La Sagrada Família. This breathtaking basilica is still under construction (begun in 1882), with intricate facades and stunning interior.
For an older view of Barcelona, a person needs to visit the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and its medieval streets of the old city center, full of narrow alleyways, charming squares, and landmarks like Barcelona Cathedral. In addition, there are still Roman ruins from Barcelona’s Roman times, and remnants of the ancient city walls can still be seen in the Gothic Quarter.
While Barcelona is in the country of Spain, it is proud of its Catalan heritage as the capital of Catalonia (a former kingdom and semi-autonomous region of Spain). In fact, many speak Catalan (a mixture of Spanish, French, and Italian) rather than Spanish.
This is not only reflected in the language, but also the cuisine. Tapas, which are a variety of small, flavorful dishes like patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and pimientos de padrón, are very popular. Because of Barcelona’s coastal location it is a perfect spot for fresh seafood and paella, especially at the lively La Barceloneta beach area. The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, which dates back to 1217, is a famous food market offers a sensory overload of fresh produce, cured meats, seafood, and local specialties.
Outdoor trips include riding the tram to the top of Mt. Tibidabo on the north side of the city. At the top, 1680 feet above sea level, there is an amusement park and the Catholic Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor cathedral, and, the most breathtaking view of the city.
On the other end of the spectrum, at sea level, Barcelona offers many public beaches where a person can relax, swim, and have a wonderful day.
Barcelona is also known for its culture and nightlife. It has a lively culture, with plenty of festivals year-round, celebrating the city’s patron saint, books and literature, and music. Barcelona is also a hub for fashion lovers, with a wide range of shopping districts. The nightlife is dynamic and diverse, with something for everyone, such as trendy bars, nightclubs, and authentic flamenco shows for a traditional cultural experience.
Barcelonans love their sports! FC Barcelona is one of the most iconic football clubs in the world. The city has also embraced their role as the host city for the 1992 Summer Olympics, and the area still has many sports venues to explore.
Barcelona is a city where modernity meets tradition, and there’s a seamless mix of history, culture, and innovation. Whether you're strolling along the beach, admiring Gaudí's architectural wonders, or enjoying delicious Catalan food, Barcelona promises a vibrant and unforgettable travel experience.
My name is Barry Branaugh and I am a retired high school history teacher from Redmond, Oregon. I became a travel advisor in 2023.
I have a passion for travel, but also get great fulfillment out of helping others achieve their travel dreams!
In North America I have traveled to 45 of the 50 US states, Canada, Mexico, and Belize.
In Europe I have traveled to Ireland, all four countries withing the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Portugal, and Spain.
Reach out to Barry to get started planning your European adventure!
541-480-3889
Instagram: cnc_barry_branaugh
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