BARCELONA
If you have a penchant for chic cities, then look no further than Barcelona – the capital of the Catalonian community.
Scattered with spectacular sights such as the iconic La Sagrada Familia, the city views are certainly breathtaking. Fantasia-like spirals and religious motifs adorn the cathedral in the modernist style of the great Antoni Gaudi himself. Another notch on Barcelona's skyline is the eye-catching Torre Agbar. Particularly beautiful at dusk and towering over the city's kitsch flea-markets, the 38-story skyscraper is one of the most popular tourist sights in Barcelona.
Flip an abstract coin... heads for Picasso, tails for Dali! The Picasso Museum dons over 3,500 pieces from the melancholic Blue Period to the abstract Synthetic Cubism works for which he is distinguished. The Dali exhibition at the Real CÃrculo ArtÃstico is great for the Salavdor Dali enthusiasts with over 700 paintings, sculptures and photographs on show. Dali, born and buried in Figueres, north of Barcelona, often resided in the Catalonian capital to feed his desire for culture and creativity.
Culinary connoisseurs listen up; the quirky Dans le Noir is a treat for all the senses. Eat without your eyes in the pitch black 'Dark Room' whilst being waited on attentively by the blind restaurant guides. For an equally as quirky dining experience try the La Posada Maldita where it’s Halloween year round, and creepy cocktails and terrifying tapas are served. Lose yourself for the day in the maze at Parc Del Laberint. The labyrinth is perfect for backpackers on a budget with the opportunity to get lost free of charge each Wednesday and Sunday.
For a truly Catalonian experience the ever thriving bohemian district of Grà cia, home of the famous festival de Grà cia, bustles with cosy cafes and tapas bars. Plaza de la Vila de Grà cia draws the lazy afternoon crowd, relaxing over a coffee. Once the sun's gone down, Plaza del Sol becomes vibrant and lively. Grab a beer and a bite to eat at the funky Café Del Sol, a personal favourite with the locals or for live music and dancing ‘til sunrise, Heliogà bal is your place.
Topping up your tan is easy with beaches galore. Barceloneta beach is the nearest and understandably most lively, just a stones throw from the centre. After soaking up the glorious Catalonian rays linger by the coast to dip your toe in some beachside partying. Icebarcelona and the famous Shôko nightclub are just two of the trendy hotspots right by the golden sands. Whatever your interest, the coolest city in the world won’t disappoint, see you by the bar. Salut!
