6.6 - 5 Reasons Why I Would Love to Visit Barcelona and You Should Too

I first fell in love with the idea of traveling to Barcelona in 2002. My favorite band at the time had a television series, Viva S Club, that they filmed throughout the city. The show allowed me to learn that Barcelona was like no other city in the world. There are amazing Gothic architectures, fascinating art and sculptures, many beautiful beaches, world-renowned food, and vibrant, loving culture.

 

Gaudí Architecture

 

Antoni Gaudí has art all over Barcelona, including architecture. One of his most famous pieces is the Sagrada Família, a Roman Catholic basilica that has taken over a century to build. Construction on the basilica started in 1882 and is currently expected to be completed by 2026. Even with the construction cranes surrounding this building, it is still breathtakingly beautiful. There are so many fine details to appreciate throughout the structure. This intricate work is so rare these days. 

 

However, there are many other buildings around Barcelona with similar architectural styles. More places to get Gaudí:

• Casa Batlló
• Casa Vicens Gaudí
• Casa Milà
  

 

Sculptures and Art

Barcelona is home to famous artist Antoni Gaudí and the city is proud of it. There are multiple Gaudí sculptures placed around the city. However, nothing beats his mosaics. Head over to Park Güell for an overload of mosaics.

 

Some of the mosaics found in the park include:

• an iguana
• a wavy bench
• a spire
  

Breathtaking Beaches

 

Just like any seaside city, there are plenty of beaches to choose from when visiting Barcelona. Each beach is known for a certain activity and has views of the beautiful teal colored water of the Mediterranean Sea. If you are looking for sports activities, go to Sant Sebastià Beach. It is also the most popular and oldest beach in Barcelona. One could waste away an entire day watching beach-goers play beach volleyball.

Foods

 

Many people know Spain is famous for its Paella but I am not a seafood person. However, BonAppetour recommends some dishes I would still like to try.

Bombas

According to BonAppetour, bombas were created

during the Spanish Civil War. It is a large potato ball

served with two sauces, white garlic allioli, and a spicy red sauce.

Calçot and Romesco Sauce

Calçots are sweet onions specific to the Spanish region, Catalina. The onions are barbecued with meats. What interests me about this dish is the sauce.

Romesco sauce is made of an interesting combination of hazelnuts, almonds, and red peppers.

 

Culture

 

Spanish culture is something, unlike anything we experience in the United States. One rule of thumb for visiting Spain, or so I've heard, is never rush a Spaniard. They move at their own pace and will not rush as long as they are creating personal relationships. According to GoinGlobal, siestas are a thing of the past. Today, Spaniards have several hours of leisurely talk, referred to as sombremesas.