Barcelona is one of the best value city break destinations in Europe with cheap flights there from across the continent, bargains to be had in car hire and if you’re not too picky, reasonably priced accommodation.
Gaudi in Barcelona
The city is all about Gaudi for it’s here that his most famous works are found. Born in Reus, further down the Catalan coast, he moved to Barcelona and began some of the world’s most eye-catching architecture including the icon of Barcelona; the Sagrada Familia. The cathedral is a massive building, still estimated to have another fifty years of work required to be completed. Stunning by day, the best time to visit is at night when it’s atmospherically lit. You can buy an extra ticket to ascend the 85m towers and get a breath-taking view out over the city. Be warned though that the queue for the lift is often up to two hours.
Old Town
If you want to give driving a rest for a day, catch the metro into the old town, or Ciutat Vella, and allow a whole day to amble down streets which are evocative of Barcelona’s past. For entertainment as well, Las Ramblas has musicians, artists and other entertainers as well as overpriced bars and restaurants. If you are brave enough, veer off the tourist path into the side streets for less sanitised history and better prices on food and drink.
To The Beach
You wouldn’t think of Barcelona as a beach holiday destination but starting from Barceloneta you can walk the boardwalk along miles of sandy beach until you reach the Olympic Port. The sand is clean and golden and the sea is great for a refreshing dip if the heat of the city gets too much for you in summer.
Table for Two
Eating out in Barcelona can give you an excellent meal at an even better price. Many of the restaurants do a ‘menu del dia’, a two or three course set menu for around eight to ten euros; you may not have the great choice but the meal will be substantial and cheap. Make sure you try some traditional Catalan food whilst in Barcelona; many of the more rustic restaurants serve it, especially off the tourist track and you’ll be treated to delights such as paella with seafood instead of the Valencian version with meat; Pa Amb Tomaquet which is a little like a bruschetta loaded with tomato, oil, garlic and cured meats or the dessert, Brac de Gitano, a long cream filled roll, lightly sweetened and made from sponge cake.