Escape For A Barcelona Adventure

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

Barcelona, the Catalonia capital, is known around the world for its art and culture and architectural masterpieces inspired by Antoni Guadi.  Allen Batista Travel, Inc. offers a five day Barcelona sightseeing tour to capture the magic of this city.

The Heart Of Barcelona: The Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, is one of the oldest districts of Barcelona, and the streets date back to Roman times. By wandering through this area, visitors will be transported to the Middle Ages while enjoying the beautiful architecture, ancient Roman ruins, and magnificent courtyard.

Barcelona Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with towering spires and intricate details reflects the city's religious heritage in the Gothic Quarters. Inside, the cathedral's large arched roofs, vibrant stained-glass windows, and peaceful cloister offer a serene escape from the bustling city outside. Another highlight is Plaça Reial, a picturesque square lined with palm trees, surrounded by lively bars and eateries, perfect for enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this historic area.

Antoni Gaudí: The Visionary Architect

Of course, anyone who comes to Barcelona cannot ignore the creations of Antoni Gaudí, one of the city’s most famous architects. Without a doubt, Gaudí’s design can be considered enigmatic and even almost surrealistic, which has made him and his works true symbols of Barcelona.
 

• La Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Antoni Gaudí’s well-known architectural masterpieces. This colossal basilica’s façades contain scenes from the scripture.  The interior has a gallery with slim columns that seem to rise to heaven.
• Park Güell boasts of joyful stained mosaics, green and composed pathways, and what can be considered surreal artworks, all against the stunning backdrop of Barcelona. In the very center of the park, there is the well-known Dragon Staircase, which is decorated with a mosaic in the shape of a dragon.
• Casa Batlló, located on the famous Passeig de Gràcia, is another Gaudí masterpiece. The building has an extraordinary design with irregular oval windows, flowing stonework and mosaic fa çade but is also known as ‘House of Bones’ at times because of its skeletal structure. The interior is architectural delights – light wells, sweeping curves, and a straight line in sight – pure Gaudí.
• Adjacent to Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch is a neo-Gothic gem in the "Block of Discord." Its Flemish-inspired façade contrasts Gaudí’s flowing designs, highlighting the diversity of Barcelona's modernist architecture.
• Casa Morera by Lluís Domènech i Montaner is one of the examples of modernist architecture in Barcelona located in the so-called “Block of Discord.” This beautiful structure comes complete with ornate fronts, floral decorations, and stained glass windows and is in the Art Nouveau style. Its architectural appearance looks like a sculpture that has to be seen in the center of Barcelona among other splendid architectural masterpieces.

The Magic Of Montjuïc

Montjuïc is an hill offering breathtaking views of the city of Barcelona. However, Montjuïc is much more than a viewpoint: it is home to the city’s museum of cultures and history, and wherever you turn, there are things to see and discover at every corner.

Located in the beautiful Palau Nacional in Montjuïc, the MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) features a wide collection of artworks that span from the Romanesque to modernism. Visitors can take panoramic photos of the city, especially from the terrace.

Unique Sightseeing Experiences Beyond Barcelona

The beauty of the city of Barcelona does not start and end with these architectural marvels. The tour with Allen Batista Travel, Inc. also gets you out of the city to visit cultural and artistic sites in the surrounding areas.
 

• Girona is another destination known for its medieval architecture such as the Girona Cathedral and the houses painted in different colors on the sides of the Onyar River. The Jewish Quarter, a major tourist attraction, is one of the finest examples of a preserved Jewish Quarter in Europe.
• The Salvador Dalí Museum, which is situated in Figueres, offers a stunning glimpse of Dalí’s peculiar artistry. From the massive eggs on the rooftop to the confusing corridors of the building, the museum provides an idea of the creativity of Dalí and his impact on the art of the 20th century.
• Tarragona, a coastal city located south of Barcelona, is known for the Roman ruins of Tarragona, including an amphitheater set on the Mediterranean coast. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a fascinating journey through history.
• Sitges, a charming seaside town, is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and the popular Sitges Film Festival. The town’s picturesque streets are lined with whitewashed buildings, and the lively promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Sitges also boasts a rich artistic heritage, with several museums and galleries dedicated to Catalan art.

Barcelona's Culinary Delights

Catalan cuisine – from classic tapas to gastronomic cuisine – is very important to Barcelona.

La Boqueria Market is one of the perfect places for trying the city’s food specialties –jamón ibérico, pa amb tomàquet, and crema catalana. It is a very popular market situated along the popular La Ramblas; it’s always busy and noisy. For those seeking a more gourmet experience, Barcelona has several Michelin-starred restaurants to satisfy the palate of food lovers.

The Exquisite Beaches Of Barcelona

Barcelona is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.
 

• Barceloneta Beach, one of the most popular beaches, is situated within walking distance from the downtown area. There are many chiringuitos, (beach bars) serving drinks and food to take a break and to simply gaze at the beauty of the sea. 
• Bogatell Beach is a popular beach with locals because it is not as crowded as other beaches.

Barcelona is known for its art, beautiful people, scrumptious food, and awe-inspiring architectural masterpieces, visitors travel to the city to soak up the rich culture and heritage of Barcelona.

​Contact Allen Batista Travel, Inc. to book your Barcelona adventure.