Periodically, we’ll share random tips for new Barcelona travelers. Some may sound basic. Others will sound crazy.
These aren’t meant to be “essential,” revolutionary or mandatory. But these are definitely things you should consider during your trip.
Take a Walk after Sagrada
After your tour of Sagrada Familia, take a few minutes to stroll up the pedestrian Avenue de Gaudi to the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau,Lluís, one of the master works of architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the designer of the Palau de Musica Catalana. The Sant Pau hospital is a jaw-dropping modernist wonder too often overlooked by visitors.
Simple navigation tip
Barcelona is on a hill. The Mediterranean is at the bottom of the hill. Lost? Are you going uphill or downhill? Want to conserve energy? Walk downhill from the neighborhoods and take the metro or taxi up the hill.
Don’t Skip the Park
If you have more than couple of days, make time for a few hours in Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona’s lone attempt at a large central park. Beyond the swirl of Barcelona life, the park offers a history and a wide array of attractions, from the modernist Castell dels Tres Dragons designed by Domènech i Montaner to the bizarre Romanesque Cascada del Parc de la Ciutadella, built for the 1888 Universal Exhibition. Fun fact: Gaudi designed the hydraulic system and some of the stonework.
Barcelona is not “Barca”
Please, please don’t refer to Barcelona as “Barca.” “Barca” is the football team. The city is known as “Barna,” or simply BCN. It’s a little thing, but nothing labels you as a tourist faster.
Learn ‘Vale’
The most important word in Barcelona is “vale” (pronounced “Ball-eh”). It is used constantly, in every context. It means everything from “great” and “OK” to “see you later” and “yes, I will move my car.” When in doubt say, “vale.”
Stroll La Rambla and Then Never Go There Again
Sure, you need to walk down that famous boulevard. But there is really no reason to hang out anywhere near La Rambla. It’s the land of tourists, pickpockets, overpriced restaurants and scammers. You’ll like Barcelona a lot more when you get away from the tourist areas.
Read “Barcelona,” by Robert Hughes
The famed art critic provides a lengthy and detailed exploration of the city’s architecture and history. He mixes together academic rigor with a gift for storytelling, providing a panoramic view of the city that goes beyond the architecture to look at the elements that built the city.
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