by Raquel Ferreño
Did you know that Barcelona is the second larger city in Spain after Madrid? It means that more than 1,600,000 people are living there! They must have a reason, right? Who doesn’t like living in a city, which has mountains for skiing or climbing, a beach for the hot summers and it is plenty of art and culture everywhere you look?
Some people know Barcelona as the Gaudi’s city and it couldn’t be more appropriate. The city has the Sagrada Familia, an amazing basilica that was started in 1882 and due to its complexity wasn´t finished. However, this fantastic piece of architecture isn’t the only reason to visit the city.
You can see Gaudi’s work all around the city. The Pedrera, the Casa Batlló and the Park Güell situated in the district of Gracia. In Gracia you can find restaurants to have a nice evening with someone special or have fun with friends, bars with tapas and of course, small and cute shops. Nevertheless, Gracia is known for its spectacular party. All the neighbours compete to win the trophy for having the most awesome ornaments in their street. This celebration takes place in August and it attracts citizens throughout Barcelona and even to outsiders, who come to the district to enjoy the environment with live music performances and terraces to have a drink.
Another great district full of old buildings in a bohemian atmosphere is the Raval, the home of people from many countries and cultures and you can find shops from al nationalities and even trendy shops, especially in the upper part of the neighbourhood. You can also find the Museum of Contemporary art (MACBA) and the Center o Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB), both with very nice exhibitions throughout the year.
But let’s talk about street art. Las Ramblas is an avenue, which starts in Plaça Catalunya (city centre) and ends in Passeig Colom (near the sea). It is dotted with flowers shops, newsagents, cafes and restaurants. But it is famous because it gives to the artists the opportunity to show their work. You can find painters and human sculptures and also dancers and musicians.
During Christmas, Barcelona looks like any other city, but the most wonderful thing is the “Fira de Santa Llucia”. It is a Christmas market where you can buy decorations, trees, lights and anything you like to make this time of the year more special. It is tradition to go with all the family and children to have a walk, have a hot chocolate and leave with a nice memory.
This is a small piece about what you can find in Barcelona. However, what makes the city so spectacular are not only the buildings, the pubs and the nice Mediterranean food but also the great and genuine atmosphere, so carefree and cool that makes you want to live in it.
