BARCELONA
If Madrid is all about art,
then Barcelona is all about
architecture. Whisk from the capital to the Mediterranean coast in under three hours via the AVE high-speed rail line and begin your tour of
Antoni Gaudí’s Modernist wonders from the late 1800’s: the imposing
and still-unfinished La Sagrada Familia cathedral, the beguiling-yet-relaxing Parc Güell overlooking the entire city and the out-of-this world
La Pedrera (which may hold special appeal for Star Wars fans).
Gaudi’s contributions to the Barcelona cityscape are actually fairly recent, as this is an ancient city with the Romans arriving in the first century BC. That history is most evident in the maze-like narrow streets
of the Gothic Quarter, which empties onto the famous pedestrian
thoroughfare Las Ramblas. Amble past street performers to Barcelona’s port and beaches, or take an aerial tramway to the top of Montjuic,
home to a 17th-century castle and some fabulous museums including
one dedicated exclusively to the works of Joan Miró.
CLARIS HOTEL
stylish, huge junior suites with Italian marble and
the latest tech gadgetry, lying steps from fabulous
shopping on Passeig de Gràcia
As you may have gathered, Barcelona is a city for walkers, and all that
exploring is bound to work up an appetite. Paella is everywhere, but
make sure you’re indulging in the authentic, slow-cooked variety that’s
sometimes elusive. Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations, and
observe the golden rule of avoiding any restaurant “proudly” advertising photos of its paella.
THE LEVEL AT MELIA
BARCELONA SKY
an architectural wonder in its own right, with its
sleek 24-story tower emphasizing right angles
overlooking one of the city’s best beaches.
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