One of Spains most diverse cities, Barcelona is an intriguing mix. A fun loving beach city, crammed with culture, art and architecture, Barcelona is both light-hearted and heavy going at the same time.
Book a Barcelona city break with
Ebookers and experience this clash of personality types for yourself. Like all the best fairytales, Barcelona has dark undertones that make it an interesting, mysterious, surprising city that lingers with you long after youve left.
If Barcelona was a movie it would be a Tim Burton masterpiece. Full of exaggerated, colourful and quirky characters playing their roles among a setting that is part fairytale and part nightmare, Barcelona is a truly magical place.
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Enjoy Barcelonas fun-loving, carnival vibe, but dont be afraid to play in the shadows occasionally. Its in Barcelonas darkest corners that youll find some of its most interesting quirks.
Step into the Light
One of Barcelonas highlights is its amazing architecture. Famous for the work of proud Catalan artist Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona displays his intricate, fairytale-esque designs throughout the city.
Gaudis architecture manages to perfectly epitomise what Barcelona is all about. Decidedly dark fairytale in style, Gaudi effortlessly combines the playful with the gothic to create a multi-dimensional beauty that is infinitely more interesting.
The twisted spires of his still unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia church, rise up from the city like the turrets of a nightmarish, gothic castle. A place of worship and the ultimate divine beauty, the Sagrada Familia would also look well-placed in a Count Dracula story.
A work in progress since 1882, the people of Barcelona are determined to realise Gaudis inspired vision, even after his death. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this consecrated Catholic church is a masterpiece of intricacy, from its divine spires which reach god-wards, to the skeleton-like interior and the intricate tableaus which adorn the exterior walls.
The Passieg de Gracia is another place to see stunning examples of Gaudis best work. The Casa Batllo is part mermaid with shimmering turquoise fins, and part skulls and bones, whereas La Pedrera resembles a giant sandcastle with thorny wrought-iron balconies.
If you want to submerge yourself in Gaudi magic for the day you can visit his Barcelona wonderland, Parc Guell. Overlooking the city and crammed full of Gaudi genius, this amazing park is also where youll find Gaudis iconic mosaic iguana.
Come Over to the Dark Side
Just off of Barcelonas carnival-eque central avenue Las Ramblas, a veritable riot of colour complete with overflowing flower stalls, budgies in hanging cages and street performers, is an area which is altogether much darker.
The Barri Gothic, or Gothic Quarter, is a labyrinth of twisting, turning dark alleys and shadowy squares. This area of Barcelona is arguably the city's most atmospheric, and the winding alleyways can evoke a feeling of claustrophobia or stepping back in time.
The Barri Gothic is crammed full of tiny cafes, tapas bars, chocolate shops, boutiques and art galleries, and as such is an amazing place to spend a day getting lost in exploration.
The must sees to tick off your list as you wander include the cathedral on the square (la Placa de la Catedral), the church on the atmospheric Placa del Pi, olde worlde chocolate emporium Fargas on Carrer del Pi and the little boutiques on Calle Avinyo.
When it comes to food and drink, the Barri Gothic is the place to find the most amazing treats and tastes. Youll find the best tapas in the city at Cal Pep, on the Placa de las Olles, the freshest juices at Juicy Jones and the most delectable cocktails at El Ascensor, Bellafila.
Of course, you cant visit Barcelona without indulging in their famous sugary churros and thick hot chocolate, and La Pallaresa at Calle Petritxol is the best hot chocolate dipping experience in the town. If you just want a bag of crispy, fluffy, churros to go then head to Xurreria, Carrer dels Banys.
Barcelona is a feast for the senses, from architectural confections to cups of thick molten chocolate. Head to 5hop5.ie for an
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