Barcelona Basics

Magic Fountains: This is at the entrance of Mt. Juic a few blocks from the Espanya stop on the L1 Metro (red). Every Thursday-Sunday night in the summer, there are huge fountains that are coordinated with music and colorful lights- there are shows every 30min. starting at 9:30-11. This was one of my favorite things so far. At 9:30, they play Disney music too which kids might like!

If you want an excellent view of the city (we did this during the day, but I can only imagine how beautiful it would be at sunset) we went to Tibidabo - the amusement park at the top of the Tibidabo Mt. You don't have to buy a ticket to the whole park - but I would buy 2 euro tickets to the ferris wheel - and there are some popular restaurants in between the trolley and funicular. This would be a great family activity!

There is a gondola that goes all the way to Montjuic and the Olympic Village. Take the Green L3 Metro to Par-alel and you will be right at the entrance of the gondola. This is also a great view of the city and there is a fort at the top with a militia museum, places to sit and eat a quick meal (I would suggest bringing a picnic) and the fort is neat to see!

Go to the Boqueria on Las Ramblas- not only is the market great, but there are good restaurants in the area. Namely, one named RA that is towards the back of the market on the left side, if you are entering from Las Ramblas. Turn right at RA, and I believe the name of the street is Princessa, but there are great restaurants on this street. Another one we liked was Attic on Las Ramblas.

If you like Pitas, Las Ramblas also has the best vegetarian place called Moaz where they give you a pita filled with fallafel and you fill it Greek foods from the bar.

The beach in Barceloneta is quick and convenient to go to, but very crowded. Go with an easy going attitude - ready to ward off the vendors selling cervesa or Asian women yelling "massahe? massahe?" A simple "da me pace" meaning "give me peace" is the best way to keep them from bothering you.

What I would absolutely recomend is to take the 45min. train to Sitges. This is a wonderful beach with great sand- it is less crowded and is a very quaint town. We found a creperie here that was sooo tasty! If you are headed away from the church on the road by the beach, turn right at Pan and Co and you should run into it on your left side.



I've loved the Gaudi attractions: Park Guel (picture above) and Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo.