Caryn’s 5 Faves Spring 2016

Caryn’s 5 Faves in Barcelona Spain.

Hola Everyone.  Barcelona is a great city in Spring and Summer whether you are on a family vacation, traveling for business or hosting a conference.  The flowers are blooming and the City is bustling. Here are 5 of my favorite things to experience in this beautiful Catalonian city by the sea.

1. The Architecture. Antonio Gaudi was a visionary and his architectural influence can be found throughout the City. Must visits include: La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila (otherwise known as La Pedrera) and Park Guell.  Savor the colors, the shapes and genius of the spaces.  Don’t forget your camera.
2. Paella and Tapas.  A trip to Barcelona is not complete without trying two local favorites – Paella and Tapas. One of my favorite restaurants for Paella is along the beach in the Barceloneta section of the City. La Barraca served the best vegetarian Paella I have ever experienced.

For Tapas, Bar del Pla in the El Born section of the City is amazing. This authentic Tapas Bar is located near the Picasso Museum and serves the traditional Catalan with fresh twists.  Their chicken croquettes, grilled artichokes, and “patatas bravas” will leave you running back for more.

3.  Espadrilles. Shopping for espadrilles is easy, they are all over. They say that one buys espadrilles as of the “first sun rays”.  There are two shops that stand out and they are very different – La Manuel Alpargatera and Cristina Castanẽr.

Since 1943, La Manuel Alpargatera is the most well known manufacturer of espadrilles in Barcelona. Their shop is located in the Barri Gothic section of the city and they will make you a custom pair of shoes in the back of the store if you have the time.  They are fairly inexpensive and you can get a basic pair of espadrilles for approximately $25-$40 euros.

Cristina Castanẽr  is an iconic shop located in the upscale shopping neighborhood of L’Eixample and the shop is just off the city’s most famous shopping street – Passeig de Gracia.  Their modern and elegant take on the espadrille (and other fashion accessories) will keep you in the store for hours! It’s not inexpensive, but well worth the trip.

4. Markets. If you like food, cooking, colors, photography, or just immersing yourself in a culture, visiting the fresh food markets in Barcelona is a dream come true. It’s a true sensory experience. The largest and most famous is La Boqueria.  Located along La Rambla and built in 1853, its Barcelona’s and one of Europe’s most famous markets. It’s a main source of fresh vegetables, fish, meat and fruits for the residents and the heart and soul of the city. From early in the am, until late in the day, you can buy groceries or sit and enjoy the many restaurants/food stalls in the market.
5. Walking and Football. Barcelona is a walking city. It’s a must to take the time to walk through the Old City known as the Barri Gothic, the funky artist, café and shopping area – El Born, the main shopping boulevards of Passeig de Gracia and Rambla de Catalunya, the fountains and museums of Montjuic, the old port, beach and boardwalk of La Barceloneta.

 If their famous football team, FC Barcelona is in town, try and catch a game at Camp Nou, it’s the City’s passion.

 Barcelona is very safe except for the usual problem of pickpockets. Keep your money, passport and anything valuable either in the hotel safe or well hidden under your clothing.  As you walk, stop for a drink at the cafes, taste the elegant desserts, breathe in the smells, capture the sights and enjoy the warm, friendly and engaging people of Barcelona.  You will want to return again and again.