ROL Cruise recommends…
1. Arts & culture
Barcelona has been a cultural hub for centuries and its impressive cast of home-grown artists has been augmented by others from afar, drawn by its reputation. Both the historic and modern museums and galleries are noted for works by Pablo Picasso, Juan Miro and Salvador Dali, among many others. It remains a thriving creative centre.
2. Beach & waterfront
While not a beach holiday destination in itself, Barcelona nevertheless boasts over 3 kilometres of sandy paradise with Barceloneta beach just a short walk from the city centre. The promenades behind the sands are home to many fine bars and cafes from which to watch the world glide by.
3. Markets & shopping
The famous La Boqueria Market on Las Ramblas is a busy, thronging delight of colours, aromas and noise as people bustle through the narrow aisles to buy the freshest vegetables, meat, fish, fruit and flowers. There are also many other small flea markets as well as the high-end designer boutiques one would expect in such a vibrant city.
4. Eating & drinking
Famed for its historic tapas bars that have fed and ‘watered’ the locals for hundreds of years, Barcelona has also joined the culinary elite and has over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants. Similarly the laid-back, comfy back street cafes have been augmented by a new breed of sophisticated, cutting-edge cocktail bars.
5. Barcelona must-see
La Sagrada Família was designed by Antoni Gaudi who has left his unforgettable mark all across this fine city. Construction began in 1882 and it is still a long way from being completed. Its Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture is unique, its scale unrivalled and the exquisite view over Barcelona from its imperious towers will never be forgotten.
