Barcelona and its Stunning Architecture – the suite life of travel

My thin jacket was no match for the light falling rain as I watched the Pullmantur Sovereign dock at the Port of Barcelona. I stood on the deck gazing down on the deck hands of the ship as they tossed large ropes to crew members tying the ship up to the dock. It would be a few more minutes until the ship would clear customs and immigration, giving me time to grab my raincoat and change into something warmer.

The port of Barcelona is one of the largest in Spain and has been an important commercial harbor along the Mediterranean for over 2000 years. The facility’s complimentary shuttle service transports cruise ship passengers from the terminal to the city’s main street, La Rambla (also referred to as Las Ramblas) at the Mirador de Colom, a large statue of Christopher Columbus. Built in preparation of the Universal Exhibition in 1888, this beautiful column stands 60 feet high. Visitors can take a lift to the top for exceptional views of La Rambla, as well as the the port and outlying beaches.

Stepping off of the bus, I could not escape the torrential downpour but was lucky enough to have found a vendor nearby selling umbrellas for five dollars. It turned out to be one of the best purchases I would make over the course of the cruise.

The rain wasn’t letting up and was literally pushing me sideways due to the strong gusts of wind so I decided to postpone my initial plan to walk the length of La Rambla, the most popular street of Barcelona. Strolling La Rambla is essential for experiencing the flavor of the city where flower stands, food stalls and street performers entertain and amaze, but the weather was just not cooperating.

I needed to make a change in plans if I wanted to stay dry and warm myself up from the cold. With Palau Guell a block ahead, I decided to purchase a ticket and explore one of Antoni Gaudi’s magnificent architectural masterpieces. The home of Spanish industrial tycoon Eusebi Guell was one of Antoni Gaudi’s first projects of his career and is an exceptional example of neo-Gothic architecture. Gaudi is Barcelona’s architectural genius and his inspiring buildings and parks are a large part of this city’s character and charm.

The dark interior of this magical mansion reminded me of a medieval castle, while the iron work added an elegant dimension to the home’s antiquity. Gaudi designed the cupola with small circular windows to give the illusion of gazing up into the stars.

The audio guide lasted about an hour and a half, covering the delicate details of the home and providing an insight into the interesting life of Guell. Unfortunately , the rooftop was closed due to rain, and my only hope was that the weather had cleared up so I could continue exploring Barcelona.

With my umbrella in hand, I crossed the street from Palau Guell entering the Placa Reial (Royal Square), a concrete courtyard in the Barri Gothic. A part of Barcelona’s Old Town, this is one of the city’s many fascinating districts and the place to visit for its vibrant nightlife. The arches along the columned arcade and the palm trees are common elements of Spanish architecture.

Surrounded by upscale cafes and specialty shops, I slipped into the Ocana for tapas and a glass of cava. Having looked over the interesting menu, I changed my mind several times before deciding on the burger (with homemade ketchup and coleslaw) and ordered a couple of their specialty drinks, the Pink Mojito, with rum, raspberries, mint, lime sugar and soda as well as the Lucky Luke made with white rum, blackberries, lemon, ginger, orgeat, honey and Peychaud’s Bitters.

Within minutes of leaving Ocana, I arrived at Mercat St. Josep La Boqueria, a colorful shopping plaza with over 900 vendors selling meats, seafood, cheeses and wines. Unique and colorful produce was neatly displayed, with some of the products strategically suspended for easier access. It was like walking into an elegant flea market of food.

I also found it amazing that La Boqueria offers cooking classes at its Culinary Classroom where foodies can learn how to make Spanish specialties such as paella and pastries. I found this to be such an immersive way to explore the city’s culture and cuisine and wished I had more time in Barcelona to book a cooking class. I continued through the maze of stalls until I located Pinoxto where I ordered a glass of cava and enjoyed the local custard filled pastry called xuxu (shoo-shoo).

Strolling La Rambla, I eventually arrived at the Placa de Catalunya, where I exchanged my reservation for a ticket to board the Hop On/Hop Off bus. I found this transportation a great way to visit this eccentric city. The square is the busiest of Barcelona’s plazas located between the Ciutat Vella (Old City) and the Eixample district with beautiful fountains and statues.

The weather was finally cooperating with a break in the rain, so I bravely took a seat on the second level of the open-air bus. I was excited to explore the highlights of this magical city with unobstructed views.

The extensive bus line lists several stops along the route for passengers to disembark and visit the nearby attractions. Reaching the Sagrada Familia stop, I hopped off for a self-guided tour of the cathedral which included the basic ticket, access to the towers and an audioguide. Under construction for the past 130 years, the Sagrada Familia is yet another one of Antoni Gaudi’s extravagant Gothic and Art Nouveau designs. At the time of his death, the basilica was less than a quarter complete and architects, sculptors and builders have taken over to finish this incredible masterpiece. The church is projected to be completed by 2026.

The double decker bus made a stop in the La Salut neighborhood, where I wanted to see Gaudi’s Parc Guell. A whimsical, Seussical-style garden, the park was originally planned by Gaudi and Guell as an upscale housing development for the upper class. The walk is uphill, yet well worth the experience. At the end of the hill, the UNESCO World Heritage site was eventually converted to public gardens and opened to the public in the early 1900s.

My day in Barcelona was coming to a close as I completed my visit to Parc Guell and boarded the tourist bus. There were two additional Gaudi projects on the route and I could not wait to catch a glimpse of La Pedrera and Casa Batllo.

Also referred to as the Casa Mila, La Pedrera was the last residential work designed by Antoni Gaudi and it was commissioned by local businessman Pere Mila. The geometrical construction is unique, just as one would expect from Gaudi with its modern design of stone, tile and rounded edges. Located in the Passeig de Gracia district, it was designed as an apartment block and is considered the most beautiful example of Modernista architecture.

Located on the Passeig de Gracia, the Casa Batllo is another legendary work of art by Antoni Gaudi. Locally, the building is known as the House of Bones because the façade resembles a skeleton. The design is very similar to Park Guell with its mischievous curves, mosaic tiles and colorful accents. If I had additional time, I would have loved to have toured this home.

There was only one hour left to reach the shuttle bus with plenty of time to board the ship. While Barcelona is a masterpiece to be visited during the day, it should also be experienced at night. Late evening dinner reservations begin around 9PM while dancing continues into the early hours of the morning. I can’t wait to return and explore Barcelona in more detail and indulge in its fabulous cuisine and nightlife. From what I have seen so far, Barcelona has moved up a few notches on my bucket list of places to revisit.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Barcelona? What were some of your favorite sites? I would love to hear about your exploration of the city if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my port day in Barcelona. Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do:

Mirador de Colom
Placa del Portal de la Pau
08001, Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: +34 933 02 52 24

Admission Fee: 4.3 Euros/3 Euros (adults/children)
Hours of Operation: 8:30AM to 8PM
Scenic Views: Spectacular views of the Port of Barcelona
Closest Metro Stop: Drassanes

La Rambla (Las Ramblas)

Tip: Considered the most active street in the heart of Barcelona, be cautious of pickpockets.

Palau Guell
Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5,
08001 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: +34 934 72 57 75

Admission Fee: 12 Euros/8 Euros (adults/children)
Closest Metro Stop: Drassanes
Hours: 10AM to 8PM Tuesday through Sunday
Amenities: Audioguide, Handicap accessibility, Guided tours available
Guided Tours and Audio Guides: Audioguides are provided in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, Japanese and Portuguese. There is also a videoguide available for the deaf and hearing impaired. Complimentary guided tours are available at set times and last an hour: Every Friday at 12 am and Sunday at 10.30 am, in French; Every Friday at 10.30 am and Saturday, at 10.30 am, in English; Every Saturday, at 12 pm, in Spanish; and Every Sunday at 12 pm, in Catalan.
Scenic View: Beautiful views from the rooftop
Recommended Length of Time to Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Use the audioguide or attend a tour which are both full of great information. Don’t miss the rooftop for the views and to explore the mosaic Gaudi towers. If available during your visit, I highly recommend the rooftop concerts and the opportunity to experience cava.

Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
La Rambla, 91
08001 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: 34 933 18 25 84

Admission: Free
Closest Metro Stop: Liceu
Hours: Opens at 8AM to 8PM Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on Monday
Amenities: Extensive opportunities for shopping!
Length of Time to Explore: 1 – 2 years
Tips for Your Visit: Stroll through the market with gathering picnic items in mind. This is the perfect location for trying the local specialties and picking up a variety of items, perfect for a romantic afternoon lunch.

La Sagrada Familia
Carrer de Mallorca, 401
08013 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: 34 932 08 04 14

Admission Fee: The Sagrada Familia entrance fee depends on the type of ticket from basic to the panoramic experience (15 Euros to 29 Euros).
Closest Metro Stop: Sagrada Familia
Hours: From November to February, 9AM to 6PM; March, 9AM to 7PM; April to September, 9AM to 8PM; October, 9AM to 7PM. It is best to check the site’s website to confirm the hours and the last ticket is sold 30 minutes prior to closing time.
Amenities: Lockers available to store backpacks for 1 Euro.
Scenic View: Spectacular views from the Tower
Length of Time to Explore: Minimum of 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Purchase your ticket ahead of time as this is the most popular attraction in Barcelona. There is an additional charge to visit the tower. An elevator is available for going up, but visitors must use the stairs to descend. Backpacks are not permitted, but there are lockers available for 1 Euro. Hiring a guide will give you an extensive overview of the beautiful Guell masterpiece.

Parc Guell
Catalonia Hill
08024 Barcelona Spain
Telephone: +34 934 091 831

Admission Fee: Rates range from 7.50 Euros for access to the park only. To explore the grounds with a guided tour, expect to pay 14.50 Euros, while a private tour will cost 43.50 Euros.
Closest Metro Stop: Lesseps or Vallcarca
Hours: 8AM to 9:30PM daily
Scenic View: Gorgeous views from the top of the Parc.
Length of Tour: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes if walking to the Parc from the Hop On/Hop Off stop. Go early to avoid the crowds.

La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
Provença, 261-265,
08008 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: +34 902 20 21 38

Admission Fee: There are three levels of ticket prices to include 22 Euros, 29 Euros and 34 Euros, depending on the type of ticket one wishes to purchase. Free audioguides are included in the tour with out a personal guide.
Closest Metro Stop: Diagonal
Hours: 9AM to 8:30PM; For night visits, the venue is open from 9PM to 11PM (March 1 – November 4); 9AM to 6:30PM; For night visits, the venue is open from 7PM to 9PM. Check the website for holiday visits.
Amenities: Audio guide, gift shop, lockers to store backpacks which are not permitted to be taken along your tour, restaurant and an evening tour option.
Audio Guides: Available and highly recommended
Scenic View: Lovely views of Barcelona from the roof
Length of Tour: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to go up to the roof for scenic views, the attic for exhibits and there is also the lovely gardens. The audioguide is well worth picking up as it provides extensive information about the house as well as Gaudi himself. Try to avoid the early mornings as there may be long lines.

Casa Batllo
Passeig de Gràcia, 43,
08007 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: +34 932 16 03 06

Admission Fee: There are six ticket options ranging from 29.50 Euros to 39 Euros that offer a wide range of interesting tours.
Closest Metro Stop and Bus Information: Passeig de Gracia stop; Bus numbers H10, V15, 7, 22, and 24
Hours: Open 9AM to 9PM
Amenities: Audioguide, Smartguide – virtual reality guide, gift shop, and evening concerts on the roof when available.
Audio Guides: Audioguides are available and very informative.
Scenic View: The rooftop to experience Gaudi’s elaborate chimneytops and scenic views of Barcelona
Length of the Tour: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Purchase ticket in advance to bypass long lines if visiting in the morning. Wear comfortable shoes as there are quite a few stairs to climb.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Arc La Rambla
La Rambla, 19
08002, Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: +34 93 318 62 63

I took another Mediterranean cruise with Pullmantur Cruise line and the originating port of call was Barcelona. I arrived a couple of days early to explore this phenomenal city. Hotel Arc La Rambla was the perfect location!

Where to Eat and Where to Drink:

Ocana Cafe
Placa Reial, 13 – 15
08002 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: +34 936 76 48 14

Hours of Operation: Thursday through Sunday starting at 8PM. Closes at 2:30 AM on weekdays and at 3PM on weekend.
Closest Metro Stop: Drassanes

I ordered the burger with homemade ketchup and coleslaw and a couple of their specialty drinks, the Pink Mojito, with rum, raspberries, mint, lime sugar and soda as well as the Lucky Luke made with white rum, blackberries, lemon, ginger, orgeat, honey and Peychaud’s Bitters.

The Ocana Cafe is most noted for its eccentric entertainment at night and admission to these events is free.

Pinoxto Bar
Inside the Mercat de la Boqueria
Telephone: +34 933 171 731

On my first visit, I ordered a glass of cava and the xuxu, while during a subsequent stop, I tried the langostinos with a glass of cava….the perfect small plate to last me until dinner!

What to Eat:

Paella is the ultimate seafood feast in Spain which is a dish that takes hours to make and the restaurant that is known for making “the best paella in town” is Bego and Ivan, located near Park Guell.
Invented at La Cova Fumada, bombas are a tapas dish which are potato croquettes, served with two types of sauce (a garlic alioi or a spicy red sauce).
Pa amb Tomaquet is a simple street food that is bread with tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, oil, salt and pepper.

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