Barcelona. Sometimes I feel that perhaps Im the only person in the world who hasnt been there, so at last the chance to set this right.
As were only going to be in the city for less than 2 full days we do some research and plan how to spend our time. We agree that there are 2 sights we want to see (Picasso museum and La Sagrada Familia) so book tickets in advance for both. We will then try to see some of the architecture and spend time in the old town area but that shouldnt be hard as both of our top sights are reasonably central. We also suss out travel. As were driving, we dont want to waste time negotiating traffic into the centre so we find a hotel on the city outskirts that is close to a train station. This works well, the train is direct to Pl Catalunya takes only 20 mins and only costs a very reasonable 2.40 Euro each way.
We arrive in the afternoon and have 5pm booking for the Picasso museum, which happen to be free on the 1st Sunday of each month. On the walk there we pass the
main Cathedral and see some of the old town. As expected it is busy (Sunday in the summer) but not so busy it is a problem. After our culture fix, which I do like despite not being a big art lover, we drink beer and eat tapas in/near the George Orwell square just east of the Rambla. I know tapas are meant to be free if you order drinks but that certainly isnt the case in Barcelona, but they are substantial enough for a few to make a full meal and it all tastes good.
Next day we have tickets booked for La Sagrada Familia at 4pm (thinking is it is better in the afternoon) so after the train ride in walk up from the Catalunya place to Park Guell which takes us past some of the distinctive buildings that Barcelona is known for. Im slightly underwhelmed by the Park, but this is more that offset by the La Sagrada Familia which blows me away. The outside I was expecting, but it is the interior that is impressive. The sheer height, design, elegance and light are simply The exterior is a little disappointing really due to
the under construction look; the tower crane does not enhance the appeal, but of course this it is still a building site. There is a push the remaining towers by 2026 but that has been delayed by covid.
Once again, we round off a hard days sightseeing with beer, wine and street food, this time in the area near to the Arc de Triomf.
A great couple of days. I can see why people like it here and though there are many other places which can boast a cool atmosphere few other this with top sights and almost guaranteed good weather. Even better neither of us ended up as victims of the petty crime that the city is notorious for.
