Two and a half years ago I was in Barcelona for one month for a Spanish Summer Course. The city was so beautiful and it left some special memories for me. I know one month is not long enough to explore the whole city and live it like the locals, but in here I want to share some of interesting places that are worth to visit with no entrance cost.
1. Magic Fountain in Plaça d’Espanya
The Magic Fountain in Plaça de Espanya
Plaça d’Espanya or Plaza de España in Spanish, is one of Barcelona’s most important plaza, located a little bit out of the center of town, which is held at the foot of Montjuïc, in the Sants-Montjuïc district. The main draw to Plaça d’Espanya is the Catalonia’s museum Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) which gracefully stands up on the side of Montjuïc.
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
But there is also one famous fountain that attracts many people to come and see it. This spectacular fountain is famous because of its water arrangement, sound and lighting. Many people come and sit around the fountain waiting for the show. When I was there, I saw people stands around the fountain and they danced along with the music. Some of them stand very close to the water in purpose so they can get some water splash. The Magic Fountain only has shows from Thursday to Sunday at 21:00. So, if you want to see its performance, you better stay in Barcelona on weekend.
People waiting for the Magic Fountain show
Young people dancing to the music by the pool during the Magic Fountain performance
Plaça Espanya itself is well connected to the centre of Barcelona by Metro (Green Line L3 and Red Line L1). The centre of town is 10 minutes ride away or you can walk there for 30-40 minutes.
2. Plaça de Catalunya
Plaça de Catalunya
Plaça de Catalunya or also known as Plaza Cataluña in Spanish, is a large square in central Barcelona and to regarded as the city center . It is also the place where the old city (Barri Gotic) and the modern city (Eixample) meet. The plaza is especially known for its fountain, statues and the grass verge, which makes it a welcoming green oasis in the very heart of the city. Near the plaza, you can find some nice department stores like El Corte Ingles and FNAC and also cafes, like Café Zurich which is well known as a social meeting place in the city.
3. Las Ramblas
Street performers and shops along Las Ramblas
This is one of the popular spot in Barcelona that you should not miss. It stretches from Plaça Catalunya in the north until Monument A Colom in the south with 1,2 km walkway. Here, you will see all kinds of food stall, restaurant, bar, and street performer along with many thousands of people promenade up and down Las Ramblas.
4. La Boqueria
The entrance of La Boqueria
The Mercat de Sant Josep de Boqueria , or well known as La Boqueria is a large public market in Barcelona. The market can easily be found while you are strolling along Las Ramblas. It is situated on the right hand side when you are walking from Plaça Catalunya towards Monument Colon. Right next to it, there is Dunkin Coffee, so I am sure that you wouldn’t miss it.
Stuff sold in La Boqueria
Like most market, they sell meat, fruits, vegetables, seafood, fish, sweets, chocolate, candies and other things. There were also small cafes where you can sit and eat tapas or snacks. Surprisingly, when I was there on summer, I saw that they also sold rambutan. Oh yes, one of Indonesia’s tropical fruit was there and they mentioned specifically that it was from Indonesia.
5. Monument A Colom
Monument A Colom
Monument A Colom or Mirador de Colon is memorial to the great explorer Christopher Colombus which is located at the lower end of Las Ramblas. The monument is a high statue towering 60 meters into the sky with Colombus standing proudly at the top pointing out toward the sea. Right across the monument, you can see the marina area of Port Vell. It has an attractive walkway across the marina called Rambla del Mar.
Rambla de Mar
6. Barri Gotic
Barri Gotic
Barcelona Barri Gotic or is also known as Gothic Quarter is located in the area where the Barcelona old town is situated. The streets in the area are considerably vary in style but the old quarter is generally characterized by narrow cobbled streets with tall building.
7. Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach is the closest beach to the Barcelona city center. If you walk from Monument Colon at the end of Las Ramblas, then you can reach the beach in 15 minutes. Or you can also take the Metro using the Yellow Line (Line 4). There are many good sea food restaurants in Barceloneta and also some clubs. In summer time, the beach are always full with people, especially on weekends.
8. Parc de Ciutadella
Fountain in Parc de Ciutadella
Parc de Ciutadella is located at the northeastern edge of the old town. Within its 70 acres, it hosts the city’s substantial zoo (which unfortunately I didn’t get to visit), the Parliament of Catalonia, a lake, some museums, and a fountain.
The Lake and the green area of the park
This park is characterized as a busy place where there are many tourists and locals who are usually going for a walk or picnic. This is also a good place for sports, for example boating in the lake, cycling (both bicycle and boat can be rent), or jogging. Some also play football.
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