by Peejaydee

Created on: January 30, 2009

Barcelona is a beautiful city, whether you're in the Barri Gotic, the Ramblas, the Placa Catalunya or even taking a tour of the Nou Camp. There are so many things to see and do even before you've started with the shopping!
Having been there quite a few times now, I have a few personal favourites. High on the list is the Nou Camp stadium, home to the world famous Barcelona football team. This is truly one of the most impressive stadia in Europe and you can take the tour of the stadium and museum for a bargain price. The tour starts in the museum and moves into the main body of the stadium, including the away dressing room and down the tunnel onto the touchline and dugouts. It's an incredible feeling walking down the tunnel imagining the footballing greats that have taken that walk both in the past and the present. You even get to the press box, high up in the main stand. The view of the pitch and the surrounding seating towering above you is truly incredible.

That said, my favourite place in the city is much quieter and much more serene. I like to go to Parc Guell, in the north of the city. For those that don't know, the park has a great many buildings and public areas designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi. Those familiar with Gaudi will be aware of other attractions in Barcelona like the Sagrada Familia, the Casa Mila and the Casa Batlo for their outstanding beauty and extraordinary design style, but Gaudi was also commissioned to design for public spaces such as the Parc Guell.

The entrance to the park is flanked by two fantastic buildings with intricate detailing and ceramic covered turrets, leading you through the gate to a dual staircase guarded by his famous brightly coloured mozaic lizard. This feature is truly fantastic and is always a draw for visitors looking to have their photograph taken.

High above the staircase is a column-supported public area, surrounded with tiled bench seating, offering a fantastic view across the cityscape. The park is built on a hill, steep in places, but is excellent for walking. A brisk walk to the highest part of the park will bring you to a monument and viewpoint, which, once climbed, will give you an even more spectacular view of the city and out to the Mediterranean Sea.

To get there, a taxi from the city centre is sensible. You can walk but it will take a while. Alternatively the underground is excellent in Barcelona although you will still need to pound some shoe leather to get there as there doesn't seem to be a station particularly close to the entrance. Don't let this put you off though, it's worth effort and you'll want to go back - I guarantee.

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