Sunday, February 17, 2013

travel tips [spain with jessica comingore, part two]

After traveling through France with friends, Jiwan and I began our Spanish journey in Barcelona, capital of Catalonia. I was amazed by Gaudi's distinctive architecture, Pablo Picasso's history from his life there and the lobster risotto which was out of this world.
Following on from Jessica Comingore's travel tips for Madrid, here are her recommendations for Barcelona.

BARCELONA
 
See
1. MACBA - Contemporary art heaven in a building designed by Richard Meyer — need I say more? Make sure to pop in to the gift shop to pick up a few obscure art books.
2. Museu Picasso  - This place gets crowded on the weekends, but it's well worth the wait. It houses Picasso's works from age 18 to his passing and witnessing the progression is incredibly inspiring.
3. La Sagrada Familia - Grab a seat, look up and let your jaw drop. Like nothing I've ever seen.



Eat
1. 4Gats - I grabbed a table for one at this restaurant after my visit to Museu Picasso as I heard this was his favorite hangout when he lived in Barcelona. Sit back with a glass of wine and their lobster risotto, and let the afternoon linger.
2. La Boqueria - The energy you feel walking in to this market is quintessential Spain. It's in the more touristy area of Barcelona, La Rambla de Sant Josep, so make sure to hang tight to your belongings.
3. Woki Organic Market - Perhaps not the most authentic Spanish cuisine, but this market had great branding (as did many of the restaurants in Barcelona) and was an interesting restaurant/market hybrid, carrying cuisine from all over the globe.





Visit/Shop
1. Ese Ese - Women in Spain always look incredibly chic and completely effortless at the same time, and this boutique very much captures that vibe.
2. Mercat Gotic - Every Thursday a few tables are set up in the Gothic Quarter for vendors to sell their antique wares. Old cameras, silverware, artwork, you name it.
3. Port Vell - A walk along the marina at dusk is beautiful.


Our next stop is Granada, which I cannot wait to share with you! 

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