“The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, is one of the most popular travel destinations. It is characterized by well-kept beaches, green areas, a rich history, a lot of entertainment and authentic cuisine, so every traveler will find activities here according to their needs”, says Inga Aukštuolytė, head of the Public Relations and Marketing Department of Tez Tour, in a press release.
She is seconded by Aurelija Bruzdeilinaitė, who has been working as a guide in Barcelona for fourteen years.
“Barcelona is full of lightness, freedom, carelessness. Its versatility gives you the opportunity to relax, enjoy life and discover every secret, taste, and color of the city. This is a city that inspires,” says A. Bruzdeilinaitė.
Discover non-touristy places
When going to Barcelona, it is recommended to visit the lesser known places of the city. This will help you avoid the heavy traffic of tourists and experience an authentic lifestyle.
“Barcelona is like an endless open-air museum. However, it is worth visiting here not only the most famous objects, such as Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, but also non-touristy places. It is they that reveal the unique character of the city”, says I. Aukštuolytė.
Guide A. Bruzdeilinaitė has four recommendations for those who want to see a different face of the Catalan capital.
1. Mount Montjuic. Here you can find the National Art and Miro Museum of Catalonia and other notable cultural sites. The Montjuic mountain is characterized by impressive nature. A walk in the botanical garden allows you to see the panoramic view of Barcelona from the mountain.
Photo by Pexels.com / Mount Montjuic
2. St. Paul’s Hospital. The hospital building complex is one of the most outstanding architectural monuments in Barcelona and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The facades of the buildings are dominated by ceramics and gold-colored details, while the interior is decorated with various works of painting and sculpture.
Photo by Pexels.com / St. Paul’s Hospital
3. House of Vicens. This building is one of the early examples of the work of the Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. The house is famous for its bright colors, interesting geometric patterns and elements of various cultures such as Moorish and Asian. The object is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the most important works of A. Gaudi.
Photo by Pexels.com / House of Vicens
4. Museum of Forbidden Art. This is a museum of contemporary art, where works from the 20th century are exhibited. works of art created by the beginning. In the museum you will find many works of painting, sculpture, photography and video art, and you will also see a performance. It got the name of the Museum of Forbidden Art for a reason – here you can find many exhibits that were once removed from exhibitions due to censorship, criticism and public dissatisfaction.
Day trips from Barcelona
Barcelona is strategically located, allowing you to quickly reach other important sites in Catalonia.
“If you’re on holiday in Barcelona for a week or more, it’s definitely worth taking the opportunity to book an excursion for a day or even a few days around the area. Located between mountains, seaside and historical towns, the Catalonia region allows you to experience all the charm of the region”, advises I. Aukštuolytė.
A. Bruzdeilinaitė and I. Aukštuolytė share recommendations on what is worth seeing in the city’s surroundings.
1. Montserrat Monastery. The Benedictine monastery, located on the Holy Mountain of Montserrat, is visited by thousands of pilgrims and pilgrims from all over the world every year. Bowing to the famous wooden statue of the Black Madonna here is believed to grant your innermost wishes. There is also a wonderful landscape that can be seen by walking along the footpaths or by taking the cable car to St. Jeronimo peak.
Photo by Pexels.com / Montserrat Monastery
2. Girona. A charming Catalan city located north of Barcelona. Walking around Girona’s picturesque architectural buildings, towers, the Bishop’s Palace and the Medieval Cathedral leave an indelible impression on history buffs. In this city you will also find the best-preserved Jewish quarter in Europe, which still breathes the spirit of the Middle Ages.
3. Figueres. This is the birthplace of the famous Surrealist Salvador Dali. Therefore, when you come here, you must visit his house and museum. Even from afar, huge white eggs decorating the roof and buns stuck on the walls attract attention. It is true that you will also see his drawings there, but the sculptures and installations make you go crazy!
Vida Press photo. / Salvador Dali
4. Tossa de Mar. One of the most picturesque towns on the Costa Brava, bordered by a rugged rocky coastline, secluded coves that attract dreamers, romantics and underwater explorers. The most famous national monument of Catalonia – the Vila Velha fortress – stands on the beach.
5. Kadakes. A picturesque coastal fishing town, distinguished by the blue shutters of its whitewashed houses. Kadakės is known for its bohemian atmosphere, which has inspired many artists.
Local flavors of Catalonia
What could be better than after a long, exciting day, sitting on the cozy terrace of a cafe and enjoying local cuisine? A. Bruzdeilinaitė says that Catalan cuisine will delight everyone’s palate.
“Traditional Catalan cuisine is diverse and rich, with its own unique flavors and traditions. The local cuisine stands out for its simplicity and freshness, so during your stay you can enjoy not only fresh seafood such as fish, shrimp, squid, but also delicious pork, veal and mushroom dishes,” says the guide.
Catalan cuisine will delight everyone’s palate.
Traditional dishes include pork sausages served with white beans stewed in lard (cat. botifarra amb mongetes), stewed vegetables or chickpeas with intestines and blood sausage (cat. tripping), pig’s feet stewed with hot peppers (cat. peus de porc amb bitxo) and long stewed pork or veal cheeks (cat. pit danec).
Catalan cuisine is particularly fond of using butter and olive oil. One of the most popular snacks in the region is a slice of white bread rubbed with garlic, spread with tomato sauce and sprinkled with olive oil (cat. pa amb tomaquet).
Those with a sweet tooth should try the regional desserts. Custard pudding is considered the national dessert of Catalonia (cat. crema catalana), reminiscent of a French crème brûlée with a caramel crust. It is worth trying the dessert of cottage cheese served with honey (cat. I see) and sweet rice porridge with cinnamon (cat. arros amb llet).
