By Olympic Port
Built for 1992 Olympics, the Olympic Port Barcelona is an attractive marina opposite the Olympic Village, between the beaches of Somorrostro, formerly the part of La Barceloneta and Nova Icaria. The Olympic Port of Barcelona is one of the most famous marinas on the Mediterranean coast and it is also one of the main tourist city.
There are many attractions in Olympic Port. The port is an ideal spot to enjoy both day and night as it is full of restaurants, terraces, entertainment, pubs, nightclubs and shopping areas, in addition to several beaches nearby.
One of the most representative symbols of the Olympic Port are the two huge towers located by the sea the Hotel Arts and the Mapfre Tower.
The Olympic Port of Barcelona also has the Marina Village shopping area, a modern shopping mall with dozens of shops filled with clothing brands and some restaurants.
Montjüic
It has been used since ancient times as a military outpost, the Mountain of Montjüic is the only major lift in Barcelona apart from Tibidabo. The work done for the Universal Exhibition of 1929 and 1992 Olympics have made Montjüic a very interesting area to visit.
There are many places to see in Montjüic. Montjuic Mountain is an excellent vantage point to view the city and it is full of sights, some of the highlights are as follows;
Magic Fountain
Located between Plaza de Spain and the impressive building of National Museum of Catalan Art, Magic Fountain of Montjuic is the setting for a spectacular light and water; having been in operations for more than 80 years, it still amazes the visitors.
Poble Espanyol
Designed for the International Exhibition of 1929, it represents the great accuracy of the most beautiful parts of some towns of the Spanish geography.
Montjuic Olympic Ring
Constructed for the Olympic Games in 1992, the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, the Palau Sant Jordi, the Bernat Picornell Pools and the peculiar Telecommunication Tower Calatrava are the striking parts of the Olympic ring.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Located in an impressive building, the museum includes all forms of art and includes a broad historical period. It is really worth watching.
Joan Miró Foundation
This space presents the works of Miró and aims to promote knowledge and dissemination of contemporary art.
Botanical Garden
With more than 2,000 species of plants, this garden located in the former municipal landfill today shows a surprising beauty.
I’m not from Barcelona, I’m from Gracia, some people still say so who inhabit in this unique neighborhood. And it is that before joining Barcelona, Gracia was born as a nation at the crossroads of two Roman roads, one from Gaul (Travessera de Gràcia) and another linking Barcelona with San Cugat (Paseo de Gracia and Gran de Gràcia). Until the late nineteenth century, the neighborhood of Gracia was an independent community that was known for being closed and a marked radicalism, given its great revolutionary activity. In fact, its streets and squares realized anarchist and labor movements that appeared throughout the century.
Today, Gracia district owns a bohemian spirit, where a cluster of people around the world, artists and families with a tradition of centuries live. A place that is within the city, but gives the impression of being in a small Catalan town, away from the bustle of downtown and the throngs of tourists that always surround the major attractions in Barcelona.
I recommend that you visit Park Guell and go to Gracia to stroll through the narrow streets, take something in one of its squares or have a special dinner at one of its renowned restaurants.
After visiting Park Guell, you can go to the hill to Carrer de Gran Gracia, which is the extension of Paseo de Gracia. On the Carolines Street, 24, you will find an excellent example of Modernist architecture known as Casa Vicens. It is not open to the public, however, it is worth appreciating for its colorful summer house Manuel Vicens, a manufacturer of ceramic tiles, which can be seen on the facade, fully covered by these materials.
When you cross the Gran de Gracia Street and turn right onto Menendez Pelayo, it will take you to Placa del Sol arriving through the narrow streets full of alternative boutiques, bookstores, etc.
When you are in Placa del Sol, choose a terrace for coffee. If you are a little hungry, I recommend you to have Sol Soler, a restaurant with wooden tables, good atmosphere and tapas at affordable rates.
Continue through Travessera de Gràcia to the neighborhood’s main square, Placa de la Vila de Gràcia where the local market is situated. It is worth having a look at the clock tower, built in 1864.
To reach the end of the route, go down by Gran Gracia to reach Casa Fuster. Completed in 1911, it was the last modernist building designed in Barcelona. From this point, you are two blocks from Diagonal Metro Station on Diagonal Avenue.
