I was in Beziers in the South of France, and on the map Barcelona was just centimetres away, I just had to go. A quick look and I discover a train journey along the coast will get me there – Barcelona here I come!
Barcelona has an allure, like many of the great cities of the Europe. For a New Zealander like me, it feels so old – it’s story going back hundreds of years. Barcelona was founded as a Roman City in the Middle Ages, and these days is the 7th most populous urban area in Europe. Some sources suggest that the city may have been named after the Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, who was supposed to have founded the city in the 3rd century BC.
Staying in the heart of the city is the best way to go, and hcc montblanc in Barcelona seems a good option – they have a chain of hotels in Cataluña, with six in Barcelona, so they are local which feels great.
Hcc Montblanc is in the Gothic district, close to Plaça de Catalunya – a three star hotel with free wifi and a welcome cocktail – sounds like my kind of place.
It is only a short walk to the La Rambla boulevard a wonderful tree lined boulevard popular with both tourists and locals – though watch out for the pickpockets.
I love walking around this city, exploring and in particular discovering Gaudi’s magnificent buildings. I stand in awe of this amazing architect – the apartment buildings, Park Güell and the incomparable cathedral Sagrada Familia.
If you are short of time, join a tour of Gaudi’s architecture in a comfortable coach avoiding entrance queues. They leave at 9am, so plan ahead.
The other thing I love about Barcelona is it’s focus on it’s own unique catalan culture and language. There is a strong sense of pride in Barcelona – pride in being Catalan, speaking the language, celebrating its history, from gardens celebrating poets to a huge statue of Christopher Columbus, to names on roads and plazas.
The pride is justified, this is a fantastic city to visit.
More Women Travel posts about Barcelona
Local Barcelona Guide – Clara Martin
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Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Barcelona
Barcelona is known for many things – the sunny weather, the architecture of Antoní Gaudí, La Rambla boulevard — the list goes on. As wonderful as those are, that’s not the Barcelona we’re going to talk about today. We’re going to tell you about all the best places you’ve never heard of for eating, drinking, […]
