The third station of our travel to Europe was Barcelona, entertaining city of Spain. Time is 1 hour back from Turkey in Spain. We arrived at Barcelona after about 2 hours flight from Treviso (Ryanair). Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 Euro was equal to approximately 2 Turkish Liras. Turkish citizens who have regular passports need a Schengen visa to enter Spain.
It was 01:00 when we arrived at Barcelona International Airport (BCN). We went to Catalunya Square (Plaça de Catalunya) from airport by bus. And then, we went to the hotel (Agora BCN).
Facing with a lively city even at this late hour, created the impression of Barcelona is a comfortable city. I admired roads of Barcelona which were straight like drawn with a ruler. When we look from one end, the other end wasn’t seen like endless.
Single ticket was 1.4 Euros in Barcelona. 10 tickets was 7.95 Euros and 2 people could use, as well as transfers in one hour and 15 minutes free. We also bought 10 tickets and used the subway for transportation.
Our Barcelona route:
1. day – 09.09.2010
In our first day in Barcelona, we walked on La Rambla which starts with Catalunya Square and ends with Columbus Monument (Monument a Colom).
This street was in 1.5 km in length and closed to vehicle traffic. It was very entertaining street with a variety of fruits, sweets, fish and meat products are sold by La Boqueria, people who were moving when threw money to the boxes in front of them, cafes, restaurants, flower shops, souvenir shops, painters. I think, no need say do not miss when you go to Barcelona 🙂
Then we continued to walk on the beach. After rainy weather of Sofia and cloudy weather of Venice; sunny weather of Barcelona has left us wonderful memories.
When we continued to walking on the beach, there was an interesting surrealist sculpture by Roy Lichtenstein (El Cap de Barcelona) on the left side.
There was Catalonia History Museum (Museu D’Història De Catalunya) on the right side.
2. day – 10.09.2010
In the second day our destination was Church of the Holy Family (Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia) which is a symbol of Barcelona. We got on L3 line, got off in Diagonal station and we walked to the church. Terrades House (Casa de les Punxes or Casa Terrades) on Diagonal Avenue designed by Josep Puig, we are not accustomed to seeing in reality was a building similar to fairy-tale castles.
Church of Saint Francis of Sales (Parroquia de Sant Francesc de Sales) has a interesting architecture, we saw it when going.
Church of the Holy Family has started to build in 1882 by Antoni Gaudi and construction is still ongoing. There was a lot of souvenir shops and salesmen selling souvenirs around the church. We also bought our souvenirs from here.
After seeing the church, we continued to walk in the Diagonal Avenue and 33-story Agbar Tower (Torre Agbar) was seen at the intersection of Marina Street.
“La Monumental” Arena is located on the Marina Street.
Then we arrived at Triumphal Arch (Arc de Triomf) passing through North Station (Estació del Nord).
We continued from the road passing under Triumphal Arch and arrived at Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella). There was a big lake in this park. Parliament of Catalonia (Parlament de Catalunya) also takes place in this park.
T4 tramway line going through near the park.
We had lunch after visiting the park and went to the beach (La Barcelonata). The sea was so beautiful, the sound of waves didn’t left my ears for a long time after the holiday.
After taking photos at night from the beach, our trip had ended for that day.
3. day – 11.09.2010
We visited Park Güell in our third day. Firstly we saw Gaudi’s House (Casa Museu Gaudí) which transformed into museum because we entered to park from back side.
We reached Gaudi’s mosaic works saying houses like cake. They were worth to see with their vivid colors, different architecture. The songs we listen to the beautiful sounds of the street musicians had made it even more fun here.
After visiting this wonderful park, it was time to visit Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). It was fascinting with narrow streets, the most magnificent cathedral of Barcelona built in gothic architectural style, building from Middle Ages. There were people earning money by making big foam bubbles at the behind of the cathedral.
Then we went to Montjuic Hill (Parc de Montjuïc) by cable car, and vitited park and the castle (Castell de Montjuïc), we watched the wonderful view of Barcelona. When we went to the National Art Museum (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya), it was dark . At 21:00 water and light show with music began in the pool in front of the museum. After watching this show, we went to Spanish Square (Plaça d’Espanya) passing in front of the museum. Lightened image of the museum from the square was great. Thus, our trip ended today and we went to the hotel.
4. day – 12.09.2010
In the forth day, we went to La Rambla again. And then, we wnet to Montjuic Hill; we saw Olympic Stadium (Estadi Olimpic), Montjuic Communications Tower (Torre de Comunicacions de Montjuïc), the Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol), theatre (Teatre Lliure) and museums.
Then again, watched the water and light show with music in front of the National Art Museum.
5. day – 13.09.2010
Last day we went to sea after seeing Mila House (La Pedrera or Casa Milà) and Batllo House (Casa Batlló) on the Gracia Street (Passeig de Gràcia).
Then we walked around La Rambla and ate fruit in La Boqueria again.
Thus, our Barcelona tour ended. I certainly recommend you to see this warm-hearted, full of life, lively Mediterranean city. It was one of the most I liked cities and I can think of to live 🙂