Barcelona is one of the most vibrant Mediterranean cities characterised by rich history, excellent art collections, bold architecture and delicious food.
Inevitable consequence of Barcelona's fame is a constant influx of tourists which keeps the prices high and the city crowded. It is nevertheless well worth to join the herd.
Gaudí's architectural masterpieces scattered all over Barcelona are probably some of the most creative buildings in the world. Art lovers will enjoy visiting museums with great collections of Picasso and Miro, La Rambla is probably one of the most vibrant Spanish boulevards and there are plenty of culinary delights to be enjoyed.
We visited Barcelona in April 2007 for short 5 days. Zigzagging through Gaudi's city, it occurred to us that not only it is scattered with impressive architecture, but it is also a true paradise for epicures!
After a pleasant stroll by the Port Vell, we sampled the world-famous seafood paella in one of the many seafood restaurants in Barceloneta; then joined the locals at tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter, where the waiters announced loudly the dishes' names when bringing them out from the kitchen. It's not just the cuisine, but the vibrant atmosphere that fascinated us.
A long wait at a stall in Mercat de la Boqueria was awarded with succulent seafood, so fresh that just grilling made them perfect. While people-watching on Plaça de Santa Maria del Mar, we enjoyed wines from Catalunya.
Around the corner of Plaça del Pi, we were plesantly surprised by Crema Catalana served in a tiny milk bar, made according to a 200 years old recipe, which was then washed down with an extra thick Granja (hot chocolate); and we couldn't resist pampering ourselves with sweet delights at Espai Sucre in Ciutat Vella, where each dessert was perfected with a glass of matching sweet wine.
The most satisfying discovery came when we made out way through the crowd near Plaça de Catalunya, and stumbled upon a hidden jewel – Planelles-Donat, a specialist in Turrones (Torrons), and like the locals who popped in after work, we couldn't get enough of Orxata (the friendly waiter taught us how to pronounced it correctly – Horchata), a refreshing chilled nut drink. So simple, yet so delicious!
There is never enough of good food, so while catching the last glimpse of La Ribera, we bought a few bottles of "Vi" (wine in Catalan), some heavenly Turron from Xixona (Jijona), some fine chocolate from Cacao Sampaka and of course, Serrano Jamon.