Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Barcelona, Spain

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Nighttime Barcelona SpainPositioned on the northeast stretch of Mediterranean coastline, Barcelona, the grand capital city of Catalonia, is one of the most dynamic and spirited cities in Europe.

Graced by the countless architectural marvels of Antonio Gaudi, and home to museums showcasing world-class collections by masters Picasso and Miro, the city shines for both its history and cultural merit.

Barcelona also boasts a high-energy nightlife, with options ranging from laid-back tapas bars to discos that rage into the early-morning hours. Just take a peek into where the locals go, and you’ll have a truly authentic Barcelona experience.

THE SPORTING LIFE

Barcelona was the site of the 1992 Olympic Games, and today the state-of-the-art facilities are open to the public. These include a series of competition sites with complexes designed by Federico Correa, Joan Margarit, Alfonso Milà and Carles Buixadé. Montjuïc’s Olympic Ring, the Olympic Stadium or Estadi Olímpic now houses an exhibit on Barcelona’s Olympics. The Palau Sant Jordi seats an audience of up to 17,000 fans, and the Picornell swimming pools are currently open to the public. Jump into lane 5, and retrace the strokes of the stars of the 1992 games. Rambla Raval, Barcelona 08038, 93 285 3834.

Nou Camp StadiumIf you hit it right, you might be lucky enough to join the crowd of up to 98,000 screaming fans who charge into Camp Nou stadium to catch a home fútbol game (we call it soccer), starring the home team FC Barcelona. It is also possible to tour the stadium, sport complex or on-site museum. For tickets, call 98 496 36 08, or visit the stadium ticket office at Aristides Maillol, Les Corts. www.fcbarcelona.com

Located just outside the city center, Parc Guell offers a much-needed break from Barcelona’s industrial character. Designed and innovated by Gaudi, this inspired park is backed by a forested area and is spread over a series of hills overlooking the city. It contains an explosion of expressive colors, shapes, forms and mosaics that make the park a memorable place for a jog or afternoon stroll.

If it’s extreme adventure sports you’re after, you can get your thrill at various “aero clubs” in and around the city that offer courses in skydiving and paragliding. Located on the outskirts of the city, the Freefall Company serves many drop zones around Barcelona, as well as hosts various international competitions. Sector Aerodrome, Empuriabrava/Girona, 972 45 45 63.

THE CULINARY TRAVELER

Start your day with a stroll through Barcelona’s famous market, La Boqueria. Though not exactly off the brochure (it can get overcrowded and often overwhelming during the mid-day rush), head out first thing in the morning to avoid the hordes of tourists, and check out the pristine displays of produce, sweets and snacks from local vendors. The impregnable walls made up of vast selections of gummy, sugary candies from sweet vendors are a marvel not to be missed. Plaça de la Boqueria, www.boqueria.info

Offering one of the most distinguished tapas bars in Barcelona, Quimet & Quimet is a gem. The small plates are innovative and varied, but it is the vast cheese selection that makes this spot a culinary standout. Poble Sec & Montjuic, 93 442 31 42.

The Raval neighborhood used to be a rough one, but has since evolved into a hot spot with an international flare offering excellent choices of Mediterranean cuisine. A local favorite is Bismilla Kebabish, arguably serving the best kebabs in Barcelona to crowds of loyal customers. Joquim Costa 22.

La Paradeta Barcelona For seafood, you can’t get any closer to the source than La Paradeta, located just behind the old Born Market (Mercat del Born). A short wait should always be expected at this fish-market style eatery, but your time will be well worth it when you are rewarded with the freshest seafood in town.

Choose your delicacy from the display, pay for it by the weight, and then sit back as it is prepared and then served to you on large platters. Comercial 7, 93 268 19 39.

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

About 1 km north of central Barcelona lies the neighborhood of Gracia. Originally built as its own village, it only became part of the Barcelona metropolis when L’Eixample was built in the late 19th century. Thus, it developed its own unique Bohemian flavor, characterized by quaint, narrow streets, and remained somewhat untouched by the waves of tourists frequenting the more-central regions of the city. Today, the distinctly Catalan area is home to a large student population, and is chock full of bars, cafes and plazas, which give it a lively, social atmosphere.

Gaudi BuildingThe Plaza de Sol, the neighborhood’s most-famous plaza is the place to botellon, or hang out, and watch the world go by. Pop into Casa Quimet, the “guitar bar,” where the more than 200 guitars hanging from the ceiling have inspired visiting musicians for years. In the summer months, don’t miss Les Festes de Gracia, crazy festivals located in the Plaza de Rius I Taulet. Rambla de Prat 9

Gelato isn’t just an Italian delicacy–or at least one that’s only available in Italy. On a hot day, there are few things more refreshing than to grab a scoop of gelato and take a seat on the plaza for some prime-time people watching. Gelateria Italiana, run by a friendly Italian mother-daughter team, is located on a bustling plaza at the end of Verdi Street, and has won numerous awards for its delicious, naturally flavored icy treats. Plaça de la Revolució, 1 Barcelona, 08012

Calle Verdi itself is a food lover’s paradise. A long stretch lined with an eclectic blend of restaurants specializes in everything from Italian, to Mediterranean, to authentic Spanish and Catalan cuisine, and on this street there is truly something to please everyone. Amrit is your place for the finest Syrian specialties, including roast lamb, hummus, shawarma and fresh salads. Verdi 18, Gracia, 93 217 65 50.

For a special dinner, look no further than Tasca I Vins. Located beyond the usual tourist zone, its mix of typically Catalan cuisine and dazzling sangria make it a local favorite. Specialties include botifarra, a traditional Catalan sausage, and dish of bread with tomato called pa amb tomaquet, as well as Spanish classics, such as tortilla and a large selection of cured ham. Avinguda del Marques de l’Argentera 13, 933 105 008

BARCELONA MUSEUMS

Barcelona may have made its name from the work of its legendary masters, but it has upheld that tradition with the continued work of rising greats. Fundacio Tapies houses the most comprehensive collection of work by Antoni Tapies, Catalunya’s most famous contemporary artist. Here, more than 300 pieces are displayed throughout a pleasant, modernist structure. C. Arago 255

Perfume Bottles museumIs it that whiff of a familiar scent that causes you to recall your most-treasured memories? The joy of fragrance is celebrated at the Museu del Perfum, Barcelona’s perfume museum. This unique museum showcases the evolution of vessels used to contain the finest scents throughout the ages. Paseo de Gracia 39. www.museudelperfum.com

Your stomach won’t forgive you if you miss Barcelona’s Chocolate Museum, the Museu de la Xocolata. This museum is the first of its kind in Catalunya, and is especially good for young visitors, offering courses and children’s workshops with such titles as “Chocolate’s Artists” and “The Root of the Discovery of the Cacao.” Comerc 36, 93 268 78 78, www.pastisseria.com/en/PortadaMuseu

The Textile and Costume Museum of Barcelona follows the evolution of textile art through 1500 years of history. Highlights of the collection include some of the finest historic pieces, from the Baroque through 20th century, donated in the 1960s by collector Manuel Rocamora, and more recent pieces have been donated by Spanish designer Christobal Balenciaga from his own collections. C. Montcada 12, 93 310 45 16

SPANISH BAR HOPPING

La Ovella Negra, located just off Las Ramblas, is a great place to kick off the night. Popular and always crowded, it offers a selection of beer and sangria by the pitcher and is a great place to socialize with other visitors and locals alike. C. de las Sitges 5, 08003, 93 317 10 87, www.ovellanegra.com/en/home/home.asp

Mmmmm, tapasEl Gato Negro, part of the Chupitos chain, is another atmospheric option. Tempting patrons with an unmatched selection of more than 150 drinks by such names as “Crem de la Crem” and “Chupitazo,” the bar menu alone will keep you entertained for most of the night. Whether you choose a flaming shot or dazzling drink paired with a prop, each is only 1.50 euro, which makes this an affordable destination for a night out. www.espitchupitos.com

Bar Tomas in the Sarria neighborhood is a solid bet, where countless groups of well-known musicians have often been inspired to launch into impromptu performances at the end of a good night. Don’t leave without sampling their famous patates amb allioli (potatoes with garlic and olive oil), washed down by an ice-cold beer. Major de Sarria 49, 93 203 1077.

Tiny La Champanyeria, tucked away in the pretty, beachside neighborhood of Barceloneta, is beloved by locals but largely undiscovered by visitors to the city. This hole-in-the-wall usually has standing room only, with regulars lined up for their chance to enjoy a glass of wine or cava paired with an assortment of tapas or delicious bocadillos (little sandwiches). Carrer de la Reina Cristina 7, 08003, 93 310 08 39, www.canpaixano.com/en/

BEACH DAYS

For a beachside getaway, hop on the train for a short 40-minute trip south to the town of Sitges. Known for its stretch of unspoiled coastline, here you will have your choice from 17 beautiful sandy beaches. This makes Sitges the perfect venue for sporting events, such as the half marathon, Spanish beach volleyball championship, beach rugby and other competitions and events that take place annually.

By Alix Proceviat for PeterGreenberg.com.

Correspondent Alix Proceviat’s got Europe covered. Check out her other articles on PeterGreenberg.com:

Get more destination ideas by checking out our entire Off the Brochure Travel Guide series.

And if you’re headed to Spain, you won’t want to miss the Off the Brochure Travel Guide to Madrid, Spain.