The famous attractions of Barcelona are well known. My three personal favourites are: the interior of the church of Santa Maria del Mar in the Barri Gotic. It’s stunningly beautiful, the simple lines and soaring light appealing to our contemporary aesthetic values. I was lucky enough to visit when a family wedding was in progress – moving and exhilarating.
Secondly, I recommend wandering the quiet residential streets of the Eixample. The Time Out guide to Barcelona is a comprehensive, informed, up-to-date view of all aspects of the city, and contains useful maps. It also gives directions for a walking tour that points out some of the wonderful, eccentric details of the Modernista architecture. Soon you’ll find yourself looking at buildings differently.
Finally, when you find yourself flagging after miles of ambling the streets, seek out a granissats (I think that’s what they’re called!) – a long cool drink of intense fruit poured through crushed ice. Heaven in the heat!
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Author: Douglas Schatz
Douglas Schatz worked at Stanfords for more than 20 years, and was the company’s managing director until April 2009. He is now pursuing several exciting ideas in the world of books and digital publishing.