The Spanish city of Barcelona sits on the Mediterranean coast, just a couple hours’ drive from the French border. More than 1.6 million people call it home, and it’s the capital city of Catalonia, an autonomous region that, lately, has been pushing for independence from Spain.
KPLU travel expert Matthew Brumley says it’s also worth your time as a vacation destination.
Things To Do
Art: “Barcelona was the center of one of the great art movements of the 20th century," Brumley said. "Dali, Picasso, Miro were based out of Barcelona," Brumley said.
The Fundacio Joan Miro holds an extensive collection of that artist's work. You can also visit museums dedicated to Pablo Picasso. The Salvador Dali museum will require a day trip to nearby Figueres.
Architecture: “They have some wonderful architecture, created mainly by their most famous architect Gaudi,” Brumley said. Stop by the Sagrada Familia, a soaring Roman Catholic basilica. It was designed by Gaudi, who died in 1926, yet it remains incomplete.
Food and wine: Fresh fish, including monkfish, is available here. And try tapas – little plates, famous in Spain.
Take a walk: “There’s a beautiful botanical garden and lots of parks, and then they have one of the most famous streets in all of Europe: La Rambla,” Brumley said.
It’s a pedestrian street running from the Christopher Columbus statue on the waterfront to the Plaza Catalonia. It’s lined with shops and markets, and it's a fine place to take a relaxed stroll.
Catalon Independence
Brumley says throughout Barcelona right now, you notice a lot of Catalan flags.
“In English and in Spanish, they say, ‘We want the vote,’” he said.
But Brumley says the desire for independence does not seem anti-Spanish.
“Not at all,” he said. “But many of them feel it’s time for their culture to be recognized and for them to have a greater degree of independence.” (Read more about Catalonia from NPR News)
Getting There
American Airlines takes you to Barcelona from New York City. Delta Airlines comes from Paris or Amsterdam. And Lufthansa will get you there from Frankfurt.
Cost
Expect big-city prices.
“If you go where the locals go, you can have tapas for not too much, but a hotel here is going to run you at least $150 a night,” Brumley said.
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"Going Places" is KPLU’s weekly exploration of travel, near and far. It’s co-hosted by Ed Ronco and travel expert Matthew Brumley, founder of Earthbound Expeditions, which guides tours for clients including KPLU.
