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Three places to visit in Barcelona
From beautiful cathedrals, stunning parks and great shopping Barcelona is a holiday destination that covers all bases, and with loads of cheap flights available online it makes a great destination for a long weekend.
Las Ramblas
Once you’re there, a good place to start exploring Barcelona is the central Las Ramblas, the main boulevard running through the centre of the city from Placa Catalunya in the north, to Port Vell (Old Port) in the south. Las Ramblas is an energetic and vibrant area, with a multitude of shops to browse and pavement cafes where you can relax, soak up the atmosphere grab a sangria and watch the live performances by street artists and human statues, or just watch the world go by. Along the boulevard are stings of market stalls, traditionally a flower and bird market, but where you can now found all sorts of trinkets, books and refreshments, or you can always get your portrait painted by a local artist. A word of caution, however, Las Ramblas and the surrounding areas have been known for pickpockets, so hold on to your bags or at least check out some travel insurance that covers mishaps like loss, damage and theft.
Catedral de la Santa Creu
From Las Ramblas, it’s just a short walk to the gothic district, Barrio Gótico. Its winding streets surround the cathedral, Catedral de la Santa Creu, which faces onto the Plaça de la Seu, which is the main square in the centre of this enchanting area. The façade of the Catedral de la Santa Creu is imposing, with its central spire sitting over the massive main doors. The interior of the cathedral is a welcome break from the heat and bustle of the city, but don’t forget to cover your shoulders or prepare to be reprimanded by the ever-watchful attendants. Inside, the cathedral is just as impressive, with 28 chapels coming off the central nave. You can also take a lift to the roof to get fine views across the city.
Park Guell
For a break from the bustle of the city centre, take a trip to the beautiful Park Guell, designed by Antoni Gaudi. The amazing architecture and stunning statues are nothing short of mesmerizing, from the dragon fountain at the entrance to the terrace at the top of the park with mosaic tiled seats, which arguably is the spot for the best views across Barcelona. Spend an afternoon wandering the park and discover Gaudi’s weird and wonderful structures, and climbing atop the rock-pillared walkway that seems to have pushed its way out of the land. The house where Gaudi himself once lived is now home to a small museum of other structures and furniture designed by the great architect.
Barcelona is a popular city break, and a top ten destination for places like Lastminute.com, who offer flights, or packages to the capital. At the time of writing there were weekend breaks on offer, from £286.20 upwards, with hotels and flights included.
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