Barcelona is a port city. It does not mean that you have to walk along the beach. There is one interesting feature of the city designing: the houses are built in form of squares. The inner space of the houses is not available for public. This is patio to have rest there. The public zones – streets, parks, squares – are full of people. Summer is time when Barcelona welcomes the crowds of tourists. It is better to hire a car in Barcelona and make your journey more comfortable in the new city. One way or another, you will contact to the city atmosphere, friendly and beautiful.
Pay attention to city building aspect. The central part of Barcelona (the Old City) is Gothico and Raval districts. The streets are very narrow there. So, it is better to leave your car in the parking place. It is important.
Passeig del Born
It is accepted that the district of Born, situated on the North-East from Gothic, welcomes the city creative bohemians – architects, designers, musicians, photographers, art directors of bars and night clubs. If you go along the streets, you can find the big number of shops of design clothes and accessories. The prices and the quality of goods are high. You can also go to the retro-souvenirs shop IVO & Co and next door showroom-museum of VITRA furniture company. The sunny weather welcomes to sit in the cozy cafe Sandwich & Friends or just on the bench of Passeig del Born close to Santa Maria del Mar.
Placa dels Angels
The Placa dels Angels is epicenter of street life in the region of Raval. This is the good example what the culture of local communities is able to do with the district atmosphere. This is the meeting place for skaters, freestylers and graffito masters. Of course, the street artists are limited now: the most of street walls are under the government protection.
The bright and meaningful object in the square is MACBA museum. This is the modern building with interesting expositions, perfect design of exhibition halls and book shop on the first floor. There is also a platform for music festivals and concerts. The central office of FAD (design community) is situated just opposite the museum. The square is decorated with pleasant cafes Pla dels Angels, Fragil, Original.
Placa Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia
The square Catalunya is the best commercial center of the city.
Caixa Forum
This platform is situated far from the center. It was a factory building many years ago. And this is a dynamic platform for many cultural events in the city. The exhibition of the most of local artists took place here. This is also a platform for numerous musical, literary and multi media events, lections, concerts. The media set includes bright samples of cinema history, music, modern video arts and social projects.
Placa Espana, Fira de Barcelona and The Barcelona Pavillion
The square of Spain (Placa Espana) occupies a big territory on the bottom of the hill. The complex Fira de Barcelona was built in 1929 to conduct international exhibitions. This is still important place for Catalonian and Spanish industry. More than 80 exhibitions are held there every year. For example, the colorful and interesting trade show Bread & Butter was also conducted here. What is more, summer time welcomes tourists with singing fountains and open air parties.
The important part of complex is best visiting pavilion that was built by Mies van de Rohe architect. The concept of it is minimalistic design. To learn the territory, you have to be patience for going up and down – for example, you have to spend many efforts to get to the swimming pool upstairs. You can get to the hill of Montjuïc and Parc de Joan Miro.
Muelle Adosado de Barcelona (Moll Adosat) and Port Olimpic
Coming back to the sea, there are two main walking areas: the Central Port of Barcelona Moll Adosat and Olympic Port – the port that was built specially for Olympic events. Anyway, this is the image place for the city, where the private yachts are parked. There are also many bars and restaurants. You can find many public beaches. You should not spend your time there but go to the East – the water is clean and the beach is more comfortable. Never forget to visit beach cafes that are usually called chiringuito.
Parc del Forum
The region Diagonal Mar and the best visiting zone Parc de Forum starts where the city beach zone ends. What is so special in this territory? It is difficult to say: the building was constructed in 2004. It was a platform for cultural meetings, forums. The territory was renewed with useful details: benches, lights, public beach territory and yacht harbor. This is a platform for big music festivals now. The Primavera Sound is worth your visiting!
Parc Central del Poblenou
The parks in Barcelona are very popular form of public relations. You can write about parks for a long time. It is better to see. Pay attention to another popular park place, occupies about 55 000 square meters. The main park criteria are ecology and friendly atmosphere. It is attractive any time and any season, full of plants and architectural elements. There is a complex system of plants and trees to give them good water support. The visitors are welcomed with shady corners, comfortable benches and accurate pathways.
Finally, if you have learned many interesting things in the city by walking, you should take your car and go far from the city in the pleasant company. You can spend a day on the beach far from the city noise. This is your chance to learn a real Spanish life, quiet and relaxed. You should go to Figueres to visit interesting touristic museum there named by Salvador Dali. Then, you can go further to Cabo de Creus to visit the tastiest fish restaurant Cap De Creus. Thus, the city design is attractive and full of historic facts and memories.