Top Travel Tips, Ideas and Inspiration Barcelona, Spain

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Showing 32/32 Inspirations for Barcelona, Spain

EDITOR PICKIt's Hard to Beat Barcelona10/24/2024 : Are you dreaming about a trip to Barcelona, Spain? TV host and travel expert Samantha Brown shares her favorites, from the Picasso Museum to Guell Park and more.

VideoBarcelona, Spain

EDITOR PICKDiscover 2 Great Road Trip Routes through Spain: History, Culture and AdventureAAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims09/23/2024 : Experience scenic landscapes and rich cultural exchanges when traveling in Spain by car, with two great drives, the Ruta Vía de la Plata and The Grand Tour of Catalonia.

EDITOR PICKBest Places to Visit in Europe in 2024Michelle Palmer03/12/2024 : Explore the best places to visit in Europe , from Rome's ancient allure to Barcelona's vibrant streets, uncover the top spots for your next adventure.

EDITOR PICKYour Guide for the Best Mediterranean CruisesMichelle Palmer02/22/2024 : Plan the best Mediterranean cruise tailored to your style and budget. Visit ports like Rome and Barcelona, learn about the cruise lines and best times to sail.

ARTICLE6 Must-Visit LGBTQ-Friendly International Travel Destinations AAA Travel Editor, CW08/02/2023 : Planning your next getaway? Explore these 6 international havens that celebrate diversity, offering LGBTQ travelers a warm embrace and unforgettable escapades.

EDITOR PICKHow to Experience the Best of Barcelona on a BudgetAAA Travel Editors04/05/2023 : Discover the best affordable accommodations, restaurants and activities to enjoy in Barcelona.

ARTICLEAbout Barcelona Like many other cities in the Mediterranean, Barcelona was founded by the Romans. The original settlement, called Barcino, was a small port located in the same spot as today's cathedral. The town was overshadowed by Tarragona, the capital of the province. Both the Visigoths and the Moors invaded Barcelona; however, their influence was not as important to the future of the city as the arrival of the Franks in the late 9th century. It was at that point that Barcelona and Catalonia started shaping their own identity, different from the rest of Spain. This is most apparent in the language – Spanish, or Castilian, has many Arabic words, while Catalan has many French words instead. So Catalan is not a Spanish dialect, but a language in its own right, related to other Romance languages. Barcelona's history is seen everywhere in the city. The oldest areas are located by the sea, including the shopping enclave Barri Gotic. On the other side of the main boulevard, La Rambla, lies the legendary Raval district. Until the 1980s, this was the slum area, home to the city's own Chinatown (Barrio Chino) and the red light district. Today, designer shops and cafés have moved in. Further north is the fashionable Eixample neighbourhood, an area created as a result of the 19th-century expansion of the city. Download our free, in-depth pdf guide for up-to-date tourist and general information on Barcelona, including the best places to stay, where to eat, drink, and party, as well as main attractions and must-have experiences in the Catalonian capital.

ARTICLETop 10 for Architecture Lovers Barcelona is known for its rich architectural heritage and is home to some of the most iconic and innovative buildings in the world. The architecture of Barcelona is special for a number of reasons, including its unique blend of historical and modern styles, its use of light and colour, and its emphasis on functionality and innovation. One of the most notable architectural movements in Barcelona is the Art Nouveau style, also known as the Catalan modernism or modernism, which was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This style is characterized by its use of organic forms, intricate decoration, and bold use of colour and light. The most famous examples of this style in Barcelona include the works of Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera and Park Güell. In addition to the Art Nouveau style, Barcelona is known for its modernist architecture, which emerged in the 20th century and was characterized by the use of new materials and techniques, as well as a focus on functionality and simplicity. These buildings, such as the former Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Norman Foster's Torre de Collserola and Calatrava's Torre Telefónica, are considered to be some of the most innovative and influential works of modern architecture.

ARTICLEThings to Do in Barcelona Barcelona's impressive range of sights caters to all tastes – whether you're an architect, a designer, a football fan, a historian, or even a city planner – there is something for everyone in the most self-assured city on the Mediterranean. You can start your day by losing yourself in the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, then take a stroll on La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia, and why not enjoy the Meditteranean sun in one of the city's many stunning beaches? Just be sure to visit some of Gaudí's masterpieces, including La Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and the mesmerizing Park Güell.

ARTICLEDining The easiest thing is to divide Barcelona's overwhelming range of restaurants into two categories: the new and the old. Some of the world's most modern restaurants, managed by the world's most innovative chefs (the most famous is Ferrán Adrià) can be found here, but there is also traditional Catalonian cuisine, which, despite being heavy on occasion, includes very good vegetable dishes: samfaina, a kind of ratatouille; escalivada, grilled, peeled peppers, aubergines, and onions; espinacs a la Catalana, spinach fried with garlic, pine nuts, and raisins, among others. Best known is the simple rustic pa amb tomàquet: a slice of bread with olive oil, salt, and freshly crushed tomatoes. "The new ones" in particular may be expensive, but many of the best-known chefs' apprentices have now opened their own lower-priced restaurants. Generally speaking, "the old ones" provide better value for money, although even the traditional restaurants know how to charge. You should always reserve a table in Barcelona, and dinner here is not served until 9 pm.

ARTICLECafes Barcelona's café culture is half Italian and comes with its own set of simple rules: café con leche (cafè amb llet in Catalan) is for breakfast, preferably with a croissant; mid-day, especially after a meal, the locals have an espresso, café solo (un cafè) or a cortado (un tallat), which is an espresso with milk (café Americano is what some would call watered-down versions of the two first coffees); in the afternoon, or after dinner, order a café solo corto, a strong espresso, or a carajillo — a café solo with Spanish brandy. And since you are in Barcelona, you cannot leave the city without having some crispy churros with a hearty cup of hot chocolate.

ARTICLEBarcelona Nightlife Barcelona stays awake while the rest of Europe sleeps. Nightlife starts late, preferably at a bar. Catalans believe it’s smart to eat while drinking, so most bars also serve tapas. Barcelona’s trendy nightlife is constantly changing, so the best advice is to ask around for the latest and greatest places.

ARTICLEShopping in Barcelona Shopping in Barcelona offers lots of interesting browsing. Unusual shops can be found in most parts of the city, but those who want to be efficient should focus on Plaça Catalunya and the Gothic Quarter. This last one offers plenty of shopping opportunities throughout its maze of medieval streets – souvenirs, clothing, shoes, quirky shops, and everything you can think of, you will find here. For those into high-end fashion, head to Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona's version of the Champs-Élysées. Shopping malls abound around Barcelona, El Triangle and Maremagnum are the most popular ones among tourists due to their central location. The gigantic department store El Corte Inglés is located at Plaça Catalunya. Come here for the wares, but also for the people-watching.

ARTICLEBarcelona Travel

EDITOR PICKHow to Choose a Cruise Line for the Perfect Trip in 2025AAA Travel Editor, CW10/31/2024 : Wondering how to choose a cruise line that meets both your budget and travel interests? Explore the best cruise options for travelers to find your best fit.

ARTICLETop Tips for Traveling with Children: Planning Stress-Free Family AdventuresAAA Content Strategist, Elena Moore09/17/2024 : Traveling with children doesn’t have to be stressful. Use these helpful and practical tips to ensure your family vacations are enjoyable and stress-free. From packing essentials to choosing the right destination, we’ve got you covered.

EDITOR PICK26 Stress-Free Packing Tips for TravelAAA Travel Editor, Patricia Miller06/24/2024 : Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of packing for a trip? Use our 25 packing tips for travel, helping you stay organized and breeze through the process.

EDITOR PICKUsing a AAA Travel Agent Can Save You Time and Money04/18/2024 : A AAA Travel Agent will help you get the most for your time and money when planning a vacation.

EDITOR PICKUltimate Checklist of All 63 National Parks in the U.S.AAA Travel Editor, SMT03/28/2024 : Discover the beauty and wildlife in the 63 unforgettable U.S. national parks! Learn what they are, why they matter and start planning your next adventure today!

ARTICLE47 Romantic Getaways in the U.S. to Fall in Love WithAAA Travel Editor, SMS03/28/2024 : Whether you’re looking to stay local or travel the country, AAA has the perfect romantic getaway in the U.S. for you and your partner.

EDITOR PICK7 Reasons Why You Should Use a Travel Agent to Book Your Next TripAAA Travel Editor, Laurie Sterbens02/22/2024 : AAA Travel Agents explain why you should let a travel agent book your next trip.

EDITOR PICKCruising With Kids: 12 Tips for Smooth SailingAAA Travel Editor, SMT09/06/2023 : Cruising with kids can be a great experience, but also present challenges. AAA breaks down the top tips for cruising with kids.

EDITOR PICKExperience Car Rental Savings and Perks with AAA and HertzAAA Travel Editor Sherry Mims09/06/2023 : Discover how booking through Hertz as a AAA member can lead to exclusive savings and discounts. Explore our article for savvy tips on maximizing your savings while enjoying a smooth and affordable travel experience.

EDITOR PICKWhere to Find AAA TourBook Guides and MapsMichelle Palmer06/01/2023 : The AAA TourBook guides provide travel information and are a planning tool for destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

EDITOR PICKPlanning Your First Family Camping TripAAA Travel Editor, Laurie Sterbens05/01/2023 : Camping is a natural fit for a getaway in the great outdoors, but it takes planning and preparation to ensure a safe and fun trip. If you've never tried camping before, then here are some tips to help make your first time a success.

ARTICLE27 Epic Adventure Vacations To Add to Your Bucket List04/17/2023 : Thrilling adventure vacations await! Book your bucket list trip and experience the adrenaline rush that comes when you step outside your comfort zone.

EDITOR PICKHow (and Why) to Get an International Driving Permit from AAAAAA Travel Editors04/07/2023 : You'll need an international driver's license if you're planning to drive in other countries. Learn how to get an international driving permit (IDP) from AAA.

EDITOR PICK9 Ways to Make Your Next Trip More Environmentally and Ethically ResponsibleAAA Travel Editors04/05/2023 : Learn how to be a more responsible tourist, with tips for when to travel, how to find sustainable tourism companies and where to spend your vacation dollars.

EDITOR PICKHow AAA, Travel Partners and the Industry Are Changing Cleanliness StandardsAAA Travel Editor Sherry Mims04/05/2023 : As a result of changing consumer sentiments, companies are adjusting cleanliness protocols to adapt to a newer, more sanitized reality.

EDITOR PICK5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Travel Insurance from AAAAAA Travel Editor, Frank Swanson04/05/2023 : As more travelers book expensive cruises and vacation packages to exotic destinations, they are turning to travel insurance to protect their investment in the face of life's uncertainties. Here are five reasons why you should buy travel insurance.

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