Five Places to Visit in Barcelona

The city of Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, Spain and is the second largest city in the country. It’s often mistaken as the capital of Spain but it’s actually Madrid. Barcelona is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast of Spain and the city has a very rich history that dates back at least 2,000 years when it gained prominence as a Roman town named Barcino. This beautiful city is full of outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, museums and churches and is fantastic for walking, the city also have an extensive and reliable Metro system for more far-flung destination.

There are so many places to see and visit in Barcelona and here are five of them.

1. Sargrada Familia – Sagrada Familia would probably be one of the most popular and iconic structure that can be found in Barcelona. Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family as it is called in English is a large Roman Catholic church that was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, even though the church is not finished yet it is already considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is really beautiful and a must see if you’re in Barcelona.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Sagrada Familia by Sarah_Ackerman

2. Park Güell – This place is a garden complex with architectural elements that is situated on the hill of El Carmel in the Gràcia district of the city, the park was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and was built in the years 1900 to 1914.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Park Guell by dr_tr

3. Casa Milà - Or better known as La Pedrera is a building that was also designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and was built during the years 1906–1912. The place is located at 92, Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district of Barcelona. In 1984, the building was also declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The building’s architecture design is considered an innovative work and is a beautiful building. So if you’re an architectural geek this place is a must see.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Casa Milà by zoetnet

4. Tidibado Mountain – The place is a mountain overlooking Barcelona. It is the tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola rising at 512 meters. The mountain offers a very spectacular view over the city and the surrounding coastline. There is also an amusement park, a telecommunications tower (Torre de Collserola), and a Catholic church that is located in the mountain. Don’t miss this place.

5. Barcelona Cathedral - The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is also known as Barcelona Cathedral, is the Gothic cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. The cathedral was constructed from the 13th to 15th centuries, the cathedral is very beautiful. The church is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona, co-patron saint of Barcelona.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): barcelona Cathedral by ahisgett

Have you been to Barcelona? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.

Ten Places to Visit in Madrid

Madrid, the capital and largest city in Spain and also regarded as the third largest city in EU. Madrid is known for its cultural and artistic heritage and the city also has some of the liveliest nightlife in the world. The city is located northeast of the center of the Iberian Peninsula, in the middle of the Spanish central Castillian plateau. The city is a beauty and a must see, great weather, beautiful sights and people Madrid is a must go to at least once in your life time.

There are so many places to see and visit in this city and here’s our list of ten places to visit in Madrid.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Madrid Centro by DavidHT

1. Plaza Mayor – This is the best known plaza in Madrid and this beautiful square is now one of the main stops on any tour in the city. The plaza was originally built outside the city walls and this square has played host to a lot of events such as bullfights, markets, symphonies, tournaments and executions but today it is full of tourist shops, cafes and restaurants. A good place to visit and wander around the square.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Plaza Mayor by Cruccone

2. Mercado de San Miguel – This can be found just near the Plaza Mayor. It’s an indoor market, recognizable by its distinct iron posts. Mercado de San Miguel was built in 1913 and the market is full of a assortment of delicious and affordable food products. If you like to shop or just wander around the market it is still worth it to enter the place for the sights and smells of dried ham, great wine, freshly baked breads and other treats.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Mercado de San Miguel by Gotardo

3. Plaza de España – This plaza is a beautiful and prominent square that is located on the northwest side of the central district, adjacent to two of the tallest buildings in the city; The square has a large fountain and a sculpture of Cervantes and his famous Don Quixote and Sancho Panza characters.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Plaza de España by rjhuttondfw

4. Naval Museum – This is a beautiful museum that displays a wide array of interesting collections about Spanish maritime history. The museum also has Juan De La Cosa map and it is the oldest known map showing America. The entrance to the museum costs €3 and is free on Saturdays and Sundays.

Photo Credits (Wikimedia Commons): Naval Museum by Luis Garcia

5. Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Center – This museum exhibits Madrid's best collection of modern art and that collection includes many of Pablo Picasso's most revered works including the renowned Guernica. The museum also houses some masterpieces by Miró, Kandinsky, Dalí, Bacon, and more. The museum offers free entry during Sundays 3:00 to 7:00.

6. Museo de Historia de Madrid - This museum was previously the municipal museum of Madrid and it is dedicated to the history of Madrid from 1561 to present. The entry to the museum is free, so come and check it out.

Photo Credits (Wikimedia Commons): Museo de Historia de Madrid by Luis Garcia

7. Parque del Capricho – This park is one of the most beautiful parks in the city which was built in 1797-1839 and it has a strong Romanticism influence. The park was declared as a historic garden. This place is a must see because it has lakes with swans and ducks, labyrinths, palaces, squares and fountains makes this a really lovely place to visit.

Photo Credits (Wikimedia Commons): Parque del Capricho by Espartosa

8. Zoo Aquarium Madrid – The place to go to if you want to see some Pandas, pet the Lemurs, watch some Dolphin show, and enjoy the Bird show. The entrance fee costs differently from adults €22.90 and for children €18.55.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Zoo Aquarium Madrid by alecea

9. La Casa de Campo - The park is located at the rear of the Palacio Real which used to belong to the Royal family. Much of the park has been taken to smaller activity parks such as the Zoo but in general it's peaceful and is still relaxing.

Photo Credits (Wikimedia Commons): La Casa de Campo by Edescas2

10. Rosaleda del Parque del Oeste - The rose garden of Madrid, the place is located in the same park as the Templo de Debod. If you like roses and are in Madrid when they have flowered. The garden holds an international competition yearly. The entry to the garden is free.

Photo Credits (Wikimedia Commons): Rosaleda del Parque del Oeste by Luis Garcia

These are just some of the interesting sights that can be found in Madrid. There are more places to see and discover.

Have you been to Madrid? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.

Exploring Spain’s 7 Best Tourist Destinations

Spain has recently become a popular tourist destination of Europe. The Spaniard culture and history are so rich that it is enough to lure tourists towards it. There’s mystifying architecture, exotic islands, and so many tourist activities in Spain. So before you book cheap holidays to Spain 2013, check out our list of places that you shouldn't miss.

1. Palacio Real

Say hello to the Versailles of Spain. Palacio Real is the official palace of the royal King of Spain. Built in 1783, this palace represents nothing but magnificence and supremacy. It is one of the largest palaces in Europe with 2000 eminent rooms, out of which visitors are allowed to visit 50. The palace also has a room where collections of armor are displayed. All in all, this palace deserves a visit from art and architecture loving tourists.



2. La Concha

La Concha has reserved its place in Europe as being one of the finest beaches in the continent. It is situated in San Sebestian. There are good restaurants along the beach where you can dine and watch the sunset with your partner. You’ll also spot sand sculptures on this beach producing their fine sand art. It’s a fantastic beach for swimming, surfing, or simply walking along its coast.



3. Cuenca

There’s way more history and culture than you can imagine in Spain. Cuenca is one of the medieval towns of Spain showing an example of old Spanish heritage. It’s between Valencia and Madrid on the steep sides of a mountain. The location itself is so breathtaking that your eyes will get glued to it. The hanging houses add more to the feeling of being in some unique part of the world.



4. Sagrada Familia

Many religions have thrived in Spain, hence there are several religious landmarks across the country. The Sagrada Familia is a Catholic church designed by Antoni Gaudi who worked on it for 40 years. Its construction is still not finished yet it remains to be the most visited tourist site in Barcelona.


5. Alhambra

Alhambra is a fort in Grenada which also features a garden. This fort was built by Nasrid Sultans in the 14th century. It’s a mixture of Spanish and Arab architecture. It is wise to get tickets from its website in advance since people line up from early morning to get tickets for this site, so to avoid all that work, just get tickets before coming. You need at least 3 hours to explore the fortress and the gardens



6. El Encierro Festival

If you visit Spain, you must visit in the month of July and plan a trip between 6-14th July to the Pamplona for its El Encierro festival which is a ‘Running of the bulls’ festival. This festival has been featured so many times in Hollywood films that everyone knows what it is about. It is one of the most interesting thing to do in Spain. Bulls are let loose in the streets and people run as fast as they can like they’re in a marathon. It is exciting and fun even if you just witness it and not run with them.



7. Aqueduct of Segovia

Romans have left their mark on Spain in the shape of the Aqueduct of Segovia which was used to transport water from Frio River to Segovia till the 20th century. It is one of the supreme examples of architecture and fine use of intellect by the Romans.

Have you been to Spain? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Palacio Real by jsogo/ La Playa by vxla/ Cuenca by M.Peinado/ Sagrada de Familia by Sarah_Ackerman/ Alhambra by amerune/ Running with Bulls by Michael K Donnelly/ Aqueduct of Segovia by Alaskan Dude