Relax - Barcelona without breaking the bank

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ASK me which is my No 1 favourite city on earth (after my hometown Ipoh, Perak, of course!) and my answer will definitely be Barcelona, Spain.

In fact, all my friends who have been to this Spanish city agree that it is one of the most gorgeous, captivating and exciting places that they’ve ever been to.

Personally, I find Barcelona truly unique. It’s hip yet laidback, urban yet warm, modern yet traditional.

Looking for great architecture? Check. Cool culture? Check. Fabulous shopping? Check. Beautiful parks? Check. Friendly people? Check. Beach in a city? Check.

Yes, Barcelona has them all, even though it is only Spain’s second largest city, after Madrid. And even more.

The fact that you can soak in the distinct architecture of the world-famous Antoni Gaudi, shop-till-you drop at department stores near the Plaça de Catalunya, gawk at one of the world’s most beautiful market or simply chill out at the beach at La Barceloneta in the very same city without having to travel far, only heightens the appeal of Barcelona.

For budget travellers, the good news is that many of Barcelona’s key tourist attractions are located close to each other and are easily accessible on foot or by public transport.

The La Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona.

Pedestrian-Friendly

Barcelona is a pedestrian-friendly city and it is also served by a comprehensive local public transport system that includes a metro, a bus network, two modern tram networks, a separate historic tram line and several funiculars and aerial cable cars.

If you are familiar with Rapid KL’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, you will find the Barcelona Metro quite easy to master in a short period of time.

By taking public transport, you can save your euros and spend the money instead on those lovely Zara dresses on sale at Plaça Catalunya or maybe get that FC Barcelona jersey as a souvenir!

To top it all, dining and accommodation are relatively cheaper here in Barcelona than in other Western European cities such as Paris or Frankfurt.

In fact, you can enjoy the city without spending too much and here’s how:

• People watching at Plaça Catalunya: Why do I love Barcelona? Because it’s a city with soul. Its soul, of course, is reflected in its inhabitants. And the best place to have a show of Barcelona folks is at Plaça Catalunya.

Located in the heart of Barcelona, the square is well-known for its fountains and monuments. Like Trafalgar Square in London, Placa Catalunya also has its own resident pigeons.

And what better way to enjoy all these than to grab a chair (al fresco, of course) at the over-80-year-old Cafè Zurich. Order a cafè con leche (coffee with milk) and simply soak in the view.

Las Ramblas, a 1.2km tree-lined pedestrian walkway is the most iconic street in Barcelona, Spain.

• Strolling at the Las Ramblas: A trip to Barcelona is not complete if Las Ramblas is not included. Though some might argue that this is just an over-promoted tourist venue, I beg to differ.

For the uninitiated, Las Ramblas is a 1.2km-long pedestrian mall that also happens to be Barcelona’s most central boulevard. To watch street artistes performing as tourists take their pictures, artists painting portraits of clients on the spot and walk through cafès and restaurants that line the street are enough to make you giddy with excitement.

Since Las Ramblas is located within walking distance to several other key attractions in Barcelona, you simply can’t miss it (just be careful of pick-pockets though.) To summarise, Las Ramblas is a clichè because it’s good. As simple as that.

• Soaking the atmosphere of Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria: How can a produce market be so beautiful? For indeed, Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, or in short La Boqueria, is beautiful.

Here, fresh fruit displays are turned into fine art by the stall operators and photo opportunities are aplenty for trigger-happy shutterbugs.

Besides fruit, there are vegetables, pastries, candy, all types of fish and seafood, and of course, the signature Spanish delicacy, jamon (cured ham) at this lovely market. A visit to the colourful La Boqueria would definitely offer great insight into the interesting culinary life of the Spanish people.

• Chilling out at the beach in La Barceloneta: A beach in the city centre? Only if you’re in Barcelona. The best part is, you don’t have problems getting to Barceloneta beach as you can walk straight to it from Las Ramblas or Plaça Catalunya, which are normally used as the reference point by most travellers.

It’s a 15-minute walk from the end of Las Ramblas and less than 10 minutes from the Barceloneta Metro station.

Truth be told, Barceloneta is not as pretty as the beaches in Spain’s world-famous Costa del Sol, yet it does have its own charm nonetheless. Enjoy the view of the Mediterranean, sun soaking locals and people taking sailing lessons as you let all your worries be blown away by the sea breeze.

• Bird’s eye-view of Barcelona: Parc Montjuic isn’t just another key tourist destination. Located in the southwest of Barcelona, its hilltop allows a great view of the city and the Mediterranean.

Much to any tourist’s delight, there is a cable car service connecting the Parc Montjuic to the Barceloneta beach.

For less than 10 euros one-way, you get a breathtaking aerial view of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea that will enchant even the most jaded traveller. Warning: This ride is not for the faint-hearted or those who fear great heights. That said, this cable car ride is definitely worth the while.

Barcelona without breaking the bank

New Straits Times | Mon, Feb 1 2010

It may not be the biggest city in Spain but Barcelona is uniquely exciting in many ways — and it doesn't have to cost the earth either.

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barcelona