Tourists are everywhere!
As we have been in Barcelona for three weeks now, it seems like there are more and more people everyday. I thought it was busy walking around the first week but it seems like there are more people now. This blog contains three of the most touristy districts in Barcelona. They are near each other but have unique attractions bringing in visitors for different reasons.
La Rambla is one of the busiest streets in Barcelona and is known for its shopping. At almost any time of the day, tons of tourists will crowd the streets. Due to all of the tourists, it is a major hub for pickpocketers. The whole street is three-quarters of a mile long and goes from Placa de Catalunya, which is where we have class, all the way to the Christopher Colombus monument near the sea. La Rambla used to be a river bed but construction began in 1377 to expand the city and the transformation to a busy street began.
Tourist Attraction- La Rambla. The whole street is a huge tourist attraction. The trees make it nice and shaded and add to the beauty of the street. There is 2 car lanes and sidewalks on each side with another main walkway in the middle.
Most Interesting Place-La Boquiera. This is the big market that La Rambla is known for. All sorts of fresh food is sold here from the fruit shown above to fresh meat, juices, fish, bread, and more. All of the food is displayed beautifully to catch consumers attention. It is a great place to pick up a quick snack or food to bring home.
Architectural Object- Iglesia de Belen. This Catholic Church is just on the side of La Rambla and blends in with the buildings and is easy to miss due to the chaos of the street.
Commercial Business- Carrefour. In Barcelona, there are not very many big grocery stores like there are in the United States. This Carrefour market is a French company but is one of the best stores we have found to get groceries.
3 Star Hotel- Citadines Ramblas Barcelona. This hotel is right off the busiest street in Barcelona and allows a great place to be in the heart of the city. It has a beautiful rooftop terrace with amazing views of all of Barcelona.
The next neighborhood is Barceloneta area which is another major tourist hub and is know for its beach. While locals usually do not go to this beach, it is flocked with tourist and street vendors. Also, this area has many amazing restaurants and hotels. It is a great place to grab food outside and people watch while you eat. Barceloneta is also busy all night long with many bars and clubs nearby.
La Rambla is one of the busiest streets in Barcelona and is known for its shopping. At almost any time of the day, tons of tourists will crowd the streets. Due to all of the tourists, it is a major hub for pickpocketers. The whole street is three-quarters of a mile long and goes from Placa de Catalunya, which is where we have class, all the way to the Christopher Colombus monument near the sea. La Rambla used to be a river bed but construction began in 1377 to expand the city and the transformation to a busy street began.
The next neighborhood is Barceloneta area which is another major tourist hub and is know for its beach. While locals usually do not go to this beach, it is flocked with tourist and street vendors. Also, this area has many amazing restaurants and hotels. It is a great place to grab food outside and people watch while you eat. Barceloneta is also busy all night long with many bars and clubs nearby.
Architectural Object- Font Carmen Amaya. This fountain is a block from the beach.
Tourist Attraction- Barceloneta Beach. It is one of the busiest beaches I have ever seen with almost all tourists. Because it is flocked with tourism, it is flocked with street vendors. These vendors sell everything on the streets and attempt to sell mojitos, beer, water, massages and more while you are trying to relax on the beach.
Most Interesting Site-The Face of Barcelona. This statue is at a roundabout near the beach and was constructed by Roy Lichtenstein to represent the uniqueness of Barcelona.
3 Star Hotel- Hotel Del Mar. This hotel is very close to the beach and has beautiful rooftop views.
The Gothic Quarter is the center of the old city in Barcelona. Its narrow, cobblestone streets makes you feel like you are in the old days and away from modern time. The streets have many shops and people walking around. It is easy to get lost in this area because all the streets are similar and it allows you to explore aimlessly, if you have the time to walk without an end destination.
Tourist Attraction-
Architectural Object- This was a cool fountain that we walked by while exploring the area. The yellow ribbon that is painted above it symbolizes support of Catalonia becoming independent from Spain. The ribbon is painted on many walls or hung from balconies all over Barcelona.
Most Interesting Place- Palau de la Generalitat de Cataunya. This is a historic palace in Barcelona that now holds offices for government officials. The square in front of it is called Placa Sant Jaume. A lot of political events are held in the square and a banner of the yellow ribbon hangs from the balcony.
3 Star Hotel- Hotel Catalonia Portal de L'Angel. This hotel is right off of the bustling streets but has a beautiful pool and center courtyard to escape the crowds and relax.
Since it has been three weeks since I have been in Europe, I realized how long it had been since I worked out. I have gone on a couple runs but missed going to the gym, so I looked into comparing gym prices in each neighborhood. The Cem Colom gym is right off of La Rambla and has day passes for 7 euros and monthly passes for 79 euros which includes 1,050 gym options around Spain, France and Italy. It is a big gym with a variety of weights, classes, cardio equipment and an indoor pool. Club Natacio Athletic Barceloneta is at the end of the Barceloneta beach and has a variety of weights and cardio equipment, and a massive indoor and outdoor pool. It is 12.78 euros for a day pass and 44.24 euros for monthly pass with a 80.32 euro registration fee. The DIR Claris gym is the best option around the Gothic Quarter with monthly membership for 49.90 euros and free registration. We got one free day at this gym through the study abroad program and it has great weights, cardio equipment, and more. Overall, each of these gyms offer different things and are competitive due to their locations and perks.
Since it has been three weeks since I have been in Europe, I realized how long it had been since I worked out. I have gone on a couple runs but missed going to the gym, so I looked into comparing gym prices in each neighborhood. The Cem Colom gym is right off of La Rambla and has day passes for 7 euros and monthly passes for 79 euros which includes 1,050 gym options around Spain, France and Italy. It is a big gym with a variety of weights, classes, cardio equipment and an indoor pool. Club Natacio Athletic Barceloneta is at the end of the Barceloneta beach and has a variety of weights and cardio equipment, and a massive indoor and outdoor pool. It is 12.78 euros for a day pass and 44.24 euros for monthly pass with a 80.32 euro registration fee. The DIR Claris gym is the best option around the Gothic Quarter with monthly membership for 49.90 euros and free registration. We got one free day at this gym through the study abroad program and it has great weights, cardio equipment, and more. Overall, each of these gyms offer different things and are competitive due to their locations and perks.
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