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Barcelona welcomes foreign visitors from all over the world throughout the year. The city has become very fashionable, especially since the 1992 Olympics - the ideal showcase for Barcelona. First-time visitors have heard about the temperate climate, the city bathed by the Mediterranean that enjoys many hours of sunlight, the art and culture, and the agreeable people. The same can be applied to other parts of Spain, however in Barcelona they are complemented by things uniquely Catalonian, such as Gaudís works. To get the feel of the city, it is best to start in the city centre and walk along the Paseo de Gracia (Passeig de Gràcia), to the Cataluña Square (Plaça de Catalunya) and Las Ramblas (Les Rambles). Before heading down Las Ramblas, stop at the Zurich, a local icon located near the entrance to one of the busiest underground stations and a well-known meeting place. In Las Ramblas make a stop for a quick coffee in El Café de l'Opera or turn left towards Petritxol or the Pi Square (Plaça del Pi) and order a hot chocolate for afternoon tea in one of the chocolate shop- cafés. CULTURE Lovers of art and culture cannot fail to visit the MNAC (Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña, or Catalonia National Art Museum), with its exhibits of Catalan Romanesque art, and the MACBA (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Barcelona, or Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Arts). Nearby are the traditional places to visit in the city: Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso), the Fundació Miró and Antoni Tàpies (the Miró and Tàpies Foundations). If we add to the visit the buildings most representative of Catalan Gothic style and Modernism, we will take with us a concise yet representative image of everything not to be missed in Barcelona: (Santa María del Mar, El Pi, the Casa Mila also known as the Pedrera, the Casa Batlló, Sagrada Familia, and Güell Park -Parc Güell-). Along with art and culture we must include fun and entertainment. It is easy to enjoy yourself in Barcelona. The calendar of local 'fiestas' (holidays and festivities) is spread across the four seasons and adds a local touch to the already varied entertainments billed for the whole year. A wide offering of cinema, theatre, music and dance await the visitor. We must not leave out the 'fiesta' that occurs every night, especially from Thursday to Sunday, in the citys animated night spots. NIGHT LIFE It is not long since bars, pubs and discotheques across the country have shortened their opening hours. Nevertheless, there are still ways to be on the move from one place to another the whole night. Barcelonas nocturnal 'fiestas' have been moving towards the sea, especially in summer to the terraces of cafés and bars in the Puerto Olímpico (Port Olímpic) and Maremàgnum. Here you will find such a mix of places that within a few steps of each other you can hear salsa, rock and Spanish music. DRINKS WITH A TASTE OF HISTORY The city has other animated districts, like the Gótico (Gothic Quarter), the Born or the area of Gracia. In these places, the Catalans' imagination and flair for design combines with the weight of history to create charming bars and cafés that are a delight to the senses. These gathering places are interspersed among noisier ones like Karma, a local disco in Plaza Real that usually plays rock music. Also in Real Square (Plaça Reial) is Glaciar, very Modernist and a good place for the first drink after dinner. They play good music in the Malpaso and also hold art exhibitions. In the same area are Sidecar and the pubs in calle Escudellers that lead into the George Orwell Square (Plaza George Orwell), a place that used to be outside the popular zone but that is now habitually packed. Another charming place is El Ascensor, thoroughly Modernist from top to bottom. EL BORNE A visit to this district demands a walk along the Paseo del Borne (Passeig del Born) and the adjacent streets. Miramelindo is a good choice for a first drink, but there are plenty more including Salero where they serve dinner and Gimlet, a relaxing, intimate spot. A very special place is that occupied by the bars that overlook the church of Santa Maria del Mar, in one of the most affectionately-regarded squares of the city. It is beside the Pi Square (Plaça del Pi) and that of Sant Felip Neri, in the Gothic District (Barri Gótic). You can taste wines from all over the world in the Viña del Señor while contemplating the imposing beauty of the Gothic church. In the Born, stately homes above high arches alternate with peaceful restaurants and tapas bars like the Casa Vasca. It is worth having a look around here. It has become popular with thirty-and forty-somethings looking for somewhere quiet and special to meet. OTHER PLACES The middle-aged public can go to the exclusive places in the district of Tibidabo, somewhat more expensive but with views of the city. The bars in the calle Balmes and calle Aribau are busier, as are those between the calle Santaló and calle María Cubí in the district of Sant Gervasi. These areas have a mix of restaurants and discotheques, and it is recommended you do not go much earlier than 1 or 2 in the morning as before that there is not much happening. LIVE MUSIC At night in the Ensanche (Eixample) it is easy to find live music, especially in La Boîte or Luz de Gas, where they hold concerts every night, or La Tierra and Otto Zutz. The latter is well-known for its modern atmosphere and for being somewhere that you might catch a glimpse of someone famous. London Bar in the Raval and the New York in the Gótico also usually have interesting shows. DISCOTHEQUES Hitsbox in the Maremàgnum is one of the best, with its excellent location and the best of 80s music. Worth a mention also are the places on the top floor that always have plenty of atmosphere and where they play all types of music including a fair bit of Spanish pop and rock. Luna Mora in the Puerto Olímpico (Port Olímpic) is another very popular discotheque. If what you want is one of the traditional discotheques, with or without young people, it is best to go to the Paralelo, one of the citys most civilized streets. Here, amidst the numerous neon signs, you will find a great selection of theatres, bars, restaurants, pubs and cabarets. |
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