Bienvenidos to Barcelona – Spain…
Sitting along the Mediterranean sea, Barcelona is considered the most cosmopolitan city in Spain for its rich culture, modern trends, gastronomy, and local finds around every corner. World class tennis, top tour players & coaches, red clay courts rarely found in the USA, all make tennis in Barcelona an authentic experience.
Off court Barcelona’s neighborhoods (barrios) become THE Places to Play!
Each one is unique and special and offers a little something for everyone. While you’re in town be sure to pass through or spend some quality time in Barcelona’s top barrios.
Gracia has a great ambiance as it retains its historical architecture. The residents are an eclectic cross between the elderly Catalán who’ve been there their whole lives and young bohemian politically conscious – artsy types.
El Born is probably the trendiest and coolest of the Barcelona neighborhoods. It’s a labyrinth of narrow winding streets and hidden plazas giving way to the hippest boutiques, poshest restaurants and most cutting-edge fashion houses in the city.
‘El Gotico’, or the Gothic Quarter, is the underground well from where the city draws it’s magic and is certainly one of the most popular of the Barcelona neighborhoods. The narrow streets, bustling vibe, excellent bars and designer shops have the ability to lead you around a corner through a maze and then lose you completely. Definitely the oldest and most historically rich of all the Barcelona neighborhoods.
L’Eixample neighborhood with its wide streets is the quietest at night. It´s known for having the greatest collection of Art Nouveau and modernist buildings of any city in Europe. Antonio Gaudi is a staple here along with high end shopping, restaurants, theaters and cafés.
The sights at night atop Tibidabo mountain are a must see…and experiencing Las Ramblas is the epitome of the Barcelona tourist experience…but pickpockets beware!
The climate is generally mild, with the nicest months being from May to October.
Although Spanish is the official language in Spain, Catalan is recognized as the co-official language in Barcelona. And being an international city, English is heard & spoken by most. So no worries there!
Taxis are abundant and scooting around Barcelona is simply perfect. There are few cities so synonymous with scooters, so if you want a feel like a local for a few days…jump on!
Bienvenidos a Barcelona ~
