A diverse city, Barcelona has historic sites as well as modern energy
While other neighboring countries traditionally have been heavy draws for tourists looking toward the Mediterranean, over the last couple of decades Spain—and specifically Barcelona—has become the go-to destination for Americans seeking an exotic European vacation on a budget.
Now New Yorkers can get to Barcelona conveniently via American Airlines daily nonstop flight 152 from John F. Kennedy International Airport. (Onboard announcements are given in both Spanish and Catalan.) The flight uses a Boeing 767-300 aircraft seating 28 passengers in Business Class and 167 in coach. Beginning April 6, American will add four more flights a week to its current JFK-Barcelona schedule. So that means you arrive at Barcelona’s sleek and shiny El Prat airport without any undue headaches, ready to begin your adventure right away.
Barcelona.
No matter when you arrive or where you stay in Barcelona, you’ll end up Las Ramblas at some point, so go ahead and check it off your list. The main avenue runs down the heart of the city, from Placa de Catalunya to Port Vell, with its statue of Christopher Columbus. Las Ramblas is actually five distinct sections and is famous for its quirky street artists who stand like statues for admiring hordes, vendors (a section for bird sellers and another for flowers) and the entrance to the incredible outdoor Boqueria market. Once you wander inside the huge market and ogle the mounds of olives and heaps of fresh fish, buy a bag of clementines or some strawberries (most everything is grown locally) as snacks for the rest of your wanderings.
The most well-known must-see attractions in the city are centered around the architect Gaudi’s iconic buildings. Walk up the wide thoroughfare of Passeig de Gracia (which is also a superb shopping area) toward Casa Milà, commonly referred to by locals as La Pedrera, meaning quarry, because of its stone cliff-like appearance. Along the way, don’t forget to look down (even the ceramic tiles lining the sidewalk were designed by Gaudi) or to stop for some choice photo ops of the Manzana de la Discordia. That’s the name for the strip that includes radically different styles by the three top masters of Modernista architecture, the Catalan version of art nouveau.
When you arrive at Casa Milà, you’ll see why people make sure not to miss this strange structure that doesn’t include a single straight line and has iron balconies that resemble seaweed. Visit the rooftop terrace with its surreal assortment of molded and sculpted chimneys in various sizes and configurations that resemble warriors wearing helmets or veiled women. Visitors can go to the rooftop for a drink during the summer months and enjoy a stunning view of the Eixample district and the nearby Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s still-under-construction cathedral. To cap off your Gaudi tour, you’ll need to visit it as well as Parc Guell, the rambling park which was intended to be the architect’s master plan for a utopian suburb.
But it’s not all Gaudi all the time. Head to the Gothic Quarter and meander through the narrow streets and see sections of the original Roman walls. After touring the 14th-century Catalan Gothic cathedral, make your way to the Picasso Museum in the fashionable El Born district to see early works by the Modern master.
With so many fascinating sites to see, of course you’ll need to refuel. Luckily, Barcelona is a destination for any foodie, with a mix of haute cuisine and regional specialties. Although tapas didn’t originate in the city, there are now countless spots for small plate nibbles. Plus, depending on what time of year you arrive, there are specialty baked goods for a variety of holidays, so you’ll always be surprised.
If you decide you want a respite from the bustle of the city, you have several choices of easy daytrips—from a visit to the Montserrat monastery located in a mountain an hour north, to tours of the Modernista wineries where cava sparkling wine is produced—but you’ll have plenty to fill your trip in the historic, yet fashionable, capital. And since you’ll probably be smitten and want to return, rest assured there’s an American Airlines flight ready to be booked for your next visit.
