SPAIN - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 482

Plaça Reial is off to the left. Built on the site of a former Capuchin convent, this
delightful square contains the Fountain of the Three Graces , designed by Antoni
Gaudí, Barcelona's most famous “native son.” If you're tired of walking, this is also
a good spot (as is Plaça de Catalunya) to board the Bus Turístic (tourist bus)
for a great overview of the city, complete with recorded commentary in multiple
languages. You can hop on and off the double-decker bus along three sightsee-
ing routes (44 stops) with the same ticket. Buses run every 5 minutes in summer
(every 25 rest of the year) from Plaça de Catalunya. Fare: one day €27; two days
€35; children (age 4 to 12), one day €16, two days €20.
Continuing on foot, the PalauGüell, designed by Gaudí as the palatial residence
of Count Güell, will be on your right (closed on weekends/holidays). Near the har-
bor is the impressive Mirador de Colón, the Monument of Christopher Columbus.
Take the elevator up 60 meters for an impressive panoramic view.
Like Las Ramblas, the Barri Gótic (Gothic Quarter) should not be missed. The
most central metro stop is “Jaime I,” but “Liceu” would also work. Within the Barri
Gótic, you will find the Picasso Museum at Carrer Montcada, 15. Tel: 93 256
3000; www.museupicasso.bcn.es ; Hours: 0900-1900 Tuesday-Sunday. You will
also find La Catedral, the largest cathedral in Barcelona, located at Plaça de la
Seu.
Via metro, another good stop is “Sagrada Familia,” only a five-minute walk to La
Sagrada Familia —the huge church designed by Gaudí. Although it is not finished
(and has been under construction since Gaudí died in 1926), the church is breath-
taking. Love it or hate it, it is well worth seeing. Another Gaudí-related sight, Parc
Güell, is filled with mosaics he designed (“Vallarca” metro stop).
For a spectacular view, take the bus “Tibibús 2” from Plaça de Catalunya to
PlaçadeTibidabo (or taxi—the metro does not run here), the highest point in Bar-
celona. Or take Tramvia Blau (blue tram). Board the rides in the amusement park
for even more spectacular views. The park is open mid-March to the end of Octo-
ber.
Attention, shoppers! In terms of quality and quantity of a variety of fashions and
products, Barcelona is truly a city of international standing. To make it easy to
spend your euros, Turisme de Barcelona plotted out a remarkable 5-kilometer-long
shopping route, which includes Port Vell, Las Ramblas, Eixample, and the shop-
ping district of the Diagonal. Take the special “Tombbus” bus service (look for the
Barcelona shopping line sign on the bus). Ask for more details at the tourist inform-
ation offices.
Barcelona also offers an impressive zoo, the Olympic Village from 1992, mu-
seums and art galleries, more than 4 kilometers of beach (Barceloneta), and a se-
lection of wonderful restaurants featuring local and international cuisine. Restaur-