Barcelona - Discover Spain: Experience the Best of Spain - page 106

There's nothing wrong with following
the crowds to start off with, and this
bustling square makes a good kick-off
point for a leisurely wander down La
Rambla.

Finish Palau de la Música Catalana
Distance 3.5km
Duration 1½ hours

Mercat de la Boqueria
Seek out some breakfast in one of Europe's best-stocked and most colourful pro-
duce market.

Gran Teatre del Liceu
Barcelona's grand opera house was built in 1847, largely destroyed by fire in 1994
and reopened better than ever in 1999.

Palau Güell
Visit one of Gaudí's earlier efforts. It may lack the playfulness of his later work but is
still a fascinating blend of styles and materials.

Plaça Reial
Cross La Rambla via this shady square. The lampposts next to the central fountain
are Gaudí's first known works.

Plaça de Sant Jaume
At the core of the Barri Gòtic, this square has been the political heart of the city for
2000 years.

Museu d'Història de Barcelona
You can examine the city's Roman origins in this nearby museum. This is one of
Barcelona's most fascinating sights, so set aside at least an hour for the visit at
some point in your stay in Barcelona.

Museu Frederic Marès
From the complex of buildings huddled around the museum and Plaça del Rei, you
pass the Museu Frederic Marès - this houses an extensive collection from the 20th-
century Catalan sculptor and collector.