3 days trip in Barcelona

This is my first trip to Barcelona, extending the business trip from Andorra. Here I am in Barcelona with another colleague, sight seeing the famous town with limited time. We supposely spent 4 days over here, but due to last minute changes in our business schedule, we have shorten the trip by 1 day.

Day 1:
Restoran Euskal --> Las Ramblas --> Barcelona Cathedral
First day, when we reached Barcelona from Andorra, it was almost 2pm. Once we able to find the hotel we booked, we came to Euskal Restaurant to have lunch. I didn't eat a lot for my breakfast, hence it was hungry at that time. After that, we continue to visit Las Ramblas and to the gothic area. Since it getting dark early, we decided to visit cathedral.

It is recommended to stay somewhere near to Las Ramblas. For me, I think this is the tourist spot, and one easily can find the food around here as well as the public transportation. The hotel we stayed also near to the bus station where we will heading to airport later on. More importantly, if stay here for long period, it is advisable to purchase Barcelona Tourist Card to enjoy the public transportation ride as well as discount on some of the entrance to tourist spot.

Day 2:
Casa Batlló --> Casa Milà --> La Sagrada Família --> Camp Nou Stadium --> Magic Fountain of Montjuïc --> El Choquito
We started early on our second day here. Using the Barcelona Card we purchased, we travelled using the metro. We headed to Casa Batlló and enjoy discount from the card. Using metro is very convenient, just get a map from the station and you shall know where to head to. A visit to Barcelona is incomplete without going to La Sagrada Familia. At night, we enjoyed the magic fountain. Remember to check the schedule from the internet.

Day 3:
Park Güell --> Airport
We went to the park early in the day. Weather was not that promising, cloudy. Though we have checked from internet that it is far from the metro, we decided to use metro anyway. When we reached the park, we found out that it was not that far anyway. Maybe we used to the distance already. Once came out from the metro, just ask the friendly people around and they will definitely guide you to the park.

We did cut out some of the places we wanted to go due to the change of plan. Hopefully I'm able to cover the other places when I come here again. Also, it would be good to purchase earlier some ticket like Sagrada Familia.

It seems that my visit to Barcelona was incomplete. Why??!!! Because I'm not able to watch football match here. Barcelona FC was having away match during the weekeend. Aiksss...... Maybe this is another reason that I should be coming back here again to visit this beautiful city.

Park Güell

Location: Carrer Olot, Barcelona, Spain
Coordinate: N41°24.6721′ E2°09.3272′ (not an exact, but near to Park Guell. forgot to take the coordinate while there).
Website: http://www.parkguell.org/
Operation: Admission to the park is free. However, there is entrace fee if to visit the museum.

We went to the Park early on the morning, since this is the final day we are here in Barcelona. Furthermore, it wasn't a sunny day, cloudy weather. Park Güell was the final Gaudi's building that we would visit on this trip. We took the underground to the park. After reaching the intended station, we need to walk for a short distance to reach the Park. Of course we still need to ask the local people around on the direction. Actually it's quite easy to go to the park.

Once we reach to the park, this is one of the building at the entrance. It also serves as souvenir shop. The park was not that crowded when we reach here. Luckily, we could take few good photos at the strategic places.

This is the main staircase up to the park. We considered it is early, as there is only few tourist taking photo here. By the time when we leaving, this place is so crowded, even to walk down to the staircase. It's full of tourists by then.

The park was designed by Antoni Gaudi and built between 1900 to 1914. Originally the park was designed to become a residential garden village. Only few houses were sold that time, and Gaudi himself bought one for himself. It was in his house that Gaudi lived the last 20 years of his life from 1906 to 1926 and today it houses the Gaudi Museum.

In 1918 the city acquired the property and in 1922 it was opened to the public as a park. In 1984, UNESCO declared Güell Park a place of World Heritage.

In the architecture design, there is less sharp edges. The idea was from the natural surrounding that Gaudi brought up.

More information can be found from the following:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_G%C3%BCell
http://www.parkguell.es
http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/parcguell.htm

El Choquito

Location: Ramblas, 98, 08002 Barcelona

The restaurant located at the busy street of La Rambla. After enjoying our sight-seeing around Barcelona today, we were looking for food when our stomach sending signal to our brains indicating we were hungry. After looking around, we stopped by at this restaurant and decided to try out the tapas and sangria.

The waiter told us we couldn't sit on the normal table, as we were only ordering tapas and sangria. Not sure if this could be the communication problem where we couldn't speak in Spanish. Anyway, it's not a big issue for us. We proceed to sit at the counter. With ordered the package of the tapas (set of 3) and at the same time, I ordered sangria.

Personally, I quite like the decoration of the restaurant. Has its own uniqueness. Of course hoping the food quality is good as well. I couldn't resist to take picture of the wine bottles display. With the lighting, it bottles were shining and it stands out.

The tapas is good. However, it's not hot (maybe asean people like the foods to be served hot). We were sharing the food, and not sure what the taste would be. After that, I feels my stomach not yet fully filled. Hence, I've ordered paella again.

The paella taste saltier compared with Euskal Restaurant. Others than that, it taste delicious (maybe that time I'm hungry though). The rice is harder, but it's ok as like the claypot rice I've tasted back at hometown. Overall, it's not bad an experience for us with this restaurant. Of course can taste lot of foods and wine here, but we didn't try it as budget conscious.

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Location: Below the Palau Nacional on the Montjuïc hill and near the Plaça d'Espanya.
Coordinate: N41°22.2679′ E2°09.1335′
Website: http://www.bcn.cat/parcsijardins/fonts/EN/magica.html
Operation: It is advisable to check the latest show time from the website as it may vary. Admission is free.

From 30th April to 30th September:
Musical displays: 9pm, 9:30pm, 10pm, 10:30pm and 11pm
From 1st October to 30th April:
Fridays and Saturdays, 7pm – 9pm
Christmas and Easter:
Thursday to Sunday, 7pm – 9pm
Musical displays: 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm and 8:30pm

We came here early, as we were tired travelling around the city for the whole day. We came here early, hoping that could rest for a while. When we came out from the Metro (Placa Espanya), we were there. It can easily be recognized as we could see 2 Venetian towers in front. At the background, it is the famous MNAC Palace (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya - National Art Museum of Catalonia).

As we walked along the way, there would be some street performer such as creating huge bubbles. I guess one need to pay a small token in order to take photo. If looking back, it is also a nice scenary, where the tower and the hill at the back captured my attention. The view could be more beautiful during sunset. Since it is weekend, lot of people will start gather over here to witness the magic fountain.

Along the way, there is fountain. However, it was not operating while we were walking to the magic fountain. Hence, we could captured the reflection of MNAC Palace. Although my legs start to resist walking the path, but have no choice but to going up the hill to enjoy the majestic view of the city over here.

We climbed up to the MNAC Palace, though the fountain located at the park below. However, the view at the hilltop really worth the effort. We thought that fountain display could be clearly viewed over here, and at the same time people start to gather at this place. Actually, the display is at the park, where one could see the 4 pillars from the photo above. That would be the best place to enjoy the display and taking photos when the musical fountain start.

The fountain was designed by Carles Buígas, built in 1929 for Barcelona World's Fair. In the 1980s music was added, and shortly before the 1992 Olympic Games it was completely renovated. The 4 pillars, representative of the Catalanism movement, were demolished in 1928 and were re-erected in 2010 a few meters away from the original location. It is also known as "The Four Columns".

At night, when the magical fountain starts, one could also see light from the background of MNAC Palace. The effects on the building really spectacular. The light beam coming out bring dramatic effect to the surrounding. One could just enjoying the shows as well as the music played around the park.

I would recommend to visit this place, to enjoy the surrounding view as well as the musical fountain. More information could be viewed from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Fountain_of_Montju%C3%AFc
http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/magicfountain.htm
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/albums-en/magic-fountains-montjuic/

FC Barcelona Stadium @ Camp Nou Stadium

Location: Calle Arístides Mallol 12, 08028 Barcelona
Coordinate: N41°22.7327′ E2°07.2459′
Contact: 902 1899 00 or +34 93 496 36 00
Website: http://www.fcbarcelona.com/
Operation: 10:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday (from 2th April to 7th October)
The rest of the year opening hours are from 10:00am to 6:30pm.
10:00am to 2:30pm Sundays and public holidays.

Barcelona card holder will get additional discount while purchasing to visit the stadium. Ticket could be easily purchased, example at the La Rambla street, but I'm not sure whether Barcelona card holder could enjoy the discount or not. Also, the match day ticket could be purchased from La Rambla as well from the stall along the street. I've missed the match as during the weekend I'm in Barcelona, the football club was having away match.

To reach the stadium, we came here by Metro. One needs to walk a distance to reach the stadium, but worry not, as the people here is friendly enough to give you the direction to the stadium.

By the time we reached here, and queue for the ticket, there wasn't many people around. So we could easily get the ticket. We paid about €20.90 for the ticket after the discount. The ticket includes the Museum tour, visiting Camp Nou, Multimedia area as well as audioguide system. However, one need to pay for deposit in order to get the audioguide device. We didn't get the device and went to visit around.

The tour started with the history of FC Barcelona. Besides the history, some materials worn by the players also on display such as boots. We were able to see all trophies won by Barcelona on previous season. There are 2 trophies attracted my attention, of course it is Champions League's trophy. Besides that, the FIFA Club World Cup also one of the top honours. These trophies was placed besides each other, to commemorate the achievement they achieved the previous season.

The notable honours as the time updating the blog, FC Barcelona won 4 UEFA Champions League, 4 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, 4 UEFA Super Cup and 2 FIFA Club World Cup. FC Barcelona is the only European club to have played continental football every season since 1955, and one of the only three clubs to have never been relegated from La Liga, along with Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao. In 2009, they won 6 competitions they competed in, making them the first football club to achieve in a single year (La Liga, Copa Del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup).

Camp Nou was built between 1954 and 1957. The stadium was initially called Estadi del FC Barcelona, but was soon called Camp Nou (New Stadium) by its fans in 2001 after a referendum. The first match was played between FC Barcelona and a selection of players from the city of Warsaw. Camp Nou was built to replace Barcelona's previous ground, Campo de Les Corts, which could only hold 48,000 supporters. Today, Camp Nou could accomodate approximately 99,354 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Europe.

The tour was really an enjoyable tour. There is no guided tour like what I've experience in Emirates Stadium. I found this was more relaxing to take your time looking around. One could get an experience to pitch and the bench (of course coming out from the dugout with special sound effects), visitor changing room etc. Besides that, we could also see the behind-the-scenes area such as press area. Over here, my friend and I were lucky enough to took picture by the staff holding the Champions League trophy. Of course we could opt to buy the photo on the way out from the stadium.

On top of that, we could also goes to press boxes where the commentators sit. The view was awesome. We were there to take some photos, to feels like one of the commentators.

One the way out, we also took some photos, posing with Barcelona players. Again, one could opt to purchase it while on the way out. The more one purchase, the cheaper of the photo would be. We bought few pieces (by the time reached home, Serene said we were crazy... hahaha...) One could also purchase the souvenir from the store located at the exit. Pretty nice stuff available.

More information could be found in:
http://www.stadiumguide.com/noucamp/
http://www.barcelona-tourist-information.info/fc-barcelona-stadium-tour.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Nou

La Sagrada Família

Location: Carrer de Mallorca 401
Coordinate: N41°24.2540′ E2°10.4901′
Website: http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/
Operation: October to March, 9.00am to 6.00pm
April to September, 9.00am to 8.00pm
* 25 and 26 December – 1 and 6 January, 9.00am to 2.00pm
No tickets will be sold after 15 minutes before closing time.

It was an easy ride to here. With Metro, we could reach in front of this majestic architecture. The place crowded with people, probably it was weekend and we reached here by noon. The queue was long, so we decided not to buy ticket to go inside. Having said that, means we won't be able to enjoy the discount for Barcelona card holder.

One MUST visit Sagrada Família, a name synonym with Barcelona. Furthermore, this building is Antonio Gaudi's final masterpiece. The construction of the building started from year 1882, by then architect Francesc de Paula Villar. In year 1883, Gaudi took over the construction. From there onwards, Gaudi devoted his time to complete the construction. However, Gaudi passed away in year 1926 (at the age 73) before the building came to realization. It is expected the construction to continue until 2026.

The Sagrada is a massive structure with eight, soaring stone spires, rising 100 meters into the sky. The current towers represent the apostles, crowned with bright gold statues. The completed Basilica will have 18 total towers; twelve for each of the apostles, four representing the evangelists, one for the Virgin Mary, and the tallest tower devoted to Jesus Christ.

As of now, Sagrada Família is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 7 November 2010, Sagrada Família was consecrated and proclaimed a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in front of a congregation of 6,500 people, including King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia. A further 50,000 people followed the consecration Mass from outside the basilica, where more than 100 bishops and 300 priests were on hand to offer Holy Communion.

It was a pity I couldn't enter Sagrada Família this round. Hopefully I could visit this great building during my next visit.

More information could be found on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagrada_Fam%C3%ADlia
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/spain/barcelona-sagrada-familia
http://www.gothereguide.com/sagrada+familia+barcelona-place/

Casa Milà aka La Pedrera

Location: Passeig de Gràcia 92
Coordinate: N41°23.6907′ E2°09.6932′
Website: http://www.lapedreraeducacio.org/eng/index.htm
Operation: 9.00am - 8.00pm - winter months close at 6.30pm. Last entrance half an hour before the closing time. Discount for Barcelona card holder.

Casa Milà, or better known as La Pedrera which means "quarry". We came here to check out which one to visit, either Milà or Batlló. Both building are wonderful building built by Antonio Gaudi. We were at Casa Batlló, but since it is just nearby, we came here to have a look before deciding to buy the ticket. By then, we decided to visit Batlló. Hence we just took photos from outside.

Casa Milà was built between 1906 - 1910, meant to be an apartment. From the facade, one could see the wrought iron decoration of the balconies and windows. It is constructed entirely in natural stones. Hence from outside, it is not colorful as Casa Batlló. One of the reason we didn't visit due to the first impression from the outside, a bit dull I guess. Hahaha...

Nevertheless, the wall was quite magnificent. It does not goes in straight lines. The wall does looks like a series of waves. Was wondering how could one do it so well, despite the technology at that time not advance compared with what we have today!!!

The building was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1984.

More information could be found at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Mil%C3%A0
http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/casamila.htm
http://www.gothereguide.com/casa+mila+barcelona-place/

Casa Batlló

Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, Barcelona
Coordinate: N41°23.5072′ E2°09.9039′
Contact: +34 93 216 03 06
Website: http://www.casabatllo.es/en/
Operation: 9.00am - 8.00pm. Close on Christmas and New Year. Entrance fees apply. Discount applicable to Barcelona card holder. The ticket price was €14.55 when I visited the place, and am Barcelona card holder. And also the price is inclusive of the audio guide which could help one understand better Gaudi's masterpiece inside.

Officially, this is the first day we visiting Barcelona. We were not sure whether to visit which casa, and at the end Casa Batlló was chosen. Reason? The exterior is more colorful and nicer compared with Casa Milà. Don't get me wrong as I never visited both places, but we will only visit 1 place. We went to both Casa, using our Barcelona card to travel, and we came back to Casa Batlló for the visiting.

From outside, the design layout is different with its neighbour. It is very colorful and unique in its own way. I was imaging the facade design looks like the mask that usually people will put on for function, those movie I've watched on the tv. Haha... Is it the idea comes from here? In fact, some says that it looks like the building was made from skulls and bones, and hence the local name for the building is Casa dels ossos (House of Bones).

The building was built in the year 1877. Later, the owner Josep Battló Casanovas orignally planned on demolishing the building and re-building. However, Gaudi managed to convince the owner that this is not necessary, and that renovation would be sufficient. In 1904, the renovation work begun and completed in 1906.

In general the whole house gives one the filling that the whole place is alive, particuarly the inside of the house gives you a felling that you are inside in some kind of creature. The house is uniqe also because it has not a single straight line. Everything is narrow, it has planty of interesting and vibrant colors, abstract shapes and it is decorated with lot of different materials. Some of the area, I felt like wondering in the underwater world.

On the top of the house Gaudi has created a very unique tile roof which ressembles the back of a fantastic dragon (although this has never been confirmed). On the roof Gaudi also made one of his favourite motives a round tower with a floral dome, which is topped with the four-branched cross.

This photo was taken from upper part of the building. With this, I could captured the details of the tiles, where the upper part is darker in color compare with the lower, representing the tone color. With this, Gaudi believe that when the sunlight comes in, one could see an even color on the wall when the lights shine thru from the rooftop. This shows how every single details being taken care of by Gaudi in his masterpiece. Marvellous!!!

To learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage site, more information can be found on the following:
http://www.hikenow.net/Spain/GaudiCasaBatlloBarcelona.html
http://www.bcn-rentals.com/barcelona-guide/casa-batllo.html