Discover More, Barcelona
We sent Nicanor out with a DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Barcelona & Catalonia to get his perspective on what it means to use a travel guide in his local area.
In the section dedicated to Barcelona, the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide focuses on three areas of the city: Ciutat Vella, Eixample and Montjuic. I was interested in exploring these areas and capturing them from my point of view. I also wanted to record some contemporary works from the MACBA, CaixaForum and the Photovoltaic.
Place you live: Barcelona, Catalonia
Can you sum up Barcelona? Barcelona is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Collserola Mountains, and two rivers: el Besós to the north and Llobregat to the south. The core of the city is Ciutat Vella, also called Old Town. The Eixample district was created to connect Ciutat Vella with the nearby villages. Later, events like the 1992 Olympics and 2004 Forum of Cultures further shaped the current configuration of the city.
Can you sum up the people of Barcelona? The people of Barcelona are close, friendly and creative. They like to share and enjoy life in the city and the street any time of day.
What was the experience like looking through a travel guide for your own local area? I especially liked how the guide is organized. The topics are easy to read, and the book made it easy to find and learn more about the city’s popular sites.
Did you find anything new or inspiring about your area in the book? The book included so many small details about all the popular sites that I wasn’t aware of before!
How did the guidebook influence the photos you took of your area? The guide encouraged me to take a closer look at areas like Paseo de Gracia or Montjuic. I spend a lot of time in these places, but never really paid them much attention.
Occupation: Architect and photographer.
Describe a perfect day in Barcelona. A good day starts with a walk in the Eixample, stopping for breakfast at one of its many bakeries. Then it would be interesting to get lost in Ciutat Vella’s streets, pass through Las Ramblas, the Boqueria market, and the Cathedral. Then it’s off to the Gothic Quarter, Santa Caterina Market, Santa María del Mar, and maybe a visit to the Picasso Museum. Grab dinner in Barceloneta and then stroll along the beach.
What do you love about Barcelona? Its diversity, culture, and architecture. There’s also good weather all year round.
What do you dislike? Pickpockets who steal from clueless passersby.
What would be surprising about Barcelona to an outsider? Its variety and contrasts.
If Barcelona was a person or character who would it be? From my point of view, the singer Joan Manuel Serrat perfectly represents the spirit of the city.
What was your impression of the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide? What did you like about it? What stood out? I really liked the guide! It contains lots of useful information and gives great suggestions on what to explore in Barcelona and Catalonia.
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We have teamed up with our friends at DK Eyewitness Travel to bring you a VERY exciting giveaway. 20 DK Eyewitness Travel Guides and 2 big Global Yodel prints are up for grabs! Who wants them? Follow the instructions in the widget below.
Name:Nicanor García
Best place to eat in Barcelona?
La llavor dels Orígens. It serves typical Catalan food with a modern twist.
Best place to drink?
Milano Cocktail Bar. It is a discreet and elegant place with live music on certain days. It also has a restaurant.
Best place to shop?
The main shopping area of the city would be the Rambla Catalunya, near Passeig de Gràcia and Portal de l’Angel. The Born area also has unique shops.
Best outdoor activity?
Walk the Passeig de les Aigües for nice views of the city. It is a road located halfway up the Collserola Mountains. You can access it from the Vallvidrera Funicular.
If someone was visiting what must they do?
Besides visiting the city center, explore districts like Sant Antoni, Poble Sec, Poble Nou, Nou Barris, and Horta. It is also interesting to take a little trip to the interior of Catalonia, or visit the Costa Brava.