Archiv für Januar 2014
Barcelona is a must in Spain
Barcelona is a unique city where you can find a lot of passion in fiestas, tapas and Gaudí´s creations. On the other hand it is one of the world´s leading tourist, economic, trade and cultural-sports centres.
Even if you are in Barcelona for just one day, you should stroll down La Rambla, one of the most famous boulevards in the world. This mile-long road is full of tourists, artists, human statues, fortune-tellers, dancers and musicians.
You can also gaze in wonder at Gaudí´s fairy-tale architecture. The Sagrada Familia is breathtaking and funny by turns. Take the list to the top for a wonderful view.
Park Guell is a magical place which emulates and English garden city. Climb to the heights of the park and admire the magnificent panorama.
Even if you are not a regular church-goer, you should visit the beautiful churches in Barcelona. The Sant Pau del Camp is a rare example of Romanesque architecture with a fantastical façade and extraordinary cloister. The basilica of the Santa Maria del Mar may be the best surviving example of Catalan Gothic and make a great place to go for a classical concert.
Most of us are not graced with dancing skills, but this does not stop you from being at least a spectator of the traditional Spanish dance for, called flamenco. Head to El Tablao de Carmen where the stars and new talent display a vibrant spectrum of flamenco singing, dancing and music.
If you get hungry and want to try Catalan cooking, visit the Cinc Sentits which is creating quite a stir in Barcelona gastronomic circles.
Give Lisbon a try
As the legend says Lisbon is a city set on seven hills. This city has a lot of to discover. Most popular places are located around Rossio and Praça do Comércio.
When going to see the sights you should for sure not miss Geronimo’s monastery. Vasco de Gama´s resting place which cloisters are considered among the most beautiful in the world and is listen as a World Heritage.
The city´s icon is Belem tower that is also a symbol of the Age of Discovery. It served to defend the Tagus River bank, but as the time passed it had been given different functions such as a customs control point, a telegraph station, a lighthouse and even a political prison.
St. George´s castle – from the millennium-old walls of the castle you have a beautiful view of the city in the company of roaming peacocks. There is a small archaeological museum inside.
If you get tired of sigh-seeing and want to go shopping, the best shopping mall in Iberian Peninsula, Centro Commercial Colombo will offer you a lot of options. For those ones who prefer shopping in local markets, there is a wonderful market at the campo de Santa Clara.
In case you want to experience discos, go to Lux. Another recommended place is Bairro Alto. Do not think you will just sit here and let yourself to be served. No way. You buy drink and you go out to the street with it where people you do not know talk to you. However, this is the way how it works here.