Barcelona Mania

It is true that Barcelona does have 4.2 km of sandy beaches where you can take a dip in clear waters, relax under the warm golden sun or have a refreshing cocktail. It is also true that the city offers an abundance of mouth-watering tapas and a wide selection of fresh Mediterranean seafood that you can sample at lively bar or traditional restaurant. However, Barcelona is not just a typical Spanish city.

Thanks to the famous Catalan architects Antoni Gaudi and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Barcelona is the capital of Modernism where you find world-renowned architectural buildings that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One example is the church of La Sagrada Familia originally designed by Gaudi in the 19th century. The building is known for its innovative and sophisticated design with parabolic arches and branch-shaped columns. Although the construction of the church is yet to be completed by 2026, this stunning building is an absolutely must-see.

Barcelona is also a city with spectacular views. The Montjuïc Hill is a popular place for seeing a panoramic view of the city. Despite its location on the mountain, there are a museum, a Spanish village as well as a magic fountain which fill the place with a distinctive character. In particular, the magic fountain, also known as the Font Màgica, offers a fantastic show of moving water jets with coloured light rays and background music that most tourists enjoy watching.

For those who are interested in the true Catalonian culture, visit the busiest and most interesting street in Barcelona, La Rambla! At La Rambla, not only can you see tapas bars and souvenir kiosks, but you can also see some amazing architecture and historical structures right above these shops. Also at La Rambla is the La Boqueria Market; it sells the freshest food in town, so make sure you grab a bite of some delicious Spanish snacks. Apart from what is permanently on the street, there are some temporary ‘art works’ as well. Ranging from marble stone statue to famous celebrities, street performers dressed up as living statues to entertain people on La Rambla, giving the street a distinctive and fun atmosphere.

In the Barcelona projects organised by CityTravelReview, members had the opportunity to experience the real Catalonian culture and capture the cultural side of Barcelona. Instead of only swimming at a touristy beach or going to a crowded museum, members also explored the city from a local’s perspective and immerse themselves in the genuine Spanish culture. At the end of the project, they were expected to recall the experience they had, compile the relevant information and graphics, and publish a creative travel guide for young people. It is absolutely fun to travel with a group of young people, but what else you can bring home is the team skills one developed through cooperating with people and writing up a guide from scratch.