Barcelona, Spain


Gothic Cathedral

Barcelona is a coastal city with a large port on the northeastern coast of Spain in the Catalonia region.  We had a couple of days to explore the city before the start of our Viking Ocean Cruise aboard the Viking Sky.  I had read and seen many reports over the summer of demonstrations telling tourists that they were not welcome and to go home.  I was a bit concerned that we would feel unwelcome, but we had no issues with the local people while we were there exploring.  

While researching what to do in Barcelona, I found several things that I really wanted to see.  Some of those must see included the Gothic Quarter, Familia Sagrada,  Antoni Gaudi's unique architectural buildings, and La Rambla pedestrian mall.  

Rookie mistake  - I am just going to throw this out there in hopes that I can prevent others from making the same mistake we did.  We waited to book any tours until we arrived in Barcelona.  I had done some research  on what to see, but just couldn't decide on a specific tour, so I decided to wing it... DO NOT WAIT to book things you really want to see in Europe, because even in the shoulder season,  popular sites sell out.

So, we were able to walk the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla.  We were able to see Familia Sagrada, the Gaudi buildings and the Gothic Cathedral from the outside, which was still very cool!




Street in Gothic Quarter





Arc de Triomf

The Arc de Triomf is an arch way that was build as the main entrance into the World's Fair that was hosted by Barcelona in 1888.  The Arc de Triomf is at the entrance of the Parc de La Ciutadella which today remains a city park, but in 1888 was the grounds for the World Fair.  Several buildings built as exhibition halls on the site still exist.


L'Hivernacle (Conservatory) in Parc De La Ciutedella


While walking along the pedestrian walkway called La Rambla, we found a large outdoor market called Mercat de La Boqueria.  It was really a cool place and very popular.  The market had vendors selling everything from fruit, to wines and cheeses, meats and seafood, bakery items and of course Gelato!!













Barcelona no longer has bull fighting within the city, however, they have preserved the exterior of one of their bull fighting arenas and have turned it into a shopping and dining destination.


Arenas de Barcelona

The central portion includes shopping and a cinema.  However to us, the top level was the best part with many restaurants and a walkway all the way around offering 360 views of Barcelona. 

Views of the National Art Museum of Catalonia from Arenas de Barcelona


One of the most well known Catalan architects is Antoni Gaudi.  He designed Sagrada Familia the largest unfinished Catholic Church in the world.  Construction of the church began in 1882 and is projected to be completed in 2026.  In 2010, it was given the designation of a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

Sadly, we were unable to get an inside look of the basilica, however, the the level of detail on the outside is just magnificent.  There are also several additional buildings in Barcelona that were designed by Gaudi and show his unique style.

Architect Antoni Gaudi

Architect Antoni Gaudi

Architect Antoni Gaudi


Barcelona is a coastal town with a large port and marina.  While exploring La Rambla and walking to the port, we realized Barcelona was also hosting the America's Cup Sailing Regatta and they were having the finals while we were there.  The finalists of the America's Cup were the INEOS Britannia and Emirates Team New Zealand.  We were able to watch one of the races from the rooftop bar in our hotel in Barcelona and had an even better view for the next race from the explorer's lounge of our cruise ship while still docked at the port in Barcelona.


Marina in the port of Barcelona










America's Cup Finals with Emirates Team New Zealand and INEOS Britainnia sailboats

INEOS Britannia sailboat on its way back into port after race

All the spectator boats returning to port after the race

All the spectator boats returning to port after the race


And the winner of the 2024 America's Cup is... Emirates Team New Zealand!!


Check back in the coming weeks for articles from...
- Sete, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille, France  
- Cote d'Azur/French Riviera including Eze, Nice and Monte Carlo

@vikingcruises


















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