Barcelona

Barcelona is a dynamic city pulsating with energy. There is something for everyone, be it the divine food, great shopping, vibrant arts scene, exciting nightlife or the blue glittering Mediterranean sea of the coastline. You won't be disappointed.

This dazzling city is strewn with historic and modern architecture. It's so beautiful that I found myself busy snapping away during my stay in Barcelona. And for the first time, the hubby actually declared that he would love to return to Barcelona again - something which is rare as no city/country has so deeply captivated his heart. I can understand why. The reason is obvious. It's simply too hard not to fall in love with this city.

The hubby and I went for a half day bike tour on our first day in Barcelona. I enjoyed it very much although I was struggling with the bike most of the time. I even crashed into a stone wall at the start of the journey. It was embarrassing but what the heck! I had fun anyway. The pic on the top left corner was taken at Arc of Triumph.

Gaudi's masterpiece - Temple of the Sagrada Familia. The church is Barcelona's most famous building. Construction began in the 19th century and the church is still under construction. It is estimated to be completed around 2025.

The different exquisite facades of the church.

Beautiful stained glass windows (from the left, 1st and 4th pic). The columns of the church resemble that of tree trunks and the ceilings are of the shape of flowers (from the left, 2nd and 3rd pic).

Food glorious food! How can we resist such tantalizing food?!

Amazingly gorgeous buildings. (Top left corner) La Pedrera, another of Gaudi's work. (Bottom right corner) Casa Lleo Morera.

(Top left corner) Plaza de Toros where bullfight takes place. (Centre pic) Casa Batllo, another of Gaudi's work. (Last pic from right) Palau de la Musica Catalana. This exuberantly ornamented redbrick holds hundreds of concerts each year.

Las Ramblas. The pedestrian boulevard is exploding with life. It's lined with street artists, musicians, news kioks and vendors selling accessories, clothings, flowers and even small pets.

Mercat de la Boqueria. A fresh food market which is one of Las Ramblas' highlights. I was happy just by looking at the numerous variety of food on display. It's one of our favourite places in Barcelona.

Barcelona's waterfront. (Top left corner) Rambla de Mar, a floating walkway. (Top right corner) Alfresco dining at the waterfront. (Bottom pics) Port Vell, a place for relaxation and leisure.

The Gothic cathedral of Barcelona which is under renovation at the time of visit.

Facades of medieval architecture spotted in the Gothic quarter.

(Top 2 pics) Characterised by its arcades and palm tress, Placa Reial is a beautiful square ringed with restaurants and cafes. (Bottom 2 pics) Placa de Catalunya, a circular plaza with fountains and sculptures, is a perfect place for people watching, feeding the pigeons or listening to Latino buskers.

The hubby and I took a cable car to the peak of Montjuic and from there, we were blown away by the panoramic view of the city.

Mes Que Un Club which means 'more than a club'. The hubby is a fan of FC Barcelona hence we definitely had to pay Camp Nou a visit.