Barcelona

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A Near Perfect City

It didn't take me long to discern that Barcelona would rank extremely high in my all time favourite cities; I immediately indulged in an air of cosmopolitan buzz teemed with myriad bursts of culture as my family and I strolled from La Plaza Catalunya to La Rambla on the first day. Unfortunately, that day was a Sunday; and not your typical late-night-dinner weekend, because that Sunday was the night of the World Cup Finals. Getting a table at a classy tapas restaurant and finishing our meal before the match started was near impossible. So, after a rushed Thai dinner, we maneuvered our way through the bustling La Rambla and found a bar with a screen showing the game, before it got intoxicatingly crowded. I'm sure the bar would have been far more gratifying on a weekly La Liga afternoon.



The W Hotel, where we stayed, is a 'Mini Barcelona' in itself. You get a striking view of the vast stretch of beach that you have access to, a relaxing pool with summer vibes, a gourmet tapas bar, a superb gym and a nightly, very happening party at the eclipse club. It is the place to stay.



Whatever you do, you've got to give up a day of relaxing to go sightseeing. Hop on one of the Barcelona City Tours' open air buses, plug the earphones in and be amazed by the rich history of this Ancient Roman-influenced city. Fantasy fanatics can hop off the at any of the cable car stops, and take a ride up to the Castle Montjuïc; shopping addicts can wallow through the streets around La Plaza Catalunya with the architects and art enthusiasts who'll be astonished by Antoni Gaudí's showpieces; whilst football fans can participate in a stadium tour or catch a match at one of the world's most iconic footballing grounds: The Camp Nou. We were on the tour bus for about an hour and a half, comprehending an abundance of intriguing facts about the city, until we got off at The Camp Nou. The stadium tour was phenomenal. It was far better than the likes of The Emirates and Stamford Bridge in London; likely due to Barcelona's recognition and their illustrious history. The tour was comprised of a trip through the club's museum, changing rooms, green screen photo-shoots and of course, getting down pitch-side to encapsulate the atmosphere; 100,000 fans' passionate voices ringing through your ears.



If you're staying at The W Hotel and want a day or even a few hours to unwind or relax, you're privileged to have numerous options. Sip on a top-drawer margarita whilst chilling by the pool, head down the stairs from the pool to unwind on the beach and play in football/volleyball/padel tournaments, or rent a bicycle/electric scooter and wheel down the promenade or through the city's streets; I was lucky enough to do all three in one day!

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Photos

W Hotel - 21st Floor
Smashing view from the 21st floor of the W Hotel, Barcelona.

La Sagrada Familia
A snapshot of one of Antoni Gaudí's architectural masterpieces in the revolution of Catalan Modernism.

Camp Nou
"More than a club." One of the world's most iconic football stadiums; home to FC Barcelona.