Pensión Port Bou

Barcelona has a long list of premier five star hotels that will surely help make tourist have the best vacation experience of their lives...Well, that is if you'd want to spend so much of your vacation savings on accommodation alone.

Not known to many, there are so many quaint hotels in Barcelona that is worth every penny. Not only that it's cheaper compared to other hotels, it wouldn't deprive you of that comfort, feel-at-home experience that you'll surely be missing and would want to experience while away from home.

For instance, Pensión Port Bou, in Carrer del Comerc, in the historic centre of Barcelona is proud of its seven simple yet very comfortable rooms which of course include the basic travel and accomodation amenities like televisions, heaters, etc.. Not only that is a good place to stay without spending so much, tourists would also enjoy the old-world-charm ambiance of the neighborhood which can be viewed from each of the rooms' terrace windows.

Pensión Port Bou, is also strategically located near famous tourist sites and destinations like the Picaso Museum, the Chocolate Museum, a number of historic churches and parks and the Estacio Franca Train Station.


Image by Google Maps

Casa Milà: A Beauty like No Other

When someone mentions the great artist and architect, Antoni Gaudi, we are reminded of what should have been the most uniquely designed cathedral in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia. Truth is, Gaudi's architectural masterpieces are scattered not only in Barcelona, but in some other parts of Spain as well.

Amongst these works of art is the beautiful Casa Milà in Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona's Eixample district, a historic house that was designed for a wealthy newlywed couple. Unlike its neighboring buildings which is of contemporary or of classical architecture, Casa Mila stands out because of it's unique modern baroque design which is adorned with religious elements ( Gaudi being a devout Catholic). The curtain walls are decorated with oddly shaped windows and beautifully designed steel-work. The colors used on both the facade  and the interior provide more life to the entire structure.

When it was completed, Casa Mila, like Gaudi's other buildings has been considered a controversial work of art.

Today, Casa Mila is amongst the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Image by Google Maps

Cafè de l'Òpera

Perhaps one of the most popular and the oldest cafes in Barcelona, Cafè de l'Òpera, has always been one of the favorite destinations of theatre goers after watching a play or an opera at the nearby Liceu Theatre. It is widely known for its delicious hot drinks, other sorts of beverages and sandwiches as well.

Cafe de  l'Òpera is also considered the most attractive cafe in La Rambla, mainly because of it's beautiful neoclassic interior which also has a touch of modern art. Many tourists would also agree that the view of the beautiful boulevard from upstairs is as enjoyable and as relaxing as the cafe's croissants and hot drinks.

Many travel books and guides has added the cafe as one of the Barcelona's must-see destinations. So if you're looking for a place to spend a relaxing afternoon in Barcelona, then  Cafe de l'Òpera is the best place to go. It's both classic and modern. Definitely having the best of both worlds.

image from Google Maps