Beautiful Barcelona

Barcelona is a beautiful, tiny city in the North-East of Spain. It coasts the Mediterranean Sea, and it is bounded to the west by the Collserola mountain range. This city is packed with superb architecture, stunning panoramas and fascinating culture.

I was born and raised in this wonderful city. I've lived here my whole life; and to me, Barcelona is one of the most enchanting towns I've ever seen. Not only because of its great food and weather, but because it has a distinguished history, plenty of things to do and see, and superb constructions to get to know.

Barcelona has many attributes and hidden places to explore, but here are some of my favourite spots in the city.

Barcelona has been the muse to many well-renown artists, from Pablo Picasso to Antoni Gaudi. Because of that, this city has plenty of architectural treasures, some of them dating back 2000 years.

Barcelona is home to hundreds of colourful, bold, and unique buildings, one of my favourite ones being La Pedrera. This building's eccentric appearance and incredibly detailed structure is a clear example of the Modernism movement here in the city. Another of Gaudi's works of art is Parc Guell, a magical area filled with vivid sculptures and elaborate tile work.

Even though I adore other Gaudi buildings, I have to say that my favourite construction in this entire city is the Sagrada Familia, the unfinished work of art that leaves many in awe - including myself, even though I constantly pass by it. I adore the Sagrada Familia not only because of its unimaginable structure but also because of its undeniable beauty.

The construction of this basilica started many years ago - in 1882 - but it's said that it won't be finished until 2026. Then, it will become the tallest church in the world. However big it is though, the Sagrada Familia is way more than just height and size; to me, it is about fine art, elaborate architecture, and a combination of both that is unlike any other structure on this planet.

As much as I admire Barcelona's architecture, there is something special about the Gothic quarter. This quarter embodies the city's spirit to a T. This neighbourhood used to be the Roman village, which has left some relics of its glorious past. Because of the city's current modernization, it is quite usual to spot an aged building right next to one built in the 90s. Thus, making this mix of new and old the thing that is most intriguing of this part of Barcelona.

In my opinion, walking is the best way to get to know this side of the city and explore the Temple of Augustus, the great Cathedral of Barcelona, or the Jewish quarter, all of them being one the city's most celebrated scenes.

There's nothing I enjoy more than taking a stroll through the shadowy passages and getting lost in the narrow streets, filled with small, local shops and classical buildings. While wandering in these streets you can smell the heavenly scent of homemade hot chocolate and you can listen to the talented musicians in the street. The Gothic quarter also has many serene squares where I love to savour a nice cup of coffee, read a book, or just appreciate the surroundings in the calm ambient.

I love this part of town as I used to come here with my grandmother every week. We would peacefully stroll down the streets, visit the tiny shops, eat hot chocolate, and talk about the future. It is one of my fondest memories of my beloved Barcelona.

I relish walking around ancient buildings; however, sitting in front of the deep-blue Mediterranean sea on a hot Summer day is blissful. The sun-drenched beaches of this city make taking a walk, jogging, or a bike ride among the Barceloneta resemble a dream. Even during the wintertime, you can still enjoy some sun rays while sitting on a terrace with a front-view of the sea.

I'm especially appreciative of the beauty of this part of Barcelona because my best friend Anna and I used to come here every Friday after school. No matter the weather nor the time of year, sitting on the beach after a long week of studying was the best part of my day. We've witnessed so many love stories, difficult goodbyes, and soking-wet laughs, that they make Barcelona feel even more like home.

However, if you are not much of a fan of thin sand beaches, on the opposite side of the city you can find the Collserola hills, magnificent mountains that allow for a bike ride or a hike surrounded by nature and fresh air. These hills are filled with lookouts from which you can contemplate the city's views, perfect for watching the sunrise - which is one of my favourite things to do with my friends - or for ending the day with a drink while having the city lights at your feet.

These hills hold a special place in my heart as the first time I rode a bike was here. My family and I love to embark on little nature adventures, and learning how to ride a bike is one of them. I honestly could not have asked for a better place to fall over and over again trying to pedal my little bike.

Despite being a rather small city, Barcelona has many interesting and beautiful landmarks, such as Montjuic. This tall mountain is crowded with history and culture, as it was first an Iberian village.

Now, it is home to countless gorgeous gardens filled with flowers and ponds, engaging museums, and the Montjuic Fountains. These light up in the Summer, and it is one of the greatest things to see in the city, whether it's with family, friends, or your significant other, as it's very romantic.

Another splendid landmark of Barcelona is Tibidabo. This peak situated in the Collserola hills has many natural spaces to run in or hike; and it has a small yet complete theme park, where my family and I love to spend the day on Summer.

To me, Barcelona is home. Not only because I grew up here, but because all the people I love and care about are in this city as well. Barcelona has seen me grow, change, learn, and make mistakes. And I think that home should be that place where you feel the most like yourself, where you know, deep down, that you belong there.

I love Barcelona; after all, it has given me so many memories and so many amazing people; and because its gorgeous scenery has provided me with so much peace and happiness.

If you ever visit this enchanting city, I would most definitely recommend that you get lost in its tangled streets, try out our tasty food, and that you take in the breath-taking architecture, as it's something very unique and special.