Chronicles from Barcelona | City Guide

Good weather, a great atmosphere, history and culture, great food and lots of activities and attractions, Barcelona has it all to offer to those who visit it. Visiting all the different neighborhoods and trying to figure out how the city has grown over the centuries is something that fascinates me everywhere I go, and Barcelona is no exception. From the medieval parte of the town to its modernists streets visiting this city its such an amazing experience that makes you want to stay.

On this post, I'll try to present you some of the must go places and my favorite spots in the city. Visiting more specific posts, that you can reach trough the links, will bring you further information (and photos) that you may find useful while planning a visit to Barcelona.


BARRI GÒTIC

Barcelona was once a Roman city (Barcino, founded around 133 B.C.), surrounded by stone walls. Century after century, trough the Middle Ages  this village grow in size and importance. The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is a well preserved  set of medieval buildings, squares, narrow streets  and windy alleys, where you should take your time wandering  about (actually, only a few street can be used by cars).  You can find roman arches and columns, the cathedral and many churches, beautiful and famous museums, concert halls, like the Palau de la Musica Catalana,  along with small boutiques and great places to eat.

EL BORNE

Besides Barri Gòtic, the Old Town of Barcelona also includes El Borne district, and if you want to get out of the more beaten track wile still keeping close to the charm of the narrow streets and old buildings, this more artistic and fashionable neighborhood is the place to go.

Here you can find less conventional stores, nice cafe terraces and some of the most interesting attractions of the city. The  Picasso Museum, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, El Borne Centre Cultural i de Memòria and the Ciutadella Park (also home to Barcelona Zoo) are some of the places that you can't miss in the visit.

In the heart of the district is the  tree-lined Passeig del Born, once the site of medieval jousting competitions. Today with its numerous restaurants and bars is a place to go eat and drink, both day or night. 

MONTJUÏC

Either its name comes from the Roman temple of Mons Jovis (Moutain of Jupiter) or from the medieval Jewish cemetery in the south side of the mountain, Montjuïc is an obligatory visit while in Barcelona.

The Palau Nacional, other palaces and infrastructures  in Montjuïc, including the wide mountain parc,  and the famous Mies van der Rohe Pavillion, were built for the World Exposition of 1929, but the full development of the hill come with the Olympic Games of 1992, with the construction of the stadium and of several sport facilities.

Just above the commercial port one can find the  17th Century fortress, the Castell de Montjuïc, which today houses the military historical museum. In the days of Franco, the fortress on the Montjuïc was a prison for political prisoners. Today it can be visited and enjoy some great views of the city.

LA BARCELONETA

When, in the eighteenth century, a part of the residents of La Ribera quarter lost their homes in order to built the Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona grew towards the sea and La Barceloneta was built to accommodate its new inhabitants, mostly fisherman and sailors. 

The landscape of the neighborhood changed dramatically with the 1992 Olympics, with the recuperation of the urban infrastructures, the creation of beautiful beaches lined with white sand and palm trees and rigorous standards of coastal water quality. Promenades, Shoppings, Hotels, a Marina (Port Vell) and an Aquarium, sportive infrastructures, trendy restaurantes and contemporary art  exhibits are among the attractions waiting for Barceloneta visitors.

EIXAMPLE

In mid nineteenth century, with the beginning of industrialisation, Barcelona began to grow out off the city walls, extending the living and working space for the fast-growing population.  The Eixample district, with its large straight streets and its modernist architecture, testimonies a time of progress and prosperity that characterized the city trough the last decades of the 1800's and the beginning of the twentieth century.

The Passeig de Gracia, that connects the medieval city (starting at Plaça Catalunya) to the Gràcia district, is lined with admirable buildings, chic boutiques and great restaurants. There you can find two of the most famous monuments of Barcelona's architect Antoní Gaudì - Casa Milà  (also known as La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. Casa Batlló is part of the Block of Discord, located in Passeig de Gràcia between calle Aragó and calle Consell de Cent. This block  features the most famous collection of modernist buildings sharing the same facade in Barcelona.  Further east, the Sagrada Família cathedral , also projected by Gaudì, is a place where is mandatory to go with plenty of time.

LAS RAMBLAS

Las Ramblas is one of the main streets of Barcelona and, often, one of the first landmarks that most visitors identify with the city. This central boulevard, which cuts through the heart of the city centre,   is a vibrant and agreeable promenade of approximately 1,3 kilometers, connecting Plaza Catalunya  to Port Vell harbor. To the west it borders with El Raval area and east of Las Ramblas you can find the Barri Gòtic. 

There you can find La Boqueria Market, the first of Barcelona's local markets, opened on 1840 and where you can find a selection of fruits, fresh meat, fish and see food (you can also eat it on the place), and a lot of other products. The color and the diversity of products makes it a place to visit.

GRÀCIA

Situated in the higher part of the city, Gràcia is the bohemian quarter of the city. Its cosmopolitan caracter and strong political stance brings a special appeal. In this colorful neighborhood you can find one of the top attractions of Barcelona - Parc Güell - and some of the best view points o the city.

Chronicles from Paris | City Guide

A Paris City Guide was long due, and with so many posts on the city is now time to bring it all together in one article. I've been twice in Paris and have yet a lot of places to visit. On this post, I'll try to present you some of the must go places and my favorite spots in the city. Visiting more specific posts, that you can reach trough the links, will bring you further information (and photos) that you may find useful while planning a visit to Paris.

The story of Paris started at the Île de la Cité and from there the city have grown along the river banks. Therefore, a visit to the small island in the centre of the Seine can be the natural starting point of your visit.



ÎLE DE LA CITÉ

Easy to reach, either by subway (Station Cité), by boat or walking along the river banks and crossing at one of the numerous bridges, the Île de la Citê is a tourist magnet with its impressive buildings and well known landmarks. There you can find several historical buildings like the Conciergerie or the Palais de Justice, monuments and museums. Notre Dame and the Sainte-Chapelle are unquestionably places to visit, but you must be prepared to wait some time in order to enter. Enjoying the sun in one of the small squares or stroll around in the Marché aux Fleurs et Oiseux can also be a great way to know better this part of the city.

MARAIS


Marais  is the french word for marshland and this district, that once was a swamp, gained its importance due to the proximity of the Palace du Louvre. The sumptuous mansions built in the 17th century by the richest families of Paris are, today, house to modern boutiques, great art galleries, upscale hotels and restaurants, making the Marais one of the most dynamic districts of Paris.

There you can find Place des Vosges with its perfect symmetry and well manicured garden. This beautiful square can be the ideal place to start (or to finish) a walk in the Marais, currently one of the most charming districts of Paris. Some of the must visit spots include the Maison Victor Hugo, the Musée Picasso Paris, the Hotel de Ville and the Rue des Rosiers, the main street of the Jewish quarter.

TUILERIES


Between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, the Tuileries area was built as a place of kings, queens and palaces. Today, famous squares like Place des Victories or Place Vendôme are the house of the most fashionable stores and of the most luxurious brands, and is also in this neighborhood that you can find the famous Ritz Hotel or the well known Buddha-Bar.

Whether you walk from somewhere else in the city or opt to use the Metro (Stations Concorde, Tuileries and Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre are some of the most central), this part of the city is easily reachable and one of the must go parts of Paris. Walking around the Jardin des Tuileries to look at the numerous statues or to act like a local and enjoy the sun or a good book in one of the chairs available all over the garden will be time well spend. For the art lovers, a visit to the Louvre and to the L'Orangerie museums are activities that must be planned ahead, depending on the time available, as there can be waiting lines for security and for buying the tickets.

QUARTIER LATIN


Grown around the Sorbonne, this neighborhood is full of life and commerce. There you can find lots of bookstores (the famous Shakespeare & Company Bookstore is one of them), cafés, restaurants and jazz clubs. Depending on the days you can also visit some small street markets, where you can find fruits, vegetables and delicious delicatessens.

Among the major historic buildings there can be found, the highlight goes to the Pantheon, built in the eighteenth century, Le Musée National du Moyen Age, which is installed in a magnificent fifteenth century building, the church of St-Julien-le-Pauvre and the beautiful St-Séverin church, in Gothic style with its gargoyles and lancet windows.

To get there, if you are close to Notre Dame, you can cross the Seine at Pont au Double or at the Petit Point. If you come from some place far in the city you can take the subway to one of the stations in the neighborhood (Maubert, Cluny La Sorbonne or St-Michel).

LUXEMBOURG


One of the most captivating neighborhoods of Paris owes its charme to the beautiful old houses and to the tranquility of the gardens. The Palace and the Gardens of Luxembourg dominate this area of the city and attract many visitors with its beauty.

Inspired by the Boboli Gardens and by the Pitti Palace in Florence, the Gardens and the Palace of Luxembourg were created for Queen Marie de Medici in the 17th century, as a way for her to remember her native city. Today the gardens are open to the public and are the perfect place to spend a few relaxed hours in one of the most beautiful sceneries of the city.

TROCADÉRO AND TOUR EIFFEL

The Trocadéro with its gorgeous terraces and magnificent view of the city is one of my favorite places in Paris. From here you will probably take some of the best pictures of the Eiffel Tower and can enjoy a clear view of the iconic landmark.

The Palais the Chaillot and the freshness of the gardens and fountains of Trocadéro will keep you there for a long time, before you cross the bridge D'Iéna to go to the Eiffel  Tower. If you want to go to the top of the tower is better to buy the tickets on line a few days in advance, avoiding the long queues to the ticket office on the base of the tower.

ETÓILE ET CHAMPS-ELISÉES


The Avenue des Champs Elisées is one of the most important and famous arteries of the city of Paris. With its wide sidewalks and large driving lanes, the avenue goes from the square Charles de Gaule (also known as Place Étoile) to the Place de la Concorde. At Place Charles de Gaule you can find another important landmark of the city, the Arc du Triomphe. The view you can reach from its terrace compensates the tiresome climbing of the stairs.

A walk down the Champs Elisées will take you along some of the most expensive stores  and fancy cafés and restaurants. In the final part of the avenue you will get to the Rond Point of the Champs Elisées, with its leafy chestnut trees and colorful flower beds.

MONTMARTRE


A trip to Paris is not complete without a stroll through Montmartre. From the Sacré-Coeur basilica to the typical streets, reminiscent of a provincial village, it is simply lovely. The artists on the streets, the shops, the art galleries, the numerous restaurants and bistros (do not forget to eat some Moules Marinières!), the hustle and bustle of tourists (yes is a bit overcrowded!), the color and the animation, transport us to a less sophisticated Paris, to a bohemian and more irreverent city that captivates you at the first look.

You can reach Montmartre by Metro (stations Anvers or Pigalle). If you feel that going up the hill is to much for you, there is a funicular, starting at Rue Foyatier, that can take you up to Sacré-Coeur (you can use the Metro tickets there). But if you want to take my suggestion, when coming down, opt for the iconic cobbled stone stairs.

Chronicles from Paris | Paris Trough my Instagram Eyes

"At night I dream that you and I are two plants that grew together, roots entwined" 

Pablo Neruda

Paris is considered as one of the most romantic cities in the world and this aura, as well as all the imagery created by books and films (and most recently by social media), contributes for its special atmosphere propitious to romance.

Of course that romance is not in the places themselves but in our hearts and in the way we relate with those we care for. Love is in our gestures and in our thoughts and is not conditioned to a specific place or time. So, don't wait for tomorrow to celebrate your love for someone and don't wait for Paris for a romantic gesture. Just love!

But when in Paris, give wings to your romantic self, and go to all those iconic places you have seen in the movies. A glass of wine, a lock of love and a walk by the Seine will be remembered forever!

All that being said, this post is not a romantic city guide  of Paris but only a collection of some of my Instagram pictures where Paris is the subject and scenery. Invite you all, to wander around this beautiful city trough my eyes.

Looking up in awe to the Louvre roofs.

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Feb 7, 2017 at 4:40pm PST

Louvre, a view from the Seine. When visiting Paris a cruise on the river can be one of the best forms to see the city and to have a different perspective on some of the most iconic monuments. Check today's article on the blog for more photos and info.

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Feb 2, 2017 at 2:07pm PST

Pont de Sully offers one of the loveliest views of Notre Dame Cathedral.

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 18, 2017 at 6:04am PST

Paris has dozens of bridges crossing the river Seine. Many of them are true works of art and you can check some of my favourite on the blog (find link in bio)

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 17, 2017 at 12:45pm PST

Is impossible not to love the beautiful Parisian gardens. In the Tuileries garden you can walk around, take great photos, relax on one of the many chairs available and have a drink or a light meal from one of the food stands.

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 8, 2017 at 9:45am PST

Build in the former grounds of tiles factories, the Jardin des Tuileries is, today, one of the favourite places of both Parisian and city's visitors for spending some relaxed couple of hours. Take a book, grab a chair and feel like a local.

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 7, 2017 at 3:30am PST

The city of Paris is an open museum! Check this view from the Tuileries Garden, is truly a monument overload. You can find more photos on the latest post on the blog (find link in bio).

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 6, 2017 at 3:11pm PST

Paris's rooftops view from the top of the Arc du Triomphe

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Dec 12, 2016 at 3:00am PST

Arc du Triomphe, Paris

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Dec 10, 2016 at 6:11am PST

Place des Vosges in Paris. Wouldn't you love to live there?

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Nov 28, 2016 at 7:52am PST

Place des Vosges is probably one of the most beautiful squares in Paris. You can find more on today's blog post (link in bio)

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Nov 28, 2016 at 6:09am PST

Norte Dame Cathedral is the focal point of Île de la Cité in Paris and one of the most visited Gothic cathedrals in the world. Check the new post on the blog (find the link in bio)

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Nov 15, 2016 at 2:54pm PST

"I must have flowers, always and always." Claude Monet Flower beds in Luxembourg Garden, Paris

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Nov 9, 2016 at 6:06am PST

Luxembourg Garden in Paris. Statue The Greek Actor with view of the Pantheon on the background.

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Nov 9, 2016 at 1:44am PST

"At night I dream that you and I are two plants that grew together, roots entwined" Pablo Neruda Luxembourg Garden, Paris

A photo posted by The Wanderer's Chronicles (@thewandererschronicles) on Nov 9, 2016 at 10:33am PST

Lisbon Chronicles | City Guide

Lisbon is getting popular by the day and the number of visitors increases each year. Although my opinion may be suspect, this popularity is well deserved, for the Portuguese capital is a little gem, full of beauty, history and culture.

Long overdue, this guide will help you get around in the city, not missing much of the best it has to offer. Suggest you to follow the links that will lead you to posts where you can fin more specific information, tips and photos.

Lisbon, with its seven hills, stretches along the Tagus river and possess the most remarkable light, so, bring your camera and be prepared to take a lot of photos. Depending on the time you'll have you can see more or less places, but next I'll present you some of the districts that you can't miss.


BAIXA (DOWNTOWN)

Baixa Pombalina owes its name to Marquês de Pombal the Portuguese Prime Minister that, after the 1755 earthquake, commissioned the reconstruction of that part of the city. The urban planning and the construction methods used were pioneer in 18th century Europe and still resist today.

Some of the highlights of this neighborhood are Rossio Square, with its characteristic wavy cobblestone floor, the large and sunny Praça do Comércio (also known as Terreiro do Paço), one of the most beautiful European squares. On Terreiro do Paço, you can see and visit the Triumphal Arch on Rua Augusta, and the Cais das Colunas, a stone pear with two columns. The square is also home for a series of restaurants and cafés, with gorgeous terraces for you to enjoy the nice weather.

Walking from Rossio to Terreiro do Paço, you will see the Santa Justa Lift, a engineering master piece, many times wrongly attributed to Gustave Eiffel, that connects Downtown Lisbon to Chiado.

From Terreiro do Paço, you can walk along the river bank, on Ribeira das Naus, enjoying the sun.

CHIADO

Next to Baixa, you can find Chiado neighborhood, which is traditionally a shopping area where you can find from the most traditional shops (some of them centuries old) to more modern and trendy establishments.

Cafes and restaurants, churches and museums, theaters and designer shops concentrated within a few streets, make this part of Lisbon one of the most visited by tourists and frequented by the city’s habitants.

On Chiado you must visit the ruins of Carmo Church. The beauty of this partially ruined church is unforgettable. Closely you can find the Varandas do Carmo, a set of terraces with bars and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy some drinks and great views of the city. If you want a 360º view, go up to Santa Justa's Lift terrace. Another must go place on Chiado with a stunning view of the Castle is Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

PRÍNCIPE REAL

Not far from Chiado is the neighborhood of Principe Real, one of the nicest neighborhoods in the city of Lisbon. Its gardens and quiet squares are lined with colorful palaces. There you can find antique shops, restaurants and bars. The tourists who walk around and senior citizens playing deck in the shade of trees all contribute to its undeniable charm.

The Botanical Garden and the Natural History Museum can be interesting if you travel with children.

ALFAMA

Alfama is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Europe and surely one of the most picturesque of Lisbon. This medieval neighborhood escaped the earthquake of 1755 and keeps its Moorish and Jewish roots in many of its traits and characteristics. The beautiful views of the city and the Tagus seduce both the travelers and the locals, and a walk through its alleys, squares and viewpoints is absolutely mandatory wen visiting Lisbon.

While in Alfama you can't miss a visit to Lisbon Cathedral (Church of St. Mary Major) whose construction began in the second half of the twelfth century. For great views (and awesome photos) go to Miradouro de Santa Luzia e Miradouro das Portas do Sol. The São Vicente de Fora Monastery and the National Pantheon, visible from the viewpoints I just mentioned are also on this district and interesting places to visit.

In Alfama you can also find several museums and lots of restaurants and terraces to have a drink or a coffee.

CASTELO

From Alfama you can go up to Castelo neighborhood climbing its narrow, steep streets. Covering  Lisbon's tallest hill, the Castelo neighborhood grow around the Castle walls and is one of the oldest (and smaller) Portuguese districts. Besides the neighborhood itself, the main attraction is the Castelo de São Jorge, a milenar fortification that was house to Romans, Visigoths, Moors and then to Portuguese kings. The castle holds so much history inside its walls that you should reserve a couple of hours to the visit. Nevertheless, the breathtaking views of the city that you can grasp from the walls are surely one of its greatest attractive.

BELÉM

Belém is an historic district on the West part of Lisbon closely related to to the Portuguese discoveries.  The emblematic buildings of Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery), both UNESCO World Heritage sites, were built in Manueline style with exotic,  navy and maritime elements inspired by the voyages the Portuguese made around the world.

Between the two monuments one can find the refreshing gardens of Praça do Império, with its fountains and vegetation. Facing the river Tagus you'll have on your right the Centro Cultural de Belém (Belém Cultural Centre), with exhibitions and cultural events and a little further the Champalimaud Foundation, both with a contemporary architecture that is worth to admire.

In walking distance to your left, you'll find the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) and the Museu dos Coches (Coach Museum) where you can find a unique collection of coaches. You can also find the recently opened MAAT.

While in Belém the choice of restaurants is enormous, and if you don't decide to have lunch or dinner, a visit to the Pastéis de Belém patisserie to taste one (or more) of the worldly famous Portuguese custard pastries is mandatory.

PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES

The Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) neighborhood, situated in the eastern part of Lisbon, includes the new urban area of ​​the city arisen following the World Expo 1998.

Characterized by its contemporary architecture and the extensive leisure and entertainment facilities, the Parque das Nações quickly won the hearts of Lisbon habitants and the delight of its visitors. Some of the architectural highlights include the outstanding vaults of the Oriente Train Station, by Santiago Calatrava, and the Pavilion of Portugal, by the Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.

Among the cultural facilities is worth visiting the Museum of Science and Technology which features several interactive exhibits and the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.

Lisbon is a small, beautiful and safe city and you can walk around easily. The subway covers most of the city and is most useful if you want to go across the city. Don’t forget to look to the beautiful pieces of art inside the stations, mostly tile panels and sculptures by Portuguese artists. In some parts of the city the Tram is the perfect choice. Tram 28 for the old town neighbourhoods and Tram 15 to Belém.