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Six Things to do in Barcelona

The Spanish city of Barcelona (natives call is Barca,pronouned "Bah-sa") is a vibrant, large and extremely funplace to visit. It has countless attractions, frombeautiful buildings to trendy restaurants, museums totapas bars. And let's not forget the coolest feature: theMediterranean Ocean comes right up the center of the city.If you're lucky enough to find yourself in Barcelona, besure to be the following 6 things into your itinerary:

1. Walk. Unlike some cities, a few days in Barcelona islikely to energize you rather than leave you drained. Thisis because there are as just as many places to relax andunwind as there are must-see places. Like so manyMediterranean cities, it is possible to have a fantasticstay in Barca just by taking a walk - there are so manythings to stop and admire.

2. Make sure to look at the gorgeous buildings designedby famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi. His work iscolorful, fanciful and sure to lift your mood. Your firststop should be Sagrada Familia, the stunning cathedralthat's been under construction since Gaudi was alive.Gaudi was a devout Catholic , and this amazing structureshows his passion for his religious beliefs. You can alsotake a look at the private apartments and houses thearchitect built all over the city. One striking example isCasa Mila, with a blue-green serpentine outer wall thatcurves like a watery wave. Travel up to the roof, whereyou'll find chimney stacks shaped like statues.

3. If you like Gaudi's buildings, be sure to stop by thePark Guell, also designed by this talented architect inthe early 20th century. It will surely leave a lastingimpression. The park is beloved by natives and touristsalike, who flock to see the colorful curving benches andwhismical sculptures studded with mosaic tiles. Watch theyoungsters playing football while their parents sitnearby enjoying a cup of coffee. If you want to get awayfrom the crowds, pathways lead to more private areas ofthe park.

4. Ramble along La Rambla, the long stretch of streetthat runs from the water's edge to the old portion of thecity. The street once carried water inland, but it's nowan entertainment mecca, full of storefronts, theaters,bars and restaurants. It's also home to a covered food-hall where you can stock up on tasty treats, from cheeseto ham to nuts to fruits and veggies.

5. Indulge your artistic side. Stop in at the MuseePicasso, a cozy museum devoted solely to the Spanishartist Pablo Picasso. Here you'll find many fine piecesof ceramic artwork, childhood sketches, mature worksand information on the artist's life. The museum isfull of fascinating and beautiful images, but it's smallenough to explore over the course of an afternoon.

6. Sports buffs should run on over to Camp Nou, astadium where some of Europe's most exciting soccermatches have been held. Try and catch a game, or ifyou're there on an off-day explore the soccer museumor take a guided tour of the facilities. As you cansee, there really is something for everyone in Barca!