Barcelona

Barcelona is one of Spain’s most versatile tourist destinations: one minute you can be touring architectural masterpieces and the next lying on a beach and topping up your tan. There are obvious choices when it comes to what to see and do whilst in Barcelona, but why not explore the area in a bit more depth and seek out some hidden gems? You’re likely to discover a new and exciting side to this Catalan city.

To really get a taste of Barcelonan life, take a leaf out of the mature residents of the Gothic Barrio’s book. Come two o’clock, when most locals are settling down for a siesta, don’t follow the other tourists returning to their Barcelona hotels . Instead, take a trip to Fira Nautumismo and browse the wide range of collectables on offer in the street market set up by the elderly residents. You can get anything from stamps and coins to crafts and jewellery here and will discover some real gems that cannot be found on the main shopping strip.

If you want to hang out with the coolest Barcelonans then head to the (not so) secret bar, El Mariachi. Tucked away in the Barrio Gotico and identifiable only by the painting of a snake-entwined woman sitting below the legend of El Mariachi on the ‘shop front’, this bar is the most popular hangout for musicians such as Manu Chao. Take in the mismatched furniture whilst supping on a random array of spirits and beers. If you dare to venture into this muso den, you should make sure you sample the interesting cocktails on offer, such as the Mariachi – made with Pacharan, or hydro-miel – the house speciality liqueur blended with honey.

Whether you’re looking for an ideal souvenir for your stay in Barcelona or wanting to feast your eyes on some local art, then take a walk from the Ramblas to Escudellers. Here you will find Art Escudellers, a pottery shop selling pieces from all over Spain. Navigating the shop is easy as the products are divided by their region of origin. Expect prices to increase as you head downstairs and if you do find yourself making an extortionate purchase, ease your soul with a swig from the fabulous wine cellar in the basement.

It’s also worth heading out on foot and making the most of the beautiful landscape surrounding Barcelona. Pack your own picnic and watch the world go by on a trip to the Botanical Gardens at Montjuïc Mountain, situated near the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. These beautiful gardens showcase the Mediterranean’s most extraordinary plant and wildlife and are a great place to relax and spend an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and beaches.

This post is part of a monthly Spanish Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find plenty of Barcelona hotels suitable for all tastes and budgets.

Fodor’s Barcelona

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One Great Reason to Visit Barcelona

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the numerous landmarks and monuments.

Barcelona

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Las Lajas Cathedral

Colombia probably has more inspiring highlights than Ipiales but this town found close to the border with Ecuador certainly has a prize not to be missed if arriving from Ecuador.

The magnificent, neo-gothic cathedral of Santuario de Las Lajas is located 7km from the town centre and was built early to mid last century. It was built in a deep river gorge and incorporates a bridge spanning the river, making it quite a spectacular travel destination.

Each year Las Lajas attracts pilgrims from all over Colombia and from abroad. Thanksgiving plaques and mementos are left along the pathway to the fairy-tale like cathedral.

Colombia – A Country Guide

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One Great Reason to Visit Ipiales

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to see the Las Lajas Cathedral that has been built over a bridge spanning a steep, river ravine.

Las Lajas Cathedral, Ipiales, Colombia

Las Lajas / Ipiales, Colombia from Jnp on Vimeo.

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Kilkenny Castle

The town of Kilkenny is in County Kilkenny in the south/east region of Ireland. It’s most well known for three historic landmarks. The 13th century Cathedral of St Canice, the Round Tower both of which the town orginated around and the third landmark, the dominating and beautiful Kilkenny Castle.

Kilkenny has managed to retain much of its medieval flavour. Strict redevelopment guidelines, ensuring the shop and business facade’s are not modernised to the point that they lose their original, historic charm. Kilkenny is also considered the art and craft capital of Ireland with a rich array of arts and crafts available in many of the town’s shops.

This is an excellent and much reviewed Guide Book should you be planning a trip to Ireland.

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One Great Reason to Visit Kilkenny

One great reason to visit Kilkenny is for the grand Kilkenny Castle and its beautifully kept grounds.

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

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Santiago Skyline

Santiago is the capital city of the South American country Chile and has a population in excess of five million. Chile lies along part of the length of the Andes Mountain Range. Santiago is located midway, in a valley and has a breathtaking backdrop with the Andean mountains in the distance. It is said that you can ski in the mountains and swim in the ocean, all in the same day. Unfortunately, the geography of the nearby mountains also contributes to a significant pollution problem with the mountains trapping the pollution of the large city within the valley.

Highlights of the city of Santiago as a travel destination include the Metropolitan Park, also known as Cerro San Cristobal. It’s a vast area of more than 1,800acres and is home to the Botanical Gardens, Zoo, playgrounds, walking trails and swimming pools. The summit can be reached via a cable car and magnificent views over the city can be admired…on a clear day! Another must see, is the Plaza De Armas, the capital’s main Plaza which dates back to 1540. Here you’ll find the main Post Office and the National Cathedral.

I have always been a huge fan of the ‘Lonely Planet’ travel books. The first one I ever purchased was ‘Africa on a Shoestring’ 1986 edition. I highly recommend the ‘Lonely Planet’ travel guides. They are informative, beautifully presented and will inspire you to fully experience the destination. If you are planning a trip to Santiago, I suggest you consider the ‘Lonely Planet – Santiago’ edition.

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One Great Reason to Visit Santiago

One great reason to visit Santiago is to admire the amazing backdrop of the Andean mountains.

A Tour of Santiago

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The Shambles

York is located in the County of North Yorkshire in northern England and dates back to Roman times. It is considered to be one of Britain’s best preserved medieval cities with its fine Gothic cathedral (the largest in England), the York Minster. There are four city gates and the old city is surrounded by a large stone wall. Other interesting buildings include, Clifford’s Tower, Treasurer’s House, The Guildhall, Merchant’s Adventurer’s Hall and the Shambles. A fabulous example of medieval shopping street.

The river Ouse flows through York and is a culmination of the small streams which have trickled from the hills of the nearby Dales and Moors. The word ‘ouse’ is a very common name for rivers in England. It’s derived from the Celtic word ‘Usa’, which means ‘water’. The river is very popular in summer with boats cruising the waterway as a means for visitors to view York.

Not far from York and a pleasant drive on the A64, is the famous ‘Castle Howard’. One of Britains finest 18th century private, stately homes. Castle Howard has been part of the Howard family for more than 300 years. You may recognise it for the 1981 television series ‘Brideshead Revisited’.

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One Great Reason to Visit York

One great reason to visit York is to wander down the medieval shopping street of the Shambles and view the second storey rooms overhanging the cobbled stone street.

The Sites of York

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