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The Best Day Trips From Barcelona

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The Best Day Trips From Barcelona

 

Barcelona is known for its vivacious art and cultural scene but if you want a break from this bustling city, why not catch a train to a nearby town for a day-long jaunt?

Here are five places to visit should you decide to take a break from the metropolis:

 

1. Montserrat

Spend a day away from the metropolitan city to explore the beauty of this iconic Catalonian beauty. The base of the mountain houses a Benedictine monastery that is known for its       legendary Black Madonna statue. To uncover on the legend behind the Black Madonna, ride the funiculars up the mountain to Santa Cova, the cave where she was first discovered in 880AD. If you’re feeling adventurous, trek up the Sant Jeroni peak and be awed by the breathtaking view of the valley below. Before you leave, be sure to catch a performance by the world-famous L’Escolania Choir boys at the Basilica– they only perform at 1300 and 1845 daily!

Getting There:

An hour’s journey by train from Barcelona’s Placa d’Espanya station. Choose to travel up the mountain either by cable car or a rack railway ride.

[BARCELONA-FLAVOURS https://www.bonappetour.com/s/Barcelona–Barcelona–Spain?lat=41.38506389999999&lng=2.1734034999999494]

 

2. Sitges

Hailed as the St. Tropez of Spain, Sitges is famed for its rambunctious nightlife and rollicking annual Mardi gras celebrations. If the raucous nightlife is not your cup of tea, this quintessential seaside town is also home to multiple museums dedicated to the works of Catalan artists- check out the Museo Romantic if you have an appreciation for dolls. Be it the vibrant nightlife or artsy culture, you are sure to find something quirky to do in Sitges (other than topless sunbathing, of course).

Getting there:

Take less than an hour to reach Sitges by train from Barcelona’s city centre, Passeig de Gracia.

3. Colònia Güell

Discover one of Gaudi’s last big projects when you stop by Santa Coloma de Cervelló, a once prosperous suburb. Although only the crypt was completed, the church structure remains striking articulate with its twisted columns. The crypt has a rustic and abstract interior, with colourful stained glass windows in the shape of flower petals. This design is said to have inspired his magnum opus, the Sagrada Família. In addition to Gaudi’s masterpiece, you can explore the rows of old houses in this former textile village to understand how life was like back then.

Getting there:

A short 20-minute journey by train from Barcelona’s Placa d’Espanya station.

4.Girona

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Boasting a rich cultural history, Girona was once home to the ancient Romans, Moors and Jews. For a slice of history, visit the Força Vella, Banys Àrabs and the well-preserved Jewish quarters. Don’t miss out on the picturesque Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants that has delicate cloisters carved with designs of otherworldly creatures and mythical figures. If this is not for you, take a stroll along the River Onya to admire the brightly-coloured houses before settling down at one of the world's best restaurants, El Celler De Can Roca.

Getting there:

An hour's journey by train from Barcelona’s Sants station.

5. Figueres

The birthplace of Salvador Dali, Figueres is famed for its Dalí Theatre-Museum. Step into the world of Dalí and find yourself surrounded by his artistic brilliance through his greatest works ranging from the whimsical to the deeply religious. Apart from this prominent attraction, there are some other remarkable museums as well -the Toy Museum of Catalonia, Emporda Region Museum and the Technical Museum. Make a pit stop to Castell de Sant Ferran and for just €3, embark on a guided tour around the sprawling 18th century fortress. Before leaving, do stop by local establishments to get your fair share of Dalì memorabilia.

Getting there:

With the new high-speed AVE train, the journey from Barcelona’s Sants station to Figueres only takes 53 minutes. Alternatively, catch this passing train at Passeig de Gracia.

 

Recommended reading: A Guide to Off the Beaten Path Experiences in Barcelona

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Make Full Use Of Your Time: Paris In 3 Days

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Make Full Use Of Your Time: Paris In 3 Days

 

Day 1: 

1. Eiffel Tower

Should there ever be a reason for you not to visit the Eiffel tower?
The Eiffel tower is the global and cultural icon of France, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It towers over a green pasture where throngs of people gather with their selfie sticks and sunglasses ready to take a tourist picture with the famous attraction. If you want to go a little off-the-beaten path then you can always enjoy some of the city's famous French food with a local!

[PARIS-PASTRIES https://www.bonappetour.com/melody/cook-the-best-french-pastries]

2. The Louvre

The Louvre, also another one of France's most recognisable cultural icons. A former royal palace located on the right bank of the river seine, the Louvre is easily recognised by its pyramid-shaped structure, lined with glass panes in the middle of the Napoleonic courtyard. It was a platform for the evolution of architecture and taste in France, hence the interior of the walls and ceilings of the museum are lined with pictures of antique paintings and the intricate design of each wall tile will set this particular attraction apart from the rest.

3. Notre Dame

Notre Dame, at the heart of the city is easily recognisable by its pointy spire. Here lies a historical, Catholic cathedral known for its French Gothic architecture and one of the largest church buildings in the world. It houses one of Catholicism’s most important relics such as the crown of thorns worn by jesus himself, fragments of the cross and one of the holy nails. The Notre Dame is also known to be one of the most visited attraction in Paris as its entry is free.

4. L'Arc de Triomphe

L'Arc de Triomphe stands in the centre ofthe bustling Place Charles de Gaulle, this attraction is one of Paris' most distinctive landmarks. It was erected in 1806 to honour those who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. All the names of the French victories and generals are carved into the walls of this majestic structure. At the top of the monument, you will be able to witness an amazing panoramic view of Paris.

Day 2: 

5. Sacre-Coeur

An attraction dedicated to the the 58,000 lives lost during the defeat of France. The Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, the second tallest structure in France, is situated on a hill in Montmartre. Easily identified thanks to it almost all-white architectural design with two turquoise like Equestrian statues of King Saint Louis and Satin Joan of Arc watching over the church. Similar to the Arc de Triomphe, you will be able capture a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris at the top of the stairs.

6.Jardin du Luxembourg

An inner-city oasis inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, the gardens cover over 25 hectares and is split into French and English gardens. In between lies a garden with over 106 statues, activities for children such as puppet shows, and for the adults there is chess, tennis, bridge as well as remote control boats you can sail into the large pond.

7.Palais Garnier

A 1,979 seat opera house famously known for its opulence and architecture that portray deities of greek mythology. The Palais Garner, rich with velvet and gold leaf linings, is one of the most famous opera houses in the world, mainly used for the prestigious and highly regarded ballet shows.

8.Parc de la Villette

Parc de la Villete is the third-largest park in Paris. It houses one of the largest concentration of cultural venues, such as 3 major concert venues, Europe’s largest science museum and much more. Large patches of greenery are dotted with people enjoying an afternoon picnic or even just reading a book.

Day 3:

10. Grand Palais

A historical site, exhibition hall and museum, The Grand Palais was designed with glass ceilings as before the age of electricity, light was a necessity. At any time of the day you will be able to watch as light drenches the floors of the Grand Palais, which was used as a place of meeting between Parisians. It is also now used as an exhibition site for many different kinds of art work!

11. Canal Saint-Martin

In spring and summer, Parisians dot the canal to picnic and strum their guitars. Cafes, bars and quirky boutiques line the banks. A perfect location to rent a bike and tour the city.

12. Pere Lachaise Cemetery

 Bein the largest cemetery in the city of Paris, it is a main attraction that houses many notable and respectable artists, writers and singers, such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf.

13. Place des Vosges

A graceful, charming and perfect square garden, with beautiful symmetrical fountains placed at all four corners of the square and a serene green oasis surrounded by rows and rows of red brick houses that feeds the aesthetic appeal. Plane des Vosges is also a place of great historical value as it is the same place where the medieval royal palace used to stand. An absolute pleasure to visit and an ideal place to sit back, relax and sip some wine.

Image Credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 

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Treat Yourself Right This Summer: All the Must See and Must Do’s

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Treat Yourself Right This Summer: All the Must See and Must Do's

As spring and summer approaches Paris, here are a few things that I would like to do – Engage in some Al Fresco brunches, hang out by the canal, try some of the best ice creams in town, watch some performance art and maybe indulge in some the film festival and concert life.

If you are into any of that, here are some of the places you can go to get a taste of that summer lovin’

La Bellevilloise

Imagine a huge warehouse, air-conditoned, the roof is transparent so the light comes pouring in at any time of the day and huge trees planted around the warehouse that look like young oak trees with its leaves hanging over. The scent of the trees and flowers fill the warehouse. In addition, the sweet savoury smell of food cooking in the kitchen and conversations from tables flying all around you, make this a unique place to hang out at. The la belle villoise, used to be a building the houses the capitals first workers but have now turned into a bar, restaurant, club, exhibition space and a place to host regular film and music festivals at the top level. Food, service, atmosphere and people, La belle villoise gets it right all the time.

Marche des Engants Rouges

Marche des Engants Rouges was built in 1615, named after an orphanage that used to occupy the site. One of Paris oldest covered market hidden away from the public eye behind an inconspicuous green metal gate. A maze of food stalls that is ready to impress you with the wide range of food choices available. From Italian, Lebanese, African, Japanese and other stalls. It is definitely one of Paris more atmospheric food markets that you should definitely visit!

Chez Casimir

I am sure you have at least been to a restaurant that have served you quite a generous serving before but Chez Casimir takes it to the next level. 
Non-stop food being served from 10am to 7pm. Watch as your plate fills up with their exceptional country bread, seafood, boudin, smoked salmon, salads, omelettes, beef bourguignon and so much other hearty foods! You will be spoiled for choice.

Bob’s Bake shop

This is one shop where you will see crowds drawing near from far and why? Made freshly and on the spot NewYork-styled bagels that are available in flavours such as poppyseed, onion and pumpernickel (and who else knows what other funny flavours) that taste absolutely sublime. Eat these Bagels in whatever way you like together with their equally as good coffee too!

Festival Silhouette

A festival organised since 2002, showcasing short films from late august to early september in the outdoors. This festival aims to recreate the feeling of long summer days – showing over 100 films of all different types of generes. Alongside these films, there will also be live music concerts, video installations and exhibitions.

Cinéma en Plein Air à La Villette 2015

Cinema en Plein Air a La Villette is a amazingly popular free open air cinema festival that usually airs in Parc de La villette. This festival showcases classical films to the best releases in recent years. (some of the directors of the films include Kubrick, Hitchcock, Tati, Godard, Cukor, Wilder and Hayao Miyazaki). A perfect festival to relax and sip some wine under the stars as some of the best classics play on.

Paris Plages 

If I could sum up Paris in the summer with one event, it would be the Paris Plages (Paris Beach). Available at the right banks of the seine river where you can sun tan and relax on sun chairs covered in sand, the large square facing Hotel de Ville where beach activities take place and Bassin de la Villette where all the water activities are located.

Some of the activities include art galleries, dance floors for you to dance, tai-chi lessons, beach volley, basketball, rugby, pedal boats, electric boats and so much more that you can explore. This is one of the best ways to discover beautiful summer laid-back Paris.

La Petite Ceinture

This summer if you are looking for little adventure and a photo expedition, La petite Ceinture is the place you should go and visit. This place was a former Parisian railway that connected the Paris main railway that has been abandoned since 1934. Bring a torch light to explore its grimy industrial charms.
Once at the Ceinture, the urban bustle fades away replaced by graffiti and dense undergrowth. There are three officially open sections and venturing beyond that is technically illegal but that doesn't stop many from entering the rest. There are several entry points that are not policed and you can google them to find out how to get there.

Note: Known for petty crime, you shouldn't venture out alone or in the night, always bring a torch so that you can venture into the pitch-black tunnels and last but not least, wear shorts or pants as you will be required to climb over fenses and high platforms to explore the place 😉

leave a comment in the section below if you explored the place and share your pictures with us! We would love to see them!

La Fête Foraine des Tuileries

An annual traditional funfair where children and adults can come together to enjoy for a 2 month period. There will be a total of 80 different attractions ranging from bumper cars, trampolines, rock climbing, giant slides, zip wires, ghost rides to Merry-go-rounds dating from 1900 and a modern carousell that will swing you into he air at a speed of 140km/h. If you are hungry you can seek a quick sugar rush at the many stalls there serving crepes, beignets, churros, ice cream and of course a funfair must have, candy floss.

Know of any other cool places and things you could do in the summer? Leave a comment in the section below! We would love to hear from you.

Image Credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

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