You may come for golden beaches, catalan gastronomy and gaudí masterpieces, but the people of barcelona are the real highlight — from museum curators and tour guides to architects and street artists, we discover the beguiling city through the eyes of its doting residents
TANIT
THE TOUR GUIDE
EVERYBODY TALKS ABOUT HOW WELL THE CITY WORKS — HOW CLEAN, SAFE AND EASY GOING IT IS. But I think the architectural elements are probably the biggest surprise to people. They’re really unique once you compare with other cities round the world. Getting lost in the Gothic Quarter is like being immersed in a fairytale.
SEPTEMBER IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT. Good weather, none of crowds and noise of the peak-tourism period. You also have my favourite event, La Mercé [a festival each September celebrating the city’s patron saint]. The party stretches across all of Barcelona, with a full week of events, activities, concerts, spectacles, colour, gastronomy and happiness.
I THINK THE CITY CHANGED AFTER THE 1992 OLYMPICS. Before then, it was a little chaotic and not so organised. In the past 10 years, especially, it’s been trying hard to improve all infrastructure and services — we’re one of the cleanest cities in Europe and have amazing (and cheap) public transport.
MY FAVOURITE SPOT IS MIRABÉ, A PEACEFUL OASIS JUST A 15- TO 20-MINUTE DRIVE FROM THE CITY. You can enjoy a Catalonian delicatessen meal paired with a glass of Cava and observe how the colours of the sky change from the top of Tibidabo Mountain, then how the lights turn on across the city. Just a perfect way to end a busy day.
etapatapa.com
JORDI - CHIEF ARCHITECT
I first saw the Sagrada Familia when I was little — I lived nearby. Sometimes I used to play in the park opposite the Passion façade. I was surprised by how tall the Nativity Towers were and how the Passion Towers were growing, but it was part of my everyday surroundings, always under construction, and I was aware that it belonged to all of us.
Esta historia es de la edición September 2018 de National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 2018 de National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Annette Arjoon-Martins
RAISED BY HER INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHER IN GUYANA, SOUTH AMERICA, ANNETTE BUILT A FEMALE DRONE UNIT TO MONITOR MANGROVES
The Amazon to the Andes
THIS AUTUMN, PADDINGTON HEADS TO PERU ON THE BIG SCREEN - FOLLOW IN HIS PAWPRINTS FOR AN EPIC FAMILY ADVENTURE
Serra de Tramuntana
MAJORCA'S MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGE IS EVERY BIT AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE ISLAND'S COASTLINE - AND YOU CAN HIKE STRAIGHT FROM YOUR HOTEL
CRAFTING PERFECTION
Carlsberg's old brewing district has been redeveloped, offering creative new ways to enjoy Copenhagen
HOTEL AWARDS 2024
IT'S BEEN AN EPIC YEAR FOR HOTEL OPENINGS, REVAMPS AND EXTENSIONS, AND WE'VE SCOURED THE GLOBE FOR THE BEST OF THEM. WHETHER YOU WANT TO TUNE INTO THE JUNGLE FROM A TREEHOUSE, SLEEP IN A PIECE OF HISTORY OR WATCH THE SUN SET OVER MOUNTAIN PEAKS FROM YOUR BED, YOU'RE GUARANTEED A MEMORABLE STAY FROM OUR WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP
MALDIVES
An archipelago of 1,192 coral islands and 26 turquoise atolls looping across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is home to resorts that cater to every imaginable taste, from barefoot escapes to designer digs. The most convenient to reach are located in the South Malé, North Malé and Vaavu atolls, within speedboat distance of Velana International Airport, while more remote atolls are accessible by seaplane or domestic flight. With easy access to the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa and Raa are especially popular. Those around the Equator, including Gaafu Alifu, offer a splendid sense of isolation, abundant marine life and brilliantly starry night skies.
TRANSYLVANIA
The central Romanian region of Dracula fame makes for an intriguing autumn break - sink your teeth into its crafts and culture after discovering its turreted castles.
Audio adventures
FROM OVERTOURISM TO HOW THE OLYMPIC GAMES AFFECTS HOST CITIES, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST PODCASTS THAT EXPLORE THE WORLD
NICE
Historically a place where monarchs and aristocrats would escape the winter in favour of warm Mediterranean climes, this southern French city is at its best in the off season
BELFAST
In the Northern Irish capital, the healing and uniting powers of music and art are being used to reconcile the past, look to the future and bring communities together
