Barcelona: El Cor De Catalunya

Barcelona is a different Spain, it's got a special feeling. Catalonia happens to be the region that Barcelona belongs to. I've been very lucky recently to discover a whole new side of Spain, an area that's far away from the buckets and spades of the tourists resorts. So, this begs the question "is Barcelona the heart of Catalonia?" 

Barcelona has a special heart, a city that has a crazy cool vibe. Captured to the left is La Rambla, a never ending street piled with posh restaurants and countless options for alfresco dining. I love La Rambla it has a special spark, its hectic but calm at the same time. La Rambla has lots of quirky side streets that have personality and edge, its not just a pretty and predictable tourist area. I didn't get lost whilst discovering this part of Barcelona's city center due the clear signs. I walked so far that I found myself in Vila De Gracia, a super swish neighbourhood that boasts some of Barcelona's top shopping boutiques. Barcelona really owns its past because I didn't see many new buildings as it was super charming! 

Barcelona is a big and bustling city that has so much going on, but let me dispel a common fear about the tales of Barça's pickpocketing woes. Throughout my time in Barcelona I did not have anything stolen at all, its all about staying vigilant and not venturing into areas that don't feel strictly appropriately for tourists. Back to La Ramba, this area is accessible by the extensive Barcelona Metro system and is quite easy to self-navigate by foot from the Port of Barcelona, which was close to my accommodation. I would give anything to have another walk down La Rambla because it was so amazing! Get to La Rambla, its beautiful!

Welcome to the Plaça de Catalunya! This place  took me to the center of Barcelona's old Spanish vibe. A hype of activity can be felt whilst at the center of the square with people walking to work, meeting their friends or just taking things slow.One thing that I did not like was the amount of pigeons, but thats my opinion. I had a feeling about this sight, the whole atmosphere of the place fitted perfectly with the Barcelona energy. I found this point of interest on the second day I spent in Barcelona. If you have the chance to see this great place I would seriously recommend a visit! 

The meeting point for many and the avenue that accesses seven other directions to seven other streets including Passeig de Gracia and La Rambla. I found that walking from my hostel along La Rambla brought me straight to the Plaça de Catalunya, well give or take a ten minute walk. If you want to be at the center of action this square is the best place! I felt that there was a wide variety of people going about their business in the plaza, even though a main road circled the area there was still a feeling of calm and energy at the same time. Get yourselves to Plaça de Catalunya for something new, just mind out for the pigeons because they rule the roost!

Now, I have definitely saved the best until last. Barcelona doesn't do Tesco so the market is the best place to find some tasty Catalan delights. Mercat St Josep La Boqueria offers so much more than just meat, fish and vegetables. This market pleases the local people of Barcelona and tourists alike. I could not believe the amount of colourful stalls selling sweets and chocolates that looked absolutely fantastic! I must add that the fishmongers were selling a wide array of fishes that looked amazing. Talking about fish I jumped at the chance to try some local market food. My lunch consisted of a piece of beautifully fried Tuna with a large glass of beer. 

The hustle and bustle of this colourful Catalan market was perfect, I need to be back there now! I have such a sweet tooth so I treated myself to some fudge, it was all very tasty! If you have watched reality show Geordie Shore then you will have seen this market, the poultry and cold cuts section to be exact. This market is open from morning until night, so there's no wrong time to visit. Be ready for the madness of this market its a fast paced hype of entertainment, trust me! I just feel blessed that I had the chance to experience a place like Mercat St Josep La Boqueria because its super cool! 

Barcelona is most certainly the heart of Catalonia !!! Joseph Harrison