Barcelona, Spain

As a producer for the Travel Channel, I am afforded the luxury of traveling the world.  For most road warriors, traveling for work usually means budget hotels and long days in conference rooms.  For me, it means checking out the best, the brightest, most amazing places this world has to offer.  My job is to do the dirty work so that travelers like you can just relax, unwind and explore.

In my new Jetsetter’s Guide, exclusive to CityCrush.com, I open my little black book to give you a quick glimpse of what I found to be the best of the best from my latest travels. I look to my fellow jetsetters to add comments, tweet and send updates so that we can CRUSH this world one city at a time.

CRUSHING Barcelona

I had always wanted to take a walk down Barcelona’s famous La Ramblas.  In fact, it was on my list of 101 things that I wanted to do before I died.  So, when I was given the assignment to travel there for a recent project, I was more than ready to finally take that stroll.

The best place to stay in Barcelona (www.barcelonaturisme.com) is the Hotel Arts. (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Barcelona)Standing over Port Olimpic(www.whatbarcelona.com/port-olimpic.html) on the shores of the Mediterranean, this Ritz Carlton owned property is simply the best that money can buy in this city.  However,  the Hotel 1898 (www.hotel1898.com) is another solid choice as it sits right on La Ramblas, giving you the ability to take that stroll without ever stepping foot into a taxi cab.

In the morning, head to La Bouqueria(www.boqueria.info/Eng/index.php) in the center of La Ramblas for some fresh bread, cheese, fruit and some fresh squeezed juice. La Bouqueria started as an open-air market, in front of one of the gates of the old city where fruit and vegetable traders from local towns and farms would sell their products.  Their tradition lives on in this sprawling space where the vibrant colors and smells will have you wanting to stock up on everything from fruits to olives to nuts and candy.

To get the perfect introduction to this amazing city, be sure to book a Fat Tire Bike Tour (fattirebiketours.com/Barcelona). Run by US expats, this tour will have you riding a cruiser style bike to all of the major attractions.  The guides are knowledgeable and hilarious and will have you thinking about buying a bike back home.  The tour lasts about 4 hours – so allow plenty of time for this in your schedule.

After the bike tour it is time for a quick bite at a Tapas Bar before a much needed siesta.  I know what you are thinking…you want me to take a nap? I promise… this town goes all night long and you will be really happy you took this rest later.  Trust me.

For the best tapas in town, try Cerveseria Catalana (www.bcnrestaurantes.com/eng/barcelona.asp?restaurante=cerveceria-catalana) located on Carrer de Mallorca. Ask the waiter to recommend a few dishes and wash it down with some fruity sangria! I enjoyed a couple of plates that really stood out to me as “must-trys” – a bruschetta with Spanish ham with cheese and then a salmon ceviche that literally melted in my mouth. All of the dishes were fresh and simple and the prices were reasonable.

Evenings in Barcelona start late and end in the morning.  So, get your rest and be prepared to eat your dinner after 10pm.  Be sure to talk with your hotel to make dinner reservations – especially if you are dining on a weekend night.

I was lucky enough to be spending the anniversary of my 21^st Birthday in Barcelona, and I wanted to try some of that yummy Catalan paella that I had been reading about for years.  Our hotel recommended Merendero de la Mari (www.merenderodelamari.com) located right on Port Vell.  This restaurant offers plenty of outdoor seating and has amazing views of the Mediterranean.  The fisherman’s paella was delish and I washed it down with a robust Spanish Rioja.  Happy Birthday to me.

Another great way to see the city is to head up to Park Montjuic (www.bcn.cat/turisme/english/turisme/llocs/17_0.htm). The best way to get up to the top of the mountain is to take the Teleferic de Monjuic ( www.lovento.com/en/venues/spain/barcelona/tourism/monuments/teleferic_de_montjuic/), a gondola that will lift you “ski resort” style up to the fort that sits atop of the mountain. At around 8 Euros for a round-trip ticket, this is a great way to see Barcelona’s skyline.  Looking down, it will be hard for you to miss Gaudi’s La Sagarada Familia () cathedral.  It will also be hard to miss the Torre Agbar (www.torreagbar.com/home.asp building, which looks more like a… well, let’s just say it’s a bizarre shape for a building.

La Sagrada Familia is to Barcelona what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Designed by Antoni Gaudi (www.gaudiallgaudi.com/AA002.htm), construction started on the cathedral in 1882 and continues to this day. In fact, after a century of building, most people think that the church is better left undone. The cathedral looks more sandcastle than church with its ornate spires that stretch to the sky. My favorite part was the crucifix located on the back side of the cathedral. Be sure to stop and really take in all of sculptures that are embedded into the facade.

Only a short ride from the cathedral is another of Gaudi’s whimsical designs, Park Guell(www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/gaudi/park-guell.html). Commissioned by Eusebi Guell and designed by Gaudi, this area of Barcelona was originally supposed to be a grand neighborhood for Barcelona’s elite.  The idea never sold, so the land was given back to the city and became a public park.

Journey through the gingerbread looking gate houses and head up the almost crooked stairs to a large plaza where you will find street performers, locals and tourists all enjoying the shade from the hot Barcelona sun. The park also features shaded pathways and Fred Flintstone style arches where you will find people relaxing, reading, or enjoying the live music from the vibrant street performers.

After a proper siesta, get ready for another late night in Barcelona at the seafront area.  This is the most popular place on the weekends – so expect a crowd. I recommend trying Shoko (www.shoko.biz), an Asian fusion restaurant that uses the fresh fish from the Mediterranean in a variety of Asian inspired dishes.  If you are feeling adventurous, try a yummy mojito with your meal. Be careful though, the rock sugar they use is super sweet and it will make you forget just how much alcohol you are throwing down.

In all, Barcelona is a charming city that was filled with good food, warm people and a relaxed culture. Everyone I met had a “Don’t worry… you are in Barcelona” attitude that just forced you to slow down and take it all in. This city expects you to rest all day so that you can party all night.

Consider it CRUSHED.

Lori