Parc Guell is a fabulous place to visit. You can't go to Barcelona and not see something by Gaudi, even if just by accident, but this is a must. We spent a whole morning there, just wandering around and chilling out. For those of you that know nothing about it, it was originally planned as a housing development but only one (I think) house actually got built. The rest of it is a testament to Gaudi's bizarre but brilliant imagination. The most famous part has to be the raised terrace area which has the famous swirling, serpentine seats all around the edge, as seen on a million postcards. The whole terrace is supported by a maze of stone columns under which you can walk, which lead out to broad steps with fountains and a tiled lizard - another postcard favourite - leading down to two gingerbread houses (just as you imagine the Gingerbread house from Hansel and Gretel might look). This part does get very busy as it's a popular photo stop. But walk along the terraced gardens above the main terrace and venture further away and there are so many different areas with different styles and their own different atmosphere. My advice is to go early, before the rest of the tourists have found their way there and just take your time, strolling around each area and soaking up the atmosphere. City breaks can often be hectic as you try and cram in as much as you can, but the Parc is a wonderful antidote and a great way to calm down for the morning.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Wonderful architecture, galleries and parks, superb romantic atmosphere, great for shopping Disadvantages: Aged quarters can feel a bit grotty, but that is natural and part of their charm. More expensive than nearby localities, but then cities always are.
very helpful by (67%):
helpful by (33%):
