We rode the Port Bus to Columbus Monument and began our walk up Las Ramblas. After several blocks we detoured into the square that houses our favorite restaurant, Les Quince Nits, to be sure they were open for lunch and to check the time – not open until 1pm – we will definitely be hungry! Since we had already detoured we decided to take a stroll thru the Gothic Quarter as the architecture dates between the 13-15th centuries and it is the old heart of the city. Also near the Gothic Quarter is the Picasso Museum but the entrance line wrapped around the block.
Wondering back to Las Ramblas I had to do a little shopping in a small boutique, picking up a necklace and earrings that caught my fancy. Near the end of Las Ramblas we stopped at a hotel where we spent a week several years ago. They have remodeled and the desk clerk graciously invited us to have a beverage and look around. We will definitely stay again on any returns to Barcelona. Leaving the hotel we arrived at Placa Cataluna, one of the stops for the Hop On-Hop Off Bus. We highly recommend doing the HOHO if you have never visited Barcelona.
Wondering back to Las Ramblas I had to do a little shopping in a small boutique, picking up a necklace and earrings that caught my fancy. Near the end of Las Ramblas we stopped at a hotel where we spent a week several years ago. They have remodeled and the desk clerk graciously invited us to have a beverage and look around. We will definitely stay again on any returns to Barcelona. Leaving the hotel we arrived at Placa Cataluna, one of the stops for the Hop On-Hop Off Bus. We highly recommend doing the HOHO if you have never visited Barcelona.
Returning back down Las Ramblas we visited several of the vendors, watched the mime’s and then went to the market, La Boqueria. You can do your daily or weekly grocery shopping, get a snack, a drink or have lunch. It is a fascinating place to spend time looking and wandering. I could spend all day there just walking the aisles!
NOW it is time for lunch…..across Las Ramblas and into Placa Reial, a lovely old square, great for people watching and to the restaurant! Don’t ask me what I ate – all I remember is the Sangria, it was huge and made with a marvelous red wine and brandy. It took me 2 hours to finish…….marvelous.
Another wonderful day in Barcelona and tomorrow Toulon, the beginning of the French Riviera.
