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We found a local bakery to get breakfast, then briefly explored a book store. Most of the books were in Spanish, though there were a few small English sections. It was starting to rain just a little, so we retreated to our apartment for an hour or so before venturing out again.
We made the 20-25 minute walk to the Arc de Triomf, just in time for a brief rain shower. Dozens of people scrambled to shelter underneath the arc while we looked around and decided we’d just wait it out. It died down quickly to a drizzle, and was gone completely in about 5 minutes.
People huddling under Arc de Triomf in the rain
Top of Arc de Triomf
Statue on Arc de Triomf
Arc de Triomf from the other side
After taking pictures of the arc, we continued on to the park. We saw men with seeds feeding pigeons and green parrots. We saw a few tents, presumably homeless people camping in the park. The day had changed from overcast and super muggy to blue skies and only slightly muggy. We passed a pond with boat rentals. Then we decided to start heading over to our lunch reservations.
Bubble man
Pond in Parc de la Ciutadella
We ate at Bodega La Puntual, which was pretty good, though more expensive than last night. At 12:45pm, we were one of the first ones there. After lunch it was only about 1:45pm and our Picasso Museum time slot was 2:45. However, the attendant said it was ok and guided us through. We had to leave our bags and water bottles at the coat check, and picked up some audio guide devices.
Street near Picasso museum
Painting in Picasso museum
Ornate room in Picasso museum
Ornate room in Picasso museum
Ornate room in Picasso museum
Ornate room in Picasso museum
Painting in Picasso museum
Painting in Picasso museum
Painting in Picasso museum
Paintings in Picasso museum
Paintings in Picasso museum
I took this picture since it looked like the beast from Maggie and the Ferocious Beast
We spent about 75 minutes exploring the Picasso museum, then walked through the narrow streets (of the El Born neighborhood) before eventually escaping. We passed the Cathedral of Barcelona on our way back to our apartment.
Cathedral of Barcelona
After a shower and rest, we walked over to Bar Mut for dinner. It was good, though pricey. Also, they only had the menu in Catalan written on the boards, so we waited for them to explain it.
After dinner, we returned to the apartment. Throngs of people still walked up and down the streets. Later, we returned to the streets, walking down to Plaça de Catalunya where there was a stage set up. Nothing was happening there yet though. We walked through and continued onto La Rambla. There were a TON of PEOPLE. And it was about 10pm.
Streets of Barcelona
Casa Batlló
I’m not exactly sure why there were so many people, other than it’s a famous street. There were vendors and outdoor seating for restaurants. And men shooting toys into the air, lighting up in blue light and falling back down softly. I guess they were trying to sell them, though I don’t think I saw anyone purchase them.
Las Ramblas
We walked the entire length, about 0.75 miles, down to the Christopher Columbus monument - a tower with a statue at the top. It wasn’t lit up, though, so if you want to see it, do so during the day.
Columbus Monument
Top of Columbus Monument
We continued down to the water and onto piers leading to restaurants and shops. We just walked to the end, enjoyed the views and then turned around. It reminded me of New York’s Pier 17.
There were slightly fewer people on the return trip up La Rambla, but it was still crowded. When we got back to Plaça de Catalunya, the rave was in full effect, some act pumping out EDM from the stage.
Rambla de Mar
World Trade Center Barcelona
Marina
We stopped by a 24 hour market for some supplies before returning to our apartment.
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