There are many ways to see Barcelona. What kind of Barcelona do you see?

Barcelona has it all. Tourist rice and quiet areas. It is home to Spain’s most popular attraction, the Church of La Sagrada Família, with an average of more than 12,000 types crammed into its gates every day. There is La Rambla with its stressful tourist crowds and scammers hunting them down.  

But there’s also the nice village-like district of Gràcia and the new rise of Poble-Sec.

There are cactus parks and jogging paths on the hill of Montjuïc, as well as many peaceful hillside parks on the outskirts of the city.

And there are the mountains; to the north of the city, a short train ride away is the Serra de Collserola with its natural parks, hiking and other routes.

Barcelona has the Mediterranean Sea. There are many miles of spectacular beaches near the city center, and an equally long promenade with restaurants and trendy bars.

On the other hand, there are those exactly the same beaches that don’t look like any dreams come true – the sand is a rough industrial land and the water is pretty dirty at times.

There is noise and dirt in Barcelona. There is more urine and dog poop on the streets than in any other European city. The sounds of people, cars and mopeds are left on the streets and alleys in the clutches of houses.

Barcelona has an irresistibly relaxed and uncomplicated feel. There is no need to refine, but to be creative and creative.   

There is joy and the ability to enjoy life. As a big city, the atmosphere is unhurried and inefficient, and the magnificent Mediterranean – hanging out always wins everything.

Barcelona is full of locals who are tired of misbehaving tourists and has a poor service culture. The agencies are hell on the ground, and La Boqueria market hall yields half-rotten fruit; themselves must not be touched, or echoed.

Barcelona has a scandal, miracle snipers and drug addicts, and lots of pickpockets. You shouldn’t hang your handbag on your shoulder there, and never drop anything out of your hands, anywhere.

There are insane restaurants and eateries in Barcelona that one does not want to go to once in a lifetime. From here you can get super good cava at a bargain price and wonderfully sweet Crema Catalana.

Barcelona has tremendous beauty and endless sights. There are monuments and museums, architecture and art, parks and views. There’s Gaudí and there’s the best football player in the world.

Barcelona has a great climate. Not too chilly in the winter, and not too chilling in the summer – and just perfect for spring and fall.

Barcelona is wonderful and horrible. Attractive and sounding.  

And in spite of all its contradictions, or perhaps because of it, it is, in my opinion, one of the most powerful and fascinating cities in the world.