Learn Spanish in Barcelona: Location
Barcelona is a dynamic city, located on the Mediterranean coast that has great appeal to language students, of all ages and has been a popular CESA student destination for many years. Almost as lively at night as it is during the day and it has a unique, exciting atmosphere, which provides visitors with a truly unforgettable experience.
Barcelona, home to the world renown walkways of Las Ramblas, wide tree lined avenues that lead south from Plaza Catalunya to the sea, with flower markets, street entertainment and an endless parade of people promenading is a must see. Students enjoy exploring the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter), a network of medieval streets just off Las Ramblas most famously home to the 14th/15th century Barcelona cathedral. Of course it is the Modernist architecture and in particular the works of Gaudi; the Cathedral of the Sagrada Família, the Casa Batlló and the Park Güell that exemplify Barcelona to many visitors. There are also museums dedicated to Miro and Picasso in the city.
At night the city exhibits a unique zest for nightlife and entertainment, from alternative night clubs to traditional flamenco clubs, restaurants galore, cafes and tapas bars. With 4 km of beach, a mild winter climate (temperatures vary from 8/15oC) and long summers (30/35oC) Barcelona offers the perfect setting for language students of all ages who wish to explore the delights of Catalunya’s best known city, whilst improving their Spanish language skills.
Top 10 attractions in Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882 and work remains ongoing today! This is Gaudi’s most famous work. This true magnificence of this building makes it an absolute must see.
Park Guell
This park is again some of Gaudi’s most famous work. Park Guell some of Gaudis most famous stone structures including the famous dragon fountain, and the terrace with fantastic views of the city. It even contains a house where Gaudi once lived.
Las Ramblas
A walk down the famous ‘Las Ramblas’ cannot be missed. Students love to browse the tree lined streets to see the flower markets, street entertainment and Spanish people going about there day. La Boqueria is located just off Las Ramblas, this market is full of the finest produce, you can grab anything from a fresh fruit smoothie, to some Spanish chorizos or empanandas. This market is full of hidden delights.
Magic Fountain
Located in Placa Espana just in front of the Museo Nacional d’Art is the Magic Fountain. A huge display of colour, light, water and music that puts on a fantastic show for its spectators and is a ‘must see’.
Night life
Barcelona night life is amazing and has something has something to suit all tastes. There are the typically Spanish bars in the Gothic quarter where you can experience some salsa, jazz or reggae, or for more upmarket nightclubs down at Port Olimpic: Opium Mar, Catwalk, Shoko, CDLC (Capre Diem Lounge Club) keep going until 6am. Not to mention the endless cocktail bars just off Las Ramblas and located in the Universitat area.
Museums
Barcelona is home to hundreds of museums, some of the most mentionable are those dedicated to Picaso, Miro and the maritime museum.
Barrio Gotico
The Gothic Quarter is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. Located just east of las Ramblas, many of the buildings in the Gothic Quarter date from Medieval times and some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. This area is also full of quaint tapas bars, restaurants and cafes.
La Playa
One of the main attractions to Barcelona for students is the beach. Within easy access of two metro stops this beach has more to offer than just sea, sand and sunshine. Students also love the seafood restaurants with their beach side terraces and not to mention the endless pilates and yoga classes located just off the beach.
Placa Catalunya
Placa Catalunya is the centre of Barcelona and is located just of las Ramblas and Passeig de Gracia (great for shopping). It is a large Plaza surrounded by monumental buildings and is Barcelona’s busiest square.
Parc Ciutadella
The park of the Ciutadella is the most central park in all of Barcelona. Within its 70 acres you will find the city’s zoo, a lake, the Parliament of Catalonia, a lake, some museums, and a fountain designed by Gaudí. You can quite often find people walking, jogging or cycling around the park.
