Next up on The Wander: Can’t miss Spanish culture and cuisine

[Destination: Barcelona]( [View in Browser]( [THE WANDER - BARCELONA, SPAIN] [BARCELONA, SPAIN]( [BARCELONA, SPAIN]( [AT A GLANCE]( [AT A GLANCE]( [Barcelona]( doesn’t march to the beat of any drum — it dances to the strum of Spanish guitars along the streets of Las Ramblas. Weekends here are spent strolling among mosaic masterpieces in Gaudi’s Park Güell. A glass of vermouth kicks off lunch at every bodega in El Raval. And a meal isn’t really dinner unless it’s after 9 p.m. Just when you think you’ve discovered everything this magical city has to offer, an unexpected detour down an ancient winding alley or stately avenue leads to surprising new adventures. Madrid may be the capital of Spain, but Barcelona is the heart and soul of Catalonia. [THE BUCKET LIST - AN ARCHITECTURAL ODYSSEY] It’s easy to see why Barcelona is nicknamed The City of Gaudi. Many of the renowned Spanish architect’s best-known works — like La Sagrada Familia — are global symbols for Barcelona. But if you look beyond his dreamy modernista marvels, you’ll discover an architectural melting pot that spans generations. In El Barri Gòtic, you’ll find La Casa de l’Ardiaca, a thousand-year-old residence with a 19th century mailbox rumored to have curse-breaking powers. It sits beside a Roman city wall. And on Paradís street, a medieval courtyard guards 2,000-year-old Corinthian columns. In Barcelona, every arch and alleyway tells a story. Here are some must-visit spots. [Park Güell] Park Güell Another of Antoni Gaudí’s major works, this famous public park boasts sprawling gardens, whimsical stone structures, and homes designed in the modernist style — the architect even lived in one for twenty years. In a nutshell, it’s a picture-perfect Instagrammer’s paradise. [World Heritage] UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 [Catedral de la Seu] Catedral de la Seu This cathedral is a true patchwork of eras. Built on the site of a Roman temple in the fourth century, it has undergone renovations — the construction of a chapel in the 13th century, a tower in the 20th century, and more — all the way into the present day. [GEESE] Don’t miss the 13 resident white geese [Gran Teatre del Liceu] Gran Teatre del Liceu Like a phoenix, this Gilded Age beauty survived two fires, emerging even grander than before. You don’t need to see an opera to ogle its frescoed ceilings and famed hall of mirrors — just join one of the many guided tours. [SEASONS] Season runs from Sept to July [Torre Agbar] Torre Agbar Not every architectural wonder in Barcelona nods to the past. Some look to the future, like the space-age Torre Agbar by French architect Jean Nouvel. Completed in 2005, it has become a symbol of the city’s contemporary side. [MOUNTAIN] Inspired by nearby Montserrat Mountain [COVER UP] COVER UP Ladies, pack a shawl or scarf — you’ll need to cover your chest and shoulders if you want to explore the city’s magnificent churches. [DIG IN] There’s no shortage of great restaurants here, but if you want a full sampling of [Barcelona’s]( world-famous cuisine, you absolutely must visit a food market. In addition to selling fresh produce, meats and fish, Barcelona’s food markets also house tapas bars that serve up local specialties, wines and house-made vermouths. Make your way around the stalls, ordering anything that catches your eye. You can eat your finds on the spot or cross your fingers and hope to snag a seat at one of the market’s bars. [FOOD MARKET MAGIC] [FOOD MARKET MAGIC] [OUR FAVORITE FINDS] [OUR FAVORITE FINDS] [Bar Ramblero] [El Quim de la Boqueria] El Quim de la Boquería Where Boquería Market, La Rambla What to order The house special of fried eggs with baby squid, or the oxtail risotto. Keep an eye out for Celebrity chefs — icons like José Andrés and the Adria brothers have been spotted eating here regularly. [Bar Ramblero] [Bar Joan] Bar Joan Where Santa Caterina Market What to order The lunchtime set menu (3 courses and a glass of wine for under €15). Once you get there Don’t worry if the space is packed — there’s usually a speedy turnaround. [Bar Ramblero] [Bar Ramblero] Bar Ramblero Where Boquería Market, La Rambla What to order Any of the seafood dishes, which have been hailed as some of the city’s best. Save room for Some pintxos (snacks) — the bar usually has a huge selection on display. [LEARN THE LINGO] LEARN THE LINGO The most common languages in Barcelona are Catalan and Spanish. But even if you’re fluent in one, you may come across some unfamiliar terms. • Vale — okay/sounds good • Chupitos — shots • Guay — cool • Pinchos — tapas usually served on a skewer pintxos • Vale — okay/sounds good • Guay — cool • Chupitos — shots • Pinchos — tapas usually served on a skewer pintxos [DAY TRIP] Want to take your adventure beyond [Barcelona?]( Follow breathtaking landscapes to Montserrat Mountain and its thousand-year-old monastery, only an hour away by train. From Plaça d'España station, take the Line R5 for Manresa to Aeri de Montserrat. Then savor the view as you coast via cable car to the mountaintop. Visit the monastery or soak up picture-perfect scenery along one of the area’s many hiking paths. Before you head back to the city, stop by La Botiga next to the railway station for a bottle of Catalonia’s distinctive vin rancio, wine that’s been aged al fresco. [ESCAPE ABOVE THE CLOUDS] [ESCAPE ABOVE THE CLOUDS] [ADVENTURE OVERNIGHT] [OUR FAVORITE FINDS] Kick off your evening at Palau Dalmases, a baroque palace in the heart of the ancient El Born neighborhood where local flamenco dancers and musicians gather to perform every night. Then spend some time wandering down the bustling alleyways, or grab tapas down the street at Bodega La Puntual. Once you’ve filled up on history and jamon iberico, pop into Paradiso, one of [Barcelona’s]( hippest watering holes. Disguised as a sandwich shop, a refrigerator inside leads to a hidden bar serving up cocktails that look straight out of a dream. Up for one more drink? Head around the corner and cap off the night at the Caribbean Club, a tiny local gem where the owner personally slings sensational sips inspired by Cuba. A door with a brass porthole marks the entrance. [SPENDING THE NIGHT? LIVE IT UP RIGHT] [SPENDING THE NIGHT? LIVE IT UP RIGHT] [STAY HERE] [Oasis of the Seas]( Bring on the bold After a day spent soaking up the beauty of Barcelona, come back to a ship that’s loaded with world class dining, jaw-dropping entertainment, and thrills for the whole family on every deck — [Oasis of the Seas](. [Explorer of the Seas]( Adventure is in sight Bond between onshore adventures onboard a ship designed for maximum memory making, [Explorer of the Seas](. Think 3-D movie nights, surf sessions on the FlowRider®, and views of the Mediterranean from every room — even interior staterooms with virtual balconies that give you real time views. 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