Strolling El Born

Barcelona, Spain

Mercat del Born - now protecting Roman ruins

Our hotel was a delight; we overslept in a comfy bed then over-ate (again) at the breakfast buffet, so really needed to dust off shanks ponies for a walk around the old town before our 3pm date for a viewing of Mr Gaudi’s fine Modernista masterpieces. 

Santa Maria del Mar

Cathedral View

Easiest option was to take ourselves for a D&K self-guided walk (sourced from our guide book) around El Born, starting at a point behind the hotel, the Mercat del Born, a former wholesale market with a distinct Parisian style.  The camera ran hot, walking was easy, restaurants and cafes thrived and there seemed opportunity for visitors and locals alike to enjoy the varied offerings of city life. We passed Museu Picasso, the church of Santa Maria del Mar and somehow missed a famous chocolate shop before finally collecting our thoughts over a reviving beer.  It was time to head off to find the La Sagrada Familia and our tour meeting place. 

Remains of the decorative
Old Quarter

Even an old fashioned shop,
amazing!

Trying hard to resist the delicious lunch tapas on offer

It’s just as well we left in plenty of time.  Our “leisurely 20 min stroll” through Quadrat d’Or took us 90 mins.  The backstreets showcase exceptional architectural offerings, all used rather than wrapped in cotton wool.  Such discoveries ensured a photo stop every opportunity (at least every 10 seconds) as the obsessed must!

More arty faces

and clever graffiti

Beside exuberant buildings

and spikey towers