Walking Barcelona. The Best of the City

Book excerpt: These handy, take-along walking guides--filled with essential maps, inspirational photos, and insider tips--showcase the world's great cities in a practical, streamlined, itinerary-driven format. Barcelona, as defined by writer Eduardo Mendoza, is "The city of wonders." And there's no better way to explore this dynamic city than venturing beyond its most famous attractions. Do so by walking along the 14 itineraries in this comprehensive guide. Each will take you, step by step, through the lively neighborhoods in all their variety and diversity. Find "Flash Visits" throughout--itinerary suggestions to tackle visiting the whole city in a single day or weekend. Follow tours through the colorful metropolis--characterized by modern monuments, narrow medieval alleys, vibrant markets, and Ramblas--to places such as to the Picasso Museum, the Sagrada Familia, and Barceloneta, the busy maritime district. This beautifully illustrated guide also offers excursions to less-visited spots, including Montjuic hill, the Botanical Garden (Jardi Botanic) and the Collserola Tower (Mirador de la Torre de Collserola). Plus, you'll find expert recommendations throughout to explore distinctive aspects of the city's culture--art and culinary traditions, as well as sports, with the Futbol Club Barcelona, the Catalan team. Whatever path you choose, this guide will provide everything you need to know--including where to eat and stay--for the ultimate vacation in Barcelona.