Off Season City Breaks
Barcelona
Park Guell
While on the surface Barcelona may be known for its' stunning sandy beaches that blend the hustle of the city with the tranquility of the ocean, what lies deeper is a culturally rich city that can be accessed whatever the season.
January: the month of New Year's resolutions, new lifestyle choices, and more crucially, the aftermath of indulgent Christmas spending sprees. While most anticipate the long awaited pay day at the end of the month, few linger over the thought of a city break. However, while purse strings may be tight as we welcome the new year, £100 can get you two nights stay in a four or five star hotel, and flights, in a city with immense cultural efflorescence: Barcelona.
Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
Granted not everyone envisages being anywhere near a beach in a coat or a jumper, the wonderfully picturesque Barcelona shatters this prejudice entirely. Shop on La Rambla with a vast blend of high fashion houses with independent streetwear shops like no other. Watch the sunset at Park Guell and take in the whole panoramic view of the city. Visit the extraordinary Sagrada Familia: while in the summer one would have to wade through crowds of tourists and pick-pocketers, off season you have the luxury of personal space! See Barcelona's 'Arco de Triuno' - which, sorry to all Parisians - is absolutely breathtaking and not like any other piece of global architecture. Stop for a spot of brunch at Elsa y Fred just round the corner which does the most amazing pancakes, a perfect reward after sight-seeing. Outdoors there is a lot of stunning architecture which can be observed, those before mentioned, and also Casa Batllo, and The Magic Fountain. What's more, indoor this theme prevails - I highly recommend a guided tour of Palau de la Musica Catalana with its' pretty hand painted poles and high ceilings, you'll fall in love. The Gothic Quarter also holds the key to unlocking a multi-faceted and exciting collection of shops and restaurants which are rich with diversity and things to do.
Although you might not be pulling out a bikini any time soon, Barcelona is the perfect runaway destination from your already broken New Year's resolutions.
Next year while you're making your way through the Quality Street tin on Christmas Day, spare a thought for all those beautiful cities you see on Instagram, go against the grain, save some money, and book an invaluable off season experience you'll never forget!
Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona
Park Guell
Palau de la Musica Catalana
Off Season City Breaks
Barcelona
 |
| Park Guell |
While on the surface Barcelona may be known for its' stunning sandy beaches that blend the hustle of the city with the tranquility of the ocean, what lies deeper is a culturally rich city that can be accessed whatever the season.
January: the month of New Year's resolutions, new lifestyle choices, and more crucially, the aftermath of indulgent Christmas spending sprees. While most anticipate the long awaited pay day at the end of the month, few linger over the thought of a city break. However, while purse strings may be tight as we welcome the new year, £100 can get you two nights stay in a four or five star hotel, and flights, in a city with immense cultural efflorescence: Barcelona.
 |
| Basilica de la Sagrada Familia |
Granted not everyone envisages being anywhere near a beach in a coat or a jumper, the wonderfully picturesque Barcelona shatters this prejudice entirely. Shop on La Rambla with a vast blend of high fashion houses with independent streetwear shops like no other. Watch the sunset at Park Guell and take in the whole panoramic view of the city. Visit the extraordinary Sagrada Familia: while in the summer one would have to wade through crowds of tourists and pick-pocketers, off season you have the luxury of personal space! See Barcelona's 'Arco de Triuno' - which, sorry to all Parisians - is absolutely breathtaking and not like any other piece of global architecture. Stop for a spot of brunch at Elsa y Fred just round the corner which does the most amazing pancakes, a perfect reward after sight-seeing. Outdoors there is a lot of stunning architecture which can be observed, those before mentioned, and also Casa Batllo, and The Magic Fountain. What's more, indoor this theme prevails - I highly recommend a guided tour of Palau de la Musica Catalana with its' pretty hand painted poles and high ceilings, you'll fall in love. The Gothic Quarter also holds the key to unlocking a multi-faceted and exciting collection of shops and restaurants which are rich with diversity and things to do.
Although you might not be pulling out a bikini any time soon, Barcelona is the perfect runaway destination from your already broken New Year's resolutions.
Next year while you're making your way through the Quality Street tin on Christmas Day, spare a thought for all those beautiful cities you see on Instagram, go against the grain, save some money, and book an invaluable off season experience you'll never forget!
 |
| Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona |
 |
| Park Guell |
 |
| Palau de la Musica Catalana |
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