November: Travel Tips
photo courtesy of Palau Güell
It's been a rough week here at deVivre Concierge and we need a vacation more than ever. So this month we're thinking about a place that has our kind of leader (Mayor Ada Colau):
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of those places you can go to many times and discover new amazing things every single time. I'm sure there are countless new sights since the last time I went, but I am focusing on some classics that are hopefully also a little off the beaten path.
-Palau Güell is a mansion designed by architect Antoni Gaudi located in the El Raval neighborhood. Some museums and historic houses are just better seen on a guided tour and this is one of those. Most people head to the Sagrada Familia or Parc Güell to experience Gaudi's architecture and I'd say visit all three if you have the time, but if you are limited do not miss this amazing space.
-Tibidabo Amusement Park is one of the oldest running amusement parks in the world. It's been operating since 1905! A lot of the original rides are still operating, which gives it a fun old-timey feel. The views of Barcelona are simply stunning. Also worth checking out on site, is the Museu d'Autòmats, which houses mechanical figures from the 19th and 20th centuries.
-The Fundació Joan Miró is a wonderful museum created by the artist himself in the 70s. It not only houses one of if not the best displays of Miró's art in the world, It also has really exceptional temporary exhibits of contemporary art in all mediums. You never know what will be on, but you can count on it being something you'll never forget.
-Lastly something really special. Do not go to Barcelona without taking at least an overnight trip to Spain's first National Park; Montserrat. Many people go to visit the Virgin of Montserrat, but there's so much more to see. The mountains are epic. The Abat Cisneros hotel is located in a 16th-century Monastery (get a room with a view!) There's a wonderful Museum buried underneath the Monastery and when you open your curtains in the morning you will feel like you're on top of the world!
Contact deVivre to help you plan your next adventure!