Visiting Barcelona

Art, culture, science and entertainment come together in Barcelona. Barcelona has the dynamic and open personality so typical of Mediterranean cities. It is the perfect city to relax in, stroll around and enjoy. Barcelona has its own way of life which makes it unique. The cradle of many cultures and a witness to major transformations, Barcelona has a fascinating history.

We hope you have time to enjoy the many treasures of this special place on your travel to Symyx Symposium 2010. Here are resources to make your stay more enjoyable.

City Transportation

Six colour-coded metro lines, a city rail network run by the Catalan government, and a modern tram system make getting around Barcelona simple and easy.

To learn more about the TMP click here

Restaurants

Click here to download a list of restaurants recommended by Hotel Arts. Reservations are recommended and, if you are staying at Hotel Arts, can be made through the Hotel Arts Concierge desk or by emailing artsconcierge@ritzcarlton.com

Attractions

For complete information on Barcelona, click here

Sagrada Familia
Among all the modernists buildings in the city, this is doubtless the one with the greatest symbolic value and the foremost ambassador of the city. It is the work of Gaudi that has earned the architect the greatest fame worldwide. Its façade might be considered a Bible in stone (symbols sculpted).

Parc Güell
Had its origin in the business plans of Eusebi Güell, who commissioned Gaudi to build a garden city adjacent to his estate, Can Montaner. The project failed, however, and the result was this park.

La Pedrera
This building is a masterpiece of the architect Gaudi and a jewel of Barcelona ’s Golden Square, the area of the city where the most beautiful Art Nouveau structures are to be found. On the fourth floor may be visited the “The Flat of La Pedrera”.

Casa Batlló
The Casa Batlló is the most celebrated building on the “Block of Discord” in Barcelona’s Eixample district. It stands at Passeig de Grácia and it is one of the best-known works of Gaudi. It is the result of the radical reform and modernization of a commercial and residential building, in which Gaudi unfolded all his genius.

Casa Amatller
The Amatller House was erected between 1898 and 1900. The multi-faceted Josep Puig i Cadafalch was commissioned this house by Antoni Amatller and it form a beautiful example of the “Modernista” style of Gothic inspiration.

Gothic Cathedral
Construction began in 1298, during the bishopric of Bernat Pelegrí and the reign of King Jaume II, known as “the Just”. The work on the present-day façade of the Cathedral remained unfinished until the end of the last century, being completed by the architects Josep Oriol Mestres and August Font i Carreras, taking inspiration from a drawing from the 15th century by Mestre Carlí.

Mercat de la Boqueria
The friendly helpful stall-keepers and the structure and locations of the market make La Boqueria one of the most popular spots in the city among tourists and the Barcelonans themselves.

Gran Teatre del Liceu
Opened in 1848, ranks among the world’s largest opera houses with its 2.292 seats.

Las Ramblas
The first stretch of the Ramblas takes the name of Canaletes from a tower that once rose from the city’s medieval wall. The next stretch is the Tambla del Ocells (birds) and the last stretch is Rambla de les Flors (flowers).

Hotel Arts Six Senses Spa
Relax at Hotel Arts state of the art spa. For more information click here. For reservations, email reservations-arts-spa@sixsenses.com