A soccer fan's guide to Barcelona, Spain
Keith Tamkei pitches some ideas of what football lovers should see, eat and do in one of Europe's sports capitals
TO DO
The Camp Nou experience is the most visited tourist attraction in Barcelona. Stadium tours and a visit to the museum are priced from €25.
Hang around the entrance to La Masia. 10km from Camp Nou is the famed youth academy of Barcelona FC, where Messi and Andrés Iniesta perfected their football. You may glimpse one of the current or future stars.
Need a break from football? Park Güell is the best way to experience the quirky genius of Antoni Gaudi, who designed its many architectural features and even had a house on the park. The park has expansive views of city and sea.Explore the Gothic Quarter. Start at the central Plaça de Catalunya and head south, weaving through the narrow alleys.
Grab a snack at La Boqueria, the famous fresh-food market off La Rambla. Legend has it that if you drink from the Font de Canaletes, a fountain on La Rambla, you will return to Barcelona.TO EAT
• Bellavista del Jardin del Norte is owned by Barça star Lionel Messi and offers Catalan food in a modern setting. The walls are adorned with his jersey and memorabilia.
• Can Fusté Restaurante is still owned by the family that started it in 1973. It has a special tie with Barça players, such as Diego Maradona, who often ate there. Others even stayed in the upstairs room. Listen out for the many stories from owners Maria and Carlos.
• Can Culleretes, hidden in the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, is the oldest restaurant in Barcelona and second-oldest in Spain. It is warm and inviting. Try the blood sausage for starters and boar stew for mains.TO GET AROUND
Walk: The city is small in comparison to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Beware of bicycle paths and don't jay-walk.
Ride: There are places from which you can rent a bicycle, by the hour or day.
Rail: The Metro is easy to navigate and affordable. Just over €2 will get you from Placa de Catalunya to Camp Nou.
TIPS
• FC Barcelona fans are generally friendly, but if you find yourself among ultra-supporters, known as the Boixos Nois (Crazy Ones), don't even think about a photo - some won't appreciate a mugshot on social media.
• If you like milk with your coffee, be specific about that, or be content with black...
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