Palau de la Musica Catalana, Barcelona

I don't even know where to begin in writing about Palau de la Musica Catalana, a concert hall built in 1908 that you can visit on a self-guided tour- I am so glad I went there! Located in the Gothic quarter in Barcelona, it has everything you need for an amazing morning! First, you can eat in their cafe, which is 100% adorable, a hypostyle hall with stained glass and vaulted ceilings lit perfectly, and big windows looking out on a plant-filled modern courtyard. Then, explore the concert hall. It takes your breath away when you walk in, with so many colors of light beaming in through the tiny shards of stained glass. And on the wall by you, pink stained glass in the most beautiful shapes inspired by nature. This is what Catalan Modernist architecture is- plenty of curves, colors, and organic motifs- in this case, mostly flowers. Sit in the concert seats and take in the amazing stained glass ceiling. See the statues of muses above the stage, the roses on the ceiling, mosaic tile columns, chandeliers, and fan shapes above the arches. Usually, someone plays organ for a few minutes every so often so that you can listen to its power. A treat! The staircase leading up to the concert hall is another masterpiece! The lampposts, tiled ceiling, and best of all, clear yellow balustrades with lights behind them! Wow! Why has no one made clear balustrades before?! There is no way to photograph how amazing this place is! To me, it is best to do a self-guided tour here, rather than attend a concert, in order to see it in daylight.

After, walk out on the balcony among the columns covered in mosaic tiles! Somehow the pretty balconies of the Gothic quarter complement this perfectly. Many people take selfies here. Yellow and pink go so well together, and that is what you find all over Palau de la Musica Catalana.
The best gift shop I've ever been to is also found here! It was so fun to buy magnets, and admire the gifts on display.
After, walk the large and small squares of the Gothic quarter. This is a touristy area with crowds, and plenty of knickknack stands. Hold tight to your purse and wallet, because pickpockets pop up behind you the whole time. Then check out Placa de Catalunya, a beautiful square with fountains and statues, and stroll Passeig de Gracia. This boulevard is the height of elegance in Barcelona, with spectacular curlicue streetlamps, and famous mansions. It will delight you every few steps!
Buy tickets for self-guided tours of Palau de la Musica Catalana ahead of time so that you don't miss out, online.
Domenech i Montaner, the architect, was a professor who taught Gaudi, though he was only two years older than Gaudi. He also designed Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, which has brightly colored tiled rooftops, a courtyard with orange trees, and gorgeous details in the interiors, especially in the administration building.
Palau de la Musica Catalana and Sagrada Familia Basilica are the two sites I would absolutely not miss if visiting Barcelona!

Palau de la Musica Catalana, Barcelona

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