After watching "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," you cannot help but fall in love with the passionate Spain, whether you are traveling to Spain or investing in property to immigrate to Spain. The sepia tones, beautiful music, and bohemian plot will touch your soul in one way or another. Barcelona is a colorful, romantic city full of charm; perhaps, apart from Paris, Barcelona has become the second city in the world to be labeled with romantic flair.
The encounter between the protagonists takes place at the Els Quatre Gats restaurant, located in an alley within the shopping district of Portal d'angel and designed by the famous architect Puig i Cadafalch. The meaning of the restaurant's name is simple and humble, derived from a Spanish proverb; "four cats" is usually used to describe a place that is rarely visited. Today, however, because Picasso frequented it in his early years and held his first solo exhibition there, this café is bustling with customers. More importantly, its first menu was designed by the young Picasso at the time, and since then, the image of a bohemian man in a coat drinking coffee has become the menu cover that the Els Quatre Gats restaurant continues to use today. The interior of the restaurant is still decorated with many of Picasso's works, which is of great historical significance.
The architecture of Barcelona is full of charm, and art and inspiration may be the source of this city's vitality. In the film, Cristina and Juan, as well as Cristina and Juan's ex-wife Maria, go out to study photography, with scenes filmed against these historic buildings. There are eight buildings and architectural complexes in Barcelona listed as World Heritage sites, namely Casa Vicens, Palau Güell, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, the Sagrada Família, the Palau de la Música Catalana, and the Hospital de Sant Pau. If you want to truly experience Barcelona, you must not miss these great buildings.
For example, the unfinished Sagrada Família still stands on the street, its top floating freely above the clouds. Its architectural concept is an extension of natural landscapes such as trees. Of the three portals of the basilica, the Nativity façade has been completed, with magnificent carvings that seem to have traveled from the first century; the life of that time is vividly displayed before every visitor. There seem to be no traces of time on the walls; they have been like this since the beginning, never fading on the track of time, and remain unchanged to this day.
As for Park Güell, once you step inside, it is like entering a fairy tale, a dream world pieced together by colorful mosaic tiles. Here you can see Barcelona citizens jogging and taking walks, and you can also overlook the entire cityscape of Barcelona; it is even more special for newlyweds to visit. No wonder Vicky's fiancé, Doug, came to Barcelona specifically to accompany her. In addition, Casa Batlló, with its scale-decorated roof, mask-like balconies, and wavy gate, and the stone-like Casa Milà, are all examples of diverse architecture that make one feel the unique charm of Barcelona.
Walking along Passeig de Gràcia is the best way to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. Boutique clothing stores like Zara and Chanel, as well as various restaurants and shops, line the street. Stroll all the way to Plaça de Catalunya and watch the flocks of pigeons—it is truly relaxing. Crossing the square, the bustling La Rambla awaits visitors. In particular, you must walk through the La Boqueria market on the boulevard, where the most famous Spanish ham in all of Barcelona, expensive saffron, and even many traditional Spanish delicacies can be found. The small bars with various performances and vibrant nightlife will surely catch your eye; you might as well stop and linger for a while. At the end of La Rambla is the harbor area, where you will see the magnificent scenery of the blue sea and sky. Perhaps while you are admiring this beautiful city, someone is also fascinated by you not far away. Just as Bian Zhilin said, "You stand on the bridge looking at the scenery, and the person looking at the scenery is looking at you from the bridge."
It is very convenient to tour the city by bus in Barcelona. At the same time, Barcelona's specialty foods are very popular; pear-stewed chicken, lobster-stewed chicken, and Spanish cured meat are all snacks you cannot miss.