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Barcelona, Block by Block: An Illustrated Guide to the Heart of Catalonia
Barcelona has iconic architecture, a charming old town, vibrant modernity, enough art culture for a lifetime... all lying next to the glistening sea. For all those reasons and more, it's one of the most visited and loved cities in Europe. Barcelona Block by Block is the essential guide to the unmissable places to go, covering everything from restaurants to boutiques, galleries to parks, all illustrated with 50 of Cierra Block's distinctive maps. Each map starts with an idea - it might be, Where's the best tapas in Barcelona? How should I see some of Gaudí iconic buildings? Or, where can you lose hours people-watching? From there, Cierra has curated a list of the best places from Gràcia to the Gothic Quarte, El Raval to El Born, and has painted a charming accompanying map. Paella to art, the most impressive views to beach-side activities, there really is something for everyone.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 2, 2025
A guide book of Barcelona.
What an interesting book! Firstly, the physical qualities of Barcelona, Block by Block make it an ideal gift book. It has a robust, hardwearing, cover that will endure being stuffed into a rucksack, whilst being beautiful enough to be retained in the home as a coffee table book too. At the risk of being oxymoronic, there’s a naive sophistication to the illustrations, making the book visually appealing and accessible. I thought Barcelona, Block by Block afforded the actual traveller, and an armchair traveller, a true insight into what is available in authentic Barcelona.
I thought the way the book was organised was ideal. Each section, such as restaurants, hiking or Barcelona in Spring, for example, has a brief one page introduction and then the rest of the section is a condensed gazetteer offering all kinds of locations, ideas and suggestions. Whilst I won’t be taking to a bicycle when I next visit Barcelona, I will be visiting the places suggested in the Gaudi cycling tour. I especially liked the Gardens section as an inspiration as I’ve never visited any in Barcelona before. Equally important to me was Children’s Barcelona. I always try not to encounter children when I’m away so I now know which areas to avoid!
Whilst some of the entries may date or become unavailable in future years, none-the-less, Barcelona, Block by Block will remain an excellent starting point and inspiration for visiting the city. I have found several new aspects, places and experiences to explore and think Barcelona, Block by Block would make a lovely gift book for anyone thinking of visiting the city who is looking for insider information and fresh ideas of things to do.
What an interesting book! Firstly, the physical qualities of Barcelona, Block by Block make it an ideal gift book. It has a robust, hardwearing, cover that will endure being stuffed into a rucksack, whilst being beautiful enough to be retained in the home as a coffee table book too. At the risk of being oxymoronic, there’s a naive sophistication to the illustrations, making the book visually appealing and accessible. I thought Barcelona, Block by Block afforded the actual traveller, and an armchair traveller, a true insight into what is available in authentic Barcelona.
I thought the way the book was organised was ideal. Each section, such as restaurants, hiking or Barcelona in Spring, for example, has a brief one page introduction and then the rest of the section is a condensed gazetteer offering all kinds of locations, ideas and suggestions. Whilst I won’t be taking to a bicycle when I next visit Barcelona, I will be visiting the places suggested in the Gaudi cycling tour. I especially liked the Gardens section as an inspiration as I’ve never visited any in Barcelona before. Equally important to me was Children’s Barcelona. I always try not to encounter children when I’m away so I now know which areas to avoid!
Whilst some of the entries may date or become unavailable in future years, none-the-less, Barcelona, Block by Block will remain an excellent starting point and inspiration for visiting the city. I have found several new aspects, places and experiences to explore and think Barcelona, Block by Block would make a lovely gift book for anyone thinking of visiting the city who is looking for insider information and fresh ideas of things to do.
Displaying 1 of 1 review