Barcelona – A 2000-Year-Old Cultural Hotspot

Several components of Spanish culture come together in its second-biggest city, Barcelona. Fashion, science, art, and entertainment combine here to make it one of Spain's most engaging and exciting cities, and it's 2000-year history only make it all the more interesting. Barcelona has something for everyone: nightlife, beaches, culture, and more. All travel outside the US means needing to have a US passport though, but any passport service – including expedited passport name changes – can be quickly done online.

You Will Need A Passport To Get There

No matter what issue you are facing with your passport, online services can help you out. For example, name changes are for those who just got married or divorced. Other services include passport renewal for expired passports, passport replacement for stolen, lost, or damaged passports, and even passport cards service, an inexpensive alternative for those looking to travel by land or sea to countries near the US.

Barri Gotic – The Gothic Quarter

If you are looking for the perfect spot to start exploring, check out Barri Gotic, or the Gothic Quarter. This historic section of the city is packed with old buildings. Some date back to Medieval times, while others are from a time when the Romans occupied the city. Exploring on foot is the best option for exploring the Gothic Quarter, as many beautiful old churches and big squares are reachable this way, not to mention most of the roads are too thin for cars. Another good spot for a stroll is the walkway that runs along the Mediterranean Sea.

El Palau de la Musica Catalana – Palace of Catalan Music

Barcelona has several official UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and one of the most love is El Palau de la Musica Catalana, or the Palace of Catalan Music. Lluis Domenech i Montaner, a famous local architect, designed the building. This breathtaking structure is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside, full of intricate details, gorgeous colors, and more. The Church of the Sacred Family, or El Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia, is an impressive yet beautiful Gothic-style building, as well as another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to allot enough time to take in the exterior and the interior.

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

As one might imagine, Barcelona has some famous museums. One very popular one is the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. With hundreds of artworks spanning from Medieval times to the 19th century, this museum is one of the most visited in the city. The City History Museum, or El Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat, spans all of Barcelona's 2000-year history through its exhibits.

Don't Forget To Try The Food!

One of the most famous things about Barcelona is its food. In fact, it is consistently considered one of the top best places in the world to eat. Don't be afraid to ask for restaurant recommendations, because the locals will direct you towards authentic and delicious food for low prices.

Barcelona is one of those cities that stays in your memory long after you leave. Don't let getting a passport escape your memory though. Start by making sure it's valid and with the proper name on it. If not, go online and get an Expedited United States passport name changes. Also check out other services, like passport replacements and even U.S. passport cards.