Parc Guell and the queue to see the sights

We took the bus up hill away from Barcelona City Centre to Parc Guell and on arrival immediately realized that we had got this one wrong.  This amazing Gaudi creation was way bigger and busier than we had guessed.

We decided not to purchase tickets for the main sights, but instead just to have a stroll around the park.  When in the past we visited Alhambra in Granada we have previously booked tickets on line months in advance to get the early morning viewing, before the midday sun got up.  This place was even busier !

Even if we had purchased tickets the sights were so crowded that any photo opportunities would only show a mass of people.  So slightly disappointed we headed back down hill by bus for the restaurant we had targeted for menu del dia.  Next time we visit Barcelona we will get tickets to a selection of Gaudi's designs and do it properly we said to ourselves.

La Pedrera

After a little exploring we found La Bodegueta, the small below street level authentic catalan bodega on the intersection with  Carrer de Provenca. Rambla de Catalunya 100, full of locals at lunch.

I was offered a table in a small room at the back,  but declined and suggested I wait at the bar until a table became available at the front as I preferred it here.

The wine we were offered with the menu del dia was excellent and complimented the cheese and tomatoes and chicken risotto perfectly.  Monday to Friday between 13.00 and 16.00 Menu del dia is a three course lunch with wine for thirteen euros.  This place is small and not easy to find but definitely worth it.  Try and find it!