Find yourself in Barcelona – The local way

Image by AC Uribe

I wouldn’t dare say that I’m one of those girls that know how to use a map or a compass. I mostly trust in some kind of “dove-like” instinct that gets me to where I want to go. However, when I arrived in Barcelona, I learned a beautiful way that the locals have of stating EXACTLY where you are, so any one can find you, on the basis of the four natural limits to the city.

It will work in any place of the city, but honestly is better if you go to the Eixample – Gran Vía de las Cortes Catalanes and up. The first two limits are the mountains (Tibidabo, for example) and the sea (Barceloneta and such). There is a slight slope in the city that is easy to sense when you look at the people riding bikes. The end of the slope is the sea. The other part of the city, the upper part, is the mountain.

The second two limits are the river Llobregat (near El Prat airport) and the river Besòs (close to the Forum). If you stand looking towards the sea, the Llobregat will be at your right and the Besòs to your left. Knowing this, you can explain anyone where exactly are you. For example, Casa Milá (Gaudí’s Pedrera) is located in the crossing of Passeig de Gracia and Provença, in the corner Mountain-Besòs.

It might seem like a piece of funny information, but quite important when you’re trying to meet someone or finding something!

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Find yourself in Barcelona | Art & culture
Passeig de Gracia 92 | Eixample
24 hours daily