FC Barcelona and its home, Camp Nou, make up the heart of the city

BARCELONA is a city rich in history that also offers wonderful food and gothic trails. However, if there is one thing that stands out in this beautiful city that faces the Mediterranean Sea, is the people’s love towards its football club.

FC Barcelona is one of the biggest football clubs in Europe with fans from all parts of the world. The Catalan club is loved by many in the city and on a matchday the atmosphere around town is electrifying.

“El Cant del Barça” — the club’s official anthem — could be heard in coffeeshops and restaurants all day. Fans making their way to the Camp Nou, the home of FC Barcelona, will sing on top of their lungs to intimidate their visiting opponents.

Closer to the stadium, fans gather around the main gate singing and celebrating the arrival of their beloved team. Although many will not even get a glimpse of their favourite players until they are on the pitch, every match at Camp Nou is a festive affair.

Camp Nou by itself is a magnificent site. A 99,000-seater stadium, it is the largest stadium in Europe and the 11th largest in the world in terms of capacity.

Fans walk around in their maroon-and-blue shirts, representing the club’s official colours while taking pictures and catching up with old friends. Some even grab a quick bite in one of the many cafes that is within the stadium’s vicinity.

As it gets closer to kick-off, fans make their way to their seats while chanting, “Barca, Barca, Barca”. Watching a football match in one of the greatest stadiums ever built with one of the greatest teams to play can give anyone goosebumps. The hair on the back of your neck will stand up when 99,000 fans start singing in one voice, shoulder-to-shoulder.

It did not matter if FC Barcelona had won or lost, the atmosphere alone was enough to send any fan home happy but before heading home, a walk down memory lane at Camp Nou.

One of the most visited museums in the country, the FC Barcelona museum has everything from Paulino Alcántara outfit to Lionel Messi’s multiple awards. Regardless of affiliation, a football fan will enjoy it here.

Every single trophy won by the club is on display and some of the most sought-after memorabilia is made available for public viewing.

But before one leaves Camp Nou, a piece of souvenir is a must and it can be purchased in the club’s multi-storey shopping outlet. They have everything from his and hers matching jerseys to keychains and posters.

FC Barcelona — a team rich with history is a must see for any football fan. The surreal experience will leave one breathless.

While you are there . . .

1 Barcelona

A city rich with history, wonderful food and gothic trails.

2 Enjoy local food

This is a given for anyone who is visiting a new place but the Catalan grub is quite different from the food in the rest of Spain. Mainly Mediterranean, the number of raciones (plates of cheese, pâtés, and cured meats) restaurants outweighs the tapas bars.

3 Find your holy side

A Gothic cathedral, La Sagrada Familía, Santa Maria del Mar Church and Santa Anna Church are some of the spectacular churches in the city. These architectural marvels are a must-see even if you are not a Christian.

4 Say hi to Gaudi

Best-known practitioner of Catalan modernism, Antoni Gaudí was a Spanish architect from Reus who designed seven World Heritage sites. He died in 1926 and most of his buildings can be seen today in Barcelona.

5 Be Artsy Fartsy

The birthplace or residence of some of the 20th century’s greatest artists, Barcelona is known for its art. Painters and artists are scattered around the city. Walk up to anyone to exchange ideas or to buy a piece of art.

6 Get lost in the city Barcelona is a great city to walk around. So forget your loafers and high heels, and put on a pair of runners and start walking. Every turn, you will see something new and exciting but be mindful of pickpockets who target tourists.