Books and roses are the theme of the day on April 23rd. Diada de Sant Jordi is a celebration that happens once a year in Catalonia, Spain. Similar to Valentine's Day, it's a romantic day with hundreds of book stalls and rose stands throughout the city of Barcelona, as well as several fantastic public buildings and palaces, open to the public only on this day.
Palau de la Generalitat is a functioning government building that allows an open house only once a year. The palace is gorgeous with incredible ceilings, chandeliers, artwork, and architectural details.
The traffic on Paseo de Gracia is closed off for book markets and rose stands. Casa Batlló goes all out by decorating their facade with roses and amazing lighting at night.
Instituto de Estudios Catalanes is beautiful palace that is hard to imagine it being a functioning educational institution.
Only on Diada de Sant Jordi is the viewing terrace of the Ayuntamiento de Barcelona open to the public. From the top floor you can see the entire city in 360 degrees from the heart of the city.
One of the coolest streets to get a drink or a bite is on Pasaje de la Concepción. Getting sushi at El Japonés is wonderful splurge.
