Barcelona is love at first sight. No matter how many times you visit it, Barcelona will never let you down and will offer you a variety of things to do. Let’s see how you can take advantage of this gorgeous Spanish city.
Antoni Gaudi’s Masterpieces
You cannot be in Barcelona without visiting (even from their outside) Gaudi’s masterworks
- Sagrada Familia: the imposing Gaudi’s famous church (his last-still unfinished-work of art) is on the top of your list. Both its interior and exterior are breathtaking and definitely will not leave you indifferent.
- Parc Guell: I don’t have enough words to describe this fairy tale park. I cannot decide what impressed me the most, the remarkable design? The colorful tiles that decorate the whole surface? The famous dragon? The city’s view? All of it is a miracle. Don’t miss it!
- Casa Batlló: Its unique design will grab your attention and impress you, especially if you pass during the nighttime when the colorful lights decorate it and looks enchanted. Its internal part is also striking with its multicolor crystals.
- Casa Mila/La Pedrera: Even if its external is not that impressive as Casa Batlló which is located a few meters away, the design of its terrace will leave you speechless as the city’s view from its rooftop.
- Casa Vicens: Another beautiful house designed by the famous Catalan architect cannot be omitted from your Gaudi’s tour list.
Passeig de Gracia
One of the most iconic and luxurious avenues in the city. My personal favorite route to take advantage of this gorgeous road is to start rambling from the Diagonal metro station towards Plaza Catalunya. In this way you will be able to admire or/and shop at the luxury brands stores located in it and to wonder at Casa Batlló and Casa Mila that arise with glory at your path.
Plaza Catalunya
At the end of Passeig de Gracia is located this enormous square with lots of stores, malls and restaurants in its surroundings, as it is the most centrical part of the city.
Las Ramblas
From Plaza Catalunya commence las Ramblas, an avenue whose middle part is pedestrianized and allows you to walk freely (Be aware of your personal belongings though as the road is mostly packed and pickpocketing is more than common). Here you can find lots of souvenir shops, some unique buildings and statues, artists and at almost at its center the Mercat de la Boqueria.
Mercat de la Boqueria
Except for Sundays, La Boqueria, a market full of fresh fruits and delicacies, is waiting for you to enjoy its variety of fresh fruit juices (mango coconut is my personal favorite), local products and small but delicious tapas bars. It is the perfect stop to have a drink or eat something before continuing the exploration of the city.
Plaza Real
A small square (a miniature of Plaza Real in Madrid) full of little cafes and restaurants located on the other side of the road not far from la Boqueria deserves your attention. Nevertheless, it is quite expensive as it is a very touristic area.
Barrio Gotico (Barri Gotic)
Very close to Las Ramblas, you may find this incredible gothic neighborhood, full of medieval buildings, narrow streets, interesting stores, cute restaurants and bakeries that you cannot miss.
Catedral de Barcelona
Another imposing, medieval this time style church. Its interior with the little candles light and the impressive statues, its exterior gothic design and the view of the city’s skyline from its top are unique.
Born
The popular Picaso’s Museum and Santa Maria del Mar (one of the most beautiful churches of the town which has inspired lots or writers) are located at this also lovely neighborhood. Here you may also discover some bars with delicious tapas and cute shops.
Mercat de Santa Caterina
This market with the colorful roof, full of fresh fruits and local products is another stop that you may do during your walk at Born.
Arc De Triomf
The city’s triumph entrance is a remarkable monument located at a lovely square/park ideal for taking photos. At its end stands the entrance of the marvelous Parc de la Ciutadella.
Parc de la Ciutadella
This amazingly beautiful park with vibrant scenery, rich greenery, tranquil vibes along with the remarkable lake (where you can rent a boat), breathtaking monumental fountain is a city gem for those seeking relaxation and to escape from the buzzle of the city. Barcelona’s zoo is also located in the park.
Barceloneta
One of the many reasons that I love Barcelona is that it is also close to the sea. If you go down Las Ramblas or Born or Ciutadella Park you will end up in Barceloneta, the city’s seaside part which is amazing. Even if you decide to walk around or rent a bike, make sure to enjoy the zone’s sea vibes, gaze at its beach or at the many yachts docked at its port. My favorite part of the seaside is the section below Cristobal Colon’s statue (surrounded by lions) which leads you by crossing a pedestrian bridge (Rambla de Mar) to the city’s aquarium and one of the biggest malls Maremagnum. (speaking of malls, others worth mentioning are Arenas de Barcelona in Plaza de Espanya (there is a nice terrace full of different types of restaurants) and Diagonal Mar close to Llevant beach).
Museo de la Historia de Cataluña
At one of the most picturesque parts of the Barceloneta is located the Catalan History Museum. Even if you are not in the mood to visit the museum you should definitely visit its terrace where 1881 bar restaurant is located. Having a drink or dinner with this view is magic. (https://1881persagardi.com/)
Castell de Montjuïc
Barcelona’s castle which used to be a military base is ideal to stroll around, feel like you live at another era and admire the city’s breathtaking panoramic view. The two main ways to reach the Castle are:
- the Port cable Car of Barcelona (https://www.telefericodebarcelona.com/en/teleferico-de-barcelona-route/) When in Barceloneta the little red cable cars will catch your attention. From San Sebastian Tower (Paseo Juan de Borbón s/n , Barceloneta) can take you to Miramar Station (Avda. de Miramar s/n • Montjüic • Barcelona) and from there a bus can take you to the Castle or to its cable car). Even if you don’t visit the castle, the ride with the cable cars above the sea, watching the whole city from the top, is magnificent.
- From Metro line Parallel you may take the funicular up to Parc de Montjuïc. From there the Castle’s cable car is available to take you up to the top (https://www.telefericdemontjuic.cat/en/teleferic-how-get-there)
Nearby the cable car area, you can also visit the Juan Miro Foundation if you are interested in modern art, take a walk at the Olympic Stadium or if you have time visit the Poble Espanyol (a village that includes neighborhoods from different Spanish regions with distinctive architecture).
Plaza de Espanya
A marvelous square that leads to the Magic Fountain with the music and lights show (unfortunately temporarily is closed) and to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya which is a remarkable building with excellent view. At the square there is also a very interesting mall in the shape of an arena, Arenas de Barcelona (with a nice terrace full of different types of restaurants).
Gracia Neighborhood
At the end of the glorious Passeig de Gracia (from the cliff’s side), stands a lovely neighborhood (Gracia), full of narrow streets, pedestrian alleys, nice bakeries, cozy bars and restaurants of every type. It is a more bohemian side of the city.
Camp Nou
The Barca teams temple is a must visit for the team’s lovers. You may take a guided tour or just enter the enormous official store where you can find whatever you can imagine with the popular team’s logo.
Mirador Torre Glòries
The impressive (especially during night with the colorful lights) egg shaped Glories Tower hosts a breathtaking observation deck with 360 view of the City that you cannot miss. Next to the remarkable tower you may also find the Mercat dels Encants (a special market with lots of antiques, second-hand products and art creations that may interest you).
Tibidabo
From almost every part of Barcelona, you may notice a statue of Jesus Christ with his hands widely open like the one of Rio De Janeiro. This is the imposing Sacred Heart of Jesus Church that stands on the top of Tibidabo Mountain and is amazing. Apart from this remarkable church there is a big amusement park with incredible views from all over the city. Tibidado is a great option for a day or half day trip if you have extra days in the marvelous city of Barcelona as you need about an hour to get there from the city’s center.
Since 2021 there is a funicular (https://tibidabo.cat/en/plan-the-visit/how-to-get-here) that takes you to the top. For those interested in hiking there are also lots of walking trails that you may take either to climb up to Tibidabo or go down to the city. (I followed one of these trails once to go down the mountain and it took me about 2 hours).
Useful Tips:
- Always be aware of your personal belongings. Unfortunately, pickpocketing is more than common in the city. Never leave your bag unattended or your mobile on your table where you are enjoying a coffee or drink. They use many methods, one of them is to pretend that they need instructions or help. While you are trying to explain, you get robbed.
- Depending on your stay you can buy different types of tickets. The package of 10 routes is the most popular and can be used in both the metro and buses.
- In the case of metro stations with more than one line, the first that appears in the metro entrance is the one closer. For example, if you are in Paseig de Gracia metro station where you can find the yellow (L4) and green line (L3) and you want to enter the green line you need to find the entrance that says L3, L4 meaning that you are close to the green line. Otherwise, you need to walk a lot in the underground to go to the correct one.
- Avoid staying near the Raval area or Paralel Avenue especially during the night as they tend to be a little unsafe in my opinion.
Where to eat in Barcelona
You may find some suggestions for eating tapas below:
- El Nacional (Passeig de Gracia 24 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/uMjiw3D1xDCJDcUNA)
- Cerveceria Catalana (Carrer de Mallorca 236) https://maps.app.goo.gl/GLnRPuqcmD3ny2Ba7
- Tosca (Carrer de Sant Pere Mes Alt 8) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ut7SoB8o23droPP5A)
- Xampanyet (Carrer de Montcada 22) https://maps.app.goo.gl/1b258G2hFgvMa5NE8
- Taverna El Glop ( C/ de Sant Lluís, 24) https://maps.app.goo.gl/DT6LduYwAnsYyg9j9
- Taberna de la cura (Carrer Gran De Gracia 83) https://maps.app.goo.gl/3H9ujXSdJVwQoWSj9
- 7 Portes (Passeig de Isabel 2) https://maps.app.goo.gl/MaMgBGFUY7Yy3gKb8
- Boca Grande (Passatge de la Concepció, 12, L'Eixample https://maps.app.goo.gl/2qrfFmQccqgSGMcSA
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