Barcelona is one of those cities which just has something for everyone and it is hard not to like. The second biggest city in Spain, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea until high in the hills surrounding it, has evolved from a county dedicated to the sea and maritime activities to the core of an artistic movement of its own and a cosmopolitan city through and through. Walking along the different neighborhoods is witnessing the history of a city that is past, present and future, that displays stunning historic architecture, sided with contemporary art and boasting innovation. All while having its own tune and vibe that will certainly strike a chord with you. We are guilty of being absolute Barcelona lovers and here are our top 15 things to do to get to know and explore this fascinating city in full.
La Sagrada Família
The poetic nature of la Sagrada Familia, a temple that expresses a devotion to the natural world and that was tragically left unfinished after the death of its creator, Antoni Gaudi, while it was on the works, has contributed to its fame as a symbol of the city. However, it is its artwork, technique and vision make up for a lot more. From the branches and leaves sculpted on its façade, to the way the light enters and reflects a colorful spectrum in the temple’s walls, this is indeed a standing and stunning work of art.
Modernist houses
Gaudi was one of the forerunners of what went down in history as the Catalan Modernism. An expansion of the city, commissioned in the 19th century, gave the space and time to create, as wealthier families purchased their houses and asked architects to go the extra mile on its extravagant and lavish decors. The Passeig the Grácia is a display of just that, where you can visit the different houses now open to public. The casa Batlló and the Casa Milá, by Antoni Gaudi, and the Casa Amatller by Puig I Cadafalch are all different from one another and great examples of this.
Palau de la Musica Catalana
From the narrow streets surrounding it, you might not be able to, at first admire the grandiosity of this UNESCO Heritage Site venue, still receiving concerts today. It is one example of the Catalan Modernist style, with its red façade and sculpted details. Inside ceramic details and flower-shaped crystals make up for a refined and unique atmosphere. You can either attend a music performance there or simply visit the Palau’s café for a beverage.
Barrio Gótico & Cathedral
Part of the Barcelona experience is to get to know where it all begun. The former wall perimeter which has expanded until the city we know today. And it is simply marvelous to wander along the labyrinthic cobblestone streets of the Gothic quarter, discovering new unexpected corners at each turn. From the beautiful ornamented balcony at Carrer del Bisbe, to the large cathedral, there is plenty to discover in the medieval heart of Barcelona.
Santa Maria del Mar & Ribera
If you have read Ildefonso Falcones, you certainly know why these are on our top things to do in Barcelona. Dating back to the medieval ages, Santa Maria del Mar is a unique Basilica in Barcelona, located in the Ribera quarter. Built in just 55 years (fairly quickly in medieval cathedral time) it is one of the best examples of Catalan Gothic style and it has beauty in its simplicity. That and the fact that it was the people’s cathedral, built thanks to the working class in the area. Once the quarter of the shipbuilders and sea merchants, when the seafront of Barcelona was extended onto Barceloneta, the beautiful stone houses of Ribera, surrounding the Basilica, rose as a cultural area, with art displays, museums (such as the Picasso Museum) and unique shops, worth walking around and getting lost in.
Parc de la Ciutadella
A green lung in the heart of the city, by crossing the Arc de Triomf, you will reach the Parc de la Ciutadella. The citadel that named the parc no longer exists and, instead, there is a pleasant are for a stroll, designed to welcome the city’s World Exhibition in 1888. This Park is perfect to recharge your energies and it also has a zoo, a natural history museum, a greenhouse (the Umbracle) and a winter garden (the Hivernacle). The lake and the ornamented waterfall are one of the park's loveliest areas.
Taste Cavas
Coming all the way from Penedés wine region, Cava is a sparkling wine with Protected Designation of Origin and that it is made only in Catalonia region. It can be either blanco (white) or rosato (rose) and in Barcelona is the star of the Xampanyería bars, where it is traditionally served by the glass or bottle with small tapas of cheese and cured meats at the end of the day and before dinner.
La Boqueria & Ramblas
A true display of scents and colors, the Mercat de Sant Josep, also known as Mercat de la Boqueria is one of the most ancient and traditional markets in Barcelona still standing as of today. With 300 stalls of fresh produced delivered into the city, here you can taste the local flavours and buy some treat to take home with you. Located on the Rambla, the most famous street in Barcelona for its flowers, kiosks, bars restaurants, should the temperatures rise, grab a fresh fruit juice from the market before making your way along this street.
Bunkers del Carmel
These old underground military bunkers, on the top of Turó de Rovira, are actually one of the best viewpoints over the city of Barcelona and all its attractions, as well as a wonderful place to watch the sunset. Built during the Spanish civil war, the bunkers were part of an anti-craft battery and are now an instalment part of the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA), which has several spaces within the city.
Parc Guell
A failed urbanization process that projected a garden city, a bucolic retreat in the heart of the city, merging the green surroundings of the park area with the extravagant modernist architecture. An enchanting and captivating place to visit where the harmony between the natural and the artificial is perfect. You can visit the two houses of 40 that were concluded, the Forest of 88 columns devised to be a marketplace and the famous staircase, guarded by the colorful salamander. From the top of the park, the panoramic views of the city are just stunning.
Tibidabo
There are more quirky things about this place than its melodic name. A retro amusement park side by side with an ornamented church can indeed sound like something’s off. But that is Tibidabo and that is the beauty of it. Climbing all the way there will give you a fantastic view over the city, as it is the highest point in Barcelona. And you can go even higher by going up to the Sagrat cor temple or hopping on the ferries wheel. Should the climb prevent you from going, there is also a funicular that can take you to the top of the mountain.
Montjuic
Translating literally into “Jew Mountain”, due to a cemetery that used to be located there, the neighborhood of Montjuic looks down on the city and the port area. It is mostly known for the fountain in front of National Art Museum which, at night, is illuminated into a fantastic a colorful display. However, besides the stunning garden areas and viewpoints, in Montjuic you will also find the Castle, the Miró Foundation, a treat for art lovers and the Olympic grounds, built for the 1992 Olympics hosted in the city.
Gracía
This elegant neighborhood was integrated into the city of Barcelona in the 19th century and it definitely seems to have its own life. Staying usually outside the tourism radar, it is the perfect place to change the scenario and go off the beaten path. The neighborhood is an authentic artistic hub with alternative shops, boutiques, cafés and bars around its core at Plaça del Sol, but it is also very traditional, so you can actually meet and talk to some of the locals while you are there.
Visit Montserrat
Known as Catalonia’s holy mountain, Montserrat, in the outskirts of Barcelona, has a withdrawal essence that surpasses the religious facet. From the breath-taking voyage to get there (either by cable car or rack railway), to the natural landscapes and trails that invite you to go on a hike, to the peaceful monastery, built among the rocks that houses the Black Madonna and where you can hear the choir of Escolania de Montserrat, one of the most ancient choirs in Europe). A balm for the soul.
Buy torron en Casa Vicens
Buy torron en Casa VicensIf you have a sweet tooth, you will love tasting the torrons of Casa Vicens. This Catalonian family has been producing its sweets since 1775 and has since brought it from Lleida onto Barcelona. You can visit their shop, marvel at the colours and scents of the almond sweets, taste some and even purchase wrapped ones to bring home with you as a souvenir.
