Barcelona is one of the greatest cities of Spain, the capital of Catalonia that manages to maintain the contrast between historic background and contemporary development. Located in situs in-between the Mediterranean Sea and the Serra de Collserola mountain range, Barcelona tourism has a number of cultural, architectural, natural and urban attractions for the tourists. This guide breaks down the various aspects of tourist attractions in Barcelona, things to eat, places to go and discover, and other information that may assist anyone who would wish to have the best of their journey to this beautiful city.
Table of Contents
Historical and Architectural Marvels of Barcelona Tourism
La Sagrada Familia
Certainly, it will be unspeakable to pay a visit to Barcelona without coming across Antoni Gaudí masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. This cucina, begun over one hundred years ago but not yet completed as far as the writer can ascertain is a world heritage site. With its complex geometrical designs and shapes in the façade, the tall towers and the magnificent interior which is design to reflect the nature and the bible, it is classified under modernist buildings. Do note that sometimes, their outlets can be very crowded; thus, it is advisable to purchase your tickets ahead of time.
Park Güell
Park Güell is one more Gaudi’s masterwork devoted to children’s laughter and intellectual joy, with the playground and the mosaic of the city viewed from the park’s terrace. Art work in the park includes colorful mosaics, winding benches and cheerful sculptures. The terrace with the pavement stretch of rounded like a wave seam berth is suitable for taking photos and resting. Discover the beautiful park and alleys, the beautiful houses of Gaudí and the museum where Gaudí used to live.
This is Centrosequential integra’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera).
It has to be mentioned that Gaudí possesses his undoubted talent even in the construction of the residential buildings. Casa Batlló situated on one of the most important avenues of the city, Passeig de Gràcia, has an astonishing Строение крыльев в виде суставов со сглаза на балконах и я. setTo, ceramic tile mural. Casa Milà commonly referred to as La Pedrera has a unique stone finish and the rooftop organic with weird shaped chimneys. Each structure has an individual tour where the visitors are given more information about Gaudí and his newfangled architectural structures.
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
When walking through the thin and winding little streets of Barcelona, one can almost feel that one is being trapped in medieval ages the moment one enters the Gothic Quarter. This historical area has many mediaeval constructions, picturesque squares and inconspicuous Internal yards. These sites as the Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça del Rei and the walls of the Roman are among the many attractions that are very popular. This region is also recommended for finding nice cafes, shops, and active evenings in clubs and bars.
Cultural and Artistic Experiences
Museu Picasso
Culture lovers cannot afford to miss the Museu Picasso that boasts of holding a wide collection of works of this famous artist, Pablo Picasso. It is housed in 5 gothic palaces in El Born area and exhibits Picasso’s early paintings and parts of his Blue and Rose period. The museum gives quite an interesting background of the artist and his relevance to the city of Barcelona.
Joan Miró Foundation
Situated in Montjuïc hill, the Joan Miró Foundation is a museum that focuses on the art pieces of Joan Miró classified as a surrealist artist. It has most of Miró’s paintings, sculptures and ceramics to show the visitors the best of this kind of art. Its architecture, by the hand of Josep Lluís Sert, is modernist and, once again, it adds to the artwork being exposed. The last thing that one should not overlook is a spectacular terrace on the roof which offers a marvelous sightseeing of the city.
Poble Espanyol
Poble Espanyol or Spanish Village is an architectural creation which is an open air amusement where people get to see Spanish architecture and culture. Constructed for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition, it imitates constructions of various regions of Spain. Tourists can see the masters at work, watch shows, and taste dishes in the numerous cafes and restaurants or have a drink in a bar.
Beaches and Outdoor Activities
Barceloneta Beach
Arguably the most popular of all the Barcelona beaches is Barceloneta, It has all the characteristics of a Mediterranean beach, with sun beds and umbrellas, an active nightlife and every kind of shopping, catering and entertainment within a stone’s throw. The beach is accompanied by seafood restaurants, bars which are also known as chiringuitos, and sports grounds. It deserves to be the perfect spot to take a break after a stressful day of exploring monuments and feeling the breath of the Mediterranean Sea.
Montjuïc Hill
There are numerous recreational activities and things to do in outdoors for the visitors on Montjuïc Hill. For the bird’s eye view of the city and the sea head towards the cable car station and take a ride on the cable car to the top. Take a virtual visit of the Montjuïc Castle: a historic fortress that has quite an interesting story attached to it. Magic Fountain with lovely light and music performances is situated on the hill, as well as the Olympic Ring.
Park de la Ciutadella
One of the best places to visit Boracay is the Park de la Ciutadella – it’s very much like the city’s lungs positioned in the very middle of the city. One can find there a beautiful lake for rent a rowing boat, a fountain designed by Josep Fontserè together with a young Antoni Gaudí and Barcelona Zoo. It also regularly features cultural activities and celebrations based on events and festivity.
Tapas and Pintxos
Thus, tapas form the central part of Barcelona’s gastronomic landscape that is as rich as the colors of the city. These small plates of tasty foods are ideal to have when you’d like to taste different foods without an overload. Some examples of ‘’Tapa’’ are; Patatas Bravas Spicy potatoes, Jamón Ibérico Cured ham, and Croquetas Croquettes. For a taste proverbial to the region, order pintxos – Basque’s spin on the popular Spanish bar foods – tapas, that are normally garnished on a slice of bread and pierced with a toothpick.
Seafood
Not surprisingly, due to the coastal position of Barcelona its seafood is incredibly popular. Stroll through La Boqueria Market, one of Barcelona’s famous food markets to taste fresh seafood or, sit down for a meal at one of Barceloneta’s restaurants. Paella is mandatory, though there’s a similar dish called fideuà, with noodles; another must-try is the Catalan fish stew called suquet de peix.
Catalan Cuisine
Catalan food is defined by its simplicity through the use of the best of produce and non-intervention through a simple cookery process. Some of these dishes that one may want to sample include escalivada which is well roasted vegetables, esqueixada which is a salad made of salt cod and lastly botifarra amb mongetes which is a sausage that is grilled accompanying a dish made of beans. To follow, have crema catalana, which is a type of Spanish dessert which is somewhat similar to crème brûlée.
Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Barcelona and the region of Catalonia has many ‘Michelin star’ restaurants meaning that you can get some excellent haute cuisine in the city. Special mentions go to ABaC, Lasarte, and Cinc Sentits. These eateries are concerned with stylish twists in preparation and the manner in which the foods are served; therefore, they are highly recommended for the fans of food.
Festivals and Events
La Mercè
There are many festivals celebrated in Barcelona including but not limited to La Mercè, which is the biggest and widely-known festival held in September for the celebration of Our Lady of Mercy. One can only watch bright shows during the festival: parades, concerts, various firework, and of course castellers that are towers built of people. Days will be filled with colourful programmes such as street performances, folk dances/tribal shows and programmes.
Sant Jordi
Sant Jordi is Catalan holiday, which falls on April 23rd, and is considered as the local version of the Valentine ‘s day. It is celebrated in Catalonia on the first of the month, dedicated to the the patron saint of the region St. George, book and rose sharing is given. Instead the streets of Barcelona are full of bookstalls, flower sellers and booths, and everything looks rather jolly and properly romantically Spanish.
Primavera Sound
Primavera Sound music festival takes place in late May or early June and is one of the most acclaimed events in Europe. Artists from across the world and from many styles such as rock/indie, pop, electronic or hip-hop attend this event. Being held at Parc del Fòrum which is a wonderful site located at the waterfront, the festival really presents a wonderful musical experience.
Practical Travel Tips
Getting Around
Barcelona is a city with developed public transport possibilities: buses, trams and metro. The metro is by far the most effective means of transport when in the city as there are stations close to most focal points. You could buy a T-10 ticket which is a ticket that provides 10 rides within the public means of transport at a given cost. However, walking through Barcelona would be equally engaging or one may opt to bike around since Barcelona has Bike-Friendly city features.
Language
Although Spanish is an official language of Spain, Catalan is the co-official in Barcelona and most people within this area speak the language. Relatively many signs and menus are bilingual. Though English is widely spoken, it is advised that tourists should attempt to speak some basic Catalan – words like ‘’Bon dia” (Good morning) and “Gràcies” (Thank you).
Safety
Like any other tourist destination all over the world, Barcelona is relatively safe but one has to be extra cautious with their things. This is especially rampant in areas that are congested, therefore, ensure that you are always on the lookout for thieves and do not carry a lot of money around with you. Avoid any secluded areas during the night and use safer means of transport during the night.
Accommodation
The cities provides diverse accommodation for travelers and tourists including luxury hotels and guesthouse accommodation, budget and youth hostels, and vacation rentals. Some of the famous and vibrant places for the tourists to dwell are gothic quarter, eixample and el born. Pre-booking could be done on the accommodation especially during the busy seasons and events.
Day Trips from Barcelona
Montserrat
It’s recommended, for instance, to check Montserrat – a beautiful mountain and the monastery, which is located one hour away from Barcelona. Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Catalonia, where there stands a Black Madonna statue, which attracts many tourists and lovers of beautiful views of the rocks. The most famous attractions are the possibility to walk the stunning pathways or the Montserrat funicular or to watch Montserrat Boys’ Choir.
Sitges
Sitges is a picturesque town located just half an hour away from Barcelona by train in the province of Catalonia and famous for its beaches, and gay-friendly atmosphere. Take a walk on the beautiful boulevard, go to the Cau Ferrat Museum which is located in the city, and enjoy the sand of the beaches. Sitges also has several festivals it has and some are the internationally famous Sitges Film Festival.
Girona
Girona is approximately one hour of driving away towards northeast from Barcelona and has a very beautiful Gothic Quarter. Stroll through the historic walls, wander through the once painted buildings that now border the onyar river and visit Girona cathedral.
Shopping and Markets
La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria, or Mercat de Sant Josep, is one of barcelonas most popular markets. This is one of Barcelona’s largest and most popular food markets situated only a few steps from La Rambla and offers an impressive variety of fresh products as well as a true foc for seafood lovers. The cuisine of Catalonia has been forcefully reestablished in many of its places and people go there to try some of the old recipes in addition to find gourmet souvenirs.
Passeig de Gràcia
When it comes to luxury shopping, it is best to go to Passeig de Gràcia, this is one of the city’s prestigious streets. This boulevard host luxury stores, international favorite designer stores and well known modernist architecture buildings like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. This is perfect for shopping with nice structures around; perfect place to shop until you drop.
El Raval
As a district that attracts artists and other people with a creative and somewhat unconformist lifestyle, the area of the city known as Raval has many fashionable among them vintage shops and some outright unique stores. The area also features MACBA or Museum of Contemporary Art and the Rambla del Raval whereby there many stands of those selling foods and other locally made materials.
Nightlife
El Born is one of Barcelonas most popular districts being home to some of the cities hottest nightclubs. Basically the area, it boasts of looking like styles of bars, fight tapas and nightclubs. Regarding Passeig del Born, there is an incredible amount of cocktail bars and places to listen to good music.
Poble Sec
Poble Sec is also home to great nightlife, but it concentrates more on Carrer de Blai and pintxos bars. This area is slightly less touristy and much more relaxed with several places to grab a drink and try some tasty titbits.
Port Olímpic
Port Olímpic is for a night out by the sea. Boasting a plethora of boats, this section in the city contains bar, restaurants as well as nightclubs. It is more preferred during summer through which one can take a cocktail with a view of the marina and Mediterranean sea.
Family-Friendly Activities
CosmoCaixa
However, CosmoCaixa in Barcelona is dedicated to science and it includes lots of interactive means and fun things to do with children. It has a modern planetarium, an exhibit about a flooded forest, and a lot of hands on and interactive displays appealing to children and adults. Thus, it is an excellent place to spend a joyful and informative day with children.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
Tibidabo Amusement Park situated on the Tibidabo Mountain is considered as one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. There are such attractions as traditional Ferris wheel and the new high-speed roller coaster with an amazing view of the city. The Temple of the Sacred Heart also has good photogenic spots with a panoramic view in the background.
Barcelona Aquarium
The Barcelona Aquarium is in Port Vell is filled with sharks, rays, and any sort of colorful fish that you can image. The main attraction is the Oceanarium, a big pool through which you can walk and a panaromic view of the sea life. It also has other activities such as touch tanks and other forms of early childhood learning stations.