Barcelona is just about the perfect European city destination. By day it is a buzzing metropolis. By night it is one of the world’s clubbing capitals. It is a place steeped in history with some of the world’s great art and architecture.
And if all this gets a bit too much, the capital of Spain’s Catalan region has miles of beaches where for much of the year you can recover from the excesses of clubbing and culture.
Combine that with a sparkling local cuisine that draws not just on Spain for its inspiration, but on neighboring France and Italy too. Nowhere else can quite match the magic.
Barcelona, for many reasons, is the heart of Spain. Among one of its oldest cities, there is plenty to quench the thirst of the ever-curious traveller. Whether you plan all activities beforehand or explore at your own leisure you are certainly in for a treat.
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona in the coming months, here are some places you simply must see.
1. Parc Guell
Barcelona is a culinary hotspot that boosts some of the finest restaurants in the world, and buildings that take inspiration from Gothic times as well as more modern influences.
The influences of famous artist Gaudi can be seen throughout the city, and with bustling streets, a vibrant port area and miles and miles of sandy beaches, there’s plenty of reasons to fall in love with the architecture of the city.
The architecture in Barcelona is so mesmerising that you’ll want to go back and have a second look and one of the best places to see is Parc Guell. This area was designed by renown architect Antoni Gaudi is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the world.
2. Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is perhaps the most impressive buildings in Spain even though it is still incomplete.
The basilica was designed by Gaudi and work continues to be done to it to this very day, with the final building far from complete.
The work for the basilica is funded by the money donated by visitors and people around the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a work of art both inside and out.
3. Magic Fountain of Montjuic
The Magical Fountain of Montjuic are a series of impressive fountains that lead up to the Palau Nacional, which is the National Palace of Barcelona.
While this building is impressive to look at during the day, to experience the real magic of the fountains you need to visit them at night. The fountains turn into an explosion of colour at night, with music also playing throughout the summer months.
The fountains attract thousands of visitors every day, and there can be a real party feeling at the weekend at the Magical Fountains. They really have to be seen to be believed.
4. Mount Tibidabo
Tibidabo is a mountain that offers amazing panoramic views of the city of Barcelona.
While the views alone are worth the trek up the mountains, if you catch the cable car and go all the way to the top of the mountain, you can visit an amusement park and beautiful church, which both sit atop the mountain.
If you aren’t afraid of heights, be sure to ride the giant wheel at the top for amazing skyline views of the city.
5. Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is a beautiful building in the center of Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí. This is considered one of his masterpieces and when you see it in person you will realise why. Getting a photo here is a must do thing in Barcelona.
6. Las Ramblas
Perhaps the most popular street on Barcelona, Las Ramblas stretches for over 1km from the Placa de Catalunya in the city centre, right down to the Port area.
Las Ramblas is flanked by many popular street stalls selling everything from arts and crafts pieces, to food, clothing and souvenirs.
There are a number of side streets along Las Ramblas that simply must be explored as they are home to many popular tapas bars and hidden gems for food fans.
If you wander through the streets surrounding Las Rambles you will find areas like the Gothic Quarter and also so many cafes, bars and restaurants.
Las Ramblas is also home to some of the most popular hotels in Barcelona, with its ideal location and bustling street vibe giving visitors that little taste of Barcelona as soon as they arrive in their hotel.
If you have never been to Barcelona before, we strongly recommend staying here to capture the true essence of this magical city.
7. Barcelona Port
The Port de Barcelona is another popular area of the city and joins on to the beach, making it a must see for tourists, and a regular hangout for locals.
The port area is home to an impressive Aquarium and has many great bars, cafes and restaurants facing the harbour. Cruise ships regularly take off from Barcelona Port on route to other Mediterranean areas.
8. Museums
When you think or Barcelona, you think of great architecture and famous art, and two of the most famous artists associated with the city are Gaudi and Picasso.
Both of them have museums in the city and both have left their mark on this wonderful city to this very day. Their influences can be seen throughout the city, and a trip to both museums should be on your list of things to do, so you can really appreciate the talent of these two famous Spanish artists.
The Picasso Museum Gaudi’s La Pedrera is one of the most interesting whilst his own unusual house and museum in Parc Guell, one of the many delightful parks in Barcelona, is a real gem.
The Museu d’Historia de Catalunya depicts the region’s often painful history and offers a fascinating perspective of the city’s development.
If you already love art, you’ll love Barcelona even more, if not, visiting this city might give you a new appreciation for art. There are so many art galleries in Barcelona, check out the Museu Picasso, a tribute to Picasso with all his early works, engravings or venture to see the famous “harlequin” portrait or the museum inside Casa Mila.
9. Camp Nou
One for sports enthusiasts, Barcelona is home to one of the most famous footballing sides on the planet, playing at the huge Camp Nou with a capacity of over 90,000 people!
This is one of the best stadiums in Europe and watching a game on match days is unrivalled. The atmosphere, and the chance to see some of the most highly rated players in the world is amazing.
10. The Beautiful Golden Beaches
What better way to relax when you’re on a holiday then to head to the beach and soak up some rays!
Choose between the famous Barcelona beach, which is often pretty populated or Icaria Beach which is less crowded and is worth the visit for the peace and quiet.
Whether walking along the beach or just sunbathing, the beach in Barcelona gives the city great vibes and a relaxed feel to it so you never feel like you’re in a rush.
Top Reasons to Visit Barcelona
Do you need some more convincing Barcelona should be your next destination? Here are some more reasons why you will absolutely love this city.
Great weather
The weather in Barcelona is always mild and inviting all year round so no matter if you’re coming in the summer or toward the colder seasons, Barcelona’s temperatures always remain just right.
Romance
Amongst all the cities in Spain, Barcelona is by far the most popular when it comes to romance. Bring your loved ones here and take a leisurely walk along the stylish streets and beautiful buildings this city has to offer.
Gastronomy
Barcelona has some great food, there’s no question to that, but being able to find great food even if you’re on a budget is something else. Try the Tapas around Barceloneta or even have a look around the markets on Las Ramblas for some really good food that’s worth the buck.
When sightseeing take a break with a refreshing drink in a pavement café along with the locals to watch the world wandering past. After a busy day, what better way to unwind than to sit down and enjoy some traditional Catalan cuisine, which combines the best of French and Spanish cooking.
Try pintxos, plates of bite-size goodies which are the Catalan version of tapas.
Fun for all ages
Whether you’re here with the young ones or just as friends or couples, Barcelona provides ample fun for everyone. From the Zoo or even the aquarium which is the largest in Europe to the magical fountain of Montjuic, places to go are more than plenty.
Shopping
In almost every part of Barcelona you’ll find a shop that suits your taste from the street stalls to boutiques and shopping centers and if you know the places to go, you can really find some great bargains!
Some of Spain’s finest shopping is to be found along the city’s main avenues but if it’s the more esoteric you’re after take a wander through the historic Gothic Quarter with its small boutiques & antique shops.
Or why not head for El Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village), a unique combination of architectural styles from across Spain, with its host of contemporary art & traditional craft shops, situated in a pleasant traffic-free setting in Montjuïc park.
Nightlife
Barcelona’s nightlife is every brimming and no matter what day you choose to go out on you can always find something happening in the city!
Discover Off the Tourist Trail
The cathedral of La Seu with its magnificent nave and wonderful cloisters – a haven of peace oft overlooked along with the nearby Roman remains. Stretching north along the waterfront from the pleasant Port Vell area, here you’ll find some of the finest beaches in Europe. Seafront restaurants and bars are another highlight undiscovered by many visitors
Day Trips & Places to Visit Nearby
The monastery of Montserrat, perched in its dramatic hilltop setting, is worth an excursion whatever your beliefs and there’s excellent outlet shopping at La Roca served by shuttle bus
Barcelona at a Glance
Weather and When to Go
A Mediterranean climate with mild, humid winters and warm dry summers. From November to March if you are looking for a bargain or July & August if you like the idea of chilling on the beach after your sightseeing
Goes Well With
Madrid or Bilbao, both easily reached by train or plane.
Go Home
Wondering why you had never been before.
Plan a City Break to Barcelona
With so much to see and do in the city of Barcelona, it really needs to be on the list of places to see in Europe. There are things to do for all travellers, regardless of your age and whether you are travelling alone, in a group or as a couple.
Wandering along the Ramblas, the vibrant boulevards at the heart of the city centre, exploring the fascinating shops and world famous Boqueria market – you’ll fall in love with Barcelona.
You’re sure to be fascinated by the unusual and exciting style of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, examples of which are found all over the city. His trademarks are unusual shapes and multi coloured tiling said to reflect nature’s curves and angles.
Perhaps the most famous of all his works in Barcelona is the cathedral of Sagrada Familia which has been under construction since 1882 and is not expected to be completed for some time yet!
Art lovers must take in the excellent Picasso Museum whilst the superb view across the city from Montjuic Park is well worth the ride on the cable car. Sport fans must tour Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s home ground and the city’s nightlife is legendary.
Photos of Barcelona don’t do the city justice, you really need to explore the streets in person to gain a real understanding why this is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
Barcelona really offers something for everyone and it may even take multiple visits before you can really experience everything it has to offer.
