Even a lengthy visit will likely only scratch the surface of what there is to see and do in Barcelona. Stuffed with culinary delights, world-class museums and avant-garde architecture, you’ll want to give Barcelona your undivided attention.
The master of modernism
If there is one single building that brings you to Barcelona, it’s likely to be the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece of a cathedral. The mountainous Gothic spires of this behemoth are a sight to behold from both up close and afar. Nothing really prepares you for your first view of the church of the “sacred family”. Up close, the intricately carved detail will leave you in awe. Head inside to explore the majestic interior and to get different perspectives on the various facades.
Parc Güell is outside the city centre, but absolutely worth the journey. Perched on a hill, it has exceptional views across the city, but you might be too busy admiring the otherworldly architecture to notice. A modernist riot of colour, the sculptures and buildings in the park are like something from a dreamscape. Giant, mosaic lizards and columned caves are just a couple of the surreal attractions you’ll find in this sprawling wonderland.
Tavernas and tapas
Wrought iron chairs spill out onto the wide central pavement of Las Ramblas. This tree-lined boulevard is a hive of activity and watching it all from one of the many pavement cafes is the perfect way to experience central Barcelona and the pace of life here. Stroll down the street to find stalls brimming with flowers, pet canaries chirping under plane trees, or even have your palm read.
From Las Ramblas, medieval streets snake off into the Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gotic. Tapas bars with legs of Iberico ham hanging in the window hide down these narrow alleys. Spindly iron balconies adorn the towering tenements and just as you think you’re lost in the labyrinth, a picturesque square with an ancient cathedral will open up in front of you. Don’t feel like getting lost? Tapas Tours Barcelona offers a guided walk to the best-kept local secrets and delicious tapas tasting within the wonderful warren of streets.
For fresh seafood and mouth-watering paella, head in the direction of the beach. The streets in front of the stretch of sand at Barceloneta beach are a hive of restaurants and bars brimming with fresh langoustines, mussels and deep fried cod. For particularly good seafood paella, try El Suquet de l'Almirall.
Make for Monstserrat
A two-hour drive through the scenic Catalan countryside will take you to the Costa Brava. Soak up the sun on one of the sweeping beaches or absorb the seaside charm of rural fishing villages, such as Calella de Palafrugell, along the coast. The atmospheric Spanish streets of Girona are an easy stop on the way.
Just 40km drive from Barcelona, the mountain of Montserrat is makes for a memorable day trip. A golden-brown monastery hewn out of the rock-side looks out over the mountains and valleys. You can get up to it by taking in the stunning view from the cable-car or the romantic rack railway.
With tantalizing menus, inspirational architecture and endless alleys to explore, no matter how much tapas or paella you’ve gorged on, Barcelona will leave you hungry for more.
