Barcelona is a Spanish city that can be discovered in a thousand ways! But if you do not know it yet, we suggest you present it to you here, through its essentials to see or do absolutely. You are ready ? Let's go for a ride!
Marvel at the Sagrada Família
Built between 1883 and 1926, the Sagrada Familia is a synthesis of Gaudi's architectural research. The building unfinished at his death, the many plans left by the genius architect allowed his successors to undertake the rest of the work, which has now lasted almost 100 years. A museum also provides a better understanding of the past, present and future of the Sagrada Familia.
Site : http://www.sagradafamilia.org
Getting lost in the Gothic Quarter
Ruelle du Barri Gòtic
It is in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) that the remains of the ancient Roman city and the medieval ensemble are preserved, which bear witness to the splendor of the past. Barcelona was the capital where the Catalan counts and monarchs ruled for more than 500 years.
The cobbled streets of this district appear like a varied catalog of history and art. The Plaça de Sant Jaume is located in the center of this district. On either side of the square, face to face, stand the Casa de la Ciutat (town hall) and the Palau de la Generalitat. Antique stores, bookstores, restaurants and very original boutiques complete the activity and interest of this historic district.
Visit the City History Museum
The Plaça del Rei in the Gothic Quarter
The Plaça del Rei, in the heart of the Barri Gòtic, stages remarkable and unmissable Gothic monuments, such as the Saló del Tinell, the Santa Àgata Chapel and the Palau del Lloctinent, next to the City History Museum.
A visit to the museum is a must: it allows you to discover the 2000 years of Barcelona history. The scenography is very lively thanks to a spectacular staging using multimedia tools. The visit of the basement gives a glimpse of what Barcelona was like in Roman times and during the High Middle Ages.
Site : http://museuhistoria.bcn.cat/
Entering Barcelona Cathedral
The construction of the Gothic cathedral lasted 6 centuries. The door of Sant Iu constitutes the oldest part and the main facade dates from 1890. To see inside the building: the main altar, the bell tower (15th century), the cloister (15th century), the benches of the choir, the pulpit, the crypt of Santa Eulàlia (one of the 2 patronesses of the city) and the Door of Piety (access to the cloister).
Have an aperitif in the Plaça Reial
It was built from 1848 on the remains of a Capuchin convent. The Tres Gràcies fountain and 2 streetlamps designed by Gaudí stand in the center of the square. Surrounded by terraces of many bars, it is a meeting point for many Barcelona residents and tourists.
Stroll on La Rambla
Nice facade on La Rambla
La Rambla is the most famous and most frequented avenue in Barcelona. It stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the port. Suitable for strolling, it is full of shops and acrobats.
Many remarkable buildings have been built there over the centuries such as the Church of Betlem, the Palau Moja, the Palau de la Virreina or the Palau Güell built by Gaudi. Moreover, in the adjacent streets you can visit major cultural centers: Center de Cultura Contemporània, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Gran Teatre del Liceu (opera house).
Don't forget to switch to La Boqueria, a one-of-a-kind covered market, also known as Marché Sant Josep, is famous for the quality and diversity of its products, which come from all over the world.
Chiller on Barceloneta beach
Barcelona is located on the immediate edge of the Mediterranean Sea, it offers various fine sandy beaches on which it is good to sunbathe. Barceloneta Beach, the most popular of Barcelona's four great beaches, is located just 20 minutes from the city center. It runs along an old fishing district full of charm and which is to be seen. And for the more adventurous, you can practice kitesurfing there.
As you walk along the beach, you will come across the Ciutadella - Olympic Port, the port which hosted the Olympic Games. This neighborhood is becoming more and more trendy, attracting many restaurants and nightclubs.
Admire the view from Parc Güell
Parc Güell
With its 20 hectares and many winding paths, Parc Güell is Barcelona's most famous park, one of the symbols of the Catalan capital. Built between 1900 and 1914, it is a magical and unique place that surprises and enchants visitors: it remains a must-see colorful stopover for anyone visiting Barcelona. You can admire the city from a majestic terrace: one of the most beautiful views of Barcelona with that of Montjuic. A must see !
Read our full article for more info on this park.
Visit the Milan House
Casa Milà, built by Gaudi between 1906 and 1912, is famous for its large windows and iron balconies. Also known as "La Pedrera", the building has been classified and can be visited all year round.
Site : www.lapedrera.com
… Ou la Casa Batlló
Built between 1904 and 1906, Casa Batllo is one of the most important buildings in Gaudi's work.
Site : http://www.casabatllo.es
Walk the hill of Montjuïc
Montjuïc in Barcelona
Certainly the most famous hill in Barcelona, which has become a leading cultural center. Montjuïc really took off thanks to the Universal Exhibition of 1929 (construction of many palaces and other sports facilities). Since then, many cultural infrastructures have been added to the already existing heritage: Archeology Museum, Ethnological Museum, Joan Miró Foundation, Fran Daurel Foundation, CaixaForum Foundation, etc.
The best way to get there (and the most original) is to take the funicular. In the evening, do not miss the Magic fountains of Montjuic : an astonishing sound and light show of musical fountains. To see at least once.
Stroll in the Parc de la Ciutadella
The majestic fountain of Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is located on the grounds of the former military fortification of Barcelona. Ideal for resting or strolling around the lake and its waterfall. Inside, there are buildings from the old fortress (chapel, Governor's Palace, arsenal) and a zoological park.
The essentials of Barcelona… and after?
This city is captivating, intoxicating for young and old alike. There are a thousand ways to discover it: so don't forget to read our other articles and advice on the Catalan capital ... And if you are traveling with your family, follow these few tips for visiting Barcelona with a child.
