If we could transport ourselves to a paradise filled with colorful, winding streets, busy balconies, and sunny skies for days, we definitely would, and it would be in the shape and form of Barcelona. Comfortably perched on the northeast coast of Spain, Catalonia’s capital prides itself as being one of the prime and picturesque urban holiday destinations in Europe. Splendidly intertwining culture with the modern, it is only right that the city bursts with activities fit for everyone.
There is so much to do in Barcelona, so it can be quite nerve-wracking to plan a trip to what Hans Christian Anderson once called “the Paris of Spain”. We’ve huddled up with our team of guides and researchers, and curated some of our favorite attractions to tour so you can fully enjoy your trip to the wonderful city of Barcelona.
La Rambla: The Social Capital of Barcelona
Perhaps one of the most famous streets in Barcelona is La Rambla - a one-mile pedestrian avenue lined beautifully with trees and hosting a plethora of shops from food to trinkets and trifles. Stretching from Plata de Catalunya all the way to Port Vell, La Rambla is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll with intervals for tapas and crema catalana (or the Spanish version of creme brulee).
You might be wondering why some sites call it Las Ramblas and others Les Rambles; the truth is they are all actually one and the same. Initially, La Rambla consisted of five separate streets - Rambla de Canaletes, Rambla dels Estudis, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Caputxins, and Rambla de Santa Mònica. As time passed, the whole pedestrian boulevard was simply called La Rambla.
Each of the mini ramblas has its own unique flavor, and so a visit to any which one is truly exciting. On Rambla de Canaletes, you will find the Font de Canaletes, a 20th century drinking fountain and lamppost iconic to not only history buffs but football fans around the world, as this has been a gathering place for football enthusiasts since the 1930s. Rambla dels Estudios, on the other hand, coined its name from a 16th century university which is the forerunner of Universitat de Barcelona.
After taking the best souvenir photos at the Font de Canaletes, and gazing at the site of the Universitat de Barcelona, find yourself immersed in the floral aromas of Ramble de Sant Josep’s open air flower market. Pick some flowers, enjoy the atmosphere, and slowly make your way towards the crowd of tourists making their way through Rambla dels Caputxins, the busiest of street in La Rambla.
Here you will find the best fresh food at the La Boqueria market and a Joan Miró mosaic full of emotion and love for the city. Lastly, amble towards the amazing art spaces of the Centre d'Art Santa Monica, where artists from all over the world gather.
Camp Nou (Now Spotify Camp Nou)
Football fans and architecture lovers would love a trip to Camp Nou, home to some 1992 Summer Olympics events, and now to FC Barcelona. With a capacity of over 99,000 - Camp Nou is one of the largest stadiums in Europe.
On match days, the whole area buzzes with adrenaline. Catch a game and feel the team spirit one can only gain from football culture. If that is not your cup of tea, then a trip to the FC Barcelona Museum might be. Here you will take a trip down memory lane and discover the experiences and accomplishments of the FC Barcelona team.
Truth be told, there are a variety of tours available for Camp Nou, as well as a number of ticket options. Our guides advise that you check which attractions you would like to visit first before buying a ticket in order to get your money’s worth.
Basílica de la Sagrada Família
You can’t visit Barcelona and not go to the Sagrada Familia. The unfinished Sagrada Familia leaves visitors awestruck just by its grandeur. Designed by Antoni Gaudí in 1852, the largest Catholic Church in the world is not only a minor basilica, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Much has changed since the church’s conception, however. Only recently in 2011, the basilica was set in flames by an arsonist, destroying the sacristy, or preparation room. Many robes and furniture were not salvaged from the fire, and Gaudi’s work was largely destroyed. Construction has since continued, and its ornate architecture both outside and in can be admired by everyone.
The nativity scene will greet you as the first thing you see as you enter the church. It is passionate and expressive and everything you can think of for a lavish facade. The ‘Passion of Christ’ can also be seen depicting Jesus’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Whichever tower you choose to enter, you are sure to be entranced by the wonders of the architecture.
If you aren’t sure how to plan your trip, ask our local guides to help you set up a tour. It can get pretty crowded around the church, and so having a guide to give you insider information will prove more than useful.
Park Guell: Gaudi’s Living Legacy
If you would like to know more about the life and legacy of Antoni Gaudí, as well as get lost in a whimsical hillside park with a mosaic lizard, spiral towers, and acres of woodland, then a trip to Park Guell is perfect to unleash the surrealist connoisseur in you. As you enter the park, you will feel transported into the unconventional world of Gaudi.
The park’s guardian, a colorful, conspicuous lizard named El Drac, is a crowd favorite conveniently located near the main entrance. Created in collaboration with Joseph Maria Jujo, the mosaic was made using broken pieces of tile, an art style typically called trencadís.
As you stroll through the wide gardens filled with spectacular art and architecture, you will be met by the Casa Museu Gaudí, now the Gaudí House Museum, the exact place Gaudi lived for twenty years. Although it is free to enter the park, beware of the extra costs to get into certain galleries, rooms, and areas. You can ask our professional guides for advice as to which tickets suit you best.
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
After all the activities throughout the day, watching an amazing music and light show is the best way to close things off. The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc was built by Carles Buigas in 1929 for the International Expo, and it has been visited by families, tourists, and locals by the thousand.
With 3.1 million liters of water and 132 electric motors being used for the shows, it is no wonder Barcelona’s City Council has continued to find ways to conserve and recycle. The fountain actually uses recycled water for its shows, and its halogen lights have been replaced with LED technology. This makes it easy to enjoy light and music shows sustainably.
Some people trek to Barcelona in September for La Mercè, a popular festival where gatherers wear traditional Catalan capital dresses and celebrate Catalan culture. If you are indeed making your way to Barcelona for this, then take note that the Magic Fountain is the venue for the Piromusical fireworks showcase.
Conclusion
Barcelona has something for every traveler. Whether it is sports, food, architecture, or history, there is bound to be an activity perfect for your taste. Savor Barcelona and all its beauty with GoWithGuide. The city is big and promising, and so is your trip. Customize a private tour with us today to ensure a worry-free adventure.