Places to visit in Barcelona
This city has its own identity and Barcelona sightseeing always offers something special. Given that you might feel overwhelmed when you touch down the first time, we have a list of the different Barcelona tourist attractions to give you a clear indication of the worthwhile things to do in Barcelona.
Park Guell
There is no escaping Gaudí when you visit Barcelona, and this garden complex on Carmel Hill is certainly worth the trip. People plan entire Barcelona trips to see the mosaics and serpentine benches that can be found here. The architect’s distinctive style can be found in the sculptures, fountains, and colonnades. If you want to see how Gaudí lived from 1906 to 1926, be sure to enter the House-Museum. You will find decorative items and furniture designed by Gaudí himself.
Bunkers del Carmel
The Bunkers del Carmel offer you a great view of Barcelona city. The actual bunkers themselves date back from the Spanish Civil War and offer you a tremendous panoramic view of the city. Getting there is fairly simple too, take bus 24 that also passes through Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya, take the stop Ctra del Carmel-Gran Vista and walk up Carrer de Mühlberg.
Horta Laberinth
You can find Horta Laberinth on the northern edge of Barcelona. This once royal estate is surrounded by fountains and gardens. The water truly plays a fundamental part of the garden and is represented in canals, ponds, streams, and waterfalls. This is the oldest garden in Barcelona, dating back all the way to 1791. If you want to find one of the more relaxing places to visit in Barcelona, this is highly recommended.
Montjuic
If you have ever wondered about the name of the prominent hill that overlooks the harbor of Barcelona – wonder no more: Montjuic. While it once played a vital role in the defense of Barcelona, it is now one of the best things to do in Barcelona if you want to experience a great view. You can experience truly spectacular views from the harbor at Montjuic Castle. With a relatively low ticket price, this has to be atop your list of things to do in Barcelona.
Tibidabo
You might not want to venture to Barcelona today for an amusement park – but Tibidabo is certainly different. The mountain is home to an amazing amusement park that not only entertains, but also has tremendous views. If you go here, visit the amusement park and the church. There are also picnic tables if you are inclined to bring your own lunch.
Sagrada Familia
When we talk about the different things to see in Barcelona, Sagrada Familia often stands atop the list. The development started in 1882, and it is still not done. The different construction styles found here are certainly amazing. The work of Gaudí is both inspirational and spiritual. Even though it is still under construction, it is absolutely a must-see location if you head to Barcelona.
Casa Batlló
Continuing with the theme of Gaudí architecture, Casa Batlló is another magical building that overwhelms the senses. Its façade is a mosaic of mauve, green and blue tiles that seem to oscillate in the Catalonian sun, the effect intensified further by the wavy design of the windows and balconies. The building appears like the deep sea even from the inside, making visitors feel like they are riding a calming wave. Another residential building of note is the Casa Vicens, blending Moorish architecture with Oriental details to create another stunning piece.
Mercat de la Boquería
La Rambla is Barcelona’s most famous street, buzzing with a blend of locals and tourists alike. And just off la Rambla is the Mercat de la Boquería, a wonderful local market for you to experience. Yes, the architecture of the market is also stunning, influenced by Barcelona’s modernisme movement, but the market itself is equally as enthralling. If you really want to throw yourself into the delicious Catalonian cuisine, markets like this are a must. This particular one is a high-quality market, offering everything from expensive cuts of butcher’s meat to fresh, juicy fruits. Make sure to propel yourself into gastronomical heaven by trying out Catalonian dishes, such as:
- Bacallà salat (dry salted cod), which usually comes in an esquiexada (a tomato, onion and black olive salad with frisée lettuce)
- Calçots (halfway between a leek and an onion), chargrilled and eaten messily
- Cargols (snails), best eaten as cargols a la llauna
- Peus de porc (pig’s trotters), which are often stewed with snails.
Camp Nou
Any fans of FC Barcelona should note this down as a necessary visitation whilst in the city. In fact, Camp Nou is a pilgrimage site for football fans of many teams around the world. You can take a self-guided tour around the stadium, beginning in the museum displaying trophies, historical displays and other exhibits, followed by a tour of the stadium itself. Discover how the club’s history relates to the Catalan identity and see the real boots of famed players including Maradona, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi. This is one of the largest stadiums in the world, with a capacity of nearly 100,000. The tour will take around 2.5 hours overall, but the best way to really experience the stadium is to catch a game yourself (if you’re lucky enough to get tickets amongst the 173,000 fans with memberships).
Museu Picasso
Featured in Lonely Planet’s Top 500 places to visit in the entire world, the museum designated to Picasso’s life works is a marvellous experience. The collection has over 3500 artworks, and apparently it was Picasso himself who proposed the museum’s creation. The collections span over 5 medieval mansions, making this a unique and fascinating experience.
