From Gaudi’s breathtaking architecture to old traditional food markets and beautiful soaked-sun beaches, Barcelona’s to-do list is as large as its sunny days.
Therefore, it is really difficult to choose just a few of the city’s must-visit-places. But let us give it a try: here’s a top five of amazing places to visit in Barcelona for every smart traveler.
Camp Nou Stadium
A trip to the spectacular Camp Nou (to watch a match or just to take a tour of its museum) is a must for any kind of sports lover. FC Barcelona is one of the world’s most successful football teams.
The gigantic stadium can hold almost 100,000 spectators and has been the home to some of football’s greatest players, such as Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho and the one and only Lionel Messi, Barcelona’s current star and the world’s greatest player.
If you are looking for the most comprehensive and fun experience of the city, consider a Spanish class in Barcelona. Spending time in a Spanish-speaking country and taking classes is an invaluable experience, having the opportunity to speak the language with native speakers.
Park Güell
This is the most visited park of the city, and the most colorful place of Barcelona. It was built by Antoni Gaudí and directed by Eusebio Güell, between 1900 and 1914.
The park offers 3 km of streets and paths, a square and a pavilion, where the artist used his famous “trencadís” broken tile technique for the first time (and with amazing results!)
The fact that Gaudí lived there for the last 20 years of his life makes it quite interesting. His house (one of the two the park has as part of the original residential project) is now a museum that displays the furniture that was also designed by him.
Although the entrance of the park is free, be aware that it is not located in the city center, so you will probably spend some money and time to get there.
Gothic Quarter
Located in the area between La Rambla, Via Laietana and the seafront, The Gothic Quarter is one of Barcelona’s oldest neighborhoods. It dates back over 2.000 years and it is full of charm and captivating history. It features the remains of the ancient Roman wall and emblematic medieval structure.
Depending on the time you have to visit it, there’s a lot to do and to see in its mysterious alleyways, full of little bars, restaurants and shops, it’s like a labyrinth!
Although getting lost should be your number one priority, you can’t miss the beautiful gothic Cathedral (known as Barcelona Cathedral) and you should definitely have a cup of coffee or a drink at Placa Reial, a square where locals and tourists gather, especially at night and during summer, to enjoy live music.
Recently, because of the constant modernization, it is easy to see an ancient building right next to one built in the 2000s. That mix of old and new is what brings people from different parts of the world to visit it.
Bogatell Beach
Barceloneta may be the most well-known beach of Barcelona, but it is hardly one of the bests. The city has a large number of beaches to suit anyone. From calm places and perfect to chill to others filled with watersports options such as kitesurfing or windsurfing.
Located within walking distance from Poblenou neighborhood, Bogatell is perhaps one of Barcelona’s pleasant beaches. Just like other beaches and attractions, it was constructed in 1992 for the Olympic games.
It is known for being less crowded, but still has a vibrant atmosphere, with many restaurants and bars in front of the beach (they are called Xiringuitos!).
Also, unlike Barceloneta and other central beaches, where you must always keep an eye on your belongings, Bogatell is considered one of the safest beaches in Barcelona.
La Boquería Market
Barcelona has 39 old food markets spread throughout the city’s neighborhoods, all unique in their own way. La Boquería, officially known as the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boquería, is probably the best-known and has become somewhat a tourist attraction thanks to its location in the heart of the city, right on La Rambla, a central pedestrian street.
Since 1839, it hosts a wide variety of fresh food and finest delicacies making it the perfect stop for tourists (and locals!) to have a bite or pick up something on the go while sightseeing. More than 200 stands are ready to offer the choicest local gastronomic products, such as olives, seafood, fruit, charcuterie, cheeses, and the country famous “jamón ibérico” (cured ham).
Finally, the bars and restaurants around La Boquería are also great places to treat your taste. Especially if you want to have a less crowded experience, as the market is filled with tourists all day long.