Barcelona is one of Spain’s most incredible tourist destinations, offering numerous things to see and do. The vibrant city is bursting with fantastic eateries offering delectable food, wild clubs and bars, fascinating museums, and architecture galore. But it can be tricky to figure out what works best for you, given how vast the city is. So, to give you some tips, here are five ways to make the most of a trip to Barcelona.
1. Visit La Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familiar is Barcelona’s most iconic landmark and a masterpiece of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. What’s fascinating is that the church remains unfinished despite over 130 years of construction. Thus, it is considered the world’s longest-running architectural project. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sagrada Familiar is a must-see on your visit to Barcelona.
The exterior of the Sagrada Família is incredibly stunning, consisting of towering spires, carved walls, tall roofs, and oversized windows. Gaudi draws inspiration from Gothic-style architecture when designing the impressive facade. Made of sandstone and granite, it features a honeycomb-like form. Sagrada Familia’s three facades are among the highlights of the church. These are the Nativity Facade, the Passion Facade, and the Glory Facade. It’s fascinating how these facades look different, yet they are part of the same building and designed by the same architect.
One of the most-visited sections of the church is the Gaudi Museum on the ground floor. It’s informative, showcasing models, photos, and other information about the Sagrada Familia’s construction. You can see the architects at work through a glass mirror.
2. Experience Park Güell
Park Güell is another Gaudi masterpiece you should not miss on your visit to Barcelona. Located on Carmel Hill, it welcomes approximately nine million visitors annually. The lavish park is a sprawling wonderland of colourful mosaics with nature-inspired designs and elements. It is full of whimsical sculptures and Catalan-inspired architecture.
Whether you’re a fan of Gaudi’s work or not, Park Guell is one of those places you should not miss in Barcelona. Commissioned by businessman Eusebi Güell as a private neighbourhood for the elites, the housing project failed due to a lack of public interest. Eventually, the area was re-developed as a public park. Today, it’s one of Barcelona’s top attractions and a testament to Gaudi’s incredible talent.
Park Güell is open all year round, and you can visit anytime. But if you want to see it without the hordes of tourists, the best time to visit is early morning. It should take around two hours to explore the sprawling park. Although they only allow admission in half-hour intervals, you can stay as long as you like once inside the park.
3. Explore La Rambla
La Rambla is one of Barcelona’s most vibrant neighbourhoods and a fun place to wander around. It’s a 1.2 km long boulevard, starting in Plaça de Catalunya and ending at the statue of Christopher Columbus close to the port. Whether or not you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time, La Rambla is one of those places worth exploring while in the city.
The La Boqueria market is one of the main reasons many would flock to La Rambla. It’s one of the city’s busiest markets, bringing together local vendors and visitors shopping for local produce and exotic delicacies. The market is also the go-to place for local chefs searching for the finest ingredients and locals feasting on delectable meals or snacks.
The Liceu Opera House is another point of interest you’ll stumble upon when exploring La Rambla. But don’t just admire it from the outside. Book a ticket to watch one of the nightly performances. Although it’s an opera house, you can also witness ballets and occasional pop and classical concerts.
The Columbus Monument is another landmark to see in La Rambla. Take the lift to climb to the top of the monument and admire the panoramic city views from the top. If you want to avoid the long queues, visit during the quiet morning hours.
4. Get Tickets to the F1
Once you’ve had your fill of Barcelona’s top attractions, it’s time to try something different, such as watching the F1 race. If you visit during the Spanish Grand Prix, you should not miss the chance to witness an F1 race in Barcelona and get tickets whilst exploring the city.
Taking place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in June, the Spanish Grand Prix first started over a hundred years ago, making it one of the world’s oldest motor races. The racing circuit of Barcelona has undergone numerous changes ahead of the race, such as removing the chicane in the final sector of the race.
The Spanish F1 Grand Prix is a favourite event of the famous Michael Schumacher, winning the race six times around the late 1990 and early 2000. Lewis Hamilton equalled the winning record of Schumacher in 2021. In addition to Hamilton’s six wins, Max Verstappen also won three times.
5. Take a Wine Trip from Barcelona
A great way to truly relax and unwind in Barcelona is to partake in a wine tour from the city. There are some excellent wineries, great for those seeking a little luxury during their break. With plenty to choose from, we can help make your decision making process easier by narrowing down your options.
We recommend joining a Penedes wine and cava tour from Barcelona, ideal for those looking to see more of the Penedes region all while enjoying some fine wines. The area is just an hours drive from the city and allows guests to escape the hustle and bustle to experience this beautiful coastal destination, brimming with pretty villages and plenty of natural beauty.
This full day tour takes guests to some of the top wine producers in the region, providing visitors with an unmatched experience. What’s more, you can also learn about the area and its history, fantastic for those looking to immerse themselves in Penedes. Enjoy a relaxed lunch during your tour, alongside stunning natural scenery and a tranquil atmosphere.
6. Witness the Architecture at Barcelona Cathedral
Featuring Gothic architecture, the Barcelona Cathedral is Barcelona’s main cathedral and a gateway to the Gothic Quarter, one of Barcelona’s most famous neighbourhoods. Across the Barcelona Cathedral is a vibrant square full of street vendors, bystanders, tourists, artists, and performers.
Built around the 13th and 15th centuries, the Barcelona Cathedral was in honour of Santa Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona. Among the most significant areas within the cathedral are the cloister gardens, where you can find 13 geese, each representing the year Saint Eulalia lived. Take the lift to climb to the cathedral’s roof and admire the panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
If you can, schedule your visit on the 24th of September for the Mercé festival, Barcelona’s traditional holiday, where you can witness cultural and traditional celebrations at the cathedral. The Barcelona Cathedral holds masses on Sundays and weekdays in Catalan or Spanish languages. You can buy your ticket directly from the cathedral. However, there are days when you can enter the cathedral for free, and you only need to pay to get to the roof and the chorus.
Comments are closed.