Definitely one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the whole world is the magical Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, one of the historical provinces of Spain. Barcelona is located in the southeastern part of the country, on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and represents a top tourist destination, offering a complete and diverse experience for any traveler. It is also one of the largest metropolises in Europe and the biggest one on the Mediterranean coast. But what makes Barcelona such an enchanting and attractive place? The truth is there is a perfect mix of art and culture, atmosphere and authenticity, craziness and friendliness, beaches and cathedrals, shopping and gastronomy, and the list could go on forever. To truly grasp and understand what this destination is all about, one has to discover and experience it firsthand, but there are a few major attractions that no visitor should miss while in Barcelona.
There is much to see and do in Barcelona and it all starts in its old district, facing the sea and featuring an overwhelming number of attractions and landmarks. La Rambla is one of the most famous and beautiful avenues in the world, a shopping heaven and charming place to stroll and admire the city. It is filled with fashion shops and cafes, restaurants and design hotels, but the true experience of La Rambla comes from being a cultural pot, all the tourists visiting the street at least once. Right where this avenue meets the sea, the symbolic statue of Columbus oversees the city and its port. The monument is also a great place to admire the panorama of the city from its 60 meters height. One of the most interesting and authentic neighborhoods of Barcelona is Barri Gotic, or the Gothic Quarter, the heart of the ancient Roman city, with a combination of Roman ruins and gothic cathedrals, palaces and mansions. Placa del Rey or King’s Square is the best place to understand how the city used to look in the old days.
Another extremely interesting attraction of the old city center is the Parc de la Ciutadella, a unique and enchanting city park, filled with exquisite or extravagant buildings and monuments, as well as a relaxing natural area, with lakes and plants. The Barcelona Zoo is one of the highlights of this park and is worth a visit in any season. Among the other monuments and landmarks of the old city of Barcelona, travelers will surely find interesting the Picasso Museum, Santa Maria del Mar Church, Palau de Musica Catalana, Maritime Museum of Barcelona, Catalonia History Museum, the Aquarium or the charming quarter of Barceloneta, located on the small peninsula entering the sea. A little to the north of the old center, maybe the most famous and popular attraction of the city is Sagrada Familia Cathedral, in the Eixample district. Considered the most intricate and fascinating religious building ever attempted, the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi still stands unfinished for over 100 years old. Other attractions of this area include the Joan Miro Park or the architectural wonder of Quadrat d’Or.
Recalling all the wonderful things to discover in Barcelona could go on forever, but the next area that should not be missed is the Montjuic and its cluster of monuments. The most important and interesting landmarks of Montjuic include the National Palace hosting the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Archaeology Museum, the Magical Fountain, the Miro Foundation, the traditional Poble Espanyol, as well as the Olympic buildings scattered in the vicinity. A more modern attraction of Barcelona can be found in Villa Olimpica, the Olympic Village built for the 1992 Games, featuring a range of modernist buildings and an exciting experience. Today, a wide range of bars and restaurants are located right in front of the beach, making this area perfect for walks or a night out in town. Surely, there are many other things to see, such as the unforgettable and unique Park Guell, but one has to discover some treasures when visiting Barcelona.
One of the best ways to discover the city is the tour bus, an enchanting experience of discovering Barcelona on your own pace and without any stress. Travelers will definitely love the feeling of touring the most beautiful areas of the city and seeing the attractions from a new perspective. On top of these amazing things to see, the destination is also perfect for a range of things to do, beginning with the fascinating beaches of the city. Visitors should also sample the delicious local food, with plenty of great restaurants spread around Barcelona. To truly experience Barcelona and its more traditional side, visitors could also take a Catalonian language class, watch a tablao flamenco show, try the delicious sangria drink or attend a local festival. With all of these and more, Barcelona truly is among the most legendary travel destinations in the world.
Best Accommodation in Barcelona, Spain
Catalonia Catedral 4*
The Catalonia Catedral is set in a traditional Modernist building, just 100 metres from Barcelona Cathedral. It offers free use of Smartphones, Wi-Fi access, a rooftop seasonal pool and a Japanese-style terrace and garden. The Catedral has stylish rooms, which have contemporary décor. The hotel’s Ascent Restaurant by Eboca serves Mediterrean cuisine. There is also a bar in the hotel lobby.
Circa 1905 Hotel 4*
This small hotel occupies the first floor of a modernist building, just 50 metres from central Barcelona’s famous shopping street, Passeig de Gràcia. It offers elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi. Air-conditioned rooms at Circa 1905 include a blend of classic and modern features. There is a balcony and private bathroom with amenities and a hairdryer. The hotel serves a breakfast of local produce.
Violeta Boutique 2*
This boutique guest house is set in Barcelona’s chic Eixample district, 300 metres from Plaza Catalunya. It offers air-conditioned rooms, most with a balcony, 200 metres from Urquinaona Metro Station. Set in a restored 19th century building, rooms at Violeta Boutique feature contemporary décor. All include city views, free Wi-Fi, a plasma TV and a spacious private bathroom.
Cover Photo by Logan Armstrong on Unsplash
