The Vibrant City!
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular cities, and with good reason. The historic capital of Catalonia is packed with galleries, museums, historical attractions and places to eat. Set between the mountains and sea, it’s a buzzing and vibrant city, celebrated for its unique architecture, famous artists and city beaches. If you only have a few days in the city, here are some of Barcelona’s top highlights.
Sagrada Família
Almost every city has at least one landmark that you simply can’t miss, and the Sagrada Família is Barcelona’s. Antoni Gaudí’s magnificent masterpiece has been in construction for more than 130 years, but it’s still not finished. Far from a building site however, the church features two grand facades studded with intricate stone carvings, towers which gleam with gem-like tiles, and an interior filled with tree-like columns which soar up toward the canopy ceiling. The building is expected to be completed in time for the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death in 2026.
Gaudi’s designs
While the Sagrada Família may be the most famous of Gaudí’s buildings, all of his wonderful whimsical designs are worth a visit. The most well-known are Casa Batlló with its iridescent dragon-like scales and skull and bone-like balconies, and La Pedrera with its undulating stone façade and fanciful chimneys. Some of his lesser-known, but equally beautiful buildings include Casa Vicens, the first house he ever designed; Palau Güell, which he designed for his patron Eusebi Güell; and the Torre Bellesguard.
Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is the oldest and most atmospheric part of the city. Characterised by small alleyways, hidden plazas and historic buildings, it lies to the east of La Rambla, the famous pedestrian street that runs through the centre of the old town. It’s scattered with century-old shops, small bars and cafes. Some highlights of the Gothic Quarter include Plaça Sant Jaume, home to the grand Palau de la Generalitat; the impressive Cathedral; and the striking Plaça Reial, fringed by cafes and palm trees.
Barcelona city beaches
Whether you visit Barcelona in summer or in winter, a visit to its beaches won’t disappoint. Even in winter, it can be sunny enough to sit outside and enjoy a meal at one of the seaside restaurants, while summer offers everything from sunbathing and swimming to water sports. The city boasts a five-kilometre stretch of coastline, home to nine different beaches. Find the one that suits you. There’s Sant Sebastià with its range of upscale restaurants, Somorrostro lined with hip nightclubs, and Nova Icaria with its water sports centre and beach volleyball.
Montjuïc
Montjuïc is the green hill to the south of the city, home to the Olympic Park, as well as numerous museums and gardens. Rising from Plaza d’Espanya, the first sight you’ll be met with are the grand sets of stairs and fountains cascading down the from the magnificent palace housing the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC). Behind this lies the huge Olympic stadium and the rest of the Olympic Park. Other sights on the hill include the Fundació Joan Miró, the museum of the famous Catalan artist; the Jardí Botànic de Barcelona (Botanical Gardens) and the Castell de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Castle).