Park Güell
Location
Originally built as a residence of Catalonian upper class, the Park Güell is one of the most popular parks in Barcelona. Thousands of people visit the Park every year, particularly to enjoy in an impressive city view and to see the works of Antonio Gaudi, who was the site’s main architect. Even UNESCO recognized Park Güells cultural heritage and named it a World Heritage Site. The Park now serves as a municipal garden aimed to give comfort and relaxation from the city rush. However on the main path the rush gets pretty intense...but to get closer to the relaxation, head higher, away from the crowds.
Montjuïc
Location
Overlooking the Barcelona harbor, the Montjuïc Hill rises some 180 meters high. All throughout the city history, the hill has been the place where the Catalan history was written. The 17th century Castle of Montjuïc stands on the place where first fortifications were built, hundreds of years earlier.
The Montjuïc Hill had been the city stronghold every time a foreign army invaded the area. However, in the 20th century, during the Spanish Civil War, it served as a political prison. In turn, both the Republicans and the Fascists used it as the execution site.
La Sagrada Família
Location
La Sagrada Família is still under the construction, but has been, for decades, the biggest tourist attraction of Barcelona. Designed by Gaudi, it is an impressive mixture of Gothic and Catalan national architecture. The construction began in 1882 and the completion is scheduled for 2026, the centennial of Gaudi’s death.
El Gotico and El Born
Location
Barri Gòtic or El Gotico is the area in the old town of Barcelona. Dozens of buildings in this area are from the Medieval times and were built in the Gothic style. The design of the younger buildings doesn’t differ much, making the Gothic Quarter a unique place in Barcelona. Its labyrinthine streets connect La Rambla with the Mediterranean coast. El Born is a district in the old town, that separates the city with the Barceloneta beach. It has been the market center of Barcelona in the past and today is the home some of the most luxurious boutiques, not only in Barcelona, but in whole Europe.
Barceloneta
Location
La Barceloneta is a district on the coast known for its sandy beaches. It used to be a part where fishermen spend their days, but since the second half of the 20th century, Barceloneta is best known for the beach which is one of Barcelona’s best-loved beaches. However, the area is not only about the sand and sun, the residential area is also worth visiting. Traditionally a working-class area, La Barceloneta gives you the real insight of the way of life of the majority of Barcelona’s citizens. Hundreds of tapas bars and cafes all across the district invite the tourists to feel the charm of Barceloneta and see Barcelona from another angle.
Museu Picasso
Location
One of the greatest artists in the history, the man who invented cubism, Pablo Picasso, lived and worked for several years, in Barcelona. The people of Catalonia wanted to pay him a respect for all that he’s done for the world, by opening a museum. The Museu Picasso was opened during the artist’s lifetime and has one of the biggest Picasso’s collections in the world. The museum is located in the old town area of Barcelona, in a house built in the Medieval period. It has a permanent collection of over 3,500 Picasso’s works, separated by the periods in the artist’s life. There is also a library in the premises, which is free for everyone and of which main subject is art.
FC Barcelona at Camp Nou
Location
FC Barcelona is one of the most successful football clubs in the world. Founded in 1899, the Barça have been the champions of the world on several occasions. The club has always been amongst the best European sides, but they reached world fame in the last couple of decades. The three-time Ballon d’Or award winner, Lionel Messi is their biggest star recently.
Watching the Argentinean striker and his teammates playing is really a memorable experience. The biggest stadium in Europe, Camp Nou is the home ground of FC Barcelona. Its capacity is just a few hundred less than 100,000 seats, and all of them are almost always occupied when FC Barcelona plays.
Tapas Bars
Location
The Spanish cuisine became world-famous mostly because of the popularity of tapas. They can be served either cold or hot and some of the most popular ingredients include olives, cheese, tuna, pork meat, and similar. Traditionally in Spain, the last meal of the day is served late, which leaves a big gap between the lunch and the dinner. That is why many Spaniards love to go for a snack at some of the tapas bars. And thats why there are so many of them all around Barcelona. There is abundance of great tapas bars in Barcelona but Euskal Etxea is our pick for the combination of exceptional food, pleasant atmosphere in a historical setting and an attentive staff.
Salvador Dali Museum
Location
The Dali Theatre and Museum is located in the town Figueres, a bit further from Barcelona, but nevertheless worth of visit. Figueres is the home town of Salvador Dali and the museum is located in a former art gallery, where Dali’s first exhibitions were held.
The museum proudly presents a huge collection of Dali’s works, ranging from prints and paintings to sculptures. There are also many masterpieces of other artists that Dali collected during his lifetime. The artist is buried in the cellar of the premise and hundreds of people come to pay him respect every day.
La Rambla
Location
La Rambla is the most famous street of Barcelona. It separates the Barcelona’s old town in two, while connecting the Plaça de Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus Monument. It is the central point for tourists and is very popular among the citizens of Barcelona because of the many cafes, restaurants and boutiques, opened in the historical buildings along the street.
Casa Mila
Location
Antonio Gaudi definitely made his mark in the city and one of his most prized designs is the Casa Milà, or La Pedrera as it is called by the locals. The building was made in the early 20th century and was considered rather unusual. The controversies stayed till today, some think it’s ugly, while others claim it’s the masterpiece of design. Nevertheless, the number of tourists visiting shows its popularity.
Gaudi’s inspiration for this building were sea waves and that is why there aren’t many straight lines in its structure. The house has five floors and on top of it there is a roof with chimneys resembling warrior helmets.
Sala Apolo
Location
Located in the port area of the city, Sala Apolo consists of several venues, making it possible to host several concerts simultaneously. The clubs work every day of the week and are always full. Good music and cheerful atmosphere are the things that attract people and it is also very popular among the locals, especially on the weekends. Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for popular dance music and in those days the place is the most crowded.
