Barcelona is truly a city of treasures that are cherished by locals and tourists alike. While a few days may not be enough to cover the spectacular sights of the entire city, below we give you a list of the top ten places you must see on your visit to Barcelona!
1. Sagrada Família
Take in Barcelona’s amazing architecture at Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished basilica. While much of the Catalan architect’s work is on display in various spots across the city, the most famous of them all is the Sagrada Família, which is well worth a couple of hours of admiration. Dedicated to the Holy Family, this amazing masterpiece boasts a modernist style and a unique design. It also houses a museum with some of Gaudí’s most interesting work.
Stay in one of the amazing Sagrada Familia apartments, and look out everyday onto one of the world’s most breath-taking buildings.
Metro stop: Sagrada Familia (L2 & L5)
2. Parc Güell
Next on the list is Parc Güell. Also designed by Gaudí, this gorgeous park is decorated with mosaic-style sculptures and glasswork. Situated on a hill, it is a wide garden complex with lush vegetation and beautiful architectural elements. Plan for a relaxed stroll through the park with a few stops to admire the sculptures, and don’t forget to visit the museum inside the park.
Metro stop: Lesseps (L3)
3. Montjuïc
The perfect way to end a touristic day would be to visit the magic fountain of Montjuïc, at the foot of Barcelona’s famous hill. Its water acrobatics coupled with some amazing colours and patterns create a stunning view, especially at twilight.
The winding roads on the Montjuïc hill itself are also worth exploring, as well as the picturesque castle situated at the very top.
Metro stop for the fountain: Espanya (L3 & L1)
Metro stop for the hill: Paral-lel (L2 & L3) – then take the Funicular de Montjuïc train up the hill
4. Las Ramblas
A stroll down the famous street, Las Ramblas, is a one of a kind experience. Las Ramblas is actually made up of five distinct streets, and is always buzzing at any time of day with street performers, stalls and living statues. Don’t miss the famous open market, La Boqueria, and the prominent Liceu Theatre, around halfway down Las Ramblas.
Stay in a Ramblas apartment in Barcelona and step out onto this unmissable street, taking in the creative atmosphere as well as the fantastic shops, bars and restaurants nearby!
Metro stop: Catalunya, Liceu or Drassanes (L3)
5. Gothic Quarter
Turning off Las Ramblas leads you to the Gothic Quarter. This is known as the heart of the city and it used to be an ancient Roman village. It features some lovely, quaint streets which can be enjoyed best on foot, as well as the famous Catedral de Barcelona. The Roman ruins, Catalan-Gothic architecture and the picturesque plazas make this a very charming spot.
Metro stop: Jaume I (L4)
6. Passeig de Gràcia
The main street of the Eixample district, Passeig de Gràcia, is the shopping and financial hub of the city. As you amble down this grand avenue, you will see a lot of Catalan modernist designs, from the benches and lampposts to the architecture of the buildings. Look out for two of Antoni Gaudí’s finest buildings, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Metro stop: Passeig de Gràcia (L3)
7. El Born
On the opposite side of Via Laietana from the Gothic Quarter, you will find the trendy El Born district. Here you will encounter a variety of places to visit, including some of the city’s quirkiest boutiques as well as the famous Picasso museum. While in this fantastic area, make sure to stop and take a tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana. This magnificent concert hall is actually situated in the nearby ‘barrio’ of Sant Pere, although it is merely steps from El Born. It was opened in 1908 and was designed by modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Over the years it has been host to some of the world’s best known orchestras.
Metro stop: Urquinaona (L4)
8. Tibidabo
Another spot worth visiting is the mountain of Tibidabo. At night you can see its church lit up against the dark backdrop of the sky and during the day it offers amazing view of the city. This is a great place to visit if you are coming to Barcelona with children as it is also home to an amusement park.
Metro stop: Catalunya (L3 & L1) – take the Ferrocarril L7 to Av. Tibidabo station, then take the Tramvia Blau up to the Funicular del Tibidabo, which will then take you the rest of the way to the church and the amusement park
9. Camp Nou
The Barcelona Football Club stadium and the museum at Camp Nou are essential places to visit when staying in Barcelona, whether you are a football fan or not. Here you can purchase tickets for matches as well as get the full ‘Camp Nou Experience’ – a tour which has an audioguide allowing you to explore the amazing stadium and museum at your own pace. Feel the true Barça passion when you see the most emblematic areas of the Camp Nou.
Metro stop: Collblanc (L5)
10. Barceloneta
If the weather is hot and sunny, hit the beach in the Barceloneta area and spend some time soaking up the sun and enjoying some cervezas (beers) in true Spanish style! If you are coming to Barcelona outside the summer months, you can still visit this laid-back part of the city as it has some fantastic seafood restaurants as well as many bars and cafés lining the beach.
Stay in one of the beach apartments in Barcelona with incredible sea views, and make the most of your trip by staying only a few steps from the sunny Barceloneta beach!
Metro stop: Barceloneta (L4)
