Barcelona is the perfect city break as it’s full of cool and interesting places to visit, things to see and do and is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, if not the World. Therefore listing 10 best places we recommend you visit in Barcelona was tricky as it could easily have been a top 30. So at the risk of missing out dozens of killer sights and attractions around the city, here’s a brief rundown of 10 amazing places to visit during your trip to Barcelona:
1. La Sagrada Familia
One of the most famous churches in the world and the most ambitious of all works by Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia is an unfinished masterpiece of epic proportions. It is set to be finished by the year 2026, which will be 144 years after construction first began.
Gaudi tragically died in 1926 after being hit by a tram, at which time only the nativity façade had been completed.
What we do suggest is hiring a bike, bike rental in Barcelona ticks all the right boxes when it comes to leisurely days checking out the best of what’s on offer in this amazing city. Not that the public transport system isn’t great, but why go underground when there’s so much to see up-top?
2. The Magic Fountain Show
Considered a must-see for adults and kids of all ages, the Font Mágica Fountain really does live up to its name – a magical experience. It was premiered as far back as 1929 as part of the World Fair in Barcelona, yet proved such a hit it has remained a leading attraction ever since. The show takes place Thursday to Sunday during the summer, Fridays and Saturdays only in the winter.
3. Picasso Museum Barcelona
As one of the proudest children of the local area, Barcelona is the perfect place to celebrate the life and works of Picasso. What’s special about the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is the way in which along with so many accomplished masterpieces, the collection also features thousands of his earliest works and sketches that cannot be viewed anywhere else in the world.
4. La Rambla
Jump on your Donkey Republic bike and head over to the most famous street in the whole of the city, where the atmosphere is enticing during the day and electric during the night.
Dotted with restaurants, market stalls and perhaps a few too many souvenir shops, it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere of Barcelona and sit around a while for a spot of people-watching.
5. FC Barcelona Museum & Camp Nou Stadium
Even if you’re not the biggest football fan on Earth, you’ll still get a kick out of a trip to this iconic stadium. The same also goes for catching a game, if you happen to be in town when there’s a match on. It’s a simply incredible spectacle with the kind of atmosphere you’ll wish you could bottle and take home with you!
6. Barrio Gotico
Also referred to at the Gothic quarter of Barcelona, the medieval city contrasts so sharply and impressively with its modern side that it simply has to be experienced first-hand. Stroll the cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and ancient byways, taking in churches, plazas and museums along the way. You’ll also find yourself stumbling over more than a few bars and cafes, which you’ll want to take the time to stop at for a snack or two.
7. Park Guell
Positioned on the top of a hill that provides the most stunning views across the entire city, Park Guell is another unmissable sight that comes courtesy of Gaudi. One of the most breathtaking parks in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a great place to stroll aimless with an ice-cream as the exotic parrots fly and roost all around you. Just be sure to take a bottle of water or two – the prices in the park’s kiosks are a little on the extreme side!
8. Gaudi’s Modernist Buildings
Dotted around the city though all easily reachable by bike, Gaudi’s modernist buildings are eye-opening to say the least. Take the time to visit Casa Amatller, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila during your visit, which are usually open to the public for tours. If you’re short on time, at least take a trip to take in the incredible building exteriors.
9. Montjuic Castle and Poble Espanyol Spanish Village
Often overlooked though worthy of a place on your must-see list, this is a great place to head to delve into the rich and dark history of Barcelona. A unique Spanish village built in 1929 for the World Fair and Universal Exhibition, it features an extensive contingency of bars, restaurants, clubs, craft shops and more.
10. Tibidabo Hill
Last but not least, leave the bikes behind and brave a stroll to the top of Tibidabo hill…or at least as far as the funicular goes. Boasting gorgeous views over the city, an extremely charming old-fashioned fairground and a church perched higher above ground level than most, it makes a great day out for the whole family and couldn’t be easier to get to.
