This vibrant city offers a great tourist experience all year long, and the iconic Sagrada Familia Cathedral is the perfect place to start your trip in Barcelona.
The beautiful city, the capital of Cataluña, charms every tourist with its amazing combination of history, architecture, sunny beaches, and rich culture. Walking in this city is a wonderful experience where you’ll be able to admire the unique Gaudí designs and the breathtaking Gothic neighborhood.
In the following article, we will talk about the places you cannot miss during your next trip to Barcelona. Here is the complete guide to all the streets, beaches, and city spots you need to visit.
THE SAGRADA FAMILIA
Let’s start this journey in Barcelona with the architectural diamond of the iconic Sagrada Familia. Its detailed design, inclined towers, and beautiful stained glass make this cathedral one of the most breathtaking buildings in the world. It is definitely a place you can’t miss in Barcelona. designed by the modernist Antoni Gaudi, this unfinished basilica is a monument that has been a construction since 1882. After more than 140 years, the five central towers of this building were finally finished in 2023, however, it has been said that the sixth and last tower will be complete in 2026 fulfilling the dream of the architect.
GÜELL PARK
Another magical and iconic spot designed by Gaudi in Barcelona. The famous Güell Park is a landscape masterpiece. This park offers a colorful and surreal panoramic view of the city as well as statues, mosaics, and walking trails that will transport you to your fantasy world. Its famous colorful salamander, also known as the “Dragon” has become a standout symbol of this park.
THE RAMBLA
If you go to the heart of the city you will be able to find the Rambla, a pedestrian avenue that goes from the Cataluña plaza to the monument of Colon. This pathway is full of street artists, coffee shops, stores, and markets. You’ll be able to enjoy a vibrant and happy environment while you explore the souvenir shops, fresh flower shops, and all the wonderful kiosks.
GOTHIC NEIGHBORHOOD
If you want to learn about Barcelona’s history, start off by exploring the streets, plazas, and medieval buildings of the Gothic neighborhood. Visiting Barcelona’s cathedral and admiring its Gothic style is a must. Wondering around this neighborhood is a unique experience, you won’t only learn a lot about the history of the city but you’ll also be able to enjoy the boutique stores, bars, and restaurants of the area.
THE BARCELONETA AND OLYMPIC PORT
If you want to enjoy your day just relaxing by the Ocean, visiting the Barceloneta, the most famous beach in the city, is a great option. Enjoy its gold sand, the cute chieinguitos (restaurants) that serve fresh and delicious seafood, and of course, an exciting nightlife.
But this isn’t all, you can also visit the Olympic port, built for the Olympic Games in 1992. Nowadays this port is home to multiple restaurants, bars, and nightclubs with a beautiful view of the ocean.
WALK THROUGH PASSEIG DE GRÀCIA
This fancy boulevard is very well known for its luxurious stores and modernist architecture which have caught the eye of tourists from all around the world. Passeig de Gràcia has two of Gaudi’s greatest masterpieces; La Casa Batlló and la Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera). Both of these structures are vivid examples of Catalan modernism and they are both worth visiting.
THE BOQUERIA MARKET
Located in the Ramla, the Boqueria market is a gastronomical paradise where color, taste, and smell combine in perfect harmony. Enjoy the fresh fruit, seafood, meals, and sweets and dive into this Catalan culinary experience. This is the perfect place to try exquisite authentic tapas and buy local products.
SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT IN MONTJUÏC
Montjuïc is a neighborhood that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city as well as a variety of different activities. Visit the Olympic stadium, the Joan Brossa Gardens, or relax by the Font Màgica and enjoy the music and lights show at night.
EXCURSION TO MONTSERRAT
If you are looking for a fun one-day getaway, Montserrat is a sacred mountain near Barcelona. Here, you’ll find the Montserrat monastery, a spiritual space with a spectacular view, and the famous Virgen Negra (Black Virgin). You’ll be able to get to this sanctuary by train or car but if you get the chance to come you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To summarize all of this, Barcelona is a city that combines history and modernism, culture and art, what else could you ask for in a destination? Explore all the things this city has to offer with your Royal Holiday membership!
