Barcelona, located at the Mediterranean sea in the very north of the Spanish coast, is certainly the most cosmopolitan and economically most active city in this country.
It has always proved its will to be modern, to follow the latest international tendencies or be ahead of them. To the tourist this is evident specially in its architecture, which so well reflects the general approach to life in this always pulsating city.
Of course, Barcelona has an old history, and there are monuments of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods or still before, but most characteristic is what has been built during the last, say, 100 years. Barcelona, a Gothic and Modernist marvel on the Mediterranean Sea, is a city well known for its quirky, cosmopolitan, cool character. Whether it’s by unearthing Barcelona’s past in the hidden courtyards of the Barri Gòtic, or by enjoying the charms of the modernist city, you will discover many interesting things that make Barcelona one of Spain’s most livable and energetic cities and one of the most interesting cities in Europe.
It has always proved its will to be modern, to follow the latest international tendencies or be ahead of them. To the tourist this is evident specially in its architecture, which so well reflects the general approach to life in this always pulsating city.
Of course, Barcelona has an old history, and there are monuments of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods or still before, but most characteristic is what has been built during the last, say, 100 years. Barcelona, a Gothic and Modernist marvel on the Mediterranean Sea, is a city well known for its quirky, cosmopolitan, cool character. Whether it’s by unearthing Barcelona’s past in the hidden courtyards of the Barri Gòtic, or by enjoying the charms of the modernist city, you will discover many interesting things that make Barcelona one of Spain’s most livable and energetic cities and one of the most interesting cities in Europe.
Places to visit in Barcelona
1. Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is the most popular attractions in Barcelona, attracting nearly 2.8 million visitors each year. It is a large and intricate basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi. Construction began in 1882 and continues to this day. The building is predicted to be completed within the next 30 years. Visitors will be captivated by the design elements and the religious symbolism built into all the spaces of the church. A glorious exterior and interior make La Sagrada Familia truly unmissable.
2. Magic Fountain Show
The Magic Fountain is a 'must see' Barcelona attraction. You have never seen a fountain like this. It really does feel magic to experience the beautiful show of water, light and music. The Magic fountain was built in 1929 as one of the main attractions for the Barcelona World Fair and the Font Magica is still one of the most famous spots in Barcelona with an estimated 2.5 million visitors annually. There are evening water and light shows in the winter on Friday and Saturdays only. In the summer the evening light and music show are from Thursday to Sunday. Admission is free all year. See show times below. Please note that sometimes due to exhibitions and events access to the fountain can be closed. Visit the Magic Fountain by metro to station Espanya.
3. Monestir De Pedralbes
A wonderful example of Catalan Gothic architecture, the Monestir de Pedralbes convent lies in a picturesque little park called the Jardines Reina Elisenda. This idyllic garden is filled with native shrubs, palms, cypresses, and shady trees. Queen Elisenda de Montcada founded the convent in 1326 for the Order of Saint Clare. The complex features a magnificent Gothic church, a serene three-story cloister, and peaceful convent buildings. Visitors enjoy relaxing in the tranquil setting and learning about the life and work of 14th-century nuns. Another highlight of a visit is the Monastery Museum, which displays an outstanding collection of medieval art from the 14th century as well as later religious art created through the 20th century.
4. La Rambla
This is probably the city’s most famous street and is a bustling hive of activity. It is often called Las Ramblas, because it is actually a series of several different streets that all have a distinct feel. Located just off Plaza Catalunya and leading right down towards the port and beach, visitors will find street performers, lots of bars and restaurants and the fabulous Boquería Market, a true feast for the eyes.
5. Picasso Museum
In the Born area. The Picasso Museum is Barcelona's most famous museum. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga in the south of Spain, but the Picasso family moved to Barcelona in 1895 and Picasso lived here until 1904. Picasso's father was an art teacher and although as a child Pablo Picasso already studied art in Malaga, it was in Barcelona that he spent his formative years. He considered himself as being from Barcelona and it was here that spent his early years as a struggling young painter and first exhibited. The most famous Picasso paintings are not in Barcelona, but you can see a unique collection of 4000 works with early sketches and canvases, which shows his incredible development from student to the world´s best loved artist. The museum is in several magnificent gothic mansions in the Born part of Barcelona's old city.
6. Quadrat D'or
The Quadrat d'Or (Quadrant of Gold) is an area of the Eixample district renowned for its Modernist architecture. This area is bordered by the Plaça de Catalunya, the Avinguda de la Diagonal, the Passeig de Sant Joan, and Carrer de Muntaner. In this area, the exceptional avant-garde buildings were inspired by the work of Antoni Gaudí and constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century. The main road through it is the Passeig de Gràcia. Different architects made their mark on the neighborhood, and the result is a diversity of the Modernist style. A veritable open-air museum, the Quadrat d'Or offers delightful surprises every step of the way. Visitors discover interesting details of ceramic art, stained-glass windows, wrought ironwork, decorative reliefs, mosaic, and statues.
7. Barceloneta
Out of Barcelona’s seven different beaches, stretching over 4.5 km (2.8 miles) of coastline, Barceloneta probably tops them all. It is one of the most popular and is closest to the city center. Along the 1,100 meter (3,600 feet) sandy beach runs a walkway popular with joggers and cyclist. Not surprisingly this place can get crowded, especially during the summer months when the beach bars open up and the beach quickly fills up with locals and tourist.
8. Camp Nou Stadium
Home of Barcelona football team. Buy Tickets Barcelona games. If there are no games during your visit, then book the stadium and museum tour. TICKETS Camp Nou Experience
The Camp Nou stadium and FCB museum are among the most popular attractions in Barcelona attracting millions of visitors a year. Camp Nou also has the one of the largest Nike stores in Europe packed with Barca merchandise. Unmissable for Barça fans. Visitor tip. You can buy cheaper FCB shirts and scarves from market stalls outside stadium on match days but they might not be official.
The Camp Nou stadium and FCB museum are among the most popular attractions in Barcelona attracting millions of visitors a year. Camp Nou also has the one of the largest Nike stores in Europe packed with Barca merchandise. Unmissable for Barça fans. Visitor tip. You can buy cheaper FCB shirts and scarves from market stalls outside stadium on match days but they might not be official.9. Casa Mila
In the Eixample district off the elegant boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia, the UNESCO-listed Casa Milà is Antoni Gaudí's most famous secular building. Casa Mila is also affectionately known as "La Pedrera," which translates to "The Stone Quarry" because the building resembles an open quarry. Built between 1906 and 1912, this flamboyant avant-garde dwelling resembles a work of sculpture more than a functional building. Every line of the natural stone facade is curved, with rounded windows and metal balcony railings twining around in plant-like shapes. Even the roof has an undulating shape complemented by the decorative chimneys.
The entrance to the building is on the Carrer de Provença, through a remarkable wrought-iron gate that leads to an inner courtyard. The building is supported by ribbed arches that were designed for load-bearing purposes, a feature that reveals Gaudí's genius as a structural engineer. Visitors may walk around the roof terrace for an up-close look at the strangely shaped mosaic-adorned chimneys. The roof area also rewards visitors with sensational views across the city, with the outlook extending to the Basilica de Sagrada Família in the distance. Casa Mila houses the Fundació Catalunya cultural center that organizes events throughout the year. The monument is open to the public daily for visits, and audio guides are available. A welcome stop for tourists, the Cafè La Pedrera offers a relaxing place for a snack in a setting worthy of the venue.
10. Las Ramblas
In the Eixample district off the elegant boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia, the UNESCO-listed Casa Milà is Antoni Gaudí's most famous secular building. Casa Mila is also affectionately known as "La Pedrera," which translates to "The Stone Quarry" because the building resembles an open quarry. Built between 1906 and 1912, this flamboyant avant-garde dwelling resembles a work of sculpture more than a functional building. Every line of the natural stone facade is curved, with rounded windows and metal balcony railings twining around in plant-like shapes. Even the roof has an undulating shape complemented by the decorative chimneys.
The entrance to the building is on the Carrer de Provença, through a remarkable wrought-iron gate that leads to an inner courtyard. The building is supported by ribbed arches that were designed for load-bearing purposes, a feature that reveals Gaudí's genius as a structural engineer. Visitors may walk around the roof terrace for an up-close look at the strangely shaped mosaic-adorned chimneys. The roof area also rewards visitors with sensational views across the city, with the outlook extending to the Basilica de Sagrada Família in the distance. Casa Mila houses the Fundació Catalunya cultural center that organizes events throughout the year. The monument is open to the public daily for visits, and audio guides are available. A welcome stop for tourists, the Cafè La Pedrera offers a relaxing place for a snack in a setting worthy of the venue.
Some interesting facts about Barcelona
1. Located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city with 1.6 million residents.
2. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous community of Spain that consists of four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona.
3. Both Catalan and Spanish are official languages in Barcelona. While Spanish is spoken more frequently, Catalan is understood by 95 percent of Barcelona residents.
4. Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with mild, humid winters and warm, dry summers. Winter temperatures range from 39 to 63 °F, compared to summertime temperatures between73 to 90 °F. Frosts and snow are rare.
5. Each year, 8 million tourists visit Barcelona, making it Europe’s third most-visited city after London and Paris.
6. With its key location on the Mediterranean Sea, the Port of Barcelona is Europe’s largest cruise port, with approximately 3.6 million cruisers passing through the port each year.
7. The Barcelona Maritime Museum is located in the historic Barcelona Royal Shipyard, a former military building dating to the 13th century, with a Roman graveyard found underneath that structure.
8. There are two stories about the founding of Barcelona. One version claims the city was founded by Hercules, 400 years before the building of Rome.
9. The second version attributes the founding of Barcelona to Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, father of Hannibal, who named the city Barcino after his family in the Third century BC.
10. A typical Roman grid plan is still visible today in Barcelona’s Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter.) Some remaining fragments of the Roman walls have been incorporated into the Basilica La Seu cathedral founded in 343.
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