Barcelona, Spain: A Complete Guide
Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, Spain, is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modernity, creating an enchanting destination that leaves every traveler in awe. In this travel guide, we’ll delve into the major attractions, dining options, transportation, and other useful information to ensure you make the most of your visit to this extraordinary city.
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Must See Attractions in Barcelona
Every corner of this Mediterranean city is adorned with iconic landmarks that weave a tapestry of centuries-old history and modern-day charm.
From Sagrada Família, to Montjuïc Hill, to Barcelona Beach, there is something for everyone when visiting. Here are some of the most captivating sites that Barcelona has to offer.
Sagrada Família
No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família. Designed by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, this basilica is an architectural marvel that has been under construction for over a century, with an estimated finish date of 2030. They’re so close to being finished!
Its intricate facades, towering spires, and breathtaking interior, adorned with colorful stained glass, create an atmosphere of profound beauty and spirituality.
A visit here is a journey through Gaudí’s genius and a testament to the city’s enduring commitment to its cultural heritage.
Tickets range from €26.00 to €40.00 depending on if you want a guided tour or to visit one of the towers by yourself.
You can also visit during their Sunday and holiday masses, which is free of charge, but with limited capacity. I recommend getting there as early as you can to secure a spot for mass.
Another option is to book a guided tour with Get Your Guide, which we love to do to take the hassle out of planning, as well as meet amazing tour guides.
One thing I learned through the tour is that Gaudí never uses straight lines in his architecture, which is something you’ll notice when visiting any of his sites.
We took this tour: Sagrada Familia Tour with Tower Access, and I highly recommend it.
Here are a few other tours that Get Your Guide offers:
Park Güell
The nearby Park Güell, another Gaudí creation, enchants with its whimsical mosaics, architectural marvels, and panoramic vistas. In 1900, Gaudí was given the assignment of designing Park Güell by Eusebi Güell.
Finally, in 1984, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1993, it has also been also a site of Catalan National Cultural Interest (BCIN).
Entrance price for the park is €18.00 and €35.00 for a guided tour. You can also take a Get Your Guide: Parc Güell Tour.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló offers a glimpse into Gaudí’s innovative genius. Explore the distinctive interiors and rooftop panoramas for a deeper appreciation of his visionary work. Tickets for Casa Batlló start at €29.00.
Casa Vicens
Another Gaudí architectural gem, Casa Vicens is a 4-floor house with Moorish influences throughout. Casa Vicens offers numerous permeant and temporary exhibitions. On the second floor is the permanent exhibition which includes more than 130 years of history of Casa Vicens itself.
Don’t forget to bring your headphones, as visitors get access to a complete audio guide to discover the history of this building straight from their cell phone.
Prices for visiting Cava Vicens include a guided tour for €23.00 for adults, €21.00 for reduced, children 11 and under free. You can also visit yourself for a self-paced visit €20.00 for ages 12+.
From April to October, Casa Vicens is open daily 9:30 am – 8:00 pm. From November to March, hours are 9:30 am – 6:00 pm and open daily.
Casa Milà
Casa Milà, popularly known as La Pedrera, is located right in the heart of the city. Pere Milà and Roser Segimon got married and commissioned Gaudí to build a new large building to live on the bottom and rent out other apartments.
Although there were legal and financial problems throughout the build of building, the apartments were started to rent out by 1912.
In 1984, Casa Milà was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and after many years of neglect, it was restored and opened back up to the public in 1996.
Tickets for Casa Milà start at €25.00, and they offer numerous different experiences.
Montjuïc Hill
Escape to Montjuïc Hill for a blend of nature, history, and culture.
From the Montjuïc Castle, you can enjoy sweeping views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.
You can take a guided tour for €16.00 or €12.00 for general admission. Hours for the castle 10:00 am to 8:00 pm from March 1 – October 31, and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from November 1 to February 28.
The hill also boasts the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics, and the Magic Fountain, a mesmerizing display of water, light, and music.
Montjuïc Hill is about a 20 minute drive, or 50 minute walk, from the Gothic Quarter. You can also take public transportation there, depending on where you’re at in the city.
Gothic Quarter
Delve into Barcelona’s rich history by exploring the Gothic Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets, picturesque squares, and historic buildings.
The quarter is home to the Barcelona Cathedral, a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture, as well as remnants of ancient Roman walls.
The Cathedral offers guided tours for €14.00 and stunning city views. Lose yourself in the cobblestone alleys and discover charming cafes, boutique shops, and hidden treasures around every corner.
Barceloneta Beach
No visit to Barcelona is complete without enjoying the city’s stunning coastline. Barceloneta Beach, easily accessible from the city center, invites you to relax on golden sands and swim in the azure Mediterranean waters.
The beach’s promenade is lined with seafood restaurants, cafes, and vibrant beach bars, creating a lively and refreshing seaside experience.
Although we visited Barcelona in November, and too cold to swim, we couldn’t pass up the chance to see the coast.
La Rambla
La Rambla, Barcelona’s bustling boulevard, is a microcosm of the city’s vibrant energy. Stretching from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument, this iconic street is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and street performers.
A leisurely walk along La Rambla immerses you in the heart of the city’s bustling atmosphere and offers a glimpse into the local way of life. Just be aware of pickpocketers in this area.
Arc de Triomf
This classic archway was built as the main entrance to the Universal Exhibition hosted by the city in 1988. Josep Vilaseca was the architect who designed the monument, and chose to use brick and decorate it with sculptural motifs.
The Arc is the perfect place to visit while visiting Parc de la Ciutadella, to sit and relax in between visiting different points of the city.
Food & Drink in Barcelona
Barcelona’s culinary scene is a treat for the senses, with delicious wines and numerous tapas restaurants throughout the city. Don’t miss some of these delectable food and drink experiences.
Breakfast & Brunch
EatMyTrip – Known for its creative and Instagram-worthy dishes. From savory egg dishes to sweet pancakes topped with cotton candy, EatMyTrip delivers not only a delicious meal but also a visual treat. We both tried the Alps Brunch and added pulled chicken for some extra protein, and the flavor combination was insane.
Cremat 11 – Open daily, this brunch spot offers pancake stacks, yogurt bowls, egg dishes, and more. There is patio seating available, and they serve plenty of delicious cocktails.
Billy Brunch Headquarters – This laid-back cafe offers tasty breakfast dishes, bowels, detox juices, and coffee. There is ample seating on their cozy garden terrace.
Caravelle – Another delicious brunch spot. French toast with coconut cream, smoked pulled pork bennie, and freshly baked cookie topped with berries, almonds, and ice cream like we did, and you will not be disappointed. They also brew their own beer, as well as have a limited lunch menu.
Restaurants
Telefèric – A highly rated tapas restaurant open for lunch and dinner hours. They offer salads, vegetarian dishes, meat dishes, as well as plenty of desserts to finish your meal off. Tapas range from €4.00 to €19.50.
Restaurant La Boqueria – This Mediterranean restaurant offers delicious tapas paella, steak, and seafood, with Catalan wines. Don’t get this confused with the market.
Vinitus – Another highly rated tapas restaurant in an upscale environment serving fish dishes and small bites with a large variety of wines. You can easily find a seat if you arrive a bit earlier than the normal dining times in Barcelona.
Burritos | Sant Pere – If you’re looking for something different other than tapas or seafood, this restaurant offers Tex Mex with casual bites. such as burritos, quesadillas, and tacos, with vegan options available as well.
La Boqueria – Bustling market where fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. Grab a quick bite or assemble a picnic to enjoy in a nearby park. I tried some fresh squeezed juice, and it was so fresh.
Bars & Wine Bars
Bobby’s Free – This low-lit, speakeasy-style bar sits behind a facade of a barber shop serving elaborate cocktails with fresh ingredients. Opening at 7:00pm every night and staying open until at least 3:00am, the menu has something for everyone visiting.
Paradiso – This relaxing bar offers delicious cocktails and mocktails, while serving bar-bites all night long. Paradiso is extremely popular, so they use a QR system to scan for a virtual line, where you’ll come back once it’s your turn to enter.
Hotel Colón Rooftop Bar – Amazing views of the Barcelona Cathedral on this rooftop bar. Before entering the hotel, you’ll scan the QR code and pay €9.00 to enter, which includes one drink at that price.
Ziryab Fusió Tapes Bar – This highly rated Catalonian wine bar offers tapas inspired by the flavors of the Levant & North Africa. A tasting menu is offered with the expertise of staff to pair with wines.
Navigating Barcelona
Barcelona’s efficient transportation options ensure seamless exploration. The metro and bus networks offer easy access to major attractions; consider purchasing a T-10 ticket for convenience.
Biking is a popular choice, thanks to dedicated lanes and bike-sharing programs, while walking allows you to immerse yourself in neighborhoods like El Raval and Eixample.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available and useful for reaching less accessible destinations. From Barcelona-El Prat Airport, the Aerobus conveniently connects you to the city center.
Alternatively, the RENFE train offers a direct link to various metro stations.
Useful Travel Tips
While Catalan is widely spoken, English and Spanish are understood by many locals. Familiarizing yourself with basic Catalan phrases can enhance your interactions.
Barcelona is generally safe, but remain vigilant against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas! Embrace the local siesta culture, using the afternoon downtime for relaxation or unhurried meals.
The Euro is the official currency, with credit cards widely accepted; however, carrying some cash is advisable, especially for smaller purchases, markets, and tipping.
Respect local customs, particularly in religious sites, by dressing modestly and adhering to guidelines.
Day Trips from Barcelona
There are many day trips and tours you can take from Barcelona if you have time in your schedule.
I recommend visiting Montserrat, which is about an hour from the city. Montserrat is a multi-peaked mountain range, with a monastery and more on top. It’s a perfect half-day trip to take while visiting Barcelona.
We also chose to take a day trip to Girona, Pals, and Costa Brava, which if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, then you’ll love visiting. Part of season 6 was filmed in Girona.
Once again, this is a Get Your Guide tour that we absolutely loved, with transportation provided.
Barcelona’s harmonious blend of architectural wonders, profound history, and tantalizing cuisine beckons travelers to embark on a journey of discovery. Whether wandering through the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter or savoring exquisite tapas, the city promises a mosaic of memories that will linger long after your visit. Pack your bags, immerse yourself in Barcelona’s vibrant ambiance, and let its enchantment envelop you in an unforgettable embrace.
