TRAVEL
Top Five ‘Must See’ Spots in Barcelona
Source: Google
Barcelona is on the bucket list of many people – and with good reason. This vibrant city, located in Spain’s Catalonia region, is bursting with history, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, fantastic shopping and friendly locals – and did we mentioned it’s the home of the famed Barcelona FC soccer club?
Barcelona is also a great stopping point if you want to pick up a cruise to other areas in the Mediterranean. With its bustling port, centrally located airport, great public transport system and pedestrian friendly streets, visitors to Barcelona can easily explore the city’s ‘must see’ hotspots over a long weekend.
Where to Stay
The charming Las Ramblas area of Barcelona is a great base to explore the city. The quaint streets off the main Las Ramblas drag host an array of delicious tapas restaurants, shops selling local crafts such as Spanish espadrilles and leather goods, and sangria bars. The main Las Ramblas street has a large pedestrianized median full of street performers and the Metro train system is easily accessed from this area, along with buses and Barcelona’s excellent taxi system. Expect to find plenty of boutique hotels in this area. We love Barcelona House, located on Carrer del Escudellers. With friendly staff, clean and modern accommodations, an adjacent tapas bar and well-priced rooms this centrally located hotel right off Las Ramblas is our go to place to call home for a few days.
Our Top Five Must See Spots in Barcelona
It’s a city full of charm with lots to see, but here are our top five ‘must see’ spots in magnificent Barcelona.
The Gothic Quarter
The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is the oldest part of Barcelona full of narrow roads and splendid plazas. Medieval-era architecture line the tiny winding roads, with charming apartments overlooking the streets. To explore like a local leave the map at the hotel and just walk. You will come across plenty of restaurants offering local foods, little shops and eventually will end up at Barcelona’s Cathedral. The Gothic Quarter is a relatively small area and easy to explore, but many of the roads are cobblestoned so bear that in mind when it comes to footwear!
La Barceloneta Beach
Steamy summer days in the city call for a chance to cool off and there’s nothing better than hitting Barcelona’s main beach – La Barceloneta Beach – for a dip in the Mediterranean and some seriously good people watching. The beach itself is about a fifteen minute walk from Las Ramblas and is lined with restaurants and bars alongside an easy to navigate boardwalk. Be aware that the beach can get pretty busy in the summertime and if you want to rent a beach chair, or umbrella from one of the beach vendors you will need to arrive early.
Catedral de Barcelona
Located in the Gothic Quarter, Catedral de Barcelona (Barcelona Cathedral) is Barcelona’s principal cathedral. Built in the Gothic style, construction on the cathedral began in the late 13th century and was finished in the 15th century. The cathedral is open daily, but visitors are required to keep their shoulders and knees covered. Entry to the cathedral requires a donation of your choice, unless you want to climb to the top of the cathedral, which costs €3.
Parc Güell
Parc Güell is one of Gaudi’s main works in Barcelona. Originally intended to be a planned housing community, the park today covers 42 acres and is quintessentially Gaudi with plenty of pathways, wavy benches, tunnels and beautiful mosaic works. Guided tours are available to give visitors a glimpse into the history of the park and Gaudi’s artistic talent. Be aware that the pathways can be quite steep and hilly so appropriate footwear is advised. There is a fee to enter the park – around €8 – and the nearest Metro station to the front of the park (Alfons X) is a good mile-long walk, so you may want to grab a taxi to take you there.
Camp Nou Stadium
Even if you’re not a soccer fan, no trip to Barcelona is complete without a trip to the stadium of Barcelona’s beloved football team. Football is as much a part of Barcelona’s culture as sipping sangria and eating tapas and Camp Nou Stadium does not disappoint. Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe, with an on-site museum boasting the numerous trophies and awards Barcelona FC have accumulated through their rich sporting history. While tickets are on the pricier side – around €25 – the stadium is easy to get to on the Metro with Palau Reial and Collblanc being the closest stops.
