Barcelona
Barcelona has something for everyone. This city is steeped in authentic history including the Catalan culture. You will also find the wildly bizarre here. Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own personality and plenty of secrets to discover. This is guide includes some of the most popular areas to explore during your time in this wonderful city along the Mediterranean in Spain.
The Basilica of Sagrada Familia: A Must See
The construction of the Gaudi’s magnificent church began in 1882 and continues today. The construction is expected to be completed in 2026. This Basilica has become one of the most visited sites in the city. As you explore the outside, you marvel at intricate façades, covered in religious figures and animals. Go inside to see the stain glass and the look up at the glass canopy.
Las Ramblas
La Rambos is often shunned by the locals, but you should consider exploring this sequence of promenades that run from Plaça de Catalunya down to the Columbus Monument at the waterfront. As a tourist, consider adding this to your ‘must see’ while in Barcelona. In the heat of the summer, you can stroll through Las Rambos shaded by tall plane trees passing living statues, street performers, and sellers of many items including birds. If you continue to walk to the water, you will have the option to visit the Maremagnum mall or the Barcelona’s Aquarium.
Casa Batlló
The Casa Batlló is a nother of Antoni Gaudí’ creations. A beautiful apartment block that is postcard worthy. A remodeling occurred along this block at the turn of the 20th century. Don’t expect to find many straight lines. As with many of Gaudi’s, there is attention to details that is worth seeing.
Available tour: Skip The Line: Casa Batlló Tickets
La Boqueria Market
Another ‘must see’ area of Barcelona is the Boqueria market. This market goes back to medieval times with current location seeing trade for around 200 years. The market is covered by an roof made of iron and glass that was placed in 1914. The market place to do some food shopping or feel free to take in the sights and smells of this bustling market.
Park Güell
A garden complex on Carmel Hill would round off your Gaudí experience with a trip to this garden complex on Carmel Hill. One of the highlights of the park is the ability to see a gorgeous panoramic over Barcelona from the park’s main terrace. If this looks familiar, you might have seen these mosaics on postcards or even in movies.
Casa Milà
Another magnificent example of Gaudí’s work, Casa Milà was completed in 1912. It is also know as La Pedrera because the front of the building looks a bit like the face of a quarry.
This building is planned to be added to the UNESCO list.
Available tour: Casa Milà Skip-The Line Audio Guide Tour
Top Stay Options in Barcelona
1. Modern and Contemporary Option: If you are looking for a luxury, highly rated option, consider the Mercer Hotel Barcelona. There is some history mixed as part of the interior walls of this modern, contemporary hotel are part of the original old city walls. You can talk a 10-minute walk to La Ramos. Boosting a gorgeous courtyard, two restraurant, and rooftop pool; this stay option is worth considering.
2. A Chic Boutique: Hotel Neri is located in the Gothic quarter and very close to the Barcelona Cathedral. 22 rooms are available each with some historic charm.
3. An Option for The Designer: Ohla Barcelona is another modern and contemporary boutique style stay option. This Neo-classical designed hotel is located on the Via Laitana and close to the center of Barcelona. It is worth considering if just for a view of the exterior of this wonderfully designed hotel.
Best Time to Visit to Barcelona
Between June and September, is often the best time to visit Barcelona. However, visiting this eclectic city is great anytime of the year as I am sure you will find a festival going on.
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