Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, people come here from all over the world to enjoy the art, music, football, and breathtakingly beautiful architecture. Did you know that the city is home to many famous artists like Gaudí, Picasso, and Tàpies? If you love to see miracles of nature and artistic treasures, this city is just right for you. Here you will never be bored because a new adventure waits on every corner of this picture-perfect city.
Discover with us:
What not to miss?
Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is the most visited and iconic landmark in Spain, which was designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. This basilica is intricately designed and beautifully detailed with a rich history that makes it one of a kind. The interior is in gothic naturalism style, you can spot religious symbols and elements that represent nature. It also has huge stained-glass windows, which are in different colors, and reflect the sunlight on the whole interior. A fun fact about this masterpiece is that it’s still being built to this day.
Las Ramblas
The most famous boulevard in Barcelona is sided with enormous trees and is filled with tourists and locals. It has a huge variety of restaurants and bars, and street performers that catch your attention right away. There are also plenty of stores and boutiques where you can shop, and fantastic architecture you can admire. The street itself is 1.2 km long, so it takes plenty of time to explore it fully.
Parc Guël
The landmark that was established in 1914, is filled with brilliant designs by the famous Antoni Gaudi. The park is full of Catalan Modernism architecture, your eye will immediately catch structures covered in rainbow-colored mosaics. There are many roads, pathways, and stairs that make the park distinguishable. In addition to that, there are breathtakingly beautiful gardens and walking trails, which make up most of the park. There you can do many different outdoor activities with your friends and family.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló, previously owned by the Batlló family and designed by the most loved Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, is one of the main attractions when visiting Barcelona. Once again you can see the nature shapes and mosaic covering the building, which is characteristic of Gaudí. The inside of the building is even more outstanding than the exterior. There are immense details and colors that you can look at for hours.
What else to visit?
Placa de Espana
This square is one of the most iconic sights to see in Barcelona. Leading up to Placa De Espana, you are greeted by two astonishing Venetian Towers. In the center of the square, you can see a monumental fountain, which symbolizes the significance of the sea and rivers in Spain. Not far from there you can spot The Magic Fountain, which is the most popular fountain in Barcelona. On certain nights, you can experience an amazing light show accompanied by music. In addition to that, there is a large shopping mall called Las Arenas, which offers you a stunning 360° rooftop view of Barcelona.
Stadium Camp Nou
Stadium Camp Nou is the biggest stadium in Europe. It is home to one of the greatest football teams of all time, FC Barcelona. The stadium has hosted many legendary and important football matches that still linger in our hearts.
To see Camp Nou entirely, you can either buy a ticket for a football match or book a tour of the stadium.
Barceloneta
A neighborhood close to the seaside is saturated with popular golden beaches. Take a trip down there and enjoy tanning, swimming, and the beautiful sunset. This neighborhood has some of the oldest churches, amazing art, and the best restaurants. In addition to that, you can experience the wild nightlife, in the clubs and bars that overlook the Mediterranean Sea.
Boqueria market
A Colorful Market that’s located in the heart of Barcelona. Here you can find everything: fruits, nuts, vegetables, meat, seafood, and dairy. The products are fresh and high quality, and worth a visit for all food lovers. You can also explore different bars and restaurants in Boqueria, which offer Spanish cuisine at an affordable price. This place is so picture-perfect and full of color, that many tourists like to visit it just for a picture.
How to travel there?
The best and the easiest way to travel to Barcelona is by plane, which saves the most time. Josep Tarradellas Barcelona - El Prat airport is only 16 kilometers away from the city. From there we recommend you to take the bus, which reaches the city within 36 minutes. The quickest way to get to the city is by train, the journey lasts approximately 17 minutes, but the frequency of the trains is lower than the buses.
When to travel there?
The best time to travel to Barcelona is from March to May, and September to October. At that time the city isn’t overcrowded and don’t have to wait in long queues. The weather is warm but not overly, which makes it perfect to stay outside for a long time. Also, when it isn't a high season, the prices of the hotels and accommodations are more affordable.
Average Costs
Accommodation – The average nightly price of a hostel is 15€ and for the hotel room is 90€. When it’s high season and availability is bad, the prices can go up, so it’s always better to book the accommodation months before the trip.
Transport – You can purchase a one-way metro or a bus ticket for 2.15€. Taxi prices are also very affordable, but it depends on the length of the journey. We recommend you buy a Barcelona Card, which saves you money and allows you to travel unlimited times.
Eating – One of the biggest perks in Barcelona is that the food is very affordable. The average price of a meal is from 7€ - 20€. You will have many options to choose from according to your budget.
Where to eat?
Barcelona is full of amazing restaurants that offer you delicious food with Mediterranean flavors. Catalan cuisine is so diverse that you will definitely find dishes that you love. It’s made out of high-quality and fresh products, so you can be sure you will get the best-tasting experience.
If you want real authentic Catalan food, Terra d'Escudella is a restaurant for you. They have especially good meat stews, that make you feel warm and cozy. The average price of a delicious meal is about 10-15€.
Viana Barcelona offers you artisan cocktails, tapas & refined Mediterranean-style dishes. The atmosphere there is extremely cozy, you can either have a romantic dinner or enjoy your time with family and friends. The restaurant is located in the center of the city. The average price of a meal is 20€.
Alkimia is a chick and modern one MICHELIN star restaurant, every dish there is a work of art. It blends traditional cuisine with radical contemporary ideas. The price in this restaurant is rather expensive, 168€ for the tasting menu.
If you want to discover more about Catalan cuisine we recommend you to read our article on food in Barcelona to get in touch with a lot of traditions. Or if you're looking for an exclusive experience in the city, check these VIP tables in Barcelona out! Follow us @thewalkingparrot to be always updated on new destinations.
Events
La Mercè Festival (end of September)
One of the biggest street festivals in Barcelona lasts about 5 days and it’s held in honor of the Patron Saint of Barcelona. You can see traditional Catalonian activities, and parties all day long. About 600 different events are going on all over the city. Music, performances, food, and art are celebrated at La Mercè, it’s the main festival you cannot miss!
Música als Parcs (June – August)
This event offers you free open-air concerts all over the city. If you are a big fan of jazz, blues, and classical music, and want to enjoy your evening outside, this is the perfect event. Spending hot summer nights in the parks of Barcelona with your friends is a one-of-a-kind experience. But don't wait until June, there are parties in Barcelona all year round!
F1 - Spanish Grand Prix (May)
Annual Formula 1 event, that any sports fan cannot miss. It has been held 63 times, and it goes back to the year 1913. If you would like to see your favorite drivers in action, we recommend taking part in this event.
This was our guide to Barcelona, our first destination in Spain. Feel free to like and share it and take a look at our other articles on the different destinations of Greece like Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and other places in Europe such as Lisbon, Porto, and Aveiro. Don’t forget to follow us @thewalkingparrot to travel with us.