The Top 10 Things to do in Barcelona

The Top 10 Things to do in Barcelona

Hans Christian Anderson, when visiting Barcelona in 1862 said : "We crossed spacious streets, with buildings resembling palaces, in La Rambla promenade; the shops were well illuminated and there was movement and life ... I did not decide to go to sleep, even though I wished to, so I would rise early and contemplate, in daylight, this city unknown to me: Barcelona, capital of Catalonia"

 

So, that was over 150 years ago. Today, there is a vast selection of things to do in Barcelona, but we have selected our Top 10 to give you just a taste of what the most popular city in Spain has to offer.

LAS RAMBLAS

Las Ramblas - Barcelona

Probably the most famous place to visit in Barcelona is Las Ramblas, a tree-lined promenade running for about a mile from Plaza de Catalunya right down to the port. Walk down the avenue and you will find a mixture of street entertainers, restaurants, stalls overflowing with flowers. Look out for the Font de Canaletes at the start of the avenue, a 19th century fountain that has 4 taps from which to drink. About half way down is Plaza de la Boqueria - a square featuring a colourful mosaic pavement by Joan Miro. Watch out for the dragon suspended above the street under which is an umbrella - this was designed for a former umbrella shop. Further down you will come to Plaza Reial - the largest and liveliest square in the city dating back to 1850 and adored with dotted with palm trees.

So whether you just want to stroll down the avenue and drink in all the sights, or take time out for a glass of wine and some tapas, there is something to suit everyone in this popular historic sight. 

THE OLD TOWN

This is one of Europe's extensive medieval city centres and contains a maze of streets and squares to explore and is the true heart of Barcelona. Here you will find a huge range of buildings to see . Just wander around the streets for an insight into the old Barcelona and sit for a while in one of the pavement cafes. Visit here in the evening and you will see as many people here as during the day as there are many bars and restaurants frequented by tourists and locals.

CASA MILA

Casa Mila - Barcelona

Casa Mila is also known as La Pedrera [the Stone Quarry], this is Gaudi's last work before devoting himself entirely to La Sagrada Familia. Casa Mila is an 8 floor apartment block constructed around two circular courtyards and features the first of Barcelona's underground carparks.

The first thing you will notice are the wave-like balconies adored with black ironwork. Inside mirrors the exterior in that there are no straight walls. Go to the top floor to view a museum [El Espai Gaudi] and also to access the roof where Gaudi's sculptures continue to amaze visitors.

CASA BATLLO

Again designed by Gaudi, this block of flats was a conversion of an existing building and it is said that the subject depicts St George's killing of the dragon. With decorated chimneys, a mosaic patio area, iron balconies like carnival masks, stained glass windows and a roof designed like a dragon's back, this is a colourful and unusual place to see.

LA SAGRADA FAMILIA

La Sagrada Familia - Barcelona

Known as Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia is probably the most well known "monument" in Barcelona. The towers measure almost 100 metres and the central spire will reach 180 metres when it has been completed. Yes, the building is not due for completion until 2026, the anniversary of Gaudi's death. For this reason, don't be disappointed when you see scaffolding. There is a lift available to take you up the towers but if you are feeling brave you can walk the remaining distance before descending a spiral staircase. Inside, you may notice that it is packed full of carvings depicting nature.

 

RELAX ON ONE OF BARCELONA'S BEACHES

How many European cities can you visit that have a beach? Well, Barcelona has over 4km of golden sandy beaches, all located just 10 minutes from the city centre. Probably the best known in Barceloneta Beach. This can get quite busy during the summer season and is home to many of Barcelona's top hotels. Don't just expect to have to laze around once here. Windsurfing and kite surfing are popular and you can retire to one of the many beach huts for a refreshing drink and light snack. Other beaches to try are Icaria Beach [an extension of Barceloneta Beach ] and Mar Bella Beach [Barcelona's nudist beach].

FRANK GEHRY'S PEIX

Marking the end of Barceloneta Beach and Icaria Beach, you will find what can only be described as a giant goldfish. Frank Gehry [who also designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (take a look at our blog on Bilbao including the Guggenheim by clicking here)] created this golden fish as part of the transformation of the marina/beach area of Barcelona for the Olympic Games. The fish is 56 metres long and 35 metres high and almost seems to be waiting to leap in the Mediterranean as the sunlight reflects from its scales. Made from intertwining gilded stainless steel strips supported on a metal structure, this metal sculpture has becomes one of the best-loved landmarks in the city and is located at the foot of the 5 star Arts Hotel.

PARK GUELL

Park Guell - Barcelona

For some unforgettable views of the city, head to Gaudi's Park Guell. Gaudi was commissioned to create and private housing estate on a hillside in the city by Eusebio Guell. Today, this public park is full of mosaics made from broken tiles incuding seats, fountains gushing from colourful snake and dragon heads. 

Find the Hill of Crosses for some panoramic views of the city below and then take a look round Casa Museu Gaudi where Gaudi lived before becoming an recluse and living on the site of La Sagrada Familia.

CAMP NOU

For football fans a visit to the largest football stadium in Europe is a must. Camp Nou is the home to Barcelona FC [known as Barca] and is one of the richest clubs in the world. Buy a ticket for entry which will include access to the changing rooms, tunnel, commentary boxes and more, plus entry to the excellent interactive Camp Nou museum. In the museum you will be able to see trophies and memorabilia and you will also be able to buy a souvenir of your visit here.

TIBIDABO

 A place for the whole family, Tibidabo amusement park that first opened in 1908 and you will see both old and new rides. The old rides retain alot of their charm and the newer ones provide the latest experiences for young and old. To get here, you will need to catch the "Tramvia Blau" a small blue tram that will take you half way up the mountain. Trips are fairly regular [every 15-30 minutes] and can be packed during the summer months - so expect to have to stand if you are at the back of the queue [it is not suitable for wheelchair users]. The second leg of the journey is on the Fenicular de Tibidabo that runs in conjunction with the opening times of the park. This will take you to the top of the mountain where you will find that some of the rides are even more spectacular as they are way on the mountain top, far above the city.

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So how about a hotel to stay in during your Barcelona city Break? We recommend a couple of 5 star hotels below, located right on Barceloneta Beach.

W Hotel Barcelona

5 Star - W Hotel Barcelona

With direct access to the beach and boardwalk, the W Hotel Barcelona is within easy walking distance of some lovely restaurants and bars.

Facilities include an infinity pool surrounded by sun terrace, cabanas, gymnasium, Bliss Spa, restaurant with views of the beach, rooftop bar, 473 rooms overlooking the sea, city or mountains.

Hotel Arts Barcelona

5 Star - Arts Hotel Barcelona

With panoramic views of the city and Olympic harbour, the Hotel Arts Barcelona is a luxurious and modern hotel located right on the beach, next to Frank Gehry's famous Peix [fish].

Facilities include: outdoor pool with terrace and sunbeds, gardens, snack bar, Turkish baths, massage service, spa treatments, health club, gym.

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If you would like to visit Barcelona and stay in a 2, 4 or 5 star hotel in the city, just give us a call on Freephone 0800 5 677688 or on 01582 421117. Alternatively, you can complete our enquiry form, setting out your requirements, and we will get back to you with some ideas for your holiday.

Author : Gail Hewitt, Corona Holidays