Barcelona, the perfect mix of city break tourism and ultimate beach relaxation, has always been on my top list to visit. (Not just because the cheetah girls was filmed here I promise!!!). After visiting in the spring, it has now become one of my favourite places! As I hope to go back in the near future and enjoy some more local, one of a kind experiences in and around the city, for now, please enjoy my TOP 10, Barcelona guide, perfect for if it is your first time visiting, and you're unsure of where to go!
Sagrada Familia
Without a doubt, the Sagrada Familia has to be the most famous attraction in Barcelona. Designed by Gaudi, it is the largest unfinished church in the world! However, don't be fooled. Despite being unfinished, the current build is spectacular. Each side of the church boasts a different design from the last, so make sure you get a full 360 view, before moving on to the next!
Get your tickets here: https://sagradafamilia.org/en/
Park Guell
Park Guell, located just outside of the main city (and up a very steep hill!!), is another masterpiece designed by Gaudi. With his original intention to create a community village like area, with multiple houses and communal areas, Gaudi also wanted to create unique architecture that could be enjoyed by people all over the world. After work began in 1900, it was shortly brought to an end in 1914 due to the start of the First World War. After Guell died in 1918, his heirs decided to sell the land to the council, to make the park a public park, that can be enjoyed by everyone, since his original plan was never successful. In 1984, the park was added to the UNESCO world heritage site. Despite being a public park, you are still required to purchase a ticket, in order to enter the grounds.
Get your tickets here: https://parkguell.barcelona/en?q=en
Arc de Triomf
The Arc de Triomf, not to be confused with Paris' Arc de Triomphe, is one of Barcelona's most famous monuments. Located in the outskirts of the city, the arch was designed in 1988, as the main entry way for the Barcelona world fair. It has now become one of Barcelonas most popular attractions, and is free to visit, and open 24 hours a day. Despite being in a public park, and free for everyone to visit, it isn't as busy and overcrowded as some may think, and there is plenty of space around if you fancied a quiet picnic in the park, whilst taking in it's glory.
Cable car
So now that you've seen Barcelona on ground level, why not take the cable car to see it with a birds eye view. With two options to chose from, either The Monjuic Cable Car, or the Teleferic del Puerto, both are guaranteed to give you stunning views of both the city landscape and the sea. The Monjuic cable car is deemed the more modern mode of transport, however it is notable more popular and therefore busier than the Teleferic del Puerto. Both are a great experience, but I believe only one is necessary to get the experience. You can hop on, and choose to either get off at the top, explore the area then pop back on another car when ready, or stay on for a round trip. You just pay your fare when you get there, or can book in advance using the link below!
(Mama enjoying her time on the Cable Car!)
Monjuic cable car tickets: https://www.telefericdemontjuic.cat/en/teleferic-fares-and-prices Teleferic del Puerto tickets: https://www.telefericodebarcelona.com/en/telefericodebarcelonaen/
St Josep La Boqueria Market
Visiting this market is a must when in Barcelona. Whether its just for a walk around on your way to somewhere else, a chance to buy someone a small gift, or a place to do your weekly shop, the Market is simply stunning and will have absolutely everything you need, fresh and ready to be enjoyed! It is free to enter, and you can buy as much or as little as you wish, with everything from Sweets, fresh juices, to seafood and meat. If you fancy spending a couple of hours there, you can also seat yourself at one of their many restaurants and enjoy the fresh produce cooked to your liking!
Beach
Whilst the hustle and bustle of Barcelona city may fill you with everything your heart desires on your city break, why not take a chance to relax at its beautiful white sand beach less than 30 mins walk from Las Ramblas! Boasting miles of soft, clean sand and cool, blue waters, the beach has everything to offer, from quiet, remote areas, perfect for relaxing, to beach bars and sports areas where you can socialise with others. There is underground parking and a supermarket right next door, so perfect if you wish to spend the day, and enjoy a picnic!
Casa Mila
Barcelona is nothing without its iconic sculptures spread across the city. Casa Mila is just another masterpiece designed by Gaudi. Otherwise known as La Pedrera, and located on P.g. de Gracia, it was the last private residence of Gaudi, designed between 1906 and 1912. It boasts 6 floors filled with history and artefacts along with a stunning rooftop, designed like nothing you've ever seen before! On the ground floor upon entry, you can also pick up an audio guide where you're taken through room to room, with details shared about the history of the place, and an visual guide of how each room looked furnished in the 1900's.
Get your tickets here: https://www.lapedrera.com/en
Casa Batllo
Now personally, if you're on a bit of a time crunch, I would high recommend visiting Casa Battlo over Casa Mila. From the moment you enter, Casa Battlo offers not only an audio guide, AND not one but two immersive experiences, it even offers a rooftop bar, with panoramic views of the city. Whilst Casa Mila offers a more historical, traditional vibe, Casa Batllo offers a much more visually impressive, colourful, immersive experience. Let me know what house you prefer if you have been lucky enough to visit both!
Tapas
After all this sightseeing, you are bound to be getting peckish, and in the land of Espana, Tapas is always a good idea. Whilst I was only in Barcelona for a few days, I wasn't there long enough to try every tapas the city had to offer (although I did give it a good go!!). After visiting the harbour, we decided to visit Tapa Tapa for our Tapas and it did not disappoint. Even my mum who has been anti- prawns her whole life, tried a prawn and said she was pleasantly surprised! With numerous small plates up for offers, you can chose as many or as little as you like, and they will be delivered a few at a time or all together depending on your preference. It is the perfect way to try some of the local cuisines, without spending an arm and a leg on one dish and worrying that you might not like it!
Day trip! Calella (?)
Once you have seen everything Barcelona has to offer, why not take a day trip along the coast? A short 45 minutes on a train departing from Arc de Trimof station, led us to Calella, a quaint little town filled with vibrant shops, cafes, and of course a stunning beach. See how the locals live whilst still exploring a fairly built up area, with shops and cafes suitable for everyone. Just make sure you get there early morning or later in the evening, as especially in peak season, their siesta takes place, usually from around 2/3pm to 6/7pm.
Bonus!
Barcelona features in many films and tv programs, why not go on a walking tour, ether guided, or self- made, and locate all the famous spots from your favourite blockbusters! Any ideas what Blockbuster hit was filmed in this very location? Let me know in the comments!
Comments