Top 14 Experiences in Barcelona, Spain
Top 14 Experiences in Barcelona, Spain
A bustling city on the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona has plenty to offer - whether you are a tourist or a business traveler. If you are on holiday in Barcelona or you happen to be there on work, there are some experiences that you should not miss. Recently we went on a family holiday to Barcelona, and here are my Top 14 Experiences in Barcelona for my readers:
Before I list it down, do read my article about Barcelona, where I have shared our personal experiences, the itinerary we followed, the reviews about the places we visited, and the restaurants we ate in. It will surely help you plan your holiday in Barcelona.
Here are the Top 14 Experiences in Barcelona!
1. La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is the most popular tourist spot in Barcelona. This Roman Catholic Basilica has a structure that is massive with facades that have beautiful depictions of the life of Christ. The intricate yet elaborate work on the walls, pillars, and ceilings reflects the amount of thought and planning that has gone into executing this massive project. It is considered Antony Gaudi's most significant work and a must-visit place in Barcelona.
2. Palau Nacional
Located amidst serene surroundings on the hill of Montjuïc stands the majestic Montjuïc National Palace - a significant landmark of Barcelona. The structure is colossal and grand. Due to its size and location, it can be spotted from far. It was the main site of the 1929 International Exposition and has a collection of over 5,000 artworks. A series of steps lead to the palace, from where one can get breathtaking views of the city. Even if you miss going inside, do include this in your itinerary. There is plenty to see and experience from the outside too.
https://www.museunacional.cat/ca/projecte-engagement
3. Montjuïc Castle
Montjuïc Castle is an old military fortress built on top of Montjuïc hill. Its roots date back to the 1640s. It currently serves as a Barcelona municipal facility. It is open to the public and offers fantastic views of the city and the port. The castle is beautiful and well maintained. On a good weather day, one can easily spend about half a day walking around, exploring all the parts of the castle, capturing pictures of the city from different viewing points, or relax and refresh with food and drinks at a small cafe inside the castle.
https://entrades.eicub.net:8443/muslinkIII/venda/index.jsp?nom_cache=CASTELL&property=CASTELL&lang=3
4. Camp Nou
Camp Nou is a football stadium in Barcelona. It opened in 1957 and has been the home stadium of FC Barcelona. With a seating capacity of close to a lakh, it is the largest stadium in Spain and Europe. Try to plan a trip so that you can see a match in this stadium. But if you cannot do so, you can book a museum and stadium tour.
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| Photo by Krzysztof Dubiel on Unsplash |
The tickets can be booked here:
https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/tickets/things-to-do-in-barcelona
5. Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Barcelona. It is a sand beach and runs more than 400 meters. A separate elevated walking path runs along the length of the beach, where one can enjoy the sun and the breeze without getting on the sand. There is an open gym, multiple shower options, and plenty of cafes, tapas bars, and restaurants. The beach is usually crowded but clean.
6. Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of the city of Barcelona and includes the remains of the city's Roman wall and several notable medieval landmarks. However, contrary to its name, much of the present-day fabric of the Quarter dates to the 19th and early 20th centuries.On reaching this place, the narrow streets, cathedrals, churches, basilicas, and the remains of the Roman wall, remind us of the bygone era. The many cafes and restaurants, musicians performing on the streets, locals shopping, and participating in cultural events create a lively atmosphere.
The entire place has to be explored on foot.It is a must-visit place in Barcelona.
7. La Rambla, La Boqueria
La Rambla is a 1.2 km pedestrian street lined with cafes and souvenir shops. It is mostly filled with tourists walking, shopping, clicking pictures, or relaxing in cafes enjoying some local delicacies. La Boqueria is an open market on the La Rambla, with plenty of shops, restaurants, Tapas bars, and cafes serving fresh local food. Eggs, meat, chocolates, fruits and vegetables, baked goodies, you name it, and it's there in La Boqueria. It's a treat for the senses. One can walk around enjoying the sights and smells, taste the food, and spend a relaxed evening in one of the many Tapas bars.
8. Palau de la Música Catalana
Palau de la Música Catalana is a concert hall which was inaugurated in the early 1900s.The design of the place is elaborate and showcases extensive use of floral and other organic motifs. There is extensive usage of marble, mosaic, ceramic, and glass. You can take an audio tour and see the main parts of the hall, including the facade, the entrance, vestibule, foyer, the staircase, and the concert hall.
Tickets can be purchased from their site:
https://www.palaumusica.cat/en
9. Park Güell
Parc Güell is a park comprising gardens and architectural elements located on Carmel Hill. The highlight is Gaudi's work-the grand entrance, the terrace, and structures with extensive usage of mosaics. There are hiking opportunities, viewing areas from where one can get a great view of the city, and plenty of photo opportunities around the structures created by Gaudi. The park is so big that one can spend an entire day there if one wants.
You can book tickets using the following link:
https://parkguell.barcelona/ca/compra-entrades
10. Casa Batlló
Casa Batllóis also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other works by Gaudi. It is presently owned by The Bernat Family, who initiated a restoration of the building in 1995. The facade is a colorful one with a unique and distinguished design.
One can see it from the inside too by making a booking online. The official website is :
11. Casa Milà
Casa Milà is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its unconventional design. The building was commissioned in 1906 by Pere Milà and his wife Roser Segimon and is the last residential work by Antoni Gaudi.
The official website for booking tickets for Casa Mila is :
12. Palau Güell
Palau Güell is a residential building constructed around the late 1800s and was architected by the famous Antony Gaudi. Later it was named a UNESCO world heritage site. The wealthy politician and businessman Eusebi Güell owned this property. In 1945, this property was handed over to Diputacio de Barcelona by the daughter of Eusebi Güell on the condition that the palace is preserved.
Tickets for the visit can be purchased here:
https://inici.palauguell.cat/#entrades
13. Arc de Triomf
Architect Josep Vilaseca built the Arc de Triomf i Casanovas as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. The arch is made of red brick and has many sculptures, stone carvings, and allegories written by poets. From the arch starts a wide promenade leading to the Ciutadella Park that now occupies the world fair site. There is no access fee to visit the Arc de Triomf. One can see the place, take a walk along the promenade, buy paintings by local artists, or get a family photograph with the Arc de Trompf in the background. The sculptures and stone carvings done on red brick look beautiful. It is a beautiful place to stroll on the promenade or enjoy a picnic at The Ciutadella park.
14. Columbus Monument
The Columbus Monument is a 60 m tall monument to Christopher Columbus at the lower end of La Rambla. It was constructed in honor of Columbus' first voyage to the Americas. At the very top of the monument stands a 7.2 m tall bronze statue that depicts Columbus pointing towards the New World with his right hand while holding a scroll in the left. Eight bronze panels depict important scenes in Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. Today, the monument reminds us of the difficult journey that Columbus undertook and the support he received from Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V for achieving this feat. The tower stands tall at the end of La Rambla.
So, here is a summary of the Top 14 Places to see in Barcelona:
- La Sagrada Familia
- Palau Nacional
- Montjuïc Castle
- Camp Nou
- Barceloneta Beach
- Gothic Quarter
- La Rambla, La Boqueria
- Palau de la Música Catalana
- Park Güell
- Casa Batlló
- Casa Milà
- Palau Güell
- Arc de Triomf
- Columbus Monument
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