Travel Guide: Barcelona
Questions This Article Answers
What to see in Barcelona?
Examples of Gaudí architecture in Barcelona?
Which markets to visit in Barcelona?
Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most-visited destinations, Barcelona—a city of over 1.6 million—has something for every type of visitor. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fan of art, architecture, sports, or haute cuisine; Barcelona has something for you. Let’s take a look at what to visit in Barcelona!
Architecture in Barcelona
The Catalonian architect Antoni Gaudí(Antoni Gaudí), the greatest creator of Catalan Modernism, built imaginative and impressive creations throughout the city. A jaw-dropping total of seven of his works have been dubbed World Heritage Sites! When visiting Barcelona, it’s worth taking some time to marvel at Gaudí’s true genius.
Food in Barcelona
Barcelona is home to over twenty Michelin-starred restaurants; it has more Michelin stars than Madrid—a larger city—does! It’s clear that Barcelona takes its food seriously. However, you don’t need to spend serious money to get a good meal. It’s a good idea to steer clear of the obvious tourist traps. Does it have photos of paella(paella) outside? That’s often a sign that it’s not a locals-focused establishment! Keeping that in mind, you’re sure to find great food wherever you go!
Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Barcelona’s Michelin-starred restaurants offer a unique food experience. You can take a look at this year’s guide to help you select one. It’s a good idea to book well in advance, as some of these establishments have months—if not years—long waiting lists.
FC Barcelona: One of the World’s Soccer Powerhouses
You see their jerseys worldwide. FC Barcelona(Barcelona Football Club), or Barça(Barça), is one of the world’s most famous teams! Fútbol(soccer) fans might like to visit Camp Nou(Nou Field), the team’s legendary soccer stadium. The stadium also houses the team’s museum.
Catalán
While in Barcelona, you might notice that the signs you see and the spoken language you hear aren’t Spanish. What you’re seeing and hearing is catalán(Catalan), one of the region’s two official languages. Spoken in parts of Andorra, Spain, France, and Italy, this Romance language is similar to both Spanish and Occitan (spoken in France). If you speak Spanish and French, you’re likely able to understand it!
Top Ten Things to See in Barcelona
Let’s take a look at the top ten things to see in Barcelona!
1. Park Güell
Park Güell is one of Gaudí’s UNESCO-recognized masterpieces. When visiting the park, it’s worth allotting time to admire each and every tiny detail that Gaudí packed into it!
2. La Sagrada Familia
This cathedral is, possibly, Gaudí’s true masterpiece. Although the cornerstone was laid over one hundred years ago, the cathedral is still under construction! Work is currently expected to be finished in 2026, 100 years after Gaudí’s death.
3. El Barrio Gótico
The Barrio Gótico(Gothic Quarter) is the center of old-town Barcelona, and it is known as one of the most incredible neighborhoods in the city. The Catedral de Barcelona(Barcelona Cathedral), an impressive Gothic building, is at the heart of the Barrio Gótico.
4. Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana(Palace of Catalan Music) is a breathtaking example of Catalan Modernism by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Attending a concert at this incredible venue is an amazing experience!
5. La Barceloneta
La Barceloneta(Barceloneta) is a popular, enchanting neighborhood located by the city’s beach. In la Barceloneta, among many other things, you can stroll along the beach or try some freshly-caught fish.
6. Camp Nou
As we stated earlier in this article, Camp Nou is home to the legendary FC Barcelona. The stadium and the club’s museum are must-sees for any soccer superfan!
Fútbol vs. Fútbol Americano
Are you a fútbolfan? Brush up on fútbol vs. fútbol americano(American football) in this article!
7. Casa Batlló
Located on Paseo de Gracia(Gracia Way), the unique building known as Casa Batllówas renovated by Gaudí in the early 1900s. Gaudí changed the home’s façade as well as its interior and left his unmistakable mark on the home. The whole block is an architect’s dream.
Other Modernist Buildings
There are other homes in the vicinity of Casa Batlló that also have façades with a modernist style. Perhaps the most impressive is another of Gaudí’s buildings, Casa Milá, also known as La Pedrera, which is located a very short distance from Casa Batlló on Paseo de Gracia too.
8. Mercado de la Boquería
Officially known as Mercado de San José(Saint Joseph’s Market) in Spanish, la Boqueríais arguably one of the most famous markets in Spain.
9. Museo Picasso
Although Pablo Picassowas born and raised in Málaga(Malaga), he moved to Barcelona when he was 14. Barcelona was where Picasso became an artist, and the city undoubtedly left its mark on him. It's worth taking some time to visit the Museo Picasso(Picasso Museum) and getting to know this epic artist’s work!
Brush up on how to visit a museum in Spanish with this article and its lessons!
10. Fundación Joan Miró
Joan Miró, another one of Spain’s great contemporary artists, was born in Barcelona and grew up in the Barrio Gótico. Like Picasso—who was just 12 years older than him—Miró used an innovative style. The Fundación Joan Miró(Joan Miro Foundation), which is the museum that exhibits his work, is well worth a visit.
¡Buen viaje!(Have a great trip!)
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