Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia in Spain and one of the largest cities on the Mediterranean Sea. As a major tourist destination, Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage with architectural works that have been imcluded in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list and many international sports tournaments. The city is famous for its outstanding buildings, the works of Gaudi, the prominent architect, and the medieval, yet cosmopolitan quarters in the historical centre.
When to visit Barcelona
Barcelona, as a Mediterranean city, has hot summers. Hence, the best time to visit is between May and September if you are like me and want to avoid the cold weather and its limitations. During this season Barcelona organizes many festivals that travellers enjoy attending. Nevertheless, take into account that July and August are peak tourist months with\ temperatures and hotel prices rising even higher. With fewer crowds and lower hotel rates, autumn can be the appropriate season for calm vacations or winter for the Christmas and New Year’s festivities. Barcelona in spring is beautiful, though slightly cool.
Barcelona has a strategic location in southern Europe, making it a transport hub with infrastructure for air, sea, and land transportation. The Port of Barcelona, the international Barcelona – El Prat Airport, which handles millions of passengers per year, and the high-speed rail line give rapid access to the city from any Spanish or international destination. By road, Barcelona is linked to France and other cities in Spain.
Also, the port offers short trips to Majorca, Ibiza, Minorca, and Italy.
What to see in Barcelona
Barcelona is alluring and filled with people of different backgrounds. It is one of the most enticing places in Europe and definitely one of the cities where tourists can spend days exploring and experiencing different aspects of its history.
1. Sagrada Familia
Perhaps one of the most important landmarks in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is a large, unfinished Roman Catholic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction started in 1882, and Gaudí took over a year later. He devoted his life to its creation until 1926, when less than a quarter of his project was completed. He is buried in the crypt. It is anticipated that it will be completed in the coming years, based on Gaudí’s plans and the help of modern computer technology. There are six columns on each side, spiral stairs, and numerous statues. I particularly liked the colours created by the sunbeams as they pass through the windows—even the ceiling seems colourful! In the centre of the basilica, you can admire the columns, which branch out in such a way that they resemble a stone forest. Don’t omit to visit the museum inside the building, the crypt and the steeple, where you will be able to have an excellent view that reaches the sea. I spent around five hours in this magnificent basilica.
2. Casa Batllo
One of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces is Casa Battlo. The locals call it ‘The House of Bones’ because it has a skeletal organic quality. This design is identified as modernist or art nouveau. It was built between 1904 and 1906. Visitors can notice the unusual tracery, irregular oval windows, colorful mosaics, and the arched roof, which brings to mind a dragon or a dinosaur. The building has an excellent ventilation system, and it is designed in such a way that ensures natural light throughout. Many floors of the building are accessible to visitors.
3. Casa Mila
Another of Antoni Gaudí’s works in Barcelona is Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera. This modernist building, constructed between 1906 and 1912, was the last private residence designed by the famous architect. It is made of stone, with iron balconies and not a single straight line. The inspiration came from the cliffs of Barcelona. Several innovations were introduced, including a garage and a remarkable rooftop terrace. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and it now hosts exhibitions, cultural, and other educational activities. There are still rented residences in the building.
4. Park Guell
Eusebi Güell wanted to develop the urbanization of the Gràcia district in Barcelona, so he asked Antoni Gaudí to design a stylish park. Gaudí started its construction in 1900 and finished it in 1914. It opened in 1926 as a public park, with gardens and architectural elements on different levels. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Stone structures, beautiful tiling, dragon fountains, and an amazing terrace with tiled seats offering a panoramic view of Barcelona are among the architect’s most spectacular creations. Inside the park, there is a small house that was once the home of Antoni Gaudí and now functions as a museum, with furniture designed by himself.
5. Placa de Catalunya
Plaça de Catalunya is a large and lively square, considered to be the city center, which connects the old city to the 19th-century Eixample district. It is famous for its fountains and statues. It was once surrounded by famous theatres and cafés, which were frequented by well-known artists and writers.
6. Arc de Triomf
The Arc de Triomf is the city’s triumphal arch. Visitors will come across it just before Parc de la Ciutadella. It was built by the architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas for the Barcelona World Fair. In contrast to other triumphal arches, this one is non-military, as it was intended to welcome visitors. It served as the gateway to modern Barcelona in the late 19th century.
7. Parc de la Ciutadella
The greenest oasis in Barcelona, Parc de la Ciutadella, covers an area of 280,000 sqm and includes the city zoo, the Parliament, a lake, museums, greenhouses, and a waterfall. The great baroque fountain is a thing of beauty. Many palm trees and various other species of trees can also be found in the park. It is a great place to walk, have a picnic, or row a boat on the lake. You are certainly going to love it if you are a park lover like me!
8. Columbus Monument
Barcelona installed a 60-meter-tall monument for Christopher Columbus in 1888, in honor of his first voyage to America. Columbus reported to the King and Queen of Spain, and he started his trip from their city. There are five copies of this monument: three in Spain, one in Belgium, and one in Japan. Interestingly, there is a discussion about where exactly Columbus is pointing.
9. Barcelona’s port and beaches
Barcelona has a lot of beach areas that extend over 4.2 km of sandy coastline, just a few minutes from the centre. There you can find many cafés and restaurants for drinks and food, many sea sports activities, as well as relaxing amenities for swimming and sunbathing. Mar Bella Beach has a nudist section and is a must for water sports enthusiasts. To be honest, I didn’t swim there because I am not fond of swimming close to big cities, as I always have doubts about the water quality.
The Port of Barcelona is close to all the beaches and many of the aforementioned monuments. It is of great historical and economic importance, as it is Spain’s third- and Europe’s ninth-largest container port. However, Barcelona also has two smaller ports. It is certainly a nice place for strolling!
10. Plaza España (Plaça de Espanya)
Plaça d’Espanya or the Spanish Square was the entrance to the 1929 World Fair. It is known for the two 47-meter-high Venetian Towers and the Magic Fountain designed by Carles Buïgas. It is surrounded by the Arenas de Barcelona, original fashion brands, a hotel, and gastronomic attractions.
11. Gothic Quarter
The historic centre of the old city of Barcelona is called the Gothic Quarter, although not all the buildings date back to the Middle Ages. The streets are narrow and resemble a labyrinth. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area underwent a restoration project, which has made it one of the main tourist attractions. Travellers walk through it to see the La Boqueria Market, Tranquil Square, the Roman temple, and the Gothic Cathedral. There are restaurants and bars to eat and party. Make sure, though, that you leave extra time for your next sightseeing stop because you might get lost.
12. Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, is an impressive building in the Gothic Quarter of the city. It was completed in the fifteenth century and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. It is certainly one of the most interesting landmarks in the city. Don’t forget to take a look at the geese that are kept in the cloister!
13. La Boqueria
I am not particularly fond of shopping, but when I visit a city, I usually like to explore its most famous market so as to take a look at the products that are sold there. La Boqueria is that market for Barcelona. It has a great variety of goods, but it was very crowded during my visit. Of course, in comparison to some African markets, it is considered quiet!
14. La Rambla
La Rambla, the most famous street in Barcelona. It connects the Catalonia Square with the Columbus Monument. ‘The only street in the world which I wish would never end’, quoted from Federico Garcia Lorca, is 1.2 km long and has many souvenir shops, flower shops, and expensive cafés. Honestly, it is so crowded that performers choose it very often. Pickpockets too. It is the location of Barcelona’s historic theatres and museums. At night the atmosphere changes and some shady persons appear.
