Barcelona: Your Destination Guide
Visiting Barcelona for the first time?
Gorge on Gaudi: the work of modernist architect Gaudi is dotted all around Barcelona, with highlights including La Casa Milà and La Casa Batlló. Don’t miss the incredible – and still unfinished – La Sagrada Familia church, or Parque Güell, which is full of Gaudi’s colourful work.
Enjoy classic art: the Fundació Joan Miró is dedicated to the work of one of Barcelona’s most famous sons. And you can find out everything about the great man and see some of his paintings at the popular Museu Picasso.
Hit the beach: a trip to the beach is essential if the sun is shining. And if you head to Barceloneta Beach, make sure you stop by one of the excellent seafront restaurants for paella and seafood.
Have a tapas feast: grab a table at one of the restaurants around magnificent Plaça Reial square and watch the world go by while feasting on delicious tapas dishes.
Head to the market: the piles of multi-coloured super-fresh fruit and vegetables at the Mercat de La Boqueria market just off La Rambla are a feast for the eyes – and that’s before you even taste the delicious coffee and tapas served up here.
Looking for something different?
Visit Camp Nou: football fans will relish the opportunity to FC Barcelona’s ground. Even if you’ve not managed to get hold of tickets for a game, you can still check out the museum and go on a tour of the stadium.
Get a bird’s-eye view: a great way to see the city is to get above ground on the cable car that runs to Montjuïc Castle. You’ll get incredible views of all the main landmarks before arriving at the imposing fort itself.
Take in a flamenco show: flamenco may not be native to Barcelona, but there are still some truly excellent places to see this sensuous music and dance, such as the Tablao de Carmen in the Sants-Montjuïc district.
Find peace at the monastery: for a break from all the hustle and bustle of the city, ride the Metro to Reina Elisenda, where you’ll find the beautiful, white stone Monastery of Pedralbes.
Want to go further?
Montserrat is a Benedictine monastery in the mountains where you can hear mass sung by a traditional choir.
If we’ve convinced you, check out holidays to Barcelona here
Sitges has some spectacular white-sand beaches surrounded by beautiful old buildings and is just 32km away.
Want to know a secret?
You can get a stunning 360° view of Barcelona from the Bunkers of Carmel, a former anti-aircraft battery dating from the Spanish Civil War. It’s a great spot for a photo op and taste of the city’s history.
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