Barcelona is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-class drinking and dining scene.
Architecture of the Ages
Barcelona’s architectural treasures span 2000-plus years. Towering temple columns, ancient city walls and subterranean stone corridors provide a window into Roman-era Barcino. Fast forward a thousand years or so to the Middle Ages by taking a stroll through the shadowy lanes of the Gothic quarter, past tranquil plazas and soaring 14th-century cathedrals. In other parts of town bloom the sculptural masterpieces of Modernisme, a mix of ingenious and whimsical creations by Gaudí and his Catalan architectural contemporaries. Barcelona has also long inspired artists, including Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, both of whom have major Barcelona museums devoted to their works.
A Moveable Feast
The masters of molecular gastronomy – Albert Adrià, Carles Abellan et al – are part of the long and celebrated tradition of Catalan cooking. Simple, flavourful ingredients – seafood, jamón(cured ham), market-fresh produce – are transformed into remarkable delicacies and then served in captivating settings. Feast on hearty, rich paella at an outdoor table overlooking the sea or step back to the 1920s at an elegant art nouveau dining room. Barcelona’s wide-ranging palate adds further complexity: Basque-style tapas bars, Galician seafood taverns, avant-garde Japanese restaurants and sinful chocolate shops are all essential parts of the culinary landscape.
Under the Iberian Sun
The deep blue Mediterranean beckons. Sun-drenched beaches make a fine backdrop to a jog, bike ride or long leisurely stroll along the seaside – followed by a refreshing dip. You can also enjoy the view from out on the water while kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or taking it easy on a sunset cruise. Looming behind the city, the rolling forest-covered Collserola hills provide a scenic setting for hiking, mountain biking or just admiring the view. Closer to the city centre, hilltop Montjuïc offers endless exploring amid botanic and sculpture gardens, an old castle and first-rate museums with panoramic views at every turn.
Things to do in Barcelona
Camp Nou
The massive stadium of Camp Nou (‘New Field’ in Catalan) is home to the legendary Futbol Club Barcelona. Attending a game amid the roar of the crowds is an unforgettable experience; the season runs from August to May.
Sagrada Família
Let’s start with the elephant in the room, or in other words, the iconic Gaudí’s masterpiece. Sagrada Família is the symbol of Barcelona and while it’s utterly impressive in size and detail, it’s a rather odd combination of elements.
Mer at de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, often simply referred to as La Boqueria, is the most popular market in Barcelona.
More than a tourist attraction, it’s a frolic experience for all senses, particularly for food lovers. Amazing assortment of food, from fresh fruit to sweets, from olive oil and chocolate to seafood and eggs. There’s plenty of in-house restaurants and bars to have a meal or a light snack too.
Can get very busy with tourists, but if you come early in the morning and explore the area opposite to the main entrance you should be fine. Anyway, it’s still BY FAR the most interesting thing La Rambla has to offer.
Things to know before travelling to Barcelona
- Geography | Barcelona is the largest city on the autonomous region of Catalonia. Despite being part of Spain, Catalonia has a very strong identity and culture from the rest of the country; there have even been efforts of making it an independent territory throughout centuries.
- Language | Locals speak Spanish, but a few words of Catalan (the regional language) can earn you an extra smile.
- Money | Euro is used throughout Spain. Tipping is NOT mandatory and only done in case of an exceptionally good service. There are several ATMs scattered through the city and the overwhelming majority of restaurants and shops will accept cards. It’s a cashless society.
- Weather | Expect mild temperatures all year round, and particularly high temperatures during July and August. Average lows from December to February are five degrees Celsius. It rarely snows in Barcelona.
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Hope you have a great stay at Barcelona and don’t forget to tell me what your favourite part about Barcelona is.
Measure the Earth with your feet!! 