Barcelona


Spain’s second city is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations and for good reason. With astounding architecture, amazing culinary and nightlife scenes, great weather, and museums brimming with art and history, Barcelona packs a lot in.

Spectacular architecture

Barcelona is famous for its spectacular architecture that can be found all over the city. The structures of Catalan architect Gaudi dominate the city, which are characterised by their unusual and creative appearances. Most well-known is the Sagrada Familia, the epic cathedral which has been under con...

Spain’s second city is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations and for good reason. With astounding architecture, amazing culinary and nightlife scenes, great weather, and museums brimming with art and history, Barcelona packs a lot in.

Spectacular architecture

Barcelona is famous for its spectacular architecture that can be found all over the city. The structures of Catalan architect Gaudi dominate the city, which are characterised by their unusual and creative appearances. Most well-known is the Sagrada Familia, the epic cathedral which has been under construction for over 100 years and is still not complete. As you walk around Barcelona, other buildings and architectonic spaces by Gaudi are easily recognisable, such as Park Guell, Casa Batllo, and Casa Mila. Also head down to the Gothic Quarter, where you can see the impressive Barcelona Cathedral as well as the remains of the old Roman wall.

An artistic city

Art is an important part of the fabric of Barcelona life, with an astonishing number of museums and galleries to visit. High on any visitor’s list should be the Museo Picasso, which has a vast collection of the artist’s early works. Contemporary art is particularly popular in the city; MACBA, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Caixa Forum are both great places to view pieces by both famous and emerging artists. But you won’t just find arts in the galleries and museums. Barcelona has lots of street art which attracts visitors – and even artists – from around the world.

Amazing gastronomy

A visit to La Ramblas, Barcelona’s answer to the Champs Elysees, is an absolute must for every person traveling to the city, and its biggest highlight is the Boqueria market, bursting with local produce. While you can find everything here from fresh fruit and vegetables to an array of spices, it’s the fish carousel in the middle of the building that attracts most people’s attention. Tapas is, of course, a Spanish institution, and it is obviously a no-brainer that you will have to try some when in Barcelona. The famed chef Ferran Adria, described as one of the most forward-thinking chefs of his time, has a few restaurants in the city, such as Tickets, Alkimia, and Dos Palillos if you fancy trying something imaginative.

Vibrant nightlife

Being such a big city, Barcelona has various neighborhoods and districts which each offer something different when the sun goes down. For those who love to party, the Port Olympic area has lots of nightclubs where you can dance the night away. Nearby Barceloneta, the beachside district, has a great variety of bars, including cocktail bars, tapas bars, and beer bars. For something more alternative, El Raval, once Barcelona’s most dangerous area, is now a thriving art community with many hip restaurants and underground bars. Recent years have seen Barcelona’s live music scene grow, with plenty of places offering DJs and live music.

Videos
Barcelona: Admiring Gaudi’s Work in the Capital of Catalonia