A Barcelona local informed me that since the Olympics took place in Barcelona, Spain in 1992, the city has seen a rise in tourism by more than 1,000,000 people each year! Needless to say it is already one of the most sought after destinations, and for good reason!  The food, drink, beaches, and architecture of the city are all reasons you should be booking your flight into Barcelona now.

 

Below I highlight places to see, where to eat, and more in Barcelona, Spain

 

 

Sights to See

Sagrada Familia

• Church designed by Gaudí
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Opens at 0900; closing time varies by season

[Pro Tip: Purchase ticket before visiting! Tickets regularly sell out. Purchase here]

 

La Pedrera aka Casa Milà

• Private residence designed by Gaudí
• UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

Parc Güell

• Longest bench in the world designed by Gaudí
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Sits on top of Carmel Hill in La Salut neighborhood

[Pro Tip: You can’t get into the area where the bench is located without a ticket. Purchase here]

 

 

Casa Batlló

• Designed by Gaudí

 

Picasso Museum

• Houses one of the most extensive collections of Pablo Picasso
• Hours vary – closed on Mondays

 

Arc de Triomf

• Built as a main entryway for the Barcelona World Fair in 1888

 

Things to Do

Day trip to Montseratt

• A multi peak rocky range for hiking and climbing
• Approximately 60 km (30 miles) from Barcelona

 

See a flamenco show

 

Awe over the views at Montjuic

• Barcelona’s highest point proving the best views are at the top of the city
• Can access via bike or cable car

 

 

Participate in a walking tapas tour

 

See Barcelona by bike with Fat Tires

• Tour the city of Barcelona with a tour guide on normal bikes
• Use a power bike to get to the top of Montjuic and see Barcelona from above

 

Relax on Barceloneta Beach

 

Wander through the Gothic Quarter

• Center of the old city of Barcelona
• Houses shops, bars, and restaurants
• Built in the late 19th century/early 20th century

 

Attend a fútbol game

 

Get lost in the craziness of La Boqueria Market

• Barcelona’s largest public market
• Hours 0800-2030 – closed on Sundays

 

 

Eats and Drinks

 

Tapas

Bar del Pla

Lonja de Tapas

Can Paixano/Xampanyeria

Vinitus

El Catala

Quimit i Quimit

 

Pastries

Chök

 

Escriba

 

Cocktails

Joel’s Oyster Bar in La Boqueria Market

Eclipse Barcelona at the W Hotel

 

 

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For a three day Barcelona itinerary, make sure to check out 72 Hours in Barcelona

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