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Your guide in visiting Barcelona, Spain
How to get to Barcelona?
Where to stay in Barcelona?
What to do and see in Barcelona?
Where to eat in Barcelona?
Barcelona the Catalan capital and the second largest city in Spain is a beautiful city by the coast of the Mediterranean. Its tree lined streets and the hospitality of the Spanish (Catalan) people make it one of my favorite cities in Europe. The sun, the food, the culture and its people make Barcelona one of the top destinations in Europe.
If you like architecture, Barcelona is one of the cities you must visit because of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi’s influences and works in the city. The basilica Sagrada Família is maybe his most famous work in the city. Another Spanish, Pablo Picasso grew up in Barcelona and developed his different style of art during his time here. The Picasso Museum today in Barcelona shows many of his early works and how his style transformed throughout this period.
HOW TO GET TO BARCELONA
Barcelona–El Prat Airport is only 12KM from the city and the second largest airport in Spain. It is the hub for the low cost airline Vueling. Ryanair and Easyjet also serve the airport which is within a stone’s throw away from the city. This make access to the city across Europe with ease. Traveling from the airport to the city is also very easy with Aerobus which departs the terminal to stops in the city every 5 minutes. The trip from the airport to Plaça de Catalunya (the main city square) takes less than 30mins without traffic. If you have a larger party, it maybe more economical to take the taxi which should be no more than 30 Euros.
WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA
I would recommend staying at the Catalonia Square Hotel which is smack in the middle the town with walking distance to the shopping streets of La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia. Also, the Gothic Quarter and the Old Town is right around the corner. The location is absolute perfect to explore Barcelona. The room is very spacious and some with balconies. They also offer free food and drinks in the lounge for hotel guest from 2pm to midnight; a very nice touch when you return from a day of shopping or sightseeing.
The hotel is beside the Plaça de Catalunya which is also where the final Aerobus stop is in the city center. The subway is right beside the hotel and a taxi ride to all the sites in the city should be no more than 10 Euros. I would recommend it if travelling in a larger group. There are many taxis in Barcelona and they are very helpful and professional. It is one of the few cities in Europe where I am impressed by the attitude and professionalism of their taxi drivers.
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN BARCELONA
There are many sights and attractions in Barcelona and the list below is a few of the major sights that one should not miss when in Barcelona. Depending on what time of the year you visit, I do suggest you wear appropriate clothing as many of these sights include walking outdoors. I also recommend buying tickets in advance online. I am very impressed that with most Barcelona’s attractions, you can buy tickets online and skip the lineup at the ticket office at each attraction. There is usually a barcode on the ticket where you can just keep on the phone and it will be scanned directly on your phone for entry. This is a very easy and efficient.
Sagrada Família
This is one of the most famous basilica in Europe designed by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. This is the first basilica I’ve visited that is still in construction after 130 years. It is estimated to be completed in 2026. Gaudi only lived to see one of the facade completed and subsequent efforts to find his original models and designs made it possible for current architects to finish his work and vision of the completed Sagrada Família. His vision, technique and designs tying with nature is truly amazing and way beyond his times. Outside and in, you will be in awe with his architectural genius. There is also a museum at the basement of the church where you can gain a much better understanding of the history of the basilica and Gaudi’s design concepts. You can also get a glimpse of crypt below the church where Antoni Gaudi tomb is. You can also get an additional ticket to take an elevator up one of the two façades. Just like the entrance ticket, it is a timed entry so you need to match it closely with your entrance time to the basilica. You can buy both online and is highly recommended that you do so. A great photo spot is across the road to the Plaça de Gaudí facing the Nativity façade. There is a pond and benches where you can enjoy the view.
Barcelona Cathedral
Often in the shadows of the Sagrada Família, the Barcelona Cathedral is actually the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. The front façade is beautiful and interesting because buildings surround the tight perimeter of the church and the square in front is quite small. It is in the Gothic Quarter which makes this a must visit as well. The cathedral also have an internal garden with a number of geese roaming around.
Museu Picasso
Pablo Picasso grew up in Barcelona and it is fitting that there is a museum of Picasso in Barcelona. The museum is housed in five medieval palaces. Although the museum do not house many of his later more famous works, for any Picasso fans, this is a must visit because you can see the earlier works of Picasso and how his style and work transformed throughout the period of his life. I am impressed by the full Les Meninas collection in the museum.
Casa Milà (Le Pedrera)
Casa Milà or widely known as Le Pedrera (The Quarry), is a modernist building designed by Antoni Gaudi. As with all Gaudi’s designs, it is another architectural feat and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is highly recommended that you buy a entrance ticket to get inside the building for a tour. You will get to go up to the roof which literally transform you into another world; a world of Gaudi. You also get a great understanding of how Gaudi designs his building with nature in mind. His use of natural lighting is clearly shown in the design of the building. The design of the attic and its arches is another highlight which also housed a great display of his other works during his lifetime.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is another modernist building designed by Antoni Gaudi which is only a few blocks away from Le Pedrera on the famous street of Passeig de Gràcia. Most passersby will stop and admire its colourful mosaic façade. You will be more in awe when you realize it is actually remodeled and renovated from an old building. Another must is to get a ticket to tour the interior of the building. I am especially impressed by the central atrium that let natural light fill all the floors in the building.
Park Güell
Park Güell is located in the northern part of the city which is another project by Antoni Gaudi. This project was a failure as it was never completed but his vision to create a gated community in a beautiful park like this one is again ahead of his time. Another UNESCO Heritage Site where again Gaudi’s connection to nature was clearly demonstrated in its design. Half of the park does not require a ticket to enter but to see the work of Gaudi such as the columns of the walkway, you will need to buy an entrance ticket. The subway station is below the hill of the park which will require a long walk up the hill to get to the park entrance. It will be much easier to catch a taxi up to the park.
Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia is probably the most expensive avenue in Barcelona where it is lined by trees and shops. It is a beautiful avenue to take a stroll on and to shop. Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are both on this street.
La Rambla
La Rambla is the most famous street in Barcelona. It starts from the Plaça de Catalunya and runs all the way down to the shore. This street is very touristy and I personally am not too fond of the street.
Portal de l’Àngel
Another major pedestrian shopping street in Barcelona although much shorter than the two above. It runs almost parallel to La Rambla from Plaça de Catalunya.
Mercado de La Boqueria
The Boqueria market is very popular among tourist on La Rambla. It sells everything from fruits, seafood and ham. It is also popular for its seafood stalls in the market which many tourist flock to.
Mercado de Santa Caterina
I personally enjoyed the Santa Caterina market more than La Boqueria. It is only a short walk from Barcelona Cathedral. It is much less touristy than La Boqueria and from what I heard where the locals prefer to shop. It has better deals than La Boqueria on many of the same products. Although, you cannot find the same seafood stalls in Santa Caterina than the ones you find in La Boqueria. I got my jamón ibérico from the stall in the photo above.
WHERE TO EAT IN BARCELONA
For some, it’s all about food in Spain and in Barcelona there is no shortage of tapas bars. You can spend a whole evening tapas bar hopping in the old town El Born area. Usually, locals don’t start dinner past 9pm in the evening and many popular places get packed so it’s best to call ahead to make a reservation or go earlier to beat the crowd.
Tickets Bar
Tickets Bar is opened by Ferran Adrià back in 2011. If you’ve never heard of Ferran Adrià, he is the head chef of El Bulli, many considered one of the best restaurant in the world before it was closed down in 2011. This is why there is all this hype about this tapas bar. Unsurprisingly, it is very full all the time so you must make a reservation. I was not disappointed at all when I had lunch there and every tapas was fantastically prepared and presented. Go for the tasting menu where they will keep giving you tapas selection until you are full. Afterwards, they will take you to the dessert room where you can sample their lovely desserts. Tickets Bar is a must visit if you managed to reserve a table.
Restaurante La Pepita
A very popular tapas bar among the locals. The atmosphere is fantastic with great tapas. Reservation is highly recommended. I’ve waited for an hour without one.
La Cava
I discovered La Cava while waiting for a table at La Pepita. A great tapas bar as well which seems to be ran by the same people as La Pepita. If you walk into La Pepita and it’s full, La Cava will be a great option.
Ciudad Condal
A tapas bar that was recommended to us but did not have time to visit. From reviews online, it seems to be another great one in Barcelona not too far from Plaça de Catalunya.
El Xampanyet
I was walking along Carrer de Montcada which is a lovely Medieval street in Old Town and saw this tapas bar was packed with people and mostly locals. It turns out to be another popular place and should be on your list of Tapas bar to visit in Barcelona.
Tapeo
Tapeo is right across from El Xampanyet also on Carrer de Montcada. A modern Tapas bar which could be another option if you are in the area.
El Nacional Barcelona
El Nacional maybe one of the most trendiest place in Barcelona now. It was only opened in October 2014 which house four restaurants and four bars under one roof. The building have some history and most recently as a parking garage which got converted to this lovely space today. Have a walk to the bathroom and you can see photos of how this space was transformed. You can hop from bar to bar or restaurant all through the night.
Uma
Although I never had the chance to dine here, it is the most popular restaurant in Barcelona on Tripadvisor. If molecular food is your thing, maybe it is worth a try if you can get a reservation.
7 portes
Every city have a restaurant that attracts tons of tourist. 7 portes maybe one of these given the menu itself have so many different languages that any tourist from any part of the world will understand. Although to be fair, they do serve good Spanish food albeit with a high price. The paella seems to be the most popular dish there.
Els 4Gats
Well Els 4Gats is famous because Picasso spent a lot of time in this quaint cafe just off Portal de l’Àngel. There is a lovely cafe and a dining room at the back. I had a great breakfast here and I had the whole cafe to myself. It was lovely. The staff was very attentive. It was a bit ironic because my understanding Els 4Gats is a colloquial Catalan saying meaning only 4 cats or basically means only a few people. It came about when the founder back in 1897 wanted to open a 24 hours cafe and the response was Els 4Gats; that only a few people will visit. It is also modeled from the famous Paris cafe; Le Chat Noir.
Churrería Laietana
Something about churros and especially churros dipped in chocolate for breakfast in Spain. I believe churros was a Portuguese invention that is very popular in Spain. Churrería Laietana is one of the more popular one where the owner and his family runs the place and making fresh churros every morning in the open kitchen. Nothing fancy, just churros but something about these freshly made churros that are to die for. This place is very close to Barcelona Cathedral and Mercado de Santa Caterina.
Granja Dulcinea
A traditional churros chocolate coffee house which is on a small lane by the Basilica Santa Maria Del Pi. It’s opened since 1941.
Restaurants to try next time: Ultramarinos, Bar Zim, Bodega 1900, La Taverna del Clinic, La Pubilla del Taulat
What I’ve missed
Of course as with all my travels, I simply do not have time to see everything. There are so many more things to see and explore in Barcelona. I really enjoyed this European city and there is so much to offer. The Catalan people, the food, the Mediterranean weather makes this one of the best European city to visit.
If I had a couple more days: Palau de la Musica Catalana, Plaça Reial, Paulau Guell, Montjuic, Palau Nacional, Parc de la Ciutadella, Arc de Triomf, the coast, the beach (depending on the season)…
