Barcelona is a city of amazing diversity. Gothic and modernism, wide avenues and narrow streets, mountains and sea, nature and architecture coexist here. Barcelona is one of the best cities in the world for leisurely strolls and sightseeing. There is something for everyone here, whether it’s the bright colors of Gaudí’s architecture or the discreet charm of the Gothic Quarter, the magnificent hills and mountains, or the golden sands and blue seas of Middle-earth. Today in our article we tell you what is definitely worth seeing in the capital of Catalonia with your own eyes and where you should definitely take a walk.
# 1. Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia, or Sagrada Familia, is a “postcard” landmark of Barcelona, and this is not surprising, because the architecture of the cathedral is unlike anything else, and its scope and grandeur make an indelible impression. Most tourists begin their acquaintance with Barcelona from this temple.
Interesting facts:
- The author of the cathedral is the immortal Gaudi, but during his lifetime only one facade was erected, the rest were erected after his death according to his drawings;
- The construction of the cathedral continues to this day. The final point in construction will be set in 2025;
- The tops of the towers of the cathedral are decorated not with bells and crosses, but with pink flowers. Pay attention to this by raising your head up.
Practical information:
Despite the fact that the construction of the temple has not yet been completed, you can visit it now. The cathedral is open to visitors from 09.00 to 18.00 (from November to February), from 09.00 to 19.00 (March and October), from 09.00 to 20.00 (from April to September included.). Inside, you can see the interiors, amazing in their beauty (however, some of them will still be in the scaffolding), as well as, if you wish, climb one of the towers of the cathedral.
There are different types of entrance tickets: Sagrada Familia with towers – from 33 euros; Sagrada Familia and Gaudi Museum (in Park Güell) – from 28 euros; Sagrada Familia with an organized tour – from 27 euros; Sagrada Familia with audio guide – from 26 euros; Sagrada Familia without audio guide – from 20 euros. Also, you can try to visit coffee shops. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
#2. House of Vicens
The House of Vicens is a landmark that has recently opened its doors to visitors. In fact, this is one of the first architectural works of Gaudi and a very photogenic place for tourists. The original design, a riot of colors, a cozy garden and patio and a panoramic roof with turrets – all this is open to visitors.
Interesting facts:
- House Vicens opened relatively recently, but has already become a popular Instagram location. Bloggers around the world fell in love with this colorful and original house, which has not lost its relevance, despite the fact that it was built at the beginning of the 20th century;
- In the architectural features of the house of Vicens, undoubtedly, the hand of the master is guessed. It was one of the first Gaudí projects that he was able to realize while still a student;
- Did Gaudi know that subsequently his first architectural work would be located on one of the most elite streets of the city – Paseo de Gracia?
Practical information:
House Vicens is open daily, except on December 25 (Christmas) and the period from January 13 to 19 (due to preventive maintenance). Opening hours: from October 1 to March 31 on Mondays from 10.00 to 15.00, from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00; from April 1 to September 30 from Monday to Sunday from 10.00 to 20.00. Various types of entrance tickets are available for visitors. The cost of a standard ticket for self-examination starts from 16 euros. Facade of Casa Vicens
#3. Casa Batlló
Casa Batllo is another of Gaudí’s creations, widely known among visitors and located in the city center on Paseo de Gracia. Unlike the chamber Casa Vicens, Casa Batlló is a majestic eight-story building with characteristic facades and a panoramic roof.
Interesting facts:
- The architecture of Gaudi is famous for the fact that the master avoided straight lines and angles in every possible way. In the Casa Batlló, this trend reached its climax;
- Inside the building there is a patio (in our opinion, a well). The patio has no roof, and light penetrates to the lowest floors. The patio itself is tiled in different shades of blue to create a play of light;
- You can walk around the building with a phone with 3D reality. When hovering over the interiors, the phone will show an alternative reality, which in itself is very interesting and original;
- The roof of the building also has a streamlined shape without sharp corners. It is worth climbing it to see the Gracia Avenue from a bird’s eye view.
Practical information:
Casa Batlló is open daily, seven days a week, from 09.00 to 20.00. The cost of a standard ticket starts from 25 euros (includes an audio guide in your language and a phone with 3D reality). Please note that the place is extremely popular among tourists, there are always queues, so we strongly recommend buying tickets online for a specific date and time (skip the line).
On the roof of Casa Batllo
#4. Modernist complex Sant Pau
The architectural ensemble of Sant Pau (St. Paul) is a relatively new attraction in Barcelona, which was previously not available to the eyes of tourists. Not many travelers know about the place yet, so there is a chance to become a pioneer.
The Sant Pau complex will be of interest to all lovers of Art Nouveau. Currently, the ensemble of Sant Pau is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Interesting facts:
- The entrance to the complex passes through underground tunnels;
- The inner area of the complex is generously decorated with tangerine trees that bear fruit even in winter;
- Previously, the buildings of the complex served as a hospital;
- The ensemble was built at the beginning of the 20th century.
Practical information:
The complex is open to visitors from 09.30 to 17.30 from Monday to Saturday inclusive; On Sundays, the attraction is open until 15.00. The entrance ticket costs 15 euros. You can buy an entrance ticket at the box office at the entrance, there are no big queues.
Modernist complex Sant Pau in Barcelona
#5. Fortress on the hill of Montjuic
Montjuïc is a hill located in the eastern part of the city and offers breathtaking views of the port of Barcelona and the city itself. Perhaps this is one of the best natural viewing platforms.
No one lives on the Montjuic hill, but there are several iconic sights at once – a fortress, the Spanish Village ethnological park, the Joan Miro Foundation, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, magical fountains and countless botanical gardens.
To see Barcelona at a glance, it is better to go up to the end station of the funicular or get to the bus stop “Montjuic Fortress”. The entrance ticket to the fortress costs only 5 euros, but you can enjoy both sea and port views and views of the city at the same time. By the way, cannabis club barcelona the best place for visiting. Such places are in great demand among tourists.
Practical information:
- Magic fountains do not work during the winter season;
- Traveling to the sights of Montjuic begins with a bus stop in Plaza de España. Buses run every 15 minutes.
- In addition, you can also go upstairs with the help of a funicular, it departs from the Paralel stop (city passes are valid).
National Art Museum of Catalonia
#6. Gothic Quarter
The Gothic quarter in the old city of Barcelona is a program attraction of the Catalan capital. Local streets and houses have been preserved since the Middle Ages. Every building here is steeped in history. Of course, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is of the greatest interest, from where all routes in the Gothic Quarter begin.
Interesting facts:
- Don’t limit yourself to just the front facade of the cathedral – walk around it and you will see many photogenic places of the old city, including the hinged arch, replicated in photos on instagram;
- If you pass through the Gothic Quarter, you will find yourself in the old harbor – this is a very colorful place where beautiful snow-white yachts and ships are moored. The Maritime Museum of Barcelona is also located here.
Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona
#7. Park Güell
Park Güell is another creation of Gaudi, which is always popular with tourists. A small but cozy park is completely built up with gingerbread houses and planted with exotic gardens. Ornate ladders, an observation deck, mosaics and, of course, toy houses, like from a picture – all this makes Park Güell a unique place for walking.
Practical information:
In winter, the park is open from 08.30 to 17.30, in summer – from 07.30 to 20.30. The park has free and paid zones, but, of course, all the main attractions are concentrated in the paid zone. Also in the Park Güell is the Gaudí Museum, which is an attraction with a separate paid entrance.
The cost of the entrance ticket to the paid area of the park is 10 euros. The park is such a popular place among tourists that it is highly advisable to purchase tickets in advance for a specific date and time.
Park Güell is not located in the tourist area of the city, the nearest metro station is Lesseps, from where it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the park. The last 5 minutes will have to go uphill, because. The park is located on a hill.
You can also get to the Alfons X metro station, from where free shuttles run to Parc Güell (only if you have purchased entrance tickets in advance). The shuttle ride to the park takes about 15 minutes.
At the entrance to Park Güell
#8. Temple of Christ on Tibidabo Hill
Tibidabo Hill is another great natural lookout in Barcelona. From here, the city opens up in full view. The hill is located in the western part of the Catalan capital. In addition to the observation deck, there is also the Temple of the Sacred Heart and an amusement park (the park is open only in the spring and summer).
How to get there:
One of the options for getting to the hill is the Tibibus bus, which leaves from a stop in Plaza Catalunya. However, the bus runs only during the opening hours of the amusement park.
At other times, you can take the following route: take the S1 or S2 train, get off at the Peu del Funicular station, then go up using the elevator to the Valvidrera funicular, which, in turn, will take you to the Vallvidrera Superior stop. From there, bus number 111 takes you directly to Tibidabo. You can use the T-Casual pass on all segments.
Botanical garden on the hill
Where to walk
Often tourists go for a walk on La Rambla first thing, but this is just a tourist boulevard and nothing more. If you really want to feel the spirit of the city, admire the architecture and escape from the tourist crowds, then you should take a walk along Diagonal Avenue, which conditionally divides the city into upper and lower. Gracia Avenue is also interesting, however, there are already more tourists here. For sea views, you should go to the old harbor to admire the snow-white yachts, walk along the promenade, and look at the local beach.
#1. Old harbor and promenade of Barcelona
Barcelona’s old harbor is across the street from the Gothic Quarter. Yachts and ships of various sizes are moored here. Against the backdrop of the blue sea, snow-white yachts look even more spectacular. By the way, this is a good place for beautiful photos. Well, Barcelona residents themselves like to go jogging here.
To the left of the harbor is the Barcelona Maritime Museum. A beautiful historical building boasts not only its facades, but also an impressive collection. There are also many cozy fish restaurants and cafes, as well as delicious ice cream. On weekends, the harbor is filled with people – both tourists and locals, because the place is really pleasant for walking and relaxing.
Passing to the left behind the museum, you can go to the waterfront of Barcelona. Sun, palm trees and the sea – a typical picture of the embankment. And also locals who go jogging, cycling, rollerblading, etc. Walking along the promenade, you can walk to the most famous beach of the city – Barceloneta. The beach is famous for its golden sand and blue waters. Barcelona’s old harbor and waterfront is a great half-day itinerary to explore the maritime quarters of the Catalan capital.
Sea harbor in Barcelona
#2. Avenue Diagonal
Diagonal is the main avenue of Barcelona, wide and dividing the city into upper and lower parts. It is good to walk along the avenue not only to see the main “artery” of the city, but also to admire the architecture. Here, that is no house, but a work of art. Forged lattices, elegant balconies, non-trivial facades – all this creates a unique atmosphere of the city. There are many times fewer tourists here than on La Rambla.
#3. Avenue Gracia
Avenida Gracia crosses Avenida Diagonal. It is here that the famous houses built according to the designs of Gaudí are located – Casa Batlló and Casa Mila. Other modernist buildings are also located here. And if you go up the avenue (above Diagonal avenue), you can also walk to the Vicens house, which is located in a side street from Paseo de Gracia. In general, both Diagonal Avenue and Gracia Avenue are architectural “pearls” of modernist Barcelona and are of great architectural interest.
