10 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN BARCELONA

10 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN BARCELONA

With its tapas, cityside beaches and the famous Catalan hospitality, it’s no wonder Barcelona is ranked as one of my favourite cities in Europe. Barcelona has so much going for it that it’s hard to think of a reason why you wouldn’t go. One day you could be enjoying the fine wines and eating yourself into a food coma at the many tapas restaurants on offer and another day you could be Taking a walk down Las Ramblas and marvelling at the architecture before going to watch one of the most successful football teams in the world.

ONE OF THE BEST BEACH CITIES IN THE WORLD

As there is so much to do it can be hard figure out what to make a priority on a weekend trip. That’s why I’ve decided to show, what you cannot miss, when visiting. Here are 10 things you must do in Barcelona.

WHERE IS BARCELONA?

10 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN BARCELONA

10 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN BARCELONA

1. APPRECIATE MANY OF GAUDÍ’S MASTERPIECES

Antoni Gaudi is an icon and architect and one of the most famous Catalans. He is well known for his unique yet obvious style which is present throughout the city and has made him one of the most revered architects in the world. He is responsible for some of Barcelona’s most popular buildings and landmarks; Casa Milà, Güell Palace, Casa Battló and Park Güell which all offer something different and are well worth a visit.

Casa Mila is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona but has not always been seen in a positive light. Originally when the plans were made public, it was ridiculed by critics who said it appeared unappealing and uncharacteristic of the local area. The perception has since changed, however it does retain it’s nickname, La Pedrera, meaning the quarry!

2. WONDER AT LA SAGRADA FAMILIA

La Sagrada Familia was also designed by Gaudi but being one of the most impressive buildings I have ever seen I had to give it it’s own spot! It is by far his most impressive piece of work and to give you an idea of his capabilities and expertise, engineers and architects to this day are working out a way to complete it, 150 years after construction began. Unfortunately he dead after just 25% of the building was complete and since then it has been the head of plenty of controversy as to whether it is worth the huge sums of money being put into it.

Queues are notorious so be sure to book your tickets in advance. This can be done here.

3. EAT EVERYTHING AT LA BOQUERIA 

Dubbed the best market in the world, La Boqueria has been around for centuries, with evidence that meat stalls were here as far back as 1217. Since then the market has branched out and now offers everything from fish & cheeses to meat and fruit. Although if you want something on the go, just visit one of the many unique Pinotxos stalls!

4. TAKE A WALK

After eating your way through La Boqueria it’s time to walk the calories off. But don’t worry if walking isn’t your thing, rest assured you don’t need to walk far to see something worthwhile. Las Ramblas is just outside and is one of the most vibrant streets in the city. Here you can enjoy a street performance or a personal favourtie of mine; people watching with a coffee or a beer!

The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and more specifically Placa Del Rei are another two great spots for enjoying a drink at a terrace. The gothic quarter has some of the most intriguting buildings in the city and a good place to sit and enjoy the area are the steps as the Royal Palace.

5. SEE OVER 4,000 PIECES OF PICASSO’S ARTWORK

Pablo Picasso might have been born in Malaga but he began his extortionary life as an artist here in Barcelona. He chose this city and in particular these buildings, special in their own right, to house over 4,000 pieces of artwork.

6. WATCH FC BARCELONA CAMP NOU

What comes to mind when people say Barcelona; tapas, beaches and of course football! A football fan or not, Europe’s biggest stadium is always worth a visit. It can be admired as part of a stadium tour, giving you access to the changing rooms, pitch side and the directors box. However, what’s the fun in that when you can actually watch a game. Tickets are not so difficult to get if they are booked well enough in advance. For stadiums tours click here or for information on match day tickets click here.

7. SAMPLE AT BEER AT PASSEIG DEL BORN

If Las Ramblas is too much for you the take a trip to Passeig del Born where you have an array of bars to choose from. Whether you fancy a drink before heading to a club or looking for something quiet before a day on the beach, you are sure to find something. My recommendations would be; bar El Born for an afternoon tipple or La Vinya del Senyor for some of the best wine lists you will find.

8. PARTY ALL NIGHT

No trip to Barcelona is complete without sampling it’s nightlife. There are a host of bars and clubs throughout the city. Las Ramblas is where a lot of the action happens and a natural place for tourists to begin. However if you prefer a more authentic experience with more locals then check out the alleys of the Gothic Quarter. If you want something a little bit more upmarket then head to the marina, Port Olympic where you can sip at a cocktail while enjoying the sunset or party until the following morning in one of the clubs.

9. ENJOY A BEACH DAY AT LA BARCELONETA

Apart from what else the city offers, one of the main reasons Barcelona tends to be chosen against any other city is because of it’s 4km of inner city beaches! Whether you want to read a book, do a bit of surfing or have a family day there are options for us all. If those don’t suit then there are countless opportunities north and south of the city. Just be sure to bring the sunscreen and again always be aware of your valuables.

Some might say it doesn’t match the likes of the Algarve or the south of France but as far as city beaches go, it’s hard to beat.

10. SEE THE BEST VIEWS OF BARCELONA

After eating, drinking and lounging it’s now time to get active (slightly) and explore the Carrertera de les Aigues. Here you can enjoy 20km of paths and the best views of the city, although you don’t need to walk them all. The paths are all relatively flat so don’t worry about not being capable

To get there, take the FGC train (line S1 or S3) from Plaça de Catalunya to Peu de Funicular. From there just jump on the funicular and get off at the next stop, Carrertera de les Aigues.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Barcelona is one of those cities that has it all and will always be one that I recommend to pretty much anyone. So far I’ve only been twice as I tend to visit new destinations but it’s a place I’m looking forward to returning to.

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x

To read about my time in Barcelona and Spain, click here.