21+ Incredible Places to Visit in Barcelona, Spain
These Are Some Of The Best Places to Visit in Barcelona, Spain!
Searching for things to do in Barcelona? You’re not the only one! This bustling Spanish city is known for its architecture, history, nightlife, food, sunshine, and much more.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Barcelona is an incredibly popular city for tourism. There are Barcelona attractions – both popular ones like La Sagrada Familia and lesser-known ones – around every corner.
We love Barcelona. Lisa has been many times (having lived in Bilbao) while Eric passed through on his Europe trip once upon a time. Travelling through Spain is always a thrill – and we hope to explore Barcelona together someday soon!
Whether you’ve got one day in Barcelona or a whole week, there are plenty of places to visit in Barcelona to keep you jam-busy!
So, from museums and parks to shopping streets and historic quarters, here are some of the Barcelona highlights and landmarks to check out!
Barcelona Quick Guide
Best Time to Visit: March-May or September-October to beat some of the crowds
Getting Around: The city is flat in some places and very hilly in other areas. You can walk, use public transit at TMB Barcelona or get a Hola BCN Transit Ticket
Top Things to Do: Sagrada Familia Line Skip + Guided Tour, Gaudi’s Park Güell, FC Barcelona Stadium Tour + Museum, Barcelona Bus Tour
Where to Stay: W Barcelona for waterfront views, Hotel 1898 right on La Rambla, Acta Voraport by the beaches
Table of Contents
Great Places to Visit in Barcelona
In the following section, we’ll cover some of the best places to visit across the city. These are in no particular order – but we might have started off with one of the best things to do in Barcelona!
La Sagrada Familia
Navigation Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia is definitely one of the top sights in Barcelona. It’s also the most visited tourist attraction in Spain each year, so that’s why we decided to start with it!
The massive basilica was designed by Antonio Gaudí – and you will hear much more about the famous architect as we go along.
Constructing La Sagrada Familia started in 1882 – and it’s still not finished today. Because of its fame and beauty, La Sagrada Familia is the most visited attraction in Spain. This means that there are always long lines ups to get in.
Get a Sagrada Familia Fast Track Ticket.
Eric has only seen it from the outside but Lisa was super impressed with the inside of the basilica and enjoyed visiting even with all the people around.
The light shining through the windows and the super detailed decor on the doors impressed her the most. You can learn more about the basilica at the official website.
Park Güell
Navigation Location: On Carmel Hill, part of the Sierra de Collserola
Gaudi’s Park Güell has something for everyone to enjoy!
As far as Barcelona sightseeing goes, Park Güell is another one of the many attractions by Gaudí that is on the list of “must-visit” places in Barcelona.
The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been since 1984. Some parts of the park are free to visit while for others you have to pay – but it’s worth the experience in our opinion!
Book your Park Güell Admission Ticket beforehand.
We have both been there and thought it was worth seeing at least once.
It’s quite easy to get there by public transport but you should know that you have to go uphill for quite a bit. Fortunately, there are escalators at some of the entrances.
Tip: If you’re already there, climb up to the Bunker del Carmel, a viewpoint very close by, to watch the sunset. It’s a popular spot among younger tourists and locals alike and has a very cool atmosphere.
Barrio Gótico
Navigation Location: Between El Raval and Ciutadella Park – close to the ferry port!
For those still wondering what to do in Barcelona, a wander through history is always a good idea! Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter – Barrio Gótico or Barri Gòtic – is where you can do this. It is the oldest quarter of the city – sometimes also called the “medieval city of Barcelona”.
That said, not all the buildings are from medieval times. You will see buildings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Our Tip: You can also discover the Gothic Quarter – and other top sights like La Sagrada – on a City Sights Bike or E-Bike Tour
The area is close to the water, with Las Ramblas in the southwest, Plaza de Catalunya in the northwest.
You can find lots of beautiful old churches, plazas, food places, and museums there. This makes it a great place for a photo tour.
The Jewish quarter is located here as well! The streets are quite narrow so it’s best to just go on a walk through them and enjoy (you can’t drive through on a tour bus).
Mercat de la Boquera
Navigation Address: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona
Wander the markets or buy your groceries – it’s up to you!
This is probably one of Lisa’s favourite things in Barcelona – the various food markets. The Mercat de la Boqueria is arguably the most popular one. As a colourful food market, this is where you can buy fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and lots of other things!
Because of its beauty and function, it has become a popular tourist attraction. So, you can also buy small cheese/meat/fruit samples and ready-made snacks for on-the-go sightseeing!
Even with a quick walkthrough, you’ll be impressed by the market. Be sure to try some queso, jamón or fruta and be aware that the market is closed on Sundays! Learn more about the market on the official website.
If you want to check out some authentic food markets that aren’t as popular with tourists, head to Mercat de Sant Antoni or Mercat de Llibertat.
Montjuïc Mountain
Navigation Location: South end of the city centre overlooking the harbour
The Olympic Park from 1992 is a great walk through history at the mountaintop!
Another one of the top things to do in Barcelona is to climb a mountain. Seriously! Located close to the heart of the city centre, Montjuic is one of the two local mountains of Barcelona.
At the top, there are lots of different attractions to check out and places to visit:
- The Park/Stadium for the 1992 Olympic Games
- The National Catalonian Arts Museum
- Montjuïc Castle
- Poble Espanyol Museum
- Joan Miró Foundation – Museum and Gardens
- …and many more!
Since it’s pretty much in the middle of the city, it is easy to get to. At the top, there is also a castle – or more accurately an old military fortress – from the 17th century.
Lisa hasn’t been inside the castle but the view from up there over the harbour area is great! So, take some time to explore all this mountain has to offer – including some amazing views of the city.
It was one of Eric’s favourite spots in the whole city when he and his friends hiked up!
Tip: If you want a special experience you can Buy a Ticket for the Cable Car up to the Top of Montjuic (depending on where you are in the city).
You can also take the cable car up and then walk back down which is what Lisa did. Learn more about the cable car at the Barcelona transit website.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Navigation Location: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona
A very popular photo in Barcelona of the Museu – and it gets even better the further away you walk!
Towards the bottom of the Montjuic, close to the Plaça d’Espanya (which we’ll mention further below), is the Palau Nacional Building.
Inside you can find the National Art Museum of Catalonia – a place dedicated to exploring over a millennium of Catalan visual art.
You can get your Admission Ticket to the National Art Museum of Catalonia
Outside the museum, there is a beautiful photo opportunity from the bottom of the steps with the fountains in it. It’s definitely one of the top attractions in Barcelona – but for good reason.
The nice part is you can either walk up the steps or take the escalator to the museum base entrance if you can’t walk or don’t feel like it.
Magic Fountain looks gorgeous during the day!
The museum itself looks beautiful, and you can find most of the important Catalan artwork from the 10th to 20th century inside! Check out the official website for all the details.
At the bottom of the Museum towards the Plaça d’Espanya, you can find the Font Mágica (Magic Fountain).
During certain evenings the fountain is activated and you get to watch a show of light, water, and music.
Poble Espanyol Museum
Navigation Address: Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13 08038 Barcelona
As we mentioned, Poble Espanyol is an open-air museum where you can learn about the history of Spain.
It is conveniently very close to the other attractions on Montjuic (especially the museums mentioned above) so it’s easy to visit those two attractions together.
The museum is quite big with various sections that represent different Spanish regions.
Get Your Poble Espanyol Skip the Line Ticket
Eric hasn’t been, so we would love to go there when we visit Barcelona together!
Camp Nou and FC Barcelona Museum
Navigation Address: C. d’Arístides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona
The incredible atmosphere at Camp Nou – GO BARCA!
This one is a must for the soccer fans (maybe even if you are a Real Madrid fan).
The stadium of Camp Nou is the home to the soccer club FC Barcelona and has a capacity of almost 100,000 people – which is very big by European standards.
Lisa went to see the deciding game for the Spanish League between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid a few years ago – it was a very cool experience even though Barcelona lost the game and thus the title.
In the Camp Nou Experience Museum, you can learn a lot about the important players for FC Barcelona. You also get to see the Stadium and take photos.
Book Your Ticket for the Stadium and Museum here.
The stadium itself is connected to the museum which is worth checking out if you are interested in soccer and/or the history of FC Barcelona.
Las Ramblas
Navigation Location: Connecting Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell (waterfront) between the Gothic Quarter and El Raval
Las Ramblas is the famous street in Barcelona that is good for walking and shopping. Eric spent a bit of time on it and Lisa doesn’t love it but it is one of the top Barcelona tourist spots – so we would recommend that you walk through it.
Just be sure to watch your valuables since pickpocketing is super common here!
The street starts at Plaza Catalunya and ends at the marina so it is quite a long street. Along the way, you’ll find street performers, restaurants, stalls, and cafes.
You can even shop here but it’s for the very touristy things – if you need your souvenirs this is the place to get them. Just watch for overcharging!
Other Gaudí Buildings
Just a sample of Casa Batlló’s incredible style and design!
Circling back to Gaudí, there are plenty of other things to see in Barcelona that are connected to the famous man. If you keep an eye out, you’ll find lots of other buildings by Gaudí in different places around the city.
A few of Gaudí’s other buildings/projects are:
- Casa Milà – designed in the early 1900s, can be explored with an audio guide
- Casa Batlló – the restoration of an old house completed in 1904 using art Nouveau elements
- Palau Güell – the residence of Güell family; Gaudí’s first work for Eusebi Güell from 1888
- Casa-Museu Gaudí – Gaudí’s former residence located in Park Güell
- Casa Vicens – Gaudí’s first significant building built at the end of the 19th century
Since these attractions are arguably the more popular attractions – next to La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell – consider buying your skip-the-line admission ticket beforehand!
Gaudí Tip: If you are a fan of Gaudí, you might consider a guided “Ultimate Gaudí Artistic/Architectural Tour” to see his best works and buildings!
Barcelona Harbour Area (Port Vell)
Navigation Location: At the end of Las Ramblas by the water, aim for the Rambla De Mar walkway
The waterfront can offer a peaceful perspective of the busy, bustling city of Barcelona.
The harbour area – Port Vell – is close to the end of Las Ramblas. You can walk the walkway called Rambla de Mar that leads to the shopping mall Maremagnum.
There’s also a small park where you can sit and watch the boats. Eric liked it down here when he visited – the water was very calming against the busy city.
Oh, and you can also go to the Barcelona Aquarium which is right next to the shopping mall. Learn more about the harbour area here.
If you want to visit the Aquarium, it’s a good idea to get your Barcelona Aquarium Ticket in Advance.
Arc de Triomf
Navigation Address: Passeig de Lluís Companys, 08003 Barcelona
If you didn’t see the Arc de Triomf, did you even go to Barcelona?! Just kidding.
Looking for the giant red archway in everyone’s photos? That’s the Arc de Triomf – one of the top tourist attractions in Barcelona!
Located close to the waterfront and Parc de La Ciutadella, it was built in 1888 to welcome visitors to the Barcelona World Fair.
The arch itself has some beautiful, detailed decoration so be sure to take some time to look at it closely. As for pictures, people try to get photos of their head/body in the arch – and Lisa is guilty of this!
When Eric was in Barcelona, he stayed very close to the Arc so when he and his friends hailed a taxi – we just said “Arc de Triomf” and walked to the apartment. Super easy! Learn more about the Arc before you visit here.
Parc de La Ciutadella
Navigation Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona
As mentioned just above, this is the park that is close to the Arc de Triomf! People usually just come here to relax and enjoy time outside.
In 1714, a citadel was built on this site by forced labourers on Philip V’s orders. Philip wanted to have the largest citadel in Europe built in Barcelona – but this was then demolished in 1869 and made into a beautiful park for the world fair 1888.
Some pieces of the world fair can still be seen today (Castell del Tres Dragons, for example).
The first time Lisa was in Barcelona she found this park more or less by accident and it was one of her favourite parts of the city (the Cascada Fountain is beautiful). There’s also a zoo in the 18-hectare park.
Playa de Barceloneta
Navigation Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 16, 08003 Barcelona
If you’re done wondering what to see in Barcelona, you can always relax at the beach. Playa de Barceloneta is one of Barcelona’s beaches that is super easy to reach since it is right in the city.
However, this also means it can get very crowded and quite touristy with people trying to sell you things. The vendors/sellers can get annoying at times so just a heads up!
We don’t recommend this beach if you want to have a relaxing a few hours laying down.
That said, it is great if you want to take a short break just sitting in the sand or walking along the water without having to take public transport. Learn more about the beach here.
Plaça d’Espanya
Navigation Address: Plaça Espanya, 08015 Barcelona
This is the well-known Plaça d’Espanya.
Have you seen this square in a photo before? Probably – because Plaça d’Espanya (also known as Plaza de España) is Barcelona’s most important squares!
You will pass it at least once if you walk through the city or hop on a bus tour. It was originally built for the International Exhibition in 1929 and is located at the foot of Montjuic (which we mentioned up top).
Photo Tip: If you want the “classic” square photo, head for the shopping mall Arenas de Barcelona at the square.
Once you are at the shopping mall at the corner, head for the top – but don’t take the lift outside where you have to pay. Simply go into the shopping mall and take the escalators to the top!
Monestir de Pedralbes
Navigation Address: Baixada del Monestir, 9, 08034 Barcelona
Want to see a former Gothic Monastery that is now a museum? Great – here you go! Founded in 1326, Monestir de Pedralbes was declared a national monument in 1991.
You can see the monastery and different exhibitions in the museum. It’s also not terribly far from Camp Nou if you’re in that area of the city. Learn more about the museum here!
Palau de la Música Catalana
Navigation Address: C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona
For the music and architecture lovers visiting Barcelona, the Palau de la Música Catalana is for you! This unique building – also designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner – is a Catalan Art Nouveau masterpiece.
The building itself is another UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significance as a cultural and social landmark of Catalonia.
Inside, the stunning Concert Auditorium is masterfully colourful and ornate with stained glass all around.
Get Your Palau de la Musica Self-Guided Tour Ticket or hop on a Palau de la Musica Guided Tour
Visit the official website if you want to check out the performance schedule for when you visit.
Mount Tibidabo
The other local mountain we talked about in Barcelona is Tibidabo. At a height of 512 metres high, it is the highest mountain overlooking the city.
From the top, you get a great view of the city – and there is even a small amusement park!
You can take the funicular to the top, where you will also see the Sagrat Cor – a beautiful church which took 60 years to build. Oh, and we can’t forget about the TV tower called Torre de Collserola is up there, too!
Barcelona Cathedral
Navigation Address: Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona
No, we’re not talking about the Sagrada Familia again! There are lots of other beautiful churches and cathedrals in the city.
One of which is the “Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia”. Built back in the 14th century, the cathedral is located in the Gothic Quarter and looks very beautiful.
For those keeping track, it’s done in Gothic architecture. They have a great website where you can find lots of information about opening hours and visiting the Barcelona Cathedral.
Recinto Modernista de Sant Pau
Navigation Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona,
To experience the largest Art Nouveau complex in Europe, check out the Recinto Modernista de Sant Pau.
This former hospital and UNESCO World Heritage Site is now an interconnected series of green spaces, galleries, pavilions, and other areas to explore.
Whether you are interested in gazing at the restored architecture of Lluís Domènech i Montaner or learning about the history of healthcare, there’s something for everyone.
Get Your Admission Ticket for Recinto Modernista de Sant Pau
You can explore the grounds on a self-guided tour or choose to book a tour – it’s up to you!
Things to Consider When Visiting Barcelona
Before you pack your bags, we wanted to use this Barcelona travel guide to go over a few of the details for when you visit Barcelona. So, here’s a brief guide to general information, public transport in Barcelona, and more!
General Information About Barcelona
Located in the northeast of Spain – right on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea – Barcelona is the second biggest city in Spain.
It is the capital city (and largest city) of Catalonia. There are approximately 1.6 million people living within the city limits.
As we briefly mentioned, Barcelona is a very popular tourist destination so English is spoken at many attractions, shops, and restaurants.
However, we would really recommend that you at least try to learn a few words in Spanish and don’t expect that everyone just speaks English.
Besides Spanish, the residents have their own language (Catalan) and distinct culture.
In general, when visiting Barcelona, it’s important to be mindful of the culture, to respect the locals, and to consider your impact as a tourist!
Best Time to Visit Barcelona
Given the popularity of the city, it’s important to consider the best time to visit Barcelona for you. This also includes thinking about the weather.
The hottest months are June through August and, as such, these are also some of the busiest months to visit. We don’t recommend that time since it can get very crowded and very hot.
You might consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-October as temperatures can be cooler but still pleasant. You will still find boatloads of people, but not as much as the summer season.
Alternatively, winter months like December are rainier, cloudier, windier, and much cooler – but you’d find a much less crowded city!
You might need a rain jacket (like Eric’s black North Face) when there but with that, you’d be good to explore!
Getting Around Barcelona
Barcelona has a great public transport system with a subway, buses, trams and even cable cars.
The city is divided into zones (by distance from the centre) which you travel through and this dictates the fare you pay. It’s pretty easy to figure out – you can study a Barcelona Transit Map before you go!
A Hola BCN Transit Ticket gets you unlimited BCN transit access for 2 to 5 days.
Since there is just so much to see and visit, you might consider a 1 or 2-day hop-on/hop-off bus tour ticket around Barcelona to understand the city layout and get some useful information.
If you wanted more physical activity with your tour, you could take to the streets on a guided bike tour around Barcelona!
Where to Stay in Barcelona
If you’re heading to Barcelona, you might be unsurprised to learn that there are lots of accommodation options.
Busy, popular cities like Barcelona have a healthy mix of hotels, hostels, and even cozy guesthouses and bed and breakfasts.
You’ll find accommodations for every budget from budget hotels and hostels to luxury hotels – and everything in between.
Check for Hotels and Accommodations in Barcelona
If you are looking for a hotel in Barcelona, check out W Barcelona for amazing waterfront views or Hotel 1898 which is right on Las Ramblas.
Acta Voraport is closer to the beaches while Room Mate Carla is more of a boutique hotel in Dreta de l’Eixample (a few blocks from top sights).
Eric stayed close to La Rambla and it was busier but central – his hostel made our list of great hostels in Europe. Lisa has stayed in the area around Plaça d’Espanya and would recommend the area.
Related Articles
If you’re heading to Spain, here are a few other posts that you might find useful!
- Plan a Spain Itinerary for 5-14 Days (with Templates)
- 11 Beautiful Spanish Cities You Should Visit
- Research and Visit the Top Attractions All Over Spain
- Discover the Capital: Things to Do in Madrid
And there you have it – some of the best places to visit in Barcelona. In the end, there is so much to see in Barcelone. You could spend weeks wandering the city.
We just wanted to give the trip planners something to think about! When you are there, please try your best to be a responsible, respectful tourist.
As always, Happy Waddlin’,
-L&E
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Best places to visit outside Barcelona
Visit incredible places outside Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that offers travelers a wide variety of tourist attractions such as museums, gastronomy, culture, beaches and of course Gaudi, but if you have already visited Barcelona maybe you might be interested in spending a day outside the city and meet the Best places outside Barcelona.
Top 10 Best places outside from Barcelona.
- The Montserrat mountain with Virgin of Montserrat shrine
- The fabulous Costa Brava and Tossa de Mar
- The Dali Museum in Figueres
- Cadaques and Pot Lligat – Dali house museum
- The Penedes Region wine and cava region
- The Priorat wine region
- The charming coastal village of Sitges
- The Tarragona Roman ruins
- Medieval Girona with ancient Jewish quarter
- The medieval town of Besalu
Montserrat and its famous black virgin
The Montserrat mountain is world renowned worldwide and one of the main tourist attractions near Barcelona, the mountain is one hour from the city and is a fantastic place to enjoy nature and spirituality, admire its peculiar Rock formations unique in the world, visit its basilica and it´s famous black virgin and enjoy a recital of L’escolania (Choir boys) and its cloister work of the modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Additionally ou can also visit the museum where you will find famous works of Salvador Dali, Picasso, Antonio Tapies or Joán Miro and others, take the funicular of Sant Joan and enjoy incredible views of the coast and the Pyrenees or buy artisan products from the area.
If you would like visite Montserrat with your guide please check our Tour for more information.
Costa Brava and Tossa de Mar
Visit the Costa Brava and the beautiful medieval village of Tossa de Mar and visit one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava, just an hour and a half from the city, visit its medieval quarter and its castle and Enjoy a lunch on the beach.
CULTURAL VISIT IN TOSSA DE MAR
- The Villa romana dels Ametllers: Roman archaeological ruins located in the center of Tossa de Mar
- Walled enclosure: Medieval wall that defends the town of the attacks of the pirates
- Medieval old quarter: Historical district where you can get lost through its narrow streets and do some souvenir shopping or enjoy the local gastronomy
This is one of the most recommended top excursions if you want to know the fascinating Costa Brava and the beautiful medieval village of Tossa de Mar, if you woulk like to joing this tour please check oot this trip.
The Dali Museum in Figueres
The Dali theater-museum shows the surrealist art in all its rotundity, in which are exposed works from their primitive artistic experiences to their latest creations, the tour shows the visitor a unique and captivating world where to sumejirse in the work of Salvador Dali.
If you decide to take this day you can complete you trip visiting the Dali triangle as Dali house museum in Cadaques (Pot Lligat) and the Gala Dali house-museum in Pubol, both in the Costa Brava area and Step into the world of Dali in Spain.
For more information about about this trip you can have more infortamion of Dali museum.
Cadaques and Pot Lligat – Dali house museum
In the small fishing village of Cadaques on the Costa Brava is Port Lligat where Dali took the greatest inspiration to create his works, in this small town we can visit the Dali House Museum and discover the most intimate part of this artist and meet some of the works that are not exhibited in the Dali museum in Figueres.
Additional information: In order to visit the Dali house museum it is necessary to make the reservation in advance as the museum has special schedule for the visit.
The Penedes Region wine and cava tasting
Discover the region of Penedes and learn how the Cava and Wine of Catalonia is made,
Penedes is one of the most important wine regions of Catalonia, in it we can visit many wineries where the cava and wine are made but if we focus on the mostImportant must be noted Freixenet famous for its cavas, Codorniu also famous for its cava and we can not forget the Torres winery famous for elaborating one of the best wines of Catalonia.
Additionally in the Penedes small wineries that are worth visiting as Cuscó Berga – Bodega – Celler de Vi i Cava – MAS COMTAL – Bodega Jean Leon – Bodegues Pinord – CAVA GUILERA and many others.
Penedes wineries map.
If you would like to visite some of this wineries please check our tour.
The Priorat wine region – Tarragona wineries
Priorat is a region of Tarragona that is one of the most important wine regions of Spain, its wines are usually of an intense color and with much flavor to the taste, in this region offers to the tourist A good way to get to know some of its famous wineries, but there are not only wines you can Take advantage of your trip and visit the roman city of Tarragona where to learn about the roman culture in Catalonia, is you would like to visit this region and taste one of the best wines of Spain please check our Priorat tour where you can visit one of the more inportant winerys of Priorat Clos de l´obac and taste their fantastic wines.
Costal Village of Sitges
Sitges is a pretty little fishing village about 30 minutes from Barcelona, in this village you can find the best beaches near Barcelona and a nice location for enjoy a nice lunch in the seafront, Sitges also offer some tourist attraction as Its old fishing quarter or Sant Bartume church from where take the best Views of the Mediterranean coast.
How to get to Sitges from Barcelona by train:
Barcelona-Estació de França
Located on Avenida Marqués de l’Argentera, 1 next to the Ciutadella Park between the Barceloneta neighborhood and the Ribera (also known as the Born district)
Metro Line L4
Barcelona-Passeig de Gràcia
The underground station of Passeig de Gràcia (train and metro) is at the crossroads with Carrer Aragó, approximately between number 43 and 51 of the aforementioned Passeig de Gràcia, in the Eixample district
Underground lines L2, L3 and L4
Barcelona Sants
Located in the district of Sants (Plaça dels Països Catalans, s / n) is the main national and international long train station. Metro L3 and L5
How to get tp Sitges from Barcelona by bus:
From Barcelona (38km 45-55min, according to stops)
There is the bus company Mon Bus, which offers the service between the towns of Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes and Barcelona. Not everyone has a stop at the airport.
The bus service in Barcelona starts at the Ronda Universidad, 33, between Calle Balmes and Plaza Catalunya. There is another stop at Calle Sepúlveda and another at Plaza España, In Sitges, the bus stop is in front of Parc de Can Robert, on Avenida Vilanova 14.
We suggest visiting your website for schedules and lines: www.monbus.cat
MonBus Company: www.monbus.cat
Other contact details are:
Tel. Contact: +34 93 893 70 60
See website for ticket schedules and prices.
Tarragona Roman Ruins
The city of Tarragona is arround 100Km from Barcelona, and in it are one of the most important Roman ruins of Catalonia, check some of the attracions that can not miss:
- Cathedral
(XII-XIV century), built in the highest part of the city, approximately in the same place as the Roman temple of worship to the emperor. - Roman amphitheater
A building dedicated to shows such as the gladiatorial fights (2nd century), on which a Visigoth basilica (6th century) and a Romanesque church (12th century) were built. - Pretorio and Roman Circus
Roman tower of the representation square of the Provincial Forum (1st century) transformed into royal residence (14th century).The Roman circus was intended for horse and carriages (1st century). - Balcony of the Mediterranean
The most contemporary city discovers a unique corner and of great inspiration in the marine aesthetics that runs through the city, the Balcony of the Mediterranean, a splendid viewpoint open to the sea on the beach. - Plaza de la Font, Plaza del Fòrum, Plaza del Rei
The modern city coexists with its imperial past, enjoy its terraces full of life in a unique setting, surrounded by history. - El Serrallo
The typical neighborhood of fishermen, where they auction in the afternoon the fish that is fished throughout the day. It is a picturesque area, with its own personality and charming restaurants, where you can taste the best fish and seafood in Tarragona. - La Rambla Nova
Tarragona’s main thoroughfare with more than 150 years of existence and the largest number of modern shops, integrated in a unique architectural space for its buildings and history. - Central Market of Tarragona
If you want to buy fresh and seasonal products in a very typical environment, you have to visit the markets of Tarragona. The Central Market, located a short distance from the Rambla Nova, is an important modernist building (Josep M. Pujol, 1915).
If you would like to meet this locations please check more info of Tarragona and Sitges.
Girona and ancient Jewish quarter
The Medival city of Girona is about one hour and half from Barcelona city and is considered one of the oldest medieval cities in Europe, best choice for visit the city is lose in the old neighborhood and discover its narrow streets full of history, Girona is very famous for its old Jewish neighborhood located in the old quarter, also you can not miss its Roman cathedral Or their houses hanging by the river Oñar among many other places of this beautiful city.
If you would like to visit this fantastic check more info of Girona.
The medieval town of Besalu
The mediaval town of Besalu is located in the In the region of the garrocha province of Girona, Within the historic area of the X century you will find corners that will remind you of the typical layout of a medieval town in which, in addition, there was a Jewish quarter.
Once you arrive in Besalu you will find your famous medieval bridge of 17th century Crossing the Fluvia river, with two doors of different size, seven arcades and almost 150 meters in length, Once past the gate of the medieval enclosure you will find narrow streets that will take you to the medieval era With typical craft shops of that time, If you are lucky enough to visit Besalu in the first week of September you will be able to immerse yourself in an authentic medieval era, since the medieval fair of Besalu is celebrated where you will be able to see ancient craft markets and even battles of old knights.
Besalu is possibly one of those places that if you visit Catalonia you should not miss it.
If you would like to have more information please check more info of Girona and Besalu
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20 most beautiful places in Barcelona
Spain is not only a wonderful climate, a high level of service and a wonderful beach holiday, but also a rich excursion program. How many “pearls” of history, architecture, culture are concealed by Barcelona alone. She surprises at every turn. And even if you come here for a long time, you still may not have time to get acquainted with all its curiosities. It is very difficult to single out the most interesting places in Barcelona, but it is still worth a try.
Contents
- 1 Gothic Quarter
- 2 Sagrada Familia
- 3 Mount Tibidabo
- 4 Park Güell
- 5 Casa Batlló
- 6 Mila House
- 7 Boqueria Market
- 8 Montserrat Monastery
- 9 Ciutadella Park
- 10 Montjuic Castle
- 11 Zoo
- 12 National Art Museum of Catalonia
- 13 Spanish Village
- 14 Santa Maria del Mar Basilica
- 15 La Birinth Horta
- 16 Pedralbes Monastery
- 17 Camp Nou
- 18 Catalonia in Miniature Park
- 19 Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia
- 20 La Rambla
- 21 Interesting places in Barcelona on the map
Gothic Quarter
This is one of the most important places in Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter is located in the center of the city, there are not only many attractions, but also enough cozy cafes, so there is where to sit and relax. Once upon a time there was an ancient Roman city surrounded by a high wall. Later, in the 5th century, the conquerors destroyed everything here to the ground. The buildings that tourists can admire today date back to the 14th century and beyond.
Gothic style creates a certain atmosphere. The beginning of the quarter can be considered the Plaza Nova (New Square), which appeared here in the middle of the 14th century. Once upon a time there was a brisk trade in slaves. From the fortress walls that were here, there was nothing left but the towers. Here you can also see the Bishop’s Palace, built in the Baroque style. A relatively modern building is the College of Architects, which Pablo Picasso had a hand in creating.
The House of the Archdeacon deserves attention, this ancient building was rebuilt more than once, and today it can be noted the features of various architectural styles, now documents of the city archive are stored here. It is worth walking along the main street of the famous quarter – Bishopskaya. Look at the House of Canons, which has a unique layout. And, of course, to bow to the majestic cathedral, erected in honor of the young Eulalia, who was executed for the Christian faith.
Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for 3 452 RUB
Sagrada Familia
It is rare to find a cathedral with such an interesting history. And it’s not just that it’s still under construction. The temple was laid in 1882, and in the end, it should become the way the great architect Antonio Gaudi intended it to be. For him, this temple became the work of a lifetime, although orders rained down on Gaudi from all sides. It is interesting that another person began to build the temple, Gaudi was entrusted with the work later.
According to legend, one of the main customers had a dream that a man with blond hair and blue eyes would build the cathedral. Gaudí fit this definition. He used such innovative architectural techniques that contemporaries did not believe in the strength and durability of his work. He said that he takes nature as a model, tall, powerful and harmonious trees that God created. Impressive are the high columns of the cathedral, stretching into the sky, and the capitals look like branches. Gaudi died at 1926 – fell under a tram.
In the 1930s, anarchists destroyed its blueprints, which were supposed to guide those who were to complete the construction of the cathedral. In its final form, it should have three facades. Now two of them are ready – the Nativity and the Passion of the Lord. It remains to build the third – in honor of the Ascension of Christ. The cathedral turns out – marvelous beauty. Gaudi dreamed that when the wind blows, as a result of resonance, people near the numerous towers of the cathedral will hear the Music of the Creator.
Mount Tibidabo
This mountain offers stunning views of Barcelona and is definitely worth the climb. At the end of the 19th century, it was decided to build a Catholic church here. But, like many objects in Spain, it has become a long-term construction. At first, a neo-Gothic chapel was erected. It has survived to this day. It was planned that there would still be an observatory here, but later it was decided to build it elsewhere. The temple of the Sacred Heart itself was erected for 60 years, and it was completed only by 1961 years old.
Its architecture is unusual – it definitely consists of two churches placed one on top of the other. Going inside, you can see beautiful stained-glass windows – one of them depicts the moment when Jesus Christ is tempted by the devil, sculptures of saints are also displayed here, below – in the crypt – rich murals. But tourists climb Tibidabo not only to visit the temple. There are excellent observation platforms, one of which is located on the TV tower. Tibidabo Park also attracts guests. Here you can ride amazing rides. Its location also speaks in favor of the park.
Riding a rollercoaster and admiring the panorama at the same time is worth a lot! At one time this place was called “Children’s Paradise”. Today, children and adults can ride both modern and vintage rides. For example, there is a metal tower with cabins where guests can climb up to 50 meters. This tower was built at the beginning of the last century. Over time, the Ferris Wheel, cars, and the “Palace of Light”, as well as much more, appeared here. Visitors to the park willingly buy talismans as a keepsake – figurines of a good witch.
Park Güell
Initially, Eusebi Güell planned to build a green residential area here, a kind of garden city. However, plots of land here were not popular – rich people believed that this place was remote from the city center. Work began in 1901. They strengthened the slopes of the hill, erected pavilions at the entrance, and later an architectural masterpiece appeared – a winding bench. Several mansions were also built. One of them was intended for Antonio Gaudí – now there is a museum dedicated to him.
However, due to financial problems, Guell sold the land to the mayor’s office, and a city park was located here. Today, visitors admire the houses at the entrance (they have fantastic shapes), inspect the “Hall of a Hundred Columns”, and a long bench, curved in the shape of a sea serpent. You can take a walk along the numerous footpaths, admire the quaint architecture of the park, visit the Gaudí House Museum.
Casa Batlló
Another work of the great architect Antonio Gaudí. The house was built in the style of modernism. It is so popular that it is difficult to count the number of people who visit it every year. Something like a million. Gaudi worked on this project for about two years. It was here that the unique handwriting of the master was developed.
It was supposed that the old building would be demolished and replaced by an apartment building for the magnate Batllo. But Gaudi decided to do everything differently, and carried out the reconstruction of the existing building. He used ceramic tiles, as a result of which chiaroscuro played, completed the basement and terrace, as well as the attic, arches. The result of the work was a real architectural masterpiece. Later, this house belonged to the Bernat family, and since the mid-90s of the last century it has been a museum. There are various events dedicated to Antoni Gaudí.
Dom Mila
Another Antonio Gaudí masterpiece, and his last “secular” work. After that, he gave all his strength to the construction of the cathedral in honor of the Holy Family. And this house was ordered to be built by the spouses Mila-i-Kaps. They wanted the view of their mansion to capture the imagination of the inhabitants of Barcelona. There is no doubt that Gaudi succeeded.
Although he never completed the job due to disputes with the customer, other people did. Anyway, Mila’s house turned out amazing. Gaudi, as always, took nature as a model. The building resembles a rock washed by the sea, it seems that everything flows here, everything changes. This impression is created due to the fact that the architect gave smooth shapes to the outlines of the house, and metal gratings resemble algae. The courtyards, where the windows of the utility rooms open, also have a round or oval shape.
The walls are covered with paintings. The chambers of the owners “look” at the street. The attic looks very impressive, where now there is a small museum that tells about the life and work of Gaudí. An unusual innovation was the brick arches that support the roof. Directly from the attic you can go to the terrace. Here you will see turrets and columns, sculptures and mosaics. Equipped in the house and an apartment-museum – you can see how the bourgeoisie used to live.
Boquería Market
This is a historical place – for the first time they began to trade here in the 13th century. However, only in the middle of 19th century, a market building was built here, and it was covered with a metal roof in 1914. Visiting the market will be beneficial for those who come to Barcelona and live in apartments with their own kitchen. In Boqueria you can buy the freshest meat and fish, vegetables and fruits, without any preservatives and at very low prices.
You can come here by car, leave it in the parking lot, take a special cart and hurry for food. Although the market opens at 7 o’clock, it is better to arrive a couple of hours later so that all the traders start working and there is more choice. If you drop by Boqueria to buy something as a souvenir, there will be less choice. However, it is definitely worth bringing nuts and spices from here. And of course, you can come to this place just to appreciate the magnificent historical market.
Practically any kind of meat, fish fresh from the sea, oysters and various delicacies, a variety of southern fruits and vegetables – all this, collected under one roof, makes a stunning impression. Although it is customary to bargain in the market, you should not hope that they will give you a big discount here. Prices are already much lower than in stores, and the quality is higher. If you want to try something outlandish for you, for example, oysters, it is better to ask the sellers for advice so that they tell you which delicacies are worth buying.
Montserrat Monastery
The old Benedictine monastery is located in the mountains, 50 km from Barcelona. You can go up by rail or cable car. Here you will admire the picturesque limestone rocks with bizarre shapes, take a walk along special hiking trails. All of them are well-groomed and safe. In the 9th century, there were several sketes on this site, in the 11th century a monastery was founded. In the 16th, a new Renaissance cathedral was consecrated.
In the 19th century, the monastery buildings were destroyed during the invasion of Napoleon’s troops, few survived. Restoration work began three decades later. In the 20th century, during the brutal dictatorship of Franco, only in this monastery were worship services in the Catalan language. Today, the monastic buildings are a mixture of different styles, but most of all, the features of modernism can be traced. The Holy Virgin Mary of Montserrat appears before the faithful on a throne made of cast silver. The boys’ choir sings a hymn to the Mother of God every day.
Another shrine is also kept here – a statue of the Virgin Mary, made of black poplar. Art historians attribute it to the 12th century. This statue is called the “Black Madonna”, and the people call it “Darkie”. Pilgrims from around the world come to worship the Black Madonna. There is a museum on the territory of the monastery. Here you can get acquainted with archaeological finds, look at icons and jewelry, as well as beautiful paintings and sculptures. In particular, here you can see the works of Monet and Degas, Picasso and Dali, as well as other famous artists.
Citadel Park
The park is located in the old part of the city and is a real open-air museum. The history of its appearance is interesting. In the 18th century, the city was captured by King Philip the Fifth, and in order to maintain power over Barcelona, he ordered the construction of a fortress here. Naturally, all the houses at the construction site were demolished. In the 19th century, the citadel ceased to play its role, most of it was destroyed, and a park was laid out on the vacant territory.
Later, many interesting objects appeared in it. Today the park occupies about 30 hectares, you can visit it on any day of the week. The Triumphal Arch located here, decorated with coats of arms, and sculptures that personify the sectors of the economy are beautiful. It impresses with many flowering trees and shrubs, there is also a large lake in the park – fish live in it, waterfowl gracefully glide over the surface. The remarkable Cascada fountain attracts attention; the young Antoni Gaudí had a hand in its creation.
Another must-see is the Castle of the Three Dragons, a square building crowned with towers. It houses the Museum of Zoology. In the southern part of the Citadel there is a zoo, where many animals and birds live. The inhabitants participate in the performances that take place here daily. Especially interesting is the Dolphin Show. Also on the territory of the park are the Museum of Geology and the glazed gallery, where exhibitions are held in winter.
Montjuic Castle
This castle is inextricably linked with the history of Barcelona. Once upon a time, only a watchtower towered here. The fortress itself was built in 1640, when the inhabitants of Catalonia rebelled against the ruling Habsburg dynasty. Later, in 1705, the British captured the fortress for a short time, this happened during the War of the Spanish Succession. A few decades later, the reconstruction of the fortress began. It was clear that in order to fulfill its purpose, it must be strengthened. The area of the barracks increased, the number of guns increased, a deep ditch was dug.
But all this did not help, when in 1808 Napoleon’s troops approached the fortress and captured it. During Franco’s dictatorship, the fortress was a military prison. Luis Companys, who headed the government of Catalonia, was shot here. Then a museum was opened here. Today you can come here on foot or climb with the cable car. The fortress looks impressive, it also offers a beautiful view of Barcelona.
Zoo
The zoo already mentioned is located in Citadel Park. Today, over 300 species of animals live in it, and rare plants can also be seen here. Since the territory is quite vast, you can move not only on foot, but also by tram or bicycle. Especially such an offer will interest parents with children. The age of the zoo is quite respectable, it was founded at the end of 19th century.
And it was immediately decided to arrange it in an unusual way: animals are separated from each other and from visitors by ditches with water. This contributes to the fact that the inhabitants look like they are in a natural environment. The employees of the zoo in Barcelona are doing a lot of scientific work. For example, otters were quarantined here and then released in the northeastern part of the country, restoring the natural habitat of this species. The exposition of the menagerie is interesting.
Here are the inhabitants of palm forests, rare birds, gorillas, aquatic animals, even “dragons”, that is, monitor lizards. Pleasing to the eye and beautiful sculptures. It is worth recalling that it was in the Barcelona Zoo that the only albino gorilla in the world lived for many years. During his life, Snowball left dozens of descendants.
National Art Museum of Catalonia
Very beautiful and relatively young palace, which attracts attention from a distance with high towers. It was built in 1929 – the World Exhibition was then held in Barcelona, here, in front of the palace, it was opened by the king. Since the mid-1930s, the palace has been a museum. First – the art of Catalonia, then it became the National Museum of Art of Catalonia. Its appearance has also changed – the features of modernism have disappeared, it has been replaced by neo-baroque.
Sections have been fully operational since 2004. A visit to the museum will be very comfortable. Magnificent halls, coolness, even when there is summer heat behind the walls, soft carpeting, audio guides, comfortable sofas so that guests can relax, a cafe and a souvenir kiosk – all this will please sightseers. If you want to learn more about the exhibits on display, you should book a tour, which will be conducted by a museum employee, who will also answer all your questions.
What kind of cultural treasures can be seen in the museum? This is a unique collection of Romanesque paintings, furniture made by the great Antonio Gaudi, works of art related to modernism, avant-garde, romanticism and other trends. There are hundreds of thousands of exhibits here, so it’s not surprising if you can’t see everything in one day.
Spanish village
Another architectural object is the open-air museum, which was built for the beginning of the World Exhibition. The idea was implemented so successfully that subsequently similar projects were implemented in other countries. The architects and artists who created the park traveled a lot around the country, taking on board the most interesting city and village houses. Further, on a relatively small area of the park, they erected over 100 buildings in different styles.
Most of them are built in actual size, and only a part is reduced. The materials used were the same as those used to create the prototypes. Moreover, the architects by no means pursued the goal of building here all the iconic architectural masterpieces of Spain. They wanted the guests to appreciate the variety of styles typical for different regions of the country during a short walk. There is also a main square, personifying the market squares of Spain, and a 16th-century Renaissance palace, a neoclassical mansion, a farmhouse, and much more.
Craftsmen’s workshops are located here – guests can get acquainted with the process of making pottery, jewelry, glass and other products, buy something for memory. In the evenings, life here is even more lively, there are performances, for example, you can see how the Spaniards dance flamenco.
Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
According to legend, the place where the basilica now stands was once preached by the Apostle James. The first mention of a temple built here dates back to the 10th century. But this church has not survived to this day. And today, guests of Barcelona admire the basilica, built in the best traditions of the Gothic. The place is one of the most visited in the city, and many newlyweds play their weddings here.
The basilica was built in the 14th century according to the design of Berenguer de Montagu. Since then, it has been destroyed several times. This happened as a result of fires, earthquakes, wars. Of course, not only the building itself suffered, but also the works of art that were in it. So, the civil war of 1936 caused great damage to the basilica.
The final restoration work was completed only by 1990. It is better not to limit yourself to a walk around the basilica, but to go inside. You will see the main nave, admire the stained-glass windows through which the light streams, and perhaps hear the historic organ, which has also been restored. You can book a tour and go upstairs. You will hear the story of the construction of the temple, and you will walk to where you have a stunning view of Barcelona.
Horta Labyrinth
Spaniards take great care of this oldest garden – here you can not only admire rare flowers, fountains and sculptures, but also listen to music. The number of guests is limited so that nature does not suffer from an excessive influx of tourists. The idea of creating the park belonged to the Marquis Anthony Desvalls, then several more architects joined his project. The name of the park was given in honor of the area where it is located.
Horta was handed over to the city authorities at 1967 year, the park needed restoration. Now a number of restrictions have been imposed on visitors: for example, you can’t ride bicycles here, sit down for a picnic, and so on. The impression on the guests is made by a labyrinth made of living cypresses. You can really get lost in it. Once in the very center of the labyrinth, you will see a platform where the statue of Eros is installed.
There is also a large picturesque pond in the park, which is fed by an underwater spring, a beautiful waterfall. Many rare trees, shrubs and flowers grow here. A special note is made by coniferous plants, of which there are also many. The air, thanks to them, seems especially clean. During the warm season, the park closes at 20:00, in winter – one hour earlier. There is no admission fee on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Monastery of Pedralbes
The monastery is located in a prestigious area where the mansions of the richest people of the city stand. There are also many green spaces here. Pedralbes was built in the first half of the 14th century, by order of the queen. Therefore, the complex turned out to be truly luxurious. The best masters of Spain worked on the design of the premises. One of the cells was intended for a relative of the royal family – it is decorated with magnificent paintings. The octagonal tower is also admirable.
Tourists like to wander around the monastery garden – here the 14th century seems to have lingered. Gothic features are traced in the design. Tangerine trees, a well, a fountain – all this looks very picturesque. You can sit on one of the benches and enjoy the view.
Camp Nou
This stadium of the Barcelona football club has gained worldwide fame, although it was built relatively recently – in 1957. 5 stars according to the UEFA rating is the evidence of recognition. Only a few stadiums have a similar status on our planet. Therefore, even if you do not buy a ticket for a football match, it is worth coming here for a tour. Please note that it is carried out without any guides. You will have the impression that you just visited the “behind the scenes”. As part of the tour, you can also visit the museum and the multimedia center.
You will understand the scheme of the stadium yourself, you can ask for help from employees, security guards. They will tell you how to get to one place or another. Along the way, you will see various exhibits. Usually the journey begins with a visit to a virtual stadium, as if you were at the match, especially for children. You can also look into the dressing rooms, see the spa where the players relax, the meeting room and the chapel where the players pray before entering the field. In short, you will find a lot of interesting things.
Miniature Catalunya Park
This open-air museum park is located 12 km from Barcelona. It is definitely worth coming here. The ticket price is low, the walk will take about 2.5 hours. But you can see miniature copies of the most famous back of Catalonia. Among them there are both historical sights and just houses that reflect the diversity of architectural styles of this part of Spain. The park opened in 1983. Today you can see almost 150 miniature buildings here.
All of them were handmade by craftsmen. You will see the Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell, and the Salvador Dali Museum, and much more. The choice is great. Someone will like ancient castles and churches more, and someone will like a stadium or an airport. There are working models: cars and trains run, skiers leave the slopes of the mountains, and so on. You can go around the park on foot or take a mini-train, which has only two cars. Such a trip will be very convenient for parents with small children.
Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia
This is the main cathedral of the city, here is the residence of the archbishop. Young Eulalia accepted death from the persecutors of Christians. In the 7th century, she was canonized as a saint. There used to be a Romanesque church on the site of the cathedral. It was destroyed, and in the 13th century the cathedral began to be built. Its construction dragged on for many years. The facade was decorated only at the end of the 19th century, the high spire appeared even later. The cathedral is an example of the Gothic style.
Despite its large size, both inside and outside the building looks very light and airy. The stained-glass windows are beautiful, through which multi-colored rays of light pour in, a large place is allocated for the choir. In the cathedral, in a sarcophagus made of alabaster, the relics of St. Eulalia are kept. Each of the 26 chapels is a work of art, the altars are richly decorated. You can also listen to a 16th-century organ here. In the courtyard of the cathedral there is a fountain and a beautiful garden.
Las Ramblas
This is the central street of Barcelona, its length is over a kilometer. It is worth going through it – from Plaza Catalunya to the monument to Columbus. When Barcelona began to expand its borders in the 18th century, the fortress walls were destroyed, and the townspeople were able to walk here. And so the Rambla was born. Walking, you can see a lot of interesting things. For example, the Canale̒tes fountain, which is associated with many signs (footballers especially love it). The well-known Boqueria market is also located here.
Miró Mosaic, the Liceu Opera House, the Royal Square with the wonderful Three Graces Fountain, the Güell Courtyard – all this is the Rambla. The street is mostly pedestrian, there is little public transport, it moves along special narrow paths, so you can walk freely. Here are some amazing places in Barcelona, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Don’t miss the opportunity to see them.
Interesting places in Barcelona on the map
Sights of Spain – TOP 30 – the most interesting and colorful places to stay, where to visit and what to see in Spain YouTravel.Me
Spain is one of the most interesting and alluring destinations in Europe, and it goes without saying: a mild climate, picturesque coastlines and a rich culture, where the Arab heritage shows through the European renaissance. And this is only the mainland, and in fact Spain is also the islands: Canary and Balearic.
We have compiled for you the TOP 30 places that you definitely need to see with your own eyes on tours in Spain.
- Sagrada Familia or Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
- Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona
- Park Güell in Barcelona
- Gothic Quarter in Barcelona
- Camp Nou in Barcelona
- PortAventura
- Salvador Dalí Theater Museum
- City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
- Montserrat
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Alhambra Palace Complex
- Almudena Cathedral
- Santa Barbara Fortress
- Ibiza Island
- Bellver Castle in Mallorca
- Costa del Sol
- Seville Alcazar
- Costa Dorada
- Burgos Cathedral
- Canary Islands
- Picasso Museum
- Alcazar of Segovia
- Salamanca
- Escorial Monastery
- Prado Museum
- Royal Palace of Aranjuez
- Mesquita (Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba)
- Maria Luisa Park
- Segovia Aqueduct
- Teide National Park
➤ Sagrada Familia or Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
The largest and most famous architectural creation of Antonio Gaudí is located in the center of Barcelona. The building of the Sagrada Familia has not yet been fully completed; after the death of the architect, the facades were built according to his surviving drawings; it is planned to complete the completion of all the towers by 2030. Near the entrance to the Sagrada, there are almost always huge queues; you can climb the Nativity Façade tower by a spiral staircase or an elevator.
➤ Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona
Tibidabo is the highest point in Barcelona, offering a beautiful view of the city and the sea. At the top there are three main objects of interest – the Temple of the Sacred Heart, similar in architectural design to a castle, it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Next to it is a large Ferris wheel – a symbol of the amusement park, which has been operating here for over a hundred years. A little further on, another object that can be seen from afar is a TV tower designed by Norman Foster.
➤ Park Güell in Barcelona
Another creation of one of the main architects of Europe – Antonio Gaudi. Commissioned by his friend Eusebi Güell, an industrial investor in Catalonia, he designed the park, which is now one of the hallmarks of Barcelona.
Although at the time of opening the park was a failed project, as it did not meet the objectives. Guell wanted to get a garden city, where sixty individual cottages are immersed in the beauty of nature. But the land sold poorly, Güell himself died at 1914, the First World War began and the park was left unfinished.
➤ Barcelona Gothic Quarter
Picturesque and atmospheric, the oldest district of the city of Barcelona. In its center is the Gothic Cathedral, and around it there are many narrow streets with old buildings. Walking here is very interesting, especially on a sightseeing tour, a part of Catalan history is hidden in every corner. Living in this area is not very pleasant due to old buildings, lack of heating, large crowds of tourists and, as a result, petty theft on the streets.
➤ Camp Nou Barcelona
The home stadium of the Barcelona football club was opened in 1957 and is considered the largest in Europe. It has gone through several serious reconstructions and now, in addition to matches and training, this arena hosts large-scale concerts and performances by top artists.
➤ Port Aventura
A huge amusement park in the city of Salou, a hundred kilometers from Barcelona. To visit the park, it is better to allocate a few days, in addition, there are many hotels in Salou and a fairly developed infrastructure. A ticket for two days to the park will cost you 70 euros per adult, attractions for every taste and age are open until the evening and are located around the lake, which is also a stage for spectacular shows.
➤ Salvador Dali Theater Museum
The Catalan city of Figueres is home to the largest and most visited surrealist architectural site in the world. The museum building was designed by Salvador Dali, he converted the old abandoned theater into a theater-museum, which now houses many of his works, distributed in chronological order – this allows the viewer to trace the artist’s path from impressionism to surrealism.
➤ City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
In addition to beautiful streets filled with madarin trees and ancient buildings, Valencia has a modern science and art cluster. Here you can visit one of the largest oceanariums, participate in interactive programs or, for example, listen to an opera. The city of arts and sciences is perfectly integrated into the natural and cultural landscape, and the Umbracle observation deck with gardens offers stunning views.
➤ Montserrat
An hour from Barcelona there is a place saturated with strength and beauty – Mount Montserrat. At a height of 1,230 meters above sea level, you can climb in several ways: by funicular, mountain train or on foot. In the center of the mountain is a monastery, the construction of which began in the 11th century.
It was later destroyed by Napoleon’s troops and rebuilt. On Montserrat, you can spend the night in Alberga – modest monastic hotels for pilgrims to admire the dawn, go to the morning service and then visit the monastery museum.
➤ Royal Palace of Madrid
The largest royal palace in Europe is considered the official residence of the Spanish kings. It was built in the 18th century for King Charles III. The current king of Spain Felipe VI does not live in it, the palace is used for special occasions. The building also functions as a museum, you can enter the gardens for free, and the palace itself with a ticket for 10 euros.
➤ Alhambra Palace Complex
In the south of Spain, in Granada, there is an amazing complex of buildings with a stunning history. The Alhambra was built by the conquering emirs and is an example of ancient Muslim architecture in Europe. Towers, fountains, gardens – all this is striking in its beauty and thoughtfulness.
Now the palace complex functions as a museum of Islamic culture and art, anyone can visit it. The territory of the Alhambra is very large, you will need more than three hours to inspect all the objects.
➤ Almudena Cathedral
Next to the Royal Palace in Madrid is the main city cathedral, it is quite modern. It began to be built at the end of the 18th century, and was opened only in 1993. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but you can leave a donation.
➤ Santa Barbara Fortress
A medieval fortress on top of a mountain in the city of Alicante was built to protect the valley from enemy raids. It is currently one of the most picturesque viewpoints on the Costa Blanca. You can get to the observation point by climbing on foot, by car or by elevator.
➤ Ibiza Island
Ibiza is one of the most popular European resorts, surprisingly combining the endless fun of festivals and parties and solitude with nature. The island is quite large in area, there is enough space on it for everyone: pensioners swimming in the sea early in the morning, young people staying on the dance floor until the morning, and families with children walking along the shady part of the island.
➤ Bellver Castle Mallorca
Among the Balearic Islands of Spain, Mallorca is one of the most remarkable. In the island’s capital, Palma, there is a Gothic castle that can be seen from almost anywhere on the island. The castle was the residence of collies, then a prison, and now attracts tourists from all over the world with its beauty and authenticity. Inside there is a museum of the history of the island, and from the observation deck you can admire a panoramic view of the azure bay.
➤ Costa del Sol
Coast of Andalusia and the southernmost resort in Spain. Here you are waiting for:
- beautiful beaches,
- small bays,
- cozy villages,
- Pablo Picasso’s birthplace is Malaga.
This region has many national parks, friendly people and delicious food.
➤ Alcazar of Seville
Moorish-style castle in Seville. It began to be built under the Arab rulers, and finished under the Spanish. Judging by this, this is a complex of palaces with very rich decoration in the style of the best Muslim masters. You can devote a whole day to this place: ponds, fountains, chapels and palaces – it will take a lot of time to see all this.
➤ Costa Dorada
Gold Coast or South Coast of Catalonia. The beaches here are sandy with a long gentle entry into the water. The center of the coast – the ancient city of Tarragona is also a must-see. There is a Roman amphitheater and a city wall built in the third century BC. In addition to historical monuments, Tarragona has a very pleasant atmosphere and a lively city center with cafes, restaurants and shops.
➤ Burgos Cathedral
The city of Burgos, the capital of the region of Castilla, is famous for its majestic Gothic cathedral. The cathedral is surrounded by fifteen chapels, each of which can be viewed for a very long time: paintings, towers and stained glass windows are made by different artists.
➤ Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is an autonomous province of Spain made up of seven islands. The largest of them are:
- Gran Canaria,
- La Palma,
- Tenerife,
- Fuerteventura.
The islands are almost always quite comfortable water and air temperature, but in winter it is very windy and rainfall is possible. The nature of the islands is not very diverse, mainly sand dunes, volcanoes and rare reserves.
➤ Picasso Museum
The legacy of Pablo Picasso in Spain is very great: there is a museum named after the artist in Barcelona, in La Coruña and a large collection in Madrid. But the most famous are the Picasso Museum and the Picasso House in Malaga, the master’s hometown. There are more than two hundred works in the museum’s fund, and Picasso’s house will tell about the early periods of his work, even authentic interiors from the artist’s childhood have been preserved inside.
➤ Alcazar of Segovia
A fortress on top of a mountain that has undergone many changes: from the residence of the king to a prison and a military school. The fortress burned down, but was restored, and now there is a museum and a military archive inside.
➤ Salamanca
One of the oldest Spanish cities and the capital of the Salamanca region, one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in the 13th century, is located here. In addition to the university building and the atmosphere of the student city, two cathedrals in Salamanca are interesting – the New and the Old. The most convenient way to get to the city is from Madrid and Barcelona.
➤ Escorial Monastery
The monastery is an hour from Madrid, and it is a huge building that has two museums, a giant historical library and three hundred monastic cells. In addition, the territory of the monastery is also the burial place of almost all Spanish kings.
➤ Prado Museum
A must for any tourist is a huge museum in Madrid with the most impressive collection of Spanish paintings and sculptures. About 2,000 paintings are in the permanent exhibition of the museum, among them 30 originals by Francisco Goya. You will have to queue for a long time, but it’s worth it.
➤ Royal Palace of Aranjuez
The royal palace complex in the province of Madrid was built in the 17th century as a response to Versailles – just as luxurious, with a rich and thoughtful garden and park ensemble and bewitching interiors. The entrance to the palace, which is now used as a museum space, will cost you five euros.
➤ Mesquita (Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba)
The main attraction of all Andalusia is the cathedral mosque in the city of Cordoba. During the Roman Empire, there was a temple on this site, but in the 8th century it was rebuilt into a mosque, and the mosque was expanded and completed many times. Now it is one of the largest and most beautiful Muslim shrines in the world.
➤ Marie Louise Park
This is the flagship park of sunny Seville, which also functions as a botanical garden. The park contains not only Mediterranean plants, but also shrubs and trees brought from all over the world.