Barcelona is one of those cities that almost everyone in the world can pinpoint on a map. Cosmopolitan, modern, open to Europe… let’s take a look at what makes this city so unique.
Art & architecture
Barcelona is synonymous with modernism and avant-garde aesthetics. Sagrada Familia is an ideal starting point for checking out the city’s architecture. It was designed by the architect Antonio Gaudí and is still under construction today. However, when finished, it will be the tallest Christian church in Europe.
According to the official website, work on the temple is expected to be finished in 2026. Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and is listed as a Cultural Asset of National Interest.
There’s always a long queue, so make sure to buy your ticket well in advance.
Park Güell is another of Antonio Gaudí’s works. This 17 hectare park is distinctive for its many colourful mosaics, columns in the form of animals and structural solutions rooted in the analysis of geometry. Everything here is inspired by nature. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a place with an important political and religious symbolism.
Casa Batlló is another of Gaudí’s masterpieces and a key piece of modernist architecture. This former residence of the family of the same name is located in the centre of the city.
Barcelona also has other renowned architectural works such as the Gothic style Barcelona Cathedral with its impressive facade. At certain times, visitors have access to the crypt where the sarcophagus of Saint Eulalia rests. She is one of the two patron saints of Barcelona and was martyrized in the year 304 AD for defending her Christian faith.
Charming neighbourhoods
Let’s begin with one of the city’s most authentic neighbourhoods. Barceloneta has a maritime past, lots of history and huge beaches. The best way to discover it is by wandering through its many narrow streets. Remember to try some fresh fish in one of the bars or restaurants! Another popular attraction is the cable car that takes you from the beach right up to the Mirador de Miramar, where you can enjoy incredible views of the city.
The Gothic Quarter is one area you can’t miss on a visit to Barcelona. This is the oldest part of the city and still retains a labyrinthine street plan with many tourist attractions such as the cathedral, Plaça Reial and shopping streets. It stretches from Las Ramblas to Via Laietana, and from Paseo de Colón to Plaça Catalunya.
Next stop, one of the busiest streets in the city, Las Ramblas., well, it’s actually a series of five shorter tree-lined pedestrian streets that’s always full of tourists, street entertainment and stalls selling flowers, knick-knacks and souvenirs. The world-famous Boquería Market, one of the city’s foremost tourist landmarks, is also located on Las Ramblas.
Not far from Las Ramblas you have Barcelona’s most bohemian neighbourhood, El Raval, which previously known as Barrio Chino. Today, multiculturalism is the dominant feature. This is a great place for shopping, sampling food from the four corners of the globe and it’s also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona. Unfortunately, it has had some security concerns in recent times, so should be avoided late at night.
Let’s hit the beach
Barcelona is one of the most important capitals in Spain. It’s also a beach city. A dualism that makes it a nirvana of sorts for those looking to discover the city’s hidden charms and enjoy long days lounging in the sun.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular beaches:
–Barceloneta Beach: This is perhaps the most famous beach in the city. It’s more than 1km in length and takes its name from the city’s seafaring neighbourhood. The water is usually calm, and as it’s the closest beach to the city centre, it tends to be the most visited by tourists. It has a full range of leisure facilities and a nudist area.
–Sant Sebastiá Beach: Together with Barceloneta Beach, this is the oldest beach in the city, and it usually gets very crowded. It’s 1100 metres long and has an area for people with reduced mobility. There’s also a cable car nearby that goes up to Montjuïc.
–Mar Bella Beach: This nudist beach in the San Martín district is hugely popular with young people and the gay community. It’s also a great spot for parties during the summer nights. It’s smaller than the others, only 500 metres long.
If you’ve already decided to travel to Barcelona, remember you’re going to need a good night’s rest to discover the city fully. Reding Croma Barcelona By BlueBay is ideally located between Las Ramblas and Plaça de Catalunya, making it an excellent choice for some rest and relaxation after a long day of sightseeing.
