Barcelona is a city of football, history, magic, and art. Oh, and did I mention the food and the beaches? With so many things to do in Barcelona, it’s the whole package.
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Barcelona is a fantastic city that has so much to offer, indoors and outdoors. Barcelona is a magical place with a long list of things to do.
10 Things To Do in Barcelona
Explore the Mysteries of the Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is a mixture of mystery and gothic architecture. It is the perfect place to stroll through the narrow passages. And explore the myths and legends of one of Barcelona’s oldest quarters. I especially enjoyed doing a walking tour of the area learning little-known facts about the Gothic Quarter. You will discover the Placa del Rei, a square once known for being frequented by the nobility. And the place that Christoper Columbus came to when he returned from discovering the New World. Discover the Carrer de la Pietat that is guarded by strange figures and even has a wall of petrified witches and wizards. You can even make a wish under the wishing bridge. Make sure to try out a walking tour through the Gothic Quarter to really get the full experience.
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Appreciate Gaudi Architecture
When visiting Barcelona it is impossible to explore the city without passing any of Antonio Gaudi’s great architectural wonders. The famous architectural designs are scattered throughout the city. Every one of the spectacular and unique in their own way. Gaudi’s amazing creations include portions of the Sagrada Familia, The Casa Batllo Park Guell, Casa Milla, Casa Vincens and many more. I absolutely loved my tour of Barcelona’s Gaudi Architecture. Get priority access to the Sagrada Familia and enjoy the most famous site in Barcelona.
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Take a Walk Down Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is a long, tree-lined street in Barcelona. A walk down this famous street will have you gawking at beautiful architecture, human statues and places of historical value. The street is lined with some of the best restaurants and cafes in Barcelona. And will have you busy for hours exploring the shopping opportunities. Las Ramblas offers museums and art galleries that can be explored. La Boqueria is also located in Las Ramblas. Explore the city of Barcelona and La Ramblas with a great cycling tour.
Enjoy Barcelona’s Beautiful Beaches
Barcelona has 4.5km of beautiful Meditararean beach fronts perfect for spending the day in the sun. And then hitting some of the best bars and restaurants in the city by night. There are several options for beaches. The most popular and well-serviced beaches being Barcenoleta Beach and Nova Icaria. These beaches offer everything from showers, volleyball courts, beach soccer, table tennis and umbrella, and beach chair hire. Other beaches include Bogatell Beach, Sant Sebastia, Mar Bella Beach (which includes a nudist beach) and Nova Mar Bella Beach. Each beach is unique in its own way and offers visitors a great experience. Enjoy a segway tour of Barcelona that will take you to some of the best beaches and sites in the city.
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Take a Day Trip
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Barcelona is centrally located and I highly recommend taking a day trip if you are staying for several days. Places such as Girona and Besalu are perfect day trips to explore theory and Catalonian culture. You can also visit Figueres, the residence of Salvador Dali. Visit the Montserrat Monastery to enjoy the beautiful rocky landscapes or visit Montseny Natural Park and enjoy the fresh air. You can also take trips to enjoy the beautiful Costa Brava, home to one of the best coastlines in the world.
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Carretera De Les Aigues
The Carretera de Les Aigues is located in the Collserola National Park which is a popular retreat for city dwellers. The park is lined with hiking and cycling trails, the most accessible of which is the Carretera de Les Aigues. It is a 9km trail and frequented by joggers, walkers, and cyclists. You can easily reach the trail via public transport. It is one of the best outdoor things to do in Barcelona.
La Boqueria
La Boqueria is the largest food market in Spain and one of the largest in Europe. It is a foodies paradise and you can find everything from food stalls, handicrafts, and farmers stalls. This gastronomical paradise attracts 40 000 people a day, making it one of the busiest places in Barcelona. La Boqueria is the best place to indulge in some of the best Spanish cuisines including seafood tapas, Paella, and fresh produce.
Museu Nacional D’Art de Catalunya
The Museu Nacional D’Art de Catalunya was built in 1929 for the World Exhibition and was later restored in 2005. The museum holds mostly Catalan art. The art ranges from the early Middle Ages to the early 20th Century. The museum is well-known for one of the largest Romanesque period collections of art in the world. The entire collection ranges from early church frescoes to Salvador Dali’s work. Purchase an Articket for entrance into several of Barcelona’s best art museums including the Museu Nacional D’Art de Catalunya.
Camp Nou
Camp Nou is the home stadium of F.C Barcelona and seats a whopping 99 354 people and is the largest stadium in Spain and Europe. The Stadium is an excellent feat of architecture and is one of the most beautiful stadiums in Europe. It has housed concerts by Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and U2 as well as the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Camp Nou is one of the best things to do in Barcelona for sports fans, especially considering that it is home to one of the best soccer teams in the world. You can purchase a combo ticket for the Hop-on Hop-off that includes a stop at Camp Nou and the museum.
Parc de la Ciutadella
The Parc de la Ciutadella, The Park of the Citadel in English, was once the only green space in Barcelona. The park grounds include the park zoo, the assembly hall of the parliament of Catalonia, a small lake, museums and a large fountain that is considered the crowning jewel of the park. The Citadel (for which the park is named) was built as a fortress during the ish Wars of Succession in 1714. The park is a perfect place to explore important historical monuments and natural beauty.
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Tapas and Food Tours in Barcelona
Private Tapas & Wine Tour with a Local
Explore lesser-known bars in Barcelona and eat like a local on this great tour. You’ll have tastes of some of the best tapas and wine in the area. This highly-rated experience is not to be missed when you visit Barcelona.
Small-Group Food and Wine Tour in Barcelona with a Sommelier
Barcelona is full of gastronomic wonders and this tour will take you into the midst of them all. Explore the beautiful culinary neighbourhoods and taste some of the best tapas and wine available.
Barcelona Tapas, Taverns and History Tour
Taste some of the best Catalan wines and tapas in Barcelona on this excellent tour. You’ll learn all about the history of this city as you enjoy culinary excellence.
Tapas and Wine Walking Tour with Flamenco Experience
There is nothing quite like watching live flamenco while enjoying the best tapas and wine in Barcelona. This tour gives you three experiences in one that will leave you wanting more.
Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Mediterranean Cooking Class in Barcelona
Learn how to make famous Catalan dishes with this cooking class in Barcelona. You can enjoy wine, drinks and tapas during this small-group experience.
Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona
Enjoy cooking a selection of tapas and paella as you enjoy local wines and sangria. You’ll be cooking with a qualified chef while you indulge in excellent cuisine.
Paella Cooking Experience with Professional Chef and Bottomless Wine
With this cooking experience, you’ll get more than just knowledge from a Michelin-star chef but plenty of exquisite Catalan wine. The experience ends with a five-course meal not to be missed.
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Accommodation In Barcelona
5-Star
Hotel Sofia Barcelona – in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is located a 5-minute walk away from the Camp Nou Stadium. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and free wifi. You will find several excellent on-site restaurants and a sophisticated book cafe. The hotel also offers great views of the city, a free 24-hour gym, and a water circuit. In your free time, you can enjoy the wellness spa that offers several treatments, saunas, and steam baths.
Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento is housed in a UNESCO Heritage site built in 1908. The Modernist building is luxurious and offers guests the best in decor and comfort. The hotel has a sauna, gym, and roof terrace with a pool and stunning views of the city. Some of the rooms offer a hydro-massage bath. The hotel also offers several restaurants, a jazz bar, and a rooftop jazz bar.
4-Star
Condes de Barcelona is located in a 19th-century building. The hotel offers spacious, soundproofed rooms. Guests can enjoy a rooftop terrace and rooftop pool as well as a sauna and a gym. The hotel also offers its own stylish rooftop bar and is a 10-minute walk from Las Ramblas.
ICON BCN by Petit Palace is located in the centre of Barcelona just a 5 minutes walk from the Plaza Catalunya. The hotel offers great rooms, free bicycles to use to explore the city and free iPads when available. Guests can enjoy the use of the cyber corner as well as a great terrace perfect to relax.
3-Star
Hotel Granvia is a 3-star hotel that is highly rated. It is located in a 19th-century building and is both stylish and luxurious. The rooms come equipped with private bathrooms and are spacious with high ceilings. The hotel offers a daily breakfast buffet and a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy a drink. It is located just 500m from Las Ramblas and is perfect to explore the many things to do in Barcelona.
Hotel Jazz is a highly rated hotel located centrally in Barcelona just a 2-minute walk away from the Plaza Catalunya. The hotel offers spacious rooms in a contemporary style. As well as a rooftop pool and a terrace with excellent views of the city. Enjoy drinks and pastries at the modern bar-cafe that is onsite.
