Capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second city, Barcelona is utterly incomparable. It’s one of a few must-see cities with its own identity. This is partly down to a generation of early-20th-century artists and architects, like Antoni Gaudí, whose unforgettable buildings are like nothing you’ll see anywhere else.
There’s something to delight everyone in Barcelona. If you’re a food lover then the city has a total of 20 Michelin stars, and if you want culture you’ve got an inexhaustible choice of beautiful buildings and events. Add to this clean urban beaches, world-class nightlife and so much great shopping you won’t know where to begin.
Discover the masterpieces of Catalan Modernism
Antoni Gaudí is Barcelona’s most famous and most revered architect and is considered one of the pioneers (along with his contemporary Lluís Domènech i Montaner) of the historical movement known as Catalan Modernism. This movement emerged in Catalonia in the late 19th century and is characterised by natural curves and patterns, asymmetry and dynamic shapes – as seen on many of the most iconic landmarks in Barcelona. Take a tour of sites such as the Casa Batllò, Casa Milà (La Pedrera) or the Palau de la Mùsica Catalana to get a feel for this architectural movement.
Picasso Museum
Located in El Born, the Picasso Museum was created from a donated selection of Picasso’s work from his secretary and friend, Jaume Sabartés. Picasso was one of the most famous and loved artists of the 20th century, having painted masterpieces such as Guernica. His extensive collection of artworks includes intriguing and engaging paintings, ceramics and engravings, many of which are on display in the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. The building itself is also an incredible sight, set in five Medieval stone mansions, complete with courtyards and characterful staircases.
Sagrada Família
Another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, but unique in itself, the Sagrada Família is his most famous piece of architecture and an icon of Barcelona. In construction since 1882 and expected to be completed in 2026, this piece of art is still evolving, making it a very engaging visit. Not only is it a spectacular feast for the eyes from the outside, with beautiful views from each side, the Sagrada Família also boasts a fantastic museum inside. There is an entrance fee, but it’s worth the price to witness the incredible interior, including the option of panoramas from the tower.
Santa Maria del Mar
Santa Maria del Mar is Barcelona’s cathedral and the finest example of its expertise in Catalan Gothic architecture, with stunning stained-glass windows and the famous window of Ascension. Also notable for its flat-topped octagonal towers, it is a lovely sight outside as well as inside, where guests can discover the private tombs that give so much character and history to the cathedral. The interior is almost devoid of any imagery, allowing for unhindered admiration of the imposing height of the bare stonework.
La Boqueria
This huge public market is one of the city’s most famous tourist landmarks, located around two-thirds of the way up the tourism hub of La Rambla. The first mention of La Boqueria dates back to 1217, and it still stands today as a vibrant and busy market.
Park Güell
Park Güell is an almost make-believe landscape: home to Barcelona’s famous mosaic lizard—the image on a thousand postcards—plus spiral towers that look like fairground slides. The city’s grandest park began life as a collaboration between entrepreneur Eusebi Güell (hence the park’s name) and Antoni Gaudí. The lizard stairway and city views from Nature Square, the large open area surrounded by a wavy wall of mosaics. This is where it’s important to know your ticket options. The free ticket gets you into the park, but, honestly, not into the best parts. For that you need a €10 Monumental Cove ticket. Know that you need to book in advance online, and arrive promptly for your allotted slot—there’s zero wiggle room with timing.
There’s something to delight everyone in Barcelona. If you’re a food lover then the city has a total of 20 Michelin stars, and if you want culture you’ve got an inexhaustible choice of beautiful buildings and events. Add to this clean urban beaches, world-class nightlife and so much great shopping you won’t know where to begin.
Discover the masterpieces of Catalan Modernism
Antoni Gaudí is Barcelona’s most famous and most revered architect and is considered one of the pioneers (along with his contemporary Lluís Domènech i Montaner) of the historical movement known as Catalan Modernism. This movement emerged in Catalonia in the late 19th century and is characterised by natural curves and patterns, asymmetry and dynamic shapes – as seen on many of the most iconic landmarks in Barcelona. Take a tour of sites such as the Casa Batllò, Casa Milà (La Pedrera) or the Palau de la Mùsica Catalana to get a feel for this architectural movement.
Picasso Museum
Located in El Born, the Picasso Museum was created from a donated selection of Picasso’s work from his secretary and friend, Jaume Sabartés. Picasso was one of the most famous and loved artists of the 20th century, having painted masterpieces such as Guernica. His extensive collection of artworks includes intriguing and engaging paintings, ceramics and engravings, many of which are on display in the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. The building itself is also an incredible sight, set in five Medieval stone mansions, complete with courtyards and characterful staircases.
Sagrada Família
Another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, but unique in itself, the Sagrada Família is his most famous piece of architecture and an icon of Barcelona. In construction since 1882 and expected to be completed in 2026, this piece of art is still evolving, making it a very engaging visit. Not only is it a spectacular feast for the eyes from the outside, with beautiful views from each side, the Sagrada Família also boasts a fantastic museum inside. There is an entrance fee, but it’s worth the price to witness the incredible interior, including the option of panoramas from the tower.
Santa Maria del Mar
Santa Maria del Mar is Barcelona’s cathedral and the finest example of its expertise in Catalan Gothic architecture, with stunning stained-glass windows and the famous window of Ascension. Also notable for its flat-topped octagonal towers, it is a lovely sight outside as well as inside, where guests can discover the private tombs that give so much character and history to the cathedral. The interior is almost devoid of any imagery, allowing for unhindered admiration of the imposing height of the bare stonework.
La Boqueria
This huge public market is one of the city’s most famous tourist landmarks, located around two-thirds of the way up the tourism hub of La Rambla. The first mention of La Boqueria dates back to 1217, and it still stands today as a vibrant and busy market.
Park Güell
Park Güell is an almost make-believe landscape: home to Barcelona’s famous mosaic lizard—the image on a thousand postcards—plus spiral towers that look like fairground slides. The city’s grandest park began life as a collaboration between entrepreneur Eusebi Güell (hence the park’s name) and Antoni Gaudí. The lizard stairway and city views from Nature Square, the large open area surrounded by a wavy wall of mosaics. This is where it’s important to know your ticket options. The free ticket gets you into the park, but, honestly, not into the best parts. For that you need a €10 Monumental Cove ticket. Know that you need to book in advance online, and arrive promptly for your allotted slot—there’s zero wiggle room with timing.
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