BARCELONA TRAVEL GUIDE

Proud heritage and culture of the Catalan people is on full display in this cosmopolitan city, full of sightseeing and sangria. Barcelona is the heart of Catalonia.  The city’s vibrant and distinctive architecture of Antonio Gaudi is proudly on display. Discover Modernism, often referred to as Catalan Art Nouveau. Experience the culture and color of this electrifying city, which will inevitably bring you back time and time again. 

For any first time visitors, I recommend breaking up your travel days based on the three major sightseeing areas; The Old City, Montjuic, and Eixample. 

MUST SEE- OLD CITY

This part of the city is much like a maze, secret and spirited streets wind around historic homes opening up to medieval squares. This area is not only the oldest part of the city, but considered the heart. With cafes, bars, and shops full of tourists and locals alike, any visitor must spend time walking these streets. 

• LA RAMBLA  

Start your trip along Barcelona’s main artery, La Rambla, Barcelona's most famous street. Shop the many stores, or just walk and wonder. With a plethora of flower stalls and artists, this tree lined avenue is a perfect start to any visitor's itinerary. If you are not a fan of crowds, try to go early in the day. 

• LA BOQUERIA - MERCAT DE SANT JOSEP 

Right off La Rambla, step into Barcelona’s favorite and most popular food market. This is not the best place to actually pick up breakfast or lunch, but more for picking up picnic snacks and the best fruit juice you will ever taste. Pro Tip: Bring cash to pay! 

• CATEDRAL DE BARCELONA 

Dating back over 500 years, Barcelona’s Cathedral was saved from Civil War destruction. The cathedral is built in Catalan-style Gothic design and its ornate façade is a sight not to be missed. Sit in the adjacent plaza, and listen to a guitarist dazzle or Opera singers serenade. 

• MUHBA PLACA DEL REI 

Facing one of Barcelona's oldest squares, the historic Royal Palace, now a museum, used to be the home of the count-kings of Barcelona.  Underground, you can walk through the museum and explore Roman ruins accessible by suspended walkways. 

• PONT DEL BISBE 

The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of the Old Town. Walk around the area, and make sure to pass the beautiful neo-gothic “Bishop’s Bridge.” This is the perfect photo worthy spot in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. 

• PLACA REIAL 

This stunning square is one of my personal favorites. With tall palm trees planted throughout the plaza and restaurants lining the perimeter, this is a perfect spot for a touristy dinner and great people watching. 

• MUSEU D’ART CONTEMPORANI (MACBA) 

Architect Richard Meier designed this building to house all the city’s collection of contemporary art. My favorite part is that the museum’s large ramp entry has been embraced by skateboarders, and you can’t help but love the authentic vibe oozing from the plaza. 

• PLACA DE CATALUNYA

This prominent square is the starting point for La Rambla, and helps to form the outermost edge of the Old Town. 

• MUSEU PICASSO 

The Picasso Museum is a popular tourist stop, full and focused on his early works, the museum has over 4,000 pieces in its collection. Las Meninas (1956) is the highlight not to be missed.  Pay attention to the studies, you can see the evolution and work that went into the “final” piece. 

• MERCAT DE SANTA CATERINA 

Santa Caterina Market, designed by firm Miralles Tagliabue EMBT, near Barcelona’s Cathedral is an architect’s bucket list building. But honestly, you can’t really experience the beautiful and colorful mosaic roof….

• PARC DE LA CIUTADELLA 

Enter under the Arc de Triomf (Neo-Mudéjar style) and wander down the tree lined Passeig de Lluís.  Don't forget to check out Castell dels Tres Dragons built by Lluís Domènech i Montaner or Cascada Monumental that Gaudi helped to design.

• BASILICA DE SANTA MARIA DEL MAR 

This church is designed and built completely in the Catalan Gothic Style. The Rose window was built in the 15th century and should not be missed! 

• BARCELONETA 

Barceloneta Beach, once designed as a fishing village, is now considered Barcelona’s most popular beach. Due to its close proximity to the city and new great restaurants and bars, it's a perfect place to experience the city’s nightlife (it reminds me a bit of Miami). Shadowed by the towering W hotel, designed by architect Ricardo Bofill, this is a major tourist spot. An alternative to a night on the town could be catching Port Cable Car to Montjuïc for some amazing views. 

Pro Tip: Don't forget the folly fish by architect Frank Gehry. It doesn't have a practical purpose. But it's a literal gold fish- so if anything, take a selfie.

• MONUMENT A COLOM 

The towering bronze monument is believed to be where Christopher Columbus came on shore after discovering America. It is located at the southernmost tip of La Rambla and circled by a busy roundabout.  

• PORT OLIMPIC 

This area is a true waterfront transformation and occurred for the 1992 Olympic. The Port included massive demolition of the industrial waterfront to make way for significant housing complexes and new beaches. This is further out so I would only recommend this area if you have a longer stay in the city. 

• PORT VELL 

Part of the urban renewal of the waterfront for the 1992 Olympics, this is now a waterfront harbor that is home to a mall and aquarium. “Rambla de Mar” is the continuation of La Rambla over the water.

MUST SEE - EIXAMPLE

This area to the North of Old Town was built in the late 19th century. With big broad streets, this sprawling part of Barcelona feels very different to the older medieval squares and is home to some of Barcelona’s best shopping.  Eixample is known for its Modernista architecture. Modernista is often referred to as “Catalan Art Nouveau” and the best known architect of this style is no other than Antoni Gaudí. 

Both Casa Batlló and Casa Mila are part of the Quadrat d’Or or “Golden Square.” This area is Barcelona’s best and most beautiful Modernista buildings. Be sure to walk this area!!

• SAGRADA FAMILIA 

This architectural wonder towers over the city, and is a true masterpiece for all to see. The design is unlike anything ever built, Gaudí’s greatest work celebrates Christian symbolism on the exterior of the building for all to see. It is still under construction and estimated to be complete in 2026. As a must visit on any traveler’s itinerary, download the app, and book tickets ahead of time. Pro Tip: If you select a tour without a physical guide, bring earbuds and listen to the audio guide while walking the site. 

• AYRE HOTEL ROSELLON 

This hotel’s rooftop terrace makes the list for its perfect views of the Basilica. Nothing is better than experiencing a piece of historic architecture than with a glass of sangria in Spain. Book ahead to guarantee a spot overlooking Sagrada Familia. 

• PARC GUELL 

At the northern edge of Gracia, Gaudí originally set out for the park to be a 50 acre utopian ‘garden city” with approximately 60 houses. Today it is a sprawling park overlooking all of Barcelona. Be sure to check out the following spots in this UNESCO World Heritage Site . 

• At the entry of the park, in between the cascading staircases, you will find the unofficial mascot of the park, the mosaic salamander. 

• The Hypostyle Room or ‘Room of a Hundred Columns’  is made up of approximately 86 doric inspired columns on which a roof (or the Gran Plaça Circular) rests upon. In the original design of the Garden City this room was intended to be the Market Hall. 

• The Gran Plaça Circular’s perimeter is the famous mosaic Serpentine Bench.     

• Built in a diagonal shape, the Laundry Room Portico was crafted to mimic an ocean wave. The textured walls nod to early biophilic design. 

• CASA MILA (also known as La Pedrera) 

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this apartment building was built between 1906-1912, and was Gaudí’s last private residence. Different from other buildings Gaudí created, this piece of architecture notably lacks color and hence has been lovingly nicknamed La Pedrera, which means ‘the stone quarry’ because it resembles an open quarry in appearance. Visit some of the restored apartments, explore the Gaudí Exhibition and then head to the beautiful rooftop terrace. 

• CASA BATLLO 

Casa Batlló, also known as the House of Bones, was a true delight to visit. Restored and thoughtfully designed to accommodate all types of travelers, this has everything from a unique and total immersive experience to a custom audio guide. I recommend purchasing your tickets online prior to your trip, so you do not have to wait in line!

MUST SEE - MONTJUIC

Sitting high above Barcelona, Montjuïc is known for its sweeping and stunning panoramic views of the city. Crowned by a Castle and park, this calm oasis from the bustling city is worth exploring. Rent a scooter and tour all it has to offer! 

• PLACA ESPAÑA 

At the base of Montjuïc, this avenue leads up to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). Visit at sunset to see the multicolored light show. 

• PAVELLO MIES VAN DER ROHE

The Barcelona Pavilion was designed by German architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich for the 1929 International Exposition. Every architecture student has seen it, studied it, and must experience it. 

• CASTELL DE MONTJUIC

Montjuïc Castle was built in the 18th century. Now a museum that boasts stunning gardens and views of the city, this is a must visit. The first Sunday of the month is free admission. 

• POBLE ESPANYOL

This small Spanish village was built for the 1929 International Exposition. The village design displays approximately 116 different styles of architecture and construction and is a must visit for any architect or design enthusiast. 

• FUNCACIO JOAN MIRO

 Architect Josep Lluis  Sert was commissioned by Joan Miro to design a museum to house a collection of his artwork. 

• ESTADI OLIMPIC DE MONTJUIC 

Originally built for the 1929 International Exhibition, and then retrofitted for the 1992 Olympics, the stadium can now hold 60,000 people and is considered a “multipurpose site”  and hosts everything from sporting events to concerts.

BEYOND THE CITY: MONTSERRAT 

Day trip to the surrounding mountains or Visit a vineyard in the Catalonian Countryside. 

BEYOND THE CITY: COSTA BRAVA

If you are looking for Beaches and coastal walks, look no further than the beauty of Costa Brava.

MODERN ARCHITECTURE 

• Agbar Tower (Architect: Jean Nouvel) 

• Forum Building (Architect: Herzog & de Meuron) 

• Telecommunications Tower (Architect: Norman Foster) 

• Olympic Flame (Architect: Santiago Calatrava)

ON MY NEXT VISIT

• Palau de la Música Catalana

• Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site

• Mount Tibidabo 

• Camp Nou, FC Barcelona Stadium 

• Parc del Laberint d’Horta

• Palo Alto Market

• CaixaForum 

• Sala Parés

• Santa Maria del Pi

SLEEP

• APARTHOTEL ARAI 

In the heart of the Gothic Quarter and a close walk to La Rambla, this beautiful luxury hotel is set in a restored 18th-century palace. With an excellent and walkable location to all the Old Town spots, and helpful and friendly staff, I highly recommend this boutique hotel.

TRANSPORTATION

• Airport: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport also known as Barcelona Airport  (BCN) 

• Trains: International and Domestic Rail services are run by Renfe. 

• Taxi: Throughout Barcelona taxis are available and typically reasonably priced BUT I recommend the “Free Now” ridesharing app since there is no Uber. 

• Subway: Download the Barcelona Metro app, run by TMB. (tmb.cat) 

• Car: I have been to Barcelona 3x and have never considered driving, this city has so many options for transit.  

• Vespa: Explore this option only if you are a confident and experienced motorcyclist. 

• Walk: Barcelona is very walkable. Download Google off-line maps for quick reference.

FOOD & DRINK

Barcelona is a place for foodies! Below are a few things to remember, and foods to try!

• Jamón (dry-cured ham) is a staple of Spanish cuisine; don’t leave without trying Jamón ibérico.  

• Go for an evening stroll or Pre-dinner paseo. 

• It's recommended not to have tapas for dinner (unless you combine multiple to make a meal). Tapas are typically just a bite-sized dish, generally meant to be a pre-meal snack.

• When shopping for food, bring your own bags to shop in the market or supermarket.

• Paella (originally from Valencia) is one of the best known dishes in Spain. Note: A local once told me do not order this food if you see a photo of it on a menu, it often is not fresh! 

• Try a Tinto de Verano or “summer wine.” It is red wine mixed with lemon and is a more local version of sangria.

• Download the app “The Fork” to check for restaurants that are available while you are traveling. (This app is great and works all over Europe!) 

• When you order a drink, it is typical that a restaurant or tavern will also provide you with a small appetizer (such as olives, chips or cheese).