Top 5 Things to Do in Barcelona
Ciutadella Park in Barcelona, Spain. Image by Enric
Barcelona is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region and is well known as a popular international destination for travelers. The city is full of beautiful architecture, captivating art, deep Catalan culture, and so much more. Below are five things to do for anyone wanting to experience the most popular attractions in Barcelona.
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia by Enrico
Catalan architect Antoní Gaudi is responsible for this architectural blend of nature and religion, which has been in construction for over 140 years!
The Holy Family, La Sagrada Familia, is the world's largest unfinished Roman Catholic church. Known to many as the number one sight to see in Barcelona, attracting locals and tourists worldwide.
Antoní believed in blending god and nature, so the architecture features natural shapes and curves complimented by beautiful stained glass windows. The church style has roots in Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism, and Spanish Late Gothic design.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló by Max
Casa Batlló is another of Antoní´s genius architectural projects and another UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located in the center of Barcelona, at number 43 on Paseo de Gracia.
You can enjoy The iconic roof terrace view, walk down the Japanese-designed descent to the basement, or just admire the nature-inspired art of Antoní.
Unlike La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló is finished so you can see the full extent of Antoní´s nature-inspired artistic vision. Here is the official website for learning more or buying tickets.
did I forget to mention that the roof tiles are dragon scales? This building is just full of surprises!
La Rambla
Arch de Triomf by Cosmin
La Rambla is a large boulevard located in the city center of Barcelona. It is full of lovely Barcelona activities. The above picture shows Arch de Triomf, a wonderful arch surrounded by trees along the walkway.
You can also enjoy watching the traditional Spanish flamenco dance, listening to live music, eating at restaurants, and seeing human statues. The Christopher Columbus monument is a neat attraction as well.
La Rambla is pedestrianized, so there is no need to worry about car traffic. This seems to be a common theme among many attractions in Spain.
Park Güell
Park Güell by Mehmet
If you get tired of the urban areas of Barcelona, you should make a trip to the relaxing Park Güell. Here you can take a peaceful walk through the beautiful gardens and appreciate nature. It also features architectural pieces and is another world heritage site.
Following the people first theme that is so popular throughout Spain, Some of the surrounding streets have been turned into pedestrian precincts.
The park is a perfect relaxing getaway from the busy Barcelona life, but it also features some architectural monuments. Scale the dragon stairway, view the city's heart from the Greek Theatre, or check out the weekly market in the Hypostyle room.
Gothic Quarter
Cathedral de Barcelona by Bruno
The Gothic Quarter, Barrio Gotic, has Medieval streets filled with bars, clubs, Catalan restaurants, and anything you're looking for. It used to be the Roman village of Barcino.
Roman ruins, medieval monuments, churches, cobbled lanes, and wide walking areas like the Placa Reial can be found in this historical location.