Barcelona is a city everyone should visit at least once. The capital of Catalonia is a vibrant city that lives up to its reputation as a booming cultural hub with excellent museums, top-notch dining options, and endlessly entertaining nightlife. Barcelona is a dazzling, loud, and prosperous city. Barcelona has a variety of activities and attractions, from beaches to museums loaded with works of art, so everyone can find something to enjoy.
Explore the Gothic Quarter
Once the center of Barcelona and the hub of all its medieval attractions, the Gothic Quarter is located between the La Rambla and Rue Laietana. Although many of the buildings here date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, the Gothic Quarter is full of cozy restaurants, expensive stores, and lively nightclubs. The neighborhood is laid out like a web of narrow streets, many of them pedestrian-friendly, that meet in rectangular squares flanked on all sides by tall buildings. Among the prettiest are St. James Square, dating back to antiquity, the shady Reyal, and the cozy Del Rey. The central structure of the quarter is the majestic Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia, which is also the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. The central square of the Gothic Quarter, Placa de Sant Jaume, stands on the site of the Roman forum and the crossing of the main roads of Barcino. Today it is adorned by the neoclassical City Hall and the Renaissance Palace of the Government of Catalonia with its cozy orange courtyard. You can visit the Gothic Quarter and enjoy those and many other structures as a part of an organized tour that takes you throughout the city and is led by an experienced guide. A small yet pleasant addition is the opportunity to taste some tapas.
Enjoy beach activities
The popularity of Barcelona's beachfront among tourists is well-founded: after just 20 minutes of walking, the sandy beach is changed into lovely streets lined with tapas cafés and shops.Although not the cleanest in the world, all of Barcelona's beaches are packed with a variety of amenities. The beaches close to Barcelona are possibly the best. A little less than 4 kilometers long, Barcelona's coastline is filled with beaches that are distinguished by its vibrant promenades and silky, fine sands. But swimming in the waters of the Mediterranean and sunbathing are not the only activities you can engage in on the beaches of Barcelona. If you're looking for some adrenaline, there are plenty of options as well. For instance, you can try jet skiing, one of the most iconic water sports.
Brave Costa Brava
Costa Brava is located on the northeastern coast of Catalonia, close to the French border. This is one of the most beautiful areas along the Mediterranean coast due to the combination of magnificent beach resorts and tourist destinations. The Costa Brava has been a favorite among various peoples since the most ancient civilizations, such as the Iberians, ancient Greeks, Moors, and Romans, due to the abundance of natural gifts that these sites have received. The Costa Brava's impassable cliffs are densely forested. This area is notable for its beautiful bays with white sand beaches and turquoise sea waves. Along its 240 kilometers of coastline, Costa Brava features numerous towns. Blanes, the most southern resort town, is the one closest to Barcelona. It has wonderful sandy beaches as well as sights like the Marimurtra Botanical Garden and the observation deck at St. John's Castle. The next significant location is Lloret de Mar. It is the most well-known tourist site in Catalonia, with a developed infrastructure and a considerable number of visitors all year long. A visitor to Costa Brava's many coastal towns will reveal historical relics such as historic monasteries and castle ruins. The towns themselves are vibrant and dynamic, so the cultural program can be paired with entertainment - the nightlife of Costa Brava is something to behold.
Discover Antoni Gaudí
Antoni Gaudí was a Catalan architect who made a significant impact on the development of contemporary art. He was one of Spain's most significant modern artists.
Casa Vicens
The foundation for all of Antoni Gaudí's subsequent architectural creations was laid with the first significant commission he obtained, Casa Vicens. The young architect was hired by stock and currency broker Manel Vicens I Montaner to create a residence for vacations in the village of Gràcia. The Casa Vicens, one of the first structures to spark the Modernisme movement in Catalonia and Europe, was constructed between 1883 and 1885.
Park Güell
Following a pivotal meeting with businessman Eusebi Güell, Gaudi obtained multiple commissions and put out a wide range of project ideas. The connection between the two inspired the construction of many innovative architectural creations. One of these tasks for Gaudi was to create designs for the development of Park Güell, an estate for wealthy families with beautiful views known as the Muntanya Pelada. Even though the construction was abandoned only a few years after it was finished due to a lack of purchasers, the park eventually developed into a sizable public garden that, during the businessman's lifetime, was already regarded as one of Barcelona's top tourist attractions.
Casa Batlló
During his lifetime, Gaudí produced masterpiece after masterpiece. He was given a commission in 1904, and the result was one of his most famous creations. Rich textile tycoon Josep Batlló hired Gaudí to design a home. The result was Casa Batlló which is best recognized for its distinctive façade, which resembles a dragon's crest and is an allusion to the myth surrounding Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia. The completely renovated house has been accessible to the public since 1995.
La Sagrada Família
A little-known fact, but this project was initially led by Francisco de Paula del Villar. But due to technical issues, Villar was replaced by Gaudi, who changed the project's course by fusing Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau elements in his own distinctive architectural and engineering style. Gaudi spent the rest of his life working on the project, but the only component of the temple he would see finished was the bell tower honoring the apostle Barnabas. Today, over 140 years after the cornerstone was laid, work on the Basilica is still being done, and five generations have now observed the careful construction process in Barcelona.
Boost your adrenaline
Barcelona provides its guests with many vivid experiences. Those who want to diversify their trip with a splash of adrenaline will not be disappointed. In general, if we talk about Spain, Barcelona is the city with the largest number of extreme entertainment. In and around Barcelona there are a lot of places where you can do extreme sports. For instance, there is an option to try flyboarding. Flyboard will lift you 12 meters up into the air. A flyboard is a personal watercraft with a water jetpack or hoverboard, primarily used for recreational purposes. If you're more into enjoying picturesque views but still want to experience some sense of the extreme, you can try parasailing above Barcelona's coastline. Reach the height of up to 150 meters and enjoy the views of the city from above. Parasailing is a sport in which a speedboat pulls a water skier wearing a parachute until the skier is airborne and sailing through the air. Parasailing in Barcelona is for those who want the experience of a lifetime. Hovering high in the sky, you will be able to see far and wide. This opportunity is almost unique, except of course to fly in a helicopter over the city, but parasailing is cheaper and more extreme. Just enjoy the city looking at it from a different angle.
Try coastline boat activities
More than 100 kilometers of Barcelona's shoreline are made up of quaint seaside communities. Some of the attractions of this Mediterranean region include natural parks, stunning monuments, nightlife, well-attended festivals, and delectable cuisine.
Its beaches, which have golden sand and clean waters, are full of amenities and offer a wide range. Both large beaches like those in Calella, Santa Susana, or Castelldefels and little coves like those in La Vieta or Garraf can be found.
As we have already mentioned, swimming and sunbathing are not the only activities you can engage in on the Barcelona coast. The coastline itself can already be a source of fun and unforgettable emotions if you rent a boat. There are many options. Pedal Boat Private Tour will suit those who want to have a sea party and have a few drinks. Luxury Sailboat Private Trips are perfect for those who want to sail a little further out to sea and be able to swim away from the shore. Speedboat Tours are for those who want to experience a bit more extreme emotions. Additional perk of all those boat activities is that you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy both the sea and the skyline of Barcelona.
Experience the City’s Many Festivals
Large-scale, noisy, colorful festivals are an integral part of Barcelona's life. Many tourists try to plan their vacation so that it coincides with one of the most popular events, which is justified. After all, Barcelona is a city where you can listen to your favorite musicians live, see how towers of people are built, get caught in the rain of candy, and paint a stranger with colorful paints. And that's not all there is to look forward to!
Sonar
Barcelona hosts one of the major annual events, the Sonar festival of modern music and multimedia art. An estimated 100,000 people attend the event, which typically occurs towards the conclusion of the summer. Three days and two nights pass during the event. The festival's schedule is created over a long time and kept a secret until the very start. Sonar by Day, the daytime portion of the concerts, is held on the Fira Montjuic stage. Additionally, Sonar by Night's nighttime portion is held in the rural Fira Gran Via conference center.
Carnestoltes
This large-scale carnival begins on February 20 and is accompanied by a lively public celebration that spans the entire city of Barcelona. The event serves as an opportunity for locals to have fun and eat a variety of delicacies on the eve of the 40-day fasting period. During this time, street food stalls can be found all over the city - tortillas, tapas, fried sausages - no one will be left hungry. The main entertainment program takes place on Sunday. Attendees will witness a masquerade ball, performances, contests, and lots of people in unusual outfits. That same evening, the city will welcome King Carnestoltes, who will arrive to cheer up the people and open the costume show.
Gràcia
Every year in mid-August, the streets of Gracia change beyond recognition for a week. Residents choose themed décor and take it seriously. The townsfolk compete with each other for the grand prize and the title of the most beautiful and well-decorated street. Preparations for the event last all year. In addition to the streets themselves, people decorate balconies and windows, and the most ingenious neighborhood resident receives a prize. Throughout the week, everywhere you'll go, you'll encounter music, various contests, and performances. By the way, street food and alcohol during the festival usually cost much less.
Primavera Sound
Barcelona is home to Primavera Sound, one of the biggest music events in the world. It usually lasts three days and takes place at the Parc del Forum in late May or early June. Seven stages are constructed for the Primavera so that the musicians can be seen from every angle. Fans of all music genres swarm the festival.
Beer Festival
Since 2012, the biggest beer festival has taken place in Barcelona. Residents and visitors alike have the chance to sample new, unusual craft beer varieties in the middle of March and learn about global brewing tendencies. The two-day festival is held on the grounds of the La Farga de L'Hospitalet de Llobregat exhibition complex. You will have the option to taste berry, fruit, creamy, salty, sour, coffee, as well as the traditional light and dark beers. There are also several food courts providing a variety of snacks. At the end of the event, there is an awards ceremony for the brewers who scored more points for their drinks.
Festes de la Mercè
La Merce is one of the major events that take place in Barcelona at the end of September every year. The celebration is conducted in honor of the patron saint, who is said to have saved the city from a locust invasion at the end of the 17th century. Large-scale processions, dancing while wearing mascot costumes, theater productions, concerts, and fireworks are all part of the celebration. The program changes every year, but some elements never change. The building of the "tower of people" (Castel), the "parade of giants," and the "fire spectacle" are a few of them.
Fiesta de Sant Medir
San Medir celebration takes place every year on March 3 in the district of Gracia. On this day, horse-drawn carriages drive through the streets of the neighborhood and drop tons of caramel candies. To escape the "sweet rain," many people even come with umbrellas. Of course, the San Medir, like other similar festivals, can't be held without colorful parades, performances, concerts, and entertainment. In the evening, the city authorities organize a large-scale fireworks display in the Jardines de Gracia.
Visit Plaça de Catalunya
If you're passing through Barcelona, you have to make a stop at Plaça de Catalunya. The pulse of Barcelona beats loudly in this bustling square. It is a popular gathering place and the area that physically divides the neighborhoods of Ciutat Vella and the Eixample. The heart of the Catalan capital is the Plaça de Catalunya, which is steeped in history.
With its sizable malls and department stores, Plaça Catalunya is often bustling with people. It is the most central district in Barcelona and a favorite gathering spot for both locals and tourists. Additionally, it links the old town with the Eixample.
Plaça de Catalunya, a large square surrounded by imposing structures and adorned with sculptures, magical fountains, and greenery, is located in the heart of Barcelona. Ciutat Vella (the old city) and the modern Eixample neighborhood from the nineteenth century combine to provide a unique and exciting experience. This bustling square, which King Alfonso XII inaugurated in 1927, attracts both locals and visitors with equal success due to its abundance of stunning modernist buildings and bustling shopping areas.
With its rich history and stunning architecture, Barcelona's Plaça de Catalunya embodies Catalan pride.
A visitor can witness one-of-a-kind contemporary architecture in the form of sculptures and significant monuments. Mind you, Plaça de Catalunya is never quiet! You can enjoy lively streets, live musical performances, concerts, and vibrant fiestas and celebrations, and admire the works of renowned artists such as Josep Clarà located all around the plaza. Plaça de Catalunya is home to numerous attractions, including the Palau de la Msica Catalana. Lluis Domènech I Montaner, a major modernist, designed this concert hall, hoping it should become a "garden for music". Palau de la Msica Catalana is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Try romantic things
Barcelona is an incredibly romantic city. Medieval miniature buildings, fortresses, gentle sea, lots of greenery, magnificent viewpoints, and a general atmosphere of Spanish passion - all this makes dating in Barcelona so popular. Couples on a romantic weekend will find something to do. The intricate streets, the many squares, and the choice of places with beautiful views of the city create a romantic mood. Whether you're here for an unforgettable first date or to celebrate a silver wedding, you'll find something to do here. Sunsets in Barcelona, however, have an extremely romantic vibe to them. And can there be something more romantic than having a private sunset sailing trip? They can even offer a bouquet of roses for enamored couples.
Discover the art of Joan Miro
When visiting Barcelona, you will inevitably come across works of art created by the artist Joan Miró. For example, the city's most recognizable bank, la Caixa, features a star the artist made in its emblem. You will also be welcomed at the airport by a large mosaic of the artist's design. This Catalan artist is well-known. He created sculptures, paintings, and ceramic pieces. His art was greatly affected by the picturesque beach town and the unique style he discovered there. Miró announced an "assassination of painting" in favor of disrupting the visual components of traditional painting, expressing disdain for conventional painting techniques.
His works of art can be seen in Fundació Joan Miró. Joan Miró personally founded it, and on June 10th of the same year, the museum was opened. The majority of the artist's creations were donated to the foundation. His wife Pilar Juncosa, Joan Prats, and Kazumasa Katsutas all gave him other pieces as gifts. Among these works are well-known sculptures like the "Couple d'Amoureux aux Jeux de Fleur d'Amandier" (1975) and a sizable wall covering with a sumptuous design that was created especially for the foundation. The museum has about 10,000 pieces of art created by Joan Miró, the earliest of which date back to 1901. These works include paintings, drawings, sculptures, stage designs, and carpets. You may enjoy a stunning view of Barcelona and Miró's vibrant sculptures on the roof deck. The collection of Joan Miró's artwork in the Miró museum is by far the largest one available today.
Visit GetExpirience.com to find the best tour or activity for you!
It may be difficult to choose which thing to do or which site to explore on your own in Barcelona due to the city's abundance of attractions, places to visit, and things to do. The options available on GetExperience.com include tours and activities. If you contact us, we'll help you decide which experience best suits your interests.
