Based on Spain’s northeastern coast, Barcelona is the capital city of Catalan, and it offers visitors plenty of leisure options and places to see. The city overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is fast becoming one of the trendiest cities on the whole continent. If you are wondering what to see and do on your visit to Barcelona, cast your eye over these.
- La Sagrada Familia
A UNESCO World Heritage site, La Sagrada Familia is a huge basilica found in the Eixample district. Construction started in 1882, and today, architects continue to work on the design. One of the most amazing things about it is the contrast in stone color between the front of the building and the back, and you can also see the difference between the earlier parts of the basilica and the new. Despite it still being under construction, La Sagrada Familia is well worth a visit, if only to go to the museum housed inside. There is a dress code – shoulders must be covered, and clothing must come down to the knees. It is open daily, and admission fees start at 23 euros.
- Las Ramblas
Found in the city center, Las Ramblas is a pedestrian walkway an done of the biggest shopping areas in the city. Street performers line the walkway, and there is always plenty going on. The walkway is 1 just over a kilometer long, and you can see several sites, including the Erotica Museum, Modernist Boqueria Market, and the Christopher Columbus Monument. Entrance is free, and it is open 24/7.
- El Gotic
The Gothic Quarter is found in the Old Town, offering several squares where you can shop, eat, and relax at some of the small bars, restaurants, flower shops, and small vendors. The biggest thing to see is the Barcelona Cathedral.
It is open all the time, and guided tours are available in several languages.
- Girona
Girona is a small Catalonian town steeped in culture and with one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in the city. It features museums and winding lanes, a combination of old Roman and modern Spanish, and the old part is built on the Capuchin hills. The climate is subtropical, making it accessible all year, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities. Some of the best places to see are the Cathedral de Girona, Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants, and Museu d’Art de Girona. And if you are a fan of Game of Thrones, join a walking tour around the set.
- Montserrat
The Montserrat mountains are near Barcelona and are one of the most popular tourist destinations. Standing just over 1200 m above sea level, the mountains stretch from Anoia to Baix Llobregat and onto Bages and feature several peaks, including Miranda de Les Agulles and Sant Jeroni. The mountains offer stunning views, and in 1987, the entire range was designated as a National Park. Places to see are the Benedictine Abbey, Sant Miquel’s Cross, and Sant Jeroni, the highest peak in the range.
- Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
The National Art Museum is one of the biggest in the country, and if you are an art lover, it is well worth visiting. The museum houses one of the largest Romanesque art collections, along with collections from Baroque and Renaissance artists, and is also home to several temporary collections. In 1990, it was designated a national museum and is one of the most dominating sights in the city. You can also see several collections of modern photography and art, and the museum is open six days a week, with admission starting at 12 Euros.
- Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is one of the best places to see the works of the famous artist, with more than 4,000 paintings on view there permanently. The collection is housed in separate mansions and mostly includes works up to his Blue period. The mansions, or palaces, housing the collections are a sight to see in themselves, featuring inner courtyards and Gothic architecture, and in 1947, the street where the museum is was also designated as a historical heritage. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM, and admission starts at 12 euros.
- Sagrat Cor
Sagrat Cor, better known as the Temple of the Sacred Heart, is best known for its architecture. Located on the tallest peak of Mount Tibidabo, the temple’s observation deck offers spectacular views over the city. It is open all year, but spring and summer are the best month. Most of it is free to access, with small fees payable to use the lifts and go inside. You can visit two floors, with the Statue of the Sacred Heart right at the top.
Opening times are 11 AM to 6 PM in the winter and 11 AM to 8 PM in the summer.
- Barcelona Cathedral
The final place to see is a stunning Gothic Cathedral and the Archbishop’s seat, the Barcelona Cathedral. One of the biggest of all the Catalonia churches, the Cathedral is in the center of the Gothic Quarter. You can walk around the Cathedral and see amazing examples of Roman walls and Gothic architecture. The roof features a range of animals in gargoyle form, and the inside contains a vaulted ceiling over no less than five aisles, the two outer ones serving as chapels.
The Cathedral is open from 8.30 AM to 12.30 PM and 5.45 PM to 7.30 PM Monday to Friday, 8.30 PM to 12.30 PM and 5.15 PM to 8 PM Saturday, and 8.30 AM to 1.45 PM and 5.15 PM to 8 PM on Sundays. Admission costs 9 euros.
As you can see, Barcelona offers plenty for you to see and do, with experiences you won’t get in any other city in the world. Overseeing the Catalan region of Spain, Barcelona is perhaps more famous for football but offers so much more, including art museums, churches, cathedrals, and some of the best shopping in the whole country. Include these places on your itinerary to have a truly memorable holiday.