On this publish, I’m going to share with you my prime issues to do in Barcelona.
Barcelona is a metropolis of contrasts. It’s edgy and uncooked, but inventive and complicated. It’s a spot that’s house to a whole melting pot of cultures, but stays uniquely its personal.
It’s additionally a metropolis blessed with world-class eating places, unbelievable structure, a thumping nightlife scene, and a beautiful shoreline.
With a terrific public transport system to shuttle you between the various neighbourhoods, and vast, pedestrian-friendly streets, getting round Barcelona is a breeze.
Town actually does have a vibe of its personal and there are countless issues to do in Barcelona to maintain you busy.
Having spent 10 days in Barcelona with Nick, we had been in a position to sufficiently scratch the floor and uncover numerous all this vacation spot has to supply. For sure, that is now certainly one of my favorite cities on the planet.
With that, let’s get began with this record of the 15 greatest issues to do in Barcelona.
1. Be part of a Strolling Tour
This is without doubt one of the greatest actions in Barcelona for if you first arrive.
Strolling excursions can be found in just about each main metropolis in Europe, and by becoming a member of one, you’ll have the ability to orientate your self instantly, whereas checking off some metropolis highlights alongside the way in which.
You’ll be able to be a part of a free tour with firms like Sandemans, whose guides will take you thru just a few of the neighbourhoods in Barcelona, and present you most of the metropolis’s must-see sights.
These strolling excursions are “free”, however they function on suggestions (€5-10 is adequate). Since they’re such a low worth, you might discover that many folks want to be a part of your most well-liked journey too.
A greater possibility is to affix this extremely rated strolling tour expertise, which has a restrict of simply 7 visitors. Collectively together with your educated and comical information, you’ll go to the Outdated City ‘Ciutat Vella’, the Gothic Quarter ‘Barri Gòtic’, and ‘El Born’.
Whilst you’ll definitely see the primary sights, the perfect a part of the strolling tour is that you simply’ll additionally achieve native perception into the town; together with the dos and don’ts, the perfect locations to eat, and extra.
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2. Test Out Antoni Gaudí’s Work
You actually can’t go to Barcelona with out trying out the beautiful work of Antoni Gaudí. You actually couldn’t miss his masterpieces if you happen to tried.
Sitting in stark distinction subsequent to the extra typical trendy structure and the attractive, however much less exotic-looking Catalan Gothic buildings, is the works of Twentieth-century genius architect, Antoni Gaudí.
Most of his buildings are primarily based on naturally occurring natural shapes, curves, and bends. Whereas regular buildings have pointed archways, sharp corners, and useful columns, Gaudí’s seem like in-built celebration of the connection between man and Mom Nature.
Two Gaudí buildings which you can’t miss whereas in Barcelona embody La Sagrada Familia – a construction nonetheless below building greater than 130 years later, and the Barcelona Cathedral – that is my favorite piece within the metropolis.
Different must-sees embody Parque Guell, Casa BatYo, Casa Mila, and Casa Vee-sens.
An effective way to cowl all of Gaudi’s work in a single go is to be a part of this Introduction to Gaudi expertise, which is simply $20. You’ll go to 7 of Gaudi’s masterpieces and study attention-grabbing details about the artist and his structure alongside the way in which.
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3. Stroll The Seaside Boardwalk at La Barceloneta
The Barceloneta seashore space of Barcelona is beautiful. With a large boardwalk referred to as Paseo Marítimo which follows the shoreline for about 4 kilometres, it’s the right place for a protracted stroll by the ocean.
You’ll discover just a few cool eating places and bars which have tables spilling out onto patios proper on the sand, and there are at all times folks making sandcastles, swimming within the water, (throughout summer season months), and having fun with the sunshine.
We ended up visiting the Barceloneta space after already being within the metropolis for every week, and we couldn’t imagine how lovely it was, or that we hadn’t visited sooner!
Relying on which neighbourhood in Barcelona you’re staying in, you’ll be able to go to Barceloneta on foot, by bus, or by taking the metro to Metro cease “Barceloneta”, (Yellow Line, L4).
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4. Get Misplaced in El Born
The Barrio of El Born is a labyrinth of slim cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and superbly ornate Church buildings and Basilicas.
On this neighbourhood, you’ll discover cafes and boutique shops by daylight, and cocktail bars and samba by night time. You’ll be able to go to El Born any time of day and it’s at all times enjoyable and thrilling, however it takes on a complete completely different vibe at night time.
When you have time, attempt to enterprise right here at the least as soon as throughout the day, and as soon as at night time, when the road lamps gentle up the stone buildings, giving them a golden glow.
Contemplating he lived right here from the age of 15, it’s not shocking that you simply’ll additionally discover some inventive works by Pablo Picasso in El Born, significantly within the Picasso Museum.
Couple that with some nice wine bars and eating places and you’ve got one of the vital eclectic and thrilling barrios within the metropolis. For a quaint and enjoyable wine bar, I like to recommend Bodega del Born, and for glorious cocktails and an expertise in itself, the Paradiso speakeasy.
5. Discover the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is yet one more charming medieval neighbourhood within the metropolis of Barcelona. I’ve now listed three of the town’s coolest neighbourhoods on this article, however the truth is, that is solely a small collection of the barrios that this metropolis has to supply.
The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona’s jewel within the crown of historic barrios. Courting again greater than 2,000 years, it’s an space stuffed with slim again streets, towering church buildings, quiet alleyways, nice eating places and bars, and a number of the metropolis’s most fascinating historical past.
Artisans promote leather-based and jewellery close to La Sagrada Familia, whereas flower stalls and street-food distributors line the busy avenue of La Rambla.
An effective way to discover the Gothic Quarter, (Barri Gòtic), is by becoming a member of a Barri Gòtic strolling tour. Along with Juliana, you’ll wander by the historic middle studying concerning the historical past, tradition, and darkish secrets and techniques of Barcelona. On the finish of the strolling tour, (in true Catalonian type), you’ll share a glass of sangria collectively.
Benefit from the Gothic Quarter – you’ll be amazed at each nook you flip on this charming maze of slim streets and alleys.
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6. Be part of a Paella Cooking Class (One of many Greatest Issues to do in Barcelona!)
We booked this paella cooking class throughout our journey to Barcelona and it was simply probably the greatest experiences we’ve loved to this point. That is undoubtedly probably the greatest issues to do in Barcelona for {couples}, pals, and foodies.
Though Pallela is initially from Valencia, (additional south within the area), it’s nonetheless a preferred dish all through Catalonia.
Throughout this cooking class, Chef Lucia, (who’s labored in each Gordan Ramsay’s and Jaime Oliver’s kitchens), walks you thru the steps to create certainly one of Catalonia’s most well-known dishes; the scrumptious paella.
Whereas cooking in pairs at your station, you’ll be served ice chilly, bubbly cava, (the Catalan type of glowing white wine), relish in chatting with different visitors, and study skilled cooking methods from revered cooks.
The cava doesn’t cease flowing and you may have as a lot, or as little, as you want.
What’s particularly nice about this expertise is that you simply get to prepare dinner the dish from begin to end, versus different cooking lessons which have the whole lot ready for you, and also you principally simply watch the meal being accomplished. Not right here! You do all of it, and get to take pleasure in your creation on the finish.
I actually can’t advocate this sufficient. Not solely is it a terrific cooking class, however you get to tick two issues off your record of issues to do in Barcelona; drink cava and eat paella. E-book the paella cooking class right here.
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7. Go Out For Tapas and Pinchos
Just about everybody is aware of about tapas – the well-known Spanish appetizer plates – however have you ever heard of the smaller, bite-sized snacks referred to as pinchos?
Pincho actually interprets to “thorn” or “spike” and refers back to the toothpick that you simply’ll discover holding collectively each pincho you eat.
There are many locations in Barcelona to get each tapas and pinchos, however Poble Sec specifically is the place to be for the abundance of bars that line the road right here.
We joined this tapas/pinchos journey which took us to five completely different pinchos bars the place we sampled practically a dozen completely different small dishes. You’ll study tapas tradition and tidbits about Barcelona. Plus, correctly pay for pinchos at a bar, (spoiler: you retain your toothpicks and pay per “stick” on the honour system).
I gained’t give all of it away by telling you concerning the tasty tapas we sampled, you’ll should e-book and uncover for your self. We actually loved the pinchos expertise and felt prefer it was a must-do in Barcelona to get the night time began.
8. Wander Round El Raval Barrio
El Raval is a vibrant multi-cultural barrio within the coronary heart of Barcelona. Though this space is taken into account a spot in Barcelona to take warning of, nowadays there’s numerous gentrification occurring, and it’s now higher identified for being an edgy, bohemian space.
Throughout our journey to Barcelona we spent a day exploring El Raval and loved experiencing this different aspect of the town. Fairly than medieval structure and broad, leafy streets, we discovered buildings that seemed a bit rougher across the edges, attention-grabbing avenue artwork, and wonderful group gardens.
El Raval is definitely house to a few of Barcelona’s prime museums and eating places — don’t miss Cañete Bar, or Dos Palillos.
9. Be Wowed By a Drink at Paradiso Cocktail Bar
Paradiso cocktail bar is an establishment in Barcelona, and for good cause. That is in all probability the good secret bar we’ve ever been to and that’s no understatement!
To enter the bar, it’s a must to already find out about it as a result of it has a hidden entrance by a walk-in freezer door at the back of a deli, however regardless of their makes an attempt to maintain this place a secret, just about everybody who lives or visits Barcelona might be drawn right here in some unspecified time in the future.
The costs on this bar aren’t low-cost, (round 15 euros for a cocktail), however neither is the booze that they use, or the way in which they put together them.
From steaming wood logs topped with crispy deep-fried ants, cachaca and keenness fruit, to dry ice gins and smoked tequila cocktails, this place places a whimsical spin on each drink they serve.
The bartenders at Paradiso are actually pleasant and affected person as you order the drinks, making this a really approachable speakeasy. When you like a superb drink, shaken or stirred, I extremely advocate that you simply add this unbelievable bar in El Born to your Barcelona itinerary.
10. Go Crusing
Crusing is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Barcelona on a sizzling afternoon, or to benefit from the sundown within the night.
Hop aboard this sailboat and cruise up the coast to take pleasure in views of the town’s shoreline. Among the prime sights embody Sagrada Familia, Tibidabo, Montjuic, and Diagonal Mar.
The sailboat can maintain as much as 12 visitors, however the captain usually solely books it for 7 – 8 folks to make sure you’re snug. Convey your bathing go well with if you want and luxuriate in a dip within the sea.
Security tools, native snacks and drinks, (cava, white wine, beer, mushy drinks, water), are included. Study extra about this Barcelona crusing tour.
11. Stroll La Rambla and Store at La Boqueria Market
La Rambla is a large, tree-lined pedestrian-only avenue that stretches for 1.2 kilometres from Plaça de Catalunya within the centre of the town, to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell.
It additionally kinds the boundary between the Gothic Quarter to the east, and El Raval to the west.
Right here you’ll discover dozens of retailers, in addition to flower stands lining the road. In the course of the excessive season, La Rambla might be packed, however it’s nonetheless a cool place to come back for a stroll.
While you’re on the Rambla, preserve an eye fixed out for Mercado de la Boqueria. Boqueria actually interprets to “place the place goat is offered” in Catalan, however there’s rather more right here than simply goat meat.
That is certainly one of Barcelona’s greatest markets, promoting the whole lot from meats and cheeses, to wines, fruits, handicrafts, and pastries. It was really voted the perfect meals market on the planet by CNN.
The market is open on Monday to Saturday, from 8:00am to eight:30pm. Every of the stalls available in the market is numbered, so after you have your favourites, you’ll be able to at all times return.
With a mean of 40,000 guests coming to La Boqueria on daily basis, it’s no shock that that is one other place that will get crowded within the metropolis, however if you happen to’re a foodie, you actually should make time for it.
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12. Sandwiches With a Aspect of Cava
Among the finest locations to go to in Barcelona earlier than going out for a late night time is Can Paixano. This bustling, small store serves nothing however just a few tapas, sandwiches, and cava, (Spanish glowing wine).
Order on the bar and take your sandwich to go, or keep awhile with the locals, holding a glass of bubbles in a single hand, and your sandwich within the different!
My advice is the sliced sausage squished between a mushy hamburger bun with melted cheese… and some glasses of cava, (in fact).
Costs are very affordable at round €1.50 – €3 for the whole lot. Can Paixano is open from midday till 10:00pm, and is closed Sunday and Monday. Discover it right here on the map.
13. Go to the Vineyards
It’s no secret that Spain is known for its wine. And fortuitously, throughout your journey to Barcelona, you gained’t should go removed from the town to go to vineyards and style some unbelievable wines.
Positioned simply 35 minutes by automotive, or 45 minutes by prepare, is the well-known Penedés wine area.
Throughout this enjoyable wine expertise, you’ll go to two wineries and style some premium wines or cavas. Plus, you’ll obtain a snack at every cease. Whereas driving between the wineries, (in a classic Mehari!), you’ll study concerning the area, grape rising, and extra out of your information.
After the vineyard visits, your host Neus will put together a picnic within the vineyards, full with native meals and extra wine, (as many glasses as you need…).
When you selected to reach by prepare, Neus might be ready for you on the Sant Sadurdí d’Anoia prepare station to whisk you away into the countryside.
Don’t miss this extremely rated expertise simply outdoors of the town. When you’d somewhat have a non-public journey for 2, Neus can prepare it. This is without doubt one of the most romantic issues to do in Barcelona for positive.
14. Watch Some Dancing (or Take part)
Among the finest issues to do in Barcelona on a Sunday is to go to the Plaça de la Virreina and watch some lindy hop dancing! You’ll discover this sq. within the Gràcia neighbourhood, (which in itself is a superb place to go to within the metropolis).
Wander across the plaza and go to the Sant Joan de Gràcia church earlier than stopping at one of many cafes to benefit from the dancing. Even if you happen to can’t go to on a Sunday, pop by Plaça de la Virreina for a drink.
15. Make Your Personal Footwear
This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Barcelona that you simply gained’t wish to miss. Create your individual pair of conventional Catalan espadrilles, (handmade footwear), as a particular memento so that you can preserve out of your journey to Barcelona.
Meet up with Luis and his spouse Kathe, who’re the founders and artisans of Handmade Barcelona. They’ve been making footwear for years whereas operating this moral model of handmade conventional footwear from Cataluña.
Fairly than merely purchase a pair of footwear, why not make your individual?!
Throughout this shoemaking expertise with Luise and Kathe, you’ll meet at their workshop within the Gothic Quarter to learn to make your individual espadrilles, and customise them to your liking. In addition they have some cava out there if you happen to get thirsty. Study extra and e-book this memorable expertise right here.
FAQs About Visiting Barcelona
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on a visit to Barcelona.
Is Barcelona secure?
Barcelona has a reasonably dangerous popularity for being a pickpocket haven.
Be conscious of your belongings whereas strolling across the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and main vacationer sights… particularly when strolling at night time. Keep watch over your pockets, purse, and backpack. Be conscious in eating places, and don’t depart your belongings on the bottom, or your cellphone on any tables.
When unsure, simply take taxis or Ubers at night time as they’re very inexpensive within the metropolis. Having stated all of that, we spent greater than every week in Barcelona and had nothing however optimistic experiences.
What do you have to not miss in Barcelona?
Whilst you gained’t have the ability to see the whole lot, in Barcelona you gained’t wish to miss seeing Antoni Gaudi’s work, (particularly La Sagrada Familia), making (and consuming) paella, occurring a tapas tour, and easily wandering across the varied neighbourhoods to absorb the environment.
What ought to I NOT do in Barcelona? (Issues to Keep away from)
Don’t count on folks to talk English in Barcelona, don’t flaunt your valuables, don’t purchase issues from distributors on Las Ramblas, don’t take part any avenue video games, don’t over tip, (5-10% is okay), and don’t eat at touristy eating places the place the menu is in English — go for the genuine meals!
Is 3 days lengthy sufficient in Barcelona?
Sure, 3 days is sufficient time in Barcelona. It’s possible you’ll not have the ability to, (or wish to), go to any of the sights outdoors of the town just like the wineries right now, nonetheless, with 3 days, you’ll have the ability to cowl all the principal sights and luxuriate in numerous the wine and tapas bars!
The place to Keep in Barcelona
There are numerous unbelievable neighbourhoods in Barcelona, every with its personal environment. To have the ability to greatest take pleasure in all the Barcelona points of interest and funky issues to see, listed here are some nice areas to remain:
1. Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
That is the center of Barcelona and it’s about as central as you might be. The well-known pedestrian avenue, La Rambla, separates the Gothic Quarter and the edgier El Reval. El Born neighbourhood additionally borders the Gothic Quarter.
There are quite a few locations to remain right here, take a look at this spacious 3-bedroom house, this stylish Southeast Asian impressed loft, or this deluxe house.
2. El Born
This can be a beautiful barrio with medieval structure, quite a few eating places and bars, boutiques, and a big park. There are many residences and lodging right here. Take a look at this contemporary house, or this cozy studio with a balcony.
3. Eixample
This can be a extra upscale space of Barcelona with plenty of luxurious retailers and lodging. Fairly than slim, cobbled streets like within the previous city, you’ll discover brilliant, open avenues. This neighbourhood is house to certainly one of Barcelona’s hottest points of interest, Sagrada Familia.
This beautiful penthouse house is an effective possibility, as is this two bed room house, and this house with a pool and backyard.
4. Gràcia
This can be a extra residential space, which seems like a city throughout the metropolis of Barcelona. That is the place we stayed throughout our journey and located it to be a terrific native space crammed with genuine bodegas, (wine bars), eating places, and quieter streets. It’s additionally actually shut to a different of Gaudi’s creations, Park Güell.
The lodging in Gràcia are extra inexpensive than different areas of the town, and also you’re only a fast stroll, or metro experience away to the perfect issues to do in Barcelona. Take a look at this extremely rated house within the middle of Gràcia and this lovely house with a rooftop terrace.
Now You Know The Greatest Issues To Do in Barcelona
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Barcelona, it’s actually probably the greatest cities, not simply in Spain, however in all of Europe. Prepare for unbelievable meals, welcoming folks, attention-grabbing structure, and epic nightlife.
Barcelona is a metropolis for every type of travellers, plus it’s additionally a terrific place to stay as a digital nomad and is without doubt one of the prime locations to show English — it actually has one thing for everybody. I hope this information to the highest issues to see in Barcelona helps you intend your journey.
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