Sagrada Familia

Probably Barcelona's most notorious building, the still under construction Sagrada Familia is absolutely amazing. Construction on Antoni Gaudi's legacy began in the late 19th century and to this day is still ongoing. That said, the Cathedral is just about done and the architecture, design, towering spires and setting are not to be missed by any visitor to Barcelona.

You can find more information about La Sagrada Familia at www.sagradafamilia.org

La Rambla

The Rambla is a market boulevard that really starts moving around 11 a.m. and is one of the main shopping and tourist arteries in Barcelona. You can find virtually all you are looking for. Art, clothing, newspapers, and even pets are all on sale. The Rambla is great for a stroll, people watching and checking out all the artisans and stalls on display.

Museu Picasso

Admire some of the best paintings from the Spanish master of Cubism, Pablo Picasso. A great selection of his masterpieces are on display in the museum, a tribute to one of the most admired and least understood masters of the brush.

Guell Park

The park is Gaudi designed and was meant to be a classy district but was never actually finished.. The park is named after Eusebio Guell, a huge Gaudi fan and supporter.

Parc de la Ciutadella

With Barcelona's zoo, the modern art museum and a Guadi fountain, the park offers a chance to get away from the concrete and maybe catch some rays to top up that tan. The park is hugely popular with locals and tourists alike and features a little lake. At the north entrance is a small version of the Arc de Triomphe with plenty more statues and things within the park itself.

Barri Gothic

The Gothic Quarter is located near La Rambla and is Barcelona's oldest residential area. As can be seen from the name, the architecture in the Quarter is Gothic but the Roman influence on Spain, and in this case Barcelona, is visible between Placa de la Catedral and Placa St Jaume.

Santa Maria del Mar

The city's basilica spans history for over a millenium. The first references were made to the building in 998. Located in the Barri Gothic, the basilica is the work of Berenguer de Montagut.

The Waterfront

If you prefer to just go for a stroll, you can go for a walk along the wooden boardwalk Barcelona boasts along its coast.

Montjuic

The mountain, or hill of Montjuic is on the outskirts of Barcelona. The area includes the Castle de Montjuic dating from the mid 17th century with the later additions added in the 18th century during the war of the Segadors. Also in Montjuic are the Olympic village and an archeological museum. A trip to the area is a good day out if you have that extra day in the city. Don't forget to see the Magic Fountain, it's beautiful and is at the top of Avinguda Maria Cristina.

Olympic Village

Built for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, this world-class sports facility will impress even the best athletes. The Olympic village is located in Montjuic.

Tour la Sagrada Familia

There are frequent tours of this as yet unfinished colossal architectural wonder.

Shop on La Rambla

Leather goods, art, food, antiques and curiosities are available with a wide variety of styles to suit anyone's preferences. At the bottom of the Ramblas is the monument a Colon, represented to the left. This monument is dedicated to Columbus' successful return from the Americas.

Shop at El Corte Ingles

Go to a Bull fight

Not for everyone but this is all the rage in Spain. The best Matadors are superstars in Spain and well respected in Spanish culture.

Go to a football match

Barcelona is home to Futbol Club de Barcelona, one of Europe's top football clubs who play at their home stadium, the Nou Camp.

Costa Brava

For those of you with additional time and a method of transport, we recommend you visit the coast of Spain just north of Barcelona called la Costa Brava. You can find more about this coast in our Spain Travel Guide.

Paella

A Paella is a famous Spanish dish. It's very nice and is prepared using saffron rice as the base served with chicken, shrimp, mussels, calamari and an assortment of vegetables.

Tapas

Although the locals don't necessarily make it a full meal, tapas bars will not stop you from doing so. You'll probably have to stand up while eating but that is the way it is done in Spain and when in Rome... Have chorizo, ham, olives, patatas bravas, squid and enjoy a great way of eating.

Jamon Serrano

Jamon Serrano is Spanish style cured ham. It's very nice and can be bought almost anywhere. Try in a sandwich or Bocadillo with some olive oil, a great and economical option for lunch.

Sangria

Sangria! Party juice. Drink away on a hot day. Sangria can be made from wine, orange juice, liqueur, fruit and whatever you think will go well in there.

Beer

Mahou is popular. Have a few.

Wine

Spanish wines are among the finest in the world. Varieties of wine comes in red (tinto) or white (blanco) and include Torres and Rioja. You can also try some Sherry from the Southern Area called Jerez.

Moscatel

A speciality Spanish sweet liqueur from the Catalunya region. Nice and easy to drink.

Chorizo

Chorizo is a Spanish sausage, usually made with pork and is often eaten dried, muck like salami, in a sandwich or even cooked in red wine for a little bit of extra flavouring.

Tortilla

Tortilla is a Spanish omelet. The most commonly known or served in small cafes will be a Tortilla de Patatas, potato omelet.

Hostels and cheap accommodation

There are loads of hostels around Barcelona. Prices vary from hostel to hostel but are generally affordable. Search and book a hostel in Barcelona.

Hotel

There is no shortage of hotels in Barcelona. There are a wide range of hotels and it is recommended visitors book in advance with Booking.com.

Airport - City

The city is a short 20 minute drive away. You can find information on Barcelona Airport at www.aena.es.

Car

Barcelona is quite easy to navigate by car and Spanish road systems are excellent.

Bus

Barcelona's bus system is well developed and covers the most part of the city and suburbs.

There is also a tour bus that does most of the major sights around the city. Go early for the tour bus as the queues get very long.

Metro

Barcelona has an extensive metro running through the city. Try to avoid the rush hours, early morning and evening when the locals are commuting to and from work and the metro becomes uncomfortably crowded.

Taxi

Taxis are black and yellow in Barcelona and are the best way to get from door to door if distances are on the longer side.

Train

Trains go to Barcelona from most major centres and are an economical way to get to and from Barcelona, and around Spain and Europe.

Language

Catalan and Spanish. The local language is Catalan but everyone understands and speaks Spanish Castellano. If you can't speak the language try some French or English, you never know, you might get lucky.

Time Zone

GMT +1

Currency

Euro

Useful Links

Barcelona Connect