On this submit, I’m going to share with you my high issues to do in Barcelona.
Barcelona is a metropolis of contrasts. It’s edgy and uncooked, but creative and complicated. It’s a spot that’s residence 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 an incredible public transport system to shuttle you between the various neighbourhoods, and vast, pedestrian-friendly streets, getting round Barcelona is a breeze.
The town actually does have a vibe of its personal and there are limitless issues to do in Barcelona to maintain you busy.
Having spent 10 days in Barcelona with Nick, we have been in a position to sufficiently scratch the floor and uncover a number of all this vacation spot has to supply. Unquestionably, that is now one in every of my favorite cities on the planet.
With that, let’s get began with this checklist of the 15 finest issues to do in Barcelona.
1. Be part of a Strolling Tour
This is without doubt one of the finest actions in Barcelona for while 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 best way.
You may be 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 lots of the metropolis’s must-see sights.
These strolling excursions are “free”, however they function on suggestions (€5-10 is ample). Since they’re such a low value, you could discover that many individuals want to be part of your most popular journey too.
A greater possibility is to affix this extremely rated strolling tour expertise, which has a restrict of simply 7 company. Collectively together with your educated and comical information, you’ll go to the Previous 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 just’ll additionally acquire native perception into the town; together with the dos and don’ts, the perfect locations to eat, and extra.
2. Verify Out Antoni Gaudí’s Work
You actually can’t go to Barcelona with out testing the beautiful work of Antoni Gaudí. You actually couldn’t miss his masterpieces in case you 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 based mostly on naturally occurring natural shapes, curves, and bends. Whereas regular buildings have pointed archways, sharp corners, and purposeful columns, Gaudí’s look like in-built celebration of the connection between man and Mom Nature.
Two Gaudí buildings which you could’t miss whereas in Barcelona embrace La Sagrada Familia – a construction nonetheless below development greater than 130 years later, and the Barcelona Cathedral – that is my favorite piece within the metropolis.
Different must-sees embrace 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 part of this Introduction to Gaudi expertise, which is just $20. You’ll go to 7 of Gaudi’s masterpieces and study attention-grabbing details about the artist and his structure alongside the best way.
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3. Stroll The Seaside Boardwalk at La Barceloneta
The Barceloneta seaside space of Barcelona is beautiful. With a large boardwalk often called Paseo Marítimo which follows the shoreline for about 4 kilometres, it’s the right place for an extended 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 all the time individuals 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 stunning it was, or that we hadn’t visited sooner!
Relying on which neighbourhood in Barcelona you’re staying in, you may go to Barceloneta on foot, by bus, or by taking the metro to Metro cease “Barceloneta”, (Yellow Line, L4).
SEE ALSO: A Information To Barcelona For First-Timers
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 evening. You may go to El Born any time of day and it’s all the time enjoyable and thrilling, but it surely takes on an entire completely different vibe at evening.
In case you have time, attempt to enterprise right here not less than as soon as in the course of the day, and as soon as at evening, 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 just’ll additionally discover some creative works by Pablo Picasso in El Born, notably within the Picasso Museum.
Couple that with some nice wine bars and eating places and you’ve got probably the most eclectic and thrilling barrios within the metropolis. For a quaint and enjoyable wine bar, I like to recommend Bodega del Born, and for wonderful 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 number 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 filled with slim again streets, towering church buildings, quiet alleyways, nice eating places and bars, and among 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 way of the historic heart studying concerning the historical past, tradition, and darkish secrets and techniques of Barcelona. On the finish of the strolling tour, (in true Catalonian model), you’ll share a glass of sangria collectively.
Benefit from the Gothic Quarter – you’ll be amazed at each nook you flip on this fascinating maze of slim streets and alleys.
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 the most effective experiences we’ve loved thus far. That is undoubtedly the most effective issues to do in Barcelona for {couples}, mates, 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 one in every 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 model of glowing white wine), relish in chatting with different company, and study skilled cooking strategies 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 just get to prepare dinner the dish from begin to end, versus different cooking lessons which have every thing ready for you, and also you mainly 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 suggest this sufficient. Not solely is it an incredible cooking class, however you get to tick two issues off your checklist of issues to do in Barcelona; drink cava and eat paella. Guide the paella cooking class right here.
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 often called pinchos?
Pincho actually interprets to “thorn” or “spike” and refers back to the toothpick that you just’ll discover holding collectively each pincho you eat.
There are many locations in Barcelona to get each tapas and pinchos, however Poble Sec particularly 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 find out about tapas tradition and tidbits about Barcelona. Plus, tips on how to correctly pay for pinchos at a bar, (spoiler: you retain your toothpicks and pay per “stick” on the honour system).
I received’t give all of it away by telling you concerning the tasty tapas we sampled, you’ll should ebook and uncover for your self. We actually loved the pinchos expertise and felt prefer it was a must-do in Barcelona to get the evening 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, as of late there’s a number of gentrification happening, 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 facet of the town. Quite than medieval structure and broad, leafy streets, we discovered buildings that regarded a bit rougher across the edges, attention-grabbing avenue artwork, and wonderful neighborhood gardens.
El Raval is definitely residence to a few of Barcelona’s high 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 most likely the best secret bar we’ve ever been to and that’s no understatement!
To enter the bar, you must already find out about it as a result of it has a hidden entrance by way of a walk-in freezer door behind a deli, however regardless of their makes an attempt to maintain this place a secret, just about everybody who lives or visits Barcelona shall 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 best way they put together them.
From steaming picket 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. For those who like a great drink, shaken or stirred, I extremely suggest that you just add this unbelievable bar in El Born to your Barcelona itinerary.
10. Go Crusing
Crusing is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Barcelona on a scorching 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 high sights embrace Sagrada Familia, Tibidabo, Montjuic, and Diagonal Mar.
The sailboat can maintain as much as 12 company, however the captain usually solely books it for 7 – 8 individuals to make sure you’re snug. Carry your bathing swimsuit if you want and revel in a dip within the sea.
Security tools, native snacks and drinks, (cava, white wine, beer, gentle 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 varieties 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. Throughout the excessive season, La Rambla may be packed, but it surely’s nonetheless a cool place to come back for a stroll.
Whenever you’re on the Rambla, maintain an eye fixed out for Mercado de la Boqueria. Boqueria actually interprets to “place the place goat is offered” in Catalan, however there’s way more right here than simply goat meat.
That is one in every of Barcelona’s finest markets, promoting every thing from meats and cheeses, to wines, fruits, handicrafts, and pastries. It was truly 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 upon getting your favourites, you may all the time return.
With a median of 40,000 guests coming to La Boqueria day-after-day, it’s no shock that that is one other place that will get crowded within the metropolis, however in case you’re a foodie, you actually should make time for it.
12. Sandwiches With a Aspect of Cava
Probably the greatest locations to go to in Barcelona earlier than going out for a late evening 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 gentle hamburger bun with melted cheese… and some glasses of cava, (in fact).
Costs are very cheap at round €1.50 – €3 for every thing. 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 fortunately, throughout your journey to Barcelona, you received’t should go removed from the town to go to vineyards and style some incredible 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…).
For those who selected to reach by prepare, Neus shall 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 exterior of the town. For those who’d fairly have a non-public journey for 2, Neus can organize it. This is without doubt one of the most romantic issues to do in Barcelona for positive.
14. Watch Some Dancing (or Take part)
Probably the greatest 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 in case you 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 just received’t wish to miss. Create your individual pair of conventional Catalan espadrilles, (handmade footwear), as a particular memento so that you can maintain 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 working this moral model of handmade conventional footwear from Cataluña.
Quite 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 discover ways to make your individual espadrilles, and customise them to your liking. Additionally they have some cava obtainable in case you get thirsty. Study extra and ebook this memorable expertise right here.
FAQs About Visiting Barcelona
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on a visit to Barcelona.
Is Barcelona protected?
Barcelona has a fairly dangerous popularity for being a pickpocket haven.
Be aware of your belongings whereas strolling across the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and main vacationer sights… particularly when strolling at evening. Control your pockets, purse, and backpack. Be aware in eating places, and don’t depart your belongings on the bottom, or your telephone on any tables.
When unsure, simply take taxis or Ubers at evening 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 must you not miss in Barcelona?
Whilst you received’t have the ability to see every thing, in Barcelona you received’t wish to miss seeing Antoni Gaudi’s work, (particularly La Sagrada Familia), making (and consuming) paella, happening a tapas tour, and easily wandering across the numerous neighbourhoods to take in the ambiance.
What ought to I NOT do in Barcelona? (Issues to Keep away from)
Don’t anticipate individuals 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 ok), 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. Chances are you’ll not have the ability to, (or wish to), go to any of the sights exterior of the town just like the wineries presently, nevertheless, with 3 days, you’ll have the ability to cowl all the essential sights and revel in a number of the wine and tapas bars!
The place to Keep in Barcelona
There are various unbelievable neighbourhoods in Barcelona, every with its personal ambiance. To have the ability to finest 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 guts of Barcelona and it’s about as central as you may 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 condominium, this stylish Southeast Asian impressed loft, or this deluxe condominium.
2. El Born
It is 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 condominium, or this cozy studio with a balcony.
3. Eixample
It is a extra upscale space of Barcelona with a lot of luxurious retailers and lodging. Quite than slim, cobbled streets like within the previous city, you’ll discover shiny, open avenues. This neighbourhood is residence to one in every of Barcelona’s hottest points of interest, Sagrada Familia.
This beautiful penthouse condominium is an effective possibility, as is this two bed room condominium, and this condominium with a pool and backyard.
4. Gràcia
It is a extra residential space, which seems like a city inside the metropolis of Barcelona. That is the place we stayed throughout our journey and located it to be an incredible native space stuffed 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 journey away to the perfect issues to do in Barcelona. Take a look at this extremely rated condominium within the heart of Gràcia and this stunning condominium 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 really the most effective cities, not simply in Spain, however in all of Europe. Prepare for incredible meals, welcoming individuals, attention-grabbing structure, and epic nightlife.
Barcelona is a metropolis for every type of travellers, plus it’s additionally an incredible place to reside as a digital nomad and is without doubt one of the high 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 propose your journey.
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