Posted by With 3.5 million inhabitants, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid. Barcelona offers tourists an almost infinite number of sights and is one of the top 10 destinations for city breaks in Europe. The location of the city on the Mediterranean Sea, the good weather and the many sights make Barcelona an almost perfect city. In the city centre there are a large number of restaurants, clubs and bars that are almost always well frequented.
You should buy the Hola BCN Travel Card on the Internet beforehand. The network card for public transport is available for different periods.
The best travel time for Barcelona is summer. The sun shines almost every day. Those who do not tolerate the heat so well can also come in spring or autumn. During these seasons, however, it rains in Barcelona much more often than in summer.
With the Metro Barcelona you can reach practically all sights quickly and easily. The Catalan capital has one of the largest metro networks in Europe.
Sights Barcelona
The biggest attraction in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia church, designed by Antoni Gaudi at the end of the 19th century. It is probably the most visited attraction in Spain. The basilica is still under construction. Many people want to visit the world famous modern church every day. Therefore, it makes sense to buy tickets on the Internet to avoid very long waiting times:
Tickets for the church Sagrada Familia in BarcelonaBecause of the many visitors and often very long waiting times at the cash desks we recommend to buy tickets before on the Internet Ticket only the church without guided tour: Click here: more info and tickets Ticket church, guided tour and to the tower of the Sagrada Familia: Link: More info and tickets |
The probably most important old building in Barcelona is the big cathedral that bears the long name “La Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia”. The church in gothic style was built in the 13th and 14th century. In the early afternoon, the interior of the cathedral is open daily for several hours for visitors. Around the church there is the Barri Gotic, a district dominated by Gothic and other medieval styles. It is probably the most beautiful area in Barcelona. Beside the cathedral, for example, the city hall is one of the sightseeings of the quarter.
Picture: © Gina Sanders – Fotolia.com
Every tourist in Barcelona goes up and down La Rambla once. By far the most famous street of Barcelona is the meeting point of the city. It is a wide, long avenue with shops, many artists and street musicians. At night it is the party mile of Barcelona. Caution: Unfortunately, there are probably more pickpockets, tricksters and the like here than anywhere else in Spain. La Rambla connects approximately the ancient city centre of Barcelona with the modern buildings around the harbour. Almost every section of La Rambla, which is more than one kilometre long, has its own character – for example the bird traders are interesting.
>>> Here you can get the online-tickets for the stadium Barcelona
The market Boqueria is one of the most visited sights of Barcelona tourists. The noisy and very lively market with its food stalls and small restaurants has the typical Mediterranean flair that is so popular with Central European tourists.
You should buy the Hola BCN Travel Card on the Internet beforehand. The network card for public transport is available for different periods.
Museums are among the most important sights of Barcelona. As typical for Spain, these are mainly art museums. The museum Joan Miro is a huge museum for modern art (about 10.000 exhibits!). The famous Picasso Museum of Barcelona is an absolute must for fans of the artist. The CaixaForum is a very famous museum for changing special exhibitions.
Picture: © Gina Sanders – Fotolia.com
The fountain Font de Canaletes at Placa de Catalunya (picture above) is the central point of the city for many locals. This is where the FC Barcelona football club celebrates its frequent national and international titles. The water of the fountain is said to taste especially good. According to an old legend, everyone who drinks the water should be enchanted by Barcelona and always return to Barcelona.
Travelling is especially fun if you also try the local food and drinks. In Barcelona, sausages, wild mushrooms, the local Romesco sauce and of course the wine tasted particularly delicious. According to one reader, good restaurants are: L’Antic Forn, Patricio, Restaurant Masia Can Borrell and Casa Felix. The sausages are mostly pork with pepper and other spices.
Our tip Barcelona local transport tickets: Tickets (day tickets) for the very well-developed local transport system in Barcelona can be bought in advance on this website. Then you don’t have to deal with the Spanish machines or with employees who don’t understand English.
Of course, beaches also belong to the sightseeings of Barcelona. The probably best beach of the metropolis is called Platja de la Barceloneta. But in summer, the beach is quite crowded. One can rent windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment at the city beach. The beach is ideal for surfing. Nudism is possible at the beach Platja de la Mar Bella.
Our Barcelona Zoo page
Picture: © Jens Hilberger – Fotolia.com
Another important sight of Barcelona are the hypermodern buildings at the harbour (see picture). Here is the famous gigantic aquarium, which is visited by over a million people every year. The football museum and the stadium of the FC Barcelona attract approximately as many tourists. The Camp Nou is with 100.000 places one of the biggest pure football stadiums of the world.
| Our tip: Tour through the largest stadium in Europe. An unforgettable experience for every football fan is a tour through one of the largest and most famous football stadiums in the world. The tour through the Barcelona stadium Camp Nou is very popular, it is highly recommended to book the stadium visit in advance on the Internet. In addition, the entrance fee to the great museum of the BC Barcelona is included. On this website there is more info |
Barcelona’s species-rich zoo also attracts around one million visitors a year. 500 different animal species live in the zoo in the Parc de la Ciutadella.Tickets are available on this link.
You should buy the Hola BCN Travel Card on the Internet beforehand. The network card for public transport is available for different periods.
Arrival Barcelona
Picture: © Gerhard Egger – Fotolia.com
For some years now, Barcelona has been connected to the Spanish high-speed rail network. Journeys to Madrid or even to southern Spain take only a few hours. There are direct trains to Malaga in the south coast of Spain. Barcelona has also recently been connected to the French TGV network. One can now drive to Lyon in about 5 hours, to Paris in 6 hours. A train journey with changing between Barcelona and Saarbrücken takes only 10 hours, to Cologne, Frankfurt or Karlsruhe about 11 hours. Unfortunately, such tickets cannot be bought on the Internet from Deutsche Bahn. But on the website of the SNCF (French Railways) this works excellently in German. Another fast, national train route goes from Barcelona along the Mediterranean coast to Valencia. Of course, the city also has a large airport. Barcelona is also the most important ferry port for the Balearic Islands, especially Mallorca. The ferries depart in the middle of the city, a few hundred metres from La Rambla.
Our tips: Prepare good websites for holidays in Spain for the 2024 season |
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Barcelona: Top 10 Sights
Church of the Sagrada Família:
The Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona. The massive cathedral was designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí and is still under construction more than a century after its foundation. Its unique design and intricate details make it one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
You should buy the Hola BCN Travel Card on the Internet beforehand. The network card for public transport is available for different periods.
Tickets for the church Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Because of the many visitors and often very long waiting times at the cash desks (often hours) we recommend to buy tickets on the Internet.
Ticket only the church without guided tour: More info and tickets
Ticket church, guided tour and to the tower of the Sagrada Familia: More info and tickets
>>> Online tickets with guided tour Camp Nou Barcelona stadium
Park Guell :
Parc Guell is a beautiful park designed by Gaudí. The park features colorful mosaics, sculptures and stunning views of the city. The park is an ideal place to walk, have a picnic, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Gothic Quarter :
The Gothic Quarter is a must for all history buffs. This historic center is home to many of the city’s oldest buildings, including Barcelona Cathedral and the Plaza de la King. The Gothic Quarter is full of narrow streets, charming cafes and unique shops.
Les Ramblas :
La Rambla is a lively pedestrian street that runs through the center of Barcelona. The streets are lined with street performers, vendors and cafes, making it an ideal place to soak up the city’s atmosphere. It’s also home to the famous La Boqueria market, where you can sample some of the city’s best food.
Casa Batllo:
Casa Batllo is another of Gaudí’s masterpieces. This beautiful building has a unique facade with colorful mosaics and sculptural details. The building now houses a museum where visitors can learn more about Gaudi and his work.
Casa Mila:
Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is another building designed by Gaudi. This beautiful building has a unique wavy facade and is now a museum showcasing Gaudi’s life and work.
Monastery of Montserrat :
Montserrat Monastery on the outskirts of Barcelona is a must-see for anyone interested in history and religion. Founded in the 11th century, the monastery boasts stunning Gothic architecture and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Camp Nou:
The Camp Nou is the stadium of FC Barcelona, one of the most famous football teams in the world. The stadium is a must for football fans and visitors can tour the team’s stadium and museum.
Barceloneta Beach :
Barceloneta Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Barcelona. This wide, sandy beach is an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming and enjoying delicious seafood at the beachside restaurants.
Picasso Museum:
The Picasso Museum is a must for art lovers. The museum houses a large collection of works by Pablo Picasso, including paintings, sculptures and drawings that he collected throughout his life.
Our tip Barcelona local transport tickets: Tickets (day tickets) for the very well-developed local transport system in Barcelona can be bought in advance on this website. Then you don’t have to deal with the Spanish machines or with employees who don’t understand English.
Barcelona: Top 50 Sights
Sagrada Família :
Designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, this massive cathedral is still under construction more than a century after its foundation. Its unique design and intricate details make it one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Park Guell :
This beautiful park designed by Gaudí features colorful mosaics, sculptures and stunning views of the city. The park is an ideal place to walk, have a picnic, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Gothic Quarter :
This historic center is home to many of the city’s oldest buildings, including Barcelona Cathedral and the Plaza de la King. The Gothic Quarter is full of narrow streets, charming cafes and unique shops.
Les Ramblas :
This lively pedestrian street in central Barcelona is lined with street performers, vendors and cafes, making it an ideal place to soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Market La Boqueria :
Right next to Las Ramblas is La Boqueria, one of the largest and most famous food markets in Europe. Here you’ll find some of the best cuisine in town, from fresh seafood to specialty meats and cheeses.
Casa Batllo :
Another masterpiece by Gaudí. This beautiful building has a unique facade with colorful mosaics and sculptural details. The building now houses a museum where visitors can learn more about Gaudí and his work.
Casa Mila:
Also known as Casa Mila, this beautiful building has a unique wavy facade and is now a museum dedicated to the life and work of Gaudí.
Picasso Museum:
This museum is a must for art lovers. It houses a large collection of works by Pablo Picasso, including paintings, sculptures and drawings that he collected throughout his life.
Camp Nou :
FC Barcelona stadium, one of the most famous football teams in the world, is a must for football fans. Visitors can tour the team’s stadium and museum.
Monastery of Montserrat :
Founded in the 11th century, the monastery on the outskirts of Barcelona boasts stunning Gothic architecture and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Catalan Music Hall :
This beautiful concert hall was designed by Lluis Domenech y Montaner and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features beautiful stained glass windows and a unique mosaic facade.
Vicens house :
This unique house, also designed by Gaudi, was Gaudi’s first major commission. It features a beautiful mix of different architectural styles, including Moorish and Gothic elements.
Amusement Park Tibidabo :
Located on a hill above Barcelona, this amusement park is the ideal place for a fun day out with the whole family. There are various rides and attractions such as the Ferris wheel and the roller coaster.
Pobre Espanyol :
This open-air museum is modeled after a Spanish village, with buildings representing the architecture of different regions of the country. Visitors can explore the museum’s many shops, restaurants, and exhibits.
Santa Maria del Mar:
This beautiful Gothic church in the Born district is one of the most impressive religious buildings in Barcelona. It has beautiful stained glass windows and an imposing nave.
House of punks :
This unique building includes six towers and a Gothic facade.
Hospital Sant Pau:
This impressive hospital complex was designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner in the early 20th century. It features beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and beautiful gardens.
Santa Caterina market :
Located in the Born district, this food market is known for its distinctive corrugated roof, reminiscent of the colorful roof tiles of Gaudí’s Park Guell.
Cultural Center El Born:
This former market building has been converted into a cultural center that hosts exhibitions on Barcelona’s history, including a section on the city’s medieval past.
Joan Miro Foundation:
This museum is dedicated to the work of the artist Joan Miró and displays an important collection of his paintings, sculptures and prints. The museum is located on the Montjuïc hill and offers a magnificent view of the city.
>>> Here you can get the online-tickets for the stadium Barcelona
House Guell :
This beautiful Gaudí-designed mansion has an ornate facade and unique interiors, including a gorgeous rooftop terrace with a fireplace designed to look like a medieval knight.
National Museum of Catalonia :
Located in the beautiful Palau Nacional on the hills of Montjuïc, this museum houses a large collection of Catalan art from the Romanesque to the 20th century.
Barcelona Aquarium :
Popular aquarium in the Port Vell area with a great variety of marine life including sharks, rays and tropical fish. You can even walk through a transparent tunnel surrounded by sharks.
Spanish place :
This large public square at the foot of Montjuïc hill features an impressive fountain and grand staircase leading to the National Palace.
Parc de la Ciudadela :
This large park in central Barcelona is an ideal place to walk, have a picnic or rent a boat and paddle around the lake. The park is also home to the city’s zoo and the Catalan Parliament.
Barcelona Cathedral :
This magnificent Gothic cathedral in the Gothic Quarter has beautiful stained glass windows, slender naves and magnificent cloisters.
Casa Amatller :
This beautiful building on Passeig de Gràcia was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and is a unique blend of Gothic and Modernist styles.
Casa Lleo i Morera:
Another beautiful building on Passeig de Gràcia. This mansion was designed by Lluis Domenech y Montaner and has a beautiful facade with intricate details.
Katara Museum of Modernism:
Dedicated to Catalan Modernism, the museum is home to many of the city’s most famous architects and designers, including Gaudi, Domenech i Montaner and Pucci i Cadafalch.
Parc de la Ciudadela :
This large park in central Barcelona is an ideal place to go for a walk, have a picnic or rent a boat to paddle around the lake. The park is also home to the city’s zoo and the Catalan Parliament.
Placa de Catalunya :
This large public square is located in the center of Barcelona and is the hub for transport, business and entertainment. It features an impressive fountain and is surrounded by the city’s most famous streets.
Santa Maria del Pi :
This beautiful Gothic church in the Gothic Quarter has beautiful stained glass windows and a beautiful rose window at the entrance.
Port Bell:
This historic waterfront is now home to numerous restaurants, shops and museums. Visitors can also stroll along the seafront promenade.
Placa Reial :
This beautiful square off Las Ramblas is known for its stunning architecture, cobblestone cafes and vibrant nightlife.
Catalan Music Hall :
Designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner, this beautiful concert hall is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, intricate detailing and superb acoustics.
Park Guell:
Designed by Gaudí, this famous park features beautiful mosaic tiles, unique sculptures and great views of the city.
>>> Here you can get the online-tickets for the stadium Barcelona
Casa Batllo:
This beautiful Gaudi designed building has a great facade with colorful tiles and a unique roof terrace.
Les Ramblas:
This famous pedestrian street in central Barcelona is lined with shops, restaurants, street performers and historical buildings.
Casa Mila (La Pedrera):
This famous Gaudí-designed building has a unique wavy façade and a beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
Pobre Espanyol :
With replicas of buildings and architecture from across Spain, this open-air museum on Montjuïc hill is the ideal place to discover Spanish culture and history.
Agbar Tower :
Designed by Jean Nouvel, this iconic skyscraper is known for its unique shape and colored lighting at night.
Montserrat:
About an hour from Barcelona, this mountain range is a popular day trip destination, known for its beautiful scenery, historic monasteries and great hiking trails.
Tibidabo :
This hill on the outskirts of Barcelona offers great views of the city and is home to an amusement park, a church and a communications tower.
La Boquería market :
Popular with locals and tourists alike, this food market near Las Ramblas offers a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood.
House of punks:
This beautiful crooked building has a unique Gothic design and offers inside tours.
Picasso Museum:
Located in the Gothic Quarter, the museum houses a large collection of works by the famous artist, including many of his early works.
Park del Rabelin Dorta:
This beautiful park on the outskirts of Barcelona is home to a magnificent labyrinth garden, a neoclassical palace, and several other gardens and fountains.
Palau Reial de Pedralves :
This beautiful palace on the outskirts of Barcelona was once the residence of the Spanish royal family. It features beautiful gardens and architecture.
Art Nouveau sites in Sant Pau :
Designed by Lluis Domenech y Montaner, this former hospital complex features impressive Art Nouveau architecture and beautiful gardens.
National Museum of Catalonia :
Located in the beautiful Palau Nacional on the hills of Montjuïc, this museum houses a large collection of Catalan art from the Romanesque to the 20th century.
Our tip Barcelona local transport tickets: Tickets (day tickets) for the very well-developed local transport system in Barcelona can be bought in advance on this website. Then you don’t have to deal with the Spanish machines or with employees who don’t understand English.