Now, I’m not just saying this because I’ve spent almost the past decade and a half here, but Barcelona really is worth a visit. There’s so much to mention, so let’s just jump right in. Barcelona is a vibrant city teeming with culture and history. I’m convinced that there’s something for everyone here. If you’re into history, this is the place, if you’re into food, you’re going to love it, if you want to visit the beach or mountains, they’re close by. If you want to sit around and relax or if you are go go go kind of traveler, you will find it all here.
Where to stay
Barcelona isn’t huge. No matter where you choose to stay in the city, you can easily get around by public transportation, taxi or by foot. If you want to stay in the heart of it all, look at Ciutat Vella, which translates to Old Town. It consists of the neighborhoods of la Barceloneta, el Born, el Gótic and el Raval. Ciutat Vella, or more specifically, el Born is where I first came to fall in love with this city. While each neighborhood of Ciutat Vella is very different, they are all close and very walkable. El Born and el Gótic are full of boutique shops, cocktail bars and restaurants touting local cuisine. Some of the oldest parts of Barcelona are found in el Gótic, including an old Roman wall dating back to the 4th century. La Barceloneta is part of the city touching the sea. If you want to swim in the Mediterranean or sit at a local chiringuito on the beach for a snack and a drink, this is the place for you. For rich culture and lots of ambiance and nightlife, head into the winding streets of el Raval.
If you feel like avoiding big crowds and small streets, you might want to explore l’Eixample (which translates to ‘widening’ or ‘expansion’. Here, the streets are longer and wider, more like city blocks as it was built later than Ciutat Vella. The famous Passeig de Gracia, a boulevard lined with fancy shops and restaurants can be found in l’Eixample as well as some of Gaudi’s most famous buildings.
What to do
If you have <3 days
If you have a short stopover in Barcelona, I’d say it’s best not to cram it full of museums and other touristy experiences. Instead, take time to wander the streets of the above neighborhoods. In el Born, find Passeig del Born and walk it from one end to the other. You’ll see Santa Maria del Mar (cathedral of the sea), built by the people of the neighborhood in the 1300’s, and on the other end, the Cultural and Memorial Center of el Born. Just past the Cultural Center, you’ll find Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the most lush green spaces in Barcelona. A stroll through this park, and possibly even a picnic, will give you more than enough opportunity to take in some good people-watching. If you enter the park from the Cultural Center side and turn left to leave the park, you’ll see the Arc de Triomf.
In the evening, head into the Gothic quarter to touch the old Roman wall or head up Passeig de Gracia in l’Eixample and admire Gaudi’s architecture before stopping for some local fare.
Weather permitting, spend some time in la Barceloneta, dip a toe in the med and pop into a Tapas restaurant for a long lunch. Oh, and don’t forget to get a gelato.
We’re here for you if you need restaurant recommendations.
If you have >3 days
Depending on your preferences, how you want to spend your days and how many days you have, the possibilities are endless. If you are curious about history and want to learn more about Barcelona, I highly recommend the Barcelona History Museum or the Catalan History Museum. If you’re an art lover, head up to Mont Juic and check out the National Art Museum of Catalunya. From Medieval to Renaissance to Modern art, the collection is vast. But don’t miss the panoramic views of the city from the rooftop of the museum. Another favorite is the Picasso Museum which is located in the maze of streets that makes up el Born.
Take a tour of la Sagrada Familia (located in l’Eixample), the Basilica Gaudi designed and began construction on over 140 years ago.
If you have time to take a quick day trip, catch the train to the funicular to the top of Montserrat (serrated mountain) just outside of Barcelona. Atop this mountain, you will find a Benedictine Abbey as well as a ‘black Madonna’ (a statue of Madonna that has oxidated over time). There are restaurants, gift shops, museums and more to explore up here. You can also hike around the mountain if you’re up for it.
If you’re a wine lover, catch a train an hour south to Penedés and learn about the wine-making process in Spain. I’d even recommend an overnighter here if you have the time. During the Spring and Fall months, the countryside is breathtaking.
Other day trip ideas include:
- Costa Brava (the Catalan coast just north of Barcelona).
- Girona—a beautiful medieval city about an hour from Barcelona by train.
- The South of France—in just over 2 hours by train or car, you can cross into France.
Just go get lost
When I talk with people who have visited Barcelona without knowing what to do, they pack it so full of museums and tours and are disappointed by their experience. Many people say to me ‘I wish I’d just had more time to explore and wander the streets’. Keep this in mind. There is so much packed into this little city, if you keep your plans light and allow for room to wander, you’ll see things you never would have otherwise. Make time to head out on a walk without a plan and just wander. Making your way around the city and then finding your way back ‘home’ will likely be the best part of your trip.
Get in contact with us if we can help you plan your next trip to Barcelona. We’d love to help you reserve your lodging and restaurants.