Things to Do in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It offers its visitors with a never ending list of places to see and things to do. The culture and the rich history of the city remain to be its most famous attractions and the architecture is a major draw as well. The city is home to as many as nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and you wouldn’t expect anything less from a city that was home to the legendary architect Gaudi. The unique location of the city also makes it perfect for travelers. It is neither big, nor small and most places are located within 30 minutes from each other. Don’t miss out on Gaudi masterpieces while in the city, but don’t forget to check out some of its other attractions as well. Here is a list of some of the most popular things to do in Barcelona.
La Sagrada Familia
If there is time to see just one thing while in Barcelona, make sure that you check out the La Sagrada Familia. Considered to be the most famous work of Gaudi, this huge basilica is still under construction. The constructions began in the year 1882 (yes, you read that right) and they don’t seem to be getting over anytime soon. One of the best features of the building is its stark color contrast between the front and the back. Despite the fact that it is still under construction, you’re bound to fall in love with this unique piece of architecture. After all, it showcases the true brilliance of the great Antoni Gaudi.
Barri Gòtic
The Barri Gòtic, also known as the Gothic Quarter, is one of the oldest areas in Barcelona. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and amazing medieval era feel. The place is home to some of the greatest architectural wonders of Barcelona such as the La Seu Cathedral and the Placa Sant Jaume. It is also known to be the best place for those interested in people watching. Bars, restaurants, tapas cafes and stores can also be found by the dozens.
La Rambla
La Rambla is the most famous street in the city. Although it is overhyped and is a major tourist magnet, it still remains to be worth a watch. La Rambla offers visitors with insights into the Catalan culture and offers them with beautiful boulevards, unique constructions, a sensory overload, hordes of souvenir hawkers, pavement artists and living statues and an ever changing street scene.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is located inside the Palau National on Montjuic Hill. The museum offers tourists with excellent insights into Catalan Art and it features exhibits that date back to thousands of years. The MNAC is home to artistic pieces from the 10th upto the 20th centuries and it offers four different collections to its guests –Renaissance and Baroque Art, the Catalan Numismatic Department, Romanesque and Gothic Art and Modern Art. Some of the biggest names featured in the museum include Zurbaran, Rubens, El Greco and Velazquez.
Camp Nou
Camp Nou is home to one of the greatest football clubs in the world – FC Barcelona. This massive stadium offers visitors with an experience like no other and the best experience is to watch the club play in its home ground. If you cannot taste live football action, check out the excitement at the museum, enjoy a self guided tour of the stadium and admire the amazing photo section in the museum.
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is an ideal place to check out some of the best works of the great master. The museum has arranged his paintings in chronological order – right from his childhood to his final works. This gives visitors an amazing insight into the development of Picasso’s work over time.
The Font Mágica Fountain
The Magic Fountain is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Barcelona. This magical fountain is worth checking out and its breathtaking display of water, music and light is just too good to describe. The fountain was built in the year 1929 and is known to attract 2.5 million visitors per year.
Casa Mila
Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is another Antoni Gaudi creation in Barcelona that is extremely popular. This magnificent Art Nouveau styled building is famous for its intricate carvings and stone facades that signify Gaudi’s unique style. The building was once constructed as a private residence, but is now central to the list of tourist attractions in the city. What makes it so unique is that there isn’t a single right angled corner or a straight wall in the entire building.
Parc Guell
The Parc Guell, one of the most impressive man-made landscapes in the world was built by the one and only Antoni Gaudi. The park is an ideal place for those wanting to add a shade of green to their Barcelona itineraries and it offers all sorts of wonders for tourists to gawk at – right from mushroom shaped chimneys to mosaic collages. Other attractions at the Parc Guell include the Sala Hipostila, Closed Chapel, and the Gaudí House Museum.