Barcelona is the historic and exciting capital of Catalonia province and Spain’s most cosmopolitan city. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea adjacent to the Costa Brava’s many miles of beaches, Barcelona consists of several intriguing areas of interest, each with its own personality and characteristics. While only 1.6 million people call the city home, Barcelona attracts over 20 million visitors each year, making the European destination a popular tourism spot. Here is how to spend a day in this seaside city!
1. First, visit Park Guell, one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona, surrounded by interesting buildings and winding pathways. Be sure to purchase tickets to the park in advance as the attraction can become crowded and has a limited capacity. Nearby you can also visit the Casa Batlló, a masterpiece by the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, along with the many incongruous structures on the city block known as La Manzana de la Discordia.
2. Next stop at the famous La Sagrada Familia, currently the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world! Located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, this basilica features vibrant stained-glass windows and beautiful mosaics. The project was designed and managed by Gaudi and construction began in 1882. The La Sagrada Familia was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 and is a must-see when visiting Barcelona!
3. Stroll down the La Rambla pedestrian street, shop at L’Eixample’s main avenues Avinguda Diagonal and Passeig de Gracia, or head north to Gracia for a different landscape of narrow streets, small plazas and cafés and restaurants.
4. Make your way to the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of Barcelona. Here you can find many historic buildings, medieval architecture, modern shops, and cafes. While the Gothic Quarter is a relatively small area in comparison to the rest of the city, it is worth visiting while in Barcelona.
5. While exploring the Gothic Quarter you can also visit the Cathedral of Barcelona, commonly mistaken for the La Sagrada Familia. A traditional church, the Cathedral of Barcelona features a small interior garden where you can find white geese. You can also take an elevator to the rooftop of the Cathedral for panoramic views of the city.
6. Finally, make your way to Barceloneta Beach, the most well-known beach in the city. Here you can swim, relax, or take a walk alongside the golden sand where you will come across tapas bars, cafes, and seafood restaurants. From here you can also travel to the Barcelona Harbourside, approximately a 20 minute drive south.
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