Coast and culture, architecture and antiques, drinking and dining: these are a few of Barcelona's favourite things and what make it such an enchanting place to visit. To take it all in you can ascend hilltop Montjuïc for relaxing gardens and museums with panoramic views. Bike along the beach or take a trip through time by the ancient city walls in the Gothic quarter. Marvel at the whimsy and exuberance of Gaudi’s modernist architecture or the artworks by Dalí, Picasso and Miró. Streetlife in Barcelona is everywhere and performers, chic cafes, bohemian bars and shops will all vie for your attention as you head down the compelling Las Ramblas time and time again. Music is everywhere from flamenco to jazz and the clubs stay open till the sun rises again on another day in Barcelona.
Areas & Neighborhoods of Barcelona
Ciutat Vella - The old city is located on the Mediterranean coast and is where many of the city’s sights and activities can be found. There are the medieval charms and architecture of the Barri Gotic, the Contemporary Art Museum, Las Ramblas and the Naval Museum.
Eixample - Often referred to as the Modernist quarter, this is where the elegant architecture of Gaudi and others can be appreciated in buildings such as Casa Mila, the Temple Expiatori and the local district hall.
Sants-Montjuïc - On the southern edge of Barcelona can be found panoramic views and a wealth of museums and monuments. If a fair or festival is happening it’s likely to be happening here.
Figueres - Lovers of surrealism should make the hour’s journey to the Dalí Theatre and Museum, where the theatrical painter is buried, appropriately enough, in a crypt beneath the stage.
Things to See in Barcelona
The unfinished masterpiece of La Sagrada Familia could merit days of exploration whilst the whimsical musical fountain in Plaça d'Espanya offers something to watch whilst you work up an appetite for your night’s feast. The incomparable city views from Montjuic hill should be combined with sightseeing closer to the ground on a walking tour of the winding streets and hidden squares, fountains and palaces in the Barri Gòtic. The architectural masterpieces of Gaudi can be combined in a day of artistic sightseeing that also takes in the artistic works of Dalí, Picasso and Miró.
Things to Do in Barcelona
A trip out to Parc Güell in Gràcia will reveal that Gaudi’s fantastical architecture was also very much designed for everyday Catalan life. Music clubs offer flamenco next to modern dance music and the city truly comes alive at night. After a late night you may want to avail yourself of the beaches: Barcelona has been named the best beach city in the world by National Geographic. Strolling down Las Ramblas has to be a defining Barcelona experience but don’t feel you have to limit your dining out choices to here: other areas to check out include Barceloneta (to eat with the locals), Eixample Esquerra (for upscale dining), Barri Gòtic (for tapas) and Carrer de Blai (for pintxos).
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