Church

The most famous work by the renowned architect Gaudí is the Basilica of the Sagrada Família, or La Sagrada Família, a monumental building regarded as the city’s most iconic landmark. Construction began in 1882 and continues to this day. Gaudí, who devoted his life to this very basilica, spent more than 40 years working on the building. At the time of his unexpected death, only one of the eighteen planned towers, the Neo-Gothic crypt and the…

Monastery, Mountain, Cable car, Museum

There are plenty of sights to visit right in Barcelona itself, but if you’re spending at least 3 or 4 days in the city, I’d definitely not miss out on a trip to Montserrat. The Benedictine monastery lies about 50 km from Barcelona, set amidst an unusual rocky massif. Most people come here for the basilica and the Black Madonna, but in my opinion, the surrounding countryside, the views and the short and full-day hiking trails are at least as…

Historic building

Architect Gaudí always built with respect for the laws of nature, from which he also drew inspiration. This was also the case with the unique Art Nouveau building, Casa Batlló, which he radically rebuilt between 1904 and 1906. The gently undulating façade, featuring skull-shaped balconies and windows divided by shinbones, is covered in shimmering mosaic tiles. Not far from where this house stands, you’ll come across another of Gaudí’s…

Historic building

Gaudí’s most famous building in Barcelona is commonly known as La Pedrera, meaning ‘the quarry’, although its official name is Casa Milà. Here, too, the famous architect gave free rein to his vivid imagination. Wherever possible, he avoided straight lines. The building is characterised by heavy undulating shapes, curves and recesses. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p…

Park, Lookout

One of architect Gaudí’s most famous works, and one you simply must not miss when visiting Barcelona, is Park Güell, a vast park featuring rich architectural elements, which once captivated even the painter Salvador Dalí. [btn "Book your hotel in Barcelona in advance" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-park-guell] This fairytale park is full of fascinating colourful sculptures, structures, walls and…

Sandy beach, Promenade

Just a few metres from the city centre, you’ll come across a neighbourhood called Barceloneta, which used to be a poor fishing village. However, thanks to the city’s regeneration programme ahead of the 1992 Olympics, the situation changed and the city built beautiful beaches, a modern harbour and streets lined with restaurants, cafés and clubs. [btn "Top 10 hotels in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label…

Theatre, Historic building

The Palau de la Música Catalana is a globally unique monument in the magnificently ornate style of Catalan Modernism, which, together with the Sant Pau Hospital complex, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This leading concert hall in Barcelona will captivate you not only with its exterior but, above all, with its breathtaking interior. [btn "Discounted hotels in Barcelona here" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid…

Street

Barcelona offers a range of interesting places to visit, and one of the most fascinating is undoubtedly the city’s most famous street, La Rambla, which begins at Port Vell and ends at Plaça de Catalunya. This bustling 1.2 km-long street captivates virtually everyone who visits it. It is not just a pleasant stroll that makes for a unique experience, but above all the hustle and bustle that takes place along it. Day and night, La Rambla is…

City Quarter

The most picturesque part of Barcelona’s old town is the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), whose layout has remained virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. [btn "Top 10 hotels in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-barri-gotic] The Gothic Quarter is made up of magnificent buildings, enclosed by Roman walls, narrow streets lined with colourful shops and charming hidden corners. [imageFill…

Aquarium

In the newly renovated Port Vell harbour you can not only enjoy the sight of luxury yachts and sailing boats, but also visit the local aquarium, one of the largest and most interesting aquariums in Europe. More than 8,000 species of animals and plants are the number one attraction. A popular attraction is the acrylic tunnel, which allows you to walk through the centre of the aquarium and enjoy the sight of sharks, rays and schools of fish. …

Market

The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, or simply La Boqueria market, is another ‘must-visit’ in Barcelona. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more photogenic spot in the city, brimming with fresh produce. Here you’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, seafood, tapas, sushi and much more. [btn "The best accommodation in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-mercat-boqueria] La Boqueria…

Park, Lookout

One of Barcelona’s key attractions is undoubtedly the vast Montjuïc hill, which stretches along the southern side of the city, just above the port of Barcelona. It is hard to believe that such an oasis of peace and greenery is situated so close to a bustling metropolis. The vast area offers a wealth of cultural attractions, botanical gardens and places to relax. [btn "Book your hotel in advance to get a discount" https://www.booking.com/city…

Museum, Palace

The National Palace is one of Barcelona’s most striking and largest landmarks and stands on the northern slopes of Montjuïc hill, overlooking the prominent Placa Espanya square. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-palau-nacional] Today, the palace houses the Catalan National Art Museum. The monumental exhibition palace The Palau Nacional was built in 1929 to…

Stadium

Few football fans miss a visit to the largest football stadium in Europe, which is a popular attraction not only for football fans but also for curious travellers. [btn "The best accommodation in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-camp-nou] Camp Nou is the main stadium of one of the most famous football clubs , FC Barcelona, in Catalan its name means "new pitch" and sometimes you will…

Temple, Amusement park, Lookout

If you fancy a bit of fun in Barcelona, then head to Tibidabo Amusement Park, situated on the mountain of the same name, which is over 500 metres high. It is here that you’ll be treated to one of the most beautiful views of the whole of Barcelona. One of the main landmarks at the summit of Tibidabo is the beautiful neo-Gothic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona…

Historic building

Casa Vicens is one of Barcelona's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a magnificent Art Nouveau villa and one of the first important works of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Casa Vicens was built between 1888 and 1889 as the family residence of the manufacturer Manuel Vicens. [btn "The best accommodation in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-vicens] In the image of its architect father…

Cathedral

Although most travellers will no doubt think first and foremost of the enormous Sagrada Família, Barcelona is also home to a classic, ancient Gothic cathedral, which is in fact still the city’s main Catholic church. The cathedral, dedicated to St Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona, and also to the Holy Cross, stands in the heart of the historic Barri Gotic district. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es…

Historic building

One of Barcelona’s most architecturally significant buildings is the complex of pavilions at the former St Paul’s Hospital (Sant Pau). [btn "The best accommodation in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-sant-pau] The entire complex was designed by the famous Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and, together with the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall, is considered a…

Park, Zoo

On hot summer days, walking around the city can quickly leave you feeling tired. As well as Montjuïc Hill, a popular natural attraction and park, you can visit a spacious city park right in the city centre to relax. What’s more, you’ll find plenty of attractions and entertainment options here. [btn "The best accommodation in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-ciutadella] The park’s name…

Castle, Lookout

Montjuïc Hill, towering above the harbour and the old town, has always been in a strategically advantageous position for the city’s defence, which is why a defensive castle has stood on its summit since 1640. The building, which is very well preserved and has undergone only minor renovations, is fully open to visitors. [btn "Book a hotel in Barcelona now" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-castell] …

Skyscraper, Lookout

Barcelona's third tallest skyscraper rises 144 metres high and catches the eye at first sight with its bullet-shaped glass façade that reflects the colours of the surrounding buildings and sky. [btn "The best accommodation in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-torre-glories] Torre Glories was only opened in 2005 (then under the name Torre Agbar) and quickly became one of Barcelona's icons…

Square

Plaça d’Espanya is one of Barcelona’s most important transport and tourist hubs. It is situated in the south-western part of the city, next to the Barcelona Exhibition Centre and not far from Montjuïc Hill. The entire area, including the square, was designed for the 1929 World’s Fair (EXPO 1929). [btn "The 10 best hotels in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-placa-espanya] The centre of…

Gateway

When you say "Arc de Triomphe", the first thing that comes to mind is the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but Barcelona also has a very nice Arc de Triomphe. At over 27 metres in height, Barcelona's arch is only 2 metres lower than the one in Paris. [btn "The best accommodation in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-arc-triomf] Barcelona's Arc de Triomf is built in neo-Mudéjar style in red brick…

Tower

Few cities can boast telecommunications towers that are popular with tourists. Barcelona certainly can. The Torre de Comunicaciones is one of the masterpieces of the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and ranks amongst Barcelona’s most famous attractions. [btn "Find the best hotel in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-telefonica] It was built in 1992 to mark the Olympic Games;…

Statue

The Golden Fish statue (Peix Daurat in Catalan, Pez Dorado in Spanish) quickly became one of the symbols of Barcelona following its unveiling. Like many other buildings and attractions in Barcelona, the Golden Fish sculpture, designed by the Canadian architect Frank Gehry, was created to mark the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. [btn "The best accommodation in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona…

Basilica, Lookout

The Catholic church of Santa Maria del Mar is one of Barcelona’s oldest and most significant religious monuments. The basilica was built in a record-breaking 55 years for that era, between 1329 and 1383. The church is a magnificent example of Catalan Gothic architecture, with a consistent style evident in both its exterior and interior – a feature that is entirely unique amongst medieval buildings of a similar size. [btn "The best…

Basilica

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi is one of the most interesting churches in Barcelona and is regarded as the finest example of Gothic architecture. The church is situated in the famous Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s old town centre. The church’s name commemorates a supposed miracle, when an image of the Virgin Mary was discovered in the trunk of a stone pine tree on the square where the church stands. History and unadorned appearance The…

City Quarter

The El Raval neighbourhood is one of the parts of Barcelona’s innermost city centre and lies to the west of La Rambla. The intricate maze of narrow streets invites you to wander aimlessly through this highly distinctive bohemian neighbourhood, where you’ll see many different cultures living side by side in a very small area. [btn "View the best hotels in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona…

Cable car, Lookout

The iconic red cable cars that span Barcelona’s Port Vell harbour not only provide transport from Montjuïc Park to Barceloneta beach, but are also a very popular tourist attraction. As the cable car runs relatively high above the ground, the journey offers some of the most beautiful views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. [btn "Find the best hotel in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p…

Promenade, Harbour

Strolls along the tranquil harbour on the beautiful new promenades, entertainment in the shopping centres or at the aquarium, or marvelling at the extraordinary and monumental cable car pylons. This is Port Vell, the old harbour, which was redeveloped into a new tourist district ahead of the 1992 Olympic Games. [btn "Book your hotel in Barcelona in advance" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-port…

Sandy beach

Over 700 metres long, Platja del Bogatell is one of Barcelona’s most popular beaches and was one of the areas to undergo a major regeneration in the early 1990s in the run-up to the 1992 Olympic Games. The beach is covered infine, golden sand. [btn "Hotels with sea views" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-plaz-bogatell] Bogatell Beach is more spacious and slightly quieter than the famous…

Skanzen, Museum

Poble Espanyol is an open-air architectural museum built in 1929 to mark the EXPO exhibition. The village, set within a small area, showcases typical examples of architectural styles from across Spain. Discover Spain in just a few streets You can walk through the whole of Poble Espanyol in 10 minutes if you don’t stop anywhere. In reality, however, a visit will certainly take you at least an hour. The site is divided into several sections,…

Stadium, Museum

Barcelona hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1992, which significantly transformed the city’s landscape. Most of the sports venues were built on Montjuïc Hill, including the main Olympic Stadium. The stadium is named the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. It was originally built in 1927, but was extensively renovated and expanded prior to the 1992 Olympics to accommodate a capacity of 55,000 spectators. The structure is remarkable for the way it…

Monument

At the lower end of La Rambla, near the harbour, the monumental 60-metre-high statue of sailor Christopher Columbus rises to the sky. The Columbus Monument was unveiled in 1888 on the occasion of the World Expo to commemorate the first voyages to North America. [btn "The best accommodation in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-monument-colom] The Christopher Columbus Monument ( Monument a…

Museum

If you are an art lover, then you must not miss a visit to the most visited museum in the city, which houses the richest collection of Picasso's famous works. The museum houses paintings, drawings, lithographs and engravings from the artist's various periods. [btn "The best accommodation in Barcelona" https://www.booking.com/city/es/barcelona.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-barcelona-museu-picasso] The collection of more than 4,500 works by…

Fountain

The Magic Fountain is closed from the beginning of 2023 until further notice due to a prolonged drought. The area around Montjuïc Hill and Plaça d'Espanya is full of attractions and one of the most visited is undoubtedly the Font magica de Montjuic, the Magic Fountain, located directly below the Palau Nacional, Catalonia's national art museum. The fountain was built, like most of the other buildings in the area, in 1929 to celebrate the World…