Basilica, Lookout

The most famous work by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí is the Basilica of the Sagrada Família, a monumental basilica considered to be Barcelona’s most iconic landmark. Construction began in 1882 and continues to this day. Although the tallest tower, dedicated to Jesus Christ, was completed in 2026, the entire basilica has not yet been finished. Although the Sagrada Família is often referred to as a cathedral, ecclesiastically speaking it…

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

One of Gaudí’s most famous buildings in Barcelona is known simply as La Pedrera, meaning ‘the quarry’. Its official name is Casa Milà and it is situated right on Passeig de Gràcia. Here, too, the famous architect gave free rein to his imagination. Wherever possible, he avoided straight lines. The building is characterised by heavy, undulating shapes, curves and recesses, but the most interesting parts are hidden inside and on the roof. For me,…

Temple, Amusement park, Lookout

If you fancy some beautiful views in Barcelona, a bit of fun or simply want to escape the bustling city centre for a few hours, head to Tibidabo. The mountain, which is over 500 metres high, is one of the best vantage points in the city. At the summit stands the neo-Gothic Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Sagrat Cor ) and one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe that is still in operation. Entry to the viewing points, the panoramic…

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…

Theatre, Historic building

The Catalan Palace of Music, or Palau de la Música Catalana, is a monument unique in the world, built in the ornate style of Catalan Modernism. Together with the Sant Pau Hospital complex, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only concert hall in the world to hold this status. This leading concert hall in Barcelona will captivate you with its colourful façade, but the biggest surprise awaits inside. The main hall, filled…

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…

Historic building

One of the most architecturally significant buildings in Barcelona is the complex of pavilions at the former Sant Pau Hospital, officially known as the ‘ Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau ’. The extensive 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 his masterpiece. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Sant…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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] …

Museum, Palace

The National Palace is one of Barcelona’s most striking and largest landmarks. It stands on the northern slope of Montjuïc hill, overlooking Plaça d’Espanya, and the journey to its monumental façade alone is well worth the visit. Today, the Palau Nacional houses the Catalan National Art Museum, known by the acronym MNAC. You can explore its extensive art collections, opulent interiors and rooftop terraces offering views over Barcelona. If you…