Barcelona City Guide

The towers of La Sagrada Familia

This is your free Barcelona City Guide!  It’s a city which has everything from fantastic architecture to impressive beaches.  You can’t fail to like it, as Barcelona has something for everyone. Here are our personal recommendations…

WHAT TO DO IN BARCELONA

Sagrada Familia – It’s Gaudi’s grand church and despite being started in 1882, it still isn’t finished although much work has been done in recent years.  No trip to Barcelona would be complete without seeing this building’s crazy curves and mosaic topped towers.  There is often a queue to get in, but it’s worth it.  Inside, you’ll find another queue and charge for the lift up the towers and this is usually a long wait.  Make no mistake, the view from the top is stunning, but you have to weigh that against the time you have to wait to get in the lift. In peak times it’s not unusual to be in line for 2 hours! Metro stop: Sagrada Familia. More info, pics, links & map…

La Rambla (Las Ramblas) – This is simply a street, best walked from Placa Catalunya down to the harbour.  It’s a street like no other though with traders selling everything along the way from souvenirs to live chickens! More info, pics, links & map… 

The Olympic Sports Facilities – Barcelona held the Olympic Games in 1992 and all the facilities are still there to see.  Most impressive is the Olympic stadium, but the whole area around it is known as Parc Montjuic and is nice to walk around as it’s pleasant, slightly out of the city and less busy with tourists.  The best way to get to the stadium area is to walk – the nearest Metro stop is Placa Espanya which is still 20 minutes away although there is also a fenicular which can be accessed from the metro.

Barcelona Harbour

The Harbour – This is one of the areas that draws a real mix of people in Barcelona from locals to tourists. It’s nice to walk around and there’s a lot to see. In the traditional port area there is a huge walkway which crossses the harbour to the large Maremagnum shopping centre. On one side of the walkway there are hundreds of sailing boats moored and on the other side, the larger ships can be seen. Further along the harbour promenade you will find the Olympic Port which was used in the 1992 Olympic Games for the sailing activities but is now a thriving area with restaurants and bars. More info, pics, links & map…

Magic Fountain – You have to see this!  It’s free but very busy when it “performs”.  The fountain is basically a music, light and water show. Shows don’t happen every night, so check out the days and times before heading to the fountain.  There is a big flight of steps which everyone sits on to get a better view.  Nearest Metro is Placa Espanya.

Gaudi chimneys at Casa Mila

La Pedrera/Casa Mila – We became somewhat obsessed with Antoni Gaudi’s buildings when we last visited Barcelona.  Even if you’re not into architecture, this one is certainly worth seeing.  This weird shaped building was created as offices and apartments and now houses a museum.  The best bit by far is the roof top. Nobody designs chimneys like Gaudi! The building is at 92 Passeig de Gracia – nearest Metro stop is Diagonal. More info, pics, links & map…

The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) – This is the Old Town of Barcelona and has cobbled streets lined with many old and unusual buildings.  The area is on the right as you walk up La Rambla towards Placa de Catalunya.

Nou Camp (Barcelona FC) – There are stadium tours and visits to the museum here.  If you like football, you’re sure to get something from a visit to one of the best known clubs in the world but it’s not recommended if you don’t!  It’s quite a way out of the city – metro stop: Collblanc.     

OUR TOP TIP IN BARCELONA

Most of the costal resorts in Catalunya are on the direct railway line to Barcelona, so think about incorporating your “city break” into your “beach” holiday. The trains are reasonable and fast and you could even book a hotel in Barcelona for an overnight stay.  We’ve done Barcelona both ways, but travelling from Salou on the Costa Dorada was certainly the cheapest and the journey time was only an hour.

GETTING AROUND BARCELONA

Central Barcelona is fairly compact and you’ll find most sights within walking distance.  The Metro system is very easy to use though and you will need it to get to places like the Sagrada Familia. We think the easiest and cheapest way to get to the city from the airport (El Prat) is by train.

MORE ON BARCELONA

See Barcelona - Tourism magazine online
Barcelonaeguide - Attractions, acommodation and insight
Bcn - The official Barcelona city website