Looking for some incredible yet underrated parks to visit this summer? Check this list below…
It’s Hard to Beat Barcelona
Looking for your dream trip? The answer might just be Barcelona. With several beaches, museums, history, architecture, amazing cuisine and a picturesque view of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is really hard to beat. You can tour the extensive works of Antoni Gaudí, visit the Picasso Museum, go shopping, eat some terrific seafood or just head to the beach to relax in the perfect climate. The beaches are some of the best in Europe and you won’t be disappointed by the nightlife either.
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, here are some spots to explore:
Güell Park
This is one of those places that gets a “wow” from just about any visitor. One of the city’s top attractions the color and whimsy of Gaudí’s famous park should not be missed. You will find the whole thing full of energy, uplifting and extravagant. The park is on a hill so wear good walking shoes and you’ll need a few euros for tickets to the monuments. The view of Barcelona from the top of the hill is one of the best so make sure your camera or smartphone is fully charged!
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is a lively and very busy neighborhood in central Barcelona. There always seems to be something going on throughout the area, day or night. The beautiful cobblestone streets are great for a leisurely stroll where you can check out local performing artists or grab some tapas at one of the bars along the way. Make sure you leave time to check out the Monument a Colom, which is huge statue (200+ feet) of Christopher Columbus who appears to be looking down on the city. It is definitely a very touristy area, but you will find yourself falling in love with this bustling area of the city.
La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family)
Another of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces is La Sagrada Familia. He spend quite a few years of his life dedicated to the construction of this amazing Gothic-style church with spires that shoot 558 feet into the air. While it seems that the church is always under construction, the experience is really one of the best in Barcelona. While it’s very busy and lines can get very long, you have to plan a morning or afternoon to see it. You can book your tickets online to save some waiting time and it’s a good idea to take the guided headphone tour.
Casa Batlló
While it looks like something out of a weird SciFi movie, the Casa Batlló shows Gaudí at his finest. I marvel at the detail in the skeleton windows and terraces and find the dragon legend to be pretty captivating. The roof is thought to illustrate the dragon’s back. This is one of only a few houses by Gaudí that can be toured in Barcelona, so make sure you go. A morning visit will help you avoid the bigger crowds and they do sell tickets online if you want to save time. A truly fascinating place to visit and one you won’t soon forget.
Barceloneta Beach
It’s always a treat to visit an urban area that has culture, history, shopping and unique things to do and see AND there are numerous beaches nearby. It doesn’t happen very often so enjoy it in Barcelona. Make sure you visit Barceloneta Beach. It is one of the most iconic and popular beaches and gets very busy during the summer months. You’ll feel like you’re part of a European vacation post card as you sit on the beach relaxing in style. It’s also a great place to run, ride your bike or take a leisurely stroll. You can be on the beach in 20 or so minutes from Las Ramblas. You can either pick up a picnic lunch or let the local eateries spoil you with seafood, paella and Sangria.
Have you visited Barcelona? What were some of your favorites?
More from Samantha Brown:
This Post Has 18 Comments
Leave a Reply
Related Posts
We enjoyed Gaudi’s Casa Mila, not too far from Casa Batlo. The figures on the roof looked like storm troopers from Star Wars. We stayed on Las Ramblas and loved it.
Loved Barcelona. 4gats, Picasso Museum, l’novella Negra Bar, just walking around.
Planning to visit Barcelona this summer with the family, any recommendations on hotel accommodations, I like a centrally located place where the hotel is walking distance. Thanks!
Hazel Tajanlgit,
You should look into Airbnb. We rented an apartment on Consell de Cent street and it was a really spacious apartment in a safe area. We walked to most places and took the subway when we were tired of walking. The subway is really easy to understand and it is so easy to get around.
Been to BCN a few times and back there next month. It is a great lively, energetic city, with great food and culture. My highest recommendation is to get out and walk the city, experience the little nooks that the neighbourhoods hold.
Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced guide that can take me around Barcelona to various Gaudi buildings?
Try viator. The guided tours are an excellent way to learn about the city.
Does anyone have any suggestions for moderately priced restaurants or have any suggestions for shopping?
Loved Barcelona! Food and sites are incredible. The only city in Europe where I was pick pocketed, but I would return! Suggestion…avoid riding the metro and do the hop on/off bus.
we are headed there for a few days next month – what are a few great COLD weather activites? all i read is about summer vacations. surely the city offers excitement year round?
Angela, I have been to Barcelona twice during the winter months and you will be able to do everything written in this article, minus sun bathing in Barceloneta. The weather is usually quite pleasant, low to mid 60’s.
You are so right Samantha! Lots of beautiful cities in the world but we have everything here. Barcelona is amazing! Thanks for the article! 🙂
Spent 4 days there in Oct. Took a tapas and wine walk around the city the first evening that really helped orient us to this beautiful city !!
We did a bike tour of Barcelona and really loved it! If you truly want to experience Barcelona and it’s wonderful people- sign up for an EatWith experience! We were able to cook traditional recipes alongside locals and then enjoy the meal all together. It was wonderful!
Hi! I enjoy watching you on HSN. I’ve bought your luggage & love it. Get lots of compliments. I lost my husband 15 months ago. We did a lot of traveling. I want to travel but I’m a little scared in doing so. Like to go to Europe. Would I be better going on a cruise.
Thank You
Kathy Drozd
LOVE Barcelona! Wonderful place to visit!
my daughter and I are going to Barcelona in September to go on a cruise we are coming
3 days early so we can see the city before we sail any suggestions on where to stay close to the pier and easy to get around in the city that’s not too expensive and best food and shopping ?
Yes indeed, Fall Season is a great time to visit Barcelona. We rented an apartment & lived there for 3 months
September through November, 2008. We had a wonderful time. Soooo many days strolling up & down the
La Ramblas & the Gothic Quarter, visiting the Cathedral of Barcelona, Placa Reial, Casa Batllo & many other sites. We even had a chance to run into Woody Allen filming the movie = ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona,’ with stars,
Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Rebecca Hall & Patricia Clarkson.