Stylish Barcelona is one of Spain’s most enthrallingly contemporary cities, and it is a must-see. Traces of the city’s extensive history may still be seen in breathtaking detail (fragments of a fourth-century Roman wall, for example). but in an aesthetic way Everything about Barcelona, from its architecture to its food, is recognized for pushing the limits of what is possible. It is also the capital and first city of Catalonia, one of a number of Spanish regions that have been campaigning for more independence from Madrid for quite some time.
Barcelona is a startlingly physical city, especially for a city that takes great pleasure in its cultural institutions. In Barcelona, much of the action takes place outdoors, on La Rambla, at the beach, and on the streets, all set against a background of gorgeous, unique architecture such as the gem-encrusted Temple of la Sagrada Familia and Antoni Gaudi’s renowned apartment towers.
Tip 1: Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is a gigantic Roman Catholic cathedral in Barcelona, Spain, that is still under construction. The architect Antoni Gaudi was responsible for its design. It is possibly the most renowned unfinished structure in the world, since construction has been going on periodically since 1882 and it is still under construction today. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is widely regarded as the national emblem of Spain.
The spindle-like towers of the Sagrada Familia are up to 115 meters high; the tower above the main dome, which has not yet been erected, is to reach 170 meters. Construction is still in progress. This is because each stone has to be adjusted by hand; industrially prefabricated stones cannot be used. By the way, the construction is still financed by donations and entrance fees. Completion is planned for 2026, exactly 100 years after Gaudi’s death.
The Sagrada Familia and Antoni Gaudi are two names that are closely associated with the city of Barcelona. The cathedral dominates the city’s skyline and is a well-known landmark. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people come to see the Sagrada Familia. It is probably the most recognizable structure in Barcelona.
Tip 2: Parc Güell
Located in the heart of Barcelona, Park Güell is a lovely and very distinctive green park that will leave tourists speechless. When visiting Barcelona, it would be a travesty not to take advantage of this magnificent green-space.
The beautifully designed complex is one of the most famous sights of Barcelona and is called Antoni Gaudí’s homage to nature. World famous is the sinuous bench above the portico, decorated with broken ceramics. The park’s emblem is a salamander that guards the entrance to the market hall.
Visitors who want to view the monumental section of the park will need to acquire a ticket. Because roughly 400 people enter the park every half hour, there are always long lineups, therefore we urge that you buy your ticket online to avoid the long waits in line. Those bought online are also somewhat less expensive than tickets purchased in Güell Park.
Tip 3: Magic Fountain of Montjuic
The Magic Fountain of Montjuic is one of the most stunning sites to see in the Catalan city. In the evening, the massive fountain bubbles and bursts with its lights and jets of water dancing to the beat of the music, creating a spectacular spectacle. Intricate water acrobatics and a dazzling show of color, light, motion, and music are included.
The fountain was constructed for the 1929 International Exposition, which took place in Barcelona. The building of this project required the participation of 3000 individuals. On the 19th of May, 1929, the fountain astonished its first wave of viewers when it performed its magic for the first time.
The greatest time to see the fountain is just before dusk, just before the magic performance gets underway. Every day, thousands of people congregate around the Magic Fountain to take in the sight, sitting on the numerous stairs that go up to the MNAC museum and taking in the sunset from the vantage point of Montjuic Mountain, under which the Magic Fountain is located. The magic show fountain show is absolutely free to attend and lasts around 10-15 minutes every performance.
Tip 4: Casa Battló
Casa Batlló is one of two outstanding buildings created by Antoni Gaudi on Passeig de Gràcia, the other being La Pedrera, and it is located in the heart of the city.
The façade of Casa Batlló seems to have been constructed entirely of skulls and bones when seen from the outside. The “skulls” are really balconies, and the “bones” are actually pillars that support the structure.
As inspiration for his inventiveness, Gaudi incorporated colors and forms found in marine life, such as those found in real coral, in this structure. For example, the colors selected for the façade are those found in genuine coral.
Apart from its artistic value, the building has a high functionality, which fits our time rather than that time. Some even see in it precursors of the architectural avant-garde of the late 20th century.
Tip 5: La Boqueria
This bustling market, which is located to the north of Las Ramblas and a few blocks south of Catalunya Square, is extremely busy at all times of the day. However, because the vendors are so quick and used to it, and because the market is so large, the crowds are quite tolerable no matter what time of the day you visit. There has been a market in this location since 1217, when booths were set up at the ancient city gate to sell meat. However, it wasn’t until 1826 that the market was given formal recognition as a public market.
It’s a great place to learn about Catalan traditional cuisine, to go on a tapas tour, to learn about and sample jamón (which is usually served with cheese), to buy the world’s freshest saffron (which is sold in various-sized small boxes) and fresh-caught seafood (no fish on Sundays and Mondays), and to pick up tasty culinary souvenirs to take home with you. There’s also a sit-down counter/bar-like establishment called Kiosko, which serves freshly caught fish that’s been prepared right in front of you. And, of course, there’s an abundance of olives to choose from as well as fantastic fresh fruit!
Investigate the market’s depths to find some of the most interesting vendors. You will not be disappointed if you try a little bit of everything.
