Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and framed by the majestic Montserrat mountain range, Barcelona is like no other city. Cosmopolitan, trendy, avant-guard, artsy … there are so many ways to describe this iconic city. It is no wonder that Barcelona, Spain is one of the world’s most visited destinations!
The capital of Spain’s fiercely independent Catalonia region, Barcelona feels more like Montreal and Catalonia more like Quebec. More locals speak Catalonian than Spanish and the Catalonian flag flies next to the Spanish flag.
The second largest city in Spain, it is the most visited destinations in Spain with over 8 million visitors each year. As a result, prepare to stand in long lines to see the most popular sites if not already sold out. So it is well advised to order tickets online in advance of your trip.
The downside of so many tourists converging on the city is that pickpocketing has become rampant. After traveling to over 40 countries, I unfortunately fell victim for the first time. Over crowded attractions, packed souvenir stands and markets are all prime locations for you to be targeted. Regardless, Barcelona is one of the best places to visit. Just be aware of your surroundings.
But, why is Barcelona such a popular tourist destination?
First, It’s An Art Gallery Disguised As A City
No matter where you look, art abounds. The works of Antoni Gaudi and Frank Gehry intermingle with the works of amazing street artists like El Pez, Sixeart, and Aryz.
Antoni Gaudi
No artist has left more of an impression on Barcelona than Antoni Gaudi. His works are prevalent throughout the City. The most famous is Sagrada Familia, considered one of the most recognized and unique basilicas in the world …
Sagrada Familia Basilica
The Sagrada Familia Basilica is Barcelona’s most iconic landmark. Construction of the Roman Catholic basilica began in 1862 and is expected to be finished 164 years later in 2026. Once completed, it will be become the world’s highest church at 172m and the tallest building in Barcelona. Designed in Gaudi’s signature Modernisme style, the imposing structure is a magnificent work of architecture.
While the exterior is spectacular, the interior is stunning. Bathed in light from the massive stained glass windows, the ultra-contemporary sanctuary is draped in yellows, blues, reds and green. Every inch invokes a story or a figure from the Bible. The first sound heard when entering the basilica is a collective gasp of disbelief as visitors are struck in awe of this impressive structure.
Casa Batlló
Originally an 1877 building built by Emilio Sala Cortés, one of Antoni Gaudi’s architecture professors, Casa Batlló was completely reimagined by Gaudi into a dreamlike house. Covered in ceramics and glass, the undulating roof is meant to represent Saint George slaying a dragon. Located on the Passeig de Gràcia, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Barcelona’s most visited landmarks.
Park Güell
The park was initially the idea of Eusebi Güell, one of Spain’s wealthiest men, who hired Gaudi to design Park Güell. Opened to the public in 1926, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona. The eclectic Modernisme architecture, popular in the early 1900s, is prevalent throughout the park. The park’s buildings, structures and sculptures are covered in Trencadis, a colorful mosaic pattern of broken tiles and ceramics. With the imposing skyline of Barcelona in the background and whimsical undulating forms, Park Güell is fun for all ages! But, be careful, pickpockets are present in the park, especially in the overcrowded souvenir shops.
Frank Gehry
Widely considered one of the world’s most relevant and influential contemporary architects, Frank Gehry‘s ground breaking designs revolutionized architecture in a way no other has. A prime example is Gehry’s El Peix located on Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta at the foot of the Hotel Arts.
El Peix
The spectacular El Peix (in Catalan Peix Daurat) or Golden Fish is an imposing steel-mesh structure towering 35m high and 56m long. Constructed for the 1992 Olympic Games it is one of Barcelona’s most photographed landmarks.
Second, Barcelona Is Filled With Beautiful Plaças
Barcelona is filled with inviting Plaças (Squares) both large and small. The main squares of Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça Reial, Plaça d’Espanya, and Plaça de Sol are popular meeting spots and famous for hosting events throughout the year. Hundreds of inviting neighborhood plaças scattered throughout the city offer refuge from the summer heat and the perfect setting for a relaxing espresso.
Plaça Reial
One of the more photogenic squares in Barcelona, Plaça Reial is among the most vibrant in the city. Surrounded by elegant 19th-century neoclassical buildings and towering palm trees, it lives up to its name Plaça Reial or Royal Square. In the center stands the Fountain of the Three Graces featuring two street lamps designed by a young Antoni Gaudi in 1879, his first known works.
Plaça de Joaquim Xirau
Situated in La Rambla, the smaller tree lined Plaça de Joaquim Xirau with its stately Statue of the poet Frederic Soler is a popular spot to take a relaxing break from exploring the city.
Third, Barcelona Is Trendy
Les Rambla
The most well known street in Barcelona, Les Rambla is full of energy and vibrance. Lined with restaurants, flower stalls, boutiques and tapa bars, it is one of the most popular sites for residents and tourists alike. The tree canopies hanging over the pedestrian-only promenade provide plenty of shade while exploring the many kiosks or simply enjoying an afternoon stroll. Be aware, pickpockets are known to operate along Les Rambla.
Gothic Quarter
Dating back over 2,000 years, the charming Barri Gothic (Gothic Quarter) reflects Barcelona’s medieval past. The narrow streets lined with palaces, churches and beautiful residences wind through the Quarter. Here you will find excellent boutiques, restaurants and tapa bars. Be sure to stop at Can Culleretes, Barcelona’s oldest restaurant that dates to 1786.
Fourth, It Has Mercat de la Boqueria
Barcelona’s oldest and most famous market, Mercat de la Boqueria is distinguished by its distinctive cast-iron Modernista design. Opened in 1840, its history dates to 1217 when vendors set up tables near the old city gate. Today, over 300 vendors offer fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat. Located on La Rambla, the market is a favorite of locals as well as Catalunya’s top chefs and restaurants.
Fifth, Barcelona Has Wonderful Urban Beaches
Situated along the Mediterranean coast, it is no wonder there are a myriad of beaches to select. Ten beaches are within walking distance of Barcelona’s city center, but it’s important to note these are ‘urban beaches’, meaning they are not the pristine sandy beach with crystal clear water you may expect in a resort. Platja de la Barceloneta, located just steps from the city centre, is one of the more popular urban beaches for a mid-day swim.
To find a more ‘resort like’ beach, you will need to travel outside the city to the smaller coastal towns such as Sitges, Tossa de Mar or Canet de Mar.
Sixth, Barcelona Has Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc
Located on a slope of Montjuïc Hill high above Barcelona, the Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc was the site of the 1992 Olympic Games Diving Competition. Millions watching the broadcast were mesmerized by the breath-taking view of the City below.
Although the diving pool is now closed, two other pools are available to take a swim and feel like an Olympian.
Seventh, Barcelona Has Two Cable Cars
Barcelona has two cable cars, the Telefèric de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Cable Car) that climbs to the top of Montjuïc Hill and the Transbordador Aeri del Port (Port Cable Car) that runs above the old harbour of Port Vell to the base of Montjuïc Hill. Both provide amazing views, however, the Montjuïc Cable Car is the newer of the two.
Eighth, Barcelona Has Great Shopping
In addition to La Ramba and the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona offers some of the best shopping from antiques to luxury fashion houses.
Passeig de Gràcia
One of the most famous shopping streets, Passeig de Gràcia is known for its luxurious fashion boutiques including Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Arenas de Barcelona
Another popular shopping area is Arenas de Barcelona. Opened in 1900 as Las Arenas, it was remodeled into a bullfight arena in 1927 and renamed Plaza de Toros de las Arenas. With bullfights losing popularity, it was again remodeled into a shopping mall and once again renamed the current Arenas de Barcelona. It now houses over 100 stores on six floors with a walkway installed on the last floor providing a 360° view of the city.
With an overwhelming variety of things to see and do, an eclectic shopping scene, a slew of museums and incredible food, it is easy to understand why Barcelona is a favorite of millions!
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