Your Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide
During our time in Spain, of course Sem and I had to visit Barcelona. The magnificent city is the second biggest but definitely most touristic city in Spain. And I can see why! Barcelona truly is a wonderful city full of art, marvellous buildings and lovely and kind people. The city however is extremely vast. So when visiting, especially on a time limit, it is good to know what places you should visit. With this ultimate Barcelona travel guide, we will tell you exactly which places you should visit, where they are and what it costs!
Sagrada Familia
Of course, a visit to the Sagrada Familia can’t be missed during your visit to Barcelona. The basilica (which is still under construction after 140 years), is perhaps the most famous in all of Spain. This beautiful, gigantic creation by Gaudi is wonderful to admire both inside and out. If you want to go inside, you have to buy a ticket. Tickets for the Sagrada Familia start at 26 euros. It is definitely recommended to buy the tickets online in advance due to the crowds.
Park Güell
The beautiful Park Güell, full of Gaudi artworks, is a real must visit during your trip. The park is absolutely gorgeous to walk through, but it also offers the most beautiful views of Barcelona. Note, however, that it is a bit far from the centre and it is situated on top of a mountain. You have to buy entrance tickets for the park as well. These cost 13.50 euros. Due to the crowds, it is also advised to buy your tickets online in advance.
The Cathedral of Barcelona
The Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia (yes, that is its full name) is also worth a visit when you are in Barcelona. The cathedral was built from the 13th to the 15th century and is full of history. This immense building can also be admired from the inside. You can already enter the cathedral for 9 euro.
Arc de Triomf
Many people will think of Paris when they hear the ‘Arc de Triomf’, but that is not the only one. In Barcelona, too, you can admire a beautiful, red-brick triumphal arch. The arch, which was built for the 1888 Universal Exposition, can be admired near the Parc de la Cuitadella. The arc cannot be visited inside, hence it is a free sight to visit.
Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana is truly one of the most beautiful buildings I have visited. From the outside, you can already admire the beautiful, colourful mosaic of the concert building. Inside, you really find yourself in another world. Tickets to admire the concert building from the inside start at 15 euros.
Gothic Quarter
The charming Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, is full of narrow medieval streets filled with trendy bars, clubs and typical Catalan restaurants. The most famous places in this district are the Barcelona Cathedral and the long shopping street La Rambla.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces (and definitely my favourite), built in 1877. The undulating shapes of the building and the colourful mosaic on the facade make this building typical of Gaudi and extremely special. The entrance fee to Casa Batlló for an adult is 35 euros, and 29 euros for students. Here too, it is really necessary to book the tickets in advance online!
Poble Espanyol
The Poble Espanyol is a comprehensive open-air museum that combines contemporary art, architecture, crafts and gastronomy. The museum displays 117 life-size buildings from the 15 autonomous regions of Spain. These buildings form a Spanish village with streets, houses, parks, a theatre, a school, restaurants and craft workshops. It is a lovely museum to visit, where you can easily walk around for a couple of hours and learn a lot about Spain. Tickets are best bought online in advance and are available for 14 euros.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is Barcelona’s largest park, and is full of history. It contains, among others, a beautiful waterfall, a pond and a romantic English-style garden. This park is great to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. In summer, you can enjoy the artists in the park and hire a paddle boat to sail across the pond. The parc is free to enter.
Barcelona is a huge city, and there is much more to see. But these are the most beautiful highlights in Barcelona, which you absolutely should not miss during your visit. What is your favourite spot in Barcelona?
