Top 10 places to experience when you visit Barcelona
As a passionate licensed tour guide in Barcelona, here are my top 10 places you cannot miss when you visit the city, seasoned with some precious little tips!
Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia
Who doesn’t know the famous temple dedicated to the Holy Family?
Antonio Gaudí took over the project when he was only 31, and he probably couldn’t imagine that it would work on it his entire life…and beyond!
The unfinished work of the visionary architect impresses with the beauty of its 18 bell towers. Twelve are dedicated to the Apostles, four to the Evangelists Mark, Luke, Mathew and John, one tower to the virgin Mary, and the tallest, 172.5 meters, to Jesus.
The three facades are dedicated to the three stages of Jesus’ life: birth, the Nativity Facade, death, the Passion facade, and for His Resurrection, the Glory facade.
The atmosphere of the interior part of the Sagrada Familia differs from the typical austerity of religious environments.
Gaudi wanted to achieve the feeling of a mystical forest, where the light differs depending on the time of the day. Unmissable!
Tip: buy the tickets in advance, since they sell out fast!
Get lost in the Gothic Quarter
Sant Felipe Neri Square Gothic Quarter
If you are fascinated by time travel, you cannot miss the oldest part of the city when you visit Barcelona. Take a leap into the Middle Ages, and lose yourself in the intricate labyrinth of its narrow streets! It is the most entertaining way to discover some real pearls, among enchanting squares, Roman walls, gothic churches and historical shops. And if you want a break, there will be plenty of bars and restaurants!
The Cathedral of Barcelona
Cathedral of Barcelona
Located in the Gothic Quarter, this splendid example of medieval architecture was built between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. The Cathedral of Barcelona is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, who is the co-patroness of the city and its first martyr, being condemned at one torture for each year of her life, until she would deny her faith or die.
Tip: visit the cloister to see the geese
Watch out: you are stepping on graves!
Privileged people and members of the Guilds would be buried in the cloister. You will notice the tombstones with different symbols and numbers, my favourite symbol is the shoe, representing the Guild of the Shoemakers!
You will find as well 13 white geese. The number is not accidental: it symbolizes the age of Santa Eulalia when she suffered martyrdom, and the 13 tortures she was subjected to by the Romans.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batllo Barcelona
In the exclusive Passeig de Gracia, you will find Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s most famous works, a jewel built in 1906 for the family Batlló.
Its facade looks like a colour palette, covered with recycled broken tiles and glass.
The Catalan architect’s passion for symbolism is demonstrated by the allegory of Saint George defeating the dragon: the roof recalls the scales of the epic monster, the white cross, the handle of the saint’s sword piercing the enemy. While the balconies, resembling skulls, might be the victims of the dragon.
Tip: combine your visit with a summer concert on the terrace
La Pedrera (or Casa Mila)
La Pedrera or Casa Mila
Also in Passeig de Gracia, a few steps from Casa Batllo is another gem built by Gaudí. Nicknamed ‘La Pedrera‘ due to its resemblance to a quarry, the original name is dedicated to the first owner, Pere Mila. Its undulating facade hides a history of controversies and legal and financial problems: The artist’s flair has taken over!
Tip: go for the light show!
At dusk, Casa Milà is illuminated by the show of a thousand coloured lights…simply magical.
Parc Güell
The salamander at the Park Guell by Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona
We finish the series of Gaudí’s works that you absolutely must-see when you visit Barcelona with a dip in nature. The idea of the ‘garden city’ comes to life, but soon turns into a failure: the project to build a luxury residential area that began in 1900 fades just 14 years later.
My favourite part at Park Guell is the infinity bench, covered with broken tiles, the Gaudian Trencadis, where he breaks down the tiles and glues them together in order to perfectly cover the wavy surfaces he creates.
There is also a fairytale touch: the houses at the entrance of Parc Güell are reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel’s gingerbread house.
La Rambla
La Rambla
If you visit Barcelona, you have to take a walk on La Rambla. It is the oldest promenade in the city, and it is always full of life!
Notice the pavement, and you will see wavy lines, symbols of the water which would drain here, all the way to the sea, forming a small water stream on rainy days.
Tip: visit la Boquería market and try Jamón Iberico and Queso Manchego. Your taste buds will thank you.
Palau de la Música
Palau de la Musica
This building is a great example of Catalan modernist architecture. It was built between 1905 and 1908 by Domenech i Muntaner, the teacher of Gaudí, while his pupil was devoting himself to the design of Casa Batlló. It represents one of the masterpieces of Art Nouveau and one of the favourite destinations for concerts. Its beauty has been recognized by UNESCO which has declared it a World Heritage Site. It is an essential stop if you visit Barcelona!
Tips: go to a concert or flamenco show
Font màgica de Montjuïc
Montjuic Magic Fountains Barcelona
One of the most famous Barcelona tourist attractions, this fountain is located in the magnificent Plaza de España. The monument was built in 1929 on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition and was renovated in 1992 during the Olympic games.
Tip: go for the light show
Although the fountain of Montjuïc is always beautiful, it gives its best at the sunset, when you can see an incredible show of water, music and light. Jets of water move to the rhythm of music accompanied by lights in 7,000 million possible combinations…simply fascinating crazy!
Santa Maria del Mar
Santa Maria del Mar in the Born Neighbourhood in Barcelona
Breathe in the intimate air of this 14th-century church located in the centric Born Quarter. After a walk in this area characterized by a bohémien touch, let yourself be charmed by the fascinating history of this church, a sacred place built by the people for the people. Due to the popular spirit and special donations, the church survived a fire and an earthquake, reaching more than 700 years of life.
Tip: find out why the coat of arms of the Barcelona Football Team is located inside the church
…join one of Live Life Barcelona Private tours for the secret to be revealed!
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