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15 Greatest Issues To Do in Barcelona, Spain

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On this submit, I’m going to share with you my prime issues to do in Barcelona.

Barcelona is a metropolis of contrasts. It’s edgy and uncooked, but inventive and complex. It’s a spot that’s house to an entire melting pot of cultures, but stays uniquely its personal.

It’s additionally a metropolis blessed with world-class eating places, unbelievable structure, a thumping nightlife scene, and a beautiful shoreline.

tapas in barcleona

With an incredible public transport system to shuttle you between the various neighbourhoods, and huge, pedestrian-friendly streets, getting round Barcelona is a breeze. 

The town actually does have a vibe of its personal and there are countless issues to do in Barcelona to maintain you busy. 

Having spent 10 days in Barcelona with Nick, we have been capable of sufficiently scratch the floor and uncover a number of all this vacation spot has to supply. Undoubtedly, that is now one in every of my favorite cities on this planet. 

With that, let’s get began with this checklist of the 15 finest issues to do in Barcelona.

1. Be part of a Strolling Tour

This is without doubt one of the finest actions in Barcelona for once you first arrive. 

Strolling excursions can be found in just about each main metropolis in Europe, and by becoming a member of one, you’ll be capable to orientate your self instantly, whereas checking off some metropolis highlights alongside the best way. 

sagrada familia best attractions in barcleona

You’ll be able to be part of a free tour with firms like Sandemans, whose guides will take you thru a number of of the neighbourhoods in Barcelona, and present you lots of the metropolis’s must-see sights. 

These strolling excursions are “free”, however they function on suggestions (€5-10 is adequate). Since they’re such a low worth, you could discover that many individuals want to be part of your most popular journey too. 

A greater possibility is to affix this extremely rated strolling tour expertise, which has a restrict of simply 7 friends. Collectively along with your educated and comical information, you’ll go to the Previous City ‘Ciutat Vella’, the Gothic Quarter ‘Barri Gòtic’, and ‘El Born’.

When you’ll actually see the primary sights, the most effective a part of the strolling tour is that you just’ll additionally acquire native perception into the town; together with the dos and don’ts, the most effective locations to eat, and extra. 

2. Test Out Antoni Gaudí’s Work

You actually can’t go to Barcelona with out trying out the attractive work of Antoni Gaudí. You actually couldn’t miss his masterpieces in the event you tried.

Sitting in stark distinction subsequent to the extra typical trendy structure and the attractive, however much less exotic-looking Catalan Gothic buildings, is the works of Twentieth-century genius architect, Antoni Gaudí.

See Gaudi Architecture Barcelona
Entrance To Gaudi’s Park Guell

Most of his buildings are primarily based on naturally occurring natural shapes, curves, and bends. Whereas regular buildings have pointed archways, sharp corners, and practical columns, Gaudí’s look like inbuilt celebration of the connection between man and Mom Nature.

Two Gaudí buildings you could’t miss whereas in Barcelona embrace La Sagrada Familia – a construction nonetheless beneath building greater than 130 years later, and the Barcelona Cathedral – that is my favorite piece within the metropolis.

Different must-sees embrace Parque Guell, Casa BatYo, Casa Mila, and Casa Vee-sens.

A good way to cowl all of Gaudi’s work in a single go is to be part of this Introduction to Gaudi expertise, which is simply $20. You’ll go to 7 of Gaudi’s masterpieces and study attention-grabbing details about the artist and his structure alongside the best way. 

☞ SEE ALSO: The Value of Residing in Spain

3. Stroll The Seaside Boardwalk at La Barceloneta

The Barceloneta seashore space of Barcelona is attractive. With a large boardwalk often called Paseo Marítimo which follows the shoreline for about 4 kilometres, it’s the proper place for an extended stroll by the ocean.

Drinks on Beach Barceloneta

You’ll discover a number of cool eating places and bars which have tables spilling out onto patios proper on the sand, and there are at all times individuals making sandcastles, swimming within the water, (throughout summer time months), and having fun with the sunshine.

We ended up visiting the Barceloneta space after already being within the metropolis for per week, and we couldn’t imagine how stunning it was, or that we hadn’t visited sooner!  

Relying on which neighbourhood in Barcelona you’re staying in, you possibly can go to Barceloneta on foot, by bus, or by taking the metro to Metro cease “Barceloneta”, (Yellow Line, L4).

SEE ALSO: A Information To Barcelona For First-Timers

4. Get Misplaced in El Born

The Barrio of El Born is a labyrinth of slim cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and superbly ornate Church buildings and Basilicas.

On this neighbourhood, you’ll discover cafes and boutique shops by daylight, and cocktail bars and samba by night time. You’ll be able to go to El Born any time of day and it’s at all times enjoyable and thrilling, nevertheless it takes on an entire totally different vibe at night time.

If in case you have time, attempt to enterprise right here at the least as soon as through the day, and as soon as at night time, when the road lamps mild up the stone buildings, giving them a golden glow.

Contemplating he lived right here from the age of 15, it’s not stunning that you just’ll additionally discover some inventive works by Pablo Picasso in El Born, significantly within the Picasso Museum.

Couple that with some nice wine bars and eating places and you’ve got some of the eclectic and thrilling barrios within the metropolis. For a quaint and enjoyable wine bar, I like to recommend Bodega del Born, and for glorious cocktails and an expertise in itself, the Paradiso speakeasy.

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5. Discover the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is yet one more charming medieval neighbourhood within the metropolis of Barcelona. I’ve now listed three of the town’s coolest neighbourhoods on this article, however the truth is, that is solely a small number of the barrios that this metropolis has to supply.

gothic quarter things to see in barcleona

The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona’s jewel within the crown of historic barrios. Courting again greater than 2,000 years, it’s an space filled with slim again streets, towering church buildings, quiet alleyways, nice eating places and bars, and a number of the metropolis’s most fascinating historical past.

Artisans promote leather-based and jewellery close to La Sagrada Familia, whereas flower stalls and street-food distributors line the busy avenue of La Rambla.

A good way to discover the Gothic Quarter, (Barri Gòtic), is by becoming a member of a Barri Gòtic strolling tour. Along with Juliana, you’ll wander by means of the historic heart studying concerning the historical past, tradition, and darkish secrets and techniques of Barcelona. On the finish of the strolling tour, (in true Catalonian type), you’ll share a glass of sangria collectively. 

Benefit from the Gothic Quarter – you’ll be amazed at each nook you flip on this fascinating maze of slim streets and alleys. 

6. Be part of a Paella Cooking Class (One of many Greatest Issues to do in Barcelona!)

We booked this paella cooking class throughout our journey to Barcelona and it was simply probably the greatest experiences we’ve loved up to now. That is undoubtedly probably the greatest issues to do in Barcelona for {couples}, pals, and foodies.

cooking class best activities in barcleona

Though Pallela is initially from Valencia, (additional south within the area), it’s nonetheless a preferred dish all through Catalonia.

Throughout this cooking class, Chef Lucia, (who’s labored in each Gordan Ramsay’s and Jaime Oliver’s kitchens), walks you thru the steps to create one in every of Catalonia’s most well-known dishes; the scrumptious paella.

Whereas cooking in pairs at your station, you’ll be served ice chilly, bubbly cava, (the Catalan type of glowing white wine), relish in chatting with different friends, and study skilled cooking strategies from revered cooks.

The cava doesn’t cease flowing and you’ll have as a lot, or as little, as you want.

What’s particularly nice about this expertise is that you just get to cook dinner the dish from begin to end, versus different cooking courses which have every part ready for you, and also you principally simply watch the meal being accomplished. Not right here! You do all of it, and get to get pleasure from your creation on the finish.  

I actually can’t advocate this sufficient. Not solely is it an incredible cooking class, however you get to tick two issues off your checklist of issues to do in Barcelona; drink cava and eat paella. E book the paella cooking class right here.

7. Go Out For Tapas and Pinchos

Just about everybody is aware of about tapas – the well-known Spanish appetizer plates – however have you ever heard of the smaller, bite-sized snacks often called pinchos?

Pincho actually interprets to “thorn” or “spike” and refers back to the toothpick that you just’ll discover holding collectively each pincho you eat.

Pinchos in Barcelona

There are many locations in Barcelona to get each tapas and pinchos, however Poble Sec particularly is the place to be for the abundance of bars that line the road right here.

We joined this tapas/pinchos journey which took us to five totally different pinchos bars the place we sampled practically a dozen totally different small dishes. You’ll find out about tapas tradition and tidbits about Barcelona. Plus, how you can correctly pay for pinchos at a bar, (spoiler: you retain your toothpicks and pay per “stick” on the honour system).

I gained’t give all of it away by telling you concerning the tasty tapas we sampled, you’ll should e-book and uncover for your self. We actually loved the pinchos expertise and felt prefer it was a must-do in Barcelona to get the night time began.

8. Wander Round El Raval Barrio

El Raval is a vibrant multi-cultural barrio within the coronary heart of Barcelona. Though this space is taken into account a spot in Barcelona to take warning of, as of late there’s a number of gentrification happening, and it’s now higher identified for being an edgy, bohemian space.

Throughout our journey to Barcelona we spent a day exploring El Raval and loved experiencing this different aspect of the town. Relatively than medieval structure and broad, leafy streets, we discovered buildings that regarded a bit rougher across the edges, attention-grabbing avenue artwork, and beautiful neighborhood gardens.

Underground Walking Tour Barcelona Street Art

El Raval is definitely house to a few of Barcelona’s prime museums and eating places — don’t miss Cañete Bar, or Dos Palillos.  

9. Be Wowed By a Drink at Paradiso Cocktail Bar

Paradiso cocktail bar is an establishment in Barcelona, and for good purpose. That is most likely the best secret bar we’ve ever been to and that’s no understatement! 

To enter the bar, you must already learn about it as a result of it has a hidden entrance by means of a walk-in freezer door at the back of a deli, however regardless of their makes an attempt to maintain this place a secret, just about everybody who lives or visits Barcelona will likely be drawn right here in some unspecified time in the future.

Have a Drink at Paradiso Bar Barcelona

The costs on this bar aren’t low cost, (round 15 euros for a cocktail), however neither is the booze that they use, or the best way they put together them.

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From steaming wood logs topped with crispy deep-fried ants, cachaca and keenness fruit, to dry ice gins and smoked tequila cocktails, this place places a whimsical spin on each drink they serve.

The bartenders at Paradiso are actually pleasant and affected person as you order the drinks, making this a really approachable speakeasy. If you happen to like a superb drink, shaken or stirred, I extremely advocate that you just add this unbelievable bar in El Born to your Barcelona itinerary. 

10. Go Crusing

Crusing is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Barcelona on a sizzling afternoon, or to benefit from the sundown within the night. 

Hop aboard this sailboat and cruise up the coast to get pleasure from views of the town’s shoreline. Among the prime sights embrace Sagrada Familia, Tibidabo, Montjuic, and Diagonal Mar.

The sailboat can maintain as much as 12 friends, however the captain sometimes solely books it for 7 – 8 individuals to make sure you’re comfy. Convey your bathing swimsuit if you want and revel in a dip within the sea. 

Security tools, native snacks and drinks, (cava, white wine, beer, gentle drinks, water), are included. Be taught extra about this Barcelona crusing tour.

11. Stroll La Rambla and Store at La Boqueria Market

La Rambla is a large, tree-lined pedestrian-only avenue that stretches for 1.2 kilometres from Plaça de Catalunya within the centre of the town, to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell.

It additionally varieties the boundary between the Gothic Quarter to the east, and El Raval to the west.

Walking La Rambla Barcelona

Right here you’ll discover dozens of retailers, in addition to flower stands lining the road. In the course of the excessive season, La Rambla will be packed, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a cool place to come back for a stroll.

While you’re on the Rambla, preserve a watch out for Mercado de la Boqueria. Boqueria actually interprets to “place the place goat is bought” in Catalan, however there’s rather more right here than simply goat meat. 

That is one in every of Barcelona’s finest markets, promoting every part from meats and cheeses, to wines, fruits, handicrafts, and pastries. It was really voted the most effective meals market on this planet by CNN.

Hanging Chillies at Boqueria Market Barcelona

The market is open on Monday to Saturday, from 8:00am to eight:30pm. Every of the stalls out there is numbered, so upon getting your favourites, you possibly can at all times return.

With a mean of 40,000 guests coming to La Boqueria on daily basis, it’s no shock that that is one other place that will get crowded within the metropolis, however in the event you’re a foodie, you actually should make time for it.

12. Sandwiches With a Facet of Cava

Probably the greatest locations to go to in Barcelona earlier than going out for a late night time is Can Paixano. This bustling, small store serves nothing however a number of tapas, sandwiches, and cava, (Spanish glowing wine).

things to do in barcleona sandwich and cava shop

Order on the bar and take your sandwich to go, or keep awhile with the locals, holding a glass of bubbles in a single hand, and your sandwich within the different!

My advice is the sliced sausage squished between a gentle hamburger bun with melted cheese… and some glasses of cava, (in fact). 

Costs are very cheap at round €1.50 – €3 for every part. Can Paixano is open from midday till 10:00pm, and is closed Sunday and Monday. Discover it right here on the map.

13. Go to the Vineyards

It’s no secret that Spain is known for its wine. And fortuitously, throughout your journey to Barcelona, you gained’t should go removed from the town to go to vineyards and style some incredible wines. 

Situated simply 35 minutes by automotive, or 45 minutes by prepare, is the well-known Penedés wine area. 

Throughout this enjoyable wine expertise, you’ll go to two wineries and style some premium wines or cavas. Plus, you’ll obtain a snack at every cease. Whereas driving between the wineries, (in a classic Mehari!), you’ll study concerning the area, grape rising, and extra out of your information. 

After the vineyard visits, your host Neus will put together a picnic within the vineyards, full with native meals and extra wine, (as many glasses as you need…). 

If you happen to selected to reach by prepare, Neus will likely be ready for you on the Sant Sadurdí d’Anoia prepare station to whisk you away into the countryside. 

Don’t miss this extremely rated expertise simply outdoors of the town. If you happen to’d somewhat have a personal journey for 2, Neus can organize it. This is without doubt one of the most romantic issues to do in Barcelona for certain. 

14. Watch Some Dancing (or Take part)

Probably the greatest issues to do in Barcelona on a Sunday is to go to the Plaça de la Virreina and watch some lindy hop dancing! You’ll discover this sq. within the Gràcia neighbourhood, (which in itself is a superb place to go to within the metropolis).

Dancing in barcelona activities

Wander across the plaza and go to the Sant Joan de Gràcia church earlier than stopping at one of many cafes to benefit from the dancing. Even in the event you can’t go to on a Sunday, pop by Plaça de la Virreina for a drink.  

15. Make Your Personal Footwear

This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Barcelona that you just gained’t need to miss. Create your personal pair of conventional Catalan espadrilles, (handmade footwear), as a particular memento so that you can preserve out of your journey to Barcelona.

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Meet up with Luis and his spouse Kathe, who’re the founders and artisans of Handmade Barcelona. They’ve been making footwear for years whereas operating this moral model of handmade conventional footwear from Cataluña. 

Relatively than merely purchase a pair of footwear, why not make your personal?! 

Throughout this shoemaking expertise with Luise and Kathe, you’ll meet at their workshop within the Gothic Quarter to learn to make your personal espadrilles, and customise them to your liking. In addition they have some cava out there in the event you get thirsty. Be taught extra and e-book this memorable expertise right here

FAQs About Visiting Barcelona

Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on a visit to Barcelona.

Is Barcelona protected? 

Barcelona has a fairly dangerous status for being a pickpocket haven.

Be conscious of your belongings whereas strolling across the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and main vacationer sights… particularly when strolling at night time. Control your pockets, purse, and backpack. Be conscious in eating places, and don’t go away your belongings on the bottom, or your cellphone on any tables.

When unsure, simply take taxis or Ubers at night time as they’re very reasonably priced within the metropolis. Having stated all of that, we spent greater than per week in Barcelona and had nothing however constructive experiences. 

What do you have to not miss in Barcelona?

When you gained’t be capable to see every part, in Barcelona you gained’t need to miss seeing Antoni Gaudi’s work, (particularly La Sagrada Familia), making (and consuming) paella, happening a tapas tour, and easily wandering across the numerous neighbourhoods to absorb the environment. 

What ought to I NOT do in Barcelona? (Issues to Keep away from)

Don’t anticipate individuals to talk English in Barcelona, don’t flaunt your valuables, don’t purchase issues from distributors on Las Ramblas, don’t take part any avenue video games, don’t over tip, (5-10% is ok), and don’t eat at touristy eating places the place the menu is in English — go for the genuine meals!

Is 3 days lengthy sufficient in Barcelona?

Sure, 3 days is sufficient time in Barcelona. You could not be capable to, (or need to), go to any of the sights outdoors of the town just like the wineries right now, nevertheless, with 3 days, you’ll be capable to cowl all the most important sights and revel in a number of the wine and tapas bars!

The place to Keep in Barcelona

There are lots of unbelievable neighbourhoods in Barcelona, every with its personal environment. To have the ability to finest get pleasure from all the Barcelona points of interest and funky issues to see, listed below are some nice areas to remain:

1. Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)

That is the center of Barcelona and it’s about as central as you will be. The well-known pedestrian avenue, La Rambla, separates the Gothic Quarter and the edgier El Reval. El Born neighbourhood additionally borders the Gothic Quarter. 

There are quite a few locations to remain right here, take a look at this spacious 3-bedroom residence, this stylish Southeast Asian impressed loft, or this deluxe residence.   

gothic quarter in barcleona

2. El Born

This can be a attractive barrio with medieval structure, quite a few eating places and bars, boutiques, and a big park. There are many residences and lodging right here. Take a look at this contemporary residence, or this cozy studio with a balcony.

3. Eixample

This can be a extra upscale space of Barcelona with numerous luxurious outlets and lodging. Relatively than slim, cobbled streets like within the outdated city, you’ll discover vibrant, open avenues. This neighbourhood is house to one in every of Barcelona’s hottest points of interest, Sagrada Familia.

This attractive penthouse residence is an efficient possibility, as is this two bed room residence, and this residence with a pool and backyard.

4. Gràcia

This can be a extra residential space, which appears like a city inside the metropolis of Barcelona. That is the place we stayed throughout our journey and located it to be an incredible native space crammed with genuine bodegas, (wine bars), eating places, and quieter streets. It’s additionally actually shut to a different of Gaudi’s creations, Park Güell.

The lodging in Gràcia are extra reasonably priced than different areas of the town, and also you’re only a fast stroll, or metro experience away to the most effective issues to do in Barcelona. Take a look at this extremely rated residence within the heart of Gràcia and this stunning residence with a rooftop terrace.

Now You Know The Greatest Issues To Do in Barcelona

There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Barcelona, it’s actually probably the greatest cities, not simply in Spain, however in all of Europe. Prepare for incredible meals, welcoming individuals, attention-grabbing structure, and epic nightlife. 

Barcelona is a metropolis for every type of travellers, plus it’s additionally an incredible place to dwell as a digital nomad and is without doubt one of the prime locations to show English — it actually has one thing for everybody. I hope this information to the highest issues to see in Barcelona helps you propose your journey.

►  Watch Our Issues To Do in Barcelona Video

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