Wander through the Ramblas, visit the Sagrada Familia or enjoy the Spanish nightlife: Barcelona is the place to be for any tourist.
Barcelona is the perfect destination for art-lovers. After all, it is the city of Miró, Picasso and, above all, Gaudí. He changed the face of Barcelona more than anyone ever did, by building the Sagrada Familia, a magnificent church that is beyond description. In 1883, Gaudí started to build this architectural masterpiece, but it has not yet been completed due to lack of funds. Entrance fees to the church are being used to finance further construction.
Other sights in Barcelona include Park Guëll, which was designed by Gaudí and offers a marvellous view over the city; the Nou Camp Stadium, the most important football stadium and home of FC Barcelona; and Montjuïc, a hill with a large number of museums and the Olympic stadium. You can really soak up the Catalan atmosphere in the Ramblas, the beating heart of Barcelona.
Gothic quarter
Introduction
Heart of the old town and hub of
today’s political scene, its historic
narrow streets are crammed with
boutiques and bars.
Hotels
Rooms from
€170) is the slickest new spot to lay your
head, complete with Michelin-starred
chef. Feel closer to the medieval heart at
Cultural
On Sant Jordi (St.George’s day) Catalans romantically exchange
books and roses: find some at La Rambla
which is lined with bookstalls. April 23 is
also one of three days in the year you
can visit the Palau de la Generalitat,
home of the Catalan government
(Plaça Sant Jaume).
Restaurants
Artists’ haunt Els Quatre Gats
(3 Montsió, tel. 933 024140) was
where Picasso had his first exhibition,
and still serves Catalan classics like
arròs negre (black rice with squid). For
something lighter, outdoor Cafè d’Estiu
(5-6 Plaça Sant Iu, tel. 933 103014)
serves snacks amid the orange trees
of the former Royal Palace.
Night Clubs
Bars line the magnificent arcaded
Plaça Reial. Alternatively, catch stylish
flamenco at Los Tarantos or cool jazz in
the Jamboree (both at 17 Plaça Reial).
TIP The creative tours in English and
German are great for kids. These include
chasing the dragon with Sant Jordi, or
seeing Columbus’ view of the New World
(tel. 673 488898, kids-cat.com).
Shops
The labyrinth of streets is dotted
with gems like Orolíquido (8 Palla),
brimming with olive oil products from
soap to its prime virgin oil.
Gràcia
Introduction
An attractive neighbourhood with village atmosphere, squares with terrace cafés, and even a world heritage site.
Hotels
Moderniste gem Hotel Casa
Fuster (rooms
from €173) was once the most expensive
property in the city, designed by
Domènech i Montaner (architect of the
Palau de la Música).
Cultural
Glimpse the first house Gaudí
designed, Casa Vicens (24 Carolines),
from the outside, then explore every
nook of his fantastic Park Güell,
including Casa del Guarda, the lodge
housing an exhibition on this genius
architect. Both are World Heritage sites.
Restaurants
Tiny restaurant with big charm La
Singular serves original dishes. The €10
menú del día is excellent value.
Montserrat
Introduction
A trip to Catalonia’s sacred
mountain is uplifting to body and
soul after the intense rhythm of
Barcelona urban life. Easily
manageable in a day, though an
overnight stay completes the
peaceful experience.
Hotels
Good for families, Cel·les Abat
Marcet (from €50) is made up of former monk’s cells
converted into self-catering apartments.
Cultural
Named after its bizarre and
spectacular geological features, the
‘serrated mountain’ affords endless hikes
and views, but is mostly visited for the
statue of La Moreneta (The Black Virgin).
Don’t miss the choir L’Escolania and the
monastery’s major collection of art.
Restaurants
The restaurant of the hotel Abat
Cisneros is located in 16th-century
stables carved out of the rock and
serves traditional Catalan food.
Population
Currency
Telephone
El Prat
Bus: The nearest airport is El Prat Airport, about 12km from the city.