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Barcelona

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The guide was updated: 2020-06-03

Fanciful architecture and hip restaurants meet sunny Spanish climate and beaches. This has transformed Barcelona in just a few decades from a rough port city to one of Europe’s—if not the world’s—premier destinations. Stroll along La Rambla, admire the Casa Calvet’s façade or the Casa Mila designed by Gaudi, visit the Market of la Boqueria or shop at El Corte Inglés, and sample some of the many bars, cafés and late night haunts while you’re at it.

Facts

Population:	1.81 million
Currency:	Euro, €1=100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency call: 112
Newspapers:	La Vanguardia El Periódico El País El Mundo
Opening hours:	Usually Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 1:30pm and 4:30pm to 8pm with some variations. Many establishments have the same opening hours on Saturdays and some are open until lunchtime on Sundays. Shopping centres and many large stores do not close for lunch/siesta.
Tourist information:	Turisme de Barcelona Plaça de Catalunya 17 - basement +34 932 853 834

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Section in Barcelona

Barcelona's impressive range of sights caters to all tastes - whether you're an architect, a designer, a football fan, an historian, or even a city planner - there's something for everyone in the most self-assured city on the Mediterranean. A visit to Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila and Casa Calvet is a must when visiting Barcelona.

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens

The more recent of Gaudí's many projects to be opened to the public is the Casa Vicens. Built between 1883 and 1885 and declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005, Casa Vicens was the first house designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Located in the bohemian district of Gràcia, this bold project, commissioned as a summer house, combines elements of nature into a chaotic and yet peaceful retreat.

National Art Museum of Catalonia

National Art Museum of Catalonia

The Museu nacional d'art de Catalunya, MNAC for short, hosts many temporary exhibits through the year, but it is also known for for its Romanesque collection of mural paintings. Here you can also find pieces like Gaudi's furniture or illustration from Casas and other artists of the Catalan Modernism.

Parc de L'Espanya Industrial

Parc de L'Espanya Industrial

The park has evoked polarising opinions for its design and a whimsical combination of classical sculptures and modernist elements. A re-invention of a former steam-powered mill, it is worth a gander if you happen to be in the area.

Parc del Laberint

Parc del Laberint

Designed in 1792, this parc surrounds Torre Soberana, a 14th-century country house redecorated in the Arabesque style. Wander the garden's lavish maze and romantic gardens to discover sculptures of mythological figures and a hidden waterfall.

Beaches: Mar Bella & de Bogatell

Beaches: Mar Bella & de Bogatell

Two of Barcelona's most popular beaches, Mar Bella & Bogatell are just a few minutes apart. Mar Bella is a naturist and gay friendly beach, while Bogatell is known for volleyball and sunbathing. Both are located within walking distance of trendy bars and restaurants.

Serra de Collserola Natural Park

Serra de Collserola Natural Park

The largest metropolitan park in the world (85km2) is a tranquil parkland just 15km from central Barcelona. Nestled in a mountain range, this park teems with biodiversity and is home to over 190 species. Explore crumbling Roman and Gothic ruins such as cottages, castles and even an Iberian village.

Street Art Tours

Street Art Tours

Explore the colourful and gritty streets of El Raval, Barcelona's hip alternative neighbourhood. Guides will point out street art to give you an overview of the city's distinct culture. Points of note include a famous mural by New York artist Keith Haring, some 400 year old graffiti, and Barcelona's biggest Urban Art Gallery where you may bump in to artists at work.

Flamenco Dance Classes

Flamenco Dance Classes

Flamenco originates in Andalusia, a region with a strong presence in Barcelona. Some of the world's best-known Flamenco dancers hail from here, and it's the perfect place to learn the basics of this much-loved cultural tradition. Numerous providers offer classes suitable for different groups and budgets.

La Sagrada Família

La Sagrada Família

Antoni Gaudi's ambitious project remains, as of today, unfinished, which by no means takes away from its popularity - at nearly 3 million yearly visitors, La Sagrada Familia is Spain's 2nd most visited monument. The masterpiece was crafted meticulously to embody the Christian faith through composition, sculpture, and individualistic, offbeat design. Guided and audio tours available.

La Rambla

La Rambla

Barcelona's most well-known street is unofficially not just one uninterrupted stretch but five (hence it being known as "Las Ramblas"), each containing attractions of their own. A pedestrian-only walkway runs through the street's central section, with street artists, souvenir vendors, bars and restaurants competing for visitor attention.

Casa Mila

Casa Mila

Another one of Gaudi's unconventional architectural creations, Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera ("quarry", for its wacky appearance distantly resembling an actual quarry), is one of Barcelona's primary attractions. Entry tickets include a free audio guide.

Park Güell

Park Güell

In this park with stunning views over the city you can admire several impeccable works of Gaudi. Actually, the entire park is designed by the artist himself. Statues and buildings in different colours and shapes stand side by side and the park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo

Once Gaudi got his hands on this previously unremarkable building in Passeig de Gràcia, it was never to be simply passed by again. Fascinatingly idiosyncratic and almost beast-like on the outside, it continues to amaze from within with twisted lines and elements that could only be thought up by the genius of Gaudi.

Picasso Museum

Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum has one of the most extensive art collections by the 20th century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The permanent collections contain more than 3,800 works, and this is one of the most popular and most visited museums in Barcelona.

Poble Espanyol Architectural Museum

Poble Espanyol Architectural Museum

Located in one of the most emblematic areas of Barcelona, within walking distance from the Montjuïc Fountains, Poble Espanyol is one of the most attractive sites of the city for it unique setting, featuring architecture from across Spain, contemporary art, crafts, shopping and gastronomy. All this in a peaceful environment, ideal for children and adults.

Plaça Reial

Plaça Reial

Plaça Reial, a beautiful square and one of Barcelona's busiest, most vibrant spots (especially so at night), is known for its many outdoor venues, restaurants and nightclubs. During summer time it becomes an even more popular meeting place when open air concerts take place. Stroll around or sit down with a tasty drink at one of the bars and just enjoy the moment.

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