WHAT TO DO IN
BARCELONA
Barcelona cannot be defined because it is a free and creative city, which does not like labels. However, it loves life: it is sunny, fanciful, greedy, very proud of its traditions but always up to date, often anticipating new trends. And how can one not love life when one has an enviable position between the sea and the hills and a mild climate with many days of sun per year? A vacation in Barcelona is an antidote to sadness, a true feast for the senses. Immerse yourself in the colors and shapes of Gaudí’s houses and in the taste of typical Catalan cuisine, let yourself be seduced by the passionate Mediterranean temperament that pervades every corner of this unique city.
Barcelona is a great antidote to sadness, a true feast for the senses. Immerse yourself in the colors and shapes of Gaudi’s houses and the taste of Catalan cuisine, let the sea breeze caress your face while sipping a mojito on the beach, listen carefully to the sounds of the city to penetrate its secrets.
WHERE IS BARCELONA ?
Barcelona is located along the northeast coast of Spain, in the autonomous community of Catalonia. It may seem close to France on a map, but it’s actually about 200 kilometers from Perpignan, the first city of any significance after crossing the border.
WHEN TO VISIT?
Barcelona enjoys a temperate climate, with cool winters but never cold and hot summers; rainfall is infrequent and snow is practically nonexistent. Thanks to these very favorable weather conditions, it can be visited year-round but the best times to go to Barcelona are at the end of spring and beginning of spring, when it’s warm enough to go to the beach but without suffering. July and August are extremely crowded months, possibly best avoided because they’re also the most expensive.
WHAT TO SEE?
Barcelona is an exciting city, rich in things to see and do. Deciding what to visit, especially if you don’t have much time, can be difficult but don’t worry – there’s always a reason to come back! However, there are some attractions that are definitely worth seeing, so make sure you mark these 5 down on your list.
SAGRADA FAMILIA
La Sagrada Familia is the most iconic building in Barcelona, and arguably in all of Spain. It’s a striking example of Catalan Modernism, designed by Antonio Gaudi. Even though construction started over a century ago, it’s still not finished! The basilica is constantly under construction, funded largely by donations from the faithful.
PARK GUELL
Parc Guell is a municipal park in typical Barcelona style: bizarre buildings and architecturally decorated elements conceived by Antonio Guadì (who for twenty years lived in a house within the park, today visitable) coexist with the sweetness of the landscape. The terrace of the park is a splendid panoramic point from which to admire the city.
CAMP NOU STADIUM
Camp Nou, home of Barcelona FC, is a massive stadium that can seat almost 100,000 spectators. It’s also a popular tourist destination, with people coming from all over the world to see one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world.
The stadium was originally built in 1957, and has been renovated several times over the years. The latest renovation took place in 2009, and cost over 300 million euros. The stadium features a number of modern amenities, including air conditioning, a retractable roof, and heated seats.
Camp Nou is more than just a football stadium though. It’s also an important cultural center for the city of Barcelona. The museum at Camp Nou is one of the largest football museums in the world, and
Casa bATLLO
As you walk down the bustling Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona‘s most famous streets, it’s hard to miss Casa Battlo – an elaborately designed building by Gaudi, famed for its natural forms. A visit inside is a continual surprise, with bizarre features, innovative ideas and bright colours around every corner.
CASA MILA
When Gaudi designed La Pedrera, he wanted it to be an innovative building that would stand out from the rest. The result is a unique structure with curved lines and pinnacles that is now one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks. If you’re visiting the city, don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the roof and enjoy stunning views of the cityscape.