The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona is a vibrant city by the sea with incredible architecture and even better food.
In some areas you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a fairy tale, thanks to unusual looking Gaudí buildings and cobblestone streets.
Whether you’re there for a weekend or longer, here’s the best of it, in a nutshell.
SEE
Antoni Gaudí was a Spanish architect known for his distinctive dream like style. His work is spotted all over Barcelona and his masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, is the most visited monument in Spain. Despite being unfinished (it’s been under construction for 130 years), the cathedral is a stunning sight. Inside, the roof is held up by tree-like pillars, creating the impression of a forest canopy. Stained-glass windows give mottled light as if the sun is breaking through the trees and you can sit for hours watching the colours change the space.
Admission is 15 Euros, and well worth it.
For more information visit: http://www.sagradafamilia.cat
EAT
It would be a waste to go anywhere in Spain and not indulge in delicious tapas. The fantastic thing about Spanish food is that it’s so simple, yet so very delicious. Tortilla de patatas is basically a potato omelette and is often served with slices of crunchy bread. Last time I was in Spain, I ate at least one of these every single day, and I was there for two weeks. I don’t regret it.
STAY
Hotel 1898 is located right in the heart of the action on La Rambla and is a little slice of luxury in a sometimes busy city. The hotel has two pools, one with sensational rooftop views and one in an underground grotto with hydro jets and fountains. Free wifi, terrific room service and beautiful rooms complete the package for a perfect stay.
DON’T MISS
You really can’t come to Barcelona and miss out on Gaudí architecture, so La Sagrada Familia really should be at the top of your list. Park Güell is like a fairy garden where Gaudí tried his hand at landscape gardening, and is also well worth a visit. In 1900, he was hired to create little houses for the wealthy who would live among well-manicured gardens. Today, they resemble gingerbread houses among enchanting gardens. Mosaics are dotted through and the views across the city out to the sea are incredible. Crowds can get a bit crazy and admission is now 8 Euros, but it’s well worth it.
Join the discussion!
Have you been to Barcelona? What are some of your must-sees in the city? Leave a comment below!
