Spain is one of my favorite European countries to visit mostly because it is so versatile; whether it’s a beach vacation you're after, nature & the outdoors, a cultural trip, or a city escape, Spain has it all!

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Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia. It is a fun, colorful bustling city to uncover. Barcelona is probably most famous for its beautifully unique art and architecture, after all, who hasn't heard of the iconic landmarks designed by Gaudi. Here you will find a good balance between traditional and modern. Barcelona has a gorgeous setting: the sea to one side and the mountains to the other, making the landscape around the city remarkable!

Golden Practical Tips Before We Start

• There are many free walking tours available for first-time visitors, exploring the city with a local guide is a bonus in my eyes.

• Getting around Barcelona: You can walk when exploring the city center. You can take a taxi. You can use public transportation like the Metro or the Tram. Or you can use the Hop on Hop off bus.

• Buy all your tickets online beforehand to avoid long lines and sold-out attractions.

• During Corona restrictions, it isn’t possible to buy tickets at the door. Your visit must be reserved online!

• Barcelona is known for its graffiti/street art, make sure you keep a lookout for it while wandering around. De Ramon and El Gato del Raval are not to be missed.

Some Tips For Additional Fun Things To Do In Barcelona!

Where To Stay In Barcelone

This city has an amazing selection of hotels to fit everyone's needs and preferences regarding style, price, and facilities. I recommend staying somewhere central, so you can enjoy the city on foot. If you choose to step away from the center no worries, aim to be near transit so you have a convenient means of transport.

Hotel recommendations in Barcelona

Hotel de Serras

Hotel Brummell

I love boutique hotels, don’t you?

Chic & Basic Born Boutique Hotel 

Hotels with rooftops are my absolute favs!

Yurbban Passage Hotel

11 X Top Things To See And Do In Barcelona

• Hit the beach: The beach area is beautiful! Surrounded by cute boutiques, restaurants, and terraces. Sant Sebastià is probably the most popular with tourists and locals alike. Nova Icaria Beach is another option for beach bliss.

• Walk down Las Ramblas: This pedestrian street is at the heart of the city center starting from Placa Catalunya. While cruising down this busy street you'll find souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes.

  Beware: This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city which also means it is full of tourist traps in the shape of overpriced food & drink and other shopping items.

• Walk down the beachfront boulevard to the water, enjoy the views, the breeze, and just a good Spanish atmosphere.

• In every city I visit, I love to go treasure hunting in the local flea market and Els Encants Vells flea market is just the place to do that.

• Explore the Gothic Quarter: The Gothic Quarter is basically an open-air architectural museum! Highlights would be the Gothic Cathedral, and King’s Square where you can do some people watching while sampling local tapas and a drink. Some nights there's also live music played here.

• Eat at Mercat de la Boqueria: Spanish food is colorful, flavorsome, and simply delicious! This indoor market is the perfect place to experience local dishes, tapas, wine, and liqueurs.

• Visit the Sagrada Familia: This iconic landmark was designed by the equally iconic artist; Antonio Gaudi. The Sagrada Família meaning "Holy family" in Spanish is a large and unfinished yes, unfinished Roman Catholic basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  This masterpiece began nearly 150 years ago and was first designed in Art Nouveau style however as it is an ongoing project so to speak, there are parts added in the Catalan and Spanish Gothic style. Park Güell and Casa Batlló are other masterpieces designed by Gaudi that you can admire. 

For Tickets And Special Discounts

• Go up Bunkers del Carmel: The best spot to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city below.

• Enjoy a traditional Flamenco Show: There is a wide variety of options for Flamenco shows in Barcelona ranging in price, show combinations, and length of the show. A stylish option would be watching a show at the elegant El Palacio.

• Barcelona has many museums for visitors to choose from depending on your personal interests, a visit to the city's History Museum is probably up there in the top three. This museum will help you understand this city, the region, and its people better. Museu Picasso and the Fundació Joan Miró museum come highly recommended.

PRO TIP!

A great and affordable way to visit museums in Barcelona is by purchasing a MUSEUM CARD

• For the stardust effect ~ Bar Marsella: This famous hotspot was founded back in 1820, making it the oldest bar in the city. It is known to have VIP guests such as Hemingway, Gaudi, and even Salvador Dali.

If you have more time on your hands to explore Barcelona further, check these activities!

That’s a wrap, hope you enjoy Barcelona using my tips!

More Amazing Spanish Destinations To Inspire You!

Cordova

Madrid

Barcelona

Fuerteventura

Before we say goodbye, don’t forget to follow me on social for more travel content, travel tips and guides ~ @mytrendytrail

Happy weekend!

Yours,

Diti