Barcelona is a city on the coast of north-eastern Spain. It is the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia. The cosmopolitan city, which is the second-largest city in Spain, is famous especially for its art and architecture.
Gaudì is the symbol of the city and it is impossible not to fall in love with all the extravagant buildings designed by him. Some notable works include Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia. Not to mention the colourful Park Güell, Las Ramblas, the museum of Picasso, and the Joan Miró Foundation.
Let’s not forget that the football history of Barcelona is also remarkable. Camp Nou is the most visited stadium in Europe and the fourth-largest in the world. Every year, more and more tourists choose to invest in the “Camp Nou Experience”, the stadium tour that allows you to visit the stadium of FC Barcelona.
In short, there are so many things to see and do in Barcelona. If you don’t want to miss anything and want to plan the best trip possible, continue reading this blog.
10 Reasons To Visit Barcelona
- The Castellers
- Gaudí Architectures
- Wonderful Parks
- Tapas and amazing food
- Impressive Churches
- Beaches and Mountains
- Football and sports
- Las Ramblas
- Exciting Night Life
- Beautiful sunsets
1. The Castellers
As you may guess from the name, we’re starting this list with the Catalan tradition of building impressive human towers: the Castellers. The origins of this activity date back to the 18th century in the small town of Valls. The inhabitants started building the towers until it became a real sport. The activity is still practiced today. All the towers are made of up to 10 floors and the goal is winning the competition by making the highest one.
Since 2010, this ancient tradition of Catalonia is part of the Intangible World Heritage by UNESCO.
Curious to see the Castellers performing around Barcelona?
2. Gaudí Architectures
We’ve already said that Barcelona is one of the European cities famous worldwide for its art and architecture. For this reason, it’s impossible not to mention the Spanish architect Gaudì and his extravagant buildings all around the city. A typical feature of Gaudí’s constructions is the use of colour. He has decorated many of his buildings with colourful mosaic tiles, a unique dimension often overlooked by other architects.
La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló are just some of the most famous, but once there, you’ll find many more of his creations to fall in love with.
3. Wonderful Parks
Besides typical customs and beautiful parks, Barcelona is also full of green areas. We’ve already mentioned Park Güell; the large city park with beautiful views and architecture.
A few steps from the centre, you can find the Parc de la Ciutadella, the green lung of Barcelona. It is the largest park in the city and a favourite of tourists and locals. There are a lot of things to see inside. In addition to the classic gardens, there are large green lawns and tree-lined avenues, the Ciutadella houses and the Parliament of Catalonia. Let’s also not forget the Barcelona Zoo; one of the most important around Europe.
Also, the Labyrinth Park of Horta is worth a visit. The park, which is very beautiful and well-kept, is the oldest in Barcelona and hosts a wonderful labyrinth of cypresses inside. One of a kind!
4. Tapas and Amazing Food
Everybody knows that the Mediterranean diet is one of the richest and most nutritious diets in the world. And the Spanish are really proud of it. There are many types of dishes you will find in this type of diet. One of the most famous around Spain is tapas. The main concept of this dish is serving food in small portions so that a meal can be composed of several types of food.
You can find tapas bars all around the city. If you want to try any other typical Spanish dishes, you have to take a walk around La Boqueria market on La Rambla; a famous street full of shops and restaurants.
Do you want to try some Spanish food?
5. Impressive Churches
In Barcelona, you will have to opportunity to admire some of the most impressive churches you have ever seen. The most famous one is La Sagrada Familia by Gaudì. Even though the architect never finished it due to his tragic accident and the church is still being built, it remains a true masterpiece.
Around the Gothic Quarter, you can find the Barcelona Cathedral, loved by all the observers for its Gothic art, the splendid Gothic and Baroque altarpieces and its excellent choir. This Cathedral receives three million visitors each year.
6. Beaches and Mountains
When some people think of Barcelona, the first thing they think of is Barceloneta and the thousands of shops and bars around its area. Only a few realise that Barcelona is also renowned for its mountains. Indeed, when visiting this city you won’t have to choose between the beach and mountains, because you will have the opportunity to experience both of them.
If you are interested in doing some hiking while visiting the city, then you have to go to Montserrat, which is a monastery on a mountain. A stunning view awaits you upon your arrival.
Thinking about your next trip?
7. Football and Sports
Football is one of the most popular and important sports in all of Spain. Indeed, two of the best teams of all time are Spanish: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Even if you are not be a football fan, watching these teams playing live is still very entertaining and exciting.
You could also enjoy the “Camp Nou Experience”, a complete tour of the stadium which follows the same path as the Barça players and ends with access to the FC Barcelona Museum. Starting from the changing rooms, you will explore the presidential chairs, the bench, the press room, up to the field.
During the course of the tour, you will be also able to listen to the audio telling the story of the stadium and the great victories of FC Barcelona.
Thinking about seeing FC Barcelona playing live?
8. Las Ramblas
Colourful and full of life, Las Ramblas is one of the longest and most famous main streets in Europe. Among living statues that stand frozen for hours, musicians, mimes, caricaturists, fortune tellers and florists, you cannot fail to be fascinated by the vivacity of this avenue.
Also, on the Ramblas, you can find La Boquería, the most famous traditional market of Barcelona, where you can taste 100% authentic local food. You can’t miss it!
9. Exciting Night Life
Barcelona is known to be one of the most beautiful cities in Spain not only for its culture, buildings, and food but also for the vibrant nightlife full of bars, nightclubs and beach parties.
If you prefer to do something typical, the city has something for you too. You can go to the Coctelerías (cocktail bars), the Whiskerias, the Xampanyerias (bars where you can taste the Catalan Champagne: the Cava), or the great Catalan classic: the Vermuteria where you can taste what is considered as the best of the best: Vermouth.
If you are looking for the best destination for your next holiday with your friends, Barcelona should be on your list!
10. Beautiful Sunsets
We want to end this list in a romantic way by mentioning the wonderful sunsets that frame all corners of the city every evening.
Thanks to its distinguishable skyline shaped by characteristic buildings, enjoying them from a high spot is one of the activities you must do when visiting the city. Do it by yourself or with your loved ones – whatever the way, you won’t be able to help but fall in love with the beauty of this Catalan city.
