Live like a local in Barcelona!
With a rich cultural heritage, rocking nightlife, scenic beaches, lip-smacking cuisine, and varied historical sites and monuments, Barcelona has all the elements to make it a perfect holiday destination. Experience the true flavour of this Spanish city and all it has to offer, by setting forth on your travel escapade as a local. Here's more about the fascinating Barcelona tourist attractions including the top things to do in Barcelona.
Historical Heritage
Barcelona is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most popular among them is The Basilica of La Sagrada Familia, an incomplete masterpiece by the world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. The construction of this church started in 1882, but was stopped post-Gaudi's death. It was resumed later and continues even to this day!
Other must-visit sites include the National Art Museum of Catalonia (for a display of excellent Romanesque church paintings), modernist buildings like Casa Mila and Casa Batllo (with designs that impress every onlooker) and the Museu Picasso (that houses extensive artwork collections by the celebrated Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso).
One should not miss the Bunkers del Carmel, made during the Spanish Civil War, has one of the best viewpoints of the city with an ocean on one side and mountains on the other. Visit the place during sunsets for some excellent clicks. Travellers can visit the Olympics Park and the 17th-century Montjuic Castle for its grand architecture and scenic views.
Smart Traveler Tip: If you are visiting The Basilica of La Sagrada Familia, reach there before 9 a.m., which is their opening time, to avoid huge crowds that may come in later during the day.
Food Delights
Due to its proximity to the Mediterranean, Barcelona enjoys a great infusion of culinary culture. Cuisines specializing in seafood are a highlight in Catalan traditions. Try the mouth-watering food items like Tapas in the Els Pescadors restaurants. If you have a confused food palate, take a guided food tour. It will save you the crowded tourist spots and you could take your pick from the local authentic eateries. Yummy!
If you are a food adventurist, try Arros Negre which is a dish made of rice flavoured with squid ink and it has dark black texture. Seafood lovers will have a great time in Barcelona with almost every dish being prepared with prawns, squids and cods. Some of the popular that serves quality local cuisines as well as conventional foods are La Dama, Bicnic, La Barra De Casa Abellan and Bar Canete.
Entertainment
Fun and frolic can be a mantra for this city. Enjoy soul-stirring performances at the famous Tablao Flamenco Cordobes show. Groove to the music and party like never before at local clubs like Sala Apolo and Sala Razzmatazz. Take a long walk on the streets of La Rambla, which is almost 1 km long promenade. You can watch amazing street performers or shop away in the indoor market of Mercat de la Boqueria, or the Els Encants flea market which is unabashedly touristy but a popular local hub. Not only dancers people can get sights of levitating Satan, chefs with their head on a pizza, skeletons riding a bicycle, devil in the trunk and Grim The Reaper. Human statues imitating historical figures and mythical figures spend hours standing in the same posture are a treat to watch.
Sightseeing and Tourism
At a happening place like Barcelona, it is unlikely to get bored. The hustling bustling spirit of this city keeps you rejuvenated at all times. Among beaches, Barceloneta, Bogatell and Nova Icaria are local favourites. Spend some quality family bonding time at The Magic Fountain of Montjuic that comprises of electrifying light and music fountain shows. Relax and listen to your favourite songs, read a book in Montjuic Park or the beautiful Green Heart of Barcelona. Park Guell is another artistic venture of Antoni Gaudi that will leave you spellbound. If you are a football fanatic, visit Camp Nou, a stadium that is home to famous clubs in the world, FC Barcelona.
Trivia - The E-bike facility allows you a 2.5-hour bike tour around the city. It is available on a rental basis.
Get set to be mesmerized by the larger than life experience that Barcelona offers. Book your tickets and plan well in advance! Don’t forget to get your travel insurance.