Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, Spain, is widely known for it’s breathtaking art and architecture…
Yes, even Picasso himself saw Barcelona as a muse. We spent a week in this magical city and wanted to share our “Freedom-Hacker-Approved” list of what you simply cannot miss in BCN! From history, to art, to amazing food, here are 10 things you MUST do during your time in the Catalonian capital:
10. Catch a live Flamenco Show at Palau Dalmases’ Espai Barroc
What wraps art and culture up into one beautiful package better than dance and music? The flamenco shows at the Palau Dalmases is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss. Nestled in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, Palau Dalmases was a meeting place for many of Barcelona’s artists and intellectuals in the 18th century and now serves as a venue for the most amazing flamenco shows. Enjoy a cocktail in this dark, intimate setting, while watching Catalonia’s finest stomp it out on stage. We recommend catching the late show after a fabulous dinner at a nearby by restaurant. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
9. Take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea at Sant Sebastià Beach
Sant Sebastià beach is one of the oldest beaches in Barcelona, as well as the most visited by locals and tourists alike. Many have told us this is the “best city beach in the world”. A stones throw away from the famous Las Ramblas, you can lounge on the beach for siesta then enjoy some sangria and paella at a nearby tapas bar… or, visit the gorgeous W Hotel rooftop bar for sushi and sundowners. Yum! The beach is well-equipped with lifeguards, showers and public toilets.
8. Glimpse into the city’s ancient past at the Museu d’Historia de Barcelona
The Museu d’Historia de Barcelona (aka “MUHBA”) holds over 2000 years of Barcelona’s history. MUHBA’s HQ in Plaça del Rei contains a 4000m2 archaeological site where you’ll find historical remains of the ancient Roman city of Barcino. Yup, it’s cool. Admission is about $8 USD and allows access to Plaça del Rei, as well as other sites, like the Capella de Santa Àgata (with its 15th-century altarpiece by Jaume Huguet) and the Saló del Tinell (a majestic room used as the seat of the Catalan parliament in 1370, then later converted to a Baroque church in the 18th century).
7. Explore Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic
Barri Gòtic, or the Gothic Quarter, is at the heart of Barcelona’s old city. Much of the Quarter still has remains of the city’s Roman and medieval structures. There’s a lot to see in the quarter, including the Cathedral of Barcelona, Plaça del Pi, laça Sant Felip Neri and Els Quatre Gats.
The perfect way to experience this curious and beautiful part of the city is by bike. You can rent a bike for about $12 USD for the entire day at Green Bikes Barcelona. Don’t forget to take stops and to look up at the amazing architecture.
6. Hike up Montjuïc for an amazing view of the city
Montjuïc, which literally means “Mountain of Jews”, stands at a height of 173 meters and overlooks both the city and the sea. It’s name originated during the medieval period from the Jewish cemetery that it still located in the mountain, an eerie but beautiful site.The mountain boasts plenty of other attractions (you know, if dead people aren’t your thing), including museums, gardens, viewpoints and some of the venues where the 1992 Olympic Games were held.
5. View some of Picasso’s early works at Museu Picasso
The Picasso Museum holds the most expensive and almost complete collection of the Spanish artist’s works. Exhibiting art from Pablo Picasso’s formative years, the museum is housed in 5 palaces on the Carrer de Montcada, which is the city’s most prominent area of medieval civic architecture. Admission usually costs about $13 USD but the museum offers free admission on Thursday afternoons, the first Sunday of each month and their “Open Door days” on February 12th, May 18th and September 24th.
4. Walk through the magical Park Güell
Like a page from a fairytale, Park Güell, was designed by Antoni Gaudi, a renowned architect and the face of Catalan modernism. Under construction from 1900-1914, this park, was owned by Count Eusebi Güell who commissioned Gaudi to create a tree-covered hillside wonderland of gardens and architectonic art. It’s original purpose was to be a luxury living community for 60 families. Construction was haulted at that start of WWI and was never completed. Despite this, Park Güell still remains as one of the most fascinating and beautiful architectural masterpieces in the world. UNESCO declared this park a World Heritage Site in 1984. It costs about $9 USD to access the park, unless you arrive before 8am. Admission is free before 8am. We highly recommend going as early as possible to get photos without hoards of tourists.
If you become a HUGE Gaudi fan (like we did) after visiting the Park, be sure to check out some of his other architectural masterpieces around the city, like Casa Batlló.
3. Have a heavenly moment at La Sagrada Familia
Known as the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, this is another work of Gaudi and is probably one of the most iconic sites in Barcelona. Construction of the basilica began in 1882 and continued even after Gaudi’s death in 1926. It remains unfinished today, even after a century, and it’s projected to be completed by 2026. Tickets to see the Basilica cost $18 to $35 USD and proceeds continue to fund the construction of the Basilica. Be sure to reserve your tickets far in advance as access is limited and spot fill up very fast!
2. Take a walking tapas tour
There’s no doubt, Barcelona is famous for its tapas! Tapas are small appetizers or snacks, served hot or cold, that have evolved into a quite the sophisticated cuisine around Barcelona. A trip to the city is incomplete without experiencing these bite-sized Spanish delights at a place like Quimet i Quimet. A busy, bustling family-run establishment, this tiny bodega has no seats, only 2 small tables for people to have a quick bite. It offers simple but delicious cheeses, cold meats, canned seafood, caviar and veggie patés served on bread or with bread sticks.
El Jabali is another great place for tapas! Founded in 1926, this is considered one of the best tapas places in Barcelona. Try their patatas bravas, cured sausage, and russian salad while you sip wine and people watch.
Or, if you’re hungry to learn the history of this authentic Spanish cuisine, take a guided tapas tour where you can experience the deliciousness of some of the cities top tapas bars and learn a thing or two along the way!
1. Take a day trip up the Costa Brava to the stunning town of Cadaqués
To cap of our list, why not do a side trip out of the city? Cadaqués is a small, peaceful coastal town in Costa Brava. A favourite spot of both Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, this former fishing village’s charm and breathtaking views will definitely give you a break from the busy city life in Barcelona. Cadaqués is home to some great sights like Salvador Dali’s house, the Cadaqués museum and Old Town to name a few. There are also some great spots to eat and you can even rent a boat if you fancy a day on the water.
Ah, now we must say adios to Barcelona, a place we will definitely visit again. Have you been to Barcelona? Where are your favorite hot spots?!
~ The Freedom Team
Featured image by: Barcelona Connect