YOUR FAVORITE GUIDE THROUGH BARCELONA, SPAIN 🇪🇸

Almost every city has at least one landmark that you simply can’t miss, and the Sagrada Família is Barcelona’s. Antoni Gaudí’s magnificent masterpiece has been under construction for more than 130 years, and it’s still not finished.                                                                                               The Sagrada Família is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain, and it can get very busy. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning (it opens at 9am) on a weekday.

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is the oldest and most atmospheric part of the city. The neighborhood is scattered with century-old shops, small bars and cafes. Some highlights of the Gothic Quarter include the striking Plaça Reial, fringed by cafes and palm trees; Plaça Sant Jaume, home to the grand Palau de la Generalitat; and the impressive La Catedral. 

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia feels like it often plays second fiddle to Barcelona’s most famous church, Gaudi’s masterpiece La Sagrada Familia. But the Barcelona Cathedral is truly a treasure unto itself and worth exploring. While La Sagrada is a modernist miracle, the Barcelona Cathedral is a gothic gem. Gaudi himself was inspired by this historic church upon designing La Sagrada. Gaudi would have come here as a youngster and looked up at the soaring gargoyles, angels, and pinnacles in childlike awe. That same awe-inspiring feeling is still there today! So head inside and see everything there is to explore!

Nova Icària Beach is a family-friendly beach known for its more serene atmosphere compared to the vibrant La Barceloneta Beach. Nova Icària has shallow waters and lifeguard services ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. The beach also boasts a range of leisure amenities, including a children’s playground and ping pong tables table by the Bogatell breakwater and two volleyball courts near the Olympic Harbour. Along the promenade, you’ll find a variety of beach restaurants and bars, offering a delightful selection of food and drinks. Whether you want to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, Nova Icària Beach provides the perfect retreat from Barcelona’s hustle and bustle.

El Pont del Bisbe, commonly known as the Bishop’s Bridge, is one of the most photographed sights in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The Bishop’s Bridge was built by Joan Rubió I Bellver in 1928 in a Neo-Gothic style to complement the rest of the neighborhood. He was an apprentice of Antoni Gaudí, and the bridge was built in preparation for the Barcelona International Exposition, which took place in 1929. It’s made of marble and decorated with tryptic carved windows, oil lanterns, and gargoyles that peer over and snoop at passersby. There is an interesting story about Joan, who built this bridge. It is said near the end of completion, he had a vision for the entire Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. His dream was to knock down many of the modern buildings that surround Barcelona Cathedral and then rebuild them in a Neo-Gothic style. Of course, the council wasn’t pleased about this and so rejected his plans. Joan Rubió i Bellver was even chastised for his ideas in local satire magazines! So, when finishing Pont Del Bisbe, he decided to carve a skull pierced with a dagger underneath as a curse… That’s right, if you walk under the archway of the Bishop’s Bridge and look up, you’ll see a skull and dagger motif under there!

Catch A Game At Camp Nou!                                    FC Barcelona plays a prominent role in the city's imagination. Heading to a football match at Camp Nou between September and May is the best way to catch a bit of Barcelona fever.

Art lovers, this is for you. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is by far the most comprehensive museum in Barcelona, with art from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, all the way up to the Modern. There’s even photography. Your museum ticket not only gains you entry to the museum but also the rooftop viewpoint. The museum is located on Montjuïc, a large hilltop green space and viewpoint in Barcelona in the historic Palau Nacional. This makes the visit all the better because you can explore the whole area, including the Montjuïc Castle and Botanical Gardens. Admission is about 12 Euros.

Casa Mila was the last civic work of Antonio Gaudi before he dedicated the rest of his life to his masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. Casa Mila is a UNESCO World Heritage site! It is also known as La Pedrera, which translates to “The Quarry” due to its rocky elements that resemble a working quarry. You can explore the building’s unique exterior and interior spaces, learn about its history, and soak in the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere from the rooftop terrace. It’s such a fun combination of activities and sights!