Barcelona Essentials
Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana is a true gem of the Renaixament and Catalan Modernism. Even if you just view it from the outside, this concert hall built to house chamber orchestras and the choir that it was created to house perfectly defines the art style that's come to define the city of Barcelona and is emblematic of what makes the city a Mecca of architecture.
Catedral de la Seu + Plaça Sant Jaume
The Barcelona Cathedral perfectly showcases the history of the city. Right behind it is the Casa de l'Ardiaca, which features temporary small exhibits of the city's art and history. Keep walking down the street to pass under the Pont del Bisbe which replicates the Bridge of Sighs in Venice and served to transport the Bishop of Barcelona from his residence to the Cathedral. At the end of the walkway you'll come to the Plaça Sant Jaume, where you'll face Barcelona City Hall (open for guided tours on Sunday mornings and certain holidays) and on the other side, the Palau de la Generalitat which is the seat of the Catalan government.
Located just behind the cathedral, it's pretty easy to miss this place, but it's worth a visit just to check out some of the remnants of the old Roman walls that are preserved inside as well as the courtyard.
The Plaça de Sant Jaume is the administrative center of Barcelona, as both the Catalan government and City Hall are located on opposite sides of the square. This is where major protests take place to demonstrate support for the Catalan independence movement.
Arc de Triomf + Parc de la Ciutadella
Built for the 1888 World's Fair, the Arc de Triomf leads you onto the Passeig de Lluís Companys, named for the first president of the Catalan government later executed by Fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War. At the end of the pathway is the Parc de la Ciutadella, a park mirroring NYC's Central Park (though not as large) with a reservoir for boating, a large fountain, and the Catalan Parliament building with plenty of grass for lying around and taking a much-needed break.
Basílica Expiatòria de la Sagrada Família
Antoni Gaudí's masterwork still under construction (set for completion around 2026!) is a feast for the eyes. Even if you don't have time to go inside, just spending time enjoying the scenery and beauty of the building itself gives you a sense of the immensity of the church itself (not a cathedral!) and the genius of the architect.
Port Olímpic
If you just want to spend some time at the beach no matter what time of year, definitely head down here and walk down the stretch of walkway along the water. If the weather's nice, go in the water! If not, you can at least enjoy the sounds and smell of the water.
Delve Deeper
Want more info to help plan your trip? Check out some of my other Barcelona guides!
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