Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, is a vibrant, dynamic, and modern city, which passionately guards its heritage. The cosmopolitan city offers everything from Gothic treasures and traditional dances to trendy bars, innovative architecture, and world-class food.

Casa Mila
Another of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces, this Catalan art nouveau style structure is now used to hold exhibits and musical events.

Picasso Museum

The famous twentieth century artist Pablo Picasso was an important Spanish creative who produced a variety of work during his life. Much of his work can be found at this museum – the permanent collection alone has over four thousand pieces. The city of Barcelona had an important influence on his life; visitors can learn more about this element of his life at the museum.

Sagrada Familia

This is the most well known structure in the whole of Spain. This Catholic Basilica was conceptualized by Antoni Gaudí with work beginning in 1882; unbelievably work continues to this day with several sections yet to be completed! It is the best example of modern architecture in the Catalan style. Not to be missed, but plan your trip.2

Playa de Sant Sebastia

Together with Barceloneta, these are the city’s oldest and most traditional beaches. With more than a mile of sand and sea and within walking distance from the city center, locals and visitors come here to catch some sun and relax.

Columbus Monument

City views spread from the top of this ornate 1888 Corinithian column topped with Columbus’ statue. It was constructed for the Exposición Universal de Barcelona in honor of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. Make sure to go to the top where you will have a full 360 degree unobstructed bird’s-eye view of Barcelona offering you some exciting and unique photo opportunities.

La Rambla

La Rambla is the street that will be visited by most tourists to Barcelona. Here you can find lots of theaters and cultural spots, as well as enjoy a walk and admire the architecture. Whatever the time of day, this wide pedestrian area is packed full of people from around the world.3

The Food

Catalan cuisine is a good mix of seafood and meat based dishes due to Catalonia’s proximity to both the sea and the mountains.

You can’t miss…

Fideua (the Catalan version of Spanish paella. Instead of rice a short noodle, similar to macaroni, is used. Sometimes, squid ink is used, leaving the noodles with a dark color and giving the dish a different taste)

Try…

Botifarra (Catalan spiced sausage. You can get black or white botifarra and it is usually eaten with pan amb tomate or as tapas.)

Barri Gòtic serves as Barcelona’s historic and geographical center. A wonderful maze of medieval streets and plazas, this part of the city has been inhabited since Roman times, and home to the city’s Gothic cathedral. This part of the city attracts the most tourist crowds, which is ideal of sightseeing.

On the other side of Barri Gòtic is El Born, another old medieval neighborhood with worthwhile attractions of its own, all the way from Picasso Museum to the Chocolate Museum. There are plenty of tapas bars and boutiques in this area, and a large park.