Welcome to the rich culinary and cultural world of Barcelona: this vibrant city’s flavors and traditions captivate both locals and tourists. From the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudí to the tantalizing tastes of tapas, Barcelona is a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Discover the must-see landmarks, savor delectable local dishes, and immerse yourself in the lively spirit of this Mediterranean gem. Whether you’re wandering the bustling markets or enjoying a flamenco show, Barcelona promises an unforgettable experience around every corner.
Must-see spots in the City
If you aren’t familiar with Antoni Gaudí, your life is about to change. It’s hard to think of Barcelona without the legacy of this Catalan architect. Gaudí’s works are UNESCO World Heritage sites and are bound to leave an impression on you. He’s known for thinking through every detail of his buildings, from the ironwork to the stained glass to the ceramics. Make sure you book tickets early – even weeks in advance – especially in high season and check out our tours here.
Architecture
- Sagrada Familia: This is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. It is a must-see and going inside is non-negotiable. Our guided Sagrada Familia tour is the perfect way to learn about Gaudí and experience the church’s jaw-dropping interior.
- Park Güell: This is the innovation masterpiece of Gaudí and Count Güell. Spanning 42 acres this park is filled with mosaic statues, tiled sculptures, and magnificently quirky architectural details inspired by nature. Gaudí loved it so much, that he made it his home. To catch all the secrets and hidden gems in this iconic landmark, join our intimate guided Park Güell tour.
- Casa Batlló: One of Gaudí’s most well-known masterpieces; an existing house he remodeled in 1904. It’s stunning from the outside – and fascinating from the inside.
- Casa Mila: Commissioned for the Mila family, this is one of Gaudí’s most iconic works of civic architecture. The façade of La Pedrera is made up of more than 6,000 blocks of stone and 32 wrought-iron balconies. Join our small group tour (6 people max) for skip-the-line tickets and an intimate, guided experience through the house.
- Casa Vicens: This was Gaudí’s first masterpiece and is a little more out of the way and less-visited than his other sites. It was built between 1833 and 1835 for the Vicens family in an orientalist style.
Food and Eating Out
You’re going to want to eat out a lot in Barcelona. Lunch is generally the largest meal of the day eaten after 1 pm, and dinner is lighter and eaten after 9 pm. In true Spanish fashion, outdoor dining is encouraged, and you’ll never be rushed to leave, even if you only order drinks – make sure you leave plenty of time to get the check. While in Barcelona, make sure you eat croquettes, patatas bravas, paella, and crema catalana for dessert. Follow this blog post to learn everything you need to know about tapas.
Groceries are easy to come by. For a fun, local experience, shop at the covered markets for fresh produce and food. The infamous Mercat de la Boqueria, on Las Ramblas, is the oldest and most famous market. Check out Mercat de Sant Antoni, Mercat Princesa, Mercat de Santa Caterina, or Mercat de la Concepció. There are also plenty of popular supermarket chains, like Carrefour, Mercadona, Caprabo, and El Corte Inglés.
Culture
One activity you must do in Barcelona is experience a flamenco show – a folkloric gitano music and dance tradition from Andalusia. Catch a performance at the stunning Palau de la Música, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or attend a more intimate performance with our guided tour that includes pre-show tapas in the Gothic Quarter.
Sports fans will want to catch a game of the infamous FC Barcelona soccer team at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium – the most successful team in Spain.
You’ll quickly adapt to Spanish culture, which values enjoying life, good company, and taking your time. Dinner usually doesn’t start until 9 pm, afternoon siestas are mandatory, and the nightlife is vibrant. There are plenty of plaças to sip on sangria, munch on tapas, and watch the world go by.
Enjoy the bustling walk down the infamous Rambla de Catalunya, people-watching, and strolling through the medieval streets. You’ll stumble on pop-up markets, art galleries, vintage shops, and markets to pop into.
We hope you find this guide helpful as you get to know your new city – and we have no doubts you’ll come to love Barcelona as much as we do. We hope to see you on one of our Barcelona LivTours – or meet you somewhere else in Europe.
