Sagrada Familia
A visit to Barcelona would not be complete without seeing the incomplete Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's masterpiece. Buy your tickets online in advance so you don't have to wait in the 2-3 hour long line to get in. This church was started in 1924 and will hopefully be finished in 2030... however, the date is always getting pushed further and further back. Maybe it'll be finished one day before I die!
La Pedrera
La Pedrera aka Casa Mila is one of my favorite things by Antoni Gaudi! Take the night tour and get dinner after. It is absolutely beautiful and much better to take the tour with a guide. You won't be upset! This place is huge and MUST be on your list to visit!! From the rooftop you can see all of the important landmarks in Barcelona including La Sagrada Familia, Torre Agbar, the Olympic Port, Montjuic, Tibidabo, and much much more! It is awesome to do at the end of your trip to see all of the places you've visited! Definitely worth a visit!
Parc Guell
Although Parc Guell is no longer free, it is one of Gaudi's masterpieces that is worth the money to get in. Book online in advance as only 400 people are allowed in every 30 minutes. It costs around 7 euros.
Montserrat
An hour outside the city is a beautiful mountainous area with a monastery on top and many places to hike. Take a train ride from Placa Espanya to get to this magical place. Plan to stay here all day. If you buy the ticket that costs around 50 euros each, you can take the train, cable car, funicular, and get a huge lunch all included. This will most likely be an all day trip so make sure you have plenty of time saved for this. You can easily buy your tickets at the train station.
Parc de la Ciutadella
This is a beautiful park located in the middle of the city where you can go and relax for the day and have a picnic. It is a locals spot to relax. If you don't have much time in Barcelona, you can easily skip this adventure.
Barceloneta
What's a trip to Barcelona without at least seeing the beach life? Barceloneta is a very touristy packed beach. Maybe not the best place to go to relax, but the atmosphere in the neighborhood surrounding this beach makes it an important tourist attraction. There are many different restaurants and ice cream shops you can't miss out on near this beach.
Boqueria Market
Directly off the metro stop "Liceu" on Las Ramblas in the famous Boqueria Market. There are all kinds of fruit, seafood, candy, and many other things you must try. Buy a fresh fruit juice for only 1.50 euros! You can also buy chocolate covered strawberries as shown on the left. As always, be very careful with your bags here. It is always packed and is a great place for pickpockets.
Directly off the metro stop "Liceu" on Las Ramblas in the famous Boqueria Market. There are all kinds of fruit, seafood, candy, and many other things you must try. Buy a fresh fruit juice for only 1.50 euros! You can also buy chocolate covered strawberries as shown on the left. As always, be very careful with your bags here. It is always packed and is a great place for pickpockets.
Catedral de Barcelona and the Gotic Area
This beautiful cathedral in the Gotic area was also built by Gaudi. Stroll around this area for shops and good cafes. It is located very close to las ramblas.
This beautiful cathedral in the Gotic area was also built by Gaudi. Stroll around this area for shops and good cafes. It is located very close to las ramblas.
Casa Batllo
Another famous landmark of Gaudi that is not to be ignored. Everything on the inside makes you feel as if you have entered the sea. Get the audio guide to know what you are looking at.
Magic Fountain Show
The magic fountain show is free and operates many different nights of the week at Placa Espanya in front of the four columns. It is a beautiful show of fountains with colors and music. Check at an information desk to see when it is happening. It is very exciting for the whole family.
Tibidabo
This is the highest place in Barcelona with a beautiful church at the top. There is also a pretty cool amusement park for the family. If you plan to go into the amusement park, plan an entire day here. You will have great views of the city. The church is worth visiting even if you don't plan to go into the amusement park!
Sitges
Sitges is a beautiful town on the south side of Barcelona. It is known for the art around the city and of course some beautiful beaches. Take a 30 minute train ride from the Sants Station to get here. There are many different beaches to choose from.
Garaf
This beach, located directly in front of the train station is also a 30 minute train ride from the Sants Station as it is the stop just before Sitges. This remote area is absolutely beautiful with clean water and is not to be missed if you're looking for a day to relax on the beach. Bring a picnic with you as there are not many shops around. The homes shown below on the left were originally built by the fishermen to stay in while they were there fishing.
Costa Brava: Blanes
Take an hour and a half train ride to the amazing beaches of Costa Brava. The blue water will have you calm and relaxed. After arriving at the Blanes train station, take a short 10 minute bus ride to the beach. There are many shops and restaurants in this town.
Flamenco Show
With Spain being known for it's wonderful flamenco shows, you don't want to miss a chance to attend one. You can go to one anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. They are very fun and can be found in multiple places throughout barcelona!
