Sightseeing in Barcelona
The sights and sounds of Barcelona are a far cry from the hustle and bustle of many of the world’s big cities. There are many places in the city which tickle the mind and encourage the tourist to see more. Indeed, a wealth of sightseeing opportunities awaits any traveler on a tour of Barcelona.
The Barri Gotic
This birthplace of artist Joan Miro ushers you back into Catalonia’s Golden Age. In it are the Palau de la Generalitat, which houses the Catalan government, and the Ajuntament, the city hall. The Museu d’Història de la Ciutat (Plaça del Rei, s/n 08002 Barcelona) contains what is left of Barcino, an ancient Roman city. In addition to the Roman streets, medieval buildings are also a featured attraction in this museum.
Palau de la Generalitat (Photo by Leo Koolhoven)
Cathedrals to explore
Three cathedrals are worth visiting. Located just north of the Barri Gotic is the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar (Plaça de Santa Maria, +34 93 310 2390) which showcases Mediterranean Gothic architecture at its best. Catedral de Barcelona (Plaça de la Seu, +34 93 342 8260, website), also known as Catedral de la Seu, is an impressive structure which started construction in the 13th century. It is named after the patron saint of the city, Santa Eulalia.
Basilica Santa Maria del Mar (Photo by Juan Rubiano)
La Sagrada Familia: construction ongoing
Another cathedral to visit is La Sagrada Familia (Carrer de Mallorca 401, +34 93 208 0414, website), on which the architect Antoni Gaudi spent his latter years working. It is a majestic structure which dominates the skyline. Although construction is still ongoing after more than 100 years, it has the ability to leave its audience in stunned silence.
La Rambla
This is Barcelona’s most famous street, and any visit to the city would be incomplete without taking in its atmosphere. Indeed, this is the perfect place to experience Barcelona. You will find Antoni Gaudi’s first major architectural project, Palau Güell, a majestic structure to behold. Just off the waterfront is the Monument a Colon, a structure dedicated to Christopher Columbus. In Plaça de Catalunya, you can find avenues lined with trees, shops, and cafes.
The Parc Güell Fantasy
Those who crave for a fantasy world will surely enjoy Gaudi’s Parc Güell (Carrer d’Olot, +34 93 213 0488). Its beauty is reminiscent of fairy tales and escorts us into what seems like a parallel universe. Gaudi originally designed this park as an English-inspired garden city, but it has transformed into so much more than that.
Parc Güell (Photo by Design and Technology Student)
Classic home architecture in Barcelona
The Mançana de la Discordia (Passeig de Grácia 35-43, website) is a set of houses designed by three famous architects. Gaudi’s Casa Battlo is one of these houses, built like an underground grotto. Though the interior of all three houses are closed to the public, they are still a great sight to behold.
Football fan? You’ll enjoy this!
Sports enthusiasts will surely enjoy the FC Barcelona Museum and Nou Camp (Avinguda Aristides Maillol, s/n 08028 Barcelona, +34 902 18 99 00, website). It has been called one of the best football museums in the world. It contains various football memorabilia, an art gallery, and a history section. A tour of the facility takes you through the whole place, including the changing room, tunnel, dugouts, and ends with a view of the entire stadium.
1992 Olympic glory
Barcelona is also famous for hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics, and no visit to this city would be complete without a trip to the Montjuïc district, the main site of the event. The Plaça Espanya features the Magic Fountain, a spectacular display of lights and water. Only 20 minutes away is the Estadi Olimpic (Avda. de l’Estadi, s/n, Parc de Montjuïc 08038 Barcelona, +34 93 426 20 89), the venue of the Olympic Games in 1992. The Castell de Montjuïc has the makings of a medieval castle, being built in 1640. It also houses a military museum and has a great view of Montjuïc.
Magic Fountain (Photo by Rob & Lisa Meehan)
Sightseeing travel options
Sightseeing tours help you organize your journey and ensure that you take in as much of the culture as possible. Several organizations offer walking tours, bus tours, and boat tours, all of which will enhance your stay and feed your taste for adventure in the city.
Barcelona also offers several passes which will be helpful in your sightseeing adventure. The Barcelona Card entitles its holder to a 50% or less discount in various establishments around the city. In addition to this discount, you can also get free admission to museums, entertainment venues, shops, and restaurants. The Barcelona Card may be purchased online at www.barcelona.com or www.barcelonaturisme.com.
The ArticketBCN is a multiple-venue ticket. It allows access to seven of the city’s art galleries and museums. This ticket is valid for six months and may be purchased from branches of Caixa Catalunya, the city’s travel agencies, or online at www.telentrada.com or www.barcelonaturisme.com. It costs 22€.
The Arqueoticket generally offers the same service, but instead focuses on archeological collections. It is valid for one year and may be purchased online at www.barcelonaturisme.com for 14€.
Barcelona is a city filled with medieval charm and modern culture. It is a city worth surveying for both its historical value and its cultural excellence. The different options available should make your stay an experience to remember for a lifetime.
Tourist information
Turisme de Barcelona
Plaça de Catalunya 17-S
Tel: +34 93 285 3834.
Website: www.barcelonaturisme.com
Destinations
Plaça de Santa Maria
- Tel: +34 93 310 2390
- Website: www.santamariadelmar.es
- Opening hours: Daily 9:00 am to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Plaça de la Seu
- Tel: +34 93 342 8260
- Website: www.catedralbcn.org
- Opening hours: Daily 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
La Sagrada Familia
- Carrer de Mallorca 401
- Tel: +34 93 208 0414
- Website: www.sagradafamilia.cat
- Opening hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (October-March); 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (April-September)
Mançana de la Discordia
- Passeig de Grácia 35-43
- Website: www.rutadelmodernisme.com
Parc Güell
- Carrer d’Olot
- Tel: +34 93 213 0488
- Opening hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (December-February); 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (March and November); 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (April and October); 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (May-September)
FC Barcelona and Nou Camp
- Avinguda Aristides Maillol, s/n 08028 Barcelona
- Tel: +34 902 18 99 00
- Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sundays and bank holidays
Estadi Olimpic
- Avda. de l’Estadi, s/n, Parc de Montjuïc 08038 Barcelona
- Tel: +34 93 426 20 89
- Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. September to March; 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. May to September
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