48 hours in Barcelona – Weekend Edition
Barcelona in 48 words or less
With a unique identity and language of its own, Barcelona may seem like a separate territory from Spain. As the capital of Catalan, it is noted for its Mediterranean coast and the architectural works of Gaudi spread throughout the city. In 1992, it hosted to the Summer Olympics.
Touchdown
As the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona has its own international airport located southwest of the city. There are many ways to reach the heart of the city in minutes: the A1 Aerobus, for example, brings tourists to Plaça Catalunya in half an hour (€5 for a single trip). €7.70 affords you a 10-trip pass that allows you to roam around the city by train, bus or Metro. Those coming from Paris usually take an overnight train to Barcelona.
A garden complex, Park Güell is defined by its architectural elements. (Photo by Wolfgang Staudt)
La Rambla: Where to stay
One of the most visited cities in the world, Barcelona offers a variety of accommodations, from five-star hotels to backpacker inns. The more expensive lodgings are located in La Rambla which is heavy with tourist action. Many travelers are drawn to the five-star rated Hotel Montecarlo Barcelona (La Rambla 124, 08002 Barcelona) and Hotel 1898 (La Rambla 109, 08002 Barcelona) for their rich interiors that come with an expensive price tag.
Other notable, but less expensive, accommodations include Casa Camper Hotel Barcelona (Carrer Elisabets 11, 08001 Barcelona) which is popular for its location, quality service and facilities. Hostal L’Antic Espai (C/ Gran Via de les Corts, Catalanes 660, principal, ES-08010 Barcelona) charms with its antique design and hospitable staff. Villa Emilia (Calabria 115-117, 08015 Barcelona) provides easy access to the rest of the city.
First 24 hours
Plaça Catalunya: It all begins at the center
Barcelona’s architectural face, Sagrada Familia is destined to be completed in 2026. (Photo by Wolfgang Staudt)
Plaça Catalunya is the acknowledged center of Barcelona, where the Barri Gòtic (Old Town) and the recently built Examplia meet. One can already bask in the glow of its historical and cultural treasures such as old buildings, statues and fountains. Four of the major streets also meet at Placa Catalunya: Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya, La Rambla or Portal de l’Àngel. Many tourists make it a point to visit the Monument to Columbus, a homage to the explorer, located in the Lower end of La Rambla.
La Rambla or Ramblas is the main tourist thoroughfare, known for its row of statues and cafes. During peak season, swarms of tourists check out its many shops and eateries. This particular street traced its history as far back the 1700s when the place was composed of shipyards.
Gaudi: the genius of Barcelona
If there is one person to whom Barcelona owes its otherworldly beauty, it would have to be the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí whose collective work is stamped with a World Heritage Site honor. His famous work, the Sagrada Família (Tel. 00 34 93 207 3031; sagradafamilia.cat), has been in construction for more than a century; it is slated to formally open in the year 2026. Its unmistakable spires and towers lend an architectural face to the whole city.
Another popular destination that Gaudi designed is Parc Guill, garden complex that is defined by its architectural elements. Aside the temple and the garden, Gaudí also designed apartments along Passeig de Gràcia, the most notable of which is the Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera) located at the corner of the corner of Provença.
National and contemporary museums: Catalonian art
For a glimpse of how different Barcelona from the rest of Spain, one can go to two main museums in the city: the National Museum of Art of Catalonia (at the end of Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina) and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Plaça dels Àngels, in El Raval, Ciutat Vella). Together, they narrate the Catalan art—from the ancient to the contemporary—with a smattering of Romanesque pieces to boot.
La Pedrera or Casa Mila is another Gaudi masterpiece located at the modern Eixample. (Photo by Jaume Meneses)
Heaven for foodies
Needless to say, Barcelona offers an assortment of restaurants offering the best in Spanish and Catalonian cuisine.
Con Gracia (Martinez de la Rosa n08, 08012 Barcelona) is the usual hangout of tourists for excellent paellas. Montiel Restaurante (C/ Flassaders 19, 08003 Barcelona) is said to serve the best wine and most satisfying Spanish dishes. Cerveceria Catalana (C/ Malloca, 236, 08008 Barcelona) boasts its signature dish, the tapas. Beltxenea Mallorca (275 entresuelo, Barcelona) features top notch gourmet dishes. Cinc Sentits Aribau (58, Barcelona) is known for its eight-course sampler.
Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boquería offers the sights, sounds and smells of an authentic Barcelona market. (Photo by flydime)
Next 24 hours
Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta: Coastal beauties
With its Mediterranean location, Barcelona offers top notch beaches that total 4.5 km. of coastline. The largest and most frequented among them are the Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta, each with a kilometer of shoreline.
Collserola Tower: A bird’s eye view of the city
Constructed for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, the Collserola Tower is a telecommunications tower located on the Collserola mountain range. It is the highest man-made construction in the city which therefore provides the best view of Barcelona. On the tenth floor is the observation point that reveals the urban and natural fabric of Barcelona. On a clear day, the beautiful Pyrenees mountains are visible.
A bird’s eye view of Barcelona. (Photo by Tiago Ribeiro)
La Boqueria: Market Experience
The destination for some retail therapy are El Corte Inglés (where department stores constellate at Plaça Catalunya) and the Avinguda Portal de l’Angel which features boutiques of high-end brands. Tourists, however, prefer the charming Carrer de Petritxol where individual shops offer an assortment of merchandise: from souvenir trinkets to art. For a real market experience, tourists proceed to Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boquería (http://www.boqueria.info) located at Ciutat Vella where various good are offered—agricultural produce, various, herbs, delicatessen, breads and pastries, artisan products, wine and even hand-made pasta.
Let’s drink to that
To cap a night to this fascinating city, a visit to one of its many bars is a must. You can pick any of these bars and toast to a wonderful stay in the city. 7Sins Lounge & Music Bar (Muntaner 7 08011 Barcelona) has live music and features average prices and good food. Carpe Diem Lounge Club (32 Passeig Maritim Barcelona) has great food that is best experienced in its beds and is also popular for dance night outs. Octopussy (Moll de la Fusta, Local 4, Barcelona) has diverse dance music playlist, great location on a waterfront. La Boîte (Avinguda Diagonal, 477, Barcelona) is known for its funk, Motown, or soul played, fun for socializing with others. La Terrazza (Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc, Barcelona) is, according to die-hard party-goers, is the best place to party until the sunrise.
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Waw!
I think that Barcelona is a very nice city to visit on holidays, no matter the weather!
I think too that is a good idea to choose the great accomodation.