Park Güell, Gaudi's curiosity
Located on the heights of the city, Parc Güell offers a breathtaking view of the wonders of Barcelona. This unfinished project by Gaudi, intended to become a garden city, is today a must-see attraction in Barcelona, classified as a world cultural asset by UNESCO. You can walk through a labyrinth of colourful mosaics, from square to square, until you reach the Casa Museu Gaudi. The architect's house, which the master lived in until his death, is now a museum on the heights of the park.
The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona's icon
What to do in Barcelona? Go and admire the inevitable Sagrada Familia, a true emblem of the city in the world! The masterpiece of the famous architect Gaudi, a World Heritage Site, comprises three uniquely styled facades, eight towers and a host of unusual figurative sculptures. The Sagrada Familia is still under construction but is open to visitors. However, it is best to buy your ticket in advance.
La Rambla, the Champs-Elysées of Barcelona
From Plaça Catalunya to the statue of Christopher Columbus, La Rambla is the city's emblematic avenue. No visit to Barcelona would be complete without a walk under the trees along this lively thoroughfare. It runs through the historic centre and the famous La Boqueria covered market to the sea, teeming with traders, bars, concerts and impromptu shows. The famous Spanish conviviality is at its best in the evening after dinner.
The Barrio Gotico, the historic district
Bordered by La Rambla, the historic centre of Barcelona has retained its Catalan soul. It is made up of a maze of medieval streets, often paved, built by the Greeks and then the Romans. Popular and dynamic, this gothic district cultivates a typically Spanish atmosphere. You can meet Barcelona's youth, moving between the tapas bars and trendy shops. The town hall, basilica, cathedral and the palace of the Generalitat de Catalunya are also located here. The area is crowded at weekends.
Montjuïc, the cultural heart of Barcelona
This former Jewish quarter, located on a wooded hill, offers impressive views of the city and a welcome breath of fresh air in summer. It is home to some of the finest museums, including the Miro Foundation and the National Art Museum of Catalonia, and is one of Barcelona's most popular attractions. Numerous fountains, trees and giant cactuses punctuate a pleasant walk to Montjuïc Castle, which has stood atop the city since 1640.
La Barceloneta, Barcelona's seafront
Nestled on a peninsula, La Barceloneta is home to the port that hosted the 1992 Olympic Games and its marina. This former fisherman's district is now renowned for its popular festivals, its typical atmosphere and its straight streets with colourful facades. Its sand and sun have made it the most famous beach in the city and one of Barcelona's main attractions. The area also offers tasty seafood restaurants and a Museum of the History of Catalonia.
Casa Batllo, Gaudi's masterpiece
Considered to be Gaudi's most accomplished work, Casa Batllo is one of the most amazing attractions to see in Barcelona, along with the famous Casa Mila, also known as La Perdrera. It was built on the foundations of an old building between 1904 and 1906, supervised down to the last detail by the emblematic architect. From the outside and inside, the house is full of the dreamlike, surrealist and aquatic figures that the artist loved. It is best to book your tickets early.
The Palau de la Musica Catalana, modernism in Barcelona
Built between 1905 and 1908 by Domenech i Montaner, the Palau de la Musica Catalana is considered a masterpiece of modernism. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site. There is no need to look for anything to see in Barcelona, the impressive façade of this palace, combining red brick and mosaic, stands out against the Spanish sky! This concert hall has an equally rich interior decoration, unique in Europe, combining stained glass, sculptures, ironwork and ceramics.
The Poble Espanyol, Barcelona's reconstructed village
Built for the 1929 Universal Exhibition, this reconstructed Spanish village is one of the must-see sites in Barcelona. It is an open-air museum in the heart of the Montjuïc district, with 49,000 square metres of streets, squares and buildings illustrating the different Spanish architectures, from Catalonia to Andalusia. A museum exhibits works by Spanish artists from Picasso to Dali, while numerous bars and restaurants complement the stalls and craft workshops.
The Ciutadella Park, a watery fairytale in Barcelona
A visit to Barcelona must include the Ciutadella Park, the city's largest park at 17 hectares. Created for the 1888 Universal Exhibition, it was built on the site of an old citadel, which explains its name. It originally housed several exhibition buildings, now transformed into a museum of modern art or the seat of the Parliament of Catalonia. It is a favourite place for tourists and locals alike to walk around, and also features a waterfall designed by Gaudi.
Recommended hotel
If you are planning a trip to Barcelona and looking for comfortable and elegant accommodation, the Occidental Atenea Mar Adults Only hotel is an excellent choice. This 4-star hotel is located just 150 meters from the Nova Mar Bella beach and provides easy access to the city's main attractions. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, and some offer beautiful views of the sea. The hotel features a fitness center, a rooftop terrace with a pool and bar, and a restaurant serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway or travelers looking for a peaceful retreat in the city. Book your stay at the Occidental Atenea Mar Adults Only hotel and enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable stay in Barcelona.