In this post, we will talk about the most famous and “traditional” attractions in the city and also about points outside the tourist circuit to make you feel like a “local”. Benvingut!
1. The Holy Family
The Sagrada Família , the cathedral built by Antonio Gaudí, is certainly the most famous of Barcelona’s tourist attractions. The Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família attracts more than 2.8 million visitors per year.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1882 , under the direction of another architect: Don Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, but he soon abandoned the project due to disagreements.
Gaudí began taking part in the project in 1883 and took over as director in 1884. The Catalan architect knew that he would not be alive to supervise the construction until its completion (since the work was expected to last two hundred years), so he left detailed projects of construction.
2. Park Güell
Many other tourist attractions in Barcelona besides the Sagrada Familia are works by Gaudí. One example is Park Güell, a huge urban park, with 19 hectares and more than 100 years of history.
The complex mixes gardens and architectural components, as well as a privileged view of the Catalan capital. The Dragon Staircase is one of the most visited spots in the park, where tourists line up to take photos with the mosaic sculpture that gives the attraction its name.
3. Casa Batllo
Casa Battló is another construction by renowned architect Antonio Gaudí. Located on one of the most important avenues in the city, Passeig de Gràcia, it belonged to the textile industry millionaire D. Josep Batlló, who commissioned the renovation of the property.
The unsettling facade composed of wavy lines is a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
It is located in a block known as Manzana de la Discordia. The name was given because the area became the address of the city’s richest families, who competed with each other to have the most refined and expensive house. Today, the block houses major works of Catalan modernism, such as Casa Amatller, Casa Lleó Morera, Casa Mulleras and Casa Josefina Bonet.
4. Casa Milà – La Pedrera
Still on Passeig de Gracia, which was the address of the region’s wealthiest families, is Casa Milà . Gaudí’s work was built between 1906 and 1912 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.
Thus, like Casa Battló, the building is named after the family that commissioned the construction and would live there. However, in addition to the Milà family, the building was built to house other residential units that would be rented. Although today part of the building is open to the public, there are tenants living in other parts of the building.
5. The Rambla
The Rambla is the most popular promenade in Barcelona. Just over a kilometer long, they connect Plaza de Catalunya to Port Vell.
Walk aimlessly along the Rambla, there are several shops, cafes and restaurants. Also, on some days of the week there is a market, if you are there take the opportunity to see the stalls and discover local crafts.
When strolling along the Rambla, take the opportunity to buy souvenirs
The busiest area is near Mercado da Boqueria, a municipal fruit and vegetable market and small restaurants. The stalls enchant visitors with the vibrant colors of the fruits. On a summer day, take the opportunity to eat a fruit salad and cool off.
6. Montjuïc
The highest point in Barcelona got its name in the Middle Ages, when the area was home to a Jewish cemetery. Montjuïc means mountain of the Jews.
Today, it is an area that houses parks, viewpoints, cultural attractions and is an unmissable visit for anyone in Barcelona.
7. Laberint d’Horta Park
The Parc del Laberint d’Horta is outside the tourist area of Barcelona and is one of those places that is rarely visited by tourists, but is a favorite among the city’s residents.
The name – Parque Labirinto da Horta, in Portuguese – comes from the labyrinth of hedges, the main attraction of the place. It is the oldest garden in the city and is widely used by locals for walks, picnics, gatherings with family and friends and playing sports.
8. Carmel Bunker
Built during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) as a military anti-aircraft refuge, the Bunker del Carmel is located at the top of Mount Turó de La Rovira and has spectacular views of Barcelona.
City residents often go to this place, which is one of the things to do for free in Barcelona , to watch the sunset, meet up with friends and have a picnic.
There is no metro station close to the site, but several buses go to the beginning of the hill and you can climb the rest on foot, in a leisurely walk. To get to the top directly, you can take a taxi or car via app.
9. Market dels Encants
The Market dels Encants is a market where you can find everything: antiques, second-hand products, housewares, crafts, exoteric items and so on.
The market is one of the oldest in Europe and has probably operated since the 14th century, outdoors and informally. In 2008, the site was renovated and a modern building was built to house more than 500 sales stands and 100,000 weekly visitors.
It is located at Carrer Dos de Maig, 186 and is open four days a week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – from 9am to 8pm.
10. Chocolate Museum
Located in the building of a former monastery, the Chocolate Museum shows the history of chocolate, artisanal confectionery and the influence of chocolate in Barcelona and the rest of Europe.
However, the most interesting thing about the place is the collection of miniatures of Barcelona’s iconic buildings made of chocolate, such as the Sagrada Familia and Casa Amatller, with an impressive attention to detail.
The Museu de la Xocolata is located at Carrer del Comerç, 36, and is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 3pm. Tickets cost €6 per person.