Tip – Get the TMB Barcelona Bus and Metro pass for unlimited access to the transportation network in the city. We used the five day city pass and it allowed us access to all public transportation within Barcelona.
Explore the list of our favorite things in Barcelona:
Sagrada Família
This dreamlike work of Antoni Gaudí is where we began our journey in the city on our Barcelona Bus Turistic tour . The temple is dedicated to the holy family and is still only three quarters complete. The projected end date of the world’s largest unfinished church is estimated to be in 2026. When the church is complete it will be the tallest church building in the world. The Sagrada Familia combines several architectural styles. We highly recommend you get a skip the line ticket for a faster entrance time.
Barri Gòtic Gothic Quarter
The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, is the oldest part of Barcelona, and we found it be the liveliest. Here, you’ll find beautiful Medieval-era architecture that line this neighborhood’s roads with the many plazas to explore. When visiting the Gothic Quarter, we recommend doing what we did and discarding the map to let yourself wander. The neighborhood isn’t that big so you’ll probably end up at top spots by simply strolling. We also recommend Barcelonaebikes tour of the gothic quarter to learn more about the rich history of Picasso’s journey in Barcelona. This was our favorite tour in Barcelona as we rode through old backstreets and modern neighborhoods to experience all of what Barcelona has to offer. No matter where you end up in the Gothic Quarter, its Spanish glory will leave you charmed long after you leave. The Gothic Quarter is free to explore all hours of the day and night.
Camp Nou
Camp Nou is Europe’s largest football stadium and famously the home of FC Barcelona since 1975. Even if you have no affinity for the team visiting this stadium is a must while in Barcelona. The scale of the 99,000 seater stadium is unbelievable. If you are a fan like us you’ll be in heaven touring the stadium and viewing the memorabilia at the museum. We were privileged to attend a live match inside the stadium and the atmosphere was unforgettable. If you are not able to attend a live match the stadium tour is available daily.
Barceloneta Beach
Barcelona’s beachfront boardwalk stretches far. La Barceloneta Beach is the perfect place to pass the time in Barcelona. The beautiful clear blue waters and picturesque sunsets are breathtaking. We were pleased that the beach was so clean despite how busy the area was. There are many things to do on the beach besides swim. Windsurfing and kite surfing are popular. You can also enjoy a refreshing drink from one of the many beach huts. We will warn you that the beachfront cafes and restaurants, while scenic, are pricey. In Barcelona you are never far away from some fascinating architecture, not even on the beach.
Montjuïc
Montjuïc is a broad hill overlooking the harbor. This city district was developed for the 1929 International Exhibition and features several prominent museums. Also built for the exhibition was the Magic Fountain. At sunset, the fountain performs an impressive show, a combination of color, light, and music. The half-hour performance occurs every Thursday through Sunday during the summer and each Friday and Saturday during the winter. At the very top of the hill is the 17th-century fortress with beautiful views overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea. We highly recommend taking the Montjuïc cable car up the hillside to view this amazing fortress and to get the best view of Barcelona.
The Food
By far one of our favorite things to do while in Barcelona was experience all of the wonderful food. Tapas are an essential part of eating in Barcelona. These mini sized food portions can be eaten hot or cold and can range from a serving of serrano ham to a dish of croquettes. They are typically eaten before the main meal, but it is becoming more and more popular to turn tapas into dinner by ordering different dishes. During our visit to Barcelona we had tapas for dinner every day at an affordable price. Out of all of the many restaurants and bars we visited the restaurant that had the overall best food, service, and atmosphere was hands down Terraza Martinez . Martinez is centered in the mountains of Montjuic with an amazing view of the city. The restaurant is literally an oasis to relax and enjoy. The fresh locally grown food was absolutely delicious. We recommend the Martinez paella with rabbit, chicken, and vegetables. Thank us later!
ABOUT WEPACKTWOFLY
WePackTwoFly is a site by Kimmie and Niyi, a couple of bucket listers who love to explore the world and capture every moment.
