Sagrada Familia means holy family cathedral in Spanish. Built by the most representative architect, Antoni Gaudi, this cathedral was designated as a part of UNESCO World Heritage. When Gaudi passed away after being hit by a tram, only 1/4 of it was completed, and the other architects continued his work until now. The exterior on each side is amazing already, but once you go inside, you will be stunned by its fascinating stained glasses especially when natural lights come through them making such a rainbow.
Address : Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona
Opening hours : November-February 9:00-18:00 / March 9:00-19:00 / April-September 9:00-20:00 / October 9:00-19:00 / Dec 25th, 26th, Jan 1st, 6th 9:00-14:00 (Check the website before visiting in case)
Admission Fee : Basic Ticket 15 euros (available only via online reservation, valid only after 2P.M. from 2019) / Ticket with Audio Guide 22 euros / Guided Tour 24 euros / Audio Guide + Gaudi House Museum Ticket 24 euros / Audio Guide + Tower of Sagrada Familia 29 euros
Website : http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/tiquets/
3 courses meal with a reasonable price in Barcelona. At 9 Nine, there are lunch and dinner course menu which are served with one appetizer, main dish, dessert, and one glass of wine. For the lunch menu, it costs only 17 euros including all of them which is truly a good deal especially with this elegant atmosphere. For the main dish, you have a variety of choices between meats and fishes, and the portion is quite big. From the dessert, the most recommendable one is Crema Catalana, which is the most popular dessert in Spain.
Address : Carrer de València, 334, 08009 Barcelona
Opening hours : Mon 19:30-23:00 / Tue-Sat 13:00-16:00, 19:30-23:00 / Closed on Sundays
The most central plaza in Barcelona, Placa Catalunya. This is the place you will firstly encounter if you take the airport bus from Barcelona airport. In the plaza, you will see full of trees and sculptures, and around the plaza are many restaurants and cafes, and also the big department store, El Corte Ingles.
Address : Plaça de Catalunya, 08002 Barcelona
Ramblas is the most famous street in Barcelona, which is 1.3km long starting from Placa Catalunya to Columbus Monument, which is just right in front of the Mediterranean Sea. Federico Garcia Lorca, a Spanish poet and writer, described this street like this: "It is only street in the world, which I wish would never end". On each side of the street is lined up with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
Boqueria Market is the most famous local market in Barcelona, and one of the must visit spots. From fruits to fruit juices and jamons, you can get them at a reasonable price, and you can simply sit down at the bar to enjoy the freshly made seafood in the market.
Address : La Rambla, 89 Bis, 08001 Barcelona (Boqueria Market)
Opening hours : Mon-Sat 8:00-20:30 / Closed on Sundays
The most beautiful auditorium in the world, Palau de la Musica Catalana, which is a pride of Barcelona as well. You will be charmed by its building and again by its stunning decorations and details in the auditorium. Decorated with art nouveau style, you can see flower patterns which is on purpose to show the beauty of this city when the city was becoming such a grey city during the dark time. They say music is universal. They welcome all kind of music in this auditorium, just except opera. There are seats prepared to take up to 2146 audiences. It is desginated as UNESCO World Heritage, and they organize a guided tour in various languages every 30 minutes.
Address : C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 10:00-15:30 / Easter-July 10:00-18:00 / August 9:00-18:00 (Guided Tour for 55 minutes)
Admission Fee : Adults 20 euros / pre-booking 21 days before visit 16 euros / Students 11 euros / Free under 10 years old / Self Guided Tour 15 euros (admission from 9:00-9:30, finish the tour before 10:15)
Website : https://www.palaumusica.cat/en/tour-standard_596665
Known as 'Picasso Cafe', it has opened its door in 1897 and got famous due to its artistic details inside. Not only low cost coffess and foods, but they also wanted to deliver arts to the public. Picasso visited here often from 1899, and his first exhibition was held in this cafe. He also designed the first page of the menu for this cafe as well. It is close to Barcelona Cathedral and Musica Catalana. You can simply enjoy a cup of coffee or have a lunch or dinner as well.
Address : Carrer de Montsió, 3, 08002 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 9:00-00:00
It is a Gothic cathedral with its tall spires. In front of this splendid cathedral is a plaza where some special markets are held or locals take a rest sitting down on benches. When you enter inside, the high ceiling, stained glasses, and various paintings and sculptures totally amaze you. If you are visiting here at night, just looking at this building with lights on is already marvelous enough.
Address : Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona
Opening hours : Weekdays 12:30-19:45(Last entry 19:15) / Sat 12:30-17:30(Last entry 16:45) / Sun 14:00-17:30(Last entry 16:45)
Not far from the Barcelona Cathedral, everyone will stop walking when they smell the steak passing by this restaurant. From Iberian steak to chuleton steak which you can grill as you want on the personal grill. You can also order side dishes and sauces, and they also have some unique menus like hare meat. Calcot, which is Spanish traditional spring onion, comes with romesco sauce, and it's available only during winter from January to February.
Address : Carrer de Montsió, 7, 08002 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 13:00-25:00
Flamenco is a representative performance to present the passion of Spain. It is a culture flourished throughout centuries from Andalusia, and the performance consists of music, dance, and play. In the beginning, they clapped their hands instead of using musical instruments, and now they also use guitars or cajon. There are many auditoriums where you can enjoy Flamenco performance. Tarantos is one of them, and it's relatively cheaper and they perform for 30 minutes, which is quite perfect to enjoy during the trip. Opened in 1963, it's the oldest Flamenco show in Barcelona and it is located in the beautiful plaza, Placa Reial. You can buy ticket online or on spot. The seat number is written on the ticket, and if you buy the ticket late, you might not have the seat or only in the back row, so it is better to buy eariler than the performance time in advance.
Address : Plaça Reial, 17, 08002 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 19:30 / 20:30 / 21:30 (additional performance at 22:30 from July to September)
Admission Fee : 15 euros
Sangria is a alcoholic drink made from red wine, fruits, and sugar. If you are looking for the best Sangria bar in Barcelona, this is the place to go. This bar is full of people all the time, so you must make a reservation by sending them an e-mail a few days before. From red Sangria to white Sangria, you can choose the type depending on your taste. From small tapas like Pan con Tomate to other dishes like truffle cream risotto and jamons which goes perfectly with sangria, there is a wide range of menu.
Address : Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 49, 08003 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 9:00-25:00
Reservation : [email protected]
With its aromatic coffee and bread, this cafe is one of the most famous cafes in Barcelona now. They have an in-house patissier to serve high-quality bread and desserts. There is also a breakfast buffet and lunch menu inspired by Japanese dishes.
Address : Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700, 08010 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 8:00-18:00
The house of Batllo family on Gracia street. Built by Gaudi, the exterior remind you of the bones of animals while the shape of the building is very outstanding bringing up the image of waves. Gaudi added meanings and purposes on every small thing in this house, and nothing is by coincidence. Considring lights as a big part of the structure, even a very small room has skylights. The big windows in the living room enable the natural lights illuminates the room, while the colorful patterns on windows create beautiful lights. Adding gratings at each door in the house, Gaudi constructed a natural air-conditioning system enabling the air to circulated automatically. An audio guided tour with virtual simulation, it is much easier to understand Gaudi's intentions and enjoy the tour.
Address : Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 9:00-21:00
Admission Fee : Basic - Adults 24.5 euros, Students & 7-18 years old 21.5 euros / Skip the line - Adults 30.5 euros, Students & 7-18 years old 27.5 euros / VIP + Souvenir Photo - Adults 34.5 euros, Students & 7–18 years old 31.5 euros / Free under 7 years old for every ticket
Website : https://www.casabatllo.es/en/online-tickets/visit-casa-batllo/
A famous restaurant for Paella, which is a must-try local food in Barcelona. El Glop has three branches one near Casa Batllo, another near Placa Catalunya and the other on the way to Parc Guell. From They serve different types of paella with seafood or with squid ink. Normally you can order paella from minimum for 2 people, but at El Glop, you can order paella for 1 person. If you are traveling alone and want to try Paella, El Glop will be perfect. Or if you want to try various paellas with your company, you can order two different paellas and share.
Address : Rambla de Catalunya, 65, 08007 Barcelona
Opening hours : Weekdays 7:30-24:00 / Weekends 12:00-24:00
Right next to Casa Mila, you will spot a normal cafe from exterior, but when you are inside, you will get a totally different impression by its impressive interior. The ceiling just looks like a giant whipped cream while the windows are curvy just like buildings Gaudi made.
Address : Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 9:00-23:00
Casa Mila which is also called La Pedrera is one of the most famous architecture Gaudi created. Learning from the nature which doesn't have anything unnecessary, Gaudi designed this house only with curves just like the nature. Not only the shape and structure of the house, but also every small furniture is inspired by the nature. Gaudi added a meaning in every single thing in this house. This house was very astonishing at that time as Gaudi made the basement garage and elevators which was not common at all at that time. There is an audio guided tour to help you understand this house, and you can enjoy the night tour which is also provided with a drink and live music.
Address : Passeig de Gràcia, 92 08008 Barcelona
Opening hours : Day Tour - 9:00-18:30(Last entry 18:00) / Night Tour 19:00-21:00
Admission Fee : Day Tour - Adults 22 euros, 7-12 years old 11 euros, Free under 6 years old / Day Tour Skip the line - Adults 29 euros, 7-12 years old 11 euros, Free under 6 years old / Night Tour - Adults 41 euros, 7-12 years old 20.5 euros, Free under 6 years old
Website : https://www.lapedrera.com/en/visits
Registered on the UNESCO World Heritage in 1985, Parc Guell was built between 1900 and 1914 by Antonio Gaudi after he was requested to build a housing area for Guell's family. After Guell passed away, it started to be open to the public, and became one of the must-visit spots in Barcelona. You will spot lots of decorations with Trencadis technique which is similar to mosaic. Two buildings at the gate was used as janitors' rooms, bringing up the image of a house made with cookies and sweets. The benches in the park made to be perfectly fit to your body are very impressive.
Address : 08024 Barcelone, Espagne
Opening hours : https://www.parkguell.cat/en/prepare-the-visit/opening-times-and-rates/
Admission Fee : Ticket via online reservation 7.5 euros (5.25 euros for 7-12 years old) / Ticket on spot 8.5 euros (6 euros for 7-12 years old)
Website : http://www.parkguell.cat/en/buy-tickets/
The hottest place in Barcelona where you can have a great city view. Bunker del Carmel was originally made to protect the city from air attacks during the civil war. Located on 262m tall, you have a 360 degree view of Barcelona. Different from other big cities in Europe, you cannot find the observatory deck in Barcelona, but this place will satisfy you instead. Many locals and tourists visit here with snacks or to listen to music to enjoy the romantic night view or even during the day time. The way to go up there is quite dark and secluded, so it is better to visit here with companies or not at very late night.
Address : Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n, 08032 Barcelona
How to go : Bus 22 towards El Carmel, get off at Gran Vista / Bus 24 towards El Carmel, get off at Doctor Bové - Gran Vista/ Metro line L4 towards Trinitat Nova, get off at Alfons X
Opening hours : 24 hours
A famous local tapas, Gambas al ajillo and Pulpo. Pura Brasa has several branches in Barcelona and each restaurant is spacious. Gambas al ajillo is a Spanish shrimp tapas cooked with garlic and oils. Pulpo is a octopus tapas seasoned with spices and mayonnaise. Octopus is soft and chewy, but not tough at all, and underneath are the smashed potatoes.
Address : Rambla de Catalunya, 13, 08007 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 9:30-24:00
Xurreria basically means the shop where they sell churros. Churro is a typical snack in Barcelona. There are numerous xurreria in Barcelona, but Banys Nous Xurreria which opened in 1968 is the most famous. You can have warm and delicious churros at a very low cost. There are various types of churros from original to chocolates inside.
Address : Carrer dels Banys Nous, 8, 08002 Barcelona
Opening hours : Mon-Fri 7:00-13:30, 15:30-20:15 / Sat 7:00-14:00, 15:30-20:30 / Closed on Sundays
Just 30 minutes away by train from Barcelona, you will reach such a paradise. With its peaceful tranquil atmosphere and white buildings, you feel like you are on an earthly paradise. You don't need a map here, just simply walk around along the beach.
How to go : Take the train from Barcelona Sants station, and get off at Sitges. Trains and platforms vary depending on the time. You can check the time and platform number on the board and buy the ticket from the ticket machine with orange color
Transportation Fee : Round trip 8.40 euros
An amazingly beautiful cafe with the best view of the Mediterranean Sea, Vivero cafe. There are beach chairs where you can lie down and enjoy the drink under the sun, or some other seats upstairs to have this view enjoying a cup of coffee and tapas menus. The restaurant serves many local foods during lunch and dinner time.
Address : Paseo Balmins, s/n, 08870 Sitges, Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 10:00-26:30
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One of the most famous tapas restaurant in Barcelona, La Pepita. Very close to Casa Mila, this restaurant was introduced in many local and international media. By studying different ingredients, they create the most exotic tapas menus with unique ingredients from all over the world. Fried calamari with kimchi mayonnaise, Seabass salad with fresh strawberries, VIP croquettes wrapped with the best jamon, and so on. If you want to try something new which you cannot try anywhere else, try La Pepita.
Address : Carrer de Còrsega, 343, 08037 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 10:00-25:00
Pablo Picasso is the most famous painter from Spain. Picasso Museum in Barcelona exhibits his formative paintings. Through their collections, you can reveal his artistic senses and the genius from his youth.
Address : Carrer Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona
Opening hours : Tue-Sun 9:00-19:00 / Closed on Mondays / Free entry on the first sundays of each month & Thursdays 18:00-21:30
Admission Fee : Adults 12 euros / 18-25 years old 7 euros
Website : http://www.bcn.cat/museupicasso/en/visiting/hours-and-tickets.html
Could you imagine that you can easily reach the beach very close to the city center in this big city? La Barceloneta is the Mediterranean Sea where offers a good resting palce for people. The beach is continued with well paved road which makes it a perfect place to stroll. Near the sea are lined up with many seafood restaurants and cafes and bars with the great sea view.
Address : Paseo Maritimo Barceloneta, 14, 08003 Barcelona
Another famous plaza in Barcelona. Right next to Ramblas, the plaza is surrounded by beautiful buildings, a elegant fountain, and palm trees. The street lamps, which is one of the early art works Gaudi designed, are also in this plaza.
Address : Plaça Reial, 9, 08002 Barcelona
Inside the Placa Reial, there is a famous restaurant for Paella. You can order from minimum for 2 people, and you can choose between seafood paella, mixed paella and black paella with squid ink. There is a little bit of discount rate applied for paella during dinner time. Inside is decorated with elegant red colors and you can also sit on the table at the terrace where you can enjoy the nice food appreciating the view of the plaza.
Address : 08002, Plaça Reial, 6, 08002 Barcelona
Opening hours : daily 9:00-23:30
Words and Photographs by Yuna Lee