Barcelona is a must-see for the avid traveler. When looking at where to go, check out this list of the 5 must-see sites for the best of Barcelona. There is something for every traveler including the foodie, the sports fan, and even the art lover. foo
Barcelona is full of wonders and grand culture. Spain never disappoints even the most weathered travelers. Some of the architecture, like the Sagrada Familia, or the Casa Batllo, is by Antoni Gaudi. He is famed for his dream-like structures that were far beyond his time. Gaudi has influenced buildings all over Barcelona.
But the best part of going to Barcelona is enjoying the Mediterranean Spanish food. Barcelona is on the coast of Spain and has some of the best seafood in Europe. That’s where we start our list of the 5 Must-see sites for the best of Barcelona.
1. La Boqueria
La Boqueria seems like a tourist trap at first. When you get past the crowds of the tours, you’ll find this incredible iron and glass roof that was put up in 1914. Under this roof, you will find locals choosing from stalls selling fruits, vegetables, cold meats, cheeses, and olives.
This is where the heart of Barcelona beats. Since 1836, this Mercado has been providing international gastronomic products for local Spaniards. La Boqueria is usually packed, even in the early mornings, but the market is so massive that there is still room to walk through comfortably.
2. Camp Nou Stadium – The home of FC Barcelona
There is something to be said about the culture Barcelona holds around the infamous game ‘futbol’. Known to the US and Australian travelers as soccer, Camp Nou Soccer Stadium is open for tours and the internal museum is open for tourists.
If you have the pleasure to experience a football game while you are in Barcelona, try to get tickets at Camp Nou Stadium. But, If you can’t find tickets, no worries, because bars will be packed with fans and tourists alike. There is no other experience like it, with everyone singing and on the edge of their seats with every play of the game. These fans put the USA Superbowl to shame. That’s why Camp Nou is a must-see site to experience the best of Barcelona.
3. Park Guell
If you have seen a postcard of Barcelona, it was probably of Park Guell. Antoni Gaudi created this whimsical park for housing the rich. Gaudi eventually explained that this was not the ideal place for a community due to the incompatible building conditions of the hills and soil type. Instead, he created a park to enhance the natural elements of the land.
This park is not an ordinary park, you are welcomed by a playful Gaudi dragon fountain at the entrance. There is stunning tiling, fascinating buildings, and hypnotic scenes proving this site one of the best of Barcelona. Some people refer to the gatehouses as eccentric gingerbread homes. With the sand-like tiling, and bright white designed roofs.
This park is free to walk through and is not usually packed unless there are events, or it is the weekend. Be aware, this park is in some hilly parts of Barcelona, so it is not like your ordinary stroll in the park.
4. Casa Batllo
Speaking of Antoni Gaudi, you can’t miss his spectacular Casa Batllo. This site is the world’s best Landmark 2021 winner and encapsulates the best of Barcelona. There is an immersive artistic tour of the masterpiece. This building was originally built in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortes, who was ironically one of Gaudi’s professors.
In 1904 Gaudi continued to show his love of preserving the land. He was asked to demo the building, but he suggested completely re-manufacturing the building instead. Gaudi created an amazing piece of art that actually had extreme functionality. We are lucky that the owners of this building created a museum to walk through this masterpiece.
5. Playas de Barcelona
Barcelona has a multitude of beaches near the city. If you are looking for a beach (playa en Espanol) consider checking out Playa de Sant Sebastia, which will have restaurants right by the beach. You can watch the sunset while enjoying a long Spanish dinner.
Sant Miguel is another beach that travelers love. It was built in 1755 and is one of the oldest beaches in Barcelona. This beach is close to Sant Sebastia and another restaurant-lined beach. You wouldn’t expect the oldest beach in Barcelona to be full of modern buildings and a beautiful city backdrop.
Final Thoughts
Before you pack your bags for the great city of Barcelona, consider looking at what you’d like to do. Above is the list of the 5 must-see sites for the best of Barcelona, but we did not mention any of the incredible churches this city has to offer. Make sure to pack something modern, like long sleeves, or long pants if you plan on visiting some of these gems.
Modesty will stop at the beaches. Before visiting beaches, double-check they aren’t nude beaches. Or make sure they are if that’s what you are into.
Barcelona is one of those towns that has something for everyone. Whether you love art, food, or sports, there is plenty to explore in Barcelona.
