European City Break Destinations – Part 1 Barcelona
Taking a city break is a great way of exploring that city’s history and culture over a short period of time.I have put together a list of some amazing European destination breaks, with information of things to do and see as well as hotels to stay in. Part 1 of this series is Barcelona.
BARCELONA
About Barcelona
Barcelona with a population of around 1.6 million is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous region in northeast Spain.
With 4.5km of coastline and its rich cultural heritage, Barcelona is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, with many museums, cultural and arts centres within the city.
With easy access via the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Barcelona is a great city break destination.
Things to do in Barcelona
Visit Las Ramblas
Taking a trip to Barcelona without a visit to Las Ramblas is like visiting London without going to Buckingham Palace.
Las Ramblas is a street in Barcelona that attracts locals and tourists alike as there are so many things of interest to do.
Las Ramblas is home to many human statues that imitate everyone including some of Spain’s famous philosophers to regular robots. Visiting the Museu de l’Erotica will give you a history of sex in the city (of Barcelona of course) which although a bit raunchy is very interesting.
An easy way to get around Las Ramblas and much of Barcelona is by bicycle. For just 5 euros you can rent a bike from Mattia 46, which is right next to Las Ramblas. With its warm, dry weather, mostly flat terrain and many bike lanes, Barcelona is the perfect city for cycling.
A trip to Las Ramblas would not be complete with visiting any of the many good tapas bars and restaurants. of which Ultramarinos, Uma and Jamon Experience have good reputations.
Visit the Museu Picasso
A visit to the Museu Picasso in Barcelona will give you an understanding of the early years of genius that was Pablo Picasso. There are over 4000 of his works in the permanent collection housed there.
Visit the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is a large unfinished Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
Visit Casa Batllo
Another masterpiece by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, Casa Batllo is a remodelled version of the house that was previously built there.
Tour Camp Nou
Explore the home of the famous Barcelona Football club with a guided tour designed by Olivier Goldstein. A must for all lovers of the beautiful game.
Visit the magical Montjuïc Mountain
See Barcelona’s spectacular views while riding the funicular railway up Montjuic. You will be able to see facilities from the 1992 Olympic Games as well as Montjuic Castle and Plaza Espana.
WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA
Hotel The Serras – Check availability and reviews
Mercer Hotel – Check availability and reviews
I would love to visit Barcelona – it looks like a fascinating and beautiful city with lots of culture, art and great food!
I have been to Barcelona and it was great though there was cons and pros, on the other side I love you photos here, would love to have the same photos during my travels. Montjuïc Mountain will be my next destination if ever I’ll come back.
Love bcn! For me, Parc Guell definitely ranks at the top places to see in addition to the ones on this list:D I need to do a longer holiday there sometime because I always end up just staying for like a weekend. Thanks for the suggestions!
I have been to Barcelona and montjuic too. It was such a scenic trip. I love gaudi architecture. Pictures you have shared are doing such justice to the beauty there.
Thanks for the compliment
I never been to Barcelona but always wanted to go since I seen the movie Cheetah Girls 2. I know pretty cheesy, but I was intrigued by the food they showed in the film and the dancing. Your pictures look beautiful!!!
Great read, you have really made me want to visit Barcelona again what an incredible city with so much to see and do, adding onto my travel list, hopefully I can find a cheap flight out of UK soon. Bookmarked your post
The Basilica looks nothing short of a fairytale sequence, plus I love that canopy of trees along Las Ramblas. I’d love to go to Europe someday.. Cheers!!