Located on the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona has a unique character, different from the rest of Spain. Barcelona is not a Spanish speaking region. It is in Catalonia, so its residents speak Catalan. While Catalan bears a few semblances to Spanish, it is an entirely different language. Barcelona is bursting with art and culture – from Picasso, Salvador Dali, Gaudí and more. Around every turn, there is a beautiful plaza or historic building. If you only have a few days, here are the best things to do in Barcelona.
Grand Hotel Central: great location with a rooftop pool and sweeping view of the city
Hotel Arts: the best of both worlds – located on the beach and within a short walk of Barcelona’s cultural center.
Hotel The Serras: three words – treat. yo. self.
Sagrada Familia: you must go inside La Sagrada Familia. I repeat. You MUST go inside. While the outside might be awe inspiring, not structure has ever taken my breath away as much as the inside of La Sagrada Familia. The basilica opens at 9am and you can purchase tickets online in advance to save time.
City Bikes: my favorite thing to do in any city, but Barcelona is especially bike friendly.
La Boqueria: a bustling market selling everything from raw fish to guacamole to sugary assortments.
Gothic Quarter: experience the rich history of old city Barcelona
Port Vell: the best place to take in Mediterranean views
Park Guell: Gaudí’s work is all over Barcelona and Park Guell is some of his best. The park also has wide spanning views of Barcelona, where you can see as far as the ocean. The park opens at 8:00am and you should allow ample time for exploring the park and all of its magnificence.
Want to plan a trip to Barcelona? Reach out here and let’s get to planning!