Discover Barcelona: A Guide to the City's Must-See Attractions
Barcelona, a vibrant coastal city in northeastern Spain, beckons travelers with its unique charm and architectural wonders, especially the creations of Antoni Gaudí. A trip to Barcelona wouldn't be complete without experiencing his masterpieces.
Gaudí's Architectural Gems
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La Sagrada Familia
Gaudí's most iconic and breathtaking creation! This basilica is a true symbol of Barcelona. Entry tickets cost 26 euros for adults and 21 euros for seniors.
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Park Güell
A whimsical park designed by Gaudí, built between 1900 and 1914 and opened to the public in 1926. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the "Works of Antoni Gaudí". Admission is 10 euros per person.
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Casa Batlló
Another unique house designed by Gaudí. Online tickets range from 35 to 43 euros. Even viewing it from the outside is a treat!
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Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Another building designed by Gaudí. Online tickets for adults cost 25 euros, while purchasing them on-site costs 28 euros. For seniors, it's 20 euros online and 22 euros on-site. I visited this building back in 2014.
Other Key Attractions in Barcelona
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La Rambla
This famous pedestrian boulevard is a must-visit. Stretching approximately 1.2 km from Plaça de Catalunya to the sea, it leads to the Columbus Monument, a 200-foot (60m) monument honoring Christopher Columbus.
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La Boqueria Market
A bustling market filled with stalls selling everything from meats, seafood, and produce to dried goods and fresh fruits. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere are captivating. Many food stalls offer delicious tapas.
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Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
Adjacent to La Rambla, this historic quarter features Roman ruins, a 14th-century Gothic cathedral, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with restaurants, souvenir shops, and clothing stores. It's easy to spend hours wandering these charming streets, indulging in food and shopping.
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Catalan Art Museum (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya)
If you appreciate Catalan art, consider visiting this museum (12 euros entry fee). Admission is free after 3 PM daily and all day on the first Sunday of each month. I love visiting for the stunning city views from its hilltop location. The building itself is architecturally beautiful.
I visited in 2014 near sunset to enjoy the city view. I returned during sunset in September 2022.
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Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Located below the Catalan Art Museum, this fountain puts on a spectacular show in the evenings, with colorful lights and music. During early September, the show started at 9:30 PM on Wednesdays (not on Mondays or Tuesdays) and lasted for over 30 minutes. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as the steps fill up quickly. While enjoyable, I find it less impressive than the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas or the Dubai Fountain by the Burj Khalifa. The music accompanying the water display might not appeal to everyone.
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Picasso Museum
For Picasso enthusiasts, this museum is a must-see. Picasso spent his youth (ages 14 to 23) in Barcelona, and many of his early works are displayed here. I visited in 2014. Entry is 12 euros, but free admission is offered every Thursday from 5 PM to 8 PM and on the first Sunday of each month from 9 AM to 7 PM.
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Barcelona Cathedral
The exterior is quite beautiful. The area in front of the cathedral is a lively gathering spot, especially in the evenings, with street performers. Free entry to the cathedral is available from 8 AM to 12:45 PM and after 3:15 PM daily.
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Plaça Reial
Barcelona boasts many lovely squares, and Plaça Reial, one of the largest in the Barri Gòtic, is particularly elegant, with palm trees and bustling restaurants and bars. It's a popular gathering place for celebrations and outdoor concerts.
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Plaça de Catalunya
Located in the city center, this square serves as a transportation hub for the Metro, buses, airport shuttles, and tourist buses. It features statues, fountains, and pigeons, and it connects some of Barcelona's most important streets, including Passeig de Gràcia, La Rambla, and Rambla de Catalunya.
In the next post, I'll share about dining, accommodation, and transportation in Barcelona.
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