Travelspecs - Travel guide about Travel routes, highlights and travel tips

BARCELONA - Highlights

LA SAGRADA FAMILIA


La Sagrada Familia with no doubt is Barcelona’s top attraction. Although all of Gaudi’s constructions are spectacular masterpieces, La Sagrada Familia seems to top them all. It doesn’t matter how many times you see it, you will be stunned each and every time.
Moreover…. although the cathedral’s main body with 2 beautiful facades and 8 spectacular spires have been built already, the cathedral is still far from being finished. So there is still more to come.

Local politics and signs of corruption seem to slow down the building process. Anyway, it somehow it adds to the drama of the construction history. The Sagrada Familia was Gaudi’s final masterpiece and he spend the last years of his life guiding its construction.

The Sagrada Familia is a must see and you should definitely withstand the waiting lines and entry price to get a view from the inside as well. Climb one of the spires to get an unforgettable view over the Cathedral and a great part of the city.

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PARC GÜELL

Another absolute masterpiece of Gaudi. Gaudi was asked to let his imagination and creativity flow freely for the design of this park. The park is just amazing and it feels like you’re wondering around in a Alice and Wonderland-like fairy tale. The picturesque park  is filled with lush greens and Gaudi seems to have avoided any rectangular shapes. All objects in the park are round and playful. Check out the colorful mosaic tiles all over the park.

Must see in Barcelona! Make sure you have plenty of space on your camera and a full battery, you will need it!

Parc Guell can be reached by foot from Metro station Vallcarca. There are escalators. If they’re out of service. You will have to climb numerous stairs.

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LA PEDRERA - CASA MILA

La Pedrera, also known as “Casa Mila” is perhaps Gaudi’s most famous building used for residential purposes. The structure is actually quite large and is situated on the corner of Passeig de Gracia and Carrer de Provença.
As with all his works Gaudi seems to have avoided any straight lines, both on the outside as well as on the inside. Even the roof top was decorated with spectacular chimneys.
The inside of the building is beautiful with many Art Nouveau details and is arranged with beautiful characteristic furniture. Take some time to discover the inside of la Pedrera as there are quite some rooms to discover. We highly recommend a visit!

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LAS RAMBLAS

La Rambla is the most famous avenue in Barcelona which connects Plaça de Catalunya with the Olympic Port. The Ramblas has many side streets entering the Historic Center or El Raval. The locals love to come here for a stroll, enjoying their morning or afternoon. You will see many “frozen” artists, musicians or dance acts along the way. Make a stop at the local market called “La Boquería” near the metro stop Liceu to grab a sandwich or some tapas. It’s also worth to make a stop at the charming Plaça Real.

Special Note: As the Ramblas attract many tourists, there are plenty of pickpockets as well. As such, make sure to keep your valuables in a safe place. Avoid wondering into el Raval or the historical Center too far during the nighttime.

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PARC DE LA CIUTADELLA

The Parc de la Ciutadella is the locals favorite spot to hang out and relax. It’s definitely the nicest park of the city so if you’re in the neighborhood or if you really need a break after a full day of sightseeing come here to chill out and enjoy the wonderful greens and mellow atmosphere. 

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CASA BATTLÓ

Like La Pedrera, Gaudi’s Casa Batlló is also situated on Passeig de Gracia. Casa Batlló could best be described as a candy house. With its light blue color, colorful decorations and playful shapes, you would almost think the house is an enormous popsicle.

In fact, the owners of chupa chups lollypops company must have thought the same as they are the owners of the building. Currently the estimated value of the property is 70 Million Euros. The inside is just as remarkable as the outside, so you should definitely pay a visit. At €17,50 the entrance price is steep though.

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CIUTAT VELHA - OLD CITY CENTER

 Opposed to the reactangular and block styled outline of Barcelona the historic city center of the city consists of many small and winding streets. This is the oldest part of the city and walking around here makes you feel like you are in medieval town. The highlight of this area is the Catedral de Barcelona on La Plaça de la Seu. 

After walking through a number of small and winding streets you’ll suddenly find yourself on a large square gazing at the imposing Catedral de Barcelona. 

Another nice square is Plaça Real just of the Ramblas. A beautiful spot to sit down or take some nice photographs. 

Just like at the Ramblas beware of pickpockets in the old city center 

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LA CATEDRAL DE BARCELONA

 After walking through a number of small and winding streets you’ll suddenly find yourself on a large square gazing at the imposing Catedral de Barcelona.

Construction of the cathedral started in 1298 and it took nearly 200 years to finish. The façade was finished in the 19th century.

It’s definitely worth it to take a peek inside.

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PALAU DE LA MUSICA

The Palau de la Musica was built in 1908 and is known for its marvelous design an breathtaking interior. Performances are held daily, but the theater is also very interesting to visit during the day. Tours are given Monday to Sunday from 10:00 – 13:30.

The Palau de la Musica was declared UNESCO world heritage in 1997. 

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PALAU GÜELL

Whereas Gaudi’s style is normally characterized by playful and cheerful colors and shapes, Palau Guell which was  commissioned to Gaudi by the Guell family is rather dark and sober. Perhaps it is even a bit scary.

Although not as impressive as La Pedrera or Casa Battlo, Palau Guell still is very worth a visit as it gives you another view on Gaudi’s style.

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LA BOQUERÍA

La Boquería is the oldest market of the city where the locals come to buy their fruits and vegetables. It is right of the Ramblas near the metro stop Liceu, so hop in when you walk by to buy some fresh fruit.

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BEACH TIME

What a city! If the city wasn’t great enough by itself it is also blessed with some fine beaches.

Nice beaches are La Barceloneta and Port Olympic.If you prefer a more quiet beach go Mar Bella.

Special Note: Don’t leave your valuables unattended on the beach.

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DALÍ MUSEUM IN FIGUERES (DAY TRIP)

Make a daytrip to the exquisit Dalí museum in Figueres 100 kilometers (75 miles) north of Barcelona. The museum holds the largest collection of Dalí in the world. Find more info here.