What to do in the city?
The next question that immediately follows is, "What can you do in the city?" To save you valuable time wandering the net, I've prepared a nice and respectable list of recommendations for various sites and attractions in the city. Visit the official websites for more information or to purchase tickets.
Labyrinth Park
It is one of the most visited parks in Barcelona, where you can get lost in the many mazes and among the hundreds of cypresses. The place is a bit cut off from the city centre, but a wonderful experience is guaranteed for the whole family.
Ciutadella Park
The green lung of Barcelona and the place where the crowds flock on Sundays when the city is sleepy. When the weather permits, it is advisable to bring a sheet, a fruit basket, a guitar, or a thick book and spend a few hours there. The park also includes the zoo and the zoology and geology museums.
Picasso Museum
The museum of the great Spanish artist, Pablo originally from Málaga but spent his creative years full of inspiration in the capital of Catalonia. Located in the trendiest district of Barcelona “El Born”, about fifteen minutes’ walk from the city centre. A must for Picasso fans.
Moco Museum
A museum dedicated to the purity of modern and postmodern art. There, among others, you can see works by Warhol, Basquiat, and the famous graffiti artist – Banksy. Next to the Picasso Museum, so you can catch two birds in one quarter.
Juan Miro Museum
The museum of my especially favourite surrealist painter whose paintings move me like a poem. And if you are already there, on the way you can also combine a visit to Montjuic (Mount of the Jews)
Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
If you must choose one house from the selection of houses designed by Gaudi – this is your house!! This is his last and, in my opinion, his most mature project, before he dedicated himself to building the “Sagrada Familia”. The building is located on Barcelona’s bourgeois avenue “Passo de Gracia”.
Palace of the Catalan Music
An architectural gem that in my humble opinion doesn’t get the attention it deserves; its highlight is a magnificent concert hall. It was built by Luis Dominique y Montaner more than a century ago and is considered one of the most prominent Modernists sites in the city. You can visit the palace to watch a concert or in the mornings for a tour.
Casa Vincent
The first building that Gaudi designed when he was still an artist in his infancy, is in the charming Gracia neighbourhood. It is recommended to go for a walk in the neighbourhood after or before the visit, you won’t find Zara and Mango there, but you will find plenty of local shops, delicatessens, bakeries, art workshops and squares full of cafes.
Saint Pau Hospital
True, it is a bit strange to recommend a visit to a hospital, but this is one of the most beautiful hospitals in the world. Its construction began in 1900 under the direction of Luis Domenc y Montaner, the same architect who built the “Palão de la Musica Catalana”. The place is full of gardens, trees, colorful tiles and statues. The thought behind this construction is that patients may recover better in an environment that radiates health. We have to admit, there is something to it.
Palau Dalmases
Among the picturesque alleys of the “El Born” district is hidden a palace dedicated entirely to the art of flamenco. The building is very impressive, restored from the 17th century. Even before the start of the show you will already feel the history and rhythm in the air.
Tarantos
Experts say this is the most original flamenco in town. Although the place is small, it is still a musical institution that produces high-quality and authentic shows. Located in the royal square “Plaza Real”.
Santa Catarina market
A food market where you will find a rich selection of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meat, and fish. The market underwent a serious facelift in 1998 by the renowned architect Enric Miralles and is now colourful and well-kept inside and out. Less touristy than its twin brother, “La Boqueria” market. Walking distance from the cathedral in the Gothic Quarter.
Encants market
Intended for the vintage lovers among us, Barcelona’s antiques and flea market are where you can find everything, from copper candlesticks to a dial telephone. In the market complex, some restaurants and cafes allow an easy rest from the shopping frenzy.
The Chocolate Museum
Who among us does not love chocolate, a particularly delicious museum where you will learn about the process that goes through cocoa starting from the picking stage to the final product that we buy in the various chocolate shops. Located in the La Rivera district, within walking distance from El Born.
Museum of Illusions
As its name suggests, it is a museum full of illusions. You are invited to enter a magical world saturated with visual and optical illusions. It is a few minutes’ walk from the main square of the city – Plaza Catalunya.
Big Fun Museum of Illusions in Barcelona
The Science Museum or “Cosmo Caixa”
Named after the local bank “La Keisha” (“the cash register” in Catalan) which aims to support science, culture, and art. The research subjects in the museum are many and varied. Suitable for all ages. Especially recommended for the science lovers among you.
Tibidabo Mountain and Park
The Tibidabo can be seen from almost any point in Barcelona due to its great height. The icing on the cake is an age-old amusement park, full of nostalgic grace and amusement facilities with a scent of the past, such as a magical carousel, a giant wheel, and more. You will find there many nice corners for holding a picnic and countless balconies from which you can look out over the city from the top of the mountain.
Aquarium
One of the most popular destinations for visitors to Barcelona. The aquarium includes over 11,000 different animals, and it’s an interesting attraction that combines research with experience, if you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to swim with sharks? There you will get the answer.
Pueblo Espanyol (Spanish Village)
A kind of mini Spain. A fine A kind of mini-Spain. A fine variety of architectural samples depicting the beauty of Spain have been gathered in one complex. Built for the “Expo” fair held in Barcelona in 1929, it is possible to combine a visit to the magic fountains if they are working. A tourist experience par excellence.
