A Trip to Barcelona

Barcelona is a city filled with must-sees. Ancient churches, monasteries perched atop a mountain, musical fountains, hole-in-the-wall restaurants offering traditional Catalan dishes… All of this and much more waits for you in this city.

Explore Barcelona on foot

Barcelona is a city that should be explored on foot. After all, getting lost in narrow winding streets can lead to all types of discoveries… Try to find a hotel in the center of Barcelona in order to be able to save on transportation costs and to be a stone’s throw away from the main landmarks. The city center is located around El Born district, an area that used to be a village. Check out the many traditional shops lining the streets, ranging from glass-makers to fruit stalls. Here you will find the Picasso Museum and the Santa María del Mar Gothic Church. If you have had enough of museums and scenic walks during the day, try to visit El Born at night: this area is filled with tapas bars, clubs and discos.

Discover Barcelona’s architecture and views

What would Barcelona be without Gaudí? The architect’s masterpieces have becomes of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The Sagrada Familia is the city’s symbol: an unfinished cathedral towering over the city center. Take a morning to explore the cathedral’s interior, decorated with bony columns and colourful windows, before heading up one of the finished towers in order to enjoy the views. In the upscale Eixample district you will find two houses designed by the architect. The sandstone Casa Batlló used to be a private residence. This building is covered with colourful mosaics called trencadis and has skull-shaped balconies. The limestone Casa Milá is known for its wavy facade. Take a tour around the building’s patios, where you will discover that it was built with no straight lines.

Get lost in the Gothic Quarter

If you want to discover the old Barcelona, check out the Gothic Quarter, a neighbourhood known for its architecture. Many of the cobblestone streets lead to Plaça Reial, a royal square lined with ancient buildings and filled with terrace bars ideal for a coffee break. Do not miss the area’s main sights. The Gothic Seu cathedral and its adjoining cloister, where several dozens geese have found shelter, are worth a tour.

Take a trip to the mountains

Barcelona’s attractions are not limited to the city center. Take one of the many guided tours to the Montserrat mountain, located a short ride away from the city. Here you will find the sanctuary of the Virgin Mary of Montserrat, an ancient monastery with views towards the valleys. If you are hungry after the tour, head to one of the many nearby mountains for some authentic Catalan dishes: do not miss the fried asparagus! While you are up in the mountains and enjoying the fresh air, order a crema catalana, a dessert similar to crème brûlée.