BARCELONA

INTRODUCTION TO BARCELONA

Sizzling culture, ancient architecture, sun-drenched beaches, aperitifs and mouth-watering tapas are what trips to Barcelona are all about. This is a city which offers an endless list of travel musts. Cultural enthusiast? The Gothic Quarter, Gaudi’s masterpieces, food festivals and iconic architecture are all on your doorstep; think the Sagrada Família, Casa Vicens, Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and Cascada Fountain at Park de la Ciutadella, just to get you started. More of a beach lover? Head to the city’s beaches to soak up some Mediterranean sun and dip your toes in the balmy waters. Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icaria Beach and Ocata Beach are just a few go-tos for the ultimate summer chill day. Party goer? Barcelona’s feel good vibes run around the clock with rustic beachside bars, jazz music and all-night clubs overflowing this city by the sea. Head to El Raval Barrio off Las Ramblas for cool bars and restaurants, or the Poblenou to dance the night away.

If you’re looking to add a touch of culture to your Barcelona sightseeing adventure, why not thrown in a flamenco show or try out your salsa moves in the many specialist clubs across the city. For those looking for a celebration, a Spanish festival could be right up your street. Barcelona has an array of music, food and dance festivals all ready and waiting for you, including Sonar, Primavera Sound, and Eat Street Barcelona.

On the topic of food, let’s not forget a Barcelona trip essential - tapas. Patatas bravas, Spanish omelette, spiced lamb, Pa amb tomaquet and croquetas are just some of the tasty treats Barcelona has in store for you, or perhaps a seafood paella will steal your heart. Either way, tapas is the perfect alfresco dining experience to enjoy on the cobbled streets, all washed down with an ice cold Estrella beer, or a few glasses of sangria.

City life getting a little chaotic for you? Make for the mountains for a peaceful retreat, where you’ll find blissful serenity, breathtaking views and adventure activities galore. From dawn to dusk, Barcelona is a heady mix of history, food, culture, sunshine (300 days a year no less), good times and everything in-between. This is a city that’s fast paced, cultural, chilled, iconic, immersive and utterly irresistible. Barcelona, we’re ready to see what you got...

FAST FACTS

Language: Catalan, Spanish

Currency: Euro

Electricity: 220V

Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Spain.

Dialing Code: +34

Time Zone: (GMT +01:00)

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Experience the famous Gothic Quarter on a walking tour

The old heart of Barcelona is a beautiful neighborhood located in the midst of the old city. Narrow streets, Roman walls, medieval landmarks, charm and rustic feels takeover as you explore and discover the stories and legends behind this fascinating city. The ‘old town’ is overflowing with sights that just need to be seen, including the likes of Barcelona's Gothic Cathedral, Bisbe Irurita Street, Church of Santa Maria del Pi, Sant Jaume Square and Plaça Reial (Royal Square). Grab your cameras and get ready to dig deep into the history of this fascinating city - the Gothic Quarter sure has alot to give.
Take a cruise of the backstreets by bike

Barcelona sightseeing doesn't have to be done solely on foot. Why not grab a bike and cruise down the backstreets to get a real feel for this charismatic city? ‘Bicing’ is a bicycle sharing system where you can grab a bike just about anywhere in the city and spend the day rolling around on two wheels. Or, why not opt for a bike tour to see the city in style, and feel the cool breeze as the sun beats down on you. This is a great way to really delve into this city and all it has to offer, whilst burning off that extra tapas dish you treated yourself to for lunch...
Treat your taste buds with a traditional Tapas experience

A Barcelona guided tour is full of bucket list musts, but nothing quite compares to treating your taste buds to traditional tapas. The Spanish cuisine can be eaten as an appetizer, snack, or full-blown meal; think olives, cheeses, squid, meats, chorizo, garlic prawns, and let’s not forget patatas bravas (fried potatoes in olive oil and garlic - yum). And the best part about these delicious small plates? They provide the perfect excuse to share whilst getting acquainted with your new travel buds. The sweet life of al fresco dining really don't get much better that this - side serving of Sangria, anyone?
Party into the early hours at Marula, Shoko and Pulitzer Terrace

If the Spanish know one thing it’s how to party, with Barcelona the epicenter of activity. Dancing into the early hours is the status quo here, so prepare to adjust your body clock. Once the aperitifs hour is over, Pulitzer Terrace is absolutely where it's at for some incredible Barcelona views and chilled out vibes. Closing time at the bars doesn’t mean home time, instead it’s time to head to the variety of clubs on offer, and Las Ramblas is an area in Barcelona which never fails to disappoint. Head to Marula for funk, soul and Latin beats, or the restaurant and lounge club Shoko, situated on the beach front, never fails to disappoint.
Experience some real Latin rhythm with a Flamenco Dinner and Show

Sure the bars and clubs of Barcelona are great, but no trip would be complete without a flamenco dinner and show. Evenings don’t get much more Spanish than this. An iconic expression of Spanish culture, flamenco consists of guitars, singing, dance and passion, and originating in the Southern region of Spain. The elaborate outfits and dramatic dancing are an art form which has become quite the phenomenon, offering a great way to absorb the local culture. Flamenco spots can be found all across the city - Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, Tablao de Carmen, Los Tarantos and The Palau de la Música to name a few. Latin rhythm and spanish food? Count us in.

Things to do in Barcelona

Eat Street Barcelona

There's only one thing better than tapas - Barcelona’s street food, of course! And Eat Street Barcelona are the pioneers of the Barcelona street food scene. The food festival is all about high quality Spanish food, beers, natural wines, farmers markets and foody workshops. The Spanish sure do take their food seriously!
Van Market

Caravan food trucks takeover at one of Barcelona's favorite gastronomic markets. Set up on the port, expect a convoy of 15 food trucks selling all types of international cuisine and local foods, heightening your senses and tantalizing your taste buds.
Sonar Music Festival

We may have mentioned that the Spanish like to party, and Barcelona is where it’s at when it comes to leading the way with international festivals. Sonar is a 3 day, 2 night festival, taking place in June in various venues across Barcelona, where you can expect electronic dance music and creative avant-garde arts.
Primavera Sound Music Festival

If there's one festival in Barcelona you need to be heading to this summer, it’s this one. With cool beats and an even cooler crown, Primavera Sound is one of the trendiest festivals on the scene and a must for anyone wanting to get a feel for a European music festival.
Festa Major de Gracia

If you’re in Barcelona in August, you’re in for a treat! The colorful streets come alive with decorations, sculptures, colors and an all week-long drinking and dancing extravaganza. This festival will have you partying in true Spanish style as you celebrate in an explosion of color, art and creativity.

Top 5 Festivals in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city made for being outside, and what better way to soak in the culture, sun and atmosphere then at a festival? Foodie delights, musical musts and some of the biggest festivals Europe has to offer takeover the city each and every year. With so many festivals to choose from, where to begin…

Sagrada Familia
This place looks pretty impressive from the outside but the Sagrada Familia, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, is also home to many of Gaudí’s works, including the actual models he used to build Sagrada Familia as you see it today. A little slice of history and insight into one of the world’s most iconic buildings.
Museu Picasso
The name kind of gives it away, right? This legendary museum dedicated to all things, you guessed it, Picasso, is situated in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. The legendary Spanish painter was a massive influence in 20th century art and the museum celebrates his artistic contributions with 4,251 works that make up the permanent collection.
Palau Nacional

Situated on the hill of Montjuïc in Barcelona, this impressive Spanish Renaissance-inspired building holds the National Art Museum's entire collection of over 5,000 artworks. A visit well-worth the views, exterior and interior artistic delights. The grand scale of the building, set behind the blue backdrop skies also gives you pretty impressive viewpoint of the city.
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
A museum which played a key role in restructuring the Gothic district of Barcelona needs to be explored. The new arts quarter is made up of a comprehensive collection of Spanish, Catalan and European modern and contemporary art, all housed within an unassuming white building. Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, you’ve got our approval!
Design Museum of Barcelona

Space design, product design, information design and fashion collide at the Design Museum of Barcelona. The exhibition digs deep, reflecting the dynamic nature of design, designers and society itself. Whilst the exterior of the museum reflects everything it homes - this museum is a cutting edge, futuristic design which gets our thumbs up.

Top 5 Museums & Galleries in Barcelona

Whether you’re an art lover, science geek, history enthusiast or culturally curious; whatever your jam, Barcelona has a museum for you. And whilst the streets, architecture and local traditions offer unlimited information, the museums are all about exhibitions just waiting to be explored. Here’s just a few of our faves to get your geek on...

Bombas
Bombas are one of Barcelona's most iconic tapas dishes. These large breaded balls are essentially mashed potatoes with pork or beef, served with a spicy sauce and side of alioli. They sure look good, and they taste even better; a must have to complete any tapas spread.

_{Best eaten at}
_{La Cova Fumada, Carrer Baluard 56, Barceloneta}
Fideuà
Similar to paella, this seafood dish is a one-pot wonder which never fails to disappoint. Fideuà stems from Valencia and uses noodles instead of rice to form the main ingredient, accompanied with all types of fish, shellfish and seasonings. It’s now served all over Spain and is a tasty Spanish must.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Cal Papi, Carrer de l'Atlàntida, 65, Barceloneta}
Esqueixada
This Spanish salad uses salted cod as the main ingredient, often accompanied with peppers, tomatoes, onions, olive oil, vinegar, and a garnish of olives and hard-boiled eggs. A fresh, healthy mediterranean dish to have on a hot summers day in Barcelona gets a massive yes from us. Yum, yum, yum!

_{Best eaten at}
_{La Vinateria del Call, Sant Domènec del Call 9, Gothic Quarter}
Pa amb Tomàquet
Simple but of so sweet. Bread, salt, tomato, garlic and olive oil never tasted so good! This is a classic dish in Catalan cuisine, eaten pretty much any time of the day. Come breakfast, mid-day snack or evening tapas, this dish is always a good idea and a great addition to pretty much every meal.

_{Best eaten at}
_{any good Tapas restaurant}
Catalan Tapas
Leaving the best till last, tapas is always on our menu. If you’re up for a hidden drinking and eating spot, El Xampanyet offers one of the best tapas spots in town. The authentic, old style tapas bar is an ideal place for all things wine, cheese and meats - it gets our vote!

_{Best eaten at}
_{El Xampanyet, Carrer de Montcada, 22, Born}

Food in Barcelona

If there's one thing the Spanish do right again and again, it’s the food. Everyone knows Spain is at the top of the agenda for every foodie and Barcelona is all about the tapas bars, brunches, seafront restaurants and food stores. Paella, bombas, and every type of tapas are just a few of the treats this city has instore for you.

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