Barcelona is one of Europe’s enduring tourist destinations, attracting over 5 million visitors every year. The heartbeat of the Catalan region, tourists flock here to enjoy a mix of culture, shopping and a spot of sun. It’s a city packed with glamour, from the boutique designer stores of Gracia to the high class Azimut yachts that line the Barcelona’s water front. Below, you can learn a little more about some of the city’s most popular attractions.
Barcelona: 5 of the Best
Sagrada Familia
Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece is one of the highlights of the Barcelona skyline, and is often the first port of call for any visitor to the city. Work begun on La Sagrada Familia in 1882, and although the celebrated Catalan architect did not live long enough to see his vision come to fruition, his work has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consecrated and proclaimed by Pope Benedict XI. The external architecture is undoubtedly striking, but crowds can often overrun this attraction, so head to the Sagrada early to avoid the tourist rush.
Las Ramblas
Shopaholics should head to Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s principal shopping street and one of its defining tourist attractions. In the summer months, this acts as the hub of the city, and visitors can enjoy the Spanish sunshine whilst viewing the engaging street artists and shopping stalls that line this central strip. Be warned, however, as Las Ramblas’ popularity with tourists fully relaxed in ‘holiday mode’ has not gone unnoticed by pickpockets.
Parc Guell
Parc Guell is another site that stands as a testament to Gaudi’s architectural flair. One of Barcelona’s busiest public parks, Parc Guell has been popular with locals and visitors alike since being opened to the public in 1922. In the heat of summer, walking around this park can be relatively tiring, but the views over Barcelona and the sea from the main square here make all that effort worthwhile.
Barceloneta
Barcelona has consistently rated in the world’s top 10 cities with beaches, and with Barceloneta, officially boasts the best urban beach found anywhere. After working on the tan, spend a relaxing late afternoon with a round of tapas and a cerveza or two at one of the many restaurants that line this appealing neighbourhood. In the early evening, a stroll around the Port Olimpic will bring the day to a memorable close.
Parc Montjuic and Olympic Stadium
London will be hoping the 2012 games are as successful as the 1992 Olympics, which regenerated vast swathes of the city, but it’s Parc Montjuic and the former Olympic Park that remain eternally fascinating to tourists. This imposing hill dominates the whole of Barcelona and is home to numerous intriguing tourist attractions. Aside from its former sporting glories, Montjuic is a fantastic destination for history buffs, housing the 17th century Castell de Montjuic, the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Magic Fountain, delighting adults and children alike since it was revamped for the Games over two decades ago.