Things to do in Barcelona, Spain

Everyone comes to Barcelona eyes open, mouth watering, and searching for tapas. Barcelona’s tapas - small portions of food that can be shared amongst friends - are absolutely delicious, and practically a way of life. One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is sipping wine and cava while nibbling on an assortment of goodies. Whether you’re bar hopping and snacking on pinchos (tapas on a stick), or having a sit-down meal in Plaza Del Sol, the eclectic mix and innovation found amongst authentic Spanish tapas is hard to match. Enjoy fresh olives, Manchego cheeses, fried squid, patatas braves (mini potatoes), mini-stuffed peppers, cured meats, and pan con tomate (bread with tomato rubbed on top and dipped in olive oil). Barcelona’s tapas scene is a defining staple within the Spanish culture.

From Antonio Gaudi to Luis Domenech i Muntaner and Josep Puig, Barcelona is known for its incredible Modernist architecture which emerged at the end of the 19^th century. The city is a haven for designers, architects, urban planners and those who appreciate beautiful aesthetics. Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is still more than 30 years from its expected completion date (2046).  A host of...  

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Everyone comes to Barcelona eyes open, mouth watering, and searching for tapas. Barcelona’s tapas - small portions of food that can be shared amongst friends - are absolutely delicious, and practically a way of life. One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is sipping wine and cava while nibbling on an assortment of goodies. Whether you’re bar hopping and snacking on pinchos (tapas on a stick), or having a sit-down meal in Plaza Del Sol, the eclectic mix and innovation found amongst authentic Spanish tapas is hard to match. Enjoy fresh olives, Manchego cheeses, fried squid, patatas braves (mini potatoes), mini-stuffed peppers, cured meats, and pan con tomate (bread with tomato rubbed on top and dipped in olive oil). Barcelona’s tapas scene is a defining staple within the Spanish culture.

From Antonio Gaudi to Luis Domenech i Muntaner and Josep Puig, Barcelona is known for its incredible Modernist architecture which emerged at the end of the 19^th century. The city is a haven for designers, architects, urban planners and those who appreciate beautiful aesthetics. Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is still more than 30 years from its expected completion date (2046).  A host of other fascinating buildings include Casa Batllo, La Pedrera, Hospital de SantPau, Palau de la Musica, Els 4 Gats, and Casa Fuster. Barcelona has carved its niche as a leader and visionary in design and architecture.

There’s always something to do any day of the week and any hour of the day in Barcelona. No matter what type of scene you’re into, or music you’re looking for, this is a city that truly has something for all tastes. Would you enjoy a trendy wine bar in Gracia?  No problem.  Would you choose a rustic Catalan pub in Barcelona or a sleek cocktail bar in the Born? Barcelona is truly a city that never sleeps.  It’s easy to spend a night going from bar to club before arriving at one of the many after-party hot spots at 7am; but you’ll only be granted access here with the correct password!

Prior to the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona revitalized its waterfront, which is presently one of the city’s liveliest areas. What’s so unique to Barcelona is that the beaches are a stone’s throw from the city center and Ciutat Vella (OldCity) with a beautiful, long boardwalk stretching for miles along theMediterranean Coast. The Olympics also brought a handful of man-made beaches which complement the natural ones adjacent to them. The farther up or down the coast you go, the wider and cleaner the beaches become, with many of the nicest ones no more than a 20-30 minute daytrip.    

The capital of Catalonia and one of Europe's most captivating cities, Barcelona has a rich, 2,000-year-old history that dovetails harmoniously with its cosmopolitan sensibility. The city underwent an extensive facelift in preparation for the 1992 Summer Olympics that added needed revitalization without compromising its Old World charm. One of the best ways to see Barcelona is on foot. A leisurely stroll down La Rambla uncovers a bustling world of outdoor markets and brilliant flowers. On the waterfront, Olympic Harbour and Port Vell offer tourists a mix of cafés, bars, and curio shops. The Gothic Quarter is famous for its historical landmarks and bohemian atmosphere. Other popular attractions include the elegant Santa Maria del Mar, the scattered ruins of the old Roman Wall, the Moderniste architecture of Eixample, and the Museu Picasso, which features the artist's Blue Period.

The capital of Catalonia and one of Europe's most captivating cities, Barcelona has a rich, 2,000-year-old history that dovetails harmoniously with its cosmopolitan sensibility. The city underwent an extensive facelift in preparation for the 1992 Summer Olympics that added needed revitalization without compromising its Old World charm. One of the best ways to see Barcelona is on foot. A leisurely stroll down La Rambla uncovers a bustling world of outdoor markets and brilliant flowers. On the waterfront, Olympic Harbour and Port Vell offer tourists a mix of cafés, bars, and curio shops. The Gothic Quarter is famous for its historical landmarks and bohemian atmosphere. Other popular attractions include the elegant Santa Maria del Mar, the scattered ruins of the old Roman Wall, the Moderniste architecture of Eixample, and the Museu Picasso, which features the artist's Blue Period.