Barcelona Spain Travel Tips
By Anna Lynn Sibal
Sometimes it is hard to believe that Barcelona is not the capital of Spain. While Madrid reigns supreme as this Iberian country’s capital, Barcelona holds its own as one of Spain’s Mediterranean jewels. This second largest city in all of Spain, as well as the most important Spanish seaport on the Mediterranean Sea, has a life, beauty and vibrance that is uniquely its own.
Barcelona is an ancient, beautiful city. Its history traces its roots from the Roman Empire, and later Gothic and Moorish conquests have also left their marks in the city. But while Barcelona is ancient, it is also a very cosmopolitan city that fully embraces the new, while at the same time protecting its old treasures.
To visit Barcelona is an experience. There are so many places to see and things to do in the city and its outskirts that it will definitely take more than an extended holiday to take in fully what Barcelona has to offer. It is a guarantee that Barcelona has something new to give the visitors to the city that have been there before.
Nonetheless, it is understood that many holiday-goers have only a few days to spare to spend on vacation. To make the most out of a visit to Barcelona, you would need at least four days. If you have only four days to spend at Barcelona, how should you spend it?
Here is a suggestion.
Day One – Roaming Barcelona
Aimless wandering about Barcelona is the best way to get acquainted with the city, provided that you do it during the daytime. This aimless wandering is best done along La Ramblas, one of the main thoroughfares of Barcelona and is itself one of Barcelona’s main tourist attractions. La Ramblas is adorned by lampposts designed by Art Nouveau master Antoni Gaudi, of whose works Barcelona has many, and by street performers entertaining passersby with party tricks.
While wandering aimlessly, you may find yourself at the Parc Guell, another Gaudi masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parc Guell was meant to be a housing project but instead became a municipal garden. It is famous for its mosaics, its serpent benches and the dragon fountain at the main entrance.
Another Gaudi work that you can visit while ambling about the city is the yet-unfinished La Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic basilica to which Gaudi devoted the last years of his life. It is expected that this basilica will be finished by 2026, the centennial of Gaudi’s death.
After visiting La Sagrada Familia, you might as well pay your respects to Santa Eulalia at the Barcelona Cathedral. Santa Eulalia is one of the patron saints of Barcelona and her body is interred in the cathedral.
Day Two – Museu Picasso and Parc de la Ciutadella
Pablo Picasso may not have been born a son of Barcelona, but one of the largest museums devoted to his works is located in none other than Barcelona. The Museu Picasso contains 3,500 works by the world’s foremost cubist, and many of these works were donated by Picasso himself before his death. This museum is the most visited one in Barcelona, so go there early to be the first in line to get in.
Once you are sufficiently overwhelmed by the greatness of the master, you can go to relax and ponder on the marvel of his works at the Parc de la Ciutadella. In the Parc de la Ciutadella is the Arc de Triomf, said to be more beautiful than its twin in Paris, as well as some magnificent fountains. You can also visit the Zoo de Barcelona here, as well as the Museum of Zoology and Biology.
Day 3 – A Day at Montjuic
It may take a bit of climbing and walking, but one cannot visit Barcelona and skip going to Montjuic. The mountain of Montjuic stands just outside the city, its shield against the sea. At the foot of the mountain and on the pathways leading to its summit are various parks and exotic gardens, adorned by marvelous fountains and by sculptures illustrating Barcelona's traditional arts. Some of the most important museums of Barcelona are also located in Montjuic. At the summit of Montjuic is found an old castle that houses a lighthouse and a sculpture of the winged victory.
Day 4 – A Day at the Beach
What is a visit to a Mediterranean city without spending a day at a beach kissed by the Mediterranean Sea? Spend your last day in Barcelona at one of its seven beaches. The oldest and the most popular of these beaches are the Barceloneta and the Sant Sebastia.
And when you are at Barcelona, do not forget to taste Barcelona's own brand of tapas. It is a memory your taste buds will never forget.
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