Spain’s second-largest city is blessed with striking architecture, world-class museums and streets filled with the aromas and rhythms of Catalonia.
The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is a beachside metropolis city of 2.5 million residents. The city’s winding streets are lined with tapas bars, and traditional dancers entertain onlookers in the city’s squares. The influence of modernist architect Antoni Gaudi is everywhere, from hillside parks to public buildings.
Forget about driving in Barcelona. Get around on the metro system, bus lines or bicycle. Better still, pack some comfortable shoes; this city was made for walking, the nicest way to take in the city’s many sights, sounds and flavors.
Wander the streets of Las Ramblas, in the heart of the city. The main boulevard runs from Placa de Catalunya Square in the north, down to the port. Restaurants, flower stalls and souvenir shops line the footpaths. Street performers entertain families during the day and revelers fill the bars well into the night.
Explore the Gothic District, to the north of Las Ramblas. Here you’ll find the 14th-century Barcelona Cathedral, which houses the remains of the city’s co-patron saint, Eulalia of Barcelona.
Ride a cable car to the top of Montjuic, a commanding hill near the city center, and spend a day exploring the many attractions. Cool off by the Magic Fountain (Font Magica), which stands before the neo-baroque National Palace (Palau National) before enjoying the traditional arts and cuisine of the Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village).
Gaudi’s fanciful buildings are a Barcelona highlight and can be explored in chronological order. Start at his first house, Casa Vicens, before finishing at his final masterpiece, Sagrada Familia. Don’t miss Park Guell, which features a mosaic terrace with views of the city and harbor.
Barcelona is home to more than 50 museums. Discover the childhood drawings of Spain’s greatest artist at the Picasso Museum, then set sail for the Maritime Museum (Museu Maritim) in the historic 14th-century dockyards.
Families are well catered to in Barcelona. Spend a day on the beach with locals, or experience life beneath the waves at the Barcelona Aquarium. In the evening enjoy Catalan music at the Palau de la Musica Catalana, before heading out into streets and plazas to experience the atmosphere of Barcelona in the evening.
Where to stay in Barcelona
Gothic Quarter
4.5/5Wonderful!(2,365 area reviews)
Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Gran Teatre del Liceu, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.
Known for its charming cafés and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eixample. Check out top attractions like Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, and jump on the metro at Passeig de Gracia Station or Diagonal Station to see more of the city.
Architecture, cafés, and shopping highlight some notable features of Gracia. Make a stop by Park Guell or Gaudi House Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lesseps Station or Vallcarca Station to get around town.
Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, abundant dining options, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Barceloneta Beach or Casino Barcelona while you're exploring the neighborhood.
The abundant dining options and interesting museums are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by Picasso Museum or Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Barceloneta Station to get around town.
Port Vell and Barcelona Aquarium are a few top attractions in Ciutat Vella. Hop around the city on the metro at Barceloneta Station or Drassanes Station and check out the area's stunning cathedral, captivating waterfront views, and popular shops.
Plaza de la Volateria, 3, Poligono Mas Blau, El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona
NT$2,498
per night
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of Fira Barcelona, Gran Via 2, and RCDE Stadium. Placa d'Espanya and Poble Espanyol are also within ...…Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of Fira Barcelona, Gran Via 2, and RCDE Stadium. Placa d'Espanya and Poble Espanyol are also within ...WWW…
4.1/5Very Good! (6,936 reviews)
"Easy to get to/from airport. Kind staff. Clean, neat room. Free sodas in mini bar. Nice breakfast. Shuttle drivers were kind and professional. Front desk staff were also friendly and efficient. Room was a little tired. Could use a coat of paint. Bathroom needed a touch up as well, but it was clean ..."…""Easy to get to/from airport. Kind staff. Clean, neat room. Free sodas in mini bar. Nice breakfast. Shuttle drivers were kind and professional. Front desk staff were also friendly and efficient. Room was a little tired. Could use a coat of paint. Bathroom needed a touch up as well, but it was clean ..."WWW…"
Located in Ciutat Vella, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Sant Pau del Camp, Refugi 307, and Raval Cat. Columbus Monument and Joan Miro Foundation are ...…Located in Ciutat Vella, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Sant Pau del Camp, Refugi 307, and Raval Cat. Columbus Monument and Joan Miro Foundation are ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (9,152 reviews)
"I like the location of the hotel it’s close to everything The room was perfect the only issue was the noise coming from the street Breakfast was good it’s worth it"…""I like the location of the hotel it’s close to everything The room was perfect the only issue was the noise coming from the street Breakfast was good it’s worth it"WWW…"
Calle Ciències 11-13, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona
NT$2,077
per night
Feb 9 - Feb 10
Located in Sants-Montjuic, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Gran Via 2 and Fira Barcelona. Poble Espanyol and Placa d'Espanya are also within 2 mi (3 ...…Located in Sants-Montjuic, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Gran Via 2 and Fira Barcelona. Poble Espanyol and Placa d'Espanya are also within 2 mi (3 ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (2,902 reviews)
"Just perfect! Very fair price, better than Airbnb. All staff were friendly. It was a pleasure my staying there"…""Just perfect! Very fair price, better than Airbnb. All staff were friendly. It was a pleasure my staying there"WWW…"
The warm water of the Mediterranean Sea and aquatic sports, beach bars and nightlife combine to make this Barcelona’s most popular urban beach.
Reviews of Barcelona
4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4514
5 - Excellent 71.63942231391843%
4 - Good
1556
4 - Good 24.694492937628947%
3 - Okay
185
3 - Okay 2.936041898111411%
2 - Disappointing
32
2 - Disappointing 0.5078558958895414%
1 - Terrible
14
1 - Terrible 0.22218695445167433%
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 26, 2020
Very Lovely City. We hope to return someday!!
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 26, 2020
Love Barcelona and came back to see the inside of the Sagrada de la Familia, which is so incredible and hard to describe in words. Photos don’t do it justice - a must-see. Anything Gaudi (esp. Park Guell) is wonderful!
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 26, 2020
Great a lot of places to visit and a lot of amazing landmarks only thing the cleaning of the streets has room for improvement
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 25, 2020
It is a wonderful city to visit. The different neighborhoods have so much to offer. Park Güell, Sagrada Familia and the Gaudi houses were amazing to see. The food is excellent.
5/5 - Excellent
Kim
Jan 25, 2020
Shop and dine with the locals. Skip the tourist stuff of La Rambla!!
4/5 - Good
Cruiser
Jan 25, 2020
There is a lot to see in Barcelona. Time of year is also a factor of what there is to see and do. There are buses, metro, and taxis to get around town with. Taxis are the more expensive way of travel.
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