Why Should You Visit Barcelona, Spain?
Welcome to the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain! Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and bustling atmosphere, Barcelona is a destination that will leave you spellbound. From the stunning Gothic Quarter to the iconic Sagrada Familia, this city is a true masterpiece of art and culture.
Whether you are a foodie looking to indulge in delicious tapas, a beach lover seeking the Mediterranean sun, or a history buff eager to learn about the city’s past, Barcelona has something for everyone.
Join us as we look closer at why Barcelona is a must-visit destination and discover all the wonders that await you in this enchanting city!
About the Location
Barcelona is located on the northeastern coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is the capital of the Catalonia region, which has a distinct culture and language. The city is situated in a relatively flat area, with the Collserola mountain range to the northwest providing a scenic backdrop.
The city is divided by the Llobregat and Besos rivers, which flow into the Mediterranean. Barcelona’s coastline stretches over four kilometers, with several beaches within the city limits. The city has a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal year-round destination for visitors.
Overall, Barcelona’s geography and location contribute to its unique character and make it a fascinating destination to explore. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, where visitors can explore its rich cultural heritage, sample its delicious cuisine, and enjoy its vibrant nightlife.
8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Barcelona
Barcelona is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a memorable getaway. Here are eight reasons why it should be your next holiday destination:
1. Walk on the Rooftop of Casa Mila
Barcelona is a world where Catalan Art Nouveau architecture and its adherent Antonio Gaudí reign. The eccentric and amazing storyteller Gaudi believed that his houses were living beings. Sometimes it even seemed that he grew them on the streets of Barcelona like flowers.
Its main “flower garden” is located in the Eixample district. Gaudí created this Montserrat-like house for the businessman Mil, and the locals affectionately call it “the quarry.” It resembles both frozen waves and boulders at the same time.
The house is allowed on tour, even even though people live in some apartments. Tourists can visit the non-residential apartment, attic, and roof, where there is a huge menagerie of chimneys and ventilation pipes. Gaudi gave them the appearance of stone monsters, and Barcelona called them scarecrows of witches.
2. Go to a Football Match
And this, of course, must be Barça’s game! Naturally, Camp Nou must be visited even without a game because it is the largest stadium in all of Europe!
But if you are lucky with tickets for El Clasico: Barcelona – Real Madrid, or at least for the Barcelona derby: Barça vs. Espanyola, then you will get just the sea of impressions!
3. Look Into One of the Pintxo-Bars
It is not the name of a restaurant chain but simply a type of Basque variation of Spanish tapas. Pieces of pintxo are quite small, about the size of one bite, so we advise you to order a whole plate because this is the main trend in Barcelona cooking.
In the old town, there is a Basque restaurant, Euskal Extea, where you can try national dishes, including croissants filled with chicken with mayonnaise and shish kebabs on mini pork skewers with pepper.
4. Walk Through the Park Guell
See the length and breadth of another Gaudi masterpiece, and then view the city from a huge balcony along the perimeter of a long mosaic bench. Besides, you can even see the Eixample quarter from here. Wait your turn and take a picture next to the giant stone lizard at the entrance.
Leave the park and go to Coll del Portell in search of a mysterious building that resembles a factory – with steel balconies, a pipe, and an entrance through a tunnel. You will be a little numb to the fact that this is an ordinary residential building.
5. Visit Montserrat
Perhaps the most famous mountain of Catalonia is Montserrat, located about an hour’s drive from Barcelona. It consists of surreal tree-like rocks, and in the middle is a monastery with a music school.
You can get to Montserrat by car, train, or cable. And, of course, you can hike along one of the trails that lead to the top of the mountain. You can also take a break in the nearby town of Manresa and easily explore its history.
6. Climb the Mountain to Montjuïc Fortress (Castell de Montjuïc)
You can go up there on foot up the hill or take the old cable car directly from the beach of Barceloneta. From above, it is worth looking at the trading port to the left of the fortress to see long rows of colored containers and cruise ships on the pier.
And on the horizon, you can see black bulk carriers that look like boats in the Soviet Sea Battle slot machine.
7. Visit Sagrada Familia
The temple of Sagrada Familia is the most famous building in Barcelona. It was Gaudi’s last work, and it’s still under construction.
You can take a tour and learn about the temple’s history or climb one of its towers to admire the city from above. It’s worth seeing the stained glass windows and mosaics inside the temple that are unique in their beauty and complexity.
8. Walk Along the Rambla in the Early Morning
At this time, the Rambla is not yet crowded with tourists, the “living figures” are only putting on makeup, and the cute local old men sit down in huge armchairs and leaf through the latest press.
On the way, you should definitely look at the Boqueria market and get acquainted with the prices of mouth-watering fruits and seafood.
After going to Hospital Street, it is worth looking for a homemade bas-relief on one of the houses, which depicts the embrace of a mermaid and a diver, and enjoying the amazing taste of coffee on the terrace in the courtyard of the Hospital of the Holy Cross.
After that, you can return to the Rambla, go to the very shore of the sea, lie down on the sand, and enjoy the quiet sound of the water.
Bottom Line
Barcelona is a unique city that combines old and new architecture, art, culture, and gastronomy. You will certainly find something to do and explore in Barcelona – the list above is just a hint of what this amazing city offers.
So, grab your ticket and get ready for the best vacation of your life! Enjoy Barcelona!
