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What to Do and Where to Stay in Barcelona, Spain

Writer's picture: Kathleen BarrKathleen Barr

Barcelona is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located on the northeastern coast of Spain. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and captivating culture. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Barcelona also boasts beautiful beaches, a thriving culinary scene, and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you're exploring the Gothic Quarter, strolling along Las Ramblas, or enjoying the breathtaking views from Montjuïc, Barcelona offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that captivates visitors worldwide.



Important Things to Know


1) Watch out for pit pockets and thieves


Barcelona is known for having very skilled pit pockets. Keep a hand on your purse and never leave your items on a restaurant table or hanging on your chair.


2) Barcelona is huge and the attractions are fairly spread out


Barcelona is a massive city and the main attractions are pretty spread out. However as mentioned below their public transit system is great so just use that to get from place to place.


3) It is very hard to get an Uber or cab but their transit is great


We found it really challenging to order an Uber. They were super cheap but we would wait an extremely long time just to have the Uber cancel on us. We took transit for the most part and then pre booked our Uber to the airport.


4) Accommodations are more expensive then some of the other cities in Spain


We found Barcelona to be the most expensive city in Spain in terms of accommodations. Especially if you're looking to stay in some of the safer and more touristy areas. Our hotel for one night was one of the most expensive on our trip. However it did the job and we had a great time in Barcelona.



Where to Stay


Barcelona is a great city, however, some areas are not the safest. I highly recommend staying in the Eixample neighbourhood. We read online that this was one of the safest and best areas for tourists to visit and I couldn’t agree more. We had no issues with this area, there were a ton of nice restaurants, shops, and parks and we were very close to the subway. We stayed at Hotel Pelayo which was a decent stay for just one night. If you were staying in Barcelona longer however I wouldn’t recommend it. The room was rather tight and a bit overpriced for what it was.


What to Do


1) Sagrada Familia


Sagrada Família is a beautiful basilica in Barcelona, renowned for its intricate and surreal architecture that blends Gothic and Art Nouveau elements. This is by far one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen.




2) Park Güell


Park Güell is a vibrant and whimsical public park in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí, featuring colourful mosaics, organic shapes, and stunning panoramic views of the city. Park Güell is a short subway ride from Eixample and then a DECENT hike up hill from the subway. Apparently there is an escalator but we had no idea so we made the steep climb haha.



3) Casa Batlló


Casa Batlló is an extraordinary residential building in Barcelona, masterfully transformed by Antoni Gaudí into a fantastical and imaginative structure characterized by its undulating façade, intricate details, and vivid use of colours. Casa Batlló was a quick walk from the Eixample area.



4) Magic Fountain of Montjuïc


The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is a captivating and dynamic fountain in Barcelona, enchanting spectators with its mesmerizing water displays, synchronized music, and vibrant light shows that create a magical and immersive experience.


5) Barceloneta Beach


Barceloneta Beach is a lively and iconic seaside destination in Barcelona, offering a picturesque stretch of golden sand, clear blue waters, and a vibrant atmosphere with beachside bars, restaurants, and a variety of water sports activities. BEWARE! Pit pockets are apparently very bad at this beach so be careful and always keep an eye on your bags.


24 Hour Itinerary

  • Arrive in Barcelona in the morning

  • Drop off the luggage at the hotel

  • Have coffee and breakfast in Catalonia Square

  • Walk to Casa Batlló

  • Subway to Park Güell

  • Visit the park

  • Head back to the hotel and check-in

  • Shower and Rest

  • Have dinner in Eixample

  • Visit Sagrada Familia

  • Get ice cream and shop in the Gothic Quarter

  • Early night before the flight to Nice, France



We had an awesome stay in Barcelona, this city is awesome and I can’t wait to visit again someday. I hope you found this blog helpful for planning your next trip to Barcelona, stay tuned for my next piece about our trip to Nice, France.


Safe travels everyone!


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Kathleen Barr

 

Creative Communicator

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