City Break Spotlight: Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Spain, though it is within the region of Catalunya. This region prides itself on its distinct culture and language, so a longer visit here will give you a good glimpse at a different part of Spain. Barcelona is such a big city with so much to explore, which is why I think it makes an excellent choice for a city break. This post will tell you about Barcelona’s top attractions and how to enjoy your time in this wonderful city.

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Book a tour for your trip to Barcelona

Tours can be a great way to learn about the place you’re visiting. Nothing beats expert information about the history and culture.

Barcelona and Gaudi

Barcelona is full of Gaudi’s work. It would be impossible to visit the city without seeing any of it.

La Sagrada Familia is his famous still-unfinished cathedral. Take the time to walk around the outside admire all the details on the facade of the cathedral as well as exploring the amazing interior.

Get there early to avoid the line or book your ticket ahead of time since this is one of the top attractions in Barcelona.

Another must-see attraction is Park Güell. Entrance to this quirky park used to be free, but a few years ago a fee was imposed, so it’s worth booking ahead as well.

You can even book a ticket that combines the cathedral and the park.

Other significant Gaudi sights include Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, Casa Vicens, and La Pedrera, though there are plenty more throughout the city. His architecture was, and continues to be, quite unique.

You could spend your entire trip wandering the city and admiring his work. Consider a Gaudi tour if architecture is a big interest of yours.

Barcelona’s neighborhoods

You can find lots of things to do in Barcelona all over the city. The different neighborhoods of Barcelona each have their own character, and that’s worth exploring.

In the Gothic Quarter, check out the Gothic Cathedral and Plaça del Rei for some Gothic and neo-Gothic architecture, centuries of history, and the former residence of the kings of Catalunya and Aragon.

Las Ramblas is a more upscale area dominated by a street by the same name. This is a great area for shopping, theater, and fine dining. Much of it is a pedestrian area, and due to its popularity, it can be quite crowded.

The waterfront and Barceloneta area is near the port. This was once an old fisherman’s quarter, though today you’ll find clubs, bars, and a variety of seafood restaurants.

L’Eixample is where you’ll find most of Barcelona’s modernisme, or art nouveau. It’s where most of Gaudi’s work can be found. Follow the Ruta del Modernisme to explore this area’s 20th century masterpieces.

Finding the hidden corners

Branch out. Try starting in one of these neighborhoods and just wander around a bit. You’re likely to find yourself a bit removed from the tourist crowds, and you might stumble on an interesting cafe or shop you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Dip into local pastry shops, butchers or markets. Ask a local for their recommendations on restaurants.

Barcelona is a big enough city to keep you occupied for at least a week, if not longer. Spend a few days seeing the big sights, but also take the time to simply sink into the city and discover things you won’t find on a list of attractions. Slow travel is key here.

At Travel Made Simple, we LOVE food tours. They’re so much fun, and they are a great way to learn about the local culture and the foods that have shaped the city. Consider taking a Barcelona food tour to enjoy the unique cuisine and discover restaurants you wouldn’t find on your own.

Day trip to Girona

Girona is another city in Catalonia that’s a little north of Barcelona. It’s 40 minutes away if you get the fast train, or an hour and a half if you take the slower train.

It’s often touted as an alternative to Barcelona, but I think it’s so different that there’s really no comparison. You can visit Girona as a day trip or go for a few days if you have time.

If you’re interested in art, you could consider taking a day trip to Girona to learn about Dali and his artwork.

Girona has an interesting medieval center. Explore the cobbled streets, walk the walls, climb to the top of the cathedral, and wander through the Jewish quarter.

The city sits on a river, which means there are several bridges that give you great views of Girona’s colorful buildings. The Eiffel Bridge is the most famous, so be sure to check it out.

Take a city break trip to Barcelona. Explore the city beyond the big attractions. Learn about the food and the history.

Travel slowly through the city to really experience its charm and character. Resist the urge to rush through in a few days. There’s so much to be enjoyed by taking your time in a city like Barcelona.

You might also be interested in:

• 3 Day Prague Itinerary
• Paris Food Tour Review
• Understanding Food and Beer in Munich
• Or check out more destinations and itineraries on Travel Made Simple