When I was working in Czech Republic as an au pair, I hadn’t seen the ocean in four months. Coming from New Zealand, a long thin country that’s surrounded by water, this was the longest I’d ever gone without seeing the ocean. It was a really weird feeling, so I decided to book a long weekend in Barcelona. I visited in early January and despite being the middle of winter, it was warm enough to head to the beach, but fully clothes. My trip to Barcelona was wonderful – I enjoyed visiting Spain so much that I ended up moving there later in the year to work as an au pair again.
Barcelona’s a city that’s jam-packed with great things to do and see. After spending four days there and covering a lot of the city, I felt I’d only just got started. I would really love to revisit Barcelona one day in the summer so I can make the most of the beautiful beaches on the city’s doorstep. Once you’ve found your accommodation in Barcelona, you’ll want to make sure you plan some activities into your trip so you can make the most of your time there.
Here are my tips for the best things to do in Barcelona:
Guell Park:
As a park alone, this is an outstanding park, perched on a hill overlooking Barcelona’s city. When you factor in Guadi’s art, it becomes an exceptional park and definitely one of the best things to do in Barcelona. There are lots of little surprises hidden around every corner, making it an exceptional day out. The park itself is quite a hike up the hill, so allow you a few hours to really enjoy it. As sunset creeps in, you’ll find people gathering around the lookout points to enjoy one of the best views in Spain.
The Church of the Sacred Family:
The most famous building in all of Barcelona, if not all of Spain, the Sagrada Familia is absolutely stunning and a must-see. It is one of the most breathtaking churches in the world, constructed in such a way that it will surprise you and charm you at the same time. Here is where all the crowds flock to, but it’s one of those attractions that are worth dealing with the hoards of people. Visit early in the morning so you can enjoy it with a few less people around.
The Gothic Quarter:
Filled with charming old buildings, the Barri Gotic is made up of buildings that date back to the medieval times. It’s a great place to walk around for photo opportunities and it is filled to the brim with cute cafes and lovely restaurants, great for enjoying a beverage while people watching. Here you’ll find a lovely mix of upbeat, upscale places to traditional guitar makers. You can easily spend a day walking around these historic streets, soaking in the old Barcelona. This is one of the most stunning parts of Barcelona and is certainly one of the best things to do in Barcelona.
Barcelona’s Science Museum:
If you happen to get caught in Barcelona on a rainy day, a visit to the Science Museum is a great way to keep yourself entertained. It’s super cheap, at only 4 Euro a ticket and there’s always lots of exhibitions to entice visitors young and old. The café here is also really nice and there’s a great view.
Parc de Montjuic:
For a lovely day out, take the tram up to the top of Parc de Montjuic and explore the beautiful castle. There’s a metro stop that lines up with the tram stop, so you can easily navigate your way to Parc de Montijuic on public transport. There are stunning views, as well as a rich history. The castle itself isn’t the most impressive castle in Europe, but the views make up for what the castle cannot offer.
These are my five favourite things to do in Barcelona and some of the best things to do in Barcelona. Do you have anything that is essential to a trip to Barcelona? I’d love to hear in the comments below:
