Barcelona

Barcelona

 

Editor's Rating - 5 stars

Wha't's not to like about the vibrant and exciting capital of Catalonia?  Highlights include the Gothic Quarter, the Sagrida Familia, Parc Guell, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, and Barceloneta beach.  These attractions are are unique, iconic, and awe-inspiring, making a trip to this cosmopolitan city truly special.

 

Editor's Top Tip

 Before making a visit to Barcelona, unless you plan on a guided tour, take time to check out the city's efficient bus network.  The metro's great, but you'll find it leaves you a long walk short of many attractions, whereas the correct bus will take you right there.  For all the information see Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona.

 

Location Of Barcelona's Top Attractions On A Map
 

 

Things To See 

 

Parc Guell

A real treat for Gaudi fans, Parc Guell is a one-of-a-kind public park.  The planting is adventurous and attractive, but the premier stars are Gaudi's buildings, lornate steps and mozaic-decorated curvy concrete walls.

 

Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta is beyond Port Vell, and was once a fishing harbor. It's a pretty area, with lots of cafes/restaurants and a great beach (but no shade on offer for the fair shiknned).

 

La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona's iconic church was designed by the famous  Gaudi. Work began in 1883, and the imaginative building is only now nearing completion. Interesting features are the nativity theme of the facade, the towers decorated with mosaic work, and massive doorways standing for faith, hope and charity.

 

Magic Fountain Of Montjuic

The magic fountain is a mesmerizing display of music, light, color, motion  and dancing water. The fountain first came to life in the Great Universal Exhibition of 1929, and even today is a firm favorite with both tourists and locals.  During the summer there's a show most evenings of the week.

 

Barri Gotic
In Barcelona's gothic quarter, the buildings date back to the thirteenth century. The streets are narrow and winding and packed with history. For a great walking tour see Frommer's Barcelona Borri Gothic walking tour, which even guides you to one of Barcelona's best kept secrets, Temple d'Augustus, the remains of Roman Barcelona's main temple.

 

Cruise Information

 

Cruise selection guide: Barcelona Cruises