Barcelona is a city that is beaming with art, history, and architecture. This city is located in the northeast of Spain, right next to the Mediterranean Sea. It has an artistic culture that will make you feel like you stepped foot into a modern-day Rome. It’s rich history and architectural influence makes it one of the most visited cities in Europe, and for good reason. Although there are thousands of lists that repeat the most common things to do in this city, there are very few guides that give insight into the recommended things to explore from a locals perspective. In this article, we will walk through the most amazing things about the city of Barcelona from a local.
Why Should I Visit This City?
Barcelona is not only one of the most visited European cities, but perhaps it is even one of the best places to live in Europe. Many European citizens choose to live in Barcelona because of its great food, amazing shops, and overall European culture that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another land. There are many things that make this region of Catalonia unique, including the stunning landscapes and overall ambiance of the city. Whether you are planning a trip to Europe or just to Spain, Barcelona should be a destination of top priority. It’s a great city for remote workers and Spain offers a special digital nomad visa – you can lean more about this new visa here.
What Is Barcelona Known For?
Barcelona is known for its stunning architecture. From the buildings to the bridges, this city as seen as a while is viewed as a work of art. Many locals are very passionate about their buildings, much like how Americans are passionate about their historical monuments in Washington D.C. It should come as no surprise that this city has more national pride than many other locations in the country.
Barcelona is also known for its amazing nightlife. The nightlife in this region makes any club or bar look like a palace. If you are out to party, make sure Barcelona is on the top of your list of places to visit because there will be no shortage of fun to be had. For those who want an intimate experience, there are many cozy bars and intimate settings where you can enjoy amazing wines and cocktails.
Lastly, Barcelona is known for being a true capital of modern art. Throughout the city, you will find many museums dedicated to specific artists or simply European art in general. If you wish to take a step back in history and become inspired by a rich culture, Barcelona should be the first stop of your trip.
What Must I See During My Trip?
There are many historic monuments and buildings that are renowned attractions for travelers across the world. Although they are popular amongst tourists, they are still worth seeing! These monuments have so much character and are incredibly unique. Some of the most popular attractions include Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and Parc Güell.
The Basilica de la Sagrada Família is a rich and detailed building that was designed and built by Antoni Gaudi. The building’s main structure has been completed, but many parts, such as the façade and central bell towers will take much longer to complete. It is estimated that the church will be completed by 2026. Casa Milà is another incredible piece of European architecture that was designed by Gaudi. This building has so much character and is unlike anything else in the entire world. Parc Güell is a very unique park that showcases European style design elements. It’s design was inspired by the arts and crafts movement.
After visiting these attractions, there are many hubs and neighborhoods around the city that have distinct cultures. The Gothic quarter is an area of the city that truly depicts the gothic nature of the Middle Ages. It is here where you will find the Barcelona Cathedral, which is actually very different from the Basilica de la Sagrada Família.
One of the most stunning neighborhoods in Barcelona is Eixample. This area was designed to be an extension of Lofts District and it truly has European architecture that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Another social hub to visit is called La Rambla. This is essentially the Spanish version of Times Square where locals shop, eat, and people watch. If you enjoy walking around several blocks to get a feel for the culture, then this should be one of your stops!
If you enjoy the outdoors and want to soak in the stunning landscapes, you must add the Mediterranean Sea and nearby mountain ranges to your itinerary. The beaches of Barcelona are very different from American beaches because their sand is more coarse. Despite this, there are some incredible views that will make you feel like you’re in paradise. As for the mountain range, it’s simply breathtaking, especially when you get a full view of the city while up on top of one of the mountains. If you are enjoying an explorative vacation, Bounce offers a place for you to safely store your luggage during your time in the great outdoors.
If you are hoping to eat and drink around the city, there are a few areas of town that have divine food experiences. During your trip, it is important to prioritize getting authentic Catalian cuisine. Barcelona is also the birthplace of jamón ibérico, which is a specific type of ham that originated in Spain. This is typically not found on American menus but it should be because it’s incredibly tasty! Carrer De Parlament is in the Sant Antoni neighborhood. This street is filled with many bars and restaurants where you can order the best Spanish tapas possible. Additionally, there are several modern bistros that sport an incredible fusion between European and American cuisine.
Finally, Barcelona has a nightlife scene that is incredibly fun. There’s absolutely no chance that you’ll be bored at any point during your trip. During your stay in Spain, you need to be prepared for some late nights.
Where Should I Stay?
One of the major benefits to Barcelona is that it has a wide range of accommodation options available. This means that you can find great accommodations for any budget. If your budget allows, it’s worth looking into boutique hotel countries because they are incredibly well-designed and detailed during European school vacations. Other options include cozy Airbnb accommodations, affordable hostels, and clamping experiences.
How Should I Get Around?
Barcelona has an extensive transportation system that includes buses, trams, trains, taxis, bikes, and even boats. European cities are very walkable because of their compact nature. Even though the city is large, you don’t have to go far for great food or attractions. If you are looking to explore more of Barcelona with a group, then there are many tours that offer road trips across the city so that you have the opportunity to see many different areas in a condensed time frame.
Summary
Spain has many beautiful cities with unique cultures, incredible cuisines, and rich history. If you are planning a trip to Europe, Barcelona is a necessary destination to add to your itinerary. You should not only visit because it’s close to the beach, but also for its vibrant culture.
Rather than visiting the most popular places in the city, ask a local what some of their favorite attractions, activities, and restaurants are. By learning from locals, you can have a totally unexpected experience. Barcelona is a place where you can bask in European history and architecture while enjoying the finest foods and drinks. If you’re willing to stay up for several nights, then it’s guaranteed that you will have an unforgettable trip.
