Barcelona
What to do in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city where it is impossible to get bored. Monuments, squares, buildings, attractions, bars, shows... what more could you ask for? Sometimes, with so many things to do, maybe we get a little overwhelmed and we don't know which one to start with, like what to do in Barcelona this weekend.
We are going to try to give you seven clues, seven curious things you can do in Barcelona, so that you can start with the one you like the most, and continue as you like. All this so that you have a small idea of what this city has to offer.
Things to do in Barcelona
In Barcelona we can do several things but we will recommend the most important places. One of the first things we can do is visit the Sagrada Familia, if you want to enter you will have to buy a ticket, but otherwise you can admire it outside. Continuing with the works of the architect Antoni Gaudí, another interesting thing that can be done in Barcelona is to approach the Paseo de Gracia and contemplate two architectural works, not as famous as the Sagrada Familia, but no less interesting, such as the Casa Batlló and the Pedrera. We can also go to the Park Güell, also designed by Gaudí. As you will see Gaudí is a very important artist for the city of Barcelona.
One thing you can't forget to do is to walk along Barcelona's famous Rambla, where you can stop for a cup of coffee, or simply enjoy the centre, the people, or the many restaurants offered by the Ramblas. Our itinerary now takes us to another of the essential points to do in Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter. Let yourself be carried away through its narrow and charming streets, which offer you a wide variety of curious, original, classic and fun shops.
Following the aroma of the sea, we will reach the port of Barcelona, another of the many things we can do and worth spending an afternoon, contemplating the boats, the swallows, the monument to Columbus, which you can climb and enjoy a view of the Mediterranean next to Barcelona. We can also see the Maremagnum, a shopping center, where we can have a drink, watch a movie or eat in a peculiar restaurant. Nearby we would also be the Barceloneta, another of the recommended things to do in Barcelona. Enjoy the beach, the quiet and sunny terraces, or stroll along its promenade.
Another of the many things we like to do in Barcelona is to make small excursions to charming places or villages in the province of Barcelona. Some of these towns that we recommend you to see are: Sitges, if you still don't know it for its famous Festival de cine fántastico, you can make a day trip to this beautiful and coastal Catalan village. Montserrat, perhaps the most iconic mountain in all of Catalonia, where you can visit the monastery and several churches. Mura is also one of the most attractive villages, with its cobbled streets and facades adorned with vegetation that has grown naturally over the years in facades and walls. But in addition to these beautiful corners, there are many others worth seeing for at least a day, such as Tavertet, Vic, Manresa, Suria or Cardona.
What to do in Barcelona today
Today we propose you a walk, a walk through the center or very heart of the city of Barcelona, from Plaça de Catalunya to the Barrio de la Merçè.
This is the area of the city that everyone takes as a reference because, because of its location, is close to everything. Plaça de Catalunya is the boundary between the new part of the city (to the north), and the old part, to the south. From here start avenues as important as the Passeig de Gràcia, the Rambla de Catalunya or the Rambla, in addition to almost 100% of transport in the city.
So, first of all we will take towards the sea, towards one of the most important shopping streets of the city if not the most important, namely the Portal del Ángel or Portaferrissa, which will leave us in the Plaza Real.
However, before starting the tour, we recommend a stop (for those who can), and have a coffee or a soft drink in one of the mythical terraces of Barcelona, at the Café Zurich. In summer things are difficult because many tourists decide to travel to Barcelona, but if we wait a little we can see the coming and going of the city that moves, whirlwinds of people moving to one side and another.
If what we want is to have coffee later, from Puerta del Ángel we can take Petrixol Street, one of the sweetest places in the city, a perfect area for a snack of the old, namely, with buns, sweets and Swiss (chocolate waste covered with whipped cream), in addition to all the pastries imaginable. Among so many candy shops you will also find art galleries, antique shops and bookstores where you can find editions you can't find in normal bookstores.
Thus, the most bohemian atmosphere will be reached when you reach the Plaza del Pi, one of the smallest and most welcoming in the city. Next to it, the Sant Josep Orial square and very close, towards the Rambla, the Plaça Reial, with a touch of Gaudí included, the lampposts. Quite a luxury.
What to do in Barcelona with children
We already did a post recommending the museums that could be visited without problems with the children. Thus, Barcelona not only offers fun for children in museums but also is one of those cities that have places where adults and children alike can have fun. So today we will also be recommending places where children can have fun and that will be an authentic experience for parents as well.
One of the curious things we can comment on in this environment are the modernist works, of which Barcelona is full. The architectural works of Gaudí, Domenech and company enthuse both parents and their descendants, so if you travel with children don't worry if the little one will like places such as Güell Park, Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló or Castell dels Tres Dragons.
Another building that you will like for sure will be the zoology museum that will also leave us very close to the zoo itself, a place where children can enjoy themselves in any city they may be in. Although the famous white gorilla "Snowflake" is gone, children will have fun contemplating the more than 450 species that inhabit the place. There's also the option of renting an electric car, pony rides, a mini-train ride and dolphin shows. Walking through the nearby Ciutadella park can also be fun, as dozens of birds live in its trees, fleeing from the zoo.
A third stop can be the Aquarium, an impressive place for all ages. The Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Europe and offers various stimuli for children. In addition to admiring the quantity and rarity of the fish that inhabit the Aquarium, we can enjoy interactive sections, activities aimed at children and family shows on weekends (it is recommended to reserve a place).
In addition, there are several hotels in Barcelona with offers for us to spend a few days with our children. So, this is just a sample of what can be done in Barcelona with the creatures that often become more of a concern than a diversion. It is difficult to make children enjoy cultural or historical walks, so it is advisable to adapt the calendar of what is planned with activities such as the ones we have just mentioned.
Barcelona also has several family entertainment centers and the mimes and artists of the ramblas behave very well with them.
What to do in Barcelona for free
Did you know that Sunday Mass at 9 am is free in the Sagrada Familia? Yes, until full capacity is reached.
Some important museums are also free in Barcelona on the first Sunday of each month.
Barcelona is full of charming streets and squares but the surprising thing is that each of them can be enjoyed individually, that is, each square or street in Barcelona has its own particular charm. And that is precisely what happens to Calle Montcada, Barcelona's most elegant and sumptuous street until the 18th century.
This long street in the center of Barcelona has its origins in the thirteenth century, however, the elegance will come to the next century as the old houses will be replaced mostly by sumptuous palaces. To enjoy this street is to enjoy its serene and forceful elegance that makes it one of the streets with more personality of the city. To travel through the darkness of this narrow street is to step on its tiles with respect, afraid that the street will look at us badly. A second thing that attracts attention is the medieval elegance that still possesses the street as it is rare that the streets built during the Middle Ages maintain their primary feeling.
The most striking buildings and monuments form part of the Picasso Museum, which is distributed over five beautiful palaces and is one of the most important museums not only in the city but in the whole of Catalonia; the Palau Dalmases and the Palacio de los Marqueses de Llió. However, what is interesting is not only here, as the Puixuringuer house, which with its curious name maintains an enormous wooden door and lion's head knockers; the house of Cervelló-Giudice from the 16th century and headquarters of the Maeght gallery, and finally the Josep Llonch house at number seven on the street, are also striking. If we want to enter we will be charged the price of entry, but we can always see these sophisticated buildings outside for free.
Coming from Carrer Princesa and after crossing Carrer Montcada we will come across the small Plaça de Montcada which, so to speak, continues the tradition or sensation of the street of which it is the end. The square is always full of people from all sides, typical of the Ribera district and although it is not obligatory, it is highly recommended to have a drink in one of the numerous terraces of the square and let our eyes guide themselves to the most striking of the environment.
Finally, medieval Barcelona has in Montcada Street an exceptional place and follower and the tourist who walks through these places will remember forever the dark sensation of the street strangely welcoming.
What to do in Barcelona on a Sunday
The Basilica de la Mare de Déu de la Merçé, (that is, the Basilica de Nuestra Señor de la Merced), is a baroque church located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, more exactly in the Plaza de la Merçé as its name suggests. Known simply as the Basilica de la Merced, it is a very fast building (between 1765 and 1775) by the Catalan architect Josep Mas i Dordal. As already mentioned, it is dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy, who is patron saint of Barcelona, which gives some importance to the church in the religious sphere.
The current church was built on an earlier one from the medieval period, which was built between 1249 and 1267, had an extension of the Gothic style in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Currently, the church has a counter-reformist floor plan, with a cross, with a single large central nave and two naves on its sides in front of the chapels.
The church in general is heir to the Gothic style and contains a transpeto with a dome over the transept. Just as it happened with the Church of Santa Eulalia de Esparraguera, the Basilica of La Merced has an impressive monumentality inside. Delicately decorated in the Rococo style, it contains rich marble cladding.
As for the façade, it has two bodies of height and is articulated by Corinthian style pilasters. Its wall is undulating, of Borrominesque influence (not usual in the constructions of Barcelona) with the intention of obtaining a better visibility because in its origin it is supposed to have been closed (given that when it was constructed it did not exist the square of the Merçé), it faced a narrow street. The façade is finished off by a tirangular pediment in its upper part, giving it the impression of a classic construction. In 1870 another façade was incorporated into the adjacent street in a flamboyant Gothic style from the 15th century, a façade that was moved from the old church of Sant Miquel.
Finally, the Basilica of La Merced has the necessary interest of the small things that one finds walking around Barcelona. In spite of being the basilica that is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, its majesty is far from the Sagrada Familia or the Cathedral of the Sea, so you can enjoy it more intimately.
What to do in Barcelona this week
1.- Flamenco dance shows
Barcelona is a city of shows. For example, we opt for flamenco dancing, and the best place to see flamenco in Barcelona is the Tablao Flamenco Cordobés, located in Las Ramblas, 35. You can dine while attending a show.
2.- Visit the Nou Camp
The Nou Camp is one of the most impressive football stadiums in the world. If you like football, and if you're on top of Barça, go ahead. Even if you're not, so are you.
3.- Visit the Boquería Market
I know that you will go to some restaurant or bar to eat, but the Boquería Market is an essential place to go in Barcelona. Not only for its products, but also for its architecture.
4.- Barcelona by helicopter
What better way than to appreciate Barcelona at an altitude of over two thousand feet? You will enjoy the views of Tibidabo, Torre Agbar or Montserrat Mountain. Undoubtedly an ideal experience for romantics and adventurers.
5.- Rent a motorcycle in Barcelona
Stop walking and visiting by subway. Rent a motorcycle and let yourselves go. Much better than a car, as this way you will not feel so much the traffic of the city. Something different, don't you think?
6.- A romantic balloon ride
The views will be sensational of the city and the Mediterranean, as well as the Pyrenees. Sounds interesting, doesn't it? Many travel agencies in Barcelona offer balloon flights, what are you waiting for?
7.- Canyoning in the Pyrenees
Not everything is city tourism in Barcelona. Many tourist offices can offer you packages of excursions to the Pyrenees to practice canyoning. This way we will have some adventure.
8.- A tour in a Harley Davidson
There is also the possibility of renting an entire Harley Davidson and moving around Barcelona. Have you ever wondered what this city will look like on board?
9.- A chocolate massage
Yes, yes, a chocolate massage. There are many hotels in Barcelona that, after a long walk, offer the possibility of a relaxing massage. Some even give it with chocolate.
10.- Getting lost in the Gothic Quarter
One of the best walks in Barcelona are the ones that can be given losing us in the Gothic Quarter. Dare to enter without maps or travel guides.
What to do in Barcelona at night
Espit Chupitos is a famous bar in Barcelona. It is actually one of those attractions that you can not miss if you go out at night during your holidays in Barcelona. Maybe many of you don't know what shots are. You will probably be the least, however a shot is a drink, usually with alcohol, which is served in very small glasses. Most of the time they are mixed drinks, and it is usually drunk at once.
The particularity of Espit Chupitos is that it offers a list of 500 original shots, unique and protected by copyright. In other words, you can create your own shot and have it sold to you here. For more originality, in this place the shots are served with plays, monologues and other shows.
Many of the shots are adorned with a small flame of fire, candy, whipped cream, and even a sexual toy, known as Monica Lewinsky. If you want a shot with fire, ask for the Harry Potter or the Devil's Pact. Espit Chupitos also offers cocktails, which are usually served in litre glasses to share.
A shot costs 2 euros, and a litre cocktail ten euros. If you go around midnight it may be a bit crowded and you have to wait at the bar to order. Patience, or go slowly making room. Espit Chupitos is also not a place to go relaxing with friends to chat. It's more noisy, so if you're looking for tranquility, go somewhere else...
You can find some Espit Chupitos in different parts of the city. The original and most famous in Barcelona is located in the street Aribau 77, in the right part of the Eixample. Nearby is the discotheque of the Fira, a good place to continue after a few shots or cocktails.
Another place where you can find Espit Chupitos is in the Gothic Quarter, in Paseo Colón 8, near the port. If you are partying in the area of Las Ramblas, specifically near the statue of Columbus, come to this bar. Espit Chupitos is perhaps the most suitable place to start our night in Barcelona.
What to do in Barcelona in august
During the last few weeks, we have focused on some of the best coastal towns on Barcelona's coastline. However, it would be unfair to neglect any of the nine beaches that make up the extensive waterfront of Barcelona, a perfect plan to do in August and throughout the summer season.
In fact, this enclave constitutes a true pole of attraction for international tourism, eager to relax in the warm waters of the Mediterranean after a long walk through the Catalan capital. In total, Barcelona has 4.5 kilometres of beaches, offering every conceivable service and comfort.
As a result of the profound urban reforms carried out as a result of the 1992 Olympic Games, the seafront ceased to be one of the city's most anodyne spots to give way to one of its most frequented places.
As a result of these interventions, the municipality has since that year hosted a total of nine beaches: ordered from north to south, Llevant, Nova Mar Bella, Mar Bella, Bogatell, Nova Icària, Somorrostro, Barceloneta, Sant Miquel and Sant Sebastià (in the photo).
In addition to all of them, there is also the recently inaugurated bathing area of the Forum. Although it is not a beach itself, the enclosure is home to some cement bleachers that are submerged in the sea, and that offer the possibility of enjoying the sun in a quiet atmosphere and little crowded.
All these beaches have all the guarantees in terms of signposting, safety, health care or preservation of the environment. They also have a wide range of equipment and services, as well as access adapted for people with disabilities. All this without forgetting a wide range of services, which will be described in more detail next week.
In the same way, we must not lose sight of the fact that you can easily reach them from your hotels in Barcelona using the public transport network (by bus or via the L-4 of the metro), or by bicycle, through the numerous stretches of bicycle lanes next to the beaches.
