Beautiful Barcelona is Spain’s second most populated city and the capital of the country’s autonomous community Catalonia. Barcelona’s prime location on the Mediterranean coast has made it a sought-after spot over the last 2,000 years, notably by the Romans, whose grid plan remains today in the city’s historical center, the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter).
Many Barcelona residents still hold onto Catalonia culture and language, and a growing separatist movement that began in the mid 19th century has some fighting for independence from Spain. The Estelada flag, which unofficially represents support for independence can be seen hanging from balconies of supporters throughout the city.
On ritzy Passeig de Gràcia, an avenue known for shopping, business and architecture, you’ll find noted Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Battló and Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera). Ninety-year-old Hotel Majestic is here, too, as is the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, which offers the brand’s signature luxury accommodations blended with Catalan influence and style.
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Passeig de Gràcia isn’t the only place to find examples of Gaudí’s unique architectural genius. Possibly his most well known work is the Sagrada Familia, the construction for which began on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19, in 1882 and passed the halfway point in 2010. The as-yet-to-be-completed masterpiece combines Gaudí’s strong religious beliefs, interest in nature and exceptional imagination. Purchase tickets online before you go and spring for the audio guide and visit to the towers — it’s worth it.
Another Gaudí creation that’s not to be missed is Park Güell, a public park featuring gardens and the architect’s signature imaginative designs. Park Güell, an example of Gaudí’s naturalist phase, was constructed from 1900 to 1914 and officially opened to the public in 1926. Since then, visitors have been drawn to its geometric design and historical, political and religious symbolism.
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Sports fans would be remiss not to pay a visit to the Camp Nou Tour & Museum, home of Futbol Club Barcelona since 1957. Go for a game or just for the museum; the main museum room features row after row of trophies won in domestic and international competitions, including a special section for the continental treble — taking the top spot in three top-tier competitions in a single year, a feat which has been accomplished by only eight teams in the Union of European Football Associations (and which FC Barcelona has completed twice). Even more exciting than viewing the awards and memorabilia from the team’s more than 100-year history was our journey through the stadium, which culminated on the actual pitch where this beloved team plays.
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It wouldn’t be a trip to Barcelona without some time spent at the beach. Many locals and visitors take the metro to La Barceloneta, a neighborhood bordered by the Mediterranean Sea that is known for its many restaurants and nightclubs along the boardwalk.
The Port Cable Car connects La Barceloneta with Montjuïc, a somewhat flat-topped hill overlooking the harbor. With a commanding sea view, Montjuïc provided the perfect spot for several fortifications, the most recent of which was built in the 18th century and still stands today. Visitors to the hill can also view the “Olympic Ring” of sporting venues surrounding the 65,000-seat Estadi Olímpic Llluís Companys, which was originally built in 1927 for the 1929 International Exposition and served as the site of the 1992 Summer Olympics.
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Montjuïc is also a favorite for art lovers, as it’s home to the Fundació Joan Miró, a museum of modern art dedicated to the work of Joan Miró, and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya at the stunning Palau Nacional, which dates back to 1929. The national museum of Catalan visual art showcases works from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and modern collections.
Another must-see museum is Museu Picasso, located down a narrow street in Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella (Old City). Opened in 1963, the museum includes more than 4,300 works from Picasso’s early years, his Blue and Rose Periods, and his time spent in Barcelona. Visitors can also view the 57-piece collection of Picasso’s interpretation of Spanish painter Diego Velázquez’s “Las Meninas,” the only series of work by the artist on display together in one museum.
Nearby is La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian mall and popular tourist spot. Stretching for a quarter of a mile from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus monument at Port Vell, La Rambla began as a waterway for rainwater during the spring and autumn and became a street after construction included the area within city walls in the 14th century. Today, it’s a crowded hub of people, street performers and souvenir carts (and, unfortunately, a reputation for pickpockets).
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One important stop off La Rambla is La Boqueria, which started in the 1200s as a traveling market and eventually settled alongside the popular street. Many current vendors are third- and fourth-generation sellers of La Boqueria’s fresh meats and seafood, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, charcuterie, herbs, wine and artisan products.
Foodie fun on La Rambla doesn’t stop with La Boqueria. The Jamón Experience begins with a 25-minute audiovisual tour that takes visitors through the making of the gourmet Spanish delicacy jamón ibérico, from selecting and raising the black Iberian pigs to the long process of salting and curing the swine’s hind legs to perfection. At the end of the lesson is a jamón tasting paired with cava, wine or beer.
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There seems to be a story around every corner in Barcelona. The city’s eye-catching architecture, cultural pride and delicious cuisine make this a place you’ll want to return to again and again. There’s much to discover here.
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