Barcelona is ideal for a city break. It is easy to organise a trip packed with cultural outings. Don’t forget the tapas. Just indulge!
Here are the 5 essential things you should consider when planning your trip to Barcelona:
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia, a never ending project
If you are short of time or not so keen on cultural visits, this is the one not to miss. This extraordinary basilica is Gaudí’s masterpiece whose construction started nearly 150 years ago. Whether you are religious or not, you will be amazed by its grandeur. I loved the elegant pillars which look like trees, the beauty and modernity of the lines and the colours of the stained glass windows. La Sagrada Familia is the largest unfinished church in the world and it keeps a little sense of mystery because no one knows exactly when it will be finished.
If you don’t opt for a guided tour or an audio guide, don’t skip the museum under the basilica where you will find a wide range of photographs, information and various architectural models which explain the genesis, the inspiration and the timeline of this astonishing project.
Be sure to plan ahead as you can only book your tickets online. No excuse though as dates are available around two months in advance. Don’t skip the gift shop as it offers a lovely range of stylish little souvenirs.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batllò, so unique
Another Gaudi extravaganza which is worth the visit. In 1904, textile industrialist Joseph Battlò gave Gaudí carte blanche to renovate his house after visiting Park Güell and the result is extraordinary. It is amazing to discover so much modernity and creativity – Gaudí succeeded in making this home practical and modern whilst giving each room a unique artistic identity.
The beauty of Gaudí’s designs are inspired by nature and you will not find any straight line in the house. The iconic facade of Casa Batlló and its remarkable staircases are breathtaking examples of his extraordinary creativity.
It is also advisable to book in advance. We booked Gold tickets which give you access to a VR tablet (perfect with kids), a speedy queue and a few private room. There is also an option for early exclusive morning visits which I recommend if you want to take nice pictures.
Park Güell
Spectacular views of Barcelona
If you are a Gaudí fan (which, if you were not before, you will hopefully be at the end of your trip in Barcelona!), this is the place to go for a lovely walk around nature and more modernist Gaudí treasures.
Begin your exploration by walking over and under the stone viaducts and around the Mediterranean gardens. Stop for breathtaking views of Barcelona at the top of the hill. The climax of the visit will be for most the architectural monument’s area with the waving balcony, the tree-shaped columns and the famous lizard, all made of colourful broken tile mosaics.
You can buy your tickets at the gate but again (for your own peace of mind!) it is best to book online before your visit.
Enchanting walk
Mosaic in Park Güell
Montjuïc
Castell del Montjuïc
Montjuïc is a historic hill with more than one place to go. We went to the Castell of Montjuïc to walk around the fortress and enjoy more panoramic views. The highlight was the return by the Montjuïc funicular (a joy for the children!).
Buy your tickets for the Montjuïc funicular in advance. If you are agoraphobic, you better only take the funicular to go down the hill. The queues to go up can be rather off-putting.
Tapas Fest
Tapas Time
If you want to try something authentic but with an impeccable reputation, I suggest Bar Cañete. It is a tapas institution. You will find people queueing in front of the restaurant even before it opens for lunch – don’t forget that in Spain, restaurants don’t open before 1pm for lunch so it is not a place to skip breakfast. It is traditional and welcoming. I am not usually a huge fan of Spanish omelettes which I often find rather boring and either too wet or too dry but I had an epiphany with their “mellow potato omelette”. Absolutely amazing. The restaurant’s motto is absolutely spot on (wink-wink!).
