barcelona
A Brief Guide to Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Europe’s major tourist destinations, attracting over 5 million visitors every year. The capital city of Catalonia, tourists flock here to enjoy a mix of culture, shopping and a spot of sun. It’s a city packed with glamour, from the trendy shops of Gracia to the high class Azimut yachts that stand out on Barcelona’s harbour front. Read on to discover more about five of the city’s most popular attractions.
Barcelona: Cultural Insight
Sagrada Familia
Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece is one of the highlights of the Barcelona skyline, and is often the first port of call for any Barcelona tourist. Work begun on La Sagrada Familia in 1882, and although the celebrated Catalan architect did not live long enough to see his vision come to fruition, his work has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consecrated and proclaimed by Pope Benedict XI. The external architecture is a sight to behold, but crowds can often overrun this attraction, so head to the Sagrada early to avoid the tourist rush.
Las Ramblas
Shopaholics should head to Las Ramblas, the city’s main shopping streets and one of its defining tourist attractions. In the summer months, this acts as the hub of the city, and visitors can enjoy the Spanish sunshine whilst admiring the unusual street artists and shopping stalls that line this central strip. Be warned, however, as Las Ramblas’ popularity with tourists fully relaxed in ‘holiday mode’ has not gone unnoticed by pickpockets.
Parc Guell
Parc Guell is another site that acts as a shrine to Gaudi’s achievements in architecture. One of Barcelona’s busiest public parks, Parc Guell has been popular with locals and visitors alike since it was first unveiled in 1922. In the heat of summer, walking around this park can sap energy, but the views over Barcelona and the sea from the main square here make all that effort worthwhile.
Barceloneta
Barcelona often ranks in the world’s top 10 cities with beaches, and with Barceloneta, officially boasts the best urban beach in the world. After topping up the tan, spend a relaxing late afternoon with a round of tapas and a cerveza or two at one of the many restaurants that characterise this charming neighbourhood. In the early evening, a stroll around the Port Olimpic will be the perfect conclusion to the day.
Parc Montjuic and Olympic Stadium
London will be hoping the 2012 games are as successful as the 1992 Olympics, which regenerated vast swathes of the city, but it’s Parc Montjuic and the former Olympic Park that remain eternally fascinating to tourists. This imposing hill dominates the whole of Barcelona and is home to many of the city’s busiest tourist attractions. Aside from its former sporting glories, Montjuic is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, housing the 17th century Castell de Montjuic, the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Magic Fountain, delighting adults and children alike since it was revamped for the Games over two decades ago.
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