Barcelona is one of the places when even if you get lost, you will always find yourself in an impressive surrounding. Spain’s most visited city is simply amazing! The positive energy that you will feel with your first step there will make this city one of your favorite places on Earth.
Barcelona is the capital of Modernism and you can find many monuments built and designed by the famous Antoni Gaudi, like the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, and Park Guell, which have become recognizable symbols of the city.
This is why Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe:
Sagrada Familia
via Jose Garcia
This basilica was designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi and construction started in 1883 after being officially commissioned. A while ago. Yet, this magnificent Basilica de la Segrada Familia was left as an unfinished project Roman Catholic building and only started receiving visitors in 2010. It is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gaudi’s world fiercely focused on “The Cathedral”, now best known as, up until he died in 1926. He put his life’s work into it and some say it became his number one priority in life. Superb monument and one not to be missed during your visit.
Plaça Catalunya
via MoreBCN
This is at the heart of Barcelona and some call it the epicenter of the city. It is a very large square supporting large shopping centers and department stores, restaurants, and where people will meet up. It is the center where the old town and the Eixample, or expansion district, meetup. The Plaza was opened by King Alfonso on the 13th in 1927 and covers an impressive five hectares. It once held Barcelona’s best and most luxurious hotels, bars, theatres, and restaurants ready for the 1929 International Exhibition. Unfortunately, none of them survived apart from the Maison Doree, the Colon, and Suis.
Casa Battlò
via Martina Caruso
Another of Gaudi’s creations and another UNESCO listed building, Casa Batllo is possibly one of the most characteristic Modernist buildings in Barcelona. The fantastical mansion was designed for a private residence for textiles manufacturer Joseph Batllo I Casanovas. This looks like a surreal castle from another dimension, one dreamt of by the biggest artist of all. Its ornamental facades are unique and pretence is remarquable. Believed to be seen in the flesh!
Parc Güell
via snapsaroundtheworld.blogspot.com
A surrealist park yet again by the surrealistic genius artist, Gaudi. This place is super colorful, imaginative, whimsy, and simply splendid. So much fun looking at it and even more so going into the windings areas created for our amusement triggering our imagination to expand further. This was created between 1900 and 1914, and featured Antoni’s architectural signature. It screams Gaudi so to speak. Most of Barcelona is really. The super colorful ceramic fragments also contain a beautiful view from the spectacular terrace, of the sea and the views of the city.
Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
via Cinghius
Santa Eulalia contains a very dark history of a young 13-year-old girl. But this isn’t a history lesson as such so we will skip the details. It is to date a magnificent cathedral appearing 90 meters high and 40 wide. Palm trees can be found in the front garden area, and one can enjoy peace of tranquility in nature, and eventually a fountain right in the entrance with the geese shooting! Inside, the interior is really sumptuous where one can find a choir, singing along the story of Santa Eulalia, the 13-year-old martyr.
La Rambla
via buzzfeed.com
Chances are, you came across this name a couple of times. A day! It is without a doubt the heart and soul of Barcelona, a meeting place where thousands upon thousands of people meet every day to either do a spot of shopping, going to a bar-restaurant or skimpy enjoying the day watching the many dozens of street artists from musicians to mimes to impromptu performances. No matter where you need to go by foot within the city, La Rambla will always be here to welcome you. This is where you will find most locals going by with their day-to-day routine.
La Barceloneta Beach
Such a busy city has many busy demands and the place never sleeps. Or very little. It is always flooded with people, the local community, and tourists alike. Naturally, when the sunshine gives enough heat for the city to become somewhat cumbersome, the beach is only a stone’s throw away! The beach is adjacent to the cruise port, where the locals love to sunbathe, surf, and socialize in the many seafood restaurants along the promenade lined with palm trees. An escape right next door to the busy hub. Fabulous.
El Raval
via oscar tramor
One of the most vibrant areas of Barcelona and home to cutting-edge exhibitions at the Barcelona Museum of contemporary art. Bohemian bars and restaurants are all on offer, with hip designer retail shops and street art. It is where the cool people meet up, and even the suited and booted. There, you will find two major attractions being the food market Boqueria and the Gaudi palace the Palau Guell. Not many tourists will venture here, which is why it is the perfect place to visit!
Magical Fountains
One of the to-dos in Barcelona at night is to watch the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, at the beginning of Avinguda Maria Cristina in the Montjuïc neighborhood. The rather large Art Deco fountain, which was established in 1929, delights all ages, and people with its light and water show choreographed to music in perfection. It was designed by Carles Buigas for the 1929 International Exhibition, which took place in Montjuïc. And like a lot of exhibitions, it was too much of a shame to tear it down. And thankfully so as it brings every community together under one roof. The show lasts for about an hour and of course, free of charge which makes the outing even better!
L’Aquàrium – Under The Sea
via adriagarcia
Located in Port Veil on the harbor of Barcelona, the Aquarium is one of the largest and most spectacular in Europe. There is a staggering 80-meter underwater tunnel boasting natural wildlife in their natural environment and not necessarily enclosed like so many others. It is home to over eleven thousand animals and over 450 different species. There are 35 different water basins and makes this the most important museum of underwater marine science.
Madrid is capital of Spain and not Barcelona
@Nazia , it is said here that Barcelona is capital of modernism (art) not Spain. It is just a phrase.
Great photos! Have a similar post over on my blog would love if you guys would check it out! The Magic fountain is one of the most incredible places. Barcelona in general is filled with magic! Thanks for posting. http://www.jadescapades.com/things-you-cant-miss-in-barcelona/