This autonomous community is famous not only for the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, but also for countless smaller settlements and natural wonders that together make up one of Europe’s most diverse tourist destinations. It is bordered by Andorra and France to the north, Valencia to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and Aragon to the west.

Best places in Catalonia

Barcelona

Gaudí’s masterpieces, the vibrant Las Ramblas, and the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter all prove why this metropolis attracts millions every year.

Besides the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, the Gothic Quarter in the heart of the city also offers breathtaking experiences. The Picasso Museum, the vibrant Boqueria market, and Barceloneta beach all contribute to Barcelona’s unique character. The El Born and Gràcia neighborhoods, with their bohemian atmosphere, small galleries, and alternative entertainment venues, provide perfect contrast to the more touristy areas.

Catalan gastronomy reaches its peak here: from traditional tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, everything can be found. Cava sparkling wine, tapas, and pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) are local specialties that must be tried.

Barcelona attractions

Three days in Barcelona

Costa Brava

The name „Wild Coast” perfectly describes this coastal section where steep cliffs alternate with small bays surrounded by crystal-clear water.

The stretch between Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar offers such variety that satisfies every traveler’s needs, from family vacations to active tourism. The area’s true treasures are the smaller fishing villages: Cadaqués was Salvador Dalí’s home, while Calella de Palafrugell has preserved its authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.

The Medes Islands nature reserve provides paradisiacal experiences for divers, while the Camí de Ronda coastal walking path offers breathtaking panoramas for hikers. Discovering the numerous hidden coves by boat or on foot is equally exciting adventure.

Girona

The city surrounded by four rivers exudes such a medieval atmosphere that it has inspired filmmakers – it’s no coincidence that it served as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

The perfectly preserved old town, the imposing cathedral, and the colorful houses along the Onyar River together create a fairy-tale panorama. A walk along the city walls reveals historical sections spanning from Roman foundations to the Middle Ages. The Jewish Quarter, El Call, is one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish neighborhoods, where narrow streets and hidden courtyards tell stories of centuries past. The Arab Baths and the Church of Sant Feliu are architectural masterpieces that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The Girona ice cream shop, Rocambolesc, is the creation of the Roca brothers, who own the world-famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca. With fresh produce from local markets and delectable dishes from traditional Catalan cuisine, Girona is also rich in gastronomic experiences.

Montserrat

The „serrated mountain” is captivating not only for its geographical uniqueness but also as one of Catalonia’s most important pilgrimage sites due to its spiritual significance. The Benedictine monastery has guarded the statue of the Black Madonna for a thousand years.

Besides the basilica and monastery, the mountain hides numerous hermitages that can be discovered while hiking the mountain paths. The rack railway is an experience in itself as it takes you up to the sanctuary located 725 meters high. The boys’ choir, the Escolania, creates a special atmosphere with their singing, while the museum houses valuable art collections.

For nature lovers, the hike to the Sant Jeroni peak or the descent to the Santa Cova chapel offers unforgettable experiences. The mel i mató (cheese with honey) served in mountain restaurants and the liqueurs made by the monastery provide special gastronomic experiences.

Tarragona

On this part of the Mediterranean coast, ancient Rome comes alive even in the 21st century.

The former seat of the Tarraco province preserves such rich Roman heritage that UNESCO made this charming seaside city part of its World Heritage. Besides the amphitheater where gladiators fought, the circus ruins, and the remains of Via Augusta, the medieval cathedral and Jewish quarter are also important sights.

The Roman Forum and the rich collections of the National Archaeological Museum illuminate the city’s two-thousand-year history. The remains of city walls and aqueducts are still clearly visible today. During the Santa Tecla festival, the famous human towers, the traditional castells performances, make the city special.

Lleida

Catalonia’s western gateway is a city where millennia-old cultures blend at the meeting point of plains and mountains.

Lleida, situated on the banks of the Segre River, has always played an important role in the region’s history due to its strategic significance, as evidenced by the imposing Seu Vella cathedral that still crowns the hill. The castle and Romanesque cathedral offer a unique panorama of the city and surrounding plains. Gothic palaces and modernist buildings hide in the narrow streets of the old town, while the Rambla de Ferran pedestrian street is the heart of the city.

Due to the area’s agricultural significance, the local cuisine is famous for its rich selection of vegetables and fruits as well as its meat dishes. Caracoles (snails) and escudella (hearty soup) are local specialties that can be accompanied by wines from the surrounding wine regions.

Figueres

Salvador Dalí’s birthplace has an atmosphere that perfectly reflects the famous painter’s extravagant world.

The Dalí Theatre-Museum, which is also the artist’s mausoleum, is not just a traditional museum but a complete artistic experience where every detail testifies to the Catalan genius’s creativity.

Besides the museum in the city center, it’s worth discovering Figueres’ other attractions: the Sant Ferran fortress is Europe’s largest 18th-century fortification, and the Castell de Sant Ferran is an impressively sized military architectural monument. The Rambla and the atmospheric streets of the old town provide pleasant walks.

The surrounding wine regions, especially the Empordà DO quality wines, are perfect companions to the rich-flavored local specialties.

Besalú

This picturesque small town hidden in the Fluvià River valley offers the experience of traveling back to medieval times.

The monastery church of Sant Pere in the heart of the city is one of Catalonia’s most significant Romanesque buildings. The 11th-century Romanesque bridge is the city’s symbol. It creates such a panorama that forms one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval townscapes, which has remained unchanged for centuries.

In the Jewish quarter, you can discover the remains of the miqveh (ritual bath), which testifies to the rich culture of the medieval Jewish community. The narrow cobblestone streets, stone-carved windows, and gateways all evoke the grandeur of the past.

Sitges

The elegant seaside town near Barcelona has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Since the 19th century, it has been a meeting place for artists, writers, and lovers of social life, where beautiful beaches, modernist villas, and vibrant nightlife create a unique combination.

The city’s pride is the Cau Ferrat Museum, the former home of painter Santiago Rusiñol, which houses a stunning art collection. The Maricel Museum and Palace preserve masterpieces of Catalan art. The Sant Sebastià and Balmins beaches attract those seeking relaxation with their crystal-clear waters.

Besides the city’s internationally renowned film festival and carnival, the nightlife is also outstanding. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood and Catalan specialties that can be paired with local Penedès wine specialties.

Cardona

An imposing castle and a salt mine made the town famous. The 13th-century fortress, which was the former residence of the Dukes of Cardona, now functions as a unique hotel where history and luxury meet in a stunning environment.

Besides the castle, the Romanesque beauty of the Church of Sant Vicenç is also noteworthy, while the underground Salt Mountain Cultural Park awaits visitors with unique geological formations and salt stalactites. During the walk in the salt mine, you can learn about the centuries-old traditions of salt extraction and the natural wonders of the mine.

Local culinary specialties include salt-aged cheeses and traditional Catalan meat dishes. The surrounding wine regions, especially the wines from the Pla de Bages area, are in perfect harmony with local gastronomic traditions, particularly with game dishes and goat cheeses.

Vic

This thousand-year-old city in the heart of the Vic plain preserves such cultural richness defined by weekly markets, the medieval old town, and the roots of Catalan culture. The Saturday market, founded in the 10th century, is still one of Catalonia’s most significant traditional markets where local producers offer their goods.

The city’s pride is the Romanesque cathedral, whose walls are decorated with frescoes by Josep Maria Sert, while the Episcopal Museum houses a valuable collection of Romanesque and Gothic art. The old town square, Plaça Major, is a particularly beautiful example of Catalan architecture, as are the surrounding medieval streets and palaces.

The Vic sausage, fuet, is a nationally famous Catalan specialty prepared locally in the traditional way.

Peratallada

The small village called „carved stone” is one of Catalonia’s best-preserved medieval settlements.

The houses entirely carved from stone, narrow streets, and remains of the defense system date back to the 10th-11th centuries. Besides the castle and the Church of Sant Esteve in the heart of the village, the entire settlement itself has monumental significance.

Parts of the city walls and moat are still visible today, while the stone-carved window frames and gateways testify to masterful craftsmanship. Small galleries and craft workshops hidden in the narrow streets create a special atmosphere.

Vall de Núria

The valley hidden in the heart of the Pyrenees is one of the most popular parts of the mountain region.

The valley is only accessible by rack railway, which offers refuge at 2000 meters high for both nature lovers and pilgrims alike. Nestled among the surrounding peaks, the valley creates a unique alpine atmosphere where Catalan traditions and mountain culture meet.

Besides the Sanctuary of Our Lady in the valley, numerous hiking trails start toward the surrounding peaks, including toward Puigmal, which is Catalonia’s highest point. In winter it’s a ski paradise, while in summer it’s a favorite destination for hikers and nature lovers. The rack railway itself is an adventurous journey to the depths of the valley.

Alta Garrotxa

One of Catalonia’s wildest natural areas lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees. This little-known region is the perfect place for hiking, away from tourist crowds.

The area hides numerous abandoned villages and hermit monasteries that are silent witnesses to the past. The GR2 and GR11 long-distance hiking trails pass through the area, while local paths lead to hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.

The area enjoys special protection due to its rich flora and fauna, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This region is the perfect choice for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and discover Catalonia’s wild beauty.

Poblet Monastery

This monumental creation of the Cistercian order is one of Europe’s most significant medieval monastic complexes.

It served as the necropolis and spiritual center of the Aragonese kings for centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents such architectural and historical richness that goes beyond the significance of a simple monastic community.

Within the monastery walls, the royal tombs, the stunning Gothic cathedral, and masterpiece parts of Cistercian architecture can be found. The scriptorium, refectory, and chapter house all showcase different aspects of medieval monastic life. The wine cellars and library also provide special attractions, while the surrounding vineyards and olive groves served the monastery’s self-sufficient economy.

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One of the most beautiful churches in the world, not just in Spain, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in downtown Barcelona, 2.5 km from the main square Placa de Catalunya. It has stops for both metro lines L2 and L5.

History of Sagrada Família

The idea for the church came from a wealthy Barcelona bookseller, José María y Bocabella, who wanted a basilica where both rich and poor could pray. The first stone was laid in 1882.

In 1883, Gaudí was given the task of building the church. He devoted the rest of his life mainly to this work, considering the church his life’s masterpiece. With Gaudí’s involvement, the construction of the originally neo-Gothic planned church took a completely different direction. Gaudí changed the entire building to his own style, except for the existing Crypt. He put tremendous energy into this project during the remaining 43 years of his life, especially in the last 15 years when he focused solely on this.

On November 6, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the church to the rank of basilica and consecrated it.

Due to the complexity of the plans, construction has proceeded and continues to proceed very slowly, with work still ongoing. When completed, it will be the world’s largest basilica.

Description of Sagrada Família

Several architectural styles can be found. The pre-Gaudí architects planned a neo-Catalan building, which is a type of neo-Gothic style. Gaudí himself continued development in the spirit of modernism. The Passion Facade, in particular, shows modernist features.

Its floor plan is cross-shaped. It has five naves, with the main nave pointing south and measuring 90 meters from the apse to the northern end, with a width of 45 meters. A colonnade surrounds almost the entire church. It contains a chapel dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Inside, there are many complex patterns, such as spiral towers reminiscent of sandcastles, topped with geometric shapes inspired by cubism.

Studying nature, Gaudí saw that many natural forms are approximately ruled surfaces. In the church, we can observe combinations of these, especially in the interior space and attic.

Towers

Gaudí designed the church with 18 towers, of which 12 are dedicated to the apostles, 4 to the evangelists, and the remaining two towers represent the veneration of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

The basilica’s main tower is the Jesus Tower, which according to plans will rise above all others. It will be raised above the crossing and, at 170 meters tall, will be higher than the current tallest church spire, the tower of Ulm Cathedral. This height was chosen to be visible from afar.

Facades

The Nativity Facade opens to the east and is part of the World Heritage site. It depicts Jesus’s birth in rich detail and evokes classical Catalan architecture.

The Passion Facade is located on the western side. It’s a less ornate facade characterized by simplicity, clarity, transparency, and large shapes.

The Glory Facade was planned for the southern side but hasn’t been started yet. According to plans, it will have 21 columns and two chapels.

Interior

The interior height is very substantial: the side naves are 30 meters high, while the main and transept naves are 45 meters. The vault is supported by stone columns representing trees, which branch out at the top and merge into the ceiling.

The apse (semicircular section with the altar) contains seven chapels, which were made for joy and mourning. Here, the windows are decorated with natural motifs.

Crypt

Located under the apse, it’s in neo-Gothic style. Its floor plan is nearly circular, with an approximate area of 120 square meters, with seven chapels in a semicircle on its side. Opposite are three main chapels, each flanked by an additional chapel on both sides.

Mass is celebrated in the central chapel. To the right is the chapel of Our Lady of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia, and the Jesus Chapel with Josep Maria Bocabella i Verdaguers’ tomb. On the other side are the chapel of sacraments and the chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, where Antoni Gaudí rests.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Visiting Information

The Sagrada Família is open to tourists, with several ticket types available.

Both individual and guided tours are possible. For both, there are two ticket types: interior only, and interior + tower access.

An elevator takes you up the tower, but you must walk down the stairs. Therefore, the tower is not accessible for people with mobility issues. There are beautiful views of the city from the tower.

Entry is free for children under 11 years old.

Always buy tickets from the official website! Tickets usually sell out a few days in advance, so it’s worth buying early!

All information (opening hours, prices, online ticket purchase) can be found here!

More articles about Barcelona

Three days in Barcelona

Barcelona public transport: airports, ticket types, prices

A Sagrada Família – The unique artistic wonder bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.

Transportation between the airport and Barcelona

R2 train

The station can be reached on foot from Terminal 2. From the arrival terminal, just follow the train sign.

In the city center, you can transfer to the metro at Sants, Passeig de Gracia, and Clot stations.

The Hola Barcelona Travel Card, T-casual, and Barcelona Card are all valid for this train. It’s worth buying one of these at the airport or online, as the train ride will be free.

All tickets can be purchased from the vending machines at the train station. The city is divided into zones, with the airport in Zone 4.

Price: €4.90

The schedule can be found here!

Aerobus

Bus A1 runs from Terminal 1, and A2 from Terminal 2 to Placa de Catalunya stop. Both stop at Placa Espanya.

Tickets can be purchased at the Aerobus stop.

Price: €7.25 one-way, €12.25 return

Schedule and online ticket purchase can be found here!

Bus 46

Runs between Plaza Espanya and the airport, stopping at both T1 and T2 terminals.

T-casual and Hola Barcelona Travel Card are valid!

L9S metro

Stops at both Terminal 1 and 2, but doesn’t go to the city center. To reach the city center, transfer to the L1 metro at Torrassa station.

Requires a „Billet aeroport” ticket and is valid for transfers to other metro lines. Price: €5.70

T-casual is not valid, but Hola Barcelona Travel Card is.

The schedule can be found here!

Night bus (NitBus)

At night, NitBus runs between the airport and Placa de Catalunya, stopping at Placa Universitat and Placa Espanya.

Bus N17 runs to Terminal 1. Bus N18 serves both Terminal 1 and 2.

T-casual is valid, but Hola Barcelona Travel Card and Barcelona Card are not.

The schedule can be found here!

Barcelona city public transportation

Barcelona’s transportation is excellent, with 9 metro lines crisscrossing the city with numerous stops. There are several ticket options to choose from.

The city and its agglomeration are divided into six zones, but this isn’t relevant for tourists. All famous attractions are in Zone 1.

Travel is free for children under 4 years old!

Single ticket

Valid for only one trip without interruption. It’s really only worth it if you use the metro (except for metro line 9 to the airport) or bus only once a day.

Price: €2.65

Bus ticket

A single-trip ticket that can be purchased on the bus with a contactless bank card. This option is only available on TMB-operated buses!

Price: €2.65

T-casual

Can be used for 10 trips, available for all zones. Can only be used by one person!

For the single-zone ticket, you have 75 minutes between the first and last validation if you change lines or mode of transport. This time increases by 15 minutes per zone. So if you buy a six-zone ticket, it’s valid for 150 minutes.

Not valid for the L9 metro when accessing the airport!

Price for 1 zone: €12.55

T-familiar

Valid for 8 trips within 30 consecutive days from the first validation. Can be used by multiple people!

Available for all zones. Similar to T-casual, for the single-zone ticket, you have 75 minutes between the first and last validation if you change lines or mode of transport. This time increases by 15 minutes per zone.

Not valid for the L9 metro when accessing the airport!

Price for 1 zonet: €11.05

Day tickets

Multi-day passes are called Hola Barcelona Travel Card.

Available for 2 (48 hours), 3 (72 hours), 4 (96 hours), 5 (120 hours) days. Valid until the end of the time period in parentheses from the time of validation!

Valid for: metro (including L9S airport line), Rodalies de Catalunya train in zone 1, R2 train between airport and city center, FGC train in zone 1, TMB buses, Montjuïc funicular, tram.

Not valid for night buses and the Montjuic cable car!

Prices:

• 2 days: €18.10
• 3 days: €26.30
• 4 days: €34.40
• 5 days: €42.10

You can buy it online 10% cheaper (pick up at Placa de Catalunya tourist office or airport tourist information points).

All information can be found here!

You can find a route planner here!

More articles about Barcelona

Barcelona attractions

Three days in Barcelona

Sagrada Família – The unique artistic wonder

A Barcelona public transport: airport, ticket types, prices (2025) bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.

In part 1, I presented general information and museums, and in part 2, public buildings and parks!

Casa Vicens

I came here first, which gets less attention but deserves more. It’s located in a narrow side street, interesting how this colorful building stands among regular houses.

It consists of only two floors and a few rooms, but its interiors and balconies somehow increase its value. There’s a café in the courtyard, worth spending some time there.

With the entrance ticket, you get a 3 euro coupon that can be used in the local gift shop. Buying online is cheaper, but we can easily buy tickets on-site as well.

Casa Battló

One of Gaudí’s most famous residential buildings, always crowded whenever we go. Despite this, I was able to book online easily for the 2:30 PM slot at 2:22 PM. Plus, the ticket is more expensive on-site.

Visitors are admitted in stages to avoid crowding inside. At the entrance, they give you an audio guide, and in the rooms, the appropriate text starts automatically (available in several languages, unfortunately not in Hungarian). We can stay inside for as long as we want.

I won’t write separately about the wonderful interiors because you have to see them in person. For me, perhaps the most beautiful part is going down, the chain section by the stairs. It’s incredible how creative Gaudí was!

And at the end comes the Gaudí Cube. Visitors are led into a room where we can watch a few minutes of 3D presentation. This must be experienced, it’s such a great experience!

What also needs to be highlighted is that in the evening, every half hour, they project a few minutes of colorful show on the building facade. You must watch it once, it’s very spectacular.

Casa Milá

I went after Casa Batlló, bought the ticket online a few days in advance. There are fewer people here and it doesn’t give as much of an experience after Batlló. Although I don’t mean to say it’s not worth coming!

Here too we get an audio guide, which we start based on room numbers. The building can be freely explored, and since there’s no crowd, you can easily spend time everywhere.

Here, the rooftop terrace is what makes the entrance fee most worthwhile. We can see various shapes from the chimneys, and there’s even a great view of the Sagrada Família.

Palau Güell

It’s at the beginning of a side street off La Rambla, easily incorporated into any program. And it’s not necessary to buy the ticket in advance, I bought it on-site.

Similar to Casa Batlló, this also impressed me. Especially the main hall, where everyone stood for several minutes and stared at the tall, domed room. And let’s look above our heads too, because the ceiling is wonderful in several rooms: the carvings and decorations are magnificent.

The roof, like other Gaudí buildings, is ornate and we can see various shapes.

Güell Park

It was the last sight on the last day, a walk in the park was just right as a cool-down.

I bought a timed ticket here (2:30 PM), but they let me in easily 10 minutes before. Many people only look at the two houses at the entrance level and the lizard stairs, maybe the viewpoint above. But the park is huge, you can walk several kilometers and see special structures everywhere.

I went all the way to the top, where there’s a great view from the Casa Trias building. It’s worth spending a few hours in the park and wandering around.

Torres Bellesguard

Perhaps this is the least known Gaudí building, as it’s on the edge of the city, close to CosmoCaixa. However, these two together are definitely worth the time.

There’s a guided tour of the building every 30 minutes, you can only visit with a guide. Of course, I arrived at 10:35, so I had to wait. The park part is, to put it mildly, not impressive, but the interior of the building and the rooftop terrace make up for it.

We get an audio guide, which we start at specific locations, so the guide is mostly just a supervisor. 🙂

Sagrada Família

And I saved the most beautiful for last. Actually, it was my second to last sight: I deliberately bought a ticket for a nice weather day to ensure the view from the tower would be perfect.

There’s always a huge crowd, and at the entrance, there’s an airport-like security check. After that, we can go anywhere inside and stay as long as we want. It’s magnificent from the outside, but the inside! I spent a lot of time inside, even sat on a bench for about 15 minutes to enjoy the view.

There’s a regular ticket, which is only for the church, and there’s a ticket that includes a visit to one of the towers. We can choose between two towers: Nativity and Passion. I was in the former, fortunately there was a smaller queue there. Because you can go up with a small elevator for a few people, I waited about 20 minutes, and in an extremely drafty place. It’s not a bad idea to bring a sweater, quite a few people were shivering while queuing.

After getting off the elevator, you have to go down individually, meanwhile you can take your time and stare at the church’s decorations and the view through the openings.

It’s worth buying tickets at least a week in advance because there are hardly any free slots in the days before. You need to choose separate times for entering the church and the tower.

Sagrada Família in TikTok video

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In part 1, I provided general information and presented the main museums, and in part 3, I will write about Gaudí’s works!

Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

The importance of this former hospital lies not in its history, but in its buildings. The main building visible from the street is already outstanding, but the inner courtyard reveals its true face.

We can learn about the hospital’s past, but it’s the domes and roof sections of the buildings that are a must-see. They are so ornate, as if covered with colorful tiles. I spent about an hour here. It’s worth sitting on a bench and admiring the buildings.

Arc de Triomf

The promenade leading to Ciudadela Park starts here; it’s a great structure for photography. It’s definitely worth starting your walk here and enjoying the screeching of parrots. 🙂

Ciutadella Park

Barcelona’s „City Park” where the Catalan Parliament building can also be seen.

The center of the green area is a large fountain, with a beautiful structure and an equestrian statue above it. There’s also a lake where you can go boating.

If we go further, we reach a garden, and on its left side, we see the Parliament. The southern part of the park belongs to the zoo, and beyond that is the beach.

Old Town

The old town area is La Rambla and its surroundings, all the way to Ciutadella Park, where you can find alleys and streets with a good atmosphere.

On the side of the cathedral, there’s a charming Gothic arch, the El Pont del Bisbe. Although it’s just a small part connecting two buildings, it’s worth walking to see it.

I should also mention the columns remaining from Roman rule, found in a small courtyard called Temple d’August. It’s really interesting how three columns just stand there on their own.

Below, I highlight several notable sights separately.

Cathedral

This wonderful church is the center of the old town, always crowded. It’s no wonder, as even its exterior is impressive. I especially liked its ornate portal.

Standing in front, you can buy tickets on the left side. Unfortunately, I didn’t go inside because I didn’t have much time, but if it’s as beautiful inside as it is outside, it’s definitely worth visiting!

Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

We can enter this other beautiful church in the old town for free. I took advantage of this, sitting down one evening for some contemplation.

The interior is much more beautiful than the exterior: the huge ceiling height and beautiful colors create a very good overall impression.

It’s definitely worth popping in here for at least a few minutes!

Plaça de Sant Jaume

I also walked to this square a few minutes from the cathedral, where two impressive buildings stand. One of these is the city hall, the other is the Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of the Catalan government. It’s an atmospheric square, let’s stop by during our old town walk!

La Rambla

I don’t think I need to go into much detail about this. Barcelona’s main pedestrian street, with lots of vendors and people.

Strangely, it doesn’t offer anything extra for me. It’s a straight street lined with trees, but nothing fascinating beyond that. Regardless, of course, you should definitely walk along it once!

Plaça Reial

Along La Rambla, this is an iconic square with a beautiful fountain in the center.

It’s a very atmospheric, enclosed square with tall palm trees, restaurants, and cafes. This is more of a sight to see than La Rambla.

Mercado de La Boqueria

You can’t leave Barcelona without popping into a market. La Boqueria is the most touristy market, so it’s always crowded.

You see almost only tourists here, no wonder it’s along La Rambla. That’s why it’s not so authentic; I myself only visited once, even though I’ve been to the city three times.

If you want to see a truly local market, I recommend Mercat de Sant Antoni. There are fewer people, and many locals shop there.

Columbus Monument (Monument a Colom)

At the end of La Rambla is the tall statue of the famous explorer. This closes off the pedestrian street at the southern end.

The statue also functions as a viewpoint. I didn’t go up, as there are many viewpoints in the city and there are much better ones.

Poble Espanyol

A few minutes’ walk from the National Museum of Catalonia is this open-air museum, where we can see replicas of many Spanish buildings.

I visited here on a Tuesday early afternoon, there were quite few people. It actually consists of a few streets and a large square, but there are indeed many beautiful buildings. There are also cafes and restaurants, it’s a very atmospheric and peaceful place for a little rest.

It wasn’t on the list of must-do programs, but I absolutely didn’t regret visiting here. It’s worth taking a close look at the buildings to see which original they’re replicating.

Olympic Stadium

From Poble Espanyol towards the hilltop is the stadium, which is currently the home of FC Barcelona due to the renovation of Camp Nou. Otherwise, it was one of the main venues of the 1992 Olympics.

Open gates welcome you, part of the stadium is freely accessible. There’s also a cafe, although the stadium is in quite a run-down state, so I skipped having coffee here…

Barceloneta

Barcelona’s beach area, which for me is one of the best urban beaches. Wide sandy area with beautiful panorama, many cafes, and many people resting and doing sports.

It’s about 2 km long section, bordered by a palm-lined promenade, no wonder it’s a popular part of the city. I also walked along it slowly, enjoying the sunshine.

Plaça d’Espanya

One of the city’s important junctions, from where we can also see the National Museum of Catalonia. The square is actually a roundabout, with an impressive statue in the middle.

What many people don’t know is that there’s also a great viewpoint here. On the northern part of the square, you can see a former arena that is now a shopping center (Arenas de Barcelona). Its roof is an excellent open viewpoint with a 360-degree panorama, so we can see all parts of the city. From the outside, we can go straight up with an elevator, but this is paid. Inside the mall, the escalator and elevator are free.

It’s worth walking from the square to the National Museum, it’s about a five-minute walk.

A Three days in Barcelona – part 2: public spaces, main buildings bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.

Let me state right away: even three full days weren’t enough, despite exploring the city all day. Not because Barcelona covers a large area (we only need to travel more to a few sights), but because there are so many buildings and attractions.

In part 2, I’ll write about public buildings and places, and in part 3 about Gaudí’s works!

Barcelona Card

This card is the best for those who use public transport and want to visit several museums. You can save a lot of euros with it; I saved 85 euros.

Entry is free to more than 20 museums (including the Picasso Museum), and discounted to many others. Additionally, public transport is free, including the train and metro between the airport and the city center.

We can buy it online in advance, making it even cheaper. You need to present the received receipt at the pickup point, where you get two cards: a Hola Barcelona Travel Card and a Barcelona Card. The former is for public transport, the latter for museums. Both are valid from the first use.

There are cards valid for 72, 96, and 120 hours, with discounted prices for ages 4-12. You can buy it here and check where we can use and pick up the cards.

I picked mine up at the airport tourist desk, it took just a minute. It’s located in the arrival hall, marked with a Turisme de Barcelona sign.

Even in free museums, you need to ask for a ticket and mention that you have a Barcelona Card. You need to touch the card to a sensor and get a 0 euro ticket before entering. (They ask which country you’re from everywhere, they need it for statistics.)

Transportation

Wizz Air and Ryanair flights arrive at Terminal T2, from where you can get to the city by train or metro. The stops are next to each other, follow the train pictogram from the airport hall, it’s easily reachable with a few minutes walk.

I took the R2 train, which stops at several places: Sants, Passeig del Grácia (this is the direct city center, 30 minutes journey), El Clot. You can transfer to the metro at each of these places. The L9 metro also has a stop here, right next to the train station.

Otherwise, transportation in Barcelona is extremely simple. There are more than 10 metro lines and several railway lines, with plenty of transfer options. I dare say it’s one of the best-networked cities in the world.

However, be prepared that metro transfers sometimes require minutes of walking and climbing stairs multiple times. The many transfers are like a little workout. 🙂

It’s worth buying the aforementioned Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which can be used for the airport train, metros, buses (except those marked N), and the Montjuic funicular. (Available in 48, 72, 96, and 120-hour formats).

Museums

Picasso Museum

If you want to visit only one or two museums, this should definitely be one of them! I don’t think Picasso’s name needs much introduction.

You can see his works in several rooms: not only the well-known, characteristic avant-garde creations but also ceramics, for example. When I was there, we could also see Joan Miró’s works (if I remember correctly, they have a joint exhibition for a few months).

I asked for a ticket on-site, and you can enter the museum right away. Entry is free with the Barcelona Card.

Casa Amatller

Located right next to Casa Batlló, but the „neighbor” distracts attention from this house. However, it’s worth visiting this one too.

It can only be visited with a guide; you can buy tickets at the reception. We get an audio guide to hear information about the rooms in a chosen language. They pay great attention to the cleanliness of the house; you need to put on shoe covers before entering.

The rooms, halls, and the artifacts in them are very beautiful. Amatller was a wealthy chocolate manufacturer, and the frescoes, carvings, paintings, various objects all attest to this. The ceiling is especially noteworthy, with beautiful patterns in several places.

Entry is discounted with the Barcelona Card.

Catalan National Museum (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya)

An iconic building of Barcelona, with a magnificent view from the front. We can see Mount Tibidabo opposite, and the two red towers of Torres Venecianes in the foreground.

But the interior of the museum is also beautiful; sometimes I felt like I was in a converted church. The central space is a huge domed hall where a monumental organ can be seen.

Of course, we can see many Catalan creations (paintings, sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, posters, etc.), and you can spend hours here if you want to thoroughly view the exhibition.

Entry is free with the Barcelona Card.

CosmoCaixa

It’s located a bit outside the city center: I traveled from Plaça Catalunya to the end station of metro L7, from there it was about a 7-8 minute walk (but there’s also a bus, number 196). It’s a perfect program especially for children.

It’s a multi-story building with a garden area, where many branches of science are presented interactively: earth history, astronomy, physics, etc.

I found it interesting too, but as I mentioned, it’s mainly designed for children. There were several school classes there, and as I saw, every child really enjoyed it. Interactivity is the key to all this…

Entry is free with the Barcelona Card.

Frederic Marès Museum

For me, this was one of the biggest positive surprises. If I hadn’t had a Barcelona Card (with which entry is free), I probably wouldn’t have gone in…

It’s located next to the cathedral, with the entrance opening from a small courtyard. It has several floors, and if you want to thoroughly explore it, plan for a few hours because there are lots of beautiful sights.

The creations are arranged thematically: sculptures, frescoes, religious objects, fans, ceramics, and much more.

Joan Miró Museum (Fundació Joan Miró)

This modern art museum is on Montjuic hill, not far from the Olympic Stadium. Entry is free with the Barcelona Card. The 150 bus starting from Plaça Espanya has a stop nearby (this bus takes you up to the castle at the top of Montjuic).

Its namesake is the painter born in the city, whose creations greatly resemble Picasso’s. These few works also confirm this:

Chocolate Museum (Museu de la Xocolata)

Near Ciutadella Park, we find the chocolate museum, which is a separate room of a café.

You need to ask for the ticket at the counter, which is a piece of chocolate. We can enter the museum with the QR code on the packaging. After entering, we can eat it; it’s not needed to exit.

In reality, it can be explored in 10-15 minutes: chocolate creations in display cases, tools used for making chocolate, and a video about chocolate making. It’s a great experience especially for kids, although I also clicked my tongue at some creations.

Entry is free with the Barcelona Card.

Museum of Design (Museu del Disseny de Barcelona)

There’s an exhibition of Spanish applied arts creations on several floors. It’s not a popular museum; there were maybe three people including me. It’s located at the Glòries metro stop on the L1 line.

I’m not saying it’s not worth coming here, but if you only want to see a few museums, it can be skipped. However, the view is very beautiful in the evening, as the red-blue Torre Glòries rises right next to it. You can take good pictures.

Entry is free with the Barcelona Card.

What Can Be Skipped

I have to mention that there are a few museums where I would have cried if I had to pay for entry. All the listed museums are free with the Barcelona Card.

CCCB and MACBA are located next to each other. These are modern contemporary art museums where we can see „interesting” creations. Maybe the problem is with me, but somehow I couldn’t appreciate most of it. The best was a twig that I couldn’t interpret no matter how I looked at it.

The Egyptian Museum (Museu Egipci de Barcelona) near Casa Batlló is a good exhibition, but it’s quite small compared to the 12 euro entry fee. There are three small rooms (basement, ground floor, first floor), and it can actually be explored in a quarter of an hour.

El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria is next to Ciutadella Park, where the former ruins of the city are. The exhibition is in a large covered hall, actually showing former walls and foundations. Nothing special.

The Ethnological Museum (Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món) is next to the Catalan National Museum. As the name suggests, it presents local culture and folklore. I’m not saying you should avoid it, but it might not be worth coming just for this.

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Sagrada Família – The unique artistic wonder

A Three days in Barcelona – part 1: general information and museums bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.

Spain’s second-largest city is situated on the Mediterranean coast, south of the Pyrenees and the French border. Its football team, FC Barcelona, is one of the most famous and popular clubs in the world.

Barcelona attractions

La Sagrada Familia

One of the most famous churches in the world, it is expected to be completed by 2026. In 2010, the Pope consecrated the Church of the Holy Family as a basilica.

Its interesting appearance is a true architectural masterpiece. It’s worth seeing even for those who do not want to visit churches. You can go up to two of its towers, both offering beautiful views of the city.

The construction of the church was the idea of a local bookseller, and much of the work was overseen by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. He dedicated the end of his life to the construction of the Sagrada Familia. He is buried in the crypt of the church.

All information (ticket prices, opening hours, etc.) can be found here!

Access: take metro lines 1 or 5 to the Sagrada Familia stop.

Sagrada Família – The unique artistic wonder

Park Güell

Gaudi’s other futuristic work besides the Sagrada Familia. The park features gaudy buildings and sculptures, and Gaudi himself lived here.

The park was built between 1900 and 1914 and officially opened as a public park in 1926. In 1984, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site under the category „Works of Gaudi”.

The park also offers great views of the city, and the unique creations make it worth entering. Famous are the two „gingerbread houses” at the entrance and the lizard statue next to the staircase.

It’s recommended to buy your ticket online in advance, as it is a very popular place and tickets are often not available on-site!

Information and ticket purchase can be found here!

Access: take bus 116 from the Juanic metro station to the Park Güell stop.

Cathedral (Catedral de Barcelona)

Located in the city center, the Gothic cathedral is where you can see the Catalan dance called Sardana on Sundays at noon.

Construction began in 1298 and lasted for over 150 years, completing in the mid-15th century. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, one of Barcelona’s patron saints, and houses her remains.

There are free visiting periods; information can be found here!

Access: take metro line 4 to Jaume I stop.

Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral

Not far from the Cathedral, in the El Born district, this Gothic church is equally impressive.

Its interior is adorned with tall, colorful stained glass windows that create beautiful light effects. Another special feature is that it was built by the members of the community themselves, which also played a significant role in the city’s history.

Access: take metro line 4 to Jaume I stop.

La Rambla

The 1300-meter-long pedestrian street is world-famous, stretching between Placa Catalunya square and the seaside.

You can see many vendors and performers here; it’s a must-see attraction in Barcelona. From the street, many small streets and alleys branch off; it’s worth wandering here during the day.

Palau Güell

Located on a street branching off from La Rambla, this Gaudi building was designed for the Catalan count, Eusebi Güell.

What makes the building remarkable is that a mansion had to be created in a small space, which was successfully accomplished. From the stables in the basement to the spacious main floor where Eusebi Güell and his family lived, the building is full of uniquely designed rooms.

One of the most notable parts of the building is the roof, where Gaudi used his famous „trencadís” technique, creating colorful chimneys from broken tile and ceramic pieces, which have become iconic elements of the Barcelona skyline. There are great views from here.

All information (ticket prices, opening hours, etc.) can be found here!

Placa Reial

Also accessed via an alley off La Rambla, the Royal Square features numerous restaurants and bars, and the square is enlivened by palm trees and a fountain.

Columbus Monument

At the seaside end of La Rambla stands the statue, accessible by an elevator, offering a beautiful view from the top.

Tickets can be purchased online at a lower price.

Access: take metro line 3 to the Drassanes stop.

La Boqueria

This large market is located on the La Rambla pedestrian street. It’s definitely worth entering for the fantastic food and drinks available. Closed on Sundays!

Access: take metro line 3 to the Liceu stop.

Santa Caterina Market (Mercat de Santa Caterina)

Another great market, but much more authentic. Locals shop here, and you can find plenty of meat and seafood.

Access: take metro line 4 to the Jaume I stop, then walk 300 meters.

Casa Milà

Also known as La Pedrera (The Quarry), it is one of Antoni Gaudi’s most famous residential buildings.

The building practically summarizes his life’s work: here he most perfectly realizes the fusion of nature and architecture. It looks like a rugged, cave-riddled mountain.

Night visits are possible, offering a spectacular view of the illuminated city center from the roof.

All information (ticket prices, opening hours, etc.) can be found here!

Access: take metro lines 3 or 5 to the Diagonal stop.

Casa Batlló

Known as the House of Bones, it was built for a middle-class family between 1904 and 1906.

Gaudi essentially transformed an existing residential building, keeping its structure intact while redesigning the balconies and adding a new roof and floors.

Inside, there are no straight lines or sharp edges, only organic forms. Casa Batlló is one of the most harmonious examples of Gaudi’s Art Nouveau style.

All information (ticket prices, opening hours, etc.) can be found here!

Access: take metro lines 2, 3, or 4 to the Passeig de Gracia stop.

Casa Amatller

The building next to Casa Batlló is less visited but equally stunning inside and out.

It was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch for the industrialist and chocolatier Antoni Amatller, with construction taking place between 1898 and 1900.

After Amatller’s death in 1910, the house remained the home of his daughter until her death in 1960. Due to continuous ownership by the Amatller family, the house’s interior furnishings from the 1900s have been preserved to this day.

Casa Amatller is one of the key examples of Catalan Modernism, combining Gothic and Flemish architectural elements.

The walls and ceilings are decorated with frescoes, mosaics, and carvings depicting various themes such as family and industry. The ceilings in several rooms feature beautiful patterns. It’s worth looking up in every room.

The house can be visited with a tour guide. All information is available on the official website!

Casa Vicens

Gaudi’s magical early masterpiece, blending Mediterranean lifestyle with the bold lines of Catalan Modernism.

Built between 1883 and 1888, it was commissioned by Manuel Vicens i Montaner, a wealthy tile manufacturer. Vicens had a dual purpose for the house: as a residence and to showcase the unique azulejo products from his factory.

This building displays the architectural concepts that Gaudi would later adopt, such as the exaggeration of colors and the representation of plant motifs, particularly evident in the interiors.

All information (ticket prices, opening hours, etc.) can be found here!

Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

One of Barcelona’s most significant Modernist monuments, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Originally functioned as a hospital, and was one of the oldest healthcare institutions in the world. Its uniqueness lies in its architectural style. The complex consists of several pavilions, each richly decorated with tiles, sculptures, and stained glass windows.

A large room is set up as an old hospital room, allowing visitors to see what such an institution looked like in the past.

All information (ticket prices, opening hours, etc.) can be found here!

Access: take metro line 5 to the Sant Pau | Dos de Maig stop.

Aquarium

Located in the seaside area, not far from La Rambla, Barcelona’s aquarium is the largest in Europe.

Its special feature is an 80-meter-long underwater tunnel where rays, sharks, and numerous other species swim above the heads of visitors in six million liters of water.

All information (ticket prices, opening hours, etc.) can be found here!

Access: take bus V17 to the Port Vell stop.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Barcelona’s most famous park houses several attractions: the Catalan Parliament, a zoo, and the Natural History Museum.

Its most beautiful part is the Cascada Monumental fountain, topped with winged lions and horse-drawn carriages, with fiery dragons emerging below.

The park is filled with orange, magnolia, and oleander trees, and many parrots can be seen.

Access: take metro line 4 to the Ciutadella/Vila Olimpica stop.

Arc de Triomf

A few minutes’ walk from Parc de la Ciutadella along a palm-lined promenade stands this triumphal arch.

Unlike other triumphal arches, this one was not erected to celebrate a military victory but to honor the arts and sciences.

Access: take metro line 1 to the Arc de Triomf stop.

Terrace of Catalan National Museum

The terrace in front of Barcelona’s most significant museum offers a great view, making it a must-visit.

You can reach it via the steps next to the Font Magica de Montjuic fountain, and the panorama is worth the climb.

Access: a 350-meter walk from Espanya metro station.

Montjuic Castle (Castell de Montjuic)

The castle on top of Montjuic hill offers one of the best viewpoints in the city.

Originally built for defensive purposes to oversee the city and harbor, in the 20th century, the castle was used as a military prison and execution site during the Spanish Civil War.

The building itself may not offer much, but many visit for the views from the castle walls.

All information can be found here!

Access: take bus 150 from Espanya metro station.

Transbordador Aeri del Port Cable Car

The cable car runs between the seaside and Montjuic Hill. The route is approximately 1.3 kilometers long, and the entire journey takes about 10 minutes. It offers a wonderful view along the way and is definitely worth the ride!

Public transport tickets are not valid!

Schedule and ticket prices can be found here!

Access: take bus V15 or V19 to the Pg Joan de Borbó – Pl del Mar stop.

Tibidabo

Rising 512 meters above the city, this hill offers the best view of Barcelona.

On the hill stands the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor), which offers beautiful views from its top. The church’s crypt is also worth mentioning. Entry to the church and the crypt is free!

There is an amusement park (Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo) here. While not modern, it is a great entertainment option for children. Opening hours and ticket purchases can be found on the official website.

The TV tower, Torre de Collserola, also functions as a lookout. You can go up to the 10th floor, making it the highest viewpoint in Barcelona. Opening hours and ticket prices can be found on the official website.

Access: summarized here along with ticket prices.

• Take the S1 or S2 train to the Peu del Funicular station, then take the Vallvidrera funicular, followed by bus 111. All are free with public transport tickets.
• Take the T2A bus (Tibibus) from Placa Catalunya. A separate ticket is required.

Barceloneta

The city’s beach is within easy walking distance from the city center.

The nearly 2 km long sandy beach is always filled with people relaxing, sunbathing, or engaging in sports. Along the promenade, there are many bars and restaurants.

Torre Bellesguard

Another Gaudi creation, less visited because it is not in the immediate city center.

The building was constructed on the ruins of a 15th-century castle once used by King Martin of Aragon. Inspired by the historic site, Gaudi designed it combining Gothic and Modernist elements. The building was constructed between 1900 and 1909.

The iconic tower, Torre Bellesguard, rises from one corner of the base, emphasizing the structure’s verticality with Gaudi’s straight, vertical lines.

The roof is itself a work of art, featuring characteristic Gaudi-style tiles and decorative elements, resembling a dragon. The view from here is also very beautiful.

It can be visited with a guide. All information is available on the official website!

Access: take bus 196 to the Bellesguard-Josep Canaleta stop.

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A Barcelona attractions bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.