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Montserrat is a multi-peaked mountain range near Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain. It is part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range.
Barcelona
City Sights and Attractions
Welcome to the city of Gaudi, beaches and Messi! One of the major international cities of Europe, and the largest with a world class beach.
Whether you are here for a few hours, days or weeks, whether you like to beat your rhythm to flamenco, or chill under a palm tree with vermouth, there really is something for everyone.
To talk about the main sights of the city we will divide it into two main sections: simply Old City Vs New City.
If you are looking for history round every corner and authentic tapas bars, come join us as we lead you through the winding streets of the 2000 year old Gothic Quarter.
If art, Gaudi and beaches is more your thing, join the hustle and bustle of the new city dominated by the spectacular Sagrada Familia.
Best seen on foot, the old city comprises of Raval, El Born and most notably the Gothic Quarter. These districts are filled to the brim with history and culture, and we will take you through everything there is to see from the Roman era all the way to the present today. Whether you are looking for the world famous street of Las Ramblas, the colourful La Boqueria market or the gothic cathedral, the old city is the place to go.
Keep heading north up Las Ramblas and you will get to Placa Catalunya. Up until the 19th century, this is where the city ended. With the huge amount of money the industrial revolution brough in, Barcelona was able to afford an upgrade designed by brilliant architects, such as Gaudi, and so the new city was born. If you are looking for La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and all things Gaudi, this is the place for you. For this part of town, we would recommend going on bike.
So strap is as we take you through one of Europe’s most popular cities, and show you everything there is to see with handy local tips along the way. Your Barcelona adventure begins now!
The Catalan Art Museum....
Gaudi's spectacular Casa Mila....
Stunning views from Monjuic........
The church at Tibidabo........

Barcelona City Sights
Welcome to Barcelona; the city of Gaudi, tapas and Messi! One of the major international cities of Europe, and the largest with a world class beach home to internationally famous nightlife.
Whether you are here for a few hours, days or weeks, whether you like to beat your rhythm to flamenco, or chill under a palm tree with a sparkling cava, there really is something for everyone.
To talk about the main sights of the city we will divide it into two main sections: simply the historic Old City Vs the artsy New City. If you are looking for history round every corner and authentic tapas bars, come join us as we lead you through the winding streets of the 2000 year old Gothic Quarter.
If art, Gaudi and beaches is more your thing, join the hustle and bustle of the new city dominated by the spectacular Sagrada Familia.
""If art, Gaudi and beaches is more your thing, join the hustle and bustle of the new city dominated by the spectacular Sagrada Familia. "
Best seen on foot, the old city comprises of Raval, El Born and most notably the Gothic Quarter. These districts are filled to the brim with history and culture, and we will take you through everything there is to see from the Roman era all the way to the toyday’s palm tree clad Placa Reial. Whether you are looking for the world famous street of Las Ramblas, the colourful La Boqueria market or the gothic cathedral, the old city is the place to go. Then at night join the fiesta as we grab some paella, drink some sangria and party all night long!
Keep heading north up Las Ramblas and you will get to Placa Catalunya. Up until the 19th century, this is where the city ended. With the huge amount of money the industrial revolution brought in, Barcelona was able to afford an upgrade designed by brilliant architects, such as Gaudi, and so the new city was born. If you are looking for La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and all things Gaudi, this is the place for you.
The new city is also an art lovers paradise, compromising of everything from the greats of Picasso, Dali and Miro to the modern graffiti by the beach. Not only this, but it is of course also home to the greatest football team on earth! FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou is up in the new town along with the Olympic stadium, and Barcelona’s other team Espanyol. We will take you through how to visit and even get tickets to this Mecca of the beautiful game.
So strap is as we take you through one of Europe’s most popular cities, and show you everything there is to see with handy local tips along the way. Your Barcelona adventure begins now!
Scroll down for more...
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar....
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Pi....
The Catalan Art Museum...
The Catalan History Museum...
The stunning sculptures of Park Guell.......
Beachside Restaurants........
The windows of Casa Balto........
The fountains in Ciutadella Park...…..
The vineyards of Catalonia........
The iconic Gothic Cathedral........
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar......
A performance at Liceu Theatre....
Plaza Reial by Night......
The Temple of Ceasar Augustus.....
The arches of the Palau Güell......
Inside the Picasso Museum.......
Santa Catarina Food Market....
Looking out across Plaza Espanya........
The narrow alleys of the Gothic Qauter......
The Parliament building in Plaza Jaume......
Dining out in the Gothic Qauter........
AN evening meal in Port Olympic......
The Gothic Qauter by Night........
The iconic Arch de Triomfe........
Looking up at Casa Balto......
Lorem ipsum dolor........

The Old Town
The old city is much smaller than you might think at first. Most of it is pedestrianised, and it is very easy to get lost in for a newcomer. It is, therefore, best seen on foot. If you are here for only a few hours or one day, this is the place for you! This is where the heart of Barcelona is, condensed into one small area. The main Cathedral, Placa Reial, Placa del Rei and La Boqueria Market, all lie within a stones throw of each other.
Of course, one of the most favourite activities in the old town then is to simply get lost. Wind your way around the cobbled streets and see for yourselves all the history that it has to offer. You can spend hours weaving your way through and stumbling upon historical monuments, churches and famous sites.
"The gothic quarter isn’t just great in the day, it is also a fantastic place to visit at night!"
The gothic quarter isn’t just great in the day, it is also a fantastic place to visit at night! It is home to world famous tapas bars, that house everything from pinchos to vermouth. You could spend years going round all the different bars and experiencing their own unique flavour.
There are a lot of bars and paella restaurants situated on Las Ramblas itself, but as our insider tip we would say to try to avoid these as many are pre made. Twist your way into the Gothic Quarter and find some more authentic ones for yourself.
However, there are over 7000 different restaurants and bars in the city, so with your special couple days of holiday we understand the importance of making sure you get exactly the right places! Nobody wants one of their few meals in Barcelona to be in one of the many tourist traps!
Therefore, if you click here we have a bars and restaurant section to help suggest which we think are some of the best ones. Though, of course we are yet to try all the city has to offer, so if you find a great one that isn’t on our list, please do contact us so we can try it for ourselves!
However, there is no need to panic. When it comes to paella and tapas there are a couple of very quick and easy rules to follow to make sure you always hit the right places.
Firstly, Paella itself is a dish that originates from Valencia. It historically is rice with any local meats; by the sea, seafood, and inland, pork, chicken or rabbit. Most places in Barcelona serve it, but by following these 3 rules you should find that the paella is great!
- The Paella must take 20-25 minutes minimum from the time you order it to the time it is on your plate. If it is ready in any less time than this, it is reheated and you should send it back! You want a fresh Paella that is made specially for you!
- The paella should arrive to you in a pan. If it arrives to you on a plate, alarm bells should go off! Remember, reheated rice and seafood can really ruin you holiday! If it is made in a pan, it is probably made for you. In the more fancier places they will show you the pan, in much the same way as they would a bottle of wine, and from here they will then put the paella on a plate.
- The paella should be a soft golden colour, and potentially even a little burnt. The burn is only a good thing, as it means it has properly caramelised. If the paella is a very bright yellow, it means they have used food colouring and not saffron.
Second, now let’s have a look at tapas. Tapas is so regularly portrayed outside of Spain as some sort of starter or prelude to the main meal. This could not be further from the idea in Spain. The basis with tapas historically is it would come on a lid (or “una tapa”) on top of your beer, wine or sangria. You would then eat the food and have your drink. This meant the tapas meal was spread over many hours as you were out drinking with your friends. The concept of tapas is that it is small portions (lids) of many different foods that you share and eat with your friends over the course of a whole evening.
One of the most famous of these is to have what is called “Pinchos”. These may originate from the Basque Country but are now a total Barcelona favourite. Best described as “food with a stick in it”, the idea is you go from bar to bar having a drink and a pincho or two in each spot. Then at the end, you pay around 1€ per stick.
TOP TIP: Amongst locals, the most popular sport to enjoy pinchos is a street in Poble Sec called ‘Carrer de Blai’.
With your meal you will also of course want to experience the local wine, cava and vermouth. The Penedes region is the wine growing region just outside of Barcelona. If you are wishing to experience the local wines, this is what you should be looking for on the menu or bottle.
Each Destination of Origin (DO) in Spain has a unique flavour. While Rioja may be the most famous with its gorgeous, deep reds, Penedes on the other hand, has its summer whites and world renowned cavas. Barcelona has a temperate Mediterranean climate, that unlike in Galicia with its strong Atlantic winds which leads to thick skinned grapes, leads to a thin skinned grape such as Xarello.
For more information about wines of the region, please visit our local vineyard page. Here
One of the great joys of the gothic quarter is it is not just beautiful in the day, but truly stunning at night. Some of the pictures you can take at night make it look like you have gone back in time! If you head to Placa Sant Felip Neri or the cursed Liceu Theatre at night, you can really get a sense of feeling the past come alive.
With these spooky gothic locations, of course have sprung legends and ghostly stories. There are all kinds of creepy ubran myths, but also some truly disgusting stories such as the very real Vampire of Raval. Click Here to learn more about the ghosts and legends of Barcelona.
Notable Historic Buildings in The Old Town
Catedral de Barcelona
The main cathedral is a neo gothic masterpiece, situated just off Placa Nova, next to the old roman wall. Inside there is a crypt to one of the city’s patron saints, Santa Eulalia. It is a beautiful crypt with 13 white geese inside, all representing her 13 virgin years on earth before she became a martyr to her faith. The cathedral’s façade shows off all kinds of stunning architecture, in a typically European Gothic way. Piercing the heavens with its jaggerdy form and both sinner and saint are depicted in gargoyle form. Each part of the Cathedral is from a different age, ranging from post roman all the way up to the 1890s, so in one building alone can you see the entire history of the city.
Catedral de Santa Maria del Mar
Head on down to the south end of the very trendy born district and you will hit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar. Arguably the most beautiful cathedral in the old city, dating all the way back to the 14th century. Not only is the inside a beautiful old cathedral, the outside is surrounded by many bars and cafes to sit in the sun and marvel at its fantastic architecture. It is only a short walk from Jaume I metro station and the main train station of Franca.
Liceu Theatre
Liceu Theatre is a the main theatre in the city, dating back to 1847. Situated right on Las Ramblas, only meters from Liceu Metro station on the green line. Liceu Theatre not only has some fantastic theatre and opera on, but also is a historical site in itself. It has been burnt down twice and blown up once, leading it to be seen as cursed and haunted! Because of this you will see many ghost tours outside throughout the evening. If you are looking for whats on at the theatre or tickets to a show, please Click Here.
La Boqueria Market
Half way down La Rambla, on the Raval side, right next to Liceu Metro station on the green line you will come to the famous gates of La Boqueria Market. This is the oldest market is in Barcelona, and once would have been the other side of the river, which now is Las Ramblas itself. Originally where you would have sold your sheep for over 1000 years, it is now the most popular market in town. La Boqueria Market is super colourful and filled to the brim with life. Whether you choose to shop for some saffron, take photos of the colourful fruit and seafood or try some tapas, there is something everyone will love at the Boqueria.
Temple of Caesar Augustus
Notoriously difficult to find, the Temple of Caesar Augustus is a prime example why a walking tour may well be the way forward. In itself it is the remains of what was the largest temple in the city during the Roman occupation of the first century. The temple is not just an amazing piece of Roman architecture, it also has the added feature of being now placed inside a modern day block of flats. This remarkable site is something to see! Sometimes you will even see the locals popping their head out the window or doing their washing as you gaze upon the temple. As we said, is quite hard to find, but the temple is inside a building that lies between Placa del Rel and Placa Sant Jaume.
Cathedral Santa Maria del Pi
The Cathedral Santa Maria del Pi is another beautiful cathedral in the Gothic Quarter. It is home to a famous pine tree, which gives name to the church, and also the second largest rose window in Europe! Not only this, but inside they regularly play Spanish Guitar concerts. Cathedral Santa Maria del Pi is in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. It is a short walk from La Rambla and Liceu metro station, on the green line. It is also right next door to Travellers Nest bar, so why not pop on in and see what activities and tours their staff have going on today!
The Ancient Synagogue
The Ancient Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the city and was not rediscovered till the last 20th century. Not only is the Synagogue a wonderful place of worship, it also has huge historical influence. It has survived many regrettable periods of Spanish history including the inquisition and dictatorships. The Ancient Synagogue is in the Jewish Quarter of the Gothic Quarter (El Call). It is another one that is quite hard to find, but the majority of walking tours do go there, so if you cannot find it, feel free to join a tour or ask a guide.
Santa Caterina Market
Santa Caterina Market is the second oldest market in the city. It dates back to 1846, but now has had a renovation to give it a modern, wavy look. It is less busy than La Boqueria, and is also cheaper for anyone looking to purchase any Spanish goods. Santa Caterina Market is just off Via Laietana, opposite Placa Nova where the Cathedral is. It is also at the entrance to the El Born district which is the perfect place to have a wonder round on a sunny afternoon and stop off at a few trendy bars.
Palau Guell
Gaudi’s first major project in the Catalan Capital, Palau Guell is often seen as the “birth of a genius”. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and today is a symbol of Catalan Nationalism, Palau Guell is one of the only pieces of Gaudi you can see in the Old City today. It is just off Las Ramblas, on Nou de la Rambla in the up and coming Raval district.
Palau de la Musica
Palau de la Musica is a concert hall built in 1908, which today houses all different events and gigs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural masterpiece. Therefore, whether you are there to see a concert or merely marvel at the outside, it is a true spectacle. Palau de la Musica is at the top end of Via Laeitana, just inside of the El Born district. There are many different concerts and gigs on at the venue, and for a schedule or any tickets please Click Here.
Notable Streets and Plazas in The Old Town
Las Ramblas
One of the main sights in the city, you cannot come to Barcelona without visiting the marvelous Las Ramblas! Las Ramblas is a road right in the heart of Barcelona. On it are all kinds of bars, cafes and restaurants, with most of the major sites leading off it. It is one of the most famous streets in the world, and features in many films and TV shows. With trees on either side of the street, and a total bustle of life and people selling all kinds of things, you will know you have arrived in Barcelona when you are here. Las Ramblas is a street that splits the Old City in two. On one side the Gothic Quarter, on the other, Raval. There are 3 metro stops along the street, all on the green line.
Placa Reial
Placa Reial is the city’s main square for sitting and having a drink in the sun under a palm tree. Originally built during the industrial revolution, it is a place for all kinds of life and atmosphere in the city. Not only is Placa Reial full of restaurants, bars and clubs, it is also truly picturesque, with palm trees all around. It is also home to a beautiful fountain and two lamp posts designed by Gaudi. Placa Reial is situated right in the centre of the city, just off Las Ramblas in the Gothic Quarter. Liceu metro station, on the green line, is right off it.
Placa del Rei
Placa del Rei is the King’s Square dating back to the old Kingdom of Aragon. It has huge historical significance in the city and is also where you will find the city’s history museum. Placa del Rei is a wonderful blend of Gothic and Medieval right in the heart of Barcelona. It is where many balls, banquets and beheadings have taken place over time. Because of this you will see many tours here each day, whether they be historic, artistic or even ghost! Placa del Rei is right next to the History Museum of Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter, which is one of the best and most fascinating museums in the city. It is also near the metro station of Jaume I, on the yellow line.
Placa Sant Jaume
Placa Sant Jaume is the political square in Barcelona, home to the Generalitat de Catalunya and City Hall. Both the political buildings in Placa Sant Jaume are beautiful in themselves, however it being the political square, it also regularly has protests and rallies to watch. Not only this but in September is home to Castellers during the festival of Merce. Castellers is one of the most spectacular sports you will ever see, as the local Catalans compete to build the tallest human tower! Placa Sant Jaume is in the Gothic Quarter, up the hill from Jaume I metro station on the yellow line.
Placa de Sant Felip Neri
Placa de Sant Felip Neri these days is a playground for the school with the same name. However, historically it is hugely important as is where children and teachers were killed by a bomb during the civil war. At the right time of day Placa de Sant Felip Neri is beautifully peaceful, and here you can see the damage that the civil war bomb did. You can also have a drink at the local bar and sit in one of the most atmospheric squares of the city. The joy of Placa de Sant Felip Neri is that it is fairly hidden, so although this does make it difficult to find, most walking tours do visit there at some point. It is in the Gothic Quarter, just next to the main Cathedral and before the Jewish quarter.
Notable Statues and Works of Art
Columbus Statue
The Columbus Statue is a monument at the bottom of Las Ramblas. At the top of a large column is Christopher Columbus pointing out to sea. This sight of the hugely controversial Columbus has attracted much debate throughout the years, but to this day remains a stunning piece of artwork. Although the Columbus Statue is one of the most famous sites in Barcelona, it has a little-known factor; you can go inside it! Climb to the top of the statue from the inside and have a view up the famous Las Ramblas!
Arc de Triomfe
The Arc de Triomfe is a huge arch designed to celebrate the last stand of the Catalans in the battle of 1714. The Arc is spectacular to witness in itself, but is also right next to the city park. It is the perfect place to take some pictures and have a relaxing drink in the sun. It is right on the end of the Old City, right at the far end of El Born. It is situated right next to the main bus station in town that has busses going all around Spain and Europe. It also has it’s own metro and train station on its doorstep.
The Kiss of Freedom
The Kiss of Freedom is a piece of street art to promote the idea of Catalan independence. The art consists of various individual photos representing that persons idea of “freedom”. From here you zoom out to witness that it forms the mosaic of a kiss. It was made in 2014, to coincide with the 300 year anniversary of the Siege of Barcelona. The Kiss of Freedom is a truly uplifting piece of artwork in the city, that is a fantastic place to take some holiday photos. It also is fascinating to look at the individual pictures and see what people deem as “freedom”.
The Kiss of Freedom is in the Gothic Quarter, just off Placa Nova, within sight of the main Cathedral.
The Castellers Monument
The Castellers Monument is a statue to represent the “national” sport of catalonia; human castle building. When you see the monument at first, it looks like barbed wire. Then you realise the height at that it represents the height they can reach with a human tower, it is staggering!
The Castellers Monument is in the Gothic Quarter just off Placa Sant Jaume.
Scroll down for more...
The Olympic Swimming Pool...
Gaudi's Casa Mila...
A Dragon at Park Guell
The View from Park Guell.......
The stunning exterior of Casa Balto.......
Gaudi's iconic Casa Mila.......
Barcelona Ferry Port.......
The Streets of Poble Espanyol...
The World famous Camp Nou.......
Espanyol, Barcelona's second team....
Barcelona Science Museum.......
A staircase at Park Guell.......
Barceloneta Beach........
The Olympic Diving Pool at Monjuic........
Port Olympic at night....
Port Vell at Sunset....
The Monjuic Cable Car......
The view from Monjuic......
The famous Aeri del Port Cable Car.......
The Church at Tibidabo........
The tree lined avenue of Passieg de Gracia...
View from the Olympic Stadium...

The New Town
For anyone here longer than a day should definitely go around the artistic, vibrant and creative new city! New Barcelona has so much to offer but is significantly larger than the old city. Because of this, we would highly recommend seeing the new city either on bike or in sections. Unlike the Gothic, you can’t really just spend a day wondering the streets getting lost and stumbling upon things. You need to know where you’re going and what you’re doing.
"In this area you will find everything from the Sagrada Familia to Park Guell."
If we split the new city into different sections, there is nowhere better to start than with Gaudi. This genius’ works of art are at their absolute finest around the new city. In this area you will find everything from the Sagrada Familia to Park Guell. There are also all of his famous houses and some unique little works, including nothing other than a lamppost!
However, let us go through the main Gaudi sights one by one so you can decide where you want to go and when.
Sagrada Familia
Without doubt THE thing to see while in Barcelona. In short. La Sagrada Familia is a Basilica designed by Gaudi. However, that is but the tip of the iceberg. Construction started in 1882, and famously it is still yet to be finished! When it is complete La Sagrada Familia will be the tallest building in the city, but half a meter shorter than the mountain as Gaudi believed that nothing man made should be taller than what God can make.
Every visitor to the Sagrada Familia comes away thinking that it is absolutely stunning! This work of total genius is the site of sites to see in Barcelona. Whether you are inside or out, each intricate detail is a fine touch and has deep meaning in its architecture.
Our personal recommendation is to take an official tour of the basilica. Entry comes with an hours guided tour, and as much time as you like in the church and in the museum. Even if you opt only for the audio guide, you will need something to explain the basilica’s fine details that really show what a remarkable piece of architecture it truly is. The other piece of advice would be to most definitely book in advance! It is not unheard of to not be able to get an entry ticket for around a week from the current date.
La Sagrada Familia is just north of the Gothic Quarter, and very near the trendy Gracia district. It has it’s own metro station and linked very well by many bus lines.
Park Guell
Park Guell is another masterpiece from the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. The gardens of the house are the main site to see and overlook the whole city. It not only is architecturally beautiful, it also has a truly remarkable view of the city. Gaudi designed the whole park, and you can walk around each detail of his work whilst outside.
Tours are available. They are not as vital as for the Sagrada Familia, but they certainly help. As with La Sagrada Familia, make sure to buy tickets in advance as only 400 people are allowed in each hour.
Park Guell is right at the back of the city, on top a hill overlooking the beautiful Catalan capital. It is reachable by taxi or bus, and by metro combined with a short walk.
Casa Mila
Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is a house designed by Gaudi for a rich family during the economic boom from the industrial revolution. It is one of the many wonderful sites to see Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona. Casa Mila has the benefit of being an entire house to look round. Not only this, but the roof itself and view of the city that comes from it, is truly magnificent.
Casa Mila is situated on the world famous Passeig de Gracia. A street for the rich and famous, with easy access by all form of public transport.
Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi. Purposely designed for one of the rich family’s in Barcelona, this mansion is well worth a visit! It was originally designed in 1904 and is the definition of modernism. It is a great example for anyone wanting to see anything typically Gaudi.
Casa Batllo is half way down Passeig de Gracia, very near the metro station which is on the purple, yellow and green lines.
Passeig de Gracia
Passeig de Gracia is the street in the city for the rich and famous! Here you can look at all the various jewellery shops and is also where Casa Mila and Casa Batllo are. Not only is Passeig de Gracia the place to be seen in Barcelona, it has various sites on it including famous houses designed by Guadi. Go into one of the many hotels on the street and have a drink on their roof taking in the rich shopping street.
Passeig de Gracia is north of Placa Catalunya and connected the Gothic Quarter to The Gracia district.
It goes without saying that Barcelona is home to the arts, but one art stands head and shoulders above the rest. The poetry in motion that is, Football. The city’s main religion, the holy grail of all things Barcelona is of course BARCA.
“Football is not a matter of life and death, it’s far more important than that”. This famous sentence could be used to describe everyone in Barcelona. When FC Barca are playing, the city stops, holds it’s breath and prays to Gods some don’t even believe in, for a victory. FC Barcelona is famously “More than a club”. It is historically and culturally vital to Catalans and a symbol of the entire area. The team has put the city on the map and has won everything there is to win in world football.
The Camp Nou is situated to the West of the city centre in Les Corts. It is easily accessible by Les Corts. Palau Reial and Collblanc metro stations.
For those lucky enough to be here during an FC Barcelona game, head over to the Camp Nou to watch a game. This is the largest stadium in Europe and is bouncing with atmosphere from the 1st minute to the 90th. Tickets vary in price depending on a whole range of things; who Barcelona are playing, when in the season it is and even whether it is raining that day or not. The biggest game of the season is called “El Clasico” when the two giants of the Spanish game go head to head. The Catalan and republican Barcelona go up against the mighty “royalty” of Real Madrid. The rivalry is not just football based, but goes as deep as polictial, cultural and brings reminders of the civil war on match day. Tickets to this game are more expensive than others, but it is an absolutely must see in any football fans life.
There is, however, one huge almighty “but”! It is so often forgotten that Barcelona is not just home to the giants of FC Barcelona. It is in fact home to two teams in the Spanish top league. RCDE Espanyol are not the same standard of their bitter rivals but are regularly in the top ten teams in Spain. Many years they will qualify for European football, and in the cup competitions will regularly get to the quarter or semi-finals. They are a top side, merely overshadowed by their huge neighbours. As their name suggests, historically the fan base of Espanyol is made of those who live in Barcelona who are more Spanish leaning politically, however this has been blurred more over recent years. Their stadium is much more modern and spacious than the Camp Nou and is located just outside the town centre in Cornella. For anyone here not when Barca are playing or even just after a bit more of a hipster choice, you can’t go wrong with Espanyol.
Barcelona is the best beach city in the world! Just meters from some fascinating history, beautiful art and delicious cuisine lies many kilometers of a beach locals and tourists alike use as a place to play, sunbathe and hang out. There is so much to do on the city’s various different beaches, ranging from volleyball to various different water sports.
The main city beach was specially made for the 1992 Olympic Games. One of the world’s best city beaches, Barceloneta is absolutely buzzing with life and activity on a summer day. Play in the sea, sunbathe while reading or grab a mojito under a palm tree at one of the beaches many bars.
The beach is located on the East side of the Barceloneta district, and easily accessible by the metro on the yellow line.
One of the lesser known facts about Barcelona is it is home to a vast array of filming. Due to its incredibly picturesque landscape, Barcelona has been the site used for the shooting of films, tv shows and music videos. Probably most famously, Woody Allan’s Vicky Chritina Barcelona was of course shot all around the city, and many people like to wonder round and explore all the various scene locations.
However, there are vast swathes of other things that have been filmed in the city. Everything from Shakira music videos, all the way to a Game of Thrones. Due to Barcelona being very cheap to film in, yet also looking like a tropical beach paradise with a city, it is a huge pull for people in the industry.
A favourite filming site for tourists and locals alike is that of The Olympic Pool. Home to Kylie Minogue’s music video Slow, it was built half way up Montjuic Mojntain for the 1992 olympic games’ swimming and diving events. The pool is not just a chance to swim in a pool legends have, it also comes with a view that looks over the entire city. As you swim you can see the beach, the Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter to name but a few.
The Olympic Pool is half way up Montjuic, right next to the funicular station that is connected to the metro system.
Another favourite site to see in the new city is the Port Olympic. Again built specially for the 1992 Olympic games, Port Olympic houses not only many yachts and boats, but also all the main clubs and is the hub of nightlife. The Port in the day is buzzing with activity, as people go on the private boats or for lunch off the beach. Then at night, you can hit the bars and clubs or even the largest casino in the city. Please click here for more information about boat and yacht charter hire.
When it comes to the night time though, our main top tip with clubbing in Barcelona is that it starts and ends a lot later than in most countries. The bars will be open till 2 or 3, depending on the day, and the clubs will be open from about midnight till 5/6am. If you are looking to hit Shoko, Pacha or Catwalk down at Port Olympic, we recommend starting drinking slightly later in the day than you normally would, simply as the party doesn’t even really get going till at least 1am.
Port Olympic is just north of Barceloneta beach and has it’s own metro stop on the yellow line. Please click here for our restaurant and nightlife page to go through exactly our favourite spots to go out at night in the new town.
Other Sights and Views in the New City
Placa de Espanya (Magic Fountains)
Placa de Espanya is home to various different sites in the city, but most noticeably the Museum of Catalan Art and magic fountains. The museum of Catalan Art is very impressive, and more information can be found out about it on our museum page. Whether you are around Placa de Espanya at day time or night it is beautiful, but if you come at the right time this is exactly where to witness the magic fountains! The magic fountains are one of the most spectacular sights at night-time in Barcelona. Whether you come specially, or go watch from a local bar, one evening it is definitely worth the trip just after sunset to watch the light show.
Placa de Espanya is west of the Old city and North of Montjuic mountain. It is one of the most well linked places in the city, with 3 metro lines and many busses servicing it.
Barcelona Cable Car
The cable car takes you to the top of Montjuic, the tallest mountain in the city centre. The Barcelona Cable Car give you the best views of the city available. Not only this, but it saves you a hot sticky walk up to the top of Montjuic mountain. The Cable Car is situated half way up Montjuic, right next to the Olympic stadium and the museum of Joan Miro.
Montjuic Castle
Montjuic castle is a fortress at the top of Montjuic mountain, dating back to 1640 but primarily used during the civil war. Montjuic castle in itself is a fantastic old castle to look around. However, it also has spectacular views of the city, and its own garden which you can picnic in.
Montjuic castle is right on the top of Montjuic mountain, right next to the cable car and above the cemetary.
Aeri del Port
Aeri del Port is a cable car originally built in the 1950s that takes you from Barceloneta beach to half way up the mountain of Montjuic. It glides over the water giving you a view of the entire city and surrounding area. Aeir del Port gives you an unique perspective of the city, as you look at it from over the sea. Then at the end of the journey, there is a bar (Miramar) on the mountain which also is a great place to take in the views with a glass of local Cava.
There are two entrances to Aeri del Port. One is on Barceloneta beach, the other is half way up Montjuic.
The City Park
The City Park is not just a place to hangout in the Mediterranean sun, it is also home to the main parliament of Catalonia and the zoo. It is buzzing with atmosphere, especially on the weekend when yoga classes and picnics are at their height. There is also a stunning fountain to see and even a wooly mammoth statue!
The city park is the north of El Born district, and behind Port Olympic.
Tibidabo
Tibidabo is the mountain at the back of the city. By Spanish folk law it is where Jesus was tempted by the Devil and shown all that can be his. It is the tallest mountain in the greater city area and has fantastic views of the whole city. Not only this though, it also has a cathedral and even a theme park right at the top of the mountain overlooking the city.
Tibidabo is at the back of the city, right above the Sarria district.
Bunkers del Carmen
Bunkers del Carmen is a lookout point from the Spanish Civil War. Of all the views in the city, this is arguably the best one and is the most romantic spot in town! Any couples who are hear on a romantic getaway, or even singles looking to try their luck, this really is the place for you! Right at the back of the city, this platform has a view of the entire Catalan capital. Take a bottle of cava, or even a picnic and enjoy the sunset over the most beautiful city on the planet. The bunkers del Carmen are right at the back of the city, behind the Gracia district.
The Gracia District
Barcelona is split into different districts, all with their own vibe and different things to offer. Gracia is different though as it was not even part of Barcelona until the industrial revolution expansion. Gifted with its own pedestrian zone and trendy shops, this district is one locals like to keep for themselves, but it really is a worth a visit for those looking to take a couple more stops on the metro.
Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, and then became the home of Barcelona’s second team, Espanyol, and is now a site in itself as well as hosting music gigs. Please see our ticket section to see a schedule and available tickets.
Although used for the 1992 Olympics, was originally built in 1927. Because of this, it has a fantastic old feel and being on top of Montjuic mountain, also includes a view of the whole city.
The stadium is situated half way up Montjuic mountain, just behind the Museum of Catalan Art.
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