Barcelona Attractions

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Legendary rocker Freddie Mercury once described Barcelona's beautiful horizon as 'a jewel in the sun', a prudent observation made evident when gazing upon the city's magnificent miles. Barcelona can best be described as a visual city. It is a sightseer's paradise from its seven beaches to the 10 hectares (25 acres) of municipal park land allotted throughout the city. From the hills of Montjuic and Tibidabo, one can take in the scope of Barcelona and look down on the scenic tree-lined La Ramblas boulevard, the iconic pedestrian mall running from the city centre to the Port Vella, the city's oldest harbour.

Barcelona also carries with it a rich history. Founded over 2,000 years ago, the city's architecture reflects its Roman heritage, and carries the mark of various influences since. Particularly notable are the Catalan modernisme architecture movement founded in Barcelona, and Gaudi's distinctive creations are among many of the city's buildings declared as World Heritage Sites.

La Rambla

The most famous street in Europe, the wide tree-lined boulevard known as La Rambla (or Las Ramblas), is a long continuous pedestrian avenue that changes names five times as it cuts through Barcelona's 'old city', the Barri Gotic, from the Placa Catalunya to the... see full details

Picasso Museum

On Carrer Montcada, a street known for its elegant medieval structures, two palaces dating from the 15th century have been converted into the Picasso Museum, home to one of the most complete collections of works from his youth and formative years as an artist.... see full details

Guell Park

Barcelona's famous architectural son, Antonio Gaudi, left his mark on the city nowhere more prominently than in the gardens of the Parc Guell. The park, sited on Camel Hill offering splendid views of the city, was originally planned to be a garden city suburb,... see full details

La Sagrada Família

One of Catalonia's most intriguing landmarks, the bizarre Church of the Holy Family designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi, was started in 1882, but it remains unfinished and an object of controversy. Gaudi worked on what was considered his masterpiece until his death in... see full details

Montjuic

Montjuic is a hill overlooking the city centre of Barcelona on which are sited some of the city's show-pieces, including the main sites of the 1992 Olympics; the Poble Espanyol (a replicated Spanish village displaying art and architecture); the Joan Miro museum; and the... see full details

Tibidabo

Barcelona's second landmark hill is Tibidabo, about four miles (6km) northwest of the city in a wooded range that forms a backdrop to the city. Tibidabo can be reached by funicular, and is particularly popular on weekends with locals because it is home... see full details

La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

Another fantastic construction by the creative genius Antonio Gaudi, Casa Mila, commonly known as La Pedrera, was the last civil work that Gaudi undertook before dedicating all his time to the assembly of La Sagrada Família. The building demonstrates the signature style of Gaudi... see full details

Barri Gòtic

Known as the Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gòtic is Barcelona's oldest district. A former fortified Roman settlement, the maze of atmospheric narrow streets house spectacular Gothic buildings and cathedrals, marking the city's heyday during the 14th and 15th centuries. There are many significant sights... see full details

FC Barcelona Museum and Stadium

FC Barcelona, one of Europe's most loved football teams, has an informative museum with displays of photographs, documents, memorabilia and trophies, covering over a century of club history, that will sate the fascination of even the most dedicated fan. Visitors also get the opportunity... see full details

Joan Miró Foundation

A celebration of the life and work of world-renowned Catalan surrealist sculptor and painter Joan Miró, the Joan Miró Foundation in Barcelona houses the majority of the artist's work including paintings, drawings, sculptures and textiles. Distinguished by his use of primary colours, simple lines and... see full details

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is situated in the once-shabby Raval District, just off La Rambla. Over the years its front plaza has become synonymous with international skateboarders, being fondly known as the famous MACBA, drawing skaters and creatives from around the world... see full details

El Raval

One of two districts bordering La Rambla - the other being the established tourist area of Barri Gotic - El Raval is a compelling and interesting neighbourhood, with a long and chequered history. Located near Barcelona's port, El Raval has always had a multicultural... see full details

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