Barcelona Attractions

La Ramblas

La Ramblas

The most famous street in Europe, the wide tree-lined boulevard known as La 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 city’s port. It is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, and is usually thronged with leisurely walkers enjoying the sights and sounds. Whilst walking around it is worthwhile to note some attractions along the way, including Gaudi’s Guell Palace, his first big architectural assignment, and the pretty square, Placa Reial.

Picasso Museum

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. Pablo Picasso spent his early years in Barcelona (between 1901 and 1906), and the museum is now the city’s top attraction. The collection includes a number of childhood portraits and paintings, as well as engravings, drawings and art from his Blue and Rose Periods.

Address: Montcada Street 15-23; Telephone: 932 563 000; Website: www.museupicasso.bcn.es; Transport: Metro to Jaume l, Liceu or Arc de Triomf stations; bus 17, 40 or 45 to Via Laietana or Jaume I bus stops, bus 39 or 51 to Passeig Picasso stop; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 8pm; Admission: €6 for main exhibition - extra for special showings. Free days on 11 February, 18 May and 24 September

Guell Park

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, but only two houses were completed before it was turned into a public recreational park. The gardens are festooned with examples of his work, including flights of stairs, columns and a plaza decorated with mosaics. The pink fairytale house standing at the entrance to the park was once home to Gaudi and his niece, but is now a museum containing some Gaudi-designed furniture, décor, drawings and portraits of the architect.

Transport: 20 minutes walk from Lesseps Metro stop or bus 24 from Placa de Catalunya drops you outside the main entrance; Opening time: Daily from 10am to 7pm (closing times vary depending on the season); Admission: Free

Spires of La Sagrada Familia © Paul Micallef

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 1926, imbuing the structure with his characteristic fantastic Art Nouveau styling. Work has continued sporadically since, but Gaudi left no plans for its completion and the continued construction has run rampant. The church site stands at the junction of Marina and Provenca streets in the central city area.

Address: Calle Mallorca 401; Telephone: 932 073 031; E-mail: info@sagradafamilia.org; Website: www.sagradafamilia.org; Transport: Metro to Sagrada Familia stop; Opening time: Daily from 9am to 6pm (October to March), 9am to 8pm (April to September); Admission: €8, lift €2. Concessions available

Olympic Village in Montjuic, Barcelona © Paul Micallef

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 National Art Museum of Catalonia. There are also some leisure attractions and cool green parks festooned with fountains, popular for strolls on summer evenings. The magical fountains of Montjuic are a popular attraction that entertain on summer evenings with displays of light, colour and music. Accessible by cable car from Montjuic the Barceloneta port district is below the hill. This former fishing village is now renowned for its seafood restaurants and beach, which is lined with boardwalks and cafes.

View From Tibidabo

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 at weekends with locals because it is home to the Parc d'Atraccions, an amusement park with some thrill rides and renowned house of horrors. Tibidabo also features the soaring Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower, which offers visitors the chance to ride in a glass lift to an observation platform 377 feet (115m) high to enjoy a spectacular view. There is also a large, interesting church called Temple del Sagrat Cor surmounted by a giant Christ statue, which also offers a lift to a rooftop viewing platform.

Website: www.tibidabo.es

La Pedrera Exterior © Eduard Sole – www.gaudiclub.com

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 with elaborate designs, globular shapes, assorted sculptures, colourful tiles and intricate details. Built between 1906 and 1912, the distinct architecture of La Pedrera and her counterparts was unconventional and unheard of in the popular Spanish architecture of the time. Renowned for its attractive rippled façade, visitors to La Pedrera can also witness a spectacular panoramic view from the rooftop as well as some eccentric signature style chimneys.

Address: Paseo de Gràcia 92; Telephone: 902 400 973; Transport: Diagonal metro station; Opening time: Daily 10am to 8pm. Closed 1 January, 25 and 26 December; Admission: €8 (adults), €4.50 (concessions). Children under 12 free

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 century. There are many significant sights to visit in this pedestrianised quarter, the most illustrious being the immense Gothic Cathedral La Seu, with its breathtaking façade and serene cloister. With an assortment of shops and delightful sidewalk cafés in a picturesque setting, the Barri Gòtic is a worthwhile day out. To view the remains of this ancient Roman city, Barcino, visit the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat in the Palau Real, where Roman streets are still visible in the extensive cellar.

Transport: Lines 1 and 3 to Catalunya metro station

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 satiate the fascination of even the most dedicated fan. Visitors also get the opportunity to explore the famous stadium on the Camp Nou Tour which takes fans to the heart of the club, the changing rooms, tunnel and Nou Camp pitch. With a panoramic view of the stadium from the grandstand, visitors can get a taste of the heady atmosphere of a FC Barcelona match on their home ground. The museum also has an official store where club jerseys, caps and accessories can be purchased.

Address: Avenida Arístides Maillol; Telephone: 934 96 36 00; E-mail: museu@fcbarcelona.cat; Website: www.fcbarcelona.com; Transport: Line 3 metro to Maria Cristina; Opening time: Open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6.30pm (open till 8pm from 14 April to 12 October). Open Sundays and public holidays till 2.30pm. Tours not available on days of league and Champions league matches but museum still open till 1pm ; Admission: Museum visit and Camp Nou Tour: €13 (adults), €10.40 (children). Concessions available

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 artists work including paintings, drawings sculptures and textiles. Distinguished by his use of primary colours, simple lines and two-dimensional geometric shapes, Miro refused to be categorised into an established art movement and as a result continued to create unparalleled works of art. Another product of original artistic genius from Barcelona, the works of Miró at the Joan Miró Foundation allow visitors to further delve into the unrestrained creative energy of this exceptional city.

Address: Parc de Montjuïc; Telephone: 934 439 470; E-mail: fjmiro@bcn.fjmiro.es; Website: www.bcn.fjmiro.cat; Transport: Paral-lel metro station; Opening time: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm (open till 8pm from July to September), Sunday 10am to 2.30pm. Open late on Thursdays till 9.30pm. Closed Mondays; Admission: €8 (adults), €4 (concessions)

Barcelona Beach

Beaches

Many people forget that Barcelona is not only a big bustling city and cultural centre, but that it's bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, awarding the coastline with a string of attractive beaches, an ideal diversion after excessive sightseeing and shopping. Visit the popular Barceloneta Beach only ten minutes from the city centre where there are a selection of beach bars, cool down with a refreshing swim and marvel at the bizarre architecture of Homenatge a la Barceloneta, by Rebecca Horn. For more peace and quiet during the summer season venture a bit further to either Icaria, Mar Bella or Stiges Beach, where the crowds would have dissipated.

Transport: A twenty minute walk from La Ramblas or Barceloneta metro station, line 4

MACBA

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is situated in the once shabby Raval district just off La Ramblas. 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 to unite against the backdrop of its chic white building. Being a work of art in itself, the Museum of Contemporary Art was designed to monopolise on natural light and the cool airy interiors confidently hold the works of modern art luminaries such as Basquiat, Klee, Tàpies and Barcelò. A perfect union of two art forms, MACBA and her throng of talented skateboarders is a sight to be experienced.

Address: Plaça dels Angels 1; Telephone: 934 120 810; Website: www.macba.es; Transport: Within walking distance La Ramblas and metro station Universitat or Catalunya; Opening time: 11am to 7.30pm weekdays, 10am to 8pm Saturdays, 10am to 3pm Sundays and holidays. Closed Tuesdays, Christmas and New Years day. Extended opening hours in summer; Admission: €7.50 (adults), €6 (concessions)