home Visa What to do in Barcelona. What to see in Barcelona? Visit a local market

What to do in Barcelona. What to see in Barcelona? Visit a local market

Barcelona is a place of attraction for millions of tourists. Snow-white beaches The Barcelonetas give way to the modern skyscrapers of Les Corts, the amazing colorful houses of the Eixample give way to the old Gothic buildings of Born and Raval. At sunset, weary travelers flock to Park Güell in the Gràcia district, then descend into the city for the famous Montjuïc fountain show. The city glorified in the song of the same name performed by the great Montserrat Caballe and the inimitable Freddie Mercury. The famous singer still prefers to live here. Barcelona is Spanish and Catalan at the same time - so much is intertwined and mixed in it. This city is served with a sauce of ancient monuments, modern eclectic houses and football.

All the beauty of Barcelona can be seen in the video:

For those who want to plunge into the thick of the festive events, we advise you to plan a visit to Barcelona in September, when two major events are celebrated at once: on September 11, Catalan Independence Day and on September 24, local residents walk for several days in honor of Our Lady of Mercy, the patroness of the city. And for the leisurely and peaceful rest We recommend coming in the spring, when it is already warm, but there are still few tourists.

How to get there and navigate around the place

Photo: Barcelona Map

Spain is part of the euro zone and all prices are quoted in this currency. On average, a ticket from Moscow costs 230 euros with a transfer and 350 euros for a direct flight. Flights from St. Petersburg are much more expensive - 270 euros with a transfer and direct flights from 900 euros. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy package tour at a travel agency and fly charter.

Visa documents are accepted at visa centers Spain in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Most often, a multiple visa is placed in the passport for a year or two.

There are three airports in and around Barcelona.

From El Prat there are several ways to get to the city:

From terminals 1 and 2 there are buses A1 and A2 respectively. The cost is 5.90 euros one way, 10.20 euros both ways (the ticket is valid for 15 days). Travel time is 35 minutes. They leave every 5 minutes. You can buy in advance on the website online.
In 2016, a separate metro line from the airport was launched - L9 Sud. Study the metro map in advance, because it is not always possible to immediately figure out how and where to go - the map is here http://www.barcelona-airport.com/TMB-Metro-Map.pdf The travel and regular metro tickets are not valid - you need to buy a special one for 4.50 euros.
Buses to metro stations: L46, LPR1, L77, L99, N17, N16. The ticket costs 2.15 euros. Drive to different stations, are sometimes a gateway through the airport to other areas. They run from morning to evening, except for the night N16.
Taxi is expensive, but convenient and fast.

Girona Airport is 90 kilometers from Barcelona. Low-cost airlines fly here to relieve El Prat.

To Barcelona Central Station (Estació del Nord). One way ticket – 16 euros.

Reus Airport is an hour and a half drive from the city. Bus number 50 runs from the terminal to Reus station, then by train to your destination. Or take the La Hispano Igualadina bus, which goes straight to Barcelona.

It's convenient and inexpensive public transport: metro, trams and buses.

The metro map is here - https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/maps/barcelona-metro-map.html. The cost of the trip is 2.15 euros. T10 tickets for 10 trips are on sale for 9.95. And tourists can purchase a Barcelona Card: an unlimited number of trips within central zone on the metro, trams and buses, discounts in museums, some restaurants and shopping centers. Options lasting from 2 to 5 days are available.

Barcelona has a huge selection of cars for rent starting from 5 euros per day.

What to see

Photo: Beautiful view of Barcelona

Barcelona is rich and ancient city, there is a lot of interesting stuff in and around it.

Must-see attractions:

The Sagrada Familia is perhaps the most famous long-term construction in the world. The great Antonio Gaudi spent 43 years building this structure. The fundamental decision was to finance the construction using only voluntary donations from parishioners. Therefore, the process continues and the end is not yet in sight.

Photo: Sagrada Familia

2. Park Guell with fantastic sculptures, houses and gardens.

Photo: Park Güell

3. Plaza Catalunya – favorite place meetings between Barcelona residents and tourists.

Photo: Plaza Catalunya

4. Montjuic Hill is a huge area where famous museums, Olympic venues, as well as a landscaped park for walking. In the evening, a unique show of singing fountains begins.

Photo: Montjuic Hill

5. Museum of the Extraordinary Picasso - located in five ancient Gothic buildings.

Photo: Museum of the Extraordinary Picasso

6. Casa Batllo – unusual building with bright ceramic mosaics and a roof in the shape of the curved back of a dragon.

Photo: Casa Batllo

7. Maritime Museum with large-scale models of liners, boats and ancient ships.

Photo: Maritime Museum

8. Gothic Quarter - narrow streets create a complete feeling of immersion in medieval Europe, when the guards of the Inquisition are about to appear around the bend. It’s easy to get lost in such a labyrinth.

Photo: Gothic Quarter

9. House Mila is really a residential building. They say that residents do not stay here for long due to the increased attention of tourists to this building, but the apartments are not empty for a long time. There are too many people who want to feel like special residents of Barcelona.

Photo: Dom Mila

10. Museum of Unusual Inventions – in case there aren’t enough strange buildings and monuments around.

Photo: Museum of Unusual Inventions

11. Rambla Boulevard is the visiting card of the city with a pedestrian part. There are theaters, museums, and palaces nearby. On one of the streets in this area, fans traditionally come to celebrate the victory of the Barcelona club.

Photo: Rambla

12. Rock Museum - in addition to the excellent exhibition of musical instruments, the roof of the Las Arenas shopping center offers a beautiful view.

Photo: Las Arenas Shopping Center

13. Aquarium – it presents almost all marine life from the Mediterranean Sea.

Photo: Aquarium

14. CosmoCaixa Museum - a modern interactive museum about how the Universe works. It clearly shows and tells a lot about nature and space.

Photo: CosmoCaixa Museum

15. FC Barcelona Museum - 99.99% of the city's residents support this club.

Photo: FC Barcelona Museum

Interesting surroundings:

Montserrat Monastery, hidden between the rocks. A place of pilgrimage for believers from all over the world. There are walking paths around.
The medieval city of Vik with the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement. There is a large market here on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The famous Freixenet and Codorniu sparkling wine factories are for those who want to learn more about production technology and visit deep underground cellars.
Sau Reservoir with the flooded San Roma Church. In dry years it appears from under the water.
The towns of Cadaqués and Figueres are small and cozy; they once amazed Salvador Dali. His house-museum is also open here.
The resort town of Sitges with the most famous nightclubs. A carnival is held from late February to early March.
The volcanic region of Garrotxa is a huge park with more than 70 extinct volcanoes. Picturesque churches were erected in individual craters.
Girona is a medieval city 65 km from Barcelona with a fortress and a labyrinth of narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter. The Gothic building of the basilica has been preserved in the historical part.

The program “Heads and Tails” came to Barcelona twice - to see the sights and do some shopping, you can watch the video:

What to do

Must-dos in Barcelona:

Photo: Singing fountains

Take a walk along La Rambla – it doesn’t matter whether it’s in the morning or in the evening. It is beautiful at any time of the day.
Go to a football match at the famous Camp Nou stadium. To be in the crowd of another hundred thousand fans is an amazing feeling.
To look at the city from above - there are many observation platforms: Mount Montjuic, Collserola TV Tower, Park Güell, Agbar Tower.
Admire the beauty of the singing fountains in Piazza di Spagna.
Visit best museums Barcelona - CosmoCaixa Museum, Barcelona Club Museum, Picasso Museum and dozens of others..
Take a break from the summer heat in Park Güell, walking through the Ciutadella Park and the Zoo.
Try the freshest seafood in local restaurants – La Paradeta (Passage de Simó, 18) and El Puma (Carrer d’Aribau, 44).
Sunbathe and swim on Barceloneta beach (by the way, they appeared only in the 1990s before the 1992 Olympics). Just without fanaticism! Don't forget sunscreen to avoid health problems.
Come to the port to the statue of Christopher Columbus and try to imagine yourself in the place of the brave navigator and discoverer. From here there is a funicular going directly to Montjuïc Mountain.
Take a trip back in time as you stroll through the Gothic Quarter and the Raval district. Particular daredevils even dare to take such a walk late at night - in pursuit of thrills.
Put on comfortable sneakers and sneakers and go out of town - enjoy the mountain views and landscapes: the Montserrat monastery, the former craters of ancient volcanoes, the small streets of the village of Sitges.
Drink Catalan wine and eat tapas in best bars cities - El Xampanyet (Calle Montcada, 22), El Vaso d'Oro (Calle Balboa, 6), Jai-ca (Calle Ginebra, 13).
Taste the original national Catalan dishes.
Go to one of the many concerts and performances in the city, which is a magnet for talented musicians. Every day the event schedule includes dozens of events.
Take a tourist bus on the second floor and, with a breeze in the evening or in the morning (until it’s too hot), ride around Barcelona several times and listen to an interesting audio tour about the main attractions.
Come to the Boqueria market and try to bargain - not only you, but also the seller will have fun. After all, tourists who come and buy as if in a store are completely boring!
Come to the Bolshoi Opera theatre"Liceu" and compare it with the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. If you take care of your tickets in advance, you can plunge into the world of high art while watching the artists from a comfortable box.
March through the city's largest shopping centers, as well as the Encants and Fira de Nautumismo (Placa Reial) flea markets, where lucky shoppers snag antiques.
Listen to great concerts in local clubs, for example, Jamboree, or dance all night at the discos La Terrazza (under open air), Razmatazz (the city's main techno club)

Shopping (What and where to buy)

Photo: Arabic dessert “Turron”

What do tourists bring from Barcelona:

It’s better to take jamon in vacuum packaging, because it’s not enough to just bring a leg. You also need a sharp knife that can cut the meat into thin slices.
Turron is an Arabic dessert loved by the Spaniards.
For Christmas, in Catalonia they like to make little men who relieve themselves. They are hidden in the house, and according to local beliefs, whoever finds them will have good luck in all matters throughout the year. Catalans take a humorous approach to making figurines: these can be famous modern celebrities, politicians and even religious figures. Caganers are sold at all Christmas markets and souvenir shops before the holiday.
Cheese – Catalonia prepares its own special delicious varieties. It's basically goat cheese with various additives. There is also a spicy one - Formatge d-oli amb herbes de musser. But the most popular on Catalan tables is mato cheese - a delicate goat cheese served with dried fruits, berries, jams and honey.
Shoes – Barcelona has a long tradition of shoe making High Quality at reasonable prices.
Original local souvenirs - they are sold in the Spanish village on Montjuic mountain. Local artisans - glassblowers, potters, leather workers - work right in front of tourists.
Olive oil – choose the packaging carefully; you will have to carry it in your luggage.
An FC Barcelona T-shirt with your favorite player is one of your favorite souvenirs.

Photo: Souvenirs

There is a unique bus in Barcelona for all those who like to shop: the Barcelona Shopping Line. It makes stops at all major shopping centers, as well as boutique streets and souvenir spots. The ticket costs 10 euros, the bus leaves from the stops every 7 minutes. With one ticket you can travel all day, getting off the bus, making purchases, and going further along the route.

Watch the video of the Heads and Tails program about shopping in Barcelona:

There are two big sales seasons in the city: from January 7 to March 6 and from July 1 to August 31. All stores announce big discounts. Experienced shopaholics know that at the very beginning of the sales season, discounts are small - up to 20-30%, but the assortment is huge. But at the end of the season, the discounts are much more noticeable - up to 70%, but the choice is much smaller.

Capital of Catalonia - shopping mall region, so there are many malls and outlets:

L’Illa Diagonal (Avinguda Diagonal, 557) - a huge shopping center near the metro, low prices, large selection;
Pedralbes (Av. Diagonal, 609-615) - a modern shopping center, many European brands, as well as a large food court and even an ice skating rink;
Bulevard Rosa (Paseo de Gracia, 53) - premium brands in numerous boutiques;
El Triangle (Plaça Catalunya, 1-4) - multi-storey shopping center, modern clothing and cosmetics brands;
Maremagnum (Muelle de España, 5) - next to the port, two floors, large selection for every taste;
El Corte Ingles (Plaça de Catalunya 14) is a chain mall in the city center with a huge selection;
Glòries (Plaça de les Glòries) - convenient location, parking and more than 100 clothing and accessories stores;
La Maquinista (Paseo Potosí, 2) - a good selection of both famous brands and local brands;
Diagonal Mar (3 Avda. Diagonal) - a wide selection, convenient parking and a rooftop food court.

Photo:

In addition to modern shopping centers, the city has wonderful markets.

The most famous of them is Boqueria, which is located in the very center of Barcelona. Even if you are not going to buy anything, it is still worth coming here to at least feel the atmosphere.

On the street Avinguda de Francesc Cambó there is another large food market Santa Catarina.

Photo: Santa Catarina Market

Among the various street markets, the most popular is the Enkants flea market. Its history of existence goes back more than seven hundred years. This oldest market of those surviving in Europe. He works at Av. Meridiana, 69 4 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Prices

In Barcelona, all prices are quoted in euros. The euro to ruble exchange rate is 1 to 63. According to tourists, it is best to exchange rubles for euros before traveling. Bank cards accepted almost everywhere.

The average bill for a business lunch with a fixed menu (menu del dia) in an inexpensive establishment is 10-15 euros.

For 20-30 euros you can have dinner with alcohol in a decent restaurant.

Bread – 0.70 euros

Chicken 1 kg – 4 euros

Tomatoes – 1.5 euros

Milk – 0.8 euros

Prices for museum tickets range from 4 to 15 euros per person.

Souvenirs (plates, magnets) cost from 1 euro.

A taxi ride costs an average of 7 euros, depending on the distance.

Average budget for visiting Barcelona per person per day (accommodation, transport, food and tickets to museums and attractions): 100-120 euros.

Where to live

Photo: Room in Hotel Medium Prisma

The area of residence should be chosen in accordance with priorities. If you want to see the city first, then you should choose hotels closer to the attractions. According to tourists, the most convenient areas for living are Raval, Born, Eixample, Barceloneta and the Gothic Quarter.

Top 5 inexpensive hotels according to tourist reviews:

Bonanova (Bisbe Sivilla, 7) – an ideal combination of price and quality, close to restaurants, supermarkets, bus stops and a metro station.
Hotel Lloret Ramblas (Rambla Canaletes 125) – literally two minutes from the central pedestrian street of Barcelona. Delicious breakfasts, cozy rooms.
Amrey Sant Pau (173 Sant Antoni Maria Claret) is a small hotel a short distance from the center. Spacious rooms, excellent views from the windows, good transport accessibility.
Hotel Medium Prisma (Josep Tarradellas 119-121) – comfortable accommodation 10 minutes from attractions. Hearty breakfasts, modern equipment in the rooms.
SmartRoom Barcelona (56 Carrer Olzinelles) – minimalist but comfortable rooms. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby. The sea is within walking distance.

A 3 star hotel room costs about 50 euros per person. Hostels and 2-star hotels offer accommodation for about 35 euros per person.

It’s better this way - If you need it very inexpensively, you can spend the night in hostels, on average 20 euros. The best hostels in Barcelona according to tourist reviews:

Hostelscat BCN (C/ Panissars, 5)
INOUT Hostel (Major del Rectoret, 2)
Hola Hostal Eixample (149 Carrer de Napols)
Barcelona Central Garden Hostel (Roger de Lluria 41)
Alberguinn Sants Youth Hostel (C/ Melcior de Palau 70-74)

For a large group, it is more profitable to rent an apartment: per day per person from 20-30 euros.

Travel plan, tours for 1-3-7 days

We have prepared a detailed plan for visiting the attractions in Barcelona:

Day	Morning	Dinner	Evening
1	Temple of the Sagrada Familia, Observation deck, park nearby	Along Diagonal Avenue to Plaza Juan Carlos I. Art Gallery. Walk to Casa Mila, then Casa Batllo, to Plaza Catalunya	Arc de Triomphe, Grand Cascade Fountain, walk along the sea past the yacht club, casino.
2		Zoological Park	Museum of the History of Catalonia
3	Plaza Catalunya, Museum of Modern Art, Boqueria Market, Grand Theatre Liceu, Palace Güell	Narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, Roman Gate Torres Romanes, Gallery of Modern Art (Villa del Arte Galleries) in an ancient building	Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, Barcelona History Museum, Saint James Square, Cannabis Museum
4	Go for the whole day to Mount Montjuic, visit the Olympic Stadium, see the lighthouse	Olympic Museum, Montjuic Fortress, Spanish Village	Magic fountain of Montjuic
5	Montserrat Monastery in the mountains or the town of Sitges or Fegaras		Oceanarium
6	Enkants flea market	Shopping centers	Attending a match at the Camp Nou stadium
7	Relax by the sea		Concert at the Palace of Catalan Music

What and where to eat

Photo: Seafood

In Spain, delicious food is available at every turn. But Catalan cuisine in Barcelona is somewhat different. How to understand all this diversity?

Top 5 most delicious dishes:

Botifarra – raw meat sausages with spices. Most often it is eaten without heat treatment. There is a leaner white butifarra or a black one with pork blood. According to travelers, the most delicious butifarra is served in the Pork Boig Per Tu cafe (Carrer del Consolat de Mar, 15).
Escudella is a stew made from potatoes, beans, meat and cabbage. Be careful: this is a 3-in-1 meal: broth, meat and vegetables. The best escudella is prepared at the Terra d’Escudella restaurant (Premia 20, baixos).
Fideua is a Barcelona version of paella, but instead of rice they add small noodles. Contains vegetables and chicken or seafood. All visitors to the restaurant 7 Portes (Passeig Isabel II 14 | Pla del Palau) are delighted with the local preparation of this famous dish.
Empedrat is a traditional Catalan cold salad that, in addition to fresh vegetables, includes salted cod. Before serving, it is additionally placed in the refrigerator, which is very nice on a hot summer day. The restaurant Casa Isabel (Passeig Garcia Faria 69) has perhaps the most delicious salad in the whole city.
Suquet de peix is one of the most popular fish dishes in Barcelona. This is a succulent stew of fish and seafood with potatoes, tomato and a few cloves of garlic. When cooking, add the freshest fish, preferably the morning catch. The El Grao restaurant (Plaza Del Mar | Numero 6) is always full of people who want to try this dish.

Some establishments offer a buffet with unlimited meals for 10-15 euros per person - these are the chains WOK, Fresc&Co, Lactuca, Pans company, Dao Kaitensushi, El Puma.

Best excursions according to reviews

There are a lot of excursions in Barcelona, and we tried to select the most interesting ones based on reviews from experienced travelers:

Art Nouveau and Gothic: two faces of Barcelona - the guide will give you the opportunity to see medieval buildings next to the most modern skyscrapers, guide you through narrow streets and lead you to wide squares. Participants of the excursion will learn about the most mysterious legends of the city.
Secrets of Masonic Barcelona - this secret but powerful society hides many secrets and secrets. But professional historians have learned to read Masonic symbols and unravel hidden messages. Tourists will be very surprised to find out how many of them are around us in Barcelona.
Helicopter flight over the city. You will be able to cover it entirely during an air excursion. Only a select few get to see Barcelona from a bird's eye view. The most famous sights will be seen from a completely different perspective.
The “Legends of Barcelona” quest is an ideal way to get to know Barcelona and get to know it on a first-name basis for those who don’t like to leisurely follow a guide and listen to stories. Here you can become an active participant in the events yourself. During the excursion you will have the opportunity to solve riddles and get into the most mystical places cities.
The night face of Barcelona is a large and dynamic city, where life just begins after dark. And it is no less interesting and exciting than in the light of the sun.
Get a taste of Barcelona: walk with a guide to the best establishments, learn how to eat cheese and jamon correctly, and even distinguish high-quality olive oil.

This video will help you appreciate the beauty of Barcelona once again:

How do we save up to 25% on hotels?

Everything is very simple - we use a special search engine RoomGuru for 70 hotel and apartment booking services with the best price.

Bonus for renting apartments 2100 rubles

Instead of hotels, you can book an apartment (on average 1.5-2 times cheaper) on AirBnB.com, a very convenient worldwide and well-known apartment rental service with a bonus of 2100 rubles upon registration

We indicated the approximate location of the apartments that we liked. To know the exact address an apartment is only available after you have booked it.

Bogatell Beach

Best city beach

Don’t even try to swim in the summer on the beach closest to the city center - on Barceloneta: it’s so crowded, noisy and dirty that even if you manage to get to the water, you won’t want to go into it. This is the quintessence of that Barcelona, which the locals, frankly, don’t like lately. Go to the distant Bogatell beach in the Poblenou area - it is larger, wider, cleaner, more beautiful, and there are significantly fewer people there (and in the off-season it is generally holy emptiness). In addition, Poblenou himself is incredibly pleasant - from a godforsaken industrial outskirts he is in last years has turned into a lively, cozy, fashionable and, unfortunately, expensive area. There are volleyball nets on the beach, a playground with exercise equipment and a children's playground, free city Wi-Fi, and at the very end of the beach, on the territory of the municipal training center aquatic species sports, there is a cafe hidden - with an excellent terrace and a view of the beach: it is worth coming here for a glass of cold white or cava.

Park Jardins de la Tamarita

Jungle at the foot of Tibidabo

Jardins de la Tamarita is a carefully hidden treasure in the bourgeois district of Sant Gervasi - so carefully that even many Barcelonans are unaware of its existence. As soon as you turn into the park from the noisy Avenue Sant Gervasi, it seems as if in a second you have moved through space and found yourself in the jungle. There are real thickets here: palm trees entwined with vines, acacias, plane trees, cypresses, bamboo plus orange trees and a 23-meter hundred-year-old oak; and all this in the city center, a step away from a large important street. The air in Jardins de la Tamarita is completely different - fresher, cooler and more humid. The park was laid out at the beginning of the 20th century on the territory of the Kreywinkel family estate - there is an excellent children's playground, fountains and quiet backwaters, plus a bunch of secluded corners with and without benches, where teenagers kiss, children play hide-and-seek and cheerful old men reflect on life.

Fabre Observatory

A functioning observatory where gastronomic dinners are held

Travelers usually climb Mount Tibidabo for the amusement park of the same name - a rather old-fashioned, yet pleasant one, at the entrance to which stands the great and terrible Basilica of Sagrat Cor. But few people climb here for the very beautiful modernist Fabre Observatory - one of the oldest operating observatories in the world. It was built in 1904 - and scientific life is still in full swing here to this day. On Sundays, you can get to the observatory with a tour - they are held in the morning, but it is better to sign up in advance for a night viewing of the starry sky - then you have a chance to see the Moon, Saturn with its rings and Jupiter with its satellites through an old creaky telescope from 1904. But even if you don’t see Saturn’s rings, the view of Barcelona at night will make it all worth it. In the summer, excursions and star viewings are curtailed for gastronomic “dinners with the stars,” which are held on the open terrace at the entrance to the observatory - as a bonus, the tasting menu includes the same views of the city and viewing the night sky through a telescope.

Pablo Garcia

Pablo loves Barcelona and believes that the city is truly inspiring if you explore it properly. That's why he advises veering off the beaten path of thousands of tourists and enjoying a walk in less noisy areas of the city - go to the promenade along the Rambla in Poblenou, hide from the noise in the Gracia Gardens and try horchata, the national Spanish drink.

Another Rambla

For those who are truly inspired by Barcelona, vermouth, sun and sea, I always recommend checking out , a bar in the Poblenou district, where you can always truly relax away from the city center and experience a completely different area of the city. Poblenou has its own Rambla, which is much less crowded than the Rambla in the center, which is why it is so good to walk along it - through cafes and bars all the way to the sea.

Horchata on the way to the sea

Barcelona is a city where everything is constantly changing: the amazing energy of the city makes you endlessly explore it, walk, meet people and dream. During one of these walks, I came across a cafe where I advise you to try horchata - the national Spanish drink made from ground almonds.

Antic Theater

Cultural institution with a nice bar

In a narrow, dark alley opposite the magnificent Palace of Catalan Music there is a multifunctional establishment called. It's worth going there, even if going to the theater is not in your plans. In the building of the late 16th century, there used to be a theater, but now it is more of a cultural center - performances, exhibitions, concerts of indie and jazz bands, children's and adult performances, children's parties are held here, and what is culture in Barcelona without a bar counter? . In addition to the theater there is a very cozy shady courtyard-terrace, where drinking is easy and pleasant.

Market Libertat

Breakfast with oysters and champagne

Leave the Boqueria market in the Old Town to the tourists - the market, I must say, is excellent, it’s just not crowded at all. There are no tourists at all at the Libertat market in Gracia, only locals who leisurely discuss the weather forecast with the greengrocer and the recipe for stewed cod with the seller in the fish department, so if you decide to buy something here, you should be patient. Modernist market Libertat with iron supports and beams and brick walls - the oldest in Gracia - was built at the end of the 19th century, and in 2009 it was opened after a large-scale reconstruction. Stop by the El tast de Joan Noi counter, where they will quickly fry squid, sea stalks, steam mussels, give you a dozen oysters and pour you cold cava (yes, for breakfast too).

Miriot Restaurant

Brazilian influences in the heart of Gracia

Mediterranean restaurant with a distinct Brazilian flair. There is nothing superfluous in the interior - white painted brick walls, black tables and chairs and a couple of paintings on the wall. It's worth coming here for a business lunch for 13 euros, which is more like a tasting menu in a gastronomic restaurant - one duck with caramelized pear is worth it. The best Caipirinhas in Gracia, and even in Barcelona, also get in the way here. It’s worth booking a table for dinner well in advance, and for lunch you need to run here as soon as one o’clock in the afternoon, otherwise you can spend the entire lunch break waiting for a free table. And don't forget to order the signature brownie with pistachio ice cream for dessert.

Nagore Store

Camper's Secret Competitor

Almost everyone who comes to Barcelona attacks Camper stores; there is one in the arsenal of almost every Barcelona resident. But Camper has one competitor - from the neighboring island of Menorca - and local residents prefer to keep quiet about it. In total, the Nagore brand has two stores: one in Barcelona, on Asturies Street, the other in Menorca. These are very soft and comfortable leather shoes - also anatomical, environmentally friendly, colorful and cheerful. The store in Asturies is small: the entire assortment is displayed in rectangular recesses in the wall of different sizes, making the wall look like a Tetris field. It is very difficult to leave here with only one pair. The main and eternal hit of Nagore is multi-colored abarkas for 35 euros: leather sandals with soles made from tires, which were used by Menorquin peasants to work in the fields, and are now worn all over the world and feast, and to the world, and to good people.

Restaurant Artte

Tea, art and cocktails

Brand new, opened in 2011 in Forum Park. The Blue Museum is famous for its multimedia exhibits about evolution on planet Earth, with tons of little buttons that kids can spend hours pressing. It also houses an excellent collection of minerals from different parts of Catalonia, and the main pride of the museum is giant skeleton a whale that looms over visitors ascending the main staircase. Next to the Blue Museum there is a large children's playground (even two) with various and unusual slides and carousels, which is rare for Barcelona. Well, it’s a stone’s throw from here to the beach. All in all, a worthwhile museum.

Packing your bags and heading to Catalonia? Book apartments on and create your own route through secret Barcelona.

Barcelona - fun European city. He is loved for his modernist architecture, Tasty food and a huge amount of entertainment.

Ekaterina Kachalina

lived in Barcelona

If you have a long layover in Barcelona or are passing through, you will have time to explore the city center in a day. I have compiled a route along the main attractions for 13 km. It starts at the Sagrada Familia and ends at the Montjuic fortress. Along the way we will see the famous buildings of Gaudi, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, the Palace of Catalan Music, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar, La Rambla, the Columbus Monument, the Las Arenas shopping center and magical fountains.

To get to the start of the route from the airport, take the metro from any of the terminals and go to the Sagrada Familia station on the purple line. The ticket costs 4.6 € (345 RUR).

Temple of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia)- the most famous landmark of the city, the main long-term construction of the planet and the project of the star Barcelona architect Antonio Gaudi. The temple has been built from 1882 to the present.

I advise you to walk around the temple to admire the three facades. The facade of the Nativity from the side of the pond is detailed and gloomy, created during Gaudi’s lifetime. For many, the façade of the Passion evokes associations with Star Wars. On the unfinished façade of Glory they plan to show the history of humanity from Adam and Eve to the Second Coming.

Inside the building there is a lot of light and branching columns that turn the temple into mystical forest. Ticket costs from 17 € (1275 RUR). To avoid standing in long line, I advise you to buy it in advance on the official website.

A ticket to Casa Mila with an audio guide costs 22 € (1650 RUR), in Casa Batllo - 25 € (1875 RUR). Casa Batllo will offer a video guide with augmented reality: when you point the device at an object, original interiors appear on the screen, and a fire “lights up” in the fireplace.

Palace of Catalan Music- another building in the Art Nouveau style and the only one in Europe concert hall with natural light. The interiors are rich: iridescent colored stained glass windows, sculptures of Valkyries, Pegasuses and a mosaic ceiling imitating a sky with a golden sun. You can go to a concert of classical performers, pop music, jazz, or just on an excursion. The ticket costs 15 € (1125 R) without a guide and 20 € (1500 R) in a tour group.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar- Catalan Gothic cathedral with sharp towers, narrow windows and intricate stained glass windows. The entrance is free. On weekdays the cathedral is open from 9:00 to 13:30 and from 16:30 to 20:00, on weekends - from 10:00.

La Rambla- an analogue of Moscow Arbat. This is a pedestrian boulevard that runs from Plaza Catalunya to Barceloneta beach. It is worth a walk along it to see living statues and mosaics by artist Joan Miró next to the Boqueria market, listen to street musicians and plunge into the atmosphere of celebration and happiness. Be careful: there are a lot of pickpockets in the crowd, and the prices for souvenirs from local merchants are outrageously inflated.

Columbus Monument- a 60 m high monument, which was built at the end of the 19th century. It is installed in front of the entrance to the Old Port, where the navigator’s ship landed after his first voyage to America. For 6 € (450 RUR) you can use the elevator inside the column and go up to the observation deck right under Columbus’s feet.

By cable car Teleferico del Puerto tourists climb to the top of Montjuic hill. The trip takes about 10 minutes and offers beautiful views of the city along the way.

Closest station to Columbus cable car called Miramar. The cabins depart every 15 minutes, the trip costs 11 € (825 RUR) one way and 16.5 € (1237 RUR) both ways. If you decide to take a ride, skip the next two points of the route - Las Arenas and the magic fountains.

"Las Arenas"- a shopping center converted from a bullring. The last time bullfighters fought bulls here was in 1977. Bullfighting is now prohibited in Catalonia, but its former scale can be appreciated inside Las Arenas. Under the dome is another observation deck with an excellent view. There is an elevator installed outside the building, which takes tourists upstairs for 1 € (75 RUR). If you go to the shopping center, you can go up to the same roof for free using the elevators for visitors.

Magic fountains- cascading or multi-level fountains, where a light and sound show takes place every weekend evening. Admission to the show is free, and even snobs will love the colors and sounds. Nearby are escalators leading to Montjuic hill.

Montjuic- a hill 173 m high. There is a lot of interesting things there. For example, in the MNAC Museum of Art of Catalonia, you can see hundreds of works by artists: from medieval frescoes to modern installations. Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month and on Saturdays from 15:00, at other times - 12 € (900 RUR).

Montjuic is worth a walk around the free botanical gardens and parks. I especially liked the cactus park: among the tropical plants it seems as if you were in Africa or Asia, and it’s easy to lose your head from the aromas.

Also on the hill you can swim and relax in the colorful public pools of Bernat Picornell. Entrance to the pool costs 6.5 € (487 R), a sun lounger costs another 1 € (75 R).

At the top of Montjuic there is an ancient fortress, which houses a military museum with medieval cannons and military uniforms. A visit costs 5 € (375 RUR). During the summer, there is an outdoor cinema on the fortress patio. Films are shown in the original language with Spanish subtitles; a ticket will cost 6.5 € (487 RUR). Renting a chair costs another 3.25 € (244 RUR), but townspeople usually bring blankets and wine and combine watching a movie with a picnic.

Details

Food. For lunch on this route, the Eixample district, where Gaudí's buildings are located, or the Gothic Quarter, with narrow streets and ancient buildings, are suitable. Tasty everywhere.

The best paella I ate was at the Xiringuito restaurant. You can also try it in restaurants on Barceloneta beach, such as Barraca or Can Majó. Paella prices are usually per person, but it is recommended to order for two. The average cost is 15-30 € (1125 -2250 R). Cold tomato gazpacho soup will cost 7-10 € (525 -750 R).

To save money, you can try local fast food. For example, a portion of churros choux pastry sticks costs 2-5 € (150 -375 R) in any coffee shop. I also advise you to look into the network 100 montaditos, translated into Russian as “100 sandwiches”. The sandwiches are small, but they cost 1-3 € (75 -225 R). On Wednesdays and Sundays there is a “Euromania” promotion: all menu items are sold for one euro.

Bars- part of the city culture: in Barcelona everyone drinks wine and beer for a couple of euros per glass. Among the bars, I can recommend the unusually decorated La Cobra, the colorful La Xampanyeria and the two-hundred-year-old absinthe bar Marsella, which appeared in the film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”. A glass of absinthe costs 6 € (450 RUR).

Beaches. In Barcelona people swim from May to early October. Going to the popular Barceloneta beach is a dubious idea. There are so many people there that it is impossible to walk into the sea without touching someone with your elbow. If time permits, it is better to get there to Bogatell beach or to the suburb - Badalona: it is clean and there are fewer tourists. On Bogatela there are bars and sun loungers for 10 € (750 RUR). In Badalona the beach is not equipped - you should bring a towel.

Markets. Main flea market -

Not only can you sit in a cozy cafe or go shopping here, but it is also a free open-air museum: every building dating back to the 14th-15th centuries is worthy of attention.

Be sure to find the best squares of the quarter here - Plaza Sant Jaume, Plaza Reyal and Del Rey - and, of course, do not forget such popular architectural masterpieces as the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. The closest metro stations to the Gothic Quarter are Liceu and Jaume I.

And, if you want to look into all the secret corners of the Gothic Quarter and learn about the most interesting city secrets from a local resident, we recommend going to.

3. Montjuic Hill

Perhaps all the most interesting sights of Barcelona (well, or most of them) are collected right here: the best museums of the city (National Art Museum of Catalonia, Joan Miró Museum, Spanish Village), buildings of the World Exhibition, many parks, gardens (among them botanical, for example, Jardins de Mossen Costa i Llobera) and shady paths and, of course, the castle of the same name and the famous Magic Fountain. An excellent choice for walking, to be sure! In addition, the hill offers a very beautiful view of Barcelona.

Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Millions of travelers visit the capital of Catalonia every year. Perhaps it's even more popular destination than visiting the capital of Spain, Madrid. What makes Barcelona so attractive?

Barcelona cannot be confused with any other city in the world. This is a real anthill with bright nightlife and cordiality local residents. You can always have a fun and carefree time here. Incomparable food and the national drink sangria will make your stay in the city even more vivid and unforgettable. But don’t think that a trip to Barcelona is only for nightlife lovers.

It's not called Barcelona for nothing cultural capital Spain. The city is rich in historical sights and unique architectural monuments. The greatest genius, Antonio Gaudi, made a great contribution to the architectural appearance of Barcelona. He left his amazing masterpieces as a legacy to his descendants: the Sagrada Familia, the Palace and Park Güell, the College of the Order of Saint Teresa and others.

So, what to see first in Barcelona.

What interesting things to see in Barcelona

If you are visiting Barcelona for the first time, you should start your acquaintance with the city with the immortal creations of Gaudi. They have long become the hallmark of the capital of Catalonia. And many are included in the UNESCO list World Heritage humanity.

Temple of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia)

This is one of the main attractions of Barcelona, built according to the design of Antoni Gaudi. The construction of the temple has not yet been completed, but the cathedral has already been consecrated by the Pope, which made it possible to begin holding daily services. The construction of the temple is carried out only with donations from parishioners and visitors who massively visit the Cathedral of the Holy Family. Completion of construction is planned in eight years. The cathedral is unlike any other famous temple in the world. Outwardly, it resembles either an enchanted forest, or a castle on the sand, or maybe a fairy-tale gingerbread house. No wonder Salvador Dali spoke of the cathedral as terribly “edible”. Gaudi based the design of his masterpiece on geometrically verified figures: helicoid, hyperboloid. According to the author's idea, the cathedral will be decorated with eighteen spiers, eight of them have already been built. The highest spire is the personification of Jesus Christ, the remaining twelve belong to the apostles, four more to the evangelists Mark, Luke, John and Matthew, and the last remaining one is Holy Virgin Maria. Inside the temple, visitors will find a whole fairy-tale forest of openwork columns, a star-shaped ceiling, and unique stained glass windows. The play of chiaroscuro creates a unique color mosaic pattern on everything interior decoration cathedral The Sagrada Familia is the first place to see in Barcelona.

House Mila

Another landmark of the city, created thanks to the architect Antonio Gaudi. This is a residential building where ordinary Catalan families still live. There are no straight lines in the external façade; there are waves and zigzags everywhere. The house is designed in such a way that every room is filled with light. Inside the house, the entire load is distributed between the load-bearing columns, this allows you to do any redevelopment of the room: move, demolish, move walls. Gaudi came up with a unique ventilation system that creates comfortable living conditions. There is a café in the building, where you should definitely stop by for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo is located in the heart of Barcelona. It is impossible not to notice him, he stands out so much with his appearance from all other buildings. The humpbacked roof, similar to a frozen outlandish dragon, the curved outlines of the facade and balconies, light splashes of ceramics, chimneys - the signature style of Antoni Gaudi can be read in everything. The inside of the house is no less interesting - there are amazing decorative elements here: for example, a chandelier in the shape of a sun, a staircase in the shape of a shell. Playing with chiaroscuro creates beautiful drawing in the courtyard.

National Museum of Art of Catalonia

At the foot of Montjuic mountain National Palace there is a museum building. Directly in front of it rise four Ionic columns, as a symbol of Catalonia. The columns are adjacent to a wonderful fountain that attracts visitors with a night show. The museum's observation deck offers one of the most memorable views of the city. The museum displays the most complete collection of Romanesque art. The works of Velázquez and El Greco form the basis of Renaissance art. In addition, there is a wonderful collection of all kinds of coins and banknotes, as well as sculptures, frescoes, and ceramics.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross

In the very center of the Gothic Quarter, a magnificent cathedral was built, its second name is the Cathedral of St. Eulalia, whose relics rest under the Gothic vault of the temple. This saint is revered in both Catholicism and Orthodoxy. it's the same Cathedral Barcelona. The cathedral was built in the Gothic style, and its main facade is decorated with a beautiful portal. The openwork spiers of the cathedral towers give it a majestic appearance. Another relic that is kept in this place is a statue of Christ, taken from a ship that took part in the Battle of Lepanto.

Barcelona Aquarium

This is the largest aquarium in Europe. Several thousand representatives live here depths of the sea. The main goal is to inform visitors about the need to take care of nature and its inhabitants, as well as maintain harmony between humans and marine inhabitants. The aquarium features several ecosystems, ranging from the Great Barrier Reef to underwater caves. Everyone is attracted by the huge oceanarium, where sharks swim majestically. There is a long tunnel underneath, which allows you to find yourself at the bottom of the sea.

What to see in Barcelona

The answer to this question depends on the number of days allocated for sightseeing in Barcelona. It takes at least a week to get acquainted with most of them. If you don’t have much time, then you should focus on the most important ones.

Mount Montjuic

Montjuic Mountain is home to several popular corners of the city. Firstly, the Royal Botanical Garden is located here. On the territory of the garden there are artificial streams, waterfalls, and a lake. It's nice to stroll here on a hot day and enjoy the beautiful flora that abounds here. The second garden laid out on the mountain is the Cactus Park. Representatives of the thorny family grow here in free conditions and amaze with their shapes and sizes. Here are presented cacti from the smallest to the largest.

Secondly, the famous Singing Fountains show takes place at the foot of Montjuic Mountain. To the beautiful musical accompaniment, streams of water, illuminated by multi-colored reflections, dance in the literal sense of the word. The spectacle, which takes place in the evenings, is very popular among tourists and local residents. This show is worth seeing with your own eyes.

Ramblas

This street has the same significance for Catalans as Old Arbat does for Muscovites. The Ramblas are completely pedestrian. There are souvenir shops, shops and cafes here. Artists perform on the streets: magicians, jugglers, painters, musicians. For a small fee you can take a photo with the “living statue”. Here you can spend a pleasant time in the shade of green plane trees, enjoying the special local flavor.

Boqueria Market

From the Ramblas it is worth going to the Boqueria market. It has long become the calling card of the city and a tourist Mecca. Growing from a small rural market, today the Boqueria market occupies 2500 sq.m. Here you can buy sanctioned jamon, real Spanish sausages, fresh seafood (oysters, shrimp, fish, squid, octopus, tuna), fruits and vegetables. The fruit is often sold in the form of ready-made smoothies or cut into slices. So many tourists come here that at one point organized tour groups were banned from entering the market. You can understand the traders; many come here to look, not to buy.

Mount Tibidabo

This is the best observation deck in Barcelona and the most high point on the city map. To get to the top, you can use an old funicular, and for the most resilient, you can climb on foot. People come here not only for beautiful view, but also to go on rides. The Ferris wheel, free fall tower and roller coaster will appeal to both adults and children. At the top of the mountain stands the snow-white Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Instead of a spire, there is a statue of Christ with outstretched arms, as if embracing the entire city. The figure of the Savior resembles a famous statue located in Brazil.

Triumphal Arch

There are triumphal arches in many European cities; they were installed in honor of significant events and military victories. So in Moscow the Arc de Triomphe appeared in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. In the capital of Catalonia, it was built for the opening of the World Exhibition. It was built of red brick and decorated with sculptures along the perimeter. The entire structure is crowned by an exhibition depicting the coats of arms of all Spanish provinces. There are beautiful bas-reliefs on the facades.

Camp Nou Stadium

This is an iconic stadium that has become the home of FC Barça. This is the most titled club in Spain in terms of the total number of awards. In addition, they own a number of football records, some of which have not yet been broken. When Barça plays in their home stadium, tickets are almost impossible to get, but if you manage to do so, you will see the hundred-thousand-strong Camp Nou arena cheering for their team. You can also visit the museum at the stadium, admire the trophy exhibits and buy yourself a T-shirt of your favorite club. The stadium tour is not available on or immediately prior to match days. All current information can be found on the official website of the Camp Nou stadium.

Park Guell

The end of your acquaintance with the creative heritage of Antoni Gaudi can be Park Güell. Many people come to these places to admire the breathtaking panorama of the city from the main terrace of the park. From the obligatory program: sit on a snake bench, admire the fountains and sculptures, walk through the colonnade, admire the unique mosaic. There is never too much Antoni Gaudi, so after the park, if possible, visit his house-museum, where he lived for twenty years from 1906 to 1926.

What to see as a tourist in Barcelona

The excursion program in the city is rich, where everyone can choose an interesting direction. Of course, there are places intended for independent exploration and do not require a guide. However, to visit some of Barcelona's attractions, it is better to take the help of a professional.

Monastery of Montserrat

The strangely shaped mountain of Montserrat is located outside of Barcelona. To get here it is best to take a tour. This will help save both money and time. Since 1987, Montserrat has been a protected area, with several walking routes to get acquainted with the local flora and fauna. But the main pearl of Montserrat mountain is the unique ancient monastery. The monastery is located almost at the very top of the mountain among high steep walls. There are many caves in the surrounding area; they often served as a hiding place for monastery treasures. Pilgrims flock here to see the statue of the Black Madonna, who gives the joy of motherhood to believers. Depending on the excursion program there is different content. It is worth choosing a tour that not only includes a tour of the monastery, but also includes a tasting. Monks have long been involved in the production of liqueurs and goat cheese. At the tasting you can not only try natural products, but also purchase them, which is much more important.

Picasso Museum

The capital of Catalonia is inextricably linked with the activities of the great Pablo Picasso. To better learn about the work and life of the genius, take a tour and visit the artist’s favorite places in the city. Most of excursions include visits to such iconic places like Picasso's first working studio, his first home, as well as the famous 4 Gatos restaurant, where you can go for coffee. And ends with a visit to the Picasso Museum. Inside you will find not only paintings, but also ceramics, engravings, and photographs. Most of the works date back to Picasso's early period, and there are even his childhood pencil sketches. The later works of the Cubist genius are also presented in the museum, but in a smaller volume. The museum contains practically no information about the personal life of the genius, so if you choose to visit only the museum on your own, you will not learn many interesting facts.

Gothic Quarter

A walk through the Gothic Quarter is an immersive experience from the Roman period through the Middle Ages to modern times. Of course, you can take a walk in the Gothic Quarter on your own, but then you will most likely miss the significant attractions of the area.

The Gothic Quarter is part medieval city, which dates predominantly from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Most of the block is pedestrian and not intended for traffic. In addition to medieval buildings, Roman buildings have also been preserved here, for example, the remains of a fortress wall and ruins of the palace of Octavian Augustus.

The heart of the Gothic Quarter became Cathedral of the Holy Cross. This is the second most beautiful temple in the city. Most of the postcards sold with the caption “Gothic Quarter” show off the Bridge of Sighs or Kissing Bridge. The beautiful lace bridge was created by Gaudí's colleague, architect G. Rubio.

The richest area before the Reconquista was considered Jewish Quarter. Its remains are perfectly preserved and today testify to its former greatness and wealth. The synagogue and Rabbi's House are at the center of the Jewish community. There is also a museum where you can go for tastings and lectures on ancient Jewish history.

Another gem of Gothic art is presented Church of Santa Maria del Pi. On the site where the modern building is located, the first church appeared in the fifth century. The existing cathedral building appeared in the fourteenth century. During its history, the temple has experienced many tragic moments: several earthquakes, fires, Civil War in Spain. But the Catalans always restored it.