Travelling to Barcelona: what you can do there

Travelling to Barcelonais to find yourself in a place that celebrates urbanism, gastronomy, diversity, nightlife and seaside living.

There's often so much going on in this city of almost 2 million that it seems much bigger than it is.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of Spain's second city.

Travelling to Barcelona: article summary

Travelling to Barcelona: be prepared to do a lot of walking

Barcelona is considered one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the world. This is based on a street grid system designed by Ildefons Cerdà at the end of the XIXᵉ century. Much of the Catalan capital can be explored on foot, and it's not just about the historic center.

The districts of Gràcia, Eixample and Poblenouto name but a few, can all be easily discovered on a stroll through the city. Of course, on the district's narrow roads Barcelona Gothicthere are few options other than walking, as the cars and bus are not suited to seeing these emblematic parts of the city.

So before you travel to Barcelona, I advise you to pack a good pair of walking shoes. These will to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

Discover all the wonders of Gaudí

Barcelona is best known for the architectural masterpieces created by Antoni Gaudí, pioneer of a style that combines standard geometry with biomimicry. Take a closer look at the façade of the Sagrada FamíliaYou'll notice a lizard where you least expect it. There are many wonders to discover in its architectural pieces. On your trip to Barcelona, it's important to visit this unique place.

In Barcelona, however, architecture is everywhere. Facades adorned with sculptures and intricate colors often appear where you least expect them. You can, for example, explore the Agbar Tower offering a modern, futuristic design. There's a lot to see on Barcelona's facades, so be sure to keep your eyes open as you explore the city and remember to look up.

Travelling to Barcelona: discover the city's music festivals

In Barcelona, it seems as if the rhythm of music is always in the air. Whether you're looking for a classical symphony at the Palau de la Música Catalana or electronic rhythms to SónarI'm sure something will happen!

Attending a concert or even one of the city's world-renowned music festivals is a great way to discover Barcelona and rub shoulders with some of its locals. Spring and summer are the best times for open-air events such as the Barcelona Jazz Festival, Brunch in the Park, Cruïlla and Primavera Sound, but in the cooler months you'll find excellent queues in Barcelona's many nightclubs.

Learn a few Catalan words

Catalonia is officially part of Spain, and Spanish is widely spoken in Barcelona. However, Catalan is the preferred language of residents. As a result, grocery stores and street names are all spelled in Catalan, not Spanish, and people tend to greet each other in this language.

Learn a few simple phrases in Catalan, including bon dia (good morning), merci (thank you) and adéu (goodbye). These simple words will help you connect with the locals. Using a little Catalan when shopping will probably put a big smile on the vendor's face. And don't hesitate to ask them for some advice on your pronunciation. The locals are happy to share their culture.

Travelling to Barcelona: getting ready to soar high

Every city has a place to admire the immensity of its surroundings, and in Barcelona the best place is the Bunker del Carmela former military complex located next to the parc Güell. You can also take a trip to the top of the Tibidabowhere Barcelona and the Mediterranean are visible from a greater distance.

For the best close-up view of the city, head towards Montjuïcwhich is more easily accessible, just a short walk from the city center, and home to beautiful parks and gardens with pleasant views over the city.

Try seafood

As you'd expect in the Mediterranean, there are plenty of excellent seafood restaurants in Barcelona, serving a range of local classics (such as the paella con mariscos) and traditional dishes, including lobster, oysters, mussels and clams.

There are two places to eat seafood in Barcelona: 7 Portas and Botafumeiro. Fortunately, you can also sample a wide range of seafood without breaking the bank by visiting the city's tapas bars. If you're planning a trip to Barcelona, you'll probably want to try some seafood. What could be better than enjoying a delicious seafood platter overlooking the ocean? If you'd like to find out more, I suggest you visit read my article on the subject.

Travelling to Barcelona: look beyond the most popular sites

There's much more to Barcelona than just sightseeing Las Ramblas and the Sagrada Família. The districts of Sants and PoblenouThe "Bodegas de France", for example, have a lot to offer, from authentic bodegas to visually complex art projects. Get away from Barceloneta for the beaches further north, which are particularly pleasant in summer.

Travelling to Barcelona is something you'll never forget. By following these tips, I guarantee that you'll have a great time.ou'll enjoy a delightful vacation in the Catalan capital.