If you're planning a trip to Barcelona, make sure you don't miss out on a visit to one of the city's districts: each has its own charm and characteristics, and will fascinate you with its history.
Barcelona's must-see districts
We start our visit in the Eixample, the district whose name means extension: it was built in 1860 on the remains of medieval walls and is now a residential and commercial area divided into 3: Dreta, Antiga Esquerra and Nova Esquerra. In this area, you can visit the Sagrada Família, the Casa Milá, the Casa Batlló, the National Theatre of Catalonia, the Auditorium, the Bullring and the Casa de les Punxes.
The Casa Calvet, another of Gaudí's buildings, and the Casa Milá are also worth a visit, while the Passeig de García, known as Barcelona's most elegant street, also has its own special charm. Until you reach Las Ramblas, one of the city's liveliest districts, divided into five parts: Rambla Canaletes, Rambla de Estudis, Rambla de Sant Josep, also known as Rambla les Flores because in the 19th century it was the only district where flowers were sold, and finally Rambla de Santa Mónica Caputxins, a pleasant place to stroll both day and night.
The Raval district was once a haven for intellectuals, artists and immigrants, and is now home to a contemporary art museum and several art galleries. The area is home to the Palacio Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece built in 1888, and the MACBA, Barcelona's contemporary art museum. A typical stop on the Rambla del Raval is Fernando Botero's statue of the Gato del Raval.
La Barceloneta, a district dedicated to fishermen and sailors, is now home to numerous seafood restaurants and miles of beaches where you can spend days of intense relaxation.
Another outstanding district is the Gothic Quarter, the city's oldest core: here, the must-sees are Barcelona Cathedral, the Gothic-style bridge that crosses Calle Bisbe, Casa Padellàs, Palau Aguilar, now the Picasso Museum, and Palau Pignatelli, now the Royal Barcelona Art Circle.
And finally, we arrive in the district of La Ribera. Economic center of the Catalan capital during the 13th and 15th centuries, and today a district packed with bars and cafés that attract tourists and locals alike. The district is home to the Gothic fish market and the church of Santa Maria del Mar.
Now you know what a weekend in Barcelona.
Must-see museums in Barcelona
Barcelona is such a rich city that it offers thousands of fun activities for everyone: families, friends, couples? There are sights that all tourists and travelers consider must-sees, but visitors rarely realize the huge list of museums that flood the streets of the Catalan capital.
MIBA (Barcelona Museum of Ideas and Inventions): opened in late 2010 and located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. It offers a large collection of unusual objects that you're sure you've never seen before. In fact, the museum is dedicated to historical inventions and focuses mainly on new, unknown inventions. Useful inventions, but also crazy ones that will put a smile on your face.
The Gaudí House Museum, located in the heart of Parc Güell on the Carmel road, is probably the least-visited of the monuments and museums dedicated to the famous Catalan architect. Opened to the general public in 1963, this house was Gaudí's residence for almost 20 years, from 1906 to 1925. The house is presented as if nothing had changed: the artist's own furniture and other personal documents are available to the public.
The Mammoth Museum is probably one of Barcelona's most unique museums. Located in the Born district, it was inaugurated in 2010 and is a great success, especially with children. This paleontology museum is packed with unique exhibits, skeletons and life-size replicas to immerse you in the history of the now extinct animals of the Ice Age.
The Daniel Comboni Africa Museum is located in the Horta district. The museum has been preserved thanks to the missionaries who care for and restore the collections. Dedicated to African culture, it contains many pieces from countries south of the Sahara, such as authentic clothing and jewelry, as well as different types of African houses and domestic objects.
The Interactive Fishing Center is located on the outskirts of Barcelona, in Mercabarna. Inaugurated in 2010, this center aims to help you discover all the stages in the life of fish, and above all the process by which fish passes from the sea to your plate. You'll learn the trade and get to know the less popular species of fish or seafood, while having fun thanks to the interactive workshops on offer. This area is ideal for families.
Places to see around Barcelona
Although Barcelona is a beautiful city, sometimes you just want to get away from it all and visit new places that are a little bit further away.
Montserrat: this magnificent mountain will fill you with peace and tranquillity. With its original shapes, Montserrat mountain is also home to the Benedictine monastery dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat. In 1925, the monastery was renovated by the famous artist Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Sitges: this traditional fishing village is full of charm and boasts some of the best beaches on the Barcelona coast. It's great fun to stroll around Sitges, enjoying its seafood restaurants and gazing out at the sea from its sandy beaches.
Cardona: spectacular medieval village with its castle, built in 886 by Wilfred the Hairy, in Romanesque and Gothic styles. The 11th-century Minyona tower, 15 metres high and over 10 metres in diameter, and the Romanesque church of San Vicente de Cardona are also worth a visit.
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