Barcelona : Top Attractions of Barcelona

La Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain - Photo by Lucrezia Carnelos on Unsplash

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                The seaside city of Barcelona has some of the most gorgeous sceneries and breathtaking architectural works to offer. The allure for the enchanting seaside capital of Catalonia grows ever strong. The Mediterranean climate is coupled with an age-old magical charm that makes Barcelona such a happening destination among tourists. One of the best things has to be the fact that you can find your own magical corner in the city as you stroll aimlessly anywhere you like! So, if you are planning a trip to this magical place keep reading and find out some things that you have to try while you are in Barcelona.

Basílica de la Sagrada Família - Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash

Basílica de la Sagrada Família
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The Basílica de la Sagrada Família is one of the most iconic structures that you will see in Barcelona. It rises above any other building in the city making it quite noticeable from different parts of the city. The 18 spindly towers feature an unconventional style of architecture in Europe making it one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The surrealistic essence of Gaudi could be easily seen in the Art Nouveau style of architecture this building features. Though the Basilica yet remains unfinished, the expansive architectural style and the intricate artwork immediately captivate any onlooker.

Image by Catharina Rytter from Pixabay

Barri Gòtic
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Barri Gòtic or the Gothic Quarter is another part of the city that has to be on your itinerary. This part of the city was developed over the years and has served as the spiritual center of Barcelona for about 2,000 years. The Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia, which is at the heart of the Gothic Quarter was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries and is a remarkable monument to be witnessed.
The narrow lanes, quaint restaurants, and picturesque squares are some of the things that you should be looking forward to. If you get lost in this part of town, that’s when the true magic of this place will hit you- it will be like you have been transported to a faraway medieval world, free from the eccentricities of everyday life.

Casa Milà - Photo by David Rüsseler on Unsplash

Casa Milà
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Casa Milà situated in the Eixample district is one of the most famous secular buildings constructed under the guidance of Antoni Gaudi. This building, resembling an open quarry, was constructed between 1906 and 1912 and is known among the locals as “La Pedrera” or “The Stone Quarry”. You will not find a single straight line on the imposing façade of the building- even the widows and metallic balconies are rounded and the roof has an undulating form. The rooftop welcomes visitors to explore and look into the strangely shaped chimneys up-close. You will also get a grand view of the city from the rooftop.

Photo by Tobias Schäfer on Unsplash

​La Rambla
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La Rambla, a tree-shaded avenue, is the heart of social life in Barcelona! This street divides the Old Town into two parts and runs up to the port from the 12th-century Convent of Santa Anna. This is one of the most popular places in the city to hang out lined with all kinds of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and shops. The Mercat de la Boqueria is nearby which is one of the most vibrant places in the city with brightly colored fruits and vegetables, chocolates, pastries, candied fruits, burritos, bread, olive bins, and so much more. Live music, mime show, and other such impromptu street performances are part of the La Rambla experience. You should also head to Plaça Reial around the midway filled with elegant historic buildings turned into shops, restaurants, and cafes. You will also find Palau Güell, a majestic monument built by Gaudi in 1886 on this avenue! This is the place that you have to go to if you want to get a taste of daily life in Barcelona.

Photo by Duarte Santos on Unsplash

Palau de la Música Catalana
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Featuring the Art Nouveau decorative style and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palau de la Música Catalana was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and built between 1905 and 1908. The stunning façade depicting beautiful mosaics, intricate ironwork, and various sculptural elements would alone leave you spellbound. It is a huge concert hall that was initially built for Orfeó Català and could accommodate 2,200 guests. Every bit of the hall is covered in beautiful, eye-catching artwork! Even the ceiling is a work of art- it is a humongous stained glass skylight designed by Antoni Rigalt. Guided tours are available for you to enjoy all the intricacies of the Palau de la Música Catalana.

Parc Güell: Gaudí's Surrealist Park - Image by Alexandra from Pixabay

Parc Güell: Gaudí's Surrealist Park
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If there is one thing ever-present in Barcelona, it has to be its vibrant charm. And what can be more vibrant than Parc Güell featuring the surrealistic artwork and imaginative capabilities of Antoni Gaudi! Listed as a UNESCO site, this park was built between 1900 and 1914 and covers 19 hectares of hillside land. It is a magical world where you will find all such attractions as winding staircases. Elaborate fountains, a colonnaded hall, viaducts, grottoes, and exquisitely designed park benches. You should also head to Casa Museu Gaudi, Antoni Gaudi's residence for almost two decades featuring his life and works.

La Barceloneta - Photo by Ana San Juan on Unsplash

La Barceloneta
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Barcelona is a seaside city and you will be missing out on a lot if you do not explore its beaches. La Barceloneta used to be a small fishing village adjacent to Barcelona and bordering Sant Sebastià Beach. The beach is a stunning attraction and sees a daily array of locals who head there to enjoy, relax, surf, swim, and socialize. There are also many seafood cafes in the area for you to try. The Barceloneta Beach, quite popular among tourists and locals, is also in this part of the town. All kinds of facilities that you could ask for on a beach are available here.

Parc del Laberint - Photo by Jordi Vich Navarro on Unsplash

​Parc del Laberint
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Situated in the Horta-Guinardó district, Parc del Laberint is a 55-acre labyrinthine park that was constructed in 1792 and happens to be the oldest landscaped green space in Barcelona. It is an interesting botanical area that has combined the essence of a romantic garden with the functionality of formal gardens. As you stroll through the park you will be greeted with many small squares, neoclassical sculptures, vibrant and exotic flower beds, and an exquisite labyrinth. You should make it a point to visit the Torre Soberana, a 14th-century manor house, located within the park premises.