City break in Barcelona

Barcelona, overlooking the Mediterranean, is the beating heart of Catalonia. A city that masterfully combines millenary history and modernity, it offers beauties to visit among medieval alleys, impressive examples of Modernism and coastal views. The mild climate is conducive to exploration in every season and the cultural variety can be breathed between museums, concerts, street festivals and a gastronomy that ranges from Catalan traditions to international flavors. The archaeological finds, the historic districts and the visionary architecture make Barcelona ideal even for short city breaks but full of experiences. It also takes three or four days to ensure that you see its must-see attractions with themed itineraries, which enrich every day of your stay in the city.

Walking route in the Gothic Quarter
 

The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is a real open-air museum: you will encounter narrow medieval streets, Roman remains and Gothic churches, all set among artisan shops, Catalan restaurants and historic cafes. Every corner tells of a different era and walking here means immersing yourself in 2000 years of urban history with curiosity, mystery and authentic charm.

Walking through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter is a truly unique experience. In Plaça Nova you can visit the Cathedral with the Gothic cloister. The Gothic masterpiece of the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia, one of the most significant religious places in Catalonia, is worth a thorough stop, where you can explore the naves, stained glass windows, crypt and cloister with the 13 geese symbolizing Santa Eulàlia, martyr patron saint of the city. The complex tells the story of faith, art and devotion from different medieval periods. Crossing the courtyard behind the cathedral you will discover remains of the columns of the Temple of Augustus, a Roman temple dating back to the first century BC. The ancient columns emerge from the silence, creating a space for historical contemplation and suggestive connection with the ancient Roman Barcino (ancient name of the city). 

In addition to the remains of the Roman walls at the corner of Carrer del Bisbe, the street also leads to Plaça Sant Jaume, where the City Hall and the Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of the Catalan government, are located. Just behind Carrer del Bisbe, is the Pont del Bisbe, a neo-Gothic bridge that serves as a symbolic entrance to the Gothic heart and connects two historic buildings. The scenographic structure leads to an almost fairytale atmosphere suspended in time, ideal for a photo break.

In Plaça del Rei, you can admire the heart of the medieval city with walls, portals and traces of alleys from the past and where you will also find the Museo d'Historia de Barcelona (MUHBA). Taking Carrer Argenteria, you reach the imposing Church of Santa Maria del Mar with Catalan Gothic architecture. A gastronomic stop in the restaurants of the historic center and a walk along the most iconic avenue of the city, La Rambla, which houses the famous opera house Gran Teatre del Liceu, is not to be missed. From the streets around Plaça del Pi you can reach the shopping streets, Portal de l'Àngel and La Rambla in a few steps.

Music and art lovers can visit Palau de la Música Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or continue to the El Raval district, very close to the city center, to discover the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) in the El Raval district and the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB).

Catalan Art Nouveau and Modernism Route

With the Barcelona Bus Turístic or public transport card, head to the Sagrada Família to discover the symbolic significance of Gaudí's masterpiece. Opposite, on Gaudí Avenue, is the modernist complex of Sant Pau Recinte Modernista, designed by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Muntaner. 

Further on, at Park Güell (Fontana metro, line 3), you will discover Gaudi's interplay of nature and architecture. To see Gaudí's first modernist building in Barcelona, visit Casa Vicens. Continue to the Gràcia district full of restaurants, craft and design shops.

To continue exploring the city's modernist masterpieces you can visit Park Güell and the historic Quadrat d'Or district with buildings such as Gaudí's Casa Milà - La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Casa Lleó Morera by Domènech i Montaner and Casa Amatller by Puig i Cadafalch. 

While in El Born, one of the liveliest neighborhoods in the city, you can visit the Museu Moco (contemporary art and digital technology), the Museu Picasso or the Gothic-style Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar right at the top of the narrow avenue, the Passeig del Born. For a tasting stop, even in the evening, you can choose from the many restaurants in the Eixample district.

Or, to continue the day in a different way, you can climb Mount Tibidabo, the highest point in the city to enjoy a view of the Barcelona skyline, or take the funicular that takes you to Montjuïc where you will find the Olympic Ring, Montjuïc Castle, the Miró Foundation, Poble Espanyol, the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Pavelló Mies van der Rohe and, after a few visits, stop in the evening to dine in one of the many places in Montjuïc.

Route along the promenade among the beaches of Barcelona

Barcelona's promenade and beaches are also full of historical and artistic monuments. The best time to visit the promenade and beaches is in the morning and you can also take a ride on one of the iconic pleasure boats of the port of Barcelona, Las Golondrinas. 

Don't miss the Columbus Monument at the bottom of La Rambla (where you can take the elevator to the top for stunning views of the Gothic Quarter, the old port Port Vell and La Rambla) or the famous sculptures of the Head of Barcelona by Roy Lichtenstein and the Fish by Frank Gehry. You can end the morning enjoying a delicious paella in Barceloneta with many restaurants on the fine sandy beach. 

In the afternoon, you can visit other works by Gaudí, two architectural gems on Passeig de Gràcia such as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO) known for its undulating shapes, multicolored façade and interior design inspired by nature, testimony to the artistic innovation of the early twentieth century. But also works by other architects such as Puig i Cadafalch and Domènech i Montaner. 

You can then continue with a walk on Passeig de Gràcia, the most majestic avenue in the Eixample district, one of the city's most iconic shopping districts, or enjoy a bird's-eye view of Barcelona from the Mirador Torre Glòries or immerse yourself in the architectural marvel of the Palau de la Música Catalana, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, end the day in one of the many restaurants in the Eixample area to enjoy Catalan dishes or tapas.

Typical dishes and ideal places for gastronomic stops

In Barcelona, you can enjoy Catalan cuisine, which reflects the richness of the Catalan landscape between the sea and the mountains. Among the most popular recipes are paella (rice, saffron, vegetables, meat or seafood), tapas (savory or even sweet, as an aperitif or appetizers), carn d'olla (meat-based soup) or escalivada (smoked grilled vegetables). 

There are many dishes to choose from such as Catalan salad, Catalan fava beans, meatballs with cuttlefish, chicken with prawns, Pa amb tomàquet (typical Catalan seasoned bread), Tortilla de patatas and jamón ibérico (tapas classics, with potatoes or cheese and ham), Valencian paella (rice with chicken, rabbits, vegetables and saffron), fried squid and croquetas (crispy fried to accompany a glass of vermouth in the Boqueria or in the local tapas bars), Catalan cream, esqueixada and escudella (traditional desserts and soups found in the restaurants of the Gòtic and Born quarters).

Among the many recommended places for tastings: bars offer authentic tapas in a convivial environment; The typical restaurants offer Catalan cuisine revisited in the medieval heart of the city; the Boqueria Market (stalls full of fruit, fish, olives, ham and tailor-made tapas), a true temple of nightlife which can be accessed from La Rambla 91 or by Metro L3-Liceu; but also the small local taverns in hidden spaces in the Gothic Quarter, ideal for a relaxing meal in a unique atmosphere.

Nightlife and neighborhood experiences

Barcelona is vibrant in every season of the year and during the night cocktail bars, restaurants, nightclubs and live music venues are open. To enjoy the night by the sea you can go to the promenade full of bars, restaurants, discos and even a casino. Each neighbourhood offers a different way to experience Barcelona's nightlife. 

Plaça Reial is the center of the nightlife with outdoor bars under Gaudinian street lamps where you can breathe a cosmopolitan atmosphere, live music and social life, perfect for a drink or a bite to eat in an elegant setting. There are also several cocktail bars in the alleys, accessible by anonymous doors, which offer quality mixology in an intimate and refined environment, ideal for a special after-dinner. 

The evening walk in the Gothic is a must, between illuminated walls and squares, where the medieval stone and soft lights create a romantic and evocative atmosphere, perfect for a moment of slowness. El Born, a bohemian neighborhood with artsy bars, terraces, live music, and a more contemporary vibe, is a great alternative for those looking to extend the evening. 

In the Nato district there are restaurants, bars and refined cocktail lounges among the medieval streets, perfect for a dinner and a drink. In the Gaixample district (nickname of Eixample and LGTBIQ+ website) clubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants offer music and gastronomy for all tastes and ages. In the Gràcia district you will find charming corners with a bohemian atmosphere. 

The Poblenou district offers great nightclubs and bars, converted from old disused factories, indie rock music, pop novelties and alternative rock. Raval, a multicultural and eclectic neighborhood, offers a vibrant nightlife with exotic and local cuisine. The Sant Gervasi district, in the upper part of Barcelona, offers bars and nightclubs with a chic atmosphere. If you are interested in flamenco shows, numerous tablaos in the Gothic offer intense performances, to be experienced in historic settings accompanied by tapas, wine and Catalan culture. 

Useful information on how to get around Barcelona

The best way to get around Barcelona is to use the metro, trams, buses, and urban train service.

• Metro, FGC and Tram: fast and comfortable to get around Barcelona with different types of tickets and travel cards.
• Bus: Serving all areas of Barcelona. Integrated fare system: travel cards on metro, trams, FGC and Renfe trains (zone 1).
• Taxi: with yellow and black livery and green light on the roof indicating availability. Over 300 bus stops offer taxi service.
• Other means of transport: Open-top tourist buses (with different routes); pleasure boats Golondrinas; Montjuïc cable car.

Tourist offices at the airport and in the city centre

At Barcelona Airport (Terminals 1 and 2-B, daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm); in the L9 metro concourse of Barcelona - El Prat airport (daily, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm); in the Barcelona Tourist Information Centre at Plaça Catalunya 17-S (every day, from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm), useful for assistance and information about the city. You can also consider buying the Barcelona Card for free travel on public transport and discounts and free entry to the city's main tourist attractions.

Barcelona Airport Transfers

Josep Tarradellas Airport Barcelona - El Prat Airport (BCN) is located 16 kilometers south of the city. The airport terminals - T1 and T2 (A, B and C) - are organized according to the airlines. Connections between Barcelona and the airport and back:

• Train (RENFE): daily connections to the airport from Renfe (Spanish Railways) stations in Sants. Frequency: every 30 minutes. Travel time: 17 minutes (from Sants).
• Metro (TMB): The L9 south metro line connects the city and the airport (T1 and T2). Frequency: every 7 minutes. Journey: 32 minutes (from Zona Universitària).
• Aerobús (A1 and A2): daily between Plaça de Catalunya and the airport. A1 frequency every 8 minutes. A2 every 15 minutes. Duration: 35 minutes.
• Bus (TMB): Bus 46 connects Pl. d'Espanya to the airport (T1 and T2) every day. Frequency: every 25 minutes.

Edited by Alisè Vitri

Avion Tourism Magazine

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Where to stay in Barcelona 

Barcelona is a welcoming city and offers various possibilities for accommodation in facilities equipped with every comfort.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers , you can search  by stars but also by neighborhoods or places of interest.