What are the five best things to see and do in Barcelona?
- Ryan Craggs
- Correspondent
- New York City, New York
In Barcelona, the streets themselves are works of art, with the city’s combination of ancient and modern. The coastline, hills and paved roads all juxtapose for a city like few others. Here are the five best things to see and do in Barcelona:
1. Picasso Museum. Possibly the world’s most famous artist, Pablo Picasso divided most of his life between Barcelona and Paris. With that in mind, the Picasso Museum explores the master’s relationship with the Spanish city, housing more than 3,500 works, composing the most complete collection of his art of any museum in the world.
2. La Sagrada Família. There’s a running joke that when something is running past deadline, it will be done after La Sagrada Família. Under construction since 1882 and originally designed by famed architect Antoni Gaudí, the Basilica I Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família looks different from any basilica you’ll see in the world. Made of 22 different stones, the structure boasts eight towers, though it will have 18 once it’s completed. The iconic pillars and façade appear in all brand of souvenir, and a ride to the top will give you another view of the city and its famous cathedral.
3. The beach. Surprisingly, Barcelona didn’t focus much attention on its coastline, for tourism purposes, until a redesign for the 1992 Summer Olympics brought about change to the port and shipping waters. But since then, the Mediterranean seaside has given visitors and residents alike just another reason to love the city and its terrific weather.
4. Camp Nou. If you visit between August and May, you’ll likely have the opportunity to catch FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most famous and successful soccer (football, to locals) clubs. Camp Nou is the Catalan soccer mecca, holding nearly 100,000 fans for games. Though FCB lost La Liga in 2011 to hated rivals Real Madrid, the team has been on an unprecedented run through European and domestic soccer in the last five years.
5. Parc Güell. Architectural master Antoni Gaudí’s playful mind combines nature with mortar in this Modernist park. Multicolored mosaics abound in the park’s man-made structures, including the tiled dragon in the main entrance’s fountain. The Hall of Columns provides its own photo ops within its 86 Doric pillars, while the central terrace gives you spectacular views out on the city, the sea and the mountains behind.
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On March 12Sònia Graupera answered the question:
Where can you get the best view of Barcelona?
My favourite place in town to enjoy the views and for free is Carretera de les Aigües, a 16-kilometer path below the Tibidabo amusement park in the Collserola mountain. Accessible with public transportation, the path is very popular to jog, walk, or bike for the locals. If you wish to have a drink there, don't miss the Mirablau Bar.
In town (seaside) my favourite place is the restaurant Torre d'Alta Mar. In the city, my must-see terraces are: La Dolce Vitae at Majestic Hotel, Alaire Terrace at Hotel Condes de Barcelona, above the Ramblas at Terrace of Hotel Bagués (to see what happens in the heart of the city from the posh side) and the rooftop terrace of Grand Hotel Central (to see the old town).
For great views of the Montjuïc Mountain ("Olympic Mountain"), go up to the huge circular terrace at the shopping mall Les Arenas des Barcelona — plus there are plenty of restaurants there too. -
On March 1Sònia Graupera answered the question:
What is public transportation like in Barcelona?
Public transportation (bus, metro and ferrocarrils) are good, not expensive and safe. Don't hesitate to use them. For more information check the official website http://www.tmb.cat/en/home they can easily answer how to arrive to your destination, time and what to use. I suggest you download the apps, really useful
Buy a ten ride card (called T10, 1 zone is for all Barcelona), you can change during 1,5hs from bus to metro and to another bus line. Worth!
For transportation from the airport I always book a Mercedes from Taxi Class -
On March 1Sònia Graupera answered the question:
Where can you get the best view of Barcelona?
My favourite place in town to enjoy the views and for free is the Water road, or "Carretera de les aigües", it's a 16kms path below the Tibidabo amusement park in the Collserola mountain. Accessible with public transportation. Very popular to jog, walk, or bike for the locals. If you wanna have a drink there, don't miss the Mirablau bar.
In town (seaside) my favourite places are the restaurant Torre d'alta mar, In the city my must terraces are: La dolce Vita at Majestic Hotel, just in front Alaire Terrace at Condes de Barcelona hotel, in the Rambles the Terrace of Hotel Bagués to see what happens in the heart of the city from the posh side, as well to see the old town from the rooftop terrace of Grand Hotel Central, and for great views of the Montjuïc mountain (olympic mountain) go up the huge circular terrace at the shopping mall Les Arenas at Espanya square, plenty of restaurants to eat out there. -
On March 1Sònia Graupera answered the question:
What is public transportation like in Barcelona?
Public transportation (bus, metro and ferrocarrils) are good, not expensive and safe. Don't hesitate to use them. For more information check the official website http://www.tmb.cat/en/home they can easily answer how to arrive to your destination, time and what to use. I suggest you download the apps http://www.tmb.cat/en/descarregues-i-aplicacions really useful
Buy a ten ride card (called T10, 1 zone is for all Barcelona), you can change during 1,5hs from bus to metro and to another bus line. Worth!
For transportation from the airport I always book a Mercedes from http://www.taxiclassrent.com/ -
On March 1Sònia Graupera answered the question:
What language is spoken in Barcelona?
Catalan and Spanish are the 2 official languages in Catalonia. In Barcelona both are widely spoken. Amazing but true, you will rarely find a taxi driver who speaks English, or if you ask in the street is not very common to speak fluent English. It's a big gap. If you speak some Spanish you will come along very well, if you want to get more in the Catalan culture, you can learn some words before your arrival http://www.parla.cat/pres_catalaenlinia/AppPHP/login/index.php?lang=en -
On February 5Mai Pham answered the question:
What are the five best Barcelona food experiences?
1. Jamon Iberico. Order it at a tapas bar, or straight from a vendor in one of Barcelona's many food markets. Don't think about it, just do it.
2. Lobster paella. A good paella is hard to find outside of Spain. In Barcelona, head to Barceloneta for some of the best paella in the world, or visit one of the market-adjacent little restaurants for a decadent paella with seafood purchased fresh from the market.
3. Navajas, almejas, ciperones, sepia and pulpo. There are five things I try to eat as much of as I can while in Barcelona, and they all have to do with seafood. Razor clams, clams, squid, sepia and octopus are some of the best you'll find in the world. Simply grilled or steamed (in the case of clams), with nothing more than a squeeze of lemon, the pleasure you'll experience from their taste and texture will rival many of the Michelin starred experiences in the city. Head to Kiosko Universal in La Boqueria or Cal Pep for a Michelin-starred omakase-style sampling.
4. Patatas Bravas. Potatoes in spicy tomato sauce are one of the quintessential hot tapas you'll find in the city. Done right, the slightly crispy skin combined with the smoother, soft textures of the potato and the added zing of tangy spice are simple, but out of this world.
5. Tapas. You'll find countless tapas bars in Barcelona, some mediocre, others excellent. For an honest experience among locals, head to La Bombeta in Barcelona and make sure you can order in Spanish. The almost surly middle-aged waitstaff take pride in the fact that they only speak Spanish. For specialty gourmet tapas, head to Bubo in the Barrio Gotico. Order any number of tapas from their menu and revel in the beauty of the dishes you receive: potato croquettes, pulpo a la gallega, albondigas, sardines, and more.
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On October 18Eric Ripert answered the question:
What are the five best places to eat in Barcelona?
Jean Luc Figueras, Comerç 24, Casa Tejada — which is now probably less trendy, because it was trendy 25 years ago. But Comerç 24 is very recent. Barcelona is a city that renews itself all the time. I just feel good there — it’s a good vibe. -
On October 18Ken Oringer answered the question:
What are the five best Barcelona food experiences?
Well you have to get percebes, but they are really hard to find now and very expensive. I think angullas are another one, which are baby eels. Also I would say, obviously the jamon iberico. It’s something that everyone talks about, but every time I go to Spain, I can’t stay away from it.
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On October 18Ken Oringer answered the question:
What are the five best places to eat in Barcelona?
Well now the Adrià brothers have two new places that I am dying to go to — one is called Tickets and one is called 41 Degrees. One is a cocktail/tapas place and the other is a tapas place. So I can’t wait to check those out.
There is another one called Dos Pallellos; so it’s two things that are near and dear to my heart. It is a Spanish guy cooking Asian tapas — really funky, Asian-inspired stuff.
We love a lot of the classic ones like Quimette & Quimette, that’s spectacular. Everything comes from a can there. A lot of Americans say “How can you eat there when everything comes from a can?” But it works. They get the best of the best. You’re going to eat some razor clams from a can that are probably better than if they were fresh.
Tapas 24 that has a creative mind behind traditional tapas. All the food there is spectacular.
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On August 16Ryan Craggs answered the question:
What are the five best Barcelona food experiences?
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a place with food as varied and fresh as Barcelona; its location on the Mediterranean and closeness to the mountains give the city the best of both the land and sea. Here are our Forbes Travel Guide editors’ picks for the five best food experiences in Barcelona:
1. La Boqueria. You name it, and if it’s indigenous to Catalonia and edible, you’ll find it at the famous La Boquiera. This expansive market sells the freshest fruits, vegetables and seafood around — and you can even have your purchases prepared in corners of the market, so you can nosh while you shop around.
2. Pa amb tomàquet. It sounds simple — bread with tomato — and that’s what makes pan con tomate beautiful. Find yourself a restaurant with terrace seating and enjoy this typical dish that squashes and spreads tomato over the bread, topping it off with ham, sausage or cheese.
3. Arròs negre. While in Barcelona, don’t shy away from black rice, a variation of paella made with squid’s ink. Each region has its own take on paella, and Catalonia’s specializes in seafood. The squid’s ink isn’t like many ingredients you’ll ever have — and that’s why it must be tried.
4. Cava. If you’re at all into wine, then you must drink like the locals by sipping on a glass of cava, the Spanish version of Champagne. What better place to have Spain’s sparkling wine than in the very place from which it hails?
5. Crema Catalana. Similar to the French dessert crème brulee, crema catalana is a custard dish traditionally served on St. Joseph’s Day. The custard is often flavored with lemon, orange zest or cinnamon, and the sugar is traditionally caramelized with a special iron broiler, as opposed to the crème brulee technique under an open flame. -
On August 16Ryan Craggs answered the question:
Where is the best nightlife in Barcelona?
Forbes Travel Guide editors say the best nightlife in Barcelona is in the neighborhood of Eixample. There you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, depending on what sort of evening you’re looking for. If you want to dance, or even to learn to dance, head to Antilla BCN Latin Club, where classes are offered earlier in the evening. If sitting on a veranda and sipping vino is more your scene, there are a handful of upscale wine bars with a great selection of bottles and glasses. Or to see and be seen, VIPs know that Otto Zutz, a local disco with nightly DJs, is the place to go.
And of course, you’ll find a slew of bars and clubs near the sea, including an outpost of Gimlet, a terrific cocktail bar, and CDLC Club, one of Barcelona’s most exclusive clubs, which fills up with yacht owners and jet-setters. -
On August 16Ryan Craggs answered the question:
What is the best way to see Barcelona in one day?
The best way to see Barcelona in one day will be jam-packed, so our Forbes Travel Guide editors recommend that you wake up early. That shouldn’t be a problem, though, as the sun will rise over the Mediterranean Sea, beckoning you to start your day.
Head to Cafe de l'Opera (just across from Liceu Opera House) to enjoy a cup of coffee in the heart of Las Ramblas. While you’re in the area, stop by La Boqueria, a public market, and peruse the fresh fruits, vegetables and fish — and if you’re already hungry, grab a snack of fresh olives, meat and homemade pizza slices. From there, beeline to architectural feat Casa Milà to get your first taste of Gaudí for the day.
After that, go for the gusto and ride to the top of La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s masterpiece cathedral, before heading up to Parc Güell, a garden complex designed by Gaudí, where you can rest for a bit while looking out toward the sea.
At this point, you’ll need a lunch break; we recommend Passadís del Pep, a relaxed restaurant in Pla de Palau specializing in fresh seafood. From there, head to the Gothic Quarter to check out the Museu Picasso, which houses more than 3,500 works by the prolific artist. If you have time, catch a few afternoon rays by the seaside and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Do a little shopping in the shopping district Portal de l’Àngel so that you have a few things to bring home, then get yourself prepped for a night out.
Consider noshing on a few tapas-style snacks, which aren’t native to Catalonia but have become increasingly popular. Then enjoy a long dinner, and if you can stomach it, get ready to hit the town — the best spots are in Eixample. Relax in a wine bar or lounge or dance in the local clubs. Most people won’t show up until 1 a.m., so don’t worry if you think you’re running late, and don’t hesitate to hop from place to place. As your night winds down, don’t be surprised if the sun is already coming up again over the Mediterranean Sea — such is the way when you’ve only got 24 hours to spare in a city like Barcelona, with so much to do. -
On August 16Ryan Craggs answered the question:
Where is the best shopping in Barcelona?
The best shopping in Barcelona isn’t constricted to just one street or area; really, you have a number of different shopping streets to stroll through, and likely not enough time to get to all of them.
In Ciutat Vella, Portal de l’Àngel is a pedestrian street that offers loads of stylish shops such as Zara, Mango and Massimo Dutti, along with a huge El Corte Inglés. El Raval has a really diverse community, and with that comes interesting boutique shopping — so if you desire something wholly unique, this may be your best bet. And many of the highest-end designers calls Avinguda Diagonal home, including Armani and Gucci. If you’re after a more American experience, Diagonal Mar has more than 250 stores, a movie theater and activities for kids, along with a great view of the Mediterranean.
But the best advice our Forbes Travel Guide editors have about shopping in Barcelona is to wander. Each neighborhood and street, even close to the most frequented tourist spots, has its own feel and vibe. Your sense of adventure is the only thing stopping you from coming home with clothes, art or accessories no one else will have. -
On August 16Ryan Craggs answered the question:
What are the five best things to do with kids in Barcelona?
The Mediterranean climate, sea front and rich culture in Barcelona add up to an endless wealth of activities for you and your kids. Here are Forbes Travel Guide’s editors’ picks for the five best things to do with your family in Barcelona:
1. The beach. Sure, it may seem simple — but that’s the best part. Dig your toes into the sands along the Mediterranean with a beachfront that stretches from Barceloneta past Vila Olímpica and enjoy a number of water sports in the temperate sea.
2. Rent a bike. Bikes aren’t just for kids getting around the neighborhood. The weather in Barcelona is typically so nice that you can tour the city on two wheels, with loads of rental options throughout the city. And if your kids are a little older, you might even consider renting a Vespa to scoot around in.
3. CosmoCaixa. This interactive science museum makes learning a hands-on experience. Kids will enjoy a number of different permanent exhibits, such as the touch and play exhibit and the planetarium, and temporary exhibits, such as Techno Revolution, which teaches kids all about brain waves.
4. Camp Nou. FC Barcelona has been one of the most successful teams in Europe over the last decade, and you can watch greats such as Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and three-time reigning FIFA Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
5. Musical fountains. From May through October, the fountains in Plaça d’Espanya light up in spectacular fashion with shows lasting 30 minutes, starting at 8:30 p.m. and running through 11 p.m. Shows run Thursdays through Sundays only.
