Barcelona is a lively city with a history of independence and reinvention. The home of Miro, Gaudi and Picasso has inspired generations of creatives and the streets today are packed with magnificent architecture, outdoor markets and world-renowned museums. At night, residents gather in the ubiquitous tapas bars to reflect on the day's events and news.
Founded as a Roman outpost, Barcelona has overcome war and occupation by invaders to thrive as a great trading city.
Barcelona is a city of districts, each with its own distinct flavour. The main artery is La Rambla, a beautiful and grand boulevard connecting the Gothic Quarter to El Raval. It’s full of restaurants and street performers, and as it has been for the last hundred years, is a popular meeting spot for locals and a well sort after spot for our holiday apartments. The Gothic Quarter at the centre of the old city is a maze of winding narrow alleys and also home to some of Barcelona’s famous museums, including the unmissable Picasso museum. Check out the incredible Sagrada Familia in the Eixample an elegant neighbourhood also known for great shopping. At La Barceloneta is the Spanish answer to Bondi - chill out and enjoy the hot sun on the sandy beach, or join in a fierce game of volleyball. In the evening stroll over to Port Vell, a buzzing harbourside precinct of great clubs and restaurants.
Barcelona’s proud tradition of independence and creativity becomes apparent as you explore the city. Take time to wander around - there are hidden treasures on every street. The National Museum of Catalan Art houses a vast collection of pieces from the Middle Ages onwards, including some stunning Romanesque frescoes. Over in a medieval palace in the Gothic Quarter is the Museu Picasso de Barcelona - a very worthy museum dedicated to the life and works of Pablo Picasso. The modernisme architecture of Antoni Gaudi is another drawcard - the best examples are the Casa Batllo building, the dream-like Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia church. Las Ramblas is one of Barcelona’s favourite streets - this wide avenue has long been a market place and is a popular meeting spot for locals. On a hot day, there’s nothing better than cooling off at the beach, or dining on fresh seafood at Port Vell.
Barcelona has plenty to offer those keen on sampling the local cuisine. The food scene is celebrated for its imaginative combinations and rich, locally sourced Spanish produce. Catalan chefs such as Ferran Adrià and Carles Abellán started here and have taken Catalan dining creativity worldwide. Barcelona has some great fish and paella restaurants but tapas is the real star here. Seats are at a premium in the most popular tapas spots, but the food on offer will more than make up for it and in fact many locals prefer to stand at a bar table while sharing these exquisite snacks. Specialities include olives, spiced potatoes, spicy sausage and squid. Foodies should also make sure to visit the historic La Boqueria market just off the Las Ramblas. Sample top-quality cured Jamon ham and various cheeses, or buy fresh seafood, meat and vegetables to prepare in your apartment later on.
Barcelona is a vast city and can be difficult to navigate if you don’t know it well. The old areas are very easy to get lost in while the newer ones are built to a grid that makes it easier to work out the direction you’re headed in. Barcelona’s Metro system is efficient, clean and will take you to most major attractions. Keep in mind that this can be a hilly city though, and be prepared to walk at least a little to get to places like Park Guell which are a little less central. The city’s main airport, Barcelona El Prat is just 14km from the city center and has good connections to the rest of Spain and Europe. It’s also very easy to book a train or bus ticket to continue exploring the rest of Spain by rail or road.
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