Here is the Topten list of Barcelona. Everything is selected from years of experience in the city. This will be the most useful site you will ever have to a city. We have selected the ten best restaurants; the ten best nightclubs and ten other must that you need to see when you visit the city. This will save you a lot of time and searching on where to go and you will definitely come back with the best memories ever. Follow this list of advice of our Top 10 list and you will not be disapointed.
If ever there was a city that could put a smile on a city-jetter's face, Barcelona has to be it. Anyone that has seen its magnificent beach, open parklands, amazing sculptures on street corners and spectacular Gaudi architecture would be hard pushed to imagine the city as it once was before the 1992 olympics - a wasteland with high rises and derelict blocks. You don't need to spend your time at museums in Barcelona, because the city itself, beautfully designed, very colourful and even eccentric, is the main attraction.
And then there's the shopping - Barcelona has its share of malls and chains, but it also offers a lovely mix of small speciality stores - especially in the Old City. Groovy boutiques - whether fashion or jewellry - keep on sprouting up no doubt fuelled by the constant stream of talent from the city's fashion schools. The markets are a must visit as they offer a colourful flavour of local life. Here are the areas we suggest you visit:
1. LA RAMBLAS in the BARRI GOTIC district Bang in the centre of Barcelona is is the Barri Gòtic (Gothic quarter), Europe's largest medieval area. The area dates back to Roman times and the remains of the squared Roman Wall can be seen. The labyrinthine streets often open out onto squares and they are packed with tiny eateries and interesting bars. The area is home to Barcelona's most famous street, La Ramblas.
Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca once said that La Rambla was "the only street in the world which I wish would never end". Everyone should start their break along the tile covered La Rambla, Barcelona's most famous walkway. This former riverbed, cuts through the Old City offering a tree-lined boulevard made up of a series of shorter streets (Rambla de Canaletes, the Rambla dels Estudis, the Rambla de Sant Josep, the Rambla dels Caputxins, and the Rambla de Santa Monica)which is why you will hear it referred to as Las Ramblas.
Walking along La Ramblas is a great way to get an orientation of the city and along the way pop into small shops, enjoy the cafe culture, enjoy the street performers and the various stalls selling small animals and flowers.
2. SAGRADA FAMILIA This monumental church El Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Family) is Gaudi's most exemplary work and the most famous. It is as symbolic of Barcelona as the Eifel tower is to Paris. Gaudi started work on it in 1883 after replacing another architect and dedicated his life to it to the point of actually taking up residence on-site. He was obsessed with this project planning three exquisitly ornate facades devoted to the Nativitiy, Passion and Glory. Each was to be crowned by four towers. When asked why he fussed so much about the tower tops Gaudi replied "the angels will see them". Sadley he never lived to finish it. On June 7 1926 Gaudi was crossing the Fran Via and was run over by a car. He died three days later at the age of 74. The church is still being constructed and the finished part is open to visitors. Visitors can climb the towers and offer amazing panoramic views over Barcelona.
Address: Calle Mallorca, Tel: 00 34 932 07 30 31 Sagrada Familia website Entry: 10 euros or 9 euros with Barcelona Card. Open: Daly 9am to 6pm Metro: Sagrada Familia (Blue Line L5 and Purple Line L2)
3. PARK GUELL Park Guell was supposed to be a surban city but it failed. The Barcelona City Council bought the property in 1922 and converted it to a municipal park. It was Gaudi who had the responsibility of designing the park and he chose to develop it as a network of twisty roads following the contours of the rocky hill on which it was to be developed. The entire park gives of an ambience of Disneyesque proprtions with its mosaics, bird nests in the terrace walls, roadways that resemble pine trees and colonnades. At the entrance Gaudi's municipal mosaic dragaon fountain sets the scene for the fantastically shaped roofs and pinnacles that lie ahead. The main entrance is surrounded by a very long beach shaped into a sea serpent with intimate enclaves every so often. As a bonus you get great views over Barcelona from the top.
Address: Carrer D'Olot in Eixample Open: daily from 10am to 6pm and to 9pm in the summer Transport: Bus 24, 25, 31 or 74. Metro: Lesseps. From the metro follow the street signpost for the park Entry: free. However entrace to Gaudi's house 'la Torre Rosa' which contains furniture he designed does have an entry fee.
4. BARCELONA FC MUSEUM Footie fans must come here. It is wall to wall photographs, memorabilia, statues and trophies. Buy a dual ticket and you get to do the Camp Nou Tour and see the museum, Barça stadium, the changing rooms and VIP lounge as well as other behind-the-scenes areas.
Address: Avinguda Joan XXIII s/n 08028, Tel:+34 93 496 36 00 Barcelona FC Website Open: Monday to Saturday, (from 14 April to 12 October) 10:00 to 20:00 - Camp Nou Tour until one hour before the Museum closes. Other times Museum opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:30. Sundays and public holidays, from 10:00 to 14:30 - Camp Nou Tour until one hour before the Museum closes. On days of League and Champions league matches in the stadium, from 10:00 to 15:00 - Camp Nou Tour not available Closed: January 1 and 6 and December 25 Entry: Adult 8,50 euros, Kids 6,80 euros Museum only / Adults 13 euros, Kids 10,40 euros Camp Nou Tour and Museum Metro: Collblanc (Blue Line, L5)
5. THE SEA FRONT Barcelona's seaside comprises several beaches and an attractive palm-lined seafront promenade all borne about thanks to the 1992 Olympics and the cash it brought in. At Moll d'Espanya at Port Vell (old port) there is an Imax, the biggest Aquarium in Europe and the Maremagnum that houses a shopping centre, restaurants, terraces and night life. Further along in the former fisherman's district of Barceloneta where quaint narrow streets harbour some lovely seafood restaurants.
6. THE PICASSO MUSEUM A young Picasso spent 5 years in Barcelona from 1901 to 1906 and if you want to understand him you must include a visit to the Picasso Museum. The building was once two 16th century palaces that have been turned into one structure. The walls display work of arts that show off the genius of Picasso in his formative years. There are more than 3,500 works on display permanently and include childhood portraits, paintings and artworks from his Blue and Rose periods.
Address: Montcado Street, 15-23 Tel: 00 34 932 563 000 The Picasso Museum website Transport: Metro Jaume (Yellow Line L4) Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 8pm. Closed Mondays. Entry: 9 euros.
7. LA PEDRERA - CASA MILA La Pedrera (a Catalan word meaning 'quarry) is a masterpiece of architecture by the master architect Antonio Gaudi looks fabulous with its wavy brick work that look like cliff walls. Made from limestone the building undulates with curves and concaves with dark iron balconies contrasting beautifully on the pale stone. The roof is spectacular and its chimneys have been dubbed the "witch scarers" and the roof as goey cake.
The building was once the home of Pere Milà and his wife, Casa Milà but today it is used as a cultural centre for temporary exhibitions.
Address: Corner of Passeig de Gràcia 92/ Carrer de Provença 261-265 L'Eixample District Tel: 00 34 93 484 55 30 La Pedrera website Open: November to February 9am to 6.30pm, March to October 9am to 8pm Metro: Diagonal (Green Line L3 and Blune Line, L5(
8. POBLE ESPANYOL DE MONTJUIC - Spanish Village This open air museum, located on the Montjuic mountain, shows off all the architectural styles of Spain in one place. It is in effect a quaint town with craft stores, regional restaurants.
Address: Avda Marques de Camillas Tel: 00 34 93 325 78 66 Spanish Village website Open: Monday 9am to 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 2pm, Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 9am to midnight, Entry: Adults 8 euros, kids free Metro: Espanya (Green Line, L3 and Red Line, L1). 15 minute walk.
9. THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN OF MONTJUIC This beautiful fountain was designed by Carles Buigas and created by 3000 workers for the Great Univeral Exhibition on 19 May 1929. It offers a spectacular disply of colour, light and water motion and acrobatics set to music.
Address: Pl. Carles Buígas, 1 (at the end of Avda. Maria-Cristina, next to Plaça Espanya) Performance times Winter (October to April) Fridays and Saturdays 7am to 9pm. Music sessions 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm and 8,30pm Summer (May to September). Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8pm to 11.30pm. Entry: Free Metro: Placa Espanys (Green Line, L3 and Red LIne , L1)
10. LE RIBERA This area, part of the old city of Barcelona, is regarded as Barcelona's most fashionable district. Passeig del Born, nicknamed El Born, is full of trendy bars, shops and restaurants.
You will find a brief description of each Barcelona attraction along with a link to a photo gallery of each. The photo galleries also have detailed notes explaining each of the pictures in the gallery. You will also find directions and further information for each attraction if you follow the links at the end of each description. Top 10 Barcelona tourist attractions ordered by number of visits/year Location of Sagrada Famila to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this mapNo. 1 Barcelona Tourist Attraction - Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi ( 2,056,448 visits/year)
Official web site: La Sagrada Familia Address: Calle Mallorca 08034, Barcelona Opening hours 09:00-18:00 (Oct-Mar) 09:00-20:00 (Apr-Sep); 25th and 26th December, 1st and 6th January: 9:00 - 14:00. Admission : 11 Euros, or 10 Euros with Barcelona Card. Disabled Access: Yes Metro: Sagrada Familia (Blue Line, L5) and (Purple Line, L2)
Barcelona's no.1 tourist attraction - la sagrada familia by antonio gaudiA Giant Temple designed by the master architect Antonio Gaudi. This building has been under construction since 1882 and they've still got another 30 to 80 years (depending on funding and resources) to go before it will be finished.
Some people love the Sagrada Familia and some people hate it but whatever you think I guarantee it will cause a reaction one way or the other.
Photo gallery of Barcelona FC museum and football statiumPicture gallery of the Sagrada Familia
Location of Barcelona Aquarium to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this mapNo. 2 Barcelona Tourist Attraction - L'Aquarium de Barcelona (1,375,271 visits/year)
Metro Drassanes (Green Line, L3) Moll d' Espanya, Port Vell Tel: (0034) 93 221 7474
Save 10% on the entrance fee to the aquarium with the Barcelona Card
Barcelona Aquarium is a popular Barcelona attraction to take the kids and young ones. I have to admit I loved the aquarium.. so does that make me a kid? The aquarium is at Port Vell ( Barcelona Port Area).
Official website for Barcelona Aquarium Location of Poble Espanyol to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this mapNo. 3 Barcelona Tourist Attraction - Poble Espanyol de Montjuic (1,346,938 visits/year) otherwise known as the Spanish Village
Poble Espanyol - "Spanish Village" Avda. Marques de Comillas Entrance: 8.50 euros Save 25% with the Barcelona Card Metro: Espanya (Green Line, L3) and (Red line, L1) about 15 mins walk from the metro stop.
poble espanyolThis Barcelona attraction is a small Spanish village with different quarters that replicate the style of houses and architecture from different parts of Spain.
Poble Espanyol is also home to a whole host of specialist craft shops and workshops where you can see some traditionally made Spanish goods.
Poble Espanyol is also the venue for the Famous Flamenco show at tablao de Carmen which maybe is one reason for it's popularity at no.3
Official website of Poble Espanyol Location of La Pedrera to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this mapNo.4 Barcelona Tourist Attraction - La Pedrera - Casa Mila by Antonio Gaudi (1,133,220 visits/year)
Opening hours: November-February: 09:00 - 18:30 March-October: 09:00 - 20:00 Address: La Pedrera, Provenca, 261-265, 08008 Barcelona Admission : 9.50 Euros Save 20% with the Barcelona Card Disabled Access: No Metro: Diagonal (Green Line, L3) and (Blue Line, L5)
Another one of Antonio Gaudi's creations once again hits the top 10 most visited attractions in Barcelona. This building used to be called Casa Mila but nowadays it's more commonly known as La Pedrera which means "quarry" . Gaudi was instrumental in completing this building and his characteristic wavy brick work and colourful tiles are also evident on this masterpiece.
Photo gallery of Barcelona FC museum and football statiumClick here to visit a photo gallery of La Pedrera
No. 5 Barcelona Tourist Attraction - Barcelona FC Museum (1,032,763 visits/year)
Location of Barcelona FC Museum to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this mapAddress: Aristides Maillol, entrance no 7 08028, Barcelona Opening hours: 6th April - 4th October:(Monday to Saturday) 10:00 - 20:00; The rest of the year the Museum opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:30; Sundays and public holidays (10:00-14:30); Admission: 8.50 Euros for entry to museum and 17 Euros - for a guided tour.
Barcelona FC Tour: Click here to book your Barcelona FC stadium tour online Disabled Access: Yes Metro: Collblanc (Blue Line, L5)
barcelona attraction - fc Barcelona camp nou museumNo surprises here. If you are a footie fan then this museum is a must see. It has wall to wall trophies, pictures and statues of the greats. I'm not a football fan but I still enjoyed walking round this museum. When you buy your ticket you have 2 options. You can buy a ticket for the museum and to see the stadium or you can buy a dual ticket where you get to see the museum and behind the scenes at the club e.g. changing rooms, VIP lounge, press conference areas etc. For more details
Photo gallery of Barcelona FC museum and football statiumClick for details and photos of Barcelona FC football museum and stadium No. 6 Barcelona Tourist Attraction - Barcelona Zoo ( 1,015,000 visits/year)
Metro Ciutadella (Yellow Line, L4) about 10 mins walk.Location of Barcelona Zoo to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this map Official Web Site www.zoobarcelona.com Tel: (0034) 90 245 7545
Barcelona Zoo is based in the Parc de la Ciutadella the best way to find it is to go to Ciutadella park and to follow the signs to the Zoo. The zoo has a wide variety of animals on show. The Zoo also has a restaurant, picnic area, a shop, electric cars, ponies and a mini-train. To get a full listing of the facilities and operating hours click on the official web site link found above. Location of Picasso Museum to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this mapNo. 7 Barcelona Tourist Attraction - Picasso Museum (887,958 visits/year)
Official Web Site: Picasso Museum Address: Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona Opening hours:(Tue-Sun)10:00-20:00; Mon-Closed; Admission: 9 Euros for mainexhibition - extra for special showings. Save 50% with the Barcelona Card Disabled Access: Yes Metro: Jaume l (Yellow Line, L4)
The museum has arranged Picasso's paintings in chronological order from his early days to his final works. Arranging the paintings in this way gives you a fascinating insight into the development of Picasso thinking over time and shows how he developed the distinctive designs that he is famous for today. Very popular art gallery.
No. 8 Barcelona Tourist Attraction - Imax Cinema (671,512 visits/year)
Location of Imax Cinema to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this mapMetro Drassanes (Green Line, L3) 15 mins walk Port Vell Barcelona Moll d'Espanya Tel: (0034) 93 225 1111 Official Web site: www.imaxportvell.com
Save 10% with the Barcelona Card
The IMAX cinema is right next door to the Barcelona Aquarium (see above) What I like to do is go and see the 3 D movie "Killer Sharks" in the IMAX then pop over to the Aquarium to see the real thing. Adds a whole new dimension to your experience :-) Location of Miro Museum to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this mapNo. 9 Barcelona Tourist Attraction - Miró Museum (518,869 visits/year)
Official web site: Joan Miró Address: Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona Opening hours: Check web site for details as they vary depending on the time of the year. Admission: 8.00 Euros Save 20% with the Barcelona Card Disabled Access: Yes Transport: Montjuïc Funicular - you can catch the Montjuïc Funicular train from Paral-lel metro station.
Metro Stop - Espanya (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1) Walk about 20 mins - Uphill most of the way.
This art gallery has a wide range of Miró's work dating back as far as 1914. This artwork collection not only includes his paintings but also a good selection of sculptures, tapestries and early sketches. A wonderful collection of Miró's work Location of MNAC to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this mapNo.10 National Museum of Art of Catalunya MNAC ( 442,692 visits/year)
Official web site: Art Galleries Barcelona - MNAC Address: Palau Nacional - Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona Opening hours:10:00 -19:00 (Tue to Sat); Sun (10:00-14:30); Closed Mon Admission: 8.5 Euros Save 20% with the Barcelona Card Disabled Access: Yes Metro: Placa Espanya (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1)
Photo gallery of Barcelona FC museum and football statiumClick here for a view for photos around the MNAC The Magic Fountain of Montjuic - one of my favourite Barcelona tourist attractions.
Location of Magic Fountain to the nearest metro stop. Click for a magnified view of this mapMetro: Placa Espanya (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1) Click: Barcelona metro map
Official Web Site : Fonts of Barcelona
I know I said I was only going to give the top 10 most famous Barcelona tourist attractions but one site which is very popular and in my opinion a "must" visit is the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. This is a light, music and water extravaganza that just can't be missed!
Performances are nightly but times vary depending on the time of year.
Photo gallery of Barcelona FC museum and football statiumClick here for more details of this top Barcelona tourist attraction including a photo gallery of the Magic fountain of Montjuic Las Ramblas - Barcelona's most famous Street
One other "attraction" is of course Barcelona's most famous street La Rambla.
I've put together three pages on La Rambla which summarize the main attractions and hotels on this famous street.
