Must-see Museums, Sights & Things to Do in Barcelona 5 Days
DAY 1: Ramblas, Gaudí, Casa Milà & Batlló
DAY 2: Barri Gòtic, Picasso & Cathedrals
DAY 3: Miró & Montjuïc
DAY 4: Camp Nou, Pedralbes & Tibidabo
DAY 5: Park Güell, Sagrada Família & Port
Once in Barcelona, you will soon realise that it is a unique city where you will want to stay a certain number of days to cover the most important cultural sights, museums, and other places of interest.
Be prepared that your visit most likely involves walking in the city. The Barcelona sights and museums are often within walking distance – but dispersed all over the city, and the ‘short’ distances add up! So you’d better bring your best walking shoes!
We suggest a 5-day itinerary including the top museums and sights – with the possibility of extending it with a few more days for exciting day trips out of Barcelona by train or bus. You may also want to stretch the itinerary over more than five days if you would like to take it easy – or perhaps include other activities. Nevertheless, if you want to experience as many Barcelonian sights as possible in five days, this is the perfect itinerary!
Today, you will be walking – as well as exploring a lot! You will begin with the Barcelona sights in the Ciutat Vella at Las Ramblas, the famous pedestrian street in the heart of Barcelona, connecting Plaça de Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus Monument, the Mirador de Colom. The attractive and iconic street with plane trees is always filled with a multitude of locals and tourists – it’s a must-see and the nerve of Barcelona!!
Narrow one-way traffic roads lie on either side of the 1.2 kilometres (0.75 miles) long lively central boulevard. The attractive street lies right on the border between the two districts. On the left-hand side (coming from the sea), you will have El Raval, formerly known as the Barri Xinès or Barrio Chino, and on the right-hand side, you will enter the Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gòtic.
Previously, right until 2010, las Ramblas was an open-air market for caged birds and other small pets. Today, the animals are gone, but you will still spot flower sellers and performing artists in the form of human statues on the street. Las Ramblas is where you will feel Barcelona’s vibe!
Located at the lower end of Las Ramblas you will find the 60 m (197 ft) tall monument to Christopher Columbus. It was raised for the Exposición Universal de Barcelona in 1888 in commemoration of Columbus’ first voyage to America. When returning, Colombus came to Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V in Barcelona.
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Now, you will continue up Las Ramblas, and on the way, you must stop to see one of the less-known Gaudí gems in Barcelona. All close, in the street Nou de La Rambla, all of a sudden, you will find yourself in front of Palau Güell.
It is an urban palace from 1890 that Gaudí designed and built for Eusebi Güell, a wealthy Spanish industrialist. Güell became Gaudí’s patron and financed several of the Modernist architect’s world-famous works. Palau Güell is one of these Catalan Art Nouveau masterpieces easily recognisable with its two decorated catenary arches.
You may enter to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an outstanding example of Gaudí’s architectural works.
Near the metro stop Liceu, you will pass by the iconic Gran Teatre del Liceu from 1837, first opened as a theatre and musical education. Due to a lack of space, the theatre moved to a Trinitarian convent building at Las Ramblas, inaugurated in 1847. It was intended for the high society as a place to come to see opera.
The theatre has a long history with several fires involved. In 1861 and 1994, the theatre building was severely damaged by fire. Moreover, in 1893, two bombs were thrown into the stalls during the performance of the opera Guillaume Tell by Rossini. Each time, the Teatre del Liceu was rebuilt. After the fire in 1994, the theatre was closed for five years until 1999.
Guided tours of the principal theatre areas take place, allowing visitors to enjoy the grandiose architecture.
Continuing along Las Ramblas, you will soon reach la Boqueria, the famous Barcelonian market hall. There is evidence that since the 1200s, there has been an open-air market with stalls at Las Ramblas where farmers came to sell their meat and vegetable products in the city.
From 1777, the butchers’ stalls moved to new locations along the street. Later, the Convent of St. Joseph Gardens were used for the market. When the Carmelite Convent of St. Joseph was destroyed in a fire, it was decided that the space could be adequately used for the market.
Today, it is a lively market with high-quality fresh produce. Here, you can try samples of Catalan food, also served in the local restaurants!
Now that you are here, you may walk around the historical quarter El Raval (more than just catching a glimpse of Palau Güell and Mercat de la Boqueria!), located on the left-hand side on your way up Las Ramblas. It is the old ‘Chinese Quarter’ – Barri Xinès / Barrio Chino, for many years a notorious district for criminals and prostitutes. However, in recent years, it has gradually become an attractive and vibrant central quarter with a touch of artistic character – although still influenced by the diverse ethnic roots of the original immigrant population.
El Raval is today a controversial neighbourhood – not impeccable since there are still the darker sides as well – but it is authentic and full of personality. Here, you will find many bars, restaurants, quirky little shops, and trendy galleries – something for any taste. Go for a multicultural experience and pop inside one of the compelling boutiques!
Your final destination along Las Ramblas is Plaça de Catalunya at the other end of the pedestrian street. Often seething with people, this is the real heart of Barcelona. It is a favoured meeting point and central to some large department stores like El Corte Inglés.
Plaça de Catalunya was originally urbanised at the beginning of the 1900s – and again modified in 1929 on the occasion of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. The architects Pere Falqués, Puig i Cadafalch and Francesc de Paula Nebot participated in the design of the new square. It was laid out with six sculptural groups representing four Catalan cities, labour and wisdom. The plaza was finally inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1927.
After your morning walk, you will probably want to start looking for a place to have lunch. There are great options in Eixample just north of Plaça de Catalunya.
Even if you are here for the first time, you will probably already know the grid-like Eixample from aerial photos of Barcelona.
The high concentration of people soon caused sanitary problems in the city, and there was an urgent need for a development and expansion plan. In 1855, the City Hall announced a competition to find a solution. Ildefons Cerdà won with his striking and innovative Eixample project (Eixample meaning expansion in Catalan), where broad avenues were laid out in a grid and houses constructed in ‘manzanas’. Manzanas were blocks of houses, where the corners were ‘cut’ allowing for small squares and other open spaces in the neighbourhood.
In Eixample, Modernist architects such as Antoni Gaudí operated at the beginning of the 1900s, constructing the original Modernist houses. One of the famous streets chosen by the architects is Passeig de Gràcia. Today, Gaudí’s remarkable houses and sights, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, serve as both residential houses and museums in Barcelona.
You will now arrive at Casa Milà, the intriguing, funny-looking architectural wonder on Passeig de Gràcia. If you are interested in Modernist architecture, it is a must-see!
Casa Milà was constructed by Antoni Gaudí 1906-1912 as a house where he intended to integrate nature into the building. At the time, people made fun of it and gave it the nickname ‘La Pedrera’ – the Quarry – due to its looks. It was built as a home for the Milà family, who lived on the main floor of the house. The remaining part of the house was rented out as apartments.
Also, the rooftop is outstanding and unique with its characteristic functional chimneys with a Saharan, nomad-like look. Casa Milà became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and is one of the best museums and sights in Barcelona, absolutely a must-see!
Just opposite Casa Milà, you will find Casa Batlló, another outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you will visit both Casa Milà and Casa Batlló – or do just one of them – will depend on your interests – and time! To the architecturally and culturally interested, it is a real gem!
Gaudí designed and built Casa Batlló, belonging to the aristocrat Josep Batlló, in 1904. It was modelled with an organic look where the balconies were skulls and the supporting pillars bones – a real skeleton! That is also why the locals named it the Casa dels Ossos or House of Bones.
If you are interested in art history and the Art Nouveau style, this is one of the sights / museums you absolutely must see in Barcelona!
After enjoying Eixample’s uniqueness and Modernist architecture, you will continue north on foot to the hip and vibrant Gràcia neighbourhood. It is also a must-see in Barcelona if you want to blend traditional museums and sights with a lovely local experience. Vila de Gràcia is a small bohemian enclave in Barcelona with a good mix of young and old, talented artists and a Catalan spirit. The neighbourhood is a true gem full of authentic, local atmosphere.
Enjoy dinner (Catalan cuisine) in one of the restaurants here and afterwards a cup of coffee and the nightlife at one of the plentiful outdoor cafés on a charming square (Plaça del Sol!) – depending on season! The setting is unique and distinct from other neighbourhoods in Barcelona.
If you are a genuine Gaudí addict you will also grab the opportunity to pass by his Casa Vicens in Gràcia!
You will begin Day 2 with a chill morning walk in the historical surroundings in the Gothic Quarter, Barri Gòtic in Catalan or Barrio Gótico in Spanish, and the neighbourhood La Ribera / El Born. Now, you will probably already have noticed how the two languages blend all the time in Barcelona. Catalan is the people’s mother tongue, but they also understand and speak Spanish.
Entering the Gothic Quarter, you will immediately be taken back to ancient times. You will find remains of many periods and cultures within the historical centre, spanning from the city’s Roman walls to the Jewish Sinagoga Mayor. The traces of the various historical periods are ubiquitous.
You will soon realise that Barri Gòtic is an intricate network of small fascinating streets opening out into charming squares… and it is part of the experience to get a bit lost here! Don’t forget to look inside the small quaint shops you will stumble across on the way!
Some of the things you want to explore here are the following:
One of the beautiful squares close to Las Ramblas is the Plaça Reial. Today, it features restaurants and nightclubs and is popular with locals and visitors.
The original building on the square was the Capuchin Convent of Santa Madrona, which does not exist today. In the 19th century, Plaça Reial was laid out in its present structure by Francesc Daniel Molina i Casamajó, including lampposts designed by Antoni Gaudí.
The Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya on the Plaça de Sant Jaume in Ciutat Vella is today the seat of the Presidency of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
The building is an ancient medieval building, but its façade was redesigned in 1596, in the Renaissance style, by the architect Pere Blai.
Just opposite you will find the Ajuntament de Barcelona, the City Council! The building houses today, behind the 18th-century neoclassical façade, the administration of the municipality of Barcelona.
Its history goes even further back. The Saló de Cent, used for the Consell de Cent (Council of One Hundred), dates back to 1372 – and existed for several hundred years with this function here.
Do not miss the massive and impressive Gothic Cathedral constructed from the 13th to 15th centuries and located at Placita de la Seu. Inside, note the remarkable and colourful stained glass windows.
A secluded Gothic cloister features the Well of the Geese, where 13 geese were kept. It relates to the co-patron saint of Barcelona, Eulalia, who was 13 when being martyred after refusing to dismiss Jesus as the son of God. You will discover a lovely courtyard with orange and palm trees here.
Barcelona Cathedral is also famed for its rooftop gargoyles. You may take the elevator up for spectacular views over Barcelona and the Gothic Quarter! Next to the Cathedral, you will find remains of the ancient Roman walls.
To find a place for lunch in the Gothic quarter is easy – and you may even take the chance to pop into the historic café Els Quatre Gats – The Four Cats – in Carrer de Montsió.
It was a popular meeting place for famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Ramon Casas i Carbó throughout the Modernist period. It opened in 1897 in Casa Martí, a Modernist building designed by the renowned Barcelona architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Supported by the Modernist artists Ramon Casa i Carbó, Santiago Rusiñol, and Miguel Utrillo, the gentleman Pe Romeu developed his ideas of a café with an intellectual and artistic ambience.
Due to financial problems, it closed in 1903 but was restored to its original design and reopened as late as 1989!
First thing in the afternoon is the Palau de la Música Catalana. The Palau de la Música Catalana is a concert hall giving concerts with the Cor de Cambra of the Palau de la Música Catalana.
If you have not already planned to attend an entire concert here, at least seize the opportunity to visit the building. You may beforehand have bought a guided tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana (normally departing every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. until at least 3:30 p.m. – but do check it on the website before going).
It is a gem of a place in Barcelona that you must come to see – especially if you are interested in Catalan and Modernist architecture and history.
You are now ready to move on to one of the outstanding art museums in Barcelona.
The Picasso Museum is next!
The Museo Picasso is one of the absolute top museums – and sights in Barcelona. The museum is located on Montcada Street in the Ribera neighbourhood, housed in five adjoining medieval palaces. These are the Gothic palace Aguilar, Palau del Baró de Castellet, Palau Meca, Casa Mauri and Palau Finestres. At the time, in the 15th and 16th centuries, it was a flourishing street in Barcelona inhabited by noble families and merchants.
Today, the outstanding permanent collection consists of more than 4,200 Picasso works – mainly from his formative years between 1895 and 1904! The exhibition also includes works from later periods, including the complete series Las Meninas from 1957, consisting of 58 paintings. Moreover, the fine collection will take you through his time in Barcelona and show his relationship with the city.
After an hour or two together with Picasso, you are ready to take in one of Barcelona’s historical parks, Parc de la Ciutadella, which is one of the great ‘outdoor museums’ in Barcelona!
Now, continue your itinerary and stroll through the nearby, fascinating Parc de la Ciutadella. Today, it is an idyllic and green oasis in the middle of Barcelona.
It was formerly a military citadel, built in 1714 by Philip V, and at some point in time, it even served as a prison for political prisoners. Around the 1888 Universal Exhibition, it was redesigned. It was now converted into an intriguing park by the architect Josep Fontseré. Antoni Gaudí, who was, at the time, still an unknown young architect, helped him design the waterfall, the Cascada.
In addition to these works, the park houses both the Zoo and the Catalan Parliament with the Museu d’Art Modern. Also, the Zoological Museum and the Museu de Geologia are here. Moreover, the park features a tropical greenhouse: the Umbracle, and a winter garden: L’Hivernacle.
Chill out in the park for a while. If you still have a bit of energy left to explore Barcelona’s Gothic architecture, you will, as the last thing today, visit a grand basilica in Barcelona, Santa Maria del Mar (or at least you must see it from the outside)!
The Catalan Gothic basilica Santa Maria del Mar or ’Saint Mary of the Sea’ is also located in the Ribera neighbourhood. It is built in the period from 1329 to 1383 – under the Kingdom of Aragon. The architects behind it were Berenguer de Montagut and Ramon Despuig.
From the outside, it appears to be a massive unity, but as soon as you enter, you will discover its interior beauty, where the architects have played with the light in the spacious medieval building. The massive structure features beautiful, colourful stained glass windows and a pretty, ancient bell tower.
With your mind full of architectural impressions, museums and sights, it must by now be dinner time and time to see and explore the nightlife in Gothic Barcelona!
Behind the Barcelona Sants Station, you will find the Parc de l’Espanya Industrial.
You will start your Barcelona morning walk today at the probably most controversial park in Barcelona, the Parc de l’Espanya Industrial, designed in 1985 by the architects Luis Peña Ganchegui and Francesc Rius. It was intended as a refreshing public space for the neighbourhood with a sports centre and a children’s play area.
Another feature is a giant 12 m high metal dragon, designed by the sculptor Andrés Nagel, which at the same time is a children’s slide. A rich birdlife on the artificial lake with fountains and waterfalls adds to the character of the place.
From here, you will continue to the next park, the Parc de Joan Miró. The site used to be the location of a municipal slaughterhouse. By locals, the park is therefore also known as Parc l’Escorxador, since ‘escorxador’ means slaughterhouse in Catalan.
However, beginning in 1979, the idea to create a leisurely area with activities and events eventually led to the transformation. The park was designed by the architect Beth Galí and included an artificial water channel.
A fabulous 22-metre high sculpture Dona i Ocell (Woman and Bird) by Joan Miró is the artwork that has given the park its name.
Your brisk morning walk will now take you towards the mountain Montjuïc, with cultural museums and other sights – one of the mountains – or maybe rather hills – surrounding Barcelona city centre. The hills are conveniently served by a cable car, the Telefèric de Montjuïc and a funicular, Montjuïc Funicular Railway.
Continuing on foot, you will pass the Font Màgica, the magical fountain designed by the engineer Carles Buigas and built for the International Exhibition in 1929. The fountain presents, in the evening, a magnificent musical show of changing formations and colours.
Usually, the show is performed during the weekends. You may come back here in the evening one of the days it is on to watch the spectacular and popular performance.
From here, you will continue up the stairs to the Palau Nacional / Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, also one of the fabulous art museums in Barcelona. From the terrace, you can enjoy the most stunning views over the city!
We suggest you spend the rest of the morning in the Poble Espanyol.
This is an opportunity to discover other parts of Spain, from Andalusia to Santiago de Compostela! The area is a village of typical buildings from different regions in Spain. The Poble Espanyol consists of squares, gardens and streets flanked by traditional houses of various architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque… and even includes a monastery, as well as a museum.
Anyway, during the Civil War (1936-1939), the site changed for a time completely character as an internment camp for prisoners. Later, Franco supporters used the area to fight against the Catalan culture.
You may well consider having lunch here as well!
After exploring a wide range of Spanish architectural styles, you will continue to one of the other grand art museums in Barcelona, the nearby Fundació Joan Miró.
The artist Joan Miró was born in Barcelona in 1893. For his career as a painter, sculptor and ceramist, he particularly found inspiration in the landscapes of Mont-roig in Catalonia, Paris, and Mallorca – where each place contributed to different aspects of his further development as an artist. Also, the Abstract Expressionism he experienced in New York gave him fresh inspiration for his work.
If you love art, Surrealism and Miró, you will be astonished to explore his works on display here in the museum! It is a mental treat to move around between his masterpieces, and it is one of the must-see Barcelona museums! Besides being a museum, the institution organises exhibitions of 20th and 21st-century artists and engages in academic activities.
If you are interested in Barcelona’s Olympic history, you must include and see the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, also known as the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc, as part of the sights on Montjuïc. The stadium was designed by the architect Pere Domènech i Roura for the 1929 International Exposition. However, it was renovated in 1989 to serve as a stadium for the 1992 Summer Olympics.
The Torre de Calatrava, designed by Santiago Calatrava, has notably become a symbol and landmark of Barcelona. Palau Sant Jordi hosted men’s and women’s gymnastics competitions, handball finals, volleyball semi-finals and finals. Its most eye-catching feature is its cupola lifted to its current position on hydraulic jacks.
Also, international artists such as Bruce Springsteen, U2, Queen, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Elton John have performed on stage here.
You will spend the rest of the afternoon – and maybe evening – at the foot of Montjuïc, close to the city centre and harbour in the Poble Sec neighbourhood. Originally, Poble Sec was home to the lower-class people in Barcelona, like el Raval. It was beyond the city walls and not considered a part of the city of Barcelona.
However, this changed during the 1900s with the city development and extension designed by Cerdà in the Eixample neighbourhood and the opening of theatres and cabarets along the avenue Parallel. Little by little, artists moved into the area, influencing the character of the place.
One of the must-see streets is Carrer de Blai, where you will find the coolest eateries, Barcelona tapas bars and lively terrace bars. The busy Parallel avenue is still flanked by traditional theatres, with musicals and variety shows.
If you feel up to it, and if the show is on tonight, you may, as the last thing today, consider attending the light performance at the Font Màgica before returning to your hotel!
Today, you will explore the northern part of Barcelona, beginning with the remarkable Avinguda Diagonal – at least from an aerial angle.
Avinguda Diagonal is the broadest avenue in Barcelona – cutting the city into two. It was projected by the urban architect Ildefons Cerdà as a part of his extensive grid planned for the Eixample district. Its construction began in 1859.
The avenue has formerly been known under other names, depending on who held power in Catalonia and Spain, including Gran Vía Diagonal (with the Fascist capture of Barcelona in 1939) and Avenida del Generalísimo Francisco Franco (during the regime of Francisco Franco). With its 11 kilometres, it passes important places and streets in Barcelona, such as Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Cataluña.
On the southern side of Avinguda Diagonal, you will find Camp Nou, Barcelona’s famous stadium. That is a different encounter and side of Barcelona – but a worthwhile experience within the sports universe!
You can easily spend a few hours here, if not more, depending on your football interest and addiction! – exploring the different parts of the Barça club. Do a tour and take in the stands, the field, the away side’s changing room, the tunnel, the pressroom, the club trophies and much more.
During the tour, you must visit the FC Barcelona Museum, showcasing photos and videos from FC Barcelona’s 120-year-long history, and you will see and relive top players and the most remarkable Barça matches – it is one of the top museums for football fans!
Depending on how many hours you have spent at Camp Nou, you may now begin to look for a place to have lunch before continuing your itinerary.
Leaving Camp Nou and now crossing Avinguda Diagonal, you will, in a few minutes, reach Els Pavellons de la Finca Güell at Avinguda Pedralbes. Finca Güell was Gaudí’s first project for his patron, Eusebi Güell, carried out between 1883 and 1887. The structures of the property were designed and built by the architect Joan Martorell.
What is spectacular and worthwhile to come for is the wrought iron gate in the shape of a dragon. It represents the legendary guardian dragon of the Garden of the Hesperides, which, according to the myth, was overcome by Hercules.
Continue on foot a few hundred metres further north to arrive at the old Monasterio de Pedralbes.
Do notice (and verify on the website!) that it is only on Saturdays and Sundays that the monastery is open after 2 p.m. – and it is closed on Mondays (so unless you arrive pretty early in the afternoon, you may only be able to see it from the outside).
There is historical evidence that the monastery was founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada in 1326 and run by nuns of the Sisterhood of the Clares, later known as the ‘Second Order’ of the Franciscans. Even today, the monastery is operated by the Clares nuns! The name ‘Pedralbes’ is derived from the Latin term for white stones: Petras Albas – which refers to the colour of the foundation stone for the apse.
Enjoy the views, the shade and the silence in the lovely gardens – it is a gem of a place and a must-see tucked away in northern Barcelona!
You will end your day on the other mountain overlooking Barcelona, Tibidabo! If you fancy it, you may have dinner in a restaurant up here.
Take the metro from central Barcelona (Plaça de Catalunya), change at Pl John F Kennedy to the iconic, quaint Tramvia Blau from 1901 and finally jump on the old funicular (also from 1901) with a 25% ascent, which will take you the rest of the way (1,100 metres or 3,600 feet) up the mountain. The tram ride and the funicular are fascinating sights and experiences – and you must consider taking a trip up the Barcelona Tibidabo mountain just for the experience – even if you don’t intend to visit the theme park here.
If you feel up to it, spend the evening in the Tibidabo Amusement Park.
The park has, since the beginning of the 1900s, developed immensely – from having mainly small attractions such as telescopes, swings, bowling, mirrors, military bands, orchestras, an Electric Merry-Go-Round and balloon rides – to being today a top modern theme park with all kinds of world-class attractions. Inside the park, you will find several tempting restaurants.
Today, you will again dive into some of the true masterpieces that Gaudí created in Barcelona.
You will start the day in Park Güell. From the Alfons X metro station, you can take the Bus Güell (included in the online ticket).
Park Güell is named after Antoni Gaudís’ patron, Eusebi Güell, a Spanish industrialist whom Gaudí met at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1878. That became the beginning of a strong working relationship and friendship between the two of them. He assigned Gaudí and let Gaudí design and construct several significant works for him and supported the famous architect’s work financially.
A remarkable and iconic element inside the park is the vividly coloured mosaic bench. At the time of construction, it was designed to be a marketplace for the residents. Originally, Gaudí had projected the park as a residential area for the well-heeled people. However, the number of residences was cut from 60 to 2, since the houses were not as attractive as first foreseen.
Already at the entrance, you will encounter one of the must-see things, the famed mosaic salamander, which has become an iconic symbol of the enticing park in Barcelona. You must explore the park to see all the wondrous details for yourself! Gaudí has played with geometry everywhere in his masterpiece of a park.
On the way back, another architectural gem appears close to the metro station Alfons X.
The Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau from 1902 is another Catalan Modernist building complex with elaborate details designed by one of the other great Modernist architects, Lluís Domènech i Montaner. He is considered the ‘father’ of the Catalan Modernism.
His son, Pere Domènech i Roura, completed the work in the hospital when Domènech fell seriously ill and died in 1923.
The Modernista pavilions were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, and they have undergone restoration to take them back to their original artistic state. Today, it is unarguably one of the phenomenal Art Nouveau museums in Barcelona. Among other things, you will discover the most awesome stained glass windows and the finest Modernist roof decorations here.
Today, in addition to being an Art Nouveau complex, a part of the Administration Pavilion is used as a venue for meetings and events.
You will now continue to one of the other Gaudí sights: La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s world-famous church in Barcelona – which you absolutely must see! Around the church, you will find many restaurant options for lunch.
Gaudí was naturally appointed as an architect of the basilica since his religious background, beliefs, and ideas went hand in hand with the nature of such an impressive construction. The church was projected to have 18 towers – one tower for each of the twelve apostles, one for each evangelist, and one for the Virgin Mary and Jesus.
Also, for the construction principles of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí used natural geometric forms for inspiration. His idea was that the interior would resemble a heavenly forest inside an organism, with the columns representing trees in the Garden of Eden. Forms like hyperbolic paraboloids used for the church vaults symbolise the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
An ingenious use of chain models helped him design the basilica arches. He used upside-down models of suspended sandbags to obtain the precise design of catenary arches. You may study the method and pictures of this inside the church.
Late afternoon, you will find your way to la Barceloneta, where you can enjoy some beach time and perhaps go for a swim. La Barceloneta is between Barcelona’s Port Vell with the promenade Rambla de Mar from 1994, designed by Helio Piñon and Albert Viaplana, and the Port Olímpic, Barcelona’s new district developed for the Olympic Games 1992.
La Barceloneta is now a triangular area of narrow, grid-like streets leading to the new fabulous beach, established for the Olympic Games.
After the Olympics, it has remained a favoured place. It is still an enticing sandy beach where both locals and tourists come to sunbathe and take a dip.
Close to la Barceloneta, you will find the Port Olímpic, also laid out for the Olympics in 1992. It is now an attractive leisurely area with a marina, docks, shops, clubs, prime seafood restaurants and a beach. You will want to enter one of the restaurants here for a superb seafood dinner experience!
Go for a stroll in the neighbourhood next to the marina, the Olympic Village, with hotels and apartments built for the Olympics. That is where the athletes were housed during the event. Along the Olympic port, you will notice the giant bronze fish sculpture (Peix) designed by Frank Gehry. It has become a landmark and a symbol of post-Olympic Barcelona and is now part of the characteristic city skyline!
If you have more days in Barcelona, we have a few suggestions for awesome sights and must-see places on day trips out of the city:
1. Visit the spectacular Benedictine monastery Montserrat located atop the mountain northwest of Barcelona. You will take the train from Plaça d’Espanya Station. When arriving at Montserrat, you can do the final ascent by cable car or cog railway (notice they have different stations at Montserrat).
2. In summer you may want to take the train from Barcelona Sants to the small beautiful beach town Sitges south of Barcelona. If you are ready for a long day, you may continue from here to the picturesque Tarragona, full of Roman and medieval history.
3. Take the train from Barcelona Sants to Figueres to see the renowned Dalí Museum, among the most remarkable museums in the country. You may combine it with visiting the picturesque medieval town of Girona on the way back to Barcelona.
4. Visit the villages of Vic and Ripoll at the foot of the Pyrenees. Get up early in the morning to take the bus or train from Barcelona to Vic, an ancient small town rich in cultural heritage and history. From Vic, you will continue by bus up to Ripoll at the beginning of the Pyrenees, where there is a famous Benedictine monastery.
Read next: Dalí Museum in Figueres
Must-see Museums, Sights & Things to Do in Barcelona
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Must-see Museums, Sights & Things to Do in Barcelona:
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5 Days in Barcelona – Must-see Museums, Sights & Things to Do in Barcelona