The Heart and Soul of Spain's Vibrant Region

A charming town, tucked alongside the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona is famous for its rich architectural heritage, limitless culture, and world-renowned culinary scene. The alluring city is the perfect 3 - 4 day trip. Here is what you should know about the city. 

Language: The national language in Spain is Spanish.

Currency: The currency in Spain is the Euro.

Electrical Plugs: Spain operates on 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.Two types of plugs are associated with Spain, types C, and F. We recommend a universal adapter to prepare you for any outlet type you come across.

Gaudí's Legacy: Spain's Architectural Masterpieces

Renowned for its diverse style and pops of color, Barcelona’s architectural heritage has evolved and developed over the centuries. Gothic cathedrals and medieval castles can be found lining the Gothic Quarter, showcasing its rich religious and cultural heritage. These buildings are admired because of their intricate stone carvings and grandiose interiors, but what took our breath away were the whimsical creations of Antoni Gaudí. 

You’re probably thinking, who is Antoni Gaudí and why is he important? I’m trying to plan my vacation, not engage in a history lesson. Well, Antoni Gaudí and his influence are impossible to miss in Barcelona!

Who is Antoni Gaudí?
A visionary with a distinct style, the Catalan architect left a unique footprint on Spain’s landscape. A major player in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gaudí influenced the Spain we know today. The vibrant colors, organic shapes, and detailed structures have become synonymous with the cultural identity of the country. 

In fact, seven out of the nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barcelona were designed by Gaudí. Regardless if this is your first time visiting Barcelona or you’re a frequent globe trotter, you won’t want to miss the enchanting Park Güell or his masterpiece the La Sagrada Família Basilica. 

Be prepared to be enchanted by the must-see sights that Barcelona has to offer. The heart of Catalonia’s capital city, there are so many hidden gems and celebrated landmarks to uncover. Here is what you’ll want to see during your visit.

Gothic Quarter 

Take a walk back in time in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Also known as Barri Gòtic in Catalan, the Gothic Quarter is where many hidden places are waiting to be discovered. The streets are like a maze of old historic buildings, charming courtyards, and alleys filled with art, boutiques, and cute cafes. Here is where you will find the Cathedral of Barcelona and the Palau de la Generalitat.

Park Güell 

Settled atop Carmel Hill, Park Güell is a public garden and one of Antoni Gaudí's most precious pieces of work. When you walk into the park you are greeted by a colorful mosaic-tiled dragon known as “El Drac”. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park offers a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. There is very little shade at Park Güell so if you’re planning to visit on a hot day, this might be an attraction to start with.

Las Ramblas (The Market)

Las Ramblas or La Rambla derives from the Arabic word “ramla,” meaning dried riverbed. Originally a dried riverbed, this iconic street stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. Lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and attractions it is a popular destination for tourists and locals.

1992 Olympic Park

Montjuïc Olympic Park is a must-see. Having hosted the Summer Olympics in 1992 the views from this venue from Montjuïc hill are absolutely breathtaking. The second largest stadium in Catalonia, the Olympic Stadium is still used to this day. Due to renovations at Camp Nou, it will temporarily be home to FC Barcelona for the 2023 - 2024 season.

La Sagrada Família Basilica

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk through a kaleidoscope? A unique and unforgettable experience thought of by Gaudí, sunlight filters through beautiful stained glass windows that cast patterns on the basilica floor. The construction of the basilica started in 1882 and is still not completed! Over 40 years of Gaudí’s life were dedicated to this masterpiece before he passed. While he was not the original architect, visitors can see how he blended his distinct style into its features. 

Located in the heart of the city, tours here can be very busy. You might want to consider booking the first tour of the day here if possible to try to minimize crowd time as the inside of the basilica sees many visitors each day.

Sports is a major part of Spanish culture and Barcelona is home to several world-renowned sports teams. One of the most unique and memorable experiences was catching a football (soccer) game at Camp Nou. The Barcelona Football Club (FC Barcelona), is one of the most successful football clubs in the world. The club’s stadium, Camp Nou is an iconic landmark and a must-see for football enthusiasts. Some things to keep in mind if you plan to catch a game:

• FC Barcelona is commonly referred to as Barça.

• Barça fans are incredibly passionate and known as culés.

• Barça fans are fiercly loyal. They will chant and sing songs throughout the entire experience. 

• The Camp Nou Experience offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stadium.

• Visitors can see the club's trophies, and memorabilia, and experience interactive exhibits at the FC Barcelona Museum.

• The consumption of alcohol is forbidden inside the stadium.

It is almost impossible to find a bad dining experience in Barcelona. And if you’re wanting to eat like a local be prepared for a late dinner. Some restaurants don’t even open until 8 p.m. meaning locals typically don’t eat until 9 or 10 p.m., possibly later if it’s the weekend. Because of the late dining here we typically stuck to tapas. But here are 5 dishes with extraordinary flavor that you may consider trying.

• Paella hailing from the Valencia region of Spain, this family-style meal is served straight from the pan. It perfectly represents Spain with its vibrant flavors and pops of color. There are so many variations of this dish but typically consists of short-grain rice, olive oil, saffron, and protein (shrimp, rabbit, seafood, clams, mussels) vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, and Spanish chorizo. 

• Patatas bravas is a popular tapas dish and a personal favorite. The main ingredient for this dish is potatoes which are usually pre-cooked and then fried in olive oil with a spicy tomato-based sauce. This dish is garnished with aioli or another variation of a mayonnaise dipping sauce. 

• Gazpacho is a cold soup that is perfect for the Spanish heat. There are so many types of this soup which is typically served as an appetizer alongside bread and other tapas. Ingredients can include tomatoes, olive oil, onion, pepper, cilantro, parsley, vinegar, cucumber, and even celery and jalapeño.

• Jamón translates to “mountain ham”. Made from a certain type of pig the meat is salted, dried, and aged. The aging process can take anywhere from several months to years depending on the desired flavor. Served with bread, wine, and cheese this meat also pairs well with a good Spanish wine.  

• Leche Frita is perfect for those with a sweet tooth! Translating to “fried milk” this 5 ingredient dessert (milk, sugar, flour, cornstarch, and cinnamon) has a texture similar to a creamy custard or pudding. Once the ingredients are combined they are poured into squares and chilled until they’re coated in breadcrumbs and fried. Found in traditional Spanish Leche Fritas are typically enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. 

Tipping: While everyone loves a good tip it is not expected here. If you have experienced good service, leaving a small amount or even rounding up your bill is always nice.
Price point: $ Barcelona has a ton of budget-friendly options.

Traveling in Barcelona is very easy! Its pedestrian-friendly layout and public transportation system make it convenient for navigating the city. Here is what we’d recommend:

• Walking: So many of Barcelona’s notable attractions are within walking distance of each other. If you’ve packed your walking shoes this is the number one way I would suggest getting around, especially in the Gothic Quarter. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the city while soaking up the atmosphere around you.  

• Metro: The metro system is the fastest way to get around. Riders can purchase a multi-day pass or single ticket and it operates from 5 AM until midnight on weekdays and a little later on weekends, 2 AM. If choosing to use the metro, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pickpockets are likely to be seen here and you’ll want to be on alert.

• Taxi: I typically reserve taxi usage for late-night travel, like home from a bar or club. You can reserve a taxi in advance or hail one from the street. When taking a taxi I always like to make sure the meter is running and that I get a receipt for my trip.

• Bike: Biking is not a method of transportation we use often, but we do know that Barcelona is a very bike-friendly city. With dedicated bike lanes and a bike-share program renting a bike can be a fun way to sightsee.

May and June are said to be the best time to visit Barcelona, but we found September to have ideal weather as well. The temperatures are in the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit. Summer here is humid and it is common for the locals to travel to other cooler destinations. When planning a trip to Barcelona keep in mind most of the main attractions are outside, making spring rains and cold winter temperatures less ideal. But, no matter when you visit Barcelona, we know you’ll fall in love with Spain’s most-visited city. 

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