Top Tourist Attractions in Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia - probably Gaudi’s most well known and visible masterpieces. It is the most visited tourist attraction in Barcelona with over 2 Million visitors each year . It is a structure and ongoing building of immense proportions and respected by architects around the world. It was started in 1882 and will not be finished for another 20 to 25 years !!.
Gothic Quarter: ( Bari Gotic Area ) Located in the old quarter of Barcelona, on the right hand side of the Las Ramba area, it is well known for its cobbled streets and high old buildings. Picasso lived and worked in this area from 1895 to 1904 and famous local artist Joan Miro was born here and where he spent much of his youth.
Las Ramblas – is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona. Just over one kilometer in length is lined with established trees and has all kinds of shops, bars, restaurants , there are street performers and local characters, it really is a great place to stroll around until the early hours.
Calle Feran – is one of the most important streets in Barcelona and offers a wide selection of great shops and an excellent choice of quality bars and restaurants. It also has easy access to Las Ramblas.
Placa de Catalyuna – One of the most emblematic plazas in Barcelona and regarded as the central point of the city. For all lovers of local architecture, sculptures and pretty fountains, it is also a favorite spot for chilling out in the heart of the city.
The Barcelona Cathedral – an enormous gothic structure and a main focal point in the zona Gotica. Along the front of this impressive cathedral you will find more than a smattering of fine shops, bars and restaurants and be entertained by many of the street performers which frequent this area.
Casa Batllo - was designed by Gaudi for a wealthy Barcelona aristocrat and is often overlooked by travelers who are visiting the nearby La Pedresa ( another Gaudi treasure ) . Much of the house used to be rented out but is now thankfully a museum and is well worth a visit if you are in the area. What made Gaudi such an impressionable artist, well by visiting some of his most famous works around the city it may help you to understand this unusual and brilliant artist.
Port Olimpic – as the name suggests was completely rebuilt for the 1992 Olympics held in the city. It is now a beautiful and classy marina with an excellent selection of Bars and restaurants, flashy boats and yachts and connects the two large beaches either side.
Barcelona Football Club – for all footy lovers this really is a must visit. A regular home crowd of around 100.000 noisy fans makes this one the biggest football stadiums in the world.
Placa de Juanme - This is where Barcelona Town council and the regional government headquarters are based. Use the yellow line to get there. On Sundays it is home to the Sardana dance, a traditional dance performed by local Catalans.
The Olympic Stadium - ( Estadi Olimpic ) This was the main stadium used for the 1992 Olympics and is now open to the public who have access to all areas where the games took place. ( Use the Green Line on the Metro )
Barceloneta Beach – Is the nearest beach to the cities centre and around 15 minutes walk from the Ramblas area. For sea food lovers this is the place to enjoy some of the freshest fish and sea food dishes anywhere in Spain. ( Take the Yellow Line on the Metro )
Park Guell – is another one of Gaudi’s unusual creations and is located in the northern part of the city. Sculptures, mosaics and tiling are all on show in this picturesque and leafy park . The park was cleverly built on land high above Barcelona which gives visitors superb views over the city.
BARCELONA is one of the top three tourist destinations of the WORLD !! and as such offers every kind of hotel and other accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets.
Some of the most popular Hotels in Barcelona include the Pulman Barcelona Skipper
This fabulous hotel offers 5-star luxury next to Barcelona’s Olympic Port. It is just 100 metres from the beach and has 2 outdoor pools. This modern hotel has spacious bedrooms, with a 32-inch (81 cm) LCD TV and DVD player. They have an elegant bathroom with rain shower. The Pullman Skipper has a rooftop pool, with beautiful views of the city and sea. It is heated and opens all year round. The hotel also has a large terrace with sun loungers. It is located next to Ciutadella Vila Olimpica Metro Station, just 2 stops from the historic city centre. Barcelona Zoo and the pretty Ciutadella Park are also nearby.
Another highly rated hotel is the Barcelo Raval This is a modern design hotel, in Barcelona’s vibrant Raval district. It offers free Wi-Fi access, and a roof terrace with pool and panoramic views. Bedrooms at the hotel are all en suite, and have 32-inch plasma TV with 73 channels. They all offer an iPod charger and a Nespresso coffee machine. The restaurant has stylish décor, and serves creative Mediterranean food. There is also an elegant cocktail lounge. The hotel is in the heart of the fashionable Raval area, a short walk from the MACBA Modern Art Gallery. Liceu Metro Station and the Ramblas are only 400 metres away.
Other recommended hotels in the city include the Acta Atrium Palace , the Gallery Hotel and the Silken Ramblas .
