Visit Barcelone

Welcome to Barcelona’s incredible urban park. Just like New York has Central Park and London has Hyde Park, Barcelona has the Parc de la Ciutadella. The park is named after the citadel that once stood here, built by Philip V after the War of Spanish Succession. A symbol of an oppressive regime, it was destroyed during the 1868 revolution. Read more

The magnificent Cascada fountain is the park’s highlight, inspired by the Trevi Fountain. But what’s the story behind it? Let’s set the scene. Barcelona is preparing to host the upcoming Universal Exhibition. Josep Fontserè, the park’s architect, and Antoni Gaudí, unknown at the time, are tasked with building something to impress visitors. Read more

Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf was built as part of the Citadel Park complex for the Universal Exhibition. Visitors would cross under the arch to reach the exhibition grounds, following a promenade towards the fair entrance. It’s made entirely of red brick, quite different to its Parisian counterpart. Its style is distinctly Mudéjar—a unique blend of Spanish architecture Read more

As you reach the corner of the street, you’ll be stunned by the extravagant red-brick building with mosaic-covered pillars and façades. This is the Palace of Catalan Music. It was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a brilliant modernist architect who also taught Gaudí Read more

Yet another unique building that catches our eye! Els Quatre Gats — which you may have guessed means “The Four Cats” — was a famous cabaret that opened in 1897. Resembling a small medieval castle, this venue is the work of Pere Romeu. He worked with Rodolphe Salis at Le Chat Noir in Paris, and felt inspired to open an avant-garde and bohemian place in Barcelona. Read more

Welcome to Plaça de Catalunya, the heart of Barcelona. All the main shopping streets lead to this square. It’s also a popular meeting place, and no wonder why! There’s so much around you: shops, bus stops, statues, fountains, and a constant flow of people. There’s no better place to feel the city’s energy, it’s also where major public events and protests have taken place. Read more

La Rambla, the most famous and crowded avenue in Barcelona. From above, you can see it winding through the city, resembling the path of a river. This is because it was built on the bed of a dried-up river. The Catalan word “Rambla” comes from the Arabic word “Ramla,” which means sand, but refers to a small, often dry stream. Read more

The entrance to the Virreina Palace is on your right , the name translates to "the Viceroy’s Palace". It was built in 1778 at the request of Manuel Amat. He was the former Viceroy of Peru, meaning he officially represented the Spanish Crown in the colonies of New Spain in South America. He commissioned architect Josep Ribes to construct Read more

Step through the colourful glass and metal entrance in front of you to discover the enchanting La Boqueria market! This is one of the largest covered markets in Europe, with over 300 stalls of local and exotic products, spread across over 2,500 square meters. Centuries ago, this site was outside the city walls, so the taxes were much lower. Local merchants, farmers Read more

Even if you don’t visit the Miro Museum, don’t worry, Miro will find you! The famous Spanish painter’s huge mosaic is right under your feet. In 1976, Miro wanted to create art on the ground of La Rambla, so that passers-by would walk over it, even if it meant the artwork would get damaged. He chose primary colours, reflecting his intuitive visual language Read more

Welcome to Plaça del Pi. In front of you is the basilica bearing the same name. The Santa Maria del Pi Basilica has an austere appearance, a massive façade and a single rose window. This gothic building dates back to 1319 – but the Church of Pi is documented as early as the year 987. Read more

We’re now on “Carrer dels Banys Nous” street, which used to run along the outer edge of the Roman wall. Its name translates to “New Baths”, referring to the old public baths founded here in 1160, when water was abundant in the area. The building was inspired by Arab baths, and built with Romanesque techniques and decor. Read more

Plaça Reial is an incredibly elegant square with perfect proportions, arcades, palm trees, and a fountain. They say it was named “Royal” due to its beauty, but it was originally meant to be called the Square of the Spanish Heroes, referring to the War of Independence against Napoleon. Read more

It’s hard not to do a double take walking past the Güell Palace, one of Gaudí’s many creations. It may be less famous than the Casa Milà or Casa Batlló, but you can visit this palace from top to bottom, unlike the others. The façade alone is already worth the visit, but you can go inside to see more—you just have to pay the entrance fee. Read more

On the corner of the street, there is a small square called Plaça de la Veronica. Veronica was the woman who, according to the Gospels, wiped Jesus’ face during the Way of the Cross. The cloth she used was changed forever. The narrow building is called the Borsi. It’s made of light-coloured stone, and features columns, banisters, and Greek statues. Read more

In front of you is Barcelona’s famous wire sculpture. Although it may seem like a piece of abstract art, and may not immediately capture everyone’s interest, it’s actually a tribute to the Castellers. Castells—or “castles” in English—are human towers made up of multiple floors of people, a tradition deeply rooted in Catalan culture. Read more

Let’s travel back in time to when Barcelona was still called Barcino. You’re standing at the crossroads of two major Roman roads, where the Roman forum and the Temple of Augustus once stood. The four columns from the temple that are still standing are just around the corner on Carrer del Paradís. The square gets its current name from the former Church of Sant Jaume Read more

This stunning marble bridge is usually the landmark most heavily associated with the Gothic Quarter. Suspended above Carrer del Bisbe, it blends perfectly into the scenery, yet it was only added in the 20th century. It’s part of the neo-Gothic elements introduced in the 1920s to make the district more appealing and reminiscent of the fluorishing Catalan cultural splendour Read more

Welcome to the small Plaça Sant Felip Neri — a secret, peaceful square tucked away in the bustle of the city. A rare example of Baroque architecture in Barcelona, it’s named after the church that presides over it. Built in the 18th century as an annex to the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, a congregation of priests, the square sits on the grounds of a former medieval cemetery Read more

Just a few steps away from the cathedral, you'll find a hidden gem called Casa de l’Ardiaca – meaning the Archdeacon’s House. This title refers to a religious class that no longer exists. In 1921, the house was turned into the city archives and has since been listed as a cultural heritage site. Entry is free and well worth your time – inside, you’ll discover a charming little patio Read more

Here she is! The patron saint of Barcelona, Saint Eulalia. This cathedral is dedicated to both her and to the Holy Cross. It’s the second biggest church in the city after the Sagrada Família, and it’s the seat of the Archdiocese of Barcelona. This impressive cathedral is far from being the first structure to stand on this site. Read more

I’d like to draw your attention to some of the gargoyles on the cathedral. The building is covered in these enchanting and mysterious sculptures. You could spend hours staring at them, trying to decipher hidden messages. Gargoyles were born in the 13th century, during the rise of Gothic architecture. They’re actually water spouts, designed to swallow rainwater away on Read more

A hidden medieval gem, the Plaça del Rei transports you back to the Middle Ages and the time of the Counts of Barcelona. Facing the royal palace, it once served as the castle’s outer courtyard, hosting markets and tournaments. In 1387, it was the site of Barcelona’s very first bullfight! Built in the 12th century over Visigothic and Roman ruins Read more