The first time I visited Barcelona, I was less than impressed with the city. Understandably so, as I was only visiting for 24 hours, and was exhausted from an early morning flight from Malta. I tried to see as much as I could during the day, but the crowds and fatigue got the best of me.
Fast forward a year and I was back in Barcelona. This time, it was early summer, and I had more time to explore the city. Being that it was summer, it was still crowded, but I was able to enjoy the culture and take in everything Barcelona had to offer. If you find yourself wanting to visit Barcelona, grab a flight, book a hotel on venere.com, and check out some of my favorite sites around the city.
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is a pedestrian mall that connects Plaça Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus monument. This tree-lined street is full of vendors selling souvenirs, street performers, and lots of cafes and restaurants. It can be sensory overload with all the sights, smells, and sounds, but that's part of the fun as you wander down the street, not sure where to look first.
Parc Güell
Antonio Gaudí is one of the most famous Spanish artists, and it is easy to see the legacy he left on Barcelona. A park with endless trails, views, and colorful sculptures, you can easily spend half a day or more exploring Parc Güell. If you take the trails to the top of the park, you're rewarded with a spectacular view of Barcelona, which reaches all the way to the sea. If you're an America's Next Top Model fan, the season 7 finale was shot in the creepy cave-like tunnels that are around the park.
The Sagrada Familia
Another Gaudí creation, the Sagrada Familia is an icon of Barcelona. Although it won't be completed until 2026 (it began construction in 1882!) tourists flock to this unconventional cathedral by the millions. Even if you don't venture inside the building, the architecture will still captivate you. The amount of detail is astonishing, and I'm hoping I can go back one day after it's finished to see the completed version.
Fast forward a year and I was back in Barcelona. This time, it was early summer, and I had more time to explore the city. Being that it was summer, it was still crowded, but I was able to enjoy the culture and take in everything Barcelona had to offer. If you find yourself wanting to visit Barcelona, grab a flight, book a hotel on venere.com, and check out some of my favorite sites around the city.
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is a pedestrian mall that connects Plaça Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus monument. This tree-lined street is full of vendors selling souvenirs, street performers, and lots of cafes and restaurants. It can be sensory overload with all the sights, smells, and sounds, but that's part of the fun as you wander down the street, not sure where to look first.
Parc Güell
Antonio Gaudí is one of the most famous Spanish artists, and it is easy to see the legacy he left on Barcelona. A park with endless trails, views, and colorful sculptures, you can easily spend half a day or more exploring Parc Güell. If you take the trails to the top of the park, you're rewarded with a spectacular view of Barcelona, which reaches all the way to the sea. If you're an America's Next Top Model fan, the season 7 finale was shot in the creepy cave-like tunnels that are around the park.
The Sagrada Familia
Another Gaudí creation, the Sagrada Familia is an icon of Barcelona. Although it won't be completed until 2026 (it began construction in 1882!) tourists flock to this unconventional cathedral by the millions. Even if you don't venture inside the building, the architecture will still captivate you. The amount of detail is astonishing, and I'm hoping I can go back one day after it's finished to see the completed version.
There are a lot more sites and things to see and do in Barcelona, but these three are a good place to start. The city is enormous, so bring your walking shoes, and make sure you keep an eye on your pocket. Most of all, enjoy Barcelona and all its beauty.
Originally posted 2.19.13
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