Without a doubt, traveling to Barcelona is a once in a lifetime experience. From its unique architecture to its breathtakingly beautiful musical halls, you will absolutely find yourself completely swept off your feet with this city’s unmatched charm and splendor!
Barcelona has managed to earn itself quite the reputation over the years. Not only is it a city that’s known for mouth-watering cuisine, but it also boasts an incredible culture, a diverse and rich history, and friendly locals. It's also one of the best places to jet off to if you need a break from the day-to-day grind. As the capital of Catalonia and the second-most populous cities in all of Spain, Barcelona seriously offers so much to its visitors. In fact, if you and your friends decide to visit it, you definitely want to set aside a few days to make sure you’re really able to immerse yourself into this bustling metropolis. If you’re looking to check Barcelona off your bucket list, then please take note. These four things are a must-see while you’re there!
1. Marvel at the incomplete Sagrada Família
What makes the Sagrada Familia – an unfinished work from Barcelona’s most famed architect, Antoni Gaudí – isn’t just its breathtakingly beautiful edifice. Nor is it the fact that it’s already been in construction for over 140 years. No, it’s actually the drama surrounding this gorgeous basilica. And of course, having a little bit of a juicy back story makes it oh-so-much more interesting, doesn’t it? Okay, here’s the deal: apparently Gaudí passed away while he was working on this building. And now many people are upset because they’re saying it’s a money sink, a work of folly, and the worst part? Gaudí would not approve of its current state. Gasp!
2. Get your eat on at La Boqueria
When you go to the grocery store, do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the sheer history of the place? Of course not! All you’re probably feeling is overwhelmed with the chore of stocking up on food for the week, right? Rest assured, you won’t feel like that when you set foot in the massive food market known as La Boqueria. Established way back in the early 13th Century, this market is so much more than a glorified grocery store. It’s an open-air mercado, allowing you to stock up on all the delicious fixings for an incredible dinner back at your hotel. You’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and spices. Or, if you prefer, you can just grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant, El Quim de la Boqueria.
3. See at a show at El Palau de la Musica Catalana
It’s considered a great honor to be asked to perform at the El Palau de la Musica Catalana. This impressive UNESCO heritage site was built in the early 1900s as a means to allow local talent to forge a sense of cultural identity while lauding their abilities. You’ll find a wide assortment of shows being performed here, ranging from serious operas to whimsical folk shows. Of course, even if you don’t get a ticket to a show here, you still need to carve out a chunk of time to actually see this stunning building. It’s seriously breathtaking to behold, with its ornate decorations and luxurious patterns and textures.
4. Admire a great artist at the Picasso Museum
We can’t mention Spain without at least acknowledging one of its most famous artists. While Pablo Picasso – who was primarily known for his disjointed cubist style – didn’t hail from Barcelona, his friends did. And when his friend inherited a significant portion of his artwork, he decided to create a museum so everyone may enjoy it. Hence, the Picasso Museum was born. This museum, which is tucked away in a series of five magnificent mansions, showcases many of Picasso’s most celebrated works. Not only will you find some of his more famous paintings here, but you’ll also see many of his sculptures and engravings, too. Make sure you set aside enough time to really take it all in, as it’s an extremely comprehensive collection of his works. It houses over 4,200 of his original pieces, which means that you’ll get to see a wide range of his style, all the way up to his Blue Period. Pretty cool, huh?