Backpacking in Catalonia: Sea, Sand, Nou Camp and Gaudi in Barcelona

Barcelona has long been one of the best destinations for either a weekend getaway or, if your football team is lucky enough to get drawn against Barcelona in European competition, for an away day.

However, there is so much more to this famous old city than first meets the eye. Barcelona also hosts huge music festivals, poker tournaments, and houses some of Europe’s most stunning architectural gems. This article takes a look at the capital of Catalonia, along with the inside track on some destinations and events that other visitors might just overlook.

Barcelona Is So Much More Than a Beach, But You Should Still Hit the Coast

Many people who come to either live in or visit Barcelona for any length of time often do so because of its proximity to the sea and its beautiful beaches. On summer evenings and weekends, the waterfront is often packed with a whole array of people from all over the world engaging in everything from surfing to beach volleyball.

There are plenty of other activities also available down by the sea, many of which are hosted by the hotels and entertainment establishments that exist in the area. The Casino Barcelona is just a stone’s throw away from the beach and is known for holding elite level poker tournaments. When such events are underway the official hotel for players is the 5-star Hotel Arts, although there are other options nearby which seem good value considering their proximity to the action. This means gamers and guests can get the most out of their visit to this glorious city.

Other activities that take place down on the beach include exercise classes, skate boarding, rollerblading, paddle boarding and many more.

Barca is a Catalan Institution

When people say “Barca” in Barcelona the only thing they are ever referring to is their beloved football team, which means so much more than just sport to the city’s population.

The Nou Camp is situated in the heart of the Les Corts district and is easily accessible from wherever you find yourself staying in the city. While getting a ticket to a meaningful game can be tricky, arguably the best way to explore the stadium is via one of the official tours.

Architectural Wonders Not to be Missed

While Barcelona is revered for its bouncing nightlife and party atmosphere, this is also a city that packs a serious cultural punch. This mainly comes in the form of its architecture, which was heavily inspired by the most famous of all Catalan modernists, Antoni Gaudí.

Some of the buildings he designed that simply must be visited by anyone who comes to Barcelona are the Sagrada Familia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Park Güell, and La Pedrera-Casa Milà.

Having said that, walking around picturesque districts of the city, such as the Gothic District or the narrow grid-like streets of Gracia, will deliver plenty of nooks and crannies of beautiful architecture. Be sure to explore.

Best Views of the City

One of the things that makes Barcelona such a unique city is the way in which it is hemmed in by the sea on one side and mountains on the other. When viewed from above it provides a unique skyline, especially thanks to buildings like the Sagrada Familia and the Hotel W. The hotel has a viewing platform that is open to the public and gives incredible sea vistas.

Other amazing places to overlook the city from include Montjuic and its cable car, as well as Los Bunkers del Carmel, which people should make the most of before local authorities repurpose them or sell them to hotel developers. They are one of the most romantic viewpoints in the city and are reachable either on foot or via bus.