Barcelona! What a city. Packed with culture, history and the magic of Gaudi it is one of the best places to visit in the world. It is distinct and different from most of Spain and it like the big cities of the world it feels like a country in of itself.

As well as the remarkable architecture of Gaudi, the fantastic street food, life-enriching museums, the city is on Spain’s west coast and has excellent beaches.

With this in mind, let’s look at the great places you should see in Barcelona.

Accommodation Options in Barcelona

Given its coastal location, it makes sense to rent a beach apartment in Barcelona and go for a self-catering option. You not only have a wide range of apartment options, but if you do have a lazy day, you can look out onto the beach and maybe spend a few hours there whiling away the time.

It is also perfect for long summer evenings when you feel the sand under your feet, and the breeze is coming in off the sea.

One of the best places to do this is in Lugaris. It is in the north of the city and is well connected to the city centre. Most Lugaris apartments tend to be in choice locations and make the perfect place for any visit to this fantastic city.

Now we have the accommodation options sorted where to go and what to see.

Gaudi

Barcelona is renowned for the Gaudi designed buildings, and the great architect offered a surreal visual treat with everything he turned his hand to. Here is a choice selection of the best places to visit to see the master’s work:

• Casa Vicens – This was originally built for a wealthy family and is arguably one of the first buildings where he used what would become his distinctive style. Gaudi believed that nature had no straight lines, and neither should architecture. The building is a blend of neoclassical and oriental design elements. It was completed in 1888. Today Casa Vicens is a museum. A must-see.
• Casa Milá (La Pedrera) – This UNESCO protected building is more of a work of art than anything else. It makes architects drool from a technical point of view and for everyone else it is a visual feast. Completed in 1912 the harmonious mass of stone is probably one of the most imaginative buildings ever to be built.
• Park Güell – Gaudi’s imagination was unleashed when he created Park Güell. Here you will discover serpents, dragons, and Gaudi’s house. The park is free to visit, but the centre requires tickets and it is well advised to book in advance. Gaudi’s organic and Art Nouveau style are evident here, especially in the crushed ceramics.
• La Sagrada Familia – Gaudi’s most famous work is the La Sagrada Familia. This is a cathedral that was never completed due to lack of funds. It became his obsession and at one time started to fund the project himself. The cathedral is now under construction once more as the Pope made it an official Basilica. The centre tower is a 170 metres high.

Museu Picasso

The Picasso Museum features almost 4000 works by the great artist. It focuses on his early years while he was perfecting his style and is a visual treat, to say the least. The gallery lays out the work in with an inimitable style so not only do you receive a fascinating insight into Picasso, but you feel like you have been on a journey.

Museum, Art and Design

The Fundació Joan Miró is worth visiting for several reasons not least because of the beautiful art that is on display. The building is extraordinary to and was designed by Josep Lluís Sert. The museum is in the grounds of beautiful Parc de Montjuïc. There is a permanent collection of Miró’s graphic work while the outdoor sculpture gallery is extraordinary.

The Beaches of Barcelona

Barcelona is known for having remarkable brilliant beaches that comprise the city’s 100 miles of coastline. It has something to suit all tastes so if you want tourist displays or somewhere quieter you can find it in this fantastic city. Here is a snapshot:

• Barceloneta Beach – With sand artists, drummers, and singing doughnut salesman, this beach is full of tourist but lots of fun. It is easily the city’s most famous beach, and the seafood is gorgeous. Despite the tourist mega-draw it still retains old-world charm.
• Bogatell Beach – This beach is a little off the beaten track and as such it has a quieter, calmer vibe. Here you will find a more mature crowd, so it doesn’t feel like it is travelling at a frenetic pace. In the evening the town comes alive and is worth sampling.

Barcelona has something for everyone, and you can spend weeks here and not see it all. Make sure you come and see the city soon.