The beautiful city of Barcelona, located in the northeast section of Spain along the Mediterranean coast offers excellent attractions, a stunning setting, warm weather for most of the year, and an incredible nightlife for those who want to celebrate on their vacations.
Barcelona Europe offers an exceptional experience to the traveler looking for a complete experience. While many will know the city thanks to hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona offers so much more for vacationers of all ages to take advantage.
A good tip is to stay at an Airbnb or apartment rental near the center of the city. This allows you to take advantage of inexpensive public transportation, so you can see everything.
Best Time to Visit
It almost goes without saying that summer is the most popular time of the year for tourism. The beckoning beaches and outdoor events draw in the crowds from around the world. summer is also the time when most events are happening in the city.
However, if you are more interested in historical locations, architectural sites, and museums, then you should consider the fall and early spring. You can still enjoy the warm weather while having more freedom to move around this bustling city thanks to the lack of crowds. This means that May and June or September and October are the best times to visit.
For May and June, there is May Day, Whit Monday, and the Feast of St. John in terms of celebrations. For September and October, there is the National Day of Catalonia, Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, and Spain’s National Day that offer opportunities to enjoy local celebrations in Barcelona.
While Barcelona Europe is sunny during the winter months, the cold breeze from the nearby mountains will keep things chilly. Keep in mind that August is the most popular month which means that you may have difficulty visiting the locations that you want. A good tip is to purchase the tickets to the attractions you want to visit before you leave on your trip.
Best Places to Visit
There are many places to visit in Barcelona Europe, starting with the remarkable beaches that are definitely a highlight. But that’s only the beginning as you can take in the many sights and sounds that this city has to offer.
Boqueria Market: Even if shopping is not one of your favorite activities, you will certainly enjoy this sprawling marketplace that was originally opened in 1840. Food peddlers have been selling their delights at this location since the 13th century and today it has expanded to cover a wide range of food, items, and other products. Plus, if you tire of walking around amid the splendor of the marketplace, there are plenty of places to grab a quick bite or enjoy a full meal thanks to the many bars and restaurants that surround this location.
FC Barcelona HQ: If you are a fan of football or soccer as it is called in some parts of the world, then no trip to this city would be complete without a visit to the headquarters of the famed FC Barcelona football team at Camp Nou Stadium. You can take a tour of the stadium which seats almost 100,000 fans and sees the trophies and awards this celebrated team has garnered over the years.
Gothic Quarter: Located next to the center of the city, this is the oldest part of Barcelona Europe. You will find excellent examples of both Roman along with Medieval architecture amid the narrow streets, beautiful shops, and the many restaurants, bars, and cafés that make up this part of the city. You will probably start with the Barcelona Cathedral which is a stunning site. However, there is so much more to see that will take your breath away.
La Barceloneta Beach: Along with the Platja de la Nova Icaria beach, which is on the other side of Port Olympic harbor, this is one of the main reasons why so many visit Barcelona Europe. The beach itself offers an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea and there is plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the sun. In addition, you’ll find plenty to eat and drink at the beach along with enough activities to keep you busy throughout the day.
La Sagrada Familia: The Church of the Sacred Family is one of the most iconic and recognizable structures in Barcelona. This towering church is Gothic in overall style, but with a remarkable twist that makes it unique. Started in 1882 by Antoni Gaudi and yet to be finished, the church is privately funded and offers a incredible structure that is unlike any church in the world.
Las Ramblas: You’ll probably visit this popular area because so much is located here. Established back in 1766, this is a pedestrian pathway right in the heart of the city. It’s usually busy day and night with the many souvenir shops, local art, and alfresco cafés that dot the area. Whether you travel the Las Ramblas day or night, you’ll find plenty to do and see along this remarkable path.
Musea Picasso: The Picasso Museum celebrates arguably the most famous artist ever born in Spain. You’ll find much of Picasso’s work in this museum that includes several thousand of his pieces. This includes the Blue Period and highlights Picasso’s association with Barcelona. From those who love Picasso’s work to those who might have heard of the artist, there is something for everyone at this remarkable museum.
Parc Guell: What started as a housing community for the upper class turned into a park featuring gardens that were grown around the natural features of the land. 42 acres of houses, meadows, gardens, benches, and so much more make this a one-of-a-kind location that is also one of the most popular in all the city. Parc Guell offers an almost Dr. Seuss atmosphere amid the modern features of Barcelona. A great place to rest, relax, and see new wonders.
For something a little different, take in a flamenco show. There are different places in the city where you can enjoy dinner and flamenco dancing to make your trip complete.
What to Eat
If you love food, then Barcelona Europe should be on your list of places to visit. Everything about the city is alive and vibrant and the same can be said of the many dishes that can be found here. Many of the foods date back for several centuries, giving you an insight into the culture of this remarkable city in Catalan.
Bombas: As the name suggest, this dish was based in shape on the small grenades used during the Spanish Civil War. The Bomb as it is known is made from a potato croquette that features a white garlic allioli which represents the string fuse and a spicy, red sauce that emulates the explosive qualities of the bomb. A great tasting dish that is also an important part of the history of Catalan.
Calcots & Romesco Sauce: The calcot is a green onion that ripens in the late winter. They are grilled and covered with the tasty romesco sauce which creates a type of salsa complete with red peppers, hazelnuts, and almonds. You can find this dish among the many street parties that are held during the early spring in Barcelona, which is also a great time to visit the city.
Crema Catalana: A creamy vanilla custard that has a hard, glassy crust thanks to how it is heated, this is a great dessert for those who want something sweet to eat. Although many associate this dessert with France, those in Catalana claim they created it first. Either way, you will enjoy it.
Esqueixada: A light, rustic salad that is part of the Catalan culture, it is made with raw salted cod or bacalao and served with tomatoes, black olives, onions, and romesco sauce. You can find this local favorite in many different places, but the La Vinateria del Call, perhaps the oldest wine bar in all of Barcelona, offers a great dish.
Pa amb Tomaquet: It’s pretty much bread with a tomato spread, but it is so tasty and the perfect side dish to any meal you eat in Barcelona. The bread itself is rubbed with garlic with the tomato seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil for a delicious taste.
Paella: A unique combination of seafood and rice that originates in Valencia, this dish is one of the favorites for family celebrations and other important occasions. You want fresh paella only, so you should avoid most of the restaurants and instead visit Bego and Ivan near the Park Guell. They create the paella from a traditional recipe, and it is something to behold.
A good tip is to sample a little of the food with a glass of sangria at a café or small restaurant. You get a taste of the local delicacies without having too much.
If you are looking for the perfect place to visit, Barcelona Europe may be the right place for you. Located along the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona draws in the tourists from around the world for good reason. The incredible beaches, wonderful architecture, museums, and historical sites along with one of the most famous football teams in the world, Barcelona is a place for everyone.
Where are the pictures of Casa Botillo? Why aren’t they in this collection of sights to see in Barcelona?