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Park Güell with city skyline, Sagrada Família and sea in the background.
Park Güell with city skyline, Sagrada Família and sea in the background.

Barcelona

Published: 07 July 2023, 11:30

Vibrant Capital of Catalonia

A trip to Barcelona is always worthwhile! The Catalan metropolis offers pleasant temperatures and lots of sunshine all year round. It also draws in travellers thanks to its magnificent Art Nouveau buildings, picturesque districts and many interesting museums. In addition, numerous beaches in the middle of the city and in the immediate vicinity invite you to sunbathe and swim.

Barcelona is a vibrant city with a unique energy and Mediterranean flair. Life here takes place mainly outdoors, whether in the numerous restaurants and tapas bars, on the beach or in the numerous lively boulevards and squares. Throughout the year there are also events, festivals and traditional outdoor celebrations – including the big city festival Festes de la Mercè, which takes place every September and takes over the whole of Barcelona with concerts, street theatre and parades.

numbers, data, facts

  •  population: 1.6 millionen
  •  official languages: Catalan, Spanish
  •  currency: Euro (EUR)

Ten Highlights of Barcelona

Sagrada Família with ornate towers in daylight.
The Sagrada Familia Basilica is a masterpiece by the architect Antoni Gaudí and one of the symbols of Barcelona. © Sergii Figurnyi/AdobeStock
Colorful mosaic benches in Park Güell overlooking Barcelona.
The unique Park Güell, also designed by Gaudí, is a milestone of modernism. The view over Barcelona from here is spectacular. © dbrnjhrj/AdobeStock
Lone person walking on the tree-lined promenade Las Ramblas.
The famous promenade Las Ramblas invites you with restaurants, shops, street artists and lively activity © David Soanes/AdobeStock
Fountain with golden quadriga in Parc de la Ciutadella on a sunny day.
The sprawling Parc de la Ciutadella is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. It offers green oases, a lake, monuments and the Parliament of Catalonia. © Filip/AdobeStock
Casa Batlló façade with curved shapes and colorful mosaics.
Gaudí again: The shape of the house Casa Batlló is based on the legend of George and the dragon. © saiko3p/AdobeStock
Tibidabo with church and amusement park above the city under clear skies.
Mount Tibidabo on the outskirts of the city is accessible by cog railway and features an amusement park, the Sagrat Cor church and great views over Barcelona. © boule1301/AdobeStock
Barceloneta city beach with palm trees, promenade and people by the sea.
In Barcelona, city and beach holidays can be perfectly combined: The city beach of Barceloneta is close to the city centre and offers a Mediterranean lifestyle. © Roman Rodionov/AdobeStock
Art Nouveau building of Hospital de Sant Pau with tower and brick façade.
The Hospital de Sant Pau is another masterpiece of Catalan Art Nouveau. The former hospital is now a cultural centre and can be visited. © dinozzaver/AdobeStock
Museu Nacional d’Art with dome and staircase under a blue sky.
The impressive art museum Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya presents Catalan art from the Romanesque period to the present day. © Robert Hiltl/AdobeStock
Font Màgica with water fountains and people at sunset.
The Font Màgica is a spectacular fountain complex that offers colourful water and light shows accompanied by music in the evenings. © Sebastian/AdobeStock

The Many Facets of Barcelona

Like any major metropolis, Barcelona has very different facets, which also shape the districts individually. The best way to experience the versatility is to take a walk through the various districts. The old town is characterised by impressive historic buildings and winding streets, in the pretty district of Gràcia you can immerse yourself in the authentic life of the residents, or you can experience the relaxed atmosphere on the beach promenade in the Barceloneta district. Walking and relaxing is the best way to let the individual charm work its magic on you.

A walk through the beautiful neighbourhoods of Barcelona

Narrow alley in Barri Gòtic with old stone arches and cobblestones.
The historic centre of Barri Gòtic is characterised by narrow streets, impressive Gothic architecture and picturesque squares. © Luis/AdobeStock
Colorful umbrellas provide shade in a street in the Gràcia district.
Strolling through the pretty district of Gràcia is always worthwhile – especially in August, when the district dresses up especially for the festival of the same name © JackF/AdobeStock
Casa Milà with wavy stone façade in the Eixample district.
In Eixample district, you can stroll through wide boulevards with numerous shops and restaurants, while marvelling the imposing architecture, such as Gaudí's Casa Milà. © Mistervlad/AdobeStock
Walkers on the beach promenade in Barceloneta in sunny weather.
The palm-lined promenade on Barceloneta beach invites you to take a leisurely stroll. © Maxim Morales/AdobeStock
Upper floors of historic buildings in El Born district with balconies.
Experience the picturesque alleys, pretty houses and cosy atmosphere with a stroll through El Born district. © Kirk Fisher/AdobeStock

Barcelona from BER

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Five travel tips for…

  1. Eat tapas at the legendary El 4 Gats and soak up the atmosphere
  2. La Cova Fumada in the Barceloneta district is known for its delicious seafood tapas
  3. Discover innovative tapas creations in the award-winning Restaurant Tickets
  4. La Vinateria del Call is a hidden, pretty tapas bar in the Jewish Quarter
  5. Typical Catalan tapas can be found at the popular Bodega La Puntual in El Born

  1. Discover delicacies at the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria on Las Ramblas
  2. Visit the oldest market in Barcelona, Mercat de Sant Antoni in Eixample
  3. Buy fresh fruit, vegetables and fish at the Mercat de Santa Caterina near the cathedral
  4. Photograph pretty flower stalls at the Mercat de la Concepció
  5. Mingle with the locals at the Mercat de Gràcia

  1. Celebrate colourfully at the lively Carnaval de Barcelona in February
  2. Give away roses and books on the romantic Dia de Sant Jordi on April 23rd
  3. Experience street concerts, dance and theatre at the Festa Major del Raval in June
  4. Enjoy the colourful spectacle at the Festa Major de Gràcia in August
  5. Celebrate Barcelona's biggest street festival, La Mercè, at the end of September

Title image: Barcelona © Mapics / stock.adobe.com

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