What are the must sees and dos when visiting Barcelona
La Sagrada Família
Visiting Spain is not complete without a trip to Barcelona. The best time to visit Barcelona is in the late spring around May or June. If you visit during this time, you will avoid the bulk of the heat and humid temperatures that come with the summer. You will also miss their less than terrific winters. When you do visit, there are many things you must do and must see to fully appreciate this ancient city.
La Sagrada Família
Not everyone is into Gothic-style churches. La Sagrada Famíla is the best place to see this style of church. Built in 1882, the art master worked to build the church up in a unique way. He died without finishing it, but church funding is continuing his work through today. The estimated completion date is 2026.
The Gothic Quarter photo by Brandon Gurney
Barri Gòtic
The Barri Gòtic, the Gothic Quarter, is located near the city center where you will find old Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter is an architect's dream with many lovely examples of Medieval and Roman era architecture. The streets are narrow and many of the old converted buildings. They are modern cafes, clubs, and bars.
Around the Gothic Quarter, you will find many examples of history, including the Plaça Sant Felip Neri. The Spanish dictator Francisco Franco bombed it during the Spanish Civil War. If you want to enjoy the nightlife in this area, there are plenty of places to play all night long.
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is a major pedestrian area located in the middle of the city. It is a place to come day or night to shop the quaint souvenir stands or enjoy a street performance. Local artists will sell their wares around the area, and if you are hungry, there are many little cafes you can sit in and enjoy.
The design of Las Ramblas is narrow, which makes this idea of all kinds of street activity. It comes alive at night with the multiple bars and nightspots to enjoy. Built-in 1766, this section of the city has been a place to go for a part for a very long time.
La Sagrada Família is the artist's *Gaudí's best work. He took the project to build the church in the neo-Gothic style and made it all his own. The church has many unconventional details, which makes this a one-of-a-kind structure.
Casa Batlló
The best place to see more of Gaudí's work is at his former apartments, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The apartments are done in vibrant colors with delicate tile work and terraces. The roof's design appears to be the scaly back of a dragon with the balconies and windows representing all those who were slain by the dragon.
The house is available for tours daily. While the outside is extremely grand, the inside has just as much detail. Entry is not free, but if you are a lover of fine architecture and unique styles, it is worth the visit. The place does get crowded, so it is recommended to buy tickets ahead of time.
Catedral de Barcelona
Built in the 13th Century, the Cathedral of Barcelona took another 200 years to officially complete in the 15th Century. Its architecture is delicate throughout the building, including the altarpieces and the 140 statutes of saints placed throughout the cathedral.
Visitors have found the beauty of the Catedral beyond comparison. The best time to visit is early in the morning before most of the other tourists arrive. The top of the cathedral is particularly noteworthy as it gives a perfect view of Barcelona. There is a dress code to enter the church, so dress appropriately.
Museu Picasso
Picasso did some of his best work in Barcelona, so the Museum dedicated in his name has plenty of his pieces for you to see. The arrangement of the Picasso Museum is in order of their creation, and you can follow his progress and see how his art changes as the periods do.
The piece starts with his earlier restrained works up through his more unique and controversial works. The museum has his sculptures in addition to his paintings. The best time to visit this museum is in the morning and during the offseason. The museum gets extremely crowded.
Photo by David Rüsseler
Casa Milà
Casa Milà is a lovely Catalan-style home with classical architecture and carvings. The building seems almost wavy in its design, and its construction was for a complex of delicate apartments. The building is a National Monument by the government of Spain and marked as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The building ungulates on the street and contains few straight lines in its design or right angles.
Palace of Catalan Music in Old Town Barcelona
Palau de la Musica Catalana
The palace of music is a very intricate structure that has earned a UNESCO World Heritage label. The museum does honor to famous musicians like Beethoven and Bach. Aside from history honoring those who have done so much for music, the palace is a place to come for local concerts and choral music.
Much of the music that you could hear is Catalan music. It also hosts concert venues from around the world. Visitors will love the building with all its intricate detail. If you have time to say for a concert, not only the beauty of the venue will amaze you, but the magic the music produces.
Montjuïc Castle
Montjuïc Castle is a large stone structure from the 11th Century. It started as a watchtower and grew to a lookout post for enemy ships. In the 1600s, the Catalonia Revolt encouraged the Spanish government to build the existing tower up and out, by adding walls and supplies rooms. The threat of Spanish King Philip IV's fleet was real, and Montjuïc Castle stood as a defense against his attacks. It also stood against the fighting that broke out during the War of the Spanish Succession.
Converted into a prison during the 1800s, MontJuïc Castle became a place for political prisoners up through the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Today, it is a tourist destination as a point of interest for any history buff and as a unique structure with a unique past.
Final thoughts
When you are planning your next vacation, the best place to visit in Barcelona, it is rich in heritage, history and good food. It is also a must-see place for anyone wanting to have fun and escape from the confines of life. There are many must-do activities for lots of fun. It is worth vacation planning and taking.
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