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Casa Batlló, Block of Discord
Barcelona
Barcelona bubbles with life — in its narrow lanes, pedestrian-friendly boulevards, elegant modern uptown, bohemian corners, bustling market halls, and along a long beach promenade that's spiked with inviting eateries. While tourism has certainly had its impact in recent years, the city's vibrant Catalan culture is alive and well. Locals still join hands and dance the everyone's-welcome sardana in front of the cathedral, and neighborhood festivals jam the events calendar. Barcelona's engaging culture is on an unstoppable roll in Spain's most cosmopolitan and European corner.
At a Glance
▲▲▲ Picasso Museum Extensive collection offering insight into the brilliant Spanish artist's early years.
▲▲▲ Sagrada Família Gaudí's remarkable, unfinished church — a masterpiece in progress.
▲▲ Ramblas Barcelona's colorful, gritty, tourist-filled pedestrian thoroughfare.
▲▲ Palace of Catalan Music Best Modernista interior in Barcelona.
▲▲ La Pedrera (Casa Milà) Barcelona's quintessential Modernista building and Gaudí creation.
▲▲ Park Güell Colorful Gaudí-designed park overlooking the city.
▲▲ Catalan Art Museum World-class showcase of this region's art, including a substantial Romanesque collection.
▲ La Boqueria Market Colorful but touristy produce market, just off the Ramblas.
▲ Palau Güell Exquisitely curvy Gaudí interior and fantasy rooftop.
▲ Maritime Museum A sailor's delight, housed in a medieval shipyard.
▲ Barcelona Cathedral Colossal Gothic cathedral ringed by distinctive chapels.
▲ Sardana dances Patriotic dance in which proud Catalans join hands in a circle.
▲ Gaudi Exhibition Center Fine exhibit about the man who made Barcelona what it is today.
▲ Frederic Marès Museum Quirky museum highlighted by Marès' collection of bric-a-brac from 19th-century Barcelona.
▲ Barcelona History Museum — Plaça del Rei One-stop trip through town history, from Roman times to today.
▲ Santa Caterina Market Fine market hall built on the site of an old monastery and updated with a wavy Gaudí-inspired roof.
▲ Church of Santa Maria del Mar Catalan Gothic church built by wealthy medieval shippers.
▲ Casa Batlló Gaudí-designed home topped with fanciful dragon-inspired roof.
▲ Fundació Joan Miró World's best collection of works by Catalan modern artist Joan Miró and his contemporaries.
▲ Magic Fountains Lively fountain spectacle near Plaça d'Espanya.
▲ CaixaForum Modernista brick factory now occupied by a cutting-edge cultural center featuring excellent temporary art exhibits.
▲ Barcelona's beaches Fun-filled, man-made beach reaching from the harbor to the Fòrum.
Plan
Photos
Watch
Read
- A Picasso Pilgrimage
- Barcelona: Vibrant and Spirited
- Beyond Barcelona: Montserrat, Figueres, Cadaqués, and Sitges
- Child’s Play in Europe
- Engaging Experts Enrich European Experiences
- In Studio: Roaming the Homes of Europe’s Top Artists
- Indulge in Barcelona’s Visual Feast
- Park Picks: Favorite Green Getaways in Paris, London, and Barcelona
- Souvenir Shopping in Europe? Lighten Up
- Spain’s Tasty Tapas
- Spanish History Set in Stone
- When in Europe, Succumb to Soccer Fever
Barcelona
Listen
- Art Outside the Museums (30:10)
- Barcelona (29:44)
- Barcelona Guide (18:59)
- Barcelona's Sagrada Família (30:39)
- Music of Spain (11:49)
- Spain Travel Tips (34:24)
- Spanish Cuisine (16:37)
Barcelona Audio Tours
- Barcelona City Walk
Listen or Download | Download map - Barcelona's Eixample Walk
Listen or Download | Download map