Perhaps it’s your first time in Barcelona, or you’re returning to a city you’ve fallen in love with – either way it’ll be a voyage of discovery. The different barrios all have their own personality, the buildings range from the majestic to the eccentric, and the beaches await when you’re in need of sunshine, sand and sea. It truly comes alive at night – the people of Barcelona consider 9pm early for dinner.
A brand Nou experience
Barcelona is synonymous with the beautiful game. Just mention the name of the city, and many people will assume you’re talking about the illustrious football team. No visit to Barcelona is complete without a trip to the epic Nou Camp.
Even if your trip doesn’t coincide with a match-day, you can still experience the wonder of this awe-inspiring 100,000 seater stadium. Book yourself on to The ‘Camp Nou Experience’ and get a behind-the-scenes tour of everything from the tunnel used weekly by football legends to the media boxes with a perfect view of the theatre of a ground.
Eat a piece of Catalonian history
Food in Barcelona is pretty much a full-time job, and the soul of the city. Classic tapas such as patatas bravas and ‘raciones’ of jamon are ubiquitous. Play a safer version of Russian Roulette with a bowl of padron peppers, liberally laced with sea salt and one in ten hiding a real jump in heat. Sample the infamous ‘La Bomba’ inspired by the city’s turbulent past, and the handmade grenades of the Spanish Civil War. Slice your way through this fist-sized potato-croquette, encased in crisp, golden breadcrumbs and served topped with aioli in a sea of spiced tomato sauce. Finish off with a sweet treat – as a visitor you don’t need to get involved in the debate as to whether the local crema Catalana predates its French cousin, the crème brûlée, you can simply enjoy it.
Get to grips with Gaudí
The work of one of the most highly-regarded architects of all time, Señor Antoni Gaudí, dominates the Barcelona skyline. Clear plenty of space on your camera to snap the mind-bending angles and artistic flourishes which make Gaudí's work so iconic. Explore the pièce de résistance and witness history in the making at La Sagrada Família. Latticed spires seem to stretch for miles into the sky, and you’ll need to tilt your head a way back to properly appreciate the scale.
Half Gothic, half Art Nouveau, this remarkable basilica will reach a full 172 metres tall when construction is finally completed. Despite the first brick being laid way back in 1882, this epic project is still a work in progress and won’t be complete until at least 2026.
While you’re in the city, drop in on a few more of his impressive and idiosyncratic creations.
Start with a walk around the weird and wonderful Park Güell, some of the most architecturally unique gardens you'll ever see. Finally, seek out Casa Batlló, an apartment block of yet more bizarre bends, curves and a scale-like facade which makes the structure look more dragon than building.
Beyond Barcelona
Spread your wings a little and jump in your rental car to explore the beauty beyond Barcelona.
Marvellous Montserrat is an hour northwest on the C-58. Embark on a pilgrimage to find the beautiful Benedictine monastery contrasting starkly against its craggy mountain backdrop. Navigate your way around curving roads hugging the mountain, to eventually reach stunning vistas stretching out to Barcelona.
In less than an hour from Barcelona’s centre you can be in sunny Sitges. This coastal beauty packs chic cafes and romantic restaurants among swaying palm trees, which line the flaxen beach. Take a relaxing stroll along the pretty promenade or get your heart racing with some thrilling water sports.
Whether you’re staying locally or travelling around Catalonia, hiring a car in Barcelona is a great way to explore this wonderful and justly celebrated part of Spain.
