It might be a bit of a rush when you only have a couple days to explore a city, right? Its even more complicated if there are tons of attractions and places to visit. Its important to manage our time and choose the top attractions of a city that wed like to see.
These are the top 5 attractions that you must visit if you have a couple days in the city.
1. Sagrada Família
Its construction began on the 19th of March in 1882 and it hasn’t stop growing since then. Antoni Gaudí took over the project from its original designer one year later. It is now one of the most amazing Basilicas in the world.
Now, just a 70% of Sagrada Familia is finished. Visitors can appreciate the detailed Temple based on Gothic and Byzantine cathedrals. Don’t miss the Virgin Mary Tower, the evangelists Tower or the Christ Tower. Apparently, it will be completed in 2026 but don’t wait until then to visit it as they might change the date again!
I recommend you to buy tickets online in advance and get there as early as possible because it gets very busy. There’s also exhibitions, concerts and educational visits plus other services like guided tours and audio guides.If you’re not the type of person who would spend time in a Basilica or have a tight schedule, you can also see the site from the outside. I’m sure you’ll get the best shot.
2. Las Ramblas
The 1.200 meters of promenade start in Plaça Catalunya and ends at the Columbus monument near the Port. It’s located between the Gothic Quarter and the Raval neighborhood.
Stroll down the street while shopping, chill out in cafes and restaurants, watch artists perform and spot the landmark buildings. Don’t miss the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Palau de la Virreina, the Wax Museum or the Boqueria Market. At the end of Las Ramblas, you will reach the Columbus Monument and if you keep walking down you’ll find the Maremagnum Shopping Center and the Aquarium.
At night, Las Ramblas become the meeting point for most of the people that are going clubbing. Some of the clubs here are Jamboree or Boulevard.
NOTE: Watch your belonging at all times as pickpockets operate in this area. There’s also prostitutes around the area that try to steal from men so, what out.
Some interesting curiosities about Las Ramblas:
- F.C Barcelona fans celebrate the team’s triumphs at the beginning of Las Ramblas, more specifically at the Canaletas Fountain.
- A band pulled off one of the most popular bank heist’s in 1981, between Plaça Catalunya and Las Ramblas.
- The only Erotic Museum in Spain is located in this main street.
3. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
The Magic Fountain was built in 1929 due to the International Exhibition. Although, it was restored for the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992. The remarkable fountain offers an amazing display of music, water acrobatics and lighting that are truly entertaining. The Fountain is also home to many events like the New Years Eve party or the Mercè festival.
Montjuïc Castle is located at the top of the mountain as well as many museums, botanical gardens and the Spanish Town (Poble Espanyol).
To get to Montjuïc, stop at Plaça Espanya Metro (L1 & L3). There’s also regular buses to get there, if you prefer not to walk.
4. F.C Barcelona, Camp Nou Stadium
The Camp Nou was inaugurated in 1957 on the 24th of September. However, it also had multiples restorations to make the stadium bigger. It can actually accommodate up to 99,000 people.
If you like Football, the Camp Nou Stadium is a must visit. Whether you watch a match or book a guided tour, you’ll absolutely love it. There’s also an ice ring, cafes and a restaurant. Check out all the matches for this season and book your online tickets in advance to choose the best seats available.
5. Park Güell
The park’s construction began in 1900 and ended in 1914. It was designed by Antoni Gaudí, who was hired by Eusebi Güell to create the amazing garden complex. The architect was inspired by the English garden city movement when designing the park. The elements that he used are similar to the ones he used in previous projects. Some of them are the mosaics, the dragon, the iron and the curved forms.
The Town Hall regulated the entrance to the Park Güell in 2013 to preserve the site. Neighbors have a free entrance but all other visitors have to pay a fee to get it. The park is currently undergoing multiple restorations so, make sure you check it out before you book anything. I absolutely recommend visiting the park to immerse yourself in both art and nature.
If you’d like to know more in detail information about this amazing attraction, The Ginger Passports have a great article that you’ll absolutely love! The pictures will give you a glimpse of what to find in Park Güell and I bet you won’t regret visiting it once you are in Barcelona.