Bright Lights, Big City: Touring Barcelona

Barcelona is a renowned hub where culture and history blend with the vibrant locale. Situated in the Catalonia region of Spain, the city offers a plethora of options to tourists to tantalize all the senses. Below is a brief list of some of the biggest hotspots to try while visiting:

Basilica Sagrada Família—this is probably the most iconic and well recognized landmark from Barcelona, the Antoni Gaudi designed church. Construction, although started in 1882, is still ongoing but do not expect a building site when visiting. The grand facades are beautifully ornate and awe inspiring, and if you feel brave enough you can even gain an elevated view of the city scape by venturing upwards in the church spires.
Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013
Opening Times: Daily 9 am–7 pm

Park Güell—more of Gaudi’s intriguing designs can be enjoyed at this public park. Located at the top of a hill, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Barcelona cityscape while sitting on mosaic imbued benches.
Location: Gràcia, 08024
Opening Times: Between September and March, daily from 8.30 am

Museu Picasso—Picasso lived in Barcelona for around a decade of his life and within this dedicated museum you will find thousands of his original works. Set out in a chronological order, the pieces of art demonstrate the evolution of Picasso’s style right up to the iconic cubist paintings for which he became most famous.
Location: Carrer de Montcada, 15–23, 08003
Opening Times: Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–7 pm

Camp Nou—if football/soccer is more your style, then a visit to the city’s ‘super club’ stadium is a must. The 100,000-capacity venue can be enjoyed on match days, when the atmosphere will be palpable, or it can be toured when there are no matches happening, with even the possibility of a look at the trophy room.
Location: Carrer d’Aristides Maillol, 12, 08028

La Rambla—the 1.2 km stretch of pedestrianized street is a hive of activity and sensory delights. Numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops line the boulevard with artists and performers dotted long the way, allowing for regular entertainment pit stops. Be careful while enjoying the various distractions this tourist hot spot can offer however, as it is notorious for pickpocketing.