The Catalonian capital of Barcelona is on many people’s travel bucket list. It’s a city sporting impressive architecture, delectable cuisine and beautiful beaches. There’s almost too much to see and do in a weekend. However, if you’ve only got two days, here is a small selection of the activities that are worth prioritizing.
Ramble down La Rambla
It’s worth beginning your Barcelona adventure with a leisurely stroll along La Rambla – the city’s iconic main boulevard where you can find lively cafes, vibrant shops and all kinds of exciting street performances. Mid-way street, you’ll also find the buzzing La Boqueria market, which has a variety of street food stalls. La Rambla can get pretty rammed late into the day – avoid the crowds by visiting this street early in the morning. If you’ve just arrived in the city and yet to check in, look for a consigna Barcelona service where you can drop off your luggage.
See the Sagrada Familia
One of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia. This spectacular Catholic church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was part-designed by legendary architect Antoni Gaudi in a distinctive Gothic/Art Nouveau fusion style. Construction started on the Sagrada Familia in 1882 and it is still unfinished today. While this is an impressive building from the outside, its dazzling interior is also worth seeing. Make sure to book tickets in advance to skip the queues.
Taste some tapas
No trip to Spain is complete without trying some tapas. Barcelona is brimming with amazing tapas restaurants to suit all budgets. Here you can try traditional favorite dishes like patatas bravas, albondigas and jamon iberico, as well as interesting experimental Spanish dishes. It’s possible to book tapas tours that allow you to eat at an array of restaurants (with drinks along the way!).
Play beach volleyball on Barceloneta beach
Barceloneta beach is one of the most renowned strips of coast in the Mediterranean. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax for a few hours, head down here to sunbathe on the sand. Looking for a more active leisure pursuit? Barceloneta beach is also a popular place to play and watch beach volleyball. You’ll find designated courts here that you can rent out. There are also ping pong tables for playing table tennis here and a playground for kids. And if you need some food or drinks, you’ll find a variety of beachside bars and ice cream kiosks here where you can sit and people-watch.
Go to the Gothic Quarter
For a taste of Barcelona’s historical side, make sure to visit Barric Gotic (the Gothic Quarter). Here you’ll find narrow medieval streets, remains of a Roman wall and the mighty Cathedral of Barcelona. The History Museum of Barcelona in King’s Square is a great place to learn about the city’s detailed past and features many artefacts ranging from Ancient Roman times to the Spanish Civil War. If you need to grab a drink or some food, you can head to Royal Square – this unique plaza contains a mix of ornate lamp posts and palm trees with several cafes and bars around it.
Explore El Raval
El Raval is another historic neighborhood in Barcelona located next to the Gothic Quarter. It is most known for its boutique shops, traditional cafes and colorful street art. The Museum of Contemporary Art is also located here and contains works from a range of local and international modern artists. The Maritime Museum is also located in this district and is dedicated to the history of shipbuilding in Spain.
Enjoy panoramic views from Park Guell
End your visit to Barcelona by taking in some of the best panoramic views in the city from Park Guell. On a clear day, you can see all across Barcelona, as well as being able to take in views of the sea and Tibidabo Mountain. Even if it’s not a clear day, Park Guell is worth exploring for its playful urban decor. Antoni Gaudi designed the park in the early 1900s and it is renowned for its colorful mosaics, tree shaped columns and whimsical sculptures. One of the best times to take photos here is at dusk.
Conclusion
There are many other attractions you can see in Barcelona from Camp Nou stadium to Picasso Museum. Plan out your itinerary in advance and look into tickets beforehand – while you can buy admission tickets to many attractions on the door, you’ll have to spend extra time queuing. By taking time to prepare, you can squeeze more into your trip.
