What to see and do in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a city located in the northeast region of Spain, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

It is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. With a rich cultural and historical heritage, Barcelona is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in Europe. The city is renowned for its unique architecture, with many buildings designed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, such as the Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia, which is considered one of the most impressive examples of Catalan Modernist architecture.

In September 2005, we took a Mediterranean cruise which  both started and ended in Barcelona.  After the cruise ended we stayed in Barcelona for an additional day so that we could tour the city. Then we visited Barcelona again on 10/1/2007.

Barcelona is also known for its vibrant art scene, with numerous museums and galleries displaying works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro, both of whom were born in Catalonia. The city also hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Barcelona International Jazz Festival and the Barcelona Beach Festival.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Barcelona is also a popular destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The city is home to many luxury boutiques, local markets, and traditional Catalan restaurants, as well as a thriving bar and club scene.

Overall, Barcelona is a dynamic and diverse city that offers something for everyone, from its rich cultural heritage and artistic offerings, to its bustling modern atmosphere.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in the Barcelona area.  Click here for details.

Construction on the La Sagrada Familia was started in the 1880s.

Many of the buildings in the city were designed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.

The 600  ft Montjuïc is the most famous hill in Barcelona. Because of the 1929 World Fair in Barcelona, palaces, pavilions, parks, botanical gardens, sports stadiums, and exhibition rooms were built on the hill.  Olympic sports stadiums were added for the 1992 Summer Olympics. 

La Rambla is the main street in Barcelona.

We had Paella for lunch in this restaurant on La Rambla street. We enjoyed it so much that we ate here again on our second visit.