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Guide to Europe >> Spain >> Barcelona
Barcelona |
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Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and is located on the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean Coast. The city offers backpackers incredible beaches, fascinating architecture, and a rich cultural experience.
Barcelona has seven beaches, which span nearly 3 miles of the cities coastline. June and July are typically the driest months, so if you’re looking to soak up some rays, these would be ideal months to visit the beaches of Barcelona. Be aware that bathing suit tops are optional, although full nudity is prohibited.
The city of Barcelona also hosts some incredible architecture created by the likes of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech I Montaner. Gaudi’s greatest work, and one of the most impressive sites in Barcelona, is the unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia. Other World Heritage Sites of his include Park Güell, Palau Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Vicens, Casa Batlló, and the Crypt in Colonia Güell. Montaner’s World Heritage Sites include Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau.
The city’s roots go back nearly 2000 years when it was formed under the Roman Empire. Once the city came under control of the Crown of Aragon, its importance skyrocketed and the city experience vast growth. The mix of cultures in this port city definitely makes it worth the trip. |
| Tourist Sites |
Sagrada Familia
Hours: April – Sept 9:00 – 8:00
Oct – Mar. 9:00 – 6:00PM
Tickets: General €10, Students €8
Transportation: Metro – Sagrada Familia on L2 and L5 lines
The Sagrada Familia is an immense Roman Catholic Church in the center of Barcelona that remains unfinished although construction started in 1882. The original design was created by famous architect Antoni Gaudi, who spent the last 15 years of his life on the project. Since his death in 1926, there have been numerous others in charge of the project, although they all try to stay as close to the original design as possible. The church is scheduled to be completed in 2026, and although unfinished, this church is an absolute masterpiece and definitely a must see of Barcelona. |
Park Güell
This park was created in the early 1900’s and contains some incredible views and fascinating architecture. The highest point of the park offers a panoramic view of Barcelona and the bay. Although Gaudi’s work is typically rather flamboyant, he is praised for making his architecture fit in with the natural landscape of the park. Entrance to the park is free, so College Backpacking recommends that you see Park Güell if you go to Barcelona. |
Casa Milà
Casa Milà is located at 92, Passeig de Gracia in the Eixample district of Barcelona. It is a World Heritage Site designed by Antoni Gaudi, and unlike Park Güell, you can see the flamboyance in its design. Although it was not built exactly as Gaudi imagined due to city restrictions, it still provides visitors with an excellent portrayal of Gaudi’s style. |
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is another of Gaudi works, and is located just down the street from Casa Milà. The irregular design immediately jumps out in visitors minds as it appears straight lines were completely avoided. Some believe that the house itself is made to represent the dragon that St. George, patron saint of Catalonia, slayed with his sword. |
Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens is Antoni Gaudi’s first important work, and displays the Moorish influence. The top of the structure exhibits a checkerboard tile pattern along with rooftop towers, which are typical in Moorish design. The house was originally built for the tile and brick manufacturer, Manuel Vicens, and all the tiles were manufactured at his facility. Unfortunately the interior of this structure is only visible to the public on St. Rita’s Day, May 22nd. |
Palau Güell
Hours: 10:00 – 2:30 Tuesday to Saturday only
Entrance: Free
Palau Güell is a private residence created by Antoni Gaudi for Eusebi Güell. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1984, it is a prime example of Catalan Art Nouveau and should not be passed up by those interested in Gaudi’s architectural creations. Unfortunately, the stone used to build this residence was of rather weak quality, so certain areas of the home are not open to the public.
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Palau de la Musica Catalana
Hours: 9:00 – 3:30 English tours on the hour every hour.
Tickets: General €10, Students €9
The Palau de la Musica Catalana is a concert hall designed by renowned architect Lluis Domenech I Montaner. It is located in the section of old Barcelona known as La Ribero. This concert hall is a magnificent example of modernista architecture, and the stained-glass skylight is a wonder in itself. |
Hospital de Sant Pau
Also created by Lluís Domènech I Montaner, the Hospital du Sant Pau is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1901 and 1930, this complex still serves it original purpose as a hospital. Take comfort in knowing that if you get hurt while in Barcelona, at least you’ll be experiencing some of the world’s finest modernist architecture. |
Santa María del Mar
Located in La Ribera district of Barcelona, Santa María del Mar is an excellent example of Catalan Gothic architecture. |
Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
Home to the archbishop of Barcelona, the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia was constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries in the Gothic fashion. There is a cross from a ship that fought in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, and legend has it that the cross shifted to the right during the battle to avoid a cannonball. This was perceived as a sign from God that they would win the fight. |
Portal de l'Angel
Portal de l’Angel is one of Barcelona’s busiest streets, and is also the city’s main shopping area. Although it is expensive, it is definitely worth a visit if you enjoy shopping. |
Palau Nacional
The Palau Nacional holds the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Built for the 1929 World’s Fair, this building contains impressive exhibits of Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque art. |
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| Transportation |
Intercity
Flights: Aeroport El Prat de Llobregat (BCN) handles all of Barcelona’s air travel. Take the RENFE L10 train to get into the city.
Trains: Barcelona has two train stations, Estació Barcelona-Sants and Estació de França. Barcelona-Sants will take backpackers to most domestic and international destinations, and França will get them to regional destinations along with a few international destinations.
Buses: Most busses arrive at Barcelona Nord Estació d’Autobusos, from which backpackers can buy tickets to get to Paris (15hr), Naples (24hr), Madrid (8hr), Sevilla (14hr), and Valencia (6hr).
Ferries: For those looking to party in Ibiza, ferries are the way to get there. Ferries also travel to Palma and Mahón. |
Local
Public Transportation: Barcelona’s transportation network consists of the Metro, buses, commuter trains, trams, and a nightbus (nitbus). A single ride costs €1.20 and a booklet of 10 tickets cost €6.65. The Metro runs from 5am-midnight on weeknights and until 2am on weekends. Commuter trains run from 7am-9pm, and buses operate from 5am-10pm with nitbus taking over from 10:30pm-4am. |
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