Don't miss out!
Articket Barcelona
For just €20, get access to seven of Barcelona's key museums which also include art galleries. View Gaudi and Miro's work, or take a look inside some of the city's most contemporary museums.
Where?: Rambla de Catalunya, 123, 08008 Barcelona
Tel: (+34) 93 285 38 32
Casa Batlló
The Casa Battló is one of Barcelona's architectural jewels and was designed by the world-renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Built between 1904 and 1906, this building stands as a centrepiece to Catalonia's Art Nouveau.
Located on the Passeig de Gràcia, the Casa Batlló was awarded the 2004 Europa Nostra Award for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage. It's also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005.
Where?:Passeig de Gràcia, 43. Metro L3, Pg. de Gràcia stop. RENFE (Spanish Railways): Pg. de Gràcia station.
Tel: (+34) 93 216 03 06
Time: Daily from 9am to 8pm (last admissions)
Gaudi Does Barcelona
Without a doubt, the works of famous architect Antonio Gaudi has given Barcelona the artistic edge over and above many other Spanish cities.
The city centrepiece designed by Gaudi is famous La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona's landmark cathedral, which is still in the making some 100 years after its conception.
But it's not just at the La Sagrada Famila where you can get a good idea of Gaudi's unique architectural style. Head down to Park Guell which has some of his sculptures on display and where you can find out more about his works in the small museum.
Also see the Casa Battló which is one of Gaudi's most interesting and famous constructions on the Passeig de Gracia with the other being La Pedrera.
MACBA Museum
Barcelona's MACBA Museum is the work of North American Richard Meier and exhibits modern and avant-garde works of art. The idea for its creation came about after a group led by pioneers Alexandre Cirici and Cesáreo Rodríguez Aguilera decided Barcelona should be propelled onto the modern art scene. Check out the exhibitions to see if their founders have done the city justice.
Where?: Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001 Barcelona
Tel: (+34) 93 412 08 10
More information: http://www.macba.cat
La Pedrera
More of a sculpture than a residence, La Pedrera ("The Quarry") is an impressive building created by architect Antonio Gaudí for the Milà family in Barcelona between 1900 to 1910. Its façade is a swirling construction of stonework and is a great example of this great architect's work. It's also known as the "Casa Milà" and is open to the public.
Where?: Passeig de Grácia, 92, Barcelona
Parque del Laberinto (The Green Maze)
Do something original, cheap and bizarre in Barcelona, and check out the Parque del Laterinto or the Green Maze.
Once you've crossed the entrance, it will take you minimum 15 minutes to get out again! But don't despair, as eventually everyone finds the exit. Other highlights of this park include the neoclassic architecture, fountains and well-kept gardens.
Where?: Passeig Castanyers, 1, very close to the velodrome in Horta. Metro: "Mundet".
Barcelona City Tour
See all of Barcelona's sights at once by hopping aboard the Barcelona City Tour bus. The open-topped double-decker buses take you around all the major landmarks as well as the lesser known ones too. You can either pick up one or two-day tickets which allow you to hop-on and hop-off when you wish along the 36 stops on the two routes. There are also four transfer points.
Tel: (+34) 93 285 38 32
Time:Summer (01/04 - 31/10): 9am-8pm, from Plaça de Catalunya
More information: info@barcelonaturisme.com
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Where to eat
For recommendations for places to eat in Barcelona, try:
Wagaboo Barcelona
The wonderfully named Wagaboo Barcelona restaurant is modelled on the same design as its New York twin. This fabulous restaurant serves up some 28 specialties which combines Mediterranean cuisine with Asian undertones all served in a modern, creative, healthy and super-chilled environment.
Where?: Calle Valencia, 267
Tel: (+34) 93 272 47 66
Times: Monday to Saturday: 11.30am-11pm/ Sunday: 12pm-10pm
contact@wagaboo.com
Cervecería Catalana
Cervecería Catalana serves not only great beer but some great Spanish tapas. It's not exactly cheap, but the place is always packed, which is testament to the quality of food served here.
Where?: Calle Mallorca, 236
Tel: (+34) 93 216 03 68
Thai Garden
The Thai Garden makes a great break from the local tapas, and is located paces from Barcelona's Paseo de Gracia. It's considered something of a leading light in the introduction of quality Thai food to the city. Just read the restaurant write ups. Come here to pull up a chair in one of the six different rooms around the traditional Thai Kantoke tables.
Where?: Calle Diptuacio, 273
Tel: (+34) 93 487 98 98
L'Antic Bocoi del Gòtic Restaurant
The Restaurante L'Antic Bocoi del Gòtic is located in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and specialises in Catalan cuisine. One of their specialities is the "coque de recapte" which is similar to pizza without cheese, but cut into rectangular slices. Also try other Catalan dishes such as the "esqueixada de bacalao" or salt cod salad. This restaurant is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Where?: Baixada de Viladecols, 3, Barcelona
Tel: (+34) 93 310 50 67
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Shopping
Boqueria market
The Boqueria market is one of the oldest food markets in Europe and is a colourful addition to the Barcelona food scene. Fruit here is largely sourced from local producers. It's open between Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 8pm, but get here before 3pm to pick up the best bits.
Where?: La Rambla, 91, Barcelona
Ítaca
Ítaca is a great shop in Barcelona to pick up traditional and trendy ceramic plates, bowls, and pottery. Great for home and fab for presents. Catch the metro to either Lieu or Catalunya.
Where?: Carrer Ferrán, 26, Barcelona
El Corte Ingles
El Corte Ingles is something of a Spanish institution when it comes to department store shopping. As well as selling just about everything, from cosmetics to big brand clothing and books, there is also a supermarket and luxury food hall where you can pick up locally made products.
Where?: Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona
Custo
Barcelona is full of fashion and style and for some great whacky ready-to-wear items, then Custo is a good bet. Custo is a well known Spanish designer and is famed for this bold use of style and colours.
Where?: Calle Ferrán, 7, Barcelona
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Nightlife
Plaça Reial de Barcelona
Head to the Plaza Real (Plaça Reial) in Barcelona to join the groups of Barcelonians congregating for a night out partying. With its endless stream of bars and clubs, this area is one of the best places to go to experience the local nightlife.
El Bosc de les Fades (the forest of the fairies)
I love this bar. Enter and instantly you feel part the fairy tale, as you find yourself surrounded by trees, fruits, flowers, wooden tables... and the noise of the enchanted forest. Don't go here for the food – just kick back and relax with a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
At night it can get crowded, but it's also nice to go early in the afternoon. The place is situated at the bottom of Las Ramblas, on a narrow street very close to the Wax Museum. It's a little bit hidden, but the Wax Museum is an easy reference. Metro: L3 Drassanes.
Where?: Pasaje de la Banca, 5-7, Barcelona
Tel: (+34) 93 317 26 49
Ice Bar
Barcelona's Ice Bar is a great place to escape the heat in the city. With an average temperature of a frosty -5 degrees Celsius, the only way to warm up here is to drink the cool cocktails. There's also a terrace here which overlooks the sea, which allows you to sit in total contrast to the frostiness inside.
Where?: Ramon Trias Fargas, 2, Barcelona
Tel: (+34) 93 224 16 25
La Fira
Probably one of Barcelona's most unusual bars, the La Fira is decorated and furnished entirely with former fairground equipment and also doubles up as an interesting museum. You can have a drink on the waltzers or dodgems. The food and bar areas are designed as fairground stalls, and swings provide the seating.
Where?: Calle Provença, 171, Barcelona
Eixample District
Looking for great nightlife in Barcelona? Then head to the Eixample District for an eclectic choice of cool cocktail bars and nightclubs featuring everything from electronica, live music and dance. For pink party-goers, there's also a gay-oriented district known as the "Gayxample."
Where?: Eixample District, Barcelona
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Events
Book a hotel in Barcelona and this is what you could be enjoying this summer.
Fiesta Mayor de Gràcia
Fiesta Mayor of Gracia in Barcelona is one of Catalonia's great traditional festivals, situated in the suburb of the same name. It has been celebrated for more than a century in Gracia.
Neighbours decorate their neighbourhood in this annual competition of residential pride – and the best being given a prize. Of course there are street parties and live music which accompany the festival.
This is one of the best ways to get a local experience away from the touristy hotspots.
When?: 15/08/2009 – 21/08/2009
Joan Gamper Cup – Barcelona FC
The Joan Gamper Cup is an annual pre-season football friendly hosted by Barcelona FC. And this year it looks like Barcelona will be facing Manchester City at the Nou Camp stadium.
When?: 19/08/2009
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Tourist Information Offices
Get first hand information from the Barcelona's tourist offices:
Plaça de Catalunya, 17 - Sótano
Tel: 807 11 72 22 (from Spain) / (+34) 93 285 38 34
Passeig de Gràcia, 107 (Palau Robert)
Tel: (+34) 93 238 80 91
La Rambla, 99 (Palau de la Virreina)
Tel: (+34) 93 301 77 75
Passeig Marítim Barceloneta, 25-29
Tel: (+34) 93 221 03 48
Spain Facts
Language: Spanish | Currency: Euro | Electricity: 220 volts at 50Hz | Time:GMT +1 | Country code: +34
Documentation: Passport or valid identity card required from EU residents. Citizens from other countries require a visa (exception: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zeland, Panama, Paraguay, Korea, San Marino, Vatican City, Singapore, Uruguay and Venezuela. The maximum time to stay as a tourist is 90 days.
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