Globetrotters
DAY 1 – GAUDI IN THE EIXAMPLE
| Morning | Sagrada Familia |
| Afternoon | La Pedrera (Casa Milà) & Casa Batlló |
| Evening | La Rambla |
Roof of Gaudi’s Casa Batlló
On your first day, you’ll want to see and visit all the attractions and buildings that you’ve no doubt already heard so much about, most of which are the magnificent creations of architecht Antoni Gaudi in The Eixample region. His unfinished Sagrada Familia which he worked on and lived at until his dying day can be seen as either an unfinished masterpiece or one of the ugliest and most extravagent buildings in Europe, you decide! It simply cannot be missed. Get there on opening to avoid long lines, or purchase your tickets online and hopefully you can avoid queuing altogether (I did!). A trip up to the top is also very worthwhile with amazing views over the city.
After seeing Gaudi’s key landmark, there are two other unique apartment buildings by Gaudi close by that are essential for any visit to Barcelona. Head down Passeig de Gracia, one of the city’s main and most famous streets. First is La Pedrera (aka. Casa Milà) which is an old apartment block with an interesting foyer and a Gaudi Museum, however the highlight for many is always the amazing rooftop. Next is Casa Batlló is which even more out there than La Pedrera and incredibly unique. Again, a visit to the colourful and creative rooftop is not to be missed.
With so much architecture in one day, in the early evening it’s time to chill out and walk down Barcelona’s main pedestrianised street, La Rambla which is always lively and happening. Take a side step into the lovely Placa Reial for a bite to eat. Gaudi also contributed to this Placa in the form of the lamp-posts. Also check out the Columbus Monument at the end of La Rambla and perhaps Maremagnum.
DAY 2
| Morning | Park Güell |
| Afternoon | Bari Gothic |
| Evening | Born |
Park Güell
In the afternoon, jump on a bus up north to Güell Park, another of Gaudi’s most famous works which really does look and feel like a real life Alice in Wonderland. The park was intended to be a residential area and a suburb for the wealthy, however the idea never took off and the plots were never sold. What remains is a park decorated by Gaudi’s mosiac chairs and gingerbread-looking houses.
By now you’ve seen Passeig de Gracia, seen some rather experimental architecture and can see just how Barcelona is Spain at it’s most modern. In the afternoon though, it’s time to explore a very different pocket of the city, the older part preserved from medieval times, Bari Gothic. The main points of interest here are the Barcelona Cathedral, the Santa Maria del Mar church, Plaça de Sant Jaume and a series of museums, most notibly the Museu Picasso (note: it only documents roughly half of his career as the remainder is in the Paris museum). You can spend the remainder of your evening here or in the neighbouring Born area which which has great nightlife.
DAY 3 – MONTJUIC
| Morning | Montjuïc Castle |
| Afternoon | Montjuïc attractions |
| Evening | Plaça de Espanya |
It’s time to escape the urban hustle and venture out a little to Montjuïc. The best panoramic views over the city can be seen at the Castell de Montjuïc. There are a number of other top art attractions in the region which you can take your pick from depending on your interests, such as the Joan Miró Foundation, Olympic Stadium and Museu Nacional d’Art De Catalunya.
In the evenings, head to to see the spectacular sound and light show, Font Màgica de Montjuï at Plaza Carles before venturing over to Plaça de Espanya where you can spend the remainder of your evening.
Vacationers
Follow the Globetrotters itinerary for days 1-3.
DAY 4 – EASTERN BARCELONA
| Morning | Barceloneta beach & Port Olimpic |
| Afternoon | Ciutadella Park |
| Evening | Port Olimpic or Vell |
Barceloneta Beach
It’s been a busy couple of days with lots of walking and exploring, but today it’s time to relax and unwind a little. If the weather is nice head to the Barceloneta region and chill out on the beach for the morning. It’s then a nice stroll up to Port Olimpic where there’s numerous places to eat and shop.
Heading back towards the city in the afternoon, walk through the Park de la Ciutadella. Most of the park occupies the Barcelona Zoo which may be of interest, but if not, there are many other attractions such as a river and fountain, statues and on one far end of the park is Spain’s own
Arc de Trionf (though no where near as big or impressive as the one in Paris).
In the evening, you could easily return to either Port Olimpic where there are numerous restaurants and bars, Barceloneta or Port Vell.
Culture buffs
You’ll want to cover the same itinerary as the vacationers, however space it out over 5 days instead of 4. On Day 2, you’ll want to spend more time in Barri Gothic as there are many museums of interest other than Museu Picasso. On Day 4, spend more time in the museums and attractions at Park de la Ciutadella and perhaps you may not be able to cover all of the attractions at Montjuïc in one afternoon.
For architecture buffs, to add to the list is the Palau de la Musica Catalana, a gorgeous music hall in the Born district as well as many more Modernisme buildings to appreciate and visit in Eixample.
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