5 Must-see places in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that has to be experienced. Photos cannot replicate the authentic beauty of Gaudí's Sagrada Familia or Park Güell. The grandeur of La Rambla or the vibrance of Plaça de Catalunya, the energy of the markets, and the Gothic Quarter: The city is intoxicating and addictive.
1. La Sagrada Familia: La Sagrada Familia (The Sacred Family) is arguably one of Gaudí’s most famous and impressive works, even though it is still not yet completed. Work began in 1882 and continues to this day, so expect scaffold workers, and lots of other visitors, but do not worry: The site remains an incredible monument worth visiting. As with much of Gaudí’s work, the beauty lies in the almost hidden details so keep your head on a swivel! Remember to admire the building from a distance as well. From across the lake, the Nativity facade stares out at Barcelona in all its Gothic glory, and it makes a perfect picture.
2. Park Güell: Park Güell is the last great project that Antoni Gaudí designed for the industrialist Eusebio Güell. It was built on the side of Carmel hill, overlooking the flatter parts of Barcelona, the port, and the ocean. At the bottom is the vast sea of buildings in the city, and Gaudí's masterpiece, La Familia Sagrada, is still unfinished. The spires of the church rise high above the surrounding cityscape with cranes rising still higher. Park Güell is filled with fancy walkways, a large square supported by Romanesque columns, surrounded by a snake of continuous concrete benches - the most comfortable piece of concrete on which you can sit. Following Gaudí's philosophy, "Nature should be the inspiration, and architecture should be at the service of humanity." Park Güell is also home to famous Gaudí houses and sculptures. It is a lovely place to spend an afternoon or evening in Barcelona.
3. La Rambla: La Rambla is one of the main streets in Barcelona filled with street performers, fresh flowers, original artwork, and Barcelona souvenirs at your leisure. Watch living statues come to life when you drop a euro in their cups—most will pose with passersby, for a price, of course. Keep an eye out for the pavement mosaic by Joan Miró at 80 Pla de l’Os and the Canaletes Fountain at the top of La Rambla (across from No. 133), where FC Barcelona fans come to celebrate victories.
4. Camp Nou: Imagine the crowds cheering on the home team at the Football Club Barcelona’s stadium. Check out the dedicated space to Argentinean superstar Leo Messi. Admire the many trophies of the club, the shirts of your favorite players, and learn about the history of the world well-known football club of Barcelona. With interactive exhibits in the museum, an indoor ice skating rink, and a massive FC Barcelona store where fans can buy official jerseys with the team's name and colors.
5. Palau de la Virreina: Built on La Rambla between 1772 and 1778 as a residence for the viceroy of Peru, the palace mixture of baroque and rococo elements is unique in Barcelona. Pose with the “Gegants” (giant parade puppets) in the courtyard during the Barcelona festival. The gegants of the city represent Jaume I, and Violant d'Hongria (well-known Catalan monarchs) is permanently exhibited here. Check out the temporary art and photography exhibitions at the Palau de la Virreina Center de la Imatge.
Enjoy your trip to Barcelona with Sardinia Ferries and always be connected with Seafy Wi-Fi onboard!