Barcelona: What to See [I]

While it is a major city, Barcelona moves at a slower, distinctly more beach-town pace than its European neighbours; crowded, bustling Paris and tidy, efficient Berlin. When you visit, you will find yourself given to wandering, distracted from your destination by the soft sunlight and unique architecture that abounds in the city. Give in to the gypsy spirit and go where your instincts guide you. Just don't wander so far that you miss any of these fabulous sights.

When in Barcelona, you must see...

Parc Guell           (M) Vallcarca i els Penitents

Located on el Carmel hill, Parc Guell was originally designed as a housing development in the style of the English Garden City movement. In spite of the fact that Antoni Gaudi designed it, the development failed- only two houses were ever built on the site, one of them a show house that Gaudi eventually bought when there were no other interested parties. Gaudi designed the development, now a public garden, to mimic the landscape that surrounds it. Admire his mosaic animals, gaze at the stunning views from the top of el Carmel. Spend time here. Gaudi has inspired many budding architects, but none dare to recreate his inimitable style. There is nowhere else in the world like Parc Guell.

Casa Mila (La Pedrera)           (M) Diagonal

The most impressive of the three Gaudi-designed homes in Barcelona, Casa Mila was built for the married couple, Pere Mila and Rosario Segimon. It was completed in 1912. A rippling, biomorphic structure, Casa Mila feels more like a museum than a home, which may account for why it fell into disrepair after its owners passed away. Now a Unesco World Heritage site, the home has been restored to its original glory. Visitors can access the atrium, the second floor apartments, the attic and the rooftop. Visit in the evening for spectacular night sky views.

Casa Batllo             (M) Passeig de Gracia

Built in 1877, Casa Batllo, was restored by Antoni Gaudi and Josep Maria Jujol in the early 1900s for a middle-class family. The home is known locally as Casa del ossos or House of bones because of its visceral, skeletal appearance. Some say it appears as though the designer attempted to avoid using straight lines entirely. No detail was left out. Nowhere is there more proof of that than the Smurfland-like rooftop. The inside of the building is equally, if not more, impressive. You won't be able to help but marvel at the meticulousness whimsy of Gaudi's work.

Casa Vicens            (M) Fontana

This angular brick structure is the last of the three homes designed by Antoni Gaudi and built in Barcelona. Currently up for sale, the home can only be seen from the outside, but is nonetheless worth the visit, as its complete lack of resemblance to both Casa Mila and Casa Batllo is an incredible testament to the breadth of Gaudi's many talents.

El Mercat de Sant Josep/La Boqueria           (M) Liceu

Barcelona's famous open air market has been operating in the same location since the 1700s. The space is enormous, incorporating bars and restaurants along with produce stands, specialty items and butchers. There is no more authentic Barcelona experience than this market- sample chocolates and cheeses and simply take in everything that the city has to offer. You absolutely do not want to miss this, so be aware, the market is closed on Sundays. Be sure to get there before the week is over.

La Sagrada Familia           (M) Sagrada Familia

This is the cathedral for tourists who feel like every cathedral they've walked into has looked the same. Designed by Barcelona's great master, Antoni Gaudi, construction of the serpentine church began in 1882 and is not expected to be finished until sometime in 2026. When asked about the extremely long construction period, Gaudi is said to have replied, "My client is not in a hurry." He was obviously right. Despite the cranes overhead, there is much to see here. La Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited tourist sites in the world, and when you see it, you'll understand why.

La Rambla           (M) Catalunya

If you want to do any shopping while you're in Barcelona, this is the place to go. La Rambla is a long, largely pedestrian-only avenue lined with shops and restaurants. Need a pet bird? You can get it right on the street. Dying to take home something from Topshop? That's here, too. The end of the avenue closer to Port Vell turns into something of a red light district at night, but during the day, La Rambla is the place to be.

More great sights in Barcelona still to come!