Barcelona: What to See [II]

Every city has must-see sights; things that you cannot miss, even if you're only visiting for twelve hours, unless you want to hear, "You didn't go to [insert famous landmark here]?" from everyone you talk to about your trip. Visiting those sights is all well and good- only one rare occasions would I advise against it. But, if you have some time to spend in Barcelona and really want to explore the city, visit the sights on this list. Some are outdoor; others, I would only suggest paying an entrance fee for if they really interest you. But they're all worth a look.

More interesting sights to see in Barcelona (after you've visited all of Gaudi's masterworks)...

Barceloneta            (M) Barceloneta

A neighbourhood built in the 18th century for displaced residents of Ribera (where the Cuidadela was being constructed), Barceloneta borders the Mediterranean sea. If you have a day to relax, spend it walking the boardwalk or lazing on Barceloneta Beach.

Barri Gotic           (M) Jaume I

The narrow, labyrinthine streets will give Barcelona's Gothic Quarter away instantly; this is the centre of old Barcelona. Many of the buildings here date from Medieval times- a few Roman structures can even be found, if you keep your eyes open. Take your time wandering here- the architecture is decidedly different from the rest of Barcelona, and it's the intricate details that really bring it to life. This area is a particularly good place to spend a Sunday afternoon. Very little in the city is open, so you'll be free to explore without worrying about when you have to get to the next attraction

Plaça Catalunya           (M) Catalunya

This square is the approximate centre of Barcelona, and also the meeting place of many of the city's major streets; Passeig de Gracia, Rambla de Catalunya, La Rambla, Ronda de Sant Pere and Carrer de Vergara. There are several sculptures and fountains in the square. And hundreds of thousands of fearless pigeons.

Cathedral de Santa Eulalia (La Seu)            (M) Jaume I

Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, this Gothic cathedral is dedicated to one of the patron saints of Barcelona. According to Catholic tradition, Santa Eulalia, a young Christian virgin, was martyred in the city during Roman times. When she was exposed naked in a public square, a miraculous snow fall hid her nudity from view. Unfortunately, nothing saved her from the barrel of knives that the Romans then rolled her down the street in. Today, Eulalia's body is entombed in the cathedral's crypt. The cathedral built in her honour is truly stunning: be especially sure to visit the fountains in the cathedral's atrium.

Portal de l'Angel          (M) Catalunya

A long, pedestrian-only shopping and dining street, Portal de l'Angel is also the second most expensive place to live in all of Spain. In 2005, rent here was an average of 180€ per square metre!

Palau de la Musica Catalana           (M) Urquinaona

If you have ever been impressed by stained glass, visit the Palau de la Musica Catalana and prepare to be dazzled. The inverted dome in the concert hall's stained glass ceiling will take your breath away. Tucked away on a narrow, crowded street in La Ribera, this marvel of modernisme is easy to miss. But it is more than worth looking for.

Torre Agbar           (M) Glories

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, this enormous and bizarre phallus is an eyesore at best during the day, not to mention utterly out of place among Barcelona's delicate Mediterranean architecture. But it's worth seeing at night, when it's lit in blue, purple, pink and red with thousands of high tech luminous LEDs.

Teatre de Liceu           (M) Liceu

The Catalan National Theatre opened in Barcelona in 1847. It has a long and storied history, including two devastating fires- the first in 1861, and the second in 1994 (which left the theatre closed for repairs for a full five years.) The Teatre de Liceu has witnessed two World Wars besides, and the Spanish Civil War, but remains in spite of the periodic chaos around it, its original interior and exterior largely intact. This monument is beautiful inside and out- although not, perhaps, as unique as some of Barcelona's other buildings, it is worth the visit.

Still more on Barcelona tourist attractions to come!