Are you planning a trip to
Barcelona? Here are 5 places you shouldn’t miss!
Why am I actually writing about Barcelona? When I finish my work in Menorca, I went by ferry to Barcelona. I spent there five days with my menorquin friend Clara, so I have prepared 5 places I would recommend you to visit.
1. Labyrith Park of Horta (Parque del Laberint d’Horta)
Labyrint Park is the oldest conserved garden in the city. It was built in 18th century in neoclassical style. Later on in 19th century, it was expanded in romantic style. It has around 9,1 hectares. All around the park there are sculptures and motives from Greek mythology. At the entrance of the park there is the former palace of the Desvalls family.
The neoclassical garden consists of three terraces. On the lower terrace there is a labyrinth made up of 750 metres of trimmed cypress trees. On the second terrace there are two pavilions with Tuscan columns. Before you get to the third terrace, there is a canal with the bridge. Then when you go up to the stairs, you’ll reach the neoclassical pavilion dedicated to the nine muses. Behind the pavilion there is a pond. You can see everything on the photos:
In the romantic garden there is a small waterfall where the stream comes from and forms the edge of the garden. This part is full of different water plants and tall trees. In this garden there used to be a replica of a small graveyard – that’s why it seems that its main motive was to point out the theme of death while the neoclassical garden revolve around the theme of love.
This park is beautiful and you’ll hardly believe that you are still in Barcelona. It has a special atmosphere and it will help you to disconnect and gain new energy. I suppose that most of the tourist don’t know about it, but it’s definitely worth visiting.
How to get there: Metro L3 Mundet, Buses 27, 60, 73, 76, B19
Admission price: 2,50 €
2. Bunkers del Carmel on the Rovira’s Hill (Turó de la Rovira)
Bunkers del Carmel have the best panoramic view of Barcelona and not many tourists know about it.
On the top of the hill you have amazing 360° views and you will also find there the bunkers. They were used as anti-aircraft batteries during the Spanish Civil War in order to defend the city from the bombings.
The space surrounding the Rovira’s Hill’s viewpoint belongs to the heritage of the city of Barcelona and it’s one of the sites of the Barcelona History Museum.
It is really worth to get to this viewpoint. You cannot reach the top by bus, you need to walk up a bit but once you’ll get there, you will be amazed. You can see everything from there. My friend Clara and I got there before the sunset so it was quite overcrowded but I think that during the day it will be much more quiet. So you need to decide when to go there, depending on what you prefer.
How to get there: Buses 24, 92, 114, 119, V17
Admission price: FREE
3. Barceloneta beach
Barcelona is not just a wonderful city with many sights and places to see, it’s a port city. There are also beaches. Barceloneta is the closest beach that you can reach from the city centre. It is located in the traditional fishing district. There are many restaurants where you can eat fish and seafood dishes. It’s also one of the Barcelona’s oldest and best-loved beaches. I suppose that during the summer season it gets pretty busy.
I was there at the beginning of November. The sun was shining so many people came there to enjoy the day. We came there, took a walk along the seaside and sat there with a coffee. In that moment I didn’t even feel like I am still in the Barcelona city. It actually brought my thoughts back to Menorca. The beach, the sun and the sea made me feel nostalgic for the island that I had left few days ago.
How to get there: Metro L4 Barceloneta
4. Park Güell
Park Güell is certainly one of the most famous sights of Barcelona. The park was designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí. It started to be built in 1900. It’s a huge park, most of it is free to visit but for the Monumental Zone you need a ticket. There are more entrances into the paid zone. At the main entrance there are two pavilions where Eusebi Güell and Antoni Gaudí used to live. If you go straight ahead, you’ll get to the stairs where there is a mosaic dragon. The stairs lead to the hypostyle hall with columns and beautiful ceiling mosaics. Originally, the hall was meant to be a market hall for a residential area only. Above the hall there is a large terrace with well-known curving mosaic bench. From the terrace you get a wonderful view of Barcelona.
As you know, I visited Barcelona in November which is kind of out of the main season. Even so, there were many people. If you visit Barcelona during the main season, I would definitely consider buying ticket in advance on the internet.
How to get there: Metro L3 Lesseps, Buses 24, 31, 32, H6, 92
Admission price: 8 €
5. Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is the most famous landmark and symbol of Barcelona. It’s a huge church that became Gaudí’s life work. It’s a must go place, you just cannot miss it. I think that I don’t need to write much about it.
It is under reconstruction at the moment and the reconstruction works are supposed to finish in 2026. It’s still open for visitors though.
If you go to Barcelona during the main season, make sure you’ll get a ticket in advance. It was crowded even in November. Just you to know, the basic ticket doesn’t include the entrance to the towers. If you want to go up to see the spectacular view, you need to buy a different ticket.
How to get there: Metro L2, L5 Sagrada Familia
Admission price: 18€, (16 € – if you are under 30 years old) There are special days when the price is 50% lower than normal – check the websites.
+1 Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
I decided to mention also the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc because I was recommended to see its sound and light show. This is the only place from the list that I could not visit. When I was checking the times of the shows (you can check it here), I found out that I have just one opportunity to see it. Unfortunately, that evening was raining heavily so it just wasn’t possible to go there. Anyway, I do hope to come back to Barcelona one day to see the places I missed and one of the places is definitely the Magic Fountain.
How to get there: Metro L1, L3 Espanya
Admission price: FREE
In Barcelona there are plenty of wonderful places and sights. I chose these five because I visited them, I liked them and I’m sure that every person would enjoy seeing it. Maybe you like other places in Barcelona, I’ll be glad if you share it in the comments.
