Unveil the hidden history of Barcelona on a guided tour that highlights scratches on facades and political graffiti, with expert guidance to illuminate its past. Retrace its footsteps with your knowledgeable guide! Read the Best info about cosas que hacer en barcelona.
Discover Barcelona from Roman outpost to medieval metropolis to modern international city by experiencing the acoustics of Placa Catalunya and following Gaudi’s Modernisme masterpieces such as Casa Batllo and Park Guell.
1. Placa Catalunya
Placa Catalunya, Barcelona’s city center’s beating heart, blends history and culture with urban energy to create an irresistibly captivating attraction that appeals to visitors and locals alike. Spanning three top neighborhoods, it also serves as a significant transport hub with bus lines and metro lines (L1 and L3) converge here as well as Aerobus from Barcelona Airport stopping by regularly.
The square’s main features include fountains and sculptures, as well as its grand white building housing the El Corte Ingles department store (known to Spanish residents simply as “La Deessa o l’Enigma”). Its grass verges provide space for informal social gatherings while its central paved area surrounded by benches provides ideal people-watching spots; alternatively head up to one of the upper-floors of this white fronted building for views over the square!
2. Canaletes Fountain
On your journey to Plaza Catalunya, you’ll pass Canaletes Fountain (Fuente de Canaletas). Although it has an unassuming appearance, this iron monument, with four water spouts and shields, holds onto an intricate history of Catalunya.
This square was used as both a school and church during Spain’s civil war, and you can still see scars from Italian bombing from 1938. Take a moment here to remember those affected by fascism as you reflect on Spain’s darkest hour.
Barcelona is an eclectic blend of languages and cultures, but sometimes its secrets lie just beneath the surface. Learn to read scratches on buildings or listen to stories about iconic bars like Els 4Gats–designed by none other than Picasso himself! For an immersive audiovisual experience of Barcelona use StereoStory; or experience Barcelona through soundscapes and cinematic experiences!
3. Placa Nova
With an array of old and new buildings, Placa Nova is an essential stop when in Barri Gotic. A popular location for antique shopping, the Christmas Market runs throughout December here, and it is an important meeting place for fans of Sardanas.
At the entrance to the square are two cylindrical towers that are remnants of the Roman city wall, and nearby stands Col*legi d’Arquitectes, designed in a modernist style by architect Xavier Busquets.
Are you searching for an artful tour? Take advantage of this private Joan Miro and Picasso Museum Tour with tickets to both museums as well as a stroll through the medieval and trendy El Born district. Or discover Barcelona with GPSmyCity’s self-guided Walking Tour app; download it here.
4. Els 4Gats
Barcelona is home to numerous neighbourhoods, each boasting their distinct feel and atmosphere. From cobblestone-covered medieval alleyways to towering neo-gothic spires – each area of Barcelona holds something special, and exploring them is absolutely worth your while.
Els 4 Gats, more commonly known as The Four Cats in Barcelona, was one of the premier meeting spots for artists at the turn of the 19th century. There they would exchange ideas, hold wine-fueled discussions and exhibit their works. Today it serves primarily tourists but still makes for an impressive place to visit; with paintings by Miquel Utrillo, Santiago Rusinol and Ramon Casas being on display.
5. Museu Picasso
The Picasso Museum on Montcada Street boasts an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures by the acclaimed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, situated across five adjoining medieval palaces. Exhibits feature works spanning his career – from his initial distorted portraits through to his Blue Period and beyond.
Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter with a local guide and visit Els 4 Gats, a Gothic bar steeped in history (Picasso and Ernest Hemingway drank here!). Don’t just see Barcelona written on its walls, though: get to know its rich culture through scratched facades and messages left by workers on iconic buildings with this tour from Other Eyes!
On this small-group guided tour of Barcelona’s top attractions, explore Passeig de Gracia and marvel at Antoni Gaudi’s La Pedrera and Casa Batllo – two iconic pieces by this master architect.
6. Sagrada Familia
Visit on a sunny day to witness how light reflects off of the Basilica’s numerous color-stained windows, reflecting beautifully – this was Gaudi’s intention and makes for a fantastic sight.
The church is easily accessible via metro stops on lines 2 and 5, making it a quick journey from Canaletes’ ornate drinking fountain, where FC Barcelona fans congregate to celebrate team victories while drinking from its water to ensure they return one day.
Near Placa de Sant Felip Neri, you will find Pont del Bisbe, or Bishop’s Bridge – an iconic photo op and popular photo opportunity! In winter, this area hosts one of Barcelona’s Christmas markets as well. TIPS: For an easy photo opportunity don’t forget your camera – Pont del Bisbe is also home to one of Barcelona’s annual Christmas markets which you should not miss!
7. La Rambla
After your stroll along La Rambla, take a break at one of the numerous restaurant terraces offering great food options and sightseeing fascinating buildings like Palau Guell by Antoni Gaudi, which boasts seven stories and is worth seeing for its design alone.
As you continue along your walk, you will come upon the Canaletes Fountain – this is where Barcelona fans gather after victories to celebrate. This tradition began back in the 1930s when newspapers would post scores.
As soon as you arrive in Barcelona, you will visit the Cathedral de Barcelona and take photos. There are also some wonderful souvenir shops located here as well.
