Barcelona is one of the world’s best destinations; come visit and you’ll probably want to stay longer. There are so many things to see and do. Are you on a hurry? Let’s talk about the top 5 sights in Barcelona!
The Top 5 Sights in Barcelona
#1 – La Sagrada Familia
Probably the most famous sight in the city, and one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Sagrada Familia is the magic Catholic church designed by Gaudi that put Barcelona in the map.
Related: The 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites By Gaudi You Can’t Miss
The architecture is surreal. Impossible arches, columns, and windows, while it all feels organically natural and coherent.
A gem of a sight, although a bit crowded during peak tourist season. You can’t miss it; you won’t see anything like this anywhere else in the world.
#2 – Parc Guell
The Parc Guell is a another modernist masterpiece conceived by Antoni Gaudi, the visionary Catalan architect.
The Park Guell was initially designed as an independent suburb meant for the affluent Catalan bourgeoisie. The project encompassed a number of independent houses as well as recreational areas, markets, schools, and a park area.
Related: The 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites By Gaudi You Can’t Miss
Due to a number of reasons, the project was not finished, and the area reserved for the suburb has remained almost exclusively green and hence preserved as a park.
Currently, the Parc Guell remains a pleasant green area, with some fantastic viewpoints and modernist gem sights.
#3 – Barceloneta Beach Area
The 1992 Barcelona Olympics led to a massive improvement in the infrastructure of Barcelona’s seaside and hence relaunched this former fishing neighbourhood as the premier beach are in Barcelona.
Related: What To Do When Staying In Barcelona Is Too Expensive.
Nowadays, Barceloneta is a trendy neighbourhood that blends the old and the new; plenty of seafood restaurants, working-class families living next to Erasmus students, and plenty of tourists all year round.
#4 – The Bunkers Barcelona Viewpoint
The Bunkers del Carmel are simply the best viewpoint in Barcelona.
Related: The easiest way to reach the Bunkers Barcelona.
Conceived as a anti-aircraft base during the Spanish Civil war (1936-1939), the Bunkers del Carmel are currently one of the best alternative sights in Barcelona.
The Bunkers del Carmel offer a 360 degree view on the city, with excellent views of the sea side and even some snowy mountains if you are lucky.
The Bunkers are usually windy and cold for Barcelona standards, bring some warm clothing with you. Also, they are a great place to go for a picnic or a couple of beers at sunset (or sunrise!).
#5 – The Barri Gotic Neighbourhood
Barcelona’s oldest neighbourhood, the Gothic quarter, is a very urban area with about 2000 years history dating from the Roman times when Barcelona was founded as Barcino.
However, currently it is one of the places on earth with the highest concentration of tourists, usually noisy and drunk.
Related: The Best Museums In Barcelona (The Best Four)
Stroll and walk around the Gothic quarter for a few hours – but make sure to watch out your stuff. Pickpockets abound, specially after dark.
Takeaway: Discover Barcelona
While the city has a lot to offer, this guide reviewed the top 5 sights in Barcelona to get you started.
RELATED: The 8 Best Third Wave Coffee Shops In Barcelona
Even if you have a day or two, try to visit the Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Bunkers del Carme, Barceloneta beach, and Gothic Quarter.
Do you still have some time left? How about a day trip to Girona or a weekend in Valencia? Also, have a look at this: 5 Painless Day Trips With Public Transportation.
