A Weekend in Barcelona

Barcelona is a great weekender city! With plenty to do from art museums, to sightseeing, and clubbing. Barcelona is a great weekend trip for those who love to be in the city. Barcelona has a very consistent grid system, with everything except the Latin quarter being in equal blocks, so it’s hard to get lost. I found the public transportation system very easy to use, and lining up well with the Google Maps directions. 

Friday

• Las Ramblas is a street famous for its wide walking path, street performers, and architecture. Make sure to take a walk down the street, but beware, this is a pickpocket hot spot! 

• Don’t forget that Barcelona is on the beach! Make sure to stop by. The boardwalk and area around the beach is great for dining and shopping.

• I also had the opportunity to take a boat ride around the beaches at sunset. The boat tours are pretty popular, especially during the high season, so be sure to check them out! I booked mine through AirBnB Experiences, but you can also check out places like Get Your Guide or Tripadvisor. 

Saturday 

• Park Güell is a spectacle a little outside the city center, but still accessible via public transportation. You go up the hill to what Antoni Gaudí imagined as the perfect retreat from city life. Wander the park filled with landscape and architectural creations in his whimsical style. 

• Head back into the city to check out his other famous work, La Sagrada Familia. It’s unlike any other building I've ever seen, but the inside is just as, if not more impressive than the outside. Make sure you book tickets to see the inside beforehand, as they often sell out. 

• For lunch or a snack, I’d recommend checking out La Boqueria. A local market with many food and drink options to share with a group or friends or just by  yourself. 

• After a lunch break, I’d walk around the city and enjoy the atmosphere. Pick a museum or another Gaudí building to visit. The Latin Quarter is also fun to explore with its small winding streets, there’s a certain charm to the ancient part of the city. 

Sunday

• Parc de la Ciutadella is a must see. Parks are one of the best ways to get the atmosphere of the city, as many locals will also be there. Families with kids, or couples taking a stroll all help to create the character of a city that you can see in a local park.

• Near Parc de la Ciutadella, there is the Arc de Triomf! A great photo destination. 

Other Suggestions

• Grab some Paella. It’s this rice based dish that is often seafood based, but you can find it with other meats or even vegetarian. Patatas Bravas is another great cultural food to grab. 

• Go inside one of the buildings created by Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí was the premier architect of Barcelona in the early 20th century. His most famous work is La Sagrada Familia, which means sacred family in Spanish, but there are many others around the city. Check out Casa Mila, Casa Batllo or one of his other creations! 

• If you’re a modern art fan make sure to check out the MOCO. 

• One of the most moving museums I've been to is the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. The pieces span history from the medieval to modern times. It sits in the Palau Nacional, which is off a large square, Plaça d'Espanya. Even if you don’t go in the building, I’d highly recommend taking the time to check out the Plaza and the outside of the palace.

• Another great building to check out is the Palau de la Música Catalana. If you love performances, make sure to check out their show times.

• Barcelona has a great night life! Razzmatazz is a huge club with multiple floors! It’s pretty touristy, so you don’t have to worry about dress codes or getting in. You can purchase tickets the day of. In Catalonia, the clubbing doesn't really get started until about 1 or 2 in the morning, so be aware if you show up before then, you’ll show up to an empty building. There are many other fun clubs around Barcelona, but Razzmatazz is my favorite. 

• If you decide not to club or do a sunset boat tour, I’d recommend going up to The Bunkers. A great sunset lookout point. This one is a great option for budget travelers  because it’s free!