8 Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

Not the most Spanish among Spanish cities, Barcelona has a fresh laid back charm in spite of being the 2nd most populous city in Spain. Barcelona associates itself more as Catalonian than Spanish. In the past, the Spanish government was heavily centralised and did not recognise the nation’s regional diversity. Nationalistic sentiments began to grow in Catalonia (of which Barcelona is the capital) and the desire to form a separate country is still strong. Currently, Catalonia is an autonomous nationality within Spain.

Both Catalan and Spanish are spoken here. All through the city are glimpses of Modernisme – the art, architecture and literature movement associated with the search of a new entitlement of Catalan culture. It is best known for its architectural expression, especially in the work of Antoni Gaudí.

Here’s my list of the top 8 things to do in Barcelona, Spain.

1.Visit Park Güell

A public park designed by Antoni Gaudí

2. See the Sagrada Familia

One of the masterpieces of Gaudi, Sagrada Familia is an unfinished church with such an amazing Gothic feel – the most I’ve ever felt about a building. Antoni Gaudí is buried in this church. You can still see the construction is progress (which can be easily confused for maintenance work).

The ornate design of the Nativity Façade was my favourite.

3. Go on a Casa hunt

You can find many beautiful houses throughout Barcelona and these were created during the peak of Modernisme mentioned at the beginning of the post.

Clockwise from Top – La Casa Comalat, Casa Amatller, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló.

4. Go on a hunt for the best Churros in Barcelona!

There are little Churrerias all over Barcelona selling piping hot churros.

Left- La Nena : Overhyped. We didn’t enjoy the taste of the churros at all. Though I could get used to churros for breakfast :D.
Right – Churrería Laietana: We tried the churros with hot chocolate. We saw most of the locals having churros with milk coffee instead for breakfast. They were perfectly crunchy and tasted good.

Xurreria Trebol aka Churreria J. Balsells
This is said to be the oldest Churreria in Barcelona and the ambience speaks for that. As for the churros, they were the best we’ve ever tasted, especially the big vanilla cream filled one. Perfectly crisp and chewy, fragrant and oh-so-yummy! We went back a second time 🙂

5. Walk aimlessly through the streets of Barcelona and spot other beautiful finds

Plaza Universitat Metro station

Hospital de Sant Pau

Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona

Modernisme architecture throughout Barcelona

Carrer De Ferran

6. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral

7. Visit the Church of Santa Anna

8. Visit the Gothic Quarter

It is the centre of the old city of Barcelona.

Bonus : Try Spanish Food

Clockwise from top – Patatas bravas, Tortilla Espanola, Chicken and rabbit Paella, Pan tumaca, croquette and the best Aiolli from L’Arrosseria Xàtiva

An array of tapas from Cervesería Catalana – the BEST fried squid, patatas bravas, croquette, fried camembert, Tortilla Espanola, gambas ajillo