Before you start planning your itinerary, check out this link where I go into detail about all the things you need to know ahead of time!
Montjuïc
Since you have more than one day, you have more time to explore parts of this massive complex on the southern end of the city. You can explore around here for a good chunk of the day, if not all day. It Here are some of the most popular (and some of my favorite) activities!
The "Poble Espanyol", or "Spanish Village" in Catalan, is an open-air museum dedicated to the different regions of Spain. Built in 1929 for the 1929 World's Fair held in the city, the blueprint was designed by renowned architect (and politician) Josep Puig i Cadafalch with the idea of allowing guests to visit Spain without leaving Barcelona!
Inside the big palace at Montjuïc is a museum dedicated to Catalan art. While this is a region that is little-known outside of Spain for its history and culture (most people know Barcelona, but how many can talk about Catalonia as a whole?) and Catalan art as a whole has been reduced to Gaudí, the truth is that for millennia Catalonia has been a hotbed of the arts due to its incredibly rich history. Here you'll find massive collections of art from all over the Catalan-speaking regions of Europe from the early Middle Ages and beyond. My personal favorite room has the fresco from a tiny Romanesque church in the Catalan Pyrenees constructed around 1100 CE, with an image of Christ flanked by the apostles. It's considered one of the finest works of Catalan art in history and is preserved here.
This was the hub of the Barcelona Summer Olympics in 1992. There's an open-air stadium (the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys) and the Palau Sant Jordi, both of which are still in use today for sporting events and concerts, as well as a telecommunications tower designed by Santiago Calatrava. There are also plenty of fountains and pathways to wander around and get lost in.
Extensive gardens with fountains and pergolas, perfect for relaxing, some yoga and/or meditation, and enjoying some peace and quiet amid the hustle and bustle of a thriving European metropolis.
This museum is dedicated to artist Joan Miró, who, while born in Mallorca, spent most of his life in an around Barcelona. There are stunning views of the city from the outdoor patios, and the building itself is fit for housing modern art. So even if you're not a fan of the art itself, you can at least admire the architecture!
Not to be confused with the Palau de Montjuïc, this is the fortress located at the very top of the hill that served as the main defense of the city before the expansion of the city as well as during the Spanish Civil War. It's accessible by walking either through the park itself if you enter from the Palace or up the hill from the port, or by Telefèric a bit further up but not as agonizing if you're not used to long walks. You get privileged 365º views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean and a glimpse of Barcelona's military history.
If I could build my own dream house, this is what it would look like. The original design was by German Minimalist architect Mies van der Rohe to house the German Pavilion for the 1929 World's Fair. It was taken down shortly afterward but was so iconic it was rebuilt later using the original blueprints.
If you're in town during the warm months (April-October) and there isn't a water crisis going on in Barcelona, you can treat yourself to a water and light show at the base of the Palau at night time. Check the website to see if the fountain is operating during your visit, but generally, if you're around in the daytime and the water is on, it's probably a safe bet they'll be doing a show that night. A family favorite!
A few blocks away from the Espanya metro station, this is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat either for lunch or dinner. It's incredibly affordable (you won't break the bank, promise!) and is the quintessential Spanish bar/restaurant. I love the food, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Definitely my favorite spot in the city to grab some eats.
La Sagrada Família
Since you have a little bit of time, you'll definitely be able to visit perhaps the most iconic building in the entire city and see it from the inside! I generally don't recommend travelers with shorter stays to go inside since it's pricey, but it's worth the entry.
Antoni Gaudí's masterwork still under construction (set for completion around 2026!) is a feast for the eyes. Even if you don't have time to go inside, just spending time enjoying the scenery and beauty of the building itself gives you a sense of the immensity of the church itself (not a cathedral!) and the genius of the architect.
Those photos you keep seeing of the church reflecting on a pond? Those are taken here! It's generally pretty crowded, but if you're patient, you can usually get the shots you're looking for!
On the other side of the church, facing the Façana de la Passió depicting the Crucifixion, you can find more benches and paths, as well as water fountains to fill up your water bottles (I don't recommend buying it at kiosks and newsstands; they tend to jack up the prices in high-traffic locations and the water fountains around the city have water that's safe to drink and free!).
I feel like so few visitors to Barcelona have seen this street that runs at an angle to the Sagrada Família and up to the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau. It has some of the best angles of the Sagrada Família, and a ton of bars and restaurants to get a bite to eat that aren't very touristy.
Not the Sagrada Família per se, but if you follow the Avinguda Gaudí directly from it, you end up at this stunning Art Nouveau complex designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner to house the expanding hospital that was getting too small for the number of patients. It's an iconic work of Catalan Modernist architecture!
I stopped in here once because I saw it had received great reviews from locals in the area and figured if the locals loved it for the price point and quality, then I would too! I was not disappointed. It's not as touristy despite within a very short walk of the Sagrada Familia and there were two gentlemen speaking Catalan while drinking some vermouth at the table next to mine, so I absolutely consider that a win.
Park Güell
Pronounced "Gwey" or "Wey", this is another incredibly iconic monument in Barcelona, This park was designed by Antoni Gaudí as an English-style park (hence the "k" in "Park" as opposed to the Catalan "Parc") that was never finished as originally conceived (it was supposed to be much, much bigger!). Still, the views and architecture are spectacular! I recommend booking tickets for later in the day so it's less busy and with the possibility of watching the city darken as the sun sets behind you. Note that as of July 1, 2024, tickets must be purchased online. You will not be able to buy tickets at the park itself in order to keep crowds at a minimum.
Barceloneta/Poblenou
This neighborhood is located right on the beach, full of seafood restaurants that often feature the day's catch. While technically only one neighborhood, the entire area encompasses everything from the Columbus Monument (Monument a Colom) to the Port Olímpic and the entire walkway that spans it.
If you just want to spend some time at the beach no matter what time of year, definitely head down here and walk down the stretch of walkway along the water. If the weather's nice, go in the water! If not, you can at least enjoy the sounds and smell of the water.
An absolutely adorable beach bar located on the Bogatell Beach strip. It's a bit pricey, but the ambiance is 100% worth it if you're looking for a Polynesian-themed beach bar (I'm obsessed with all things Polynesia-adjacent, won't lie). It's not a typical Spanish "chiringuito", but there are plenty of these dotted around the beach strips so feel free to check out any of those as well! This one is pure luxe and ~beach vibes~.
La Ciutat Vella
The Ciutat Vella, or Old City, *was* the city of Barcelona for centuries. It houses three main districts:, the Raval, the Barri Gòtic, and the Ribera.
El Raval
This was the old red light district and now predominantly houses university students and immigrants, thus making it the definition of "eclectic". It's divided from the Barri Gòtic by the Rambles.
The only one of Gaudí's buildings located in the old city of Barcelona, it was commissioned by textile magnate Eusebi Güell (who also commissioned the park of the same name) as the family residence and later donated to the city by the family in 1945.
The Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona is an art junkie's heaven! Housed in a modern building in the old city it manages to not look out of place. Perfect for wandering around the halls and enjoying some great art. Or just watching the skaters and students (the University of Barcelona is only a few blocks away) mingle and hang out...
This sculpture by Colombian artist Fernando Botero acquired by City Hall in 1987 is a Raval icon! He smiles at passersby to greet them and welcome them.
This tiny Benedictine Monastery originates from around the 10th century CE and is the oldest Romanesque church still surviving in the city. Even if you don't go inside the building itself, the grounds are perfect for a relaxing walk.
The most iconic walkway in Barcelona. Locally known as "les Rambles" due to the fact that there are actually five Rambles, not just one, it runs from the Plaça Catalunya down to the port. Lined with newsstands, restaurants, and street performers, it's probably the liveliest corner of the city and a perennial favorite!
Barri Gòtic
The famous Gothi Quarter is where the seat of the Barcelona government is, as well as the Cathedral and many other iconic landmarks. It's on the other side of the Rambles from the Raval.
The original town square features a fountain and lampposts designed by Antoni Gaudí himself! You can choose to sit at any of the bars and restaurants, but beware they're going to be a bit pricier than in other parts of the neighborhood. You may find the ambiance worth it, just watch your bags! Pickpockets abound and they love to grab your bags when you're not paying attention.
The Barcelona Cathedral perfectly showcases the history of the city. Right behind it is the Casa de l'Ardiaca, which features temporary small exhibits of the city's art and history. Keep walking down the street to pass under the Pont del Bisbe which replicates the Bridge of Sighs in Venice and served to transport the Bishop of Barcelona from his residence to the Cathedral. At the end of the walkway you'll come to the Plaça Sant Jaume, where you'll face Barcelona City Hall (open for guided tours on Sunday mornings and certain holidays) and on the other side, the Palau de la Generalitat which is the seat of the Catalan government.
Barcelona City Hall is *loaded* with history. When Barcelona controlled most of the Mediterranean, this was the headquarters. On Sunday mornings it's open to the public with guided tours in various languages (check the website for details) for free, but you can only go during a tour.
Located just behind the cathedral, it's pretty easy to miss this place, but it's worth a visit just to check out some of the remnants of the old Roman walls that are preserved inside as well as the courtyard.
The Museum of the History of Barcelona is technically spread out over the entire city, but this is the main building. You'll get a massive glimpse into the history of the city and an idea of the influence of the city on Europe, and the world, as a whole.
Absolutely a hidden gem in the Barri Gòtic. Barcelona has been populated for millennia, but the Romans settled here in the first century CE and dedicated it as Barcino to Emperor Augustus. Here you can find remnants of the temple dedicated to him.
This hidden square with pockmarked walls is a favorite of visitors. Even during the high season it's calm and quiet. It has a dark history, as the pockmarks in the walls date from the Spanish Civil War when people, mostly children who were sheltered in the church when a bomb was dropped on the square and dozens of people were killed.
La Ribera
On the other side of the Via Laietana, you'll find this neighborhood that used to mark the edge of the city. Barcelona has no natural harbor and no original beach (all the sand you see on the beaches now is imported) and this is where the city ended, hence the name ("Water's Edge").
The Palau de la Música Catalana is a true gem of the Renaixament and Catalan Modernism. Even if you just view it from the outside, this concert hall built to house chamber orchestras and the choir that it was created to house perfectly defines the art style that's come to define the city of Barcelona and is emblematic of what makes the city a Mecca of architecture.
If the Mercat de la Boqueria is too touristy for you, check out this market instead. It features the same kind of stands you'll find at its much more well-known neighbor on the other side of the Rambles, and is much quieter and more local-friendly.
This iconic church was constructed in a record (at the time) 13 years in the 14th century CE and dedicated to the many artisan and craftsman guilds (known as "gremis" in Catalan) and built by men and teenagers known as "bastaixos" who, in dedication to the Virgin Mary, for whom the church is named, made the trek from the stone quarries at Montjuïc to the site of the church with the building stones on their back.
This is a chain of Basque food and not Catalan, but as someone who's also lived in the Basque Country, this is some of the most authentic Basque food you'll get outside of the renowned foodie region. I've never eaten a full meal here and subsist solely on the "pintxos", which you can both order a la carte as well as grab some from a plate whenever the servers come around. It's my happy place in the city because of how much it reminds me of home in the center of Barcelona.
Ciutadella
This is the "green" section of Barcelona, built for the 1888 World's Fair, perfect for relaxing strolls.
This tree-lined avenue is perfect for strolling in the afternoon on your way down to the Parc de la Ciutadella. You can do as much or as little as you'd like, but it is perfect for a leisurely walk Barcelona-style. There are multiple playgrounds for kids to play in and benches for sitting (don't feel bad, they're supposed to be used, and it's okay to take a break!).
Built for the 1888 World's Fair, the Arc de Triomf leads you onto the Passeig de Lluís Companys, named for the first president of the Catalan government later executed by Fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War. At the end of the pathway is the Parc de la Ciutadella, a park mirroring NYC's Central Park (though not as large) with a reservoir for boating, a large fountain, and the Catalan Parliament building with plenty of grass for lying around and taking a much-needed break.A classic local haunt in a small square, with the typical bar foods you´ll find in Barcelona and other parts of Spain, this is another great choice for a non-touristy experience. I love these kinds of places because they're generally pretty quiet and if they´re not, it´s usually the locals making the noise and I´m perfectly okay with that!
A lovely little family-run bar on the Passeig de Sant Joan thoroughfare. The food is great, every time I've been it's been packed with locals and their families meeting up for drinks and having a grand ol' time. The prices are quite decent and it's another perfect place to experience Barcelona like a true local.
L'Eixample
The Expansion, designed by Ildefons Cerdà in the mid-19th century as the city was growing in both importance and size and needed more space to expand. It's split into two sections, separated by the Passeig de Gràcia
L'Esquerra de l'Eixample
Antoni Gaudí's iconic building was commissioned by the Batlló family who was big in the textile industry. It's designed to mimic a dragon, a reference to Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia and Barcelona.
Located right next to the Casa Batlló, this building was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch for the Amatller family, who were chocolatiers. There's a café you can visit and grab some coffee and sweets!
The final building on this block, known as the Illa de la Discòrdia due to the major architects of Catalan Art Nouveau each having designed a building on it, is the Casa Lleó Morera. It's less popular than its far more famous neighbors, but it's definitely worth checking out! This one was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner who has other buildings scattered around the city.
Since I usually stay in the Sants district, this is usually where I get my coffee and breakfast in the morning. 365 is a local-to-Barcelona chain and they're located all over the city. Super affordable, the pastries and bread are delicious, and it's always full of locals grabbing their cup of joe any time of day (Spaniards love their coffee!).
La Dreta de l'Eixample
Another one of Gaudí's iconic buildings, Casa Milà, or "La Pedrera" ("The Quarry", due to its shape) was an apartment complex that is now a museum. The roof is renowned for the iconic views of the city and sculptures said to inspire the helmets of the Storm Troopers in Star Wars.
The Casa de les Punxes ("Spiky House") or "Casa Terrades" after the family who commissioned Josep Puig i Cadafalch as a home, is another underrated gem in the city. It was recently renovated in 2016 and is now a co-working office space, but worth a visit from the outside.
If you need to have an uber-touristy experience, check out this cafe located in Gaudí's La Pedrera/Casa Milà. Quite pricey, but the pastries are quite good!
Gràcia
This quirky neighborhood used to be a town in its own right until Barcelona expanded and incorporated it in the mid-19th century. Since it was separate for so long, it has the same small-town Catalonia vibe as other towns outside the city.
Gaudí's first building in Barcelona was this one, located on a tiny narrow street just off the Via Augusta. It's much less crowded than his other works in the city.
A classic local haunt in a small square, with the typical bar foods you´ll find in Barcelona and other parts of Spain, this is another great choice for a non-touristy experience. I love these kinds of places because they're generally pretty quiet and if they´re not, it´s usually the locals making the noise and I´m perfectly okay with that!
Need More Ideas?
Did you love this guide and thought it helped you better enjoy your visit to Barcelona? Share your thoughts with me on Instagram!
Before you start planning your itinerary, check out this link where I go into detail about all the things you need to know ahead of time!
Montjuïc
Since you have more than one day, you have more time to explore parts of this massive complex on the southern end of the city. You can explore around here for a good chunk of the day, if not all day. It Here are some of the most popular (and some of my favorite) activities!
The "Poble Espanyol", or "Spanish Village" in Catalan, is an open-air museum dedicated to the different regions of Spain. Built in 1929 for the 1929 World's Fair held in the city, the blueprint was designed by renowned architect (and politician) Josep Puig i Cadafalch with the idea of allowing guests to visit Spain without leaving Barcelona!
Inside the big palace at Montjuïc is a museum dedicated to Catalan art. While this is a region that is little-known outside of Spain for its history and culture (most people know Barcelona, but how many can talk about Catalonia as a whole?) and Catalan art as a whole has been reduced to Gaudí, the truth is that for millennia Catalonia has been a hotbed of the arts due to its incredibly rich history. Here you'll find massive collections of art from all over the Catalan-speaking regions of Europe from the early Middle Ages and beyond. My personal favorite room has the fresco from a tiny Romanesque church in the Catalan Pyrenees constructed around 1100 CE, with an image of Christ flanked by the apostles. It's considered one of the finest works of Catalan art in history and is preserved here.
This was the hub of the Barcelona Summer Olympics in 1992. There's an open-air stadium (the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys) and the Palau Sant Jordi, both of which are still in use today for sporting events and concerts, as well as a telecommunications tower designed by Santiago Calatrava. There are also plenty of fountains and pathways to wander around and get lost in.
Extensive gardens with fountains and pergolas, perfect for relaxing, some yoga and/or meditation, and enjoying some peace and quiet amid the hustle and bustle of a thriving European metropolis.
This museum is dedicated to artist Joan Miró, who, while born in Mallorca, spent most of his life in an around Barcelona. There are stunning views of the city from the outdoor patios, and the building itself is fit for housing modern art. So even if you're not a fan of the art itself, you can at least admire the architecture!
Not to be confused with the Palau de Montjuïc, this is the fortress located at the very top of the hill that served as the main defense of the city before the expansion of the city as well as during the Spanish Civil War. It's accessible by walking either through the park itself if you enter from the Palace or up the hill from the port, or by Telefèric a bit further up but not as agonizing if you're not used to long walks. You get privileged 365º views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean and a glimpse of Barcelona's military history.
If I could build my own dream house, this is what it would look like. The original design was by German Minimalist architect Mies van der Rohe to house the German Pavilion for the 1929 World's Fair. It was taken down shortly afterward but was so iconic it was rebuilt later using the original blueprints.
If you're in town during the warm months (April-October) and there isn't a water crisis going on in Barcelona, you can treat yourself to a water and light show at the base of the Palau at night time. Check the website to see if the fountain is operating during your visit, but generally, if you're around in the daytime and the water is on, it's probably a safe bet they'll be doing a show that night. A family favorite!
A few blocks away from the Espanya metro station, this is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat either for lunch or dinner. It's incredibly affordable (you won't break the bank, promise!) and is the quintessential Spanish bar/restaurant. I love the food, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Definitely my favorite spot in the city to grab some eats.
La Sagrada Família
Since you have a little bit of time, you'll definitely be able to visit perhaps the most iconic building in the entire city and see it from the inside! I generally don't recommend travelers with shorter stays to go inside since it's pricey, but it's worth the entry.
Antoni Gaudí's masterwork still under construction (set for completion around 2026!) is a feast for the eyes. Even if you don't have time to go inside, just spending time enjoying the scenery and beauty of the building itself gives you a sense of the immensity of the church itself (not a cathedral!) and the genius of the architect.
Those photos you keep seeing of the church reflecting on a pond? Those are taken here! It's generally pretty crowded, but if you're patient, you can usually get the shots you're looking for!
On the other side of the church, facing the Façana de la Passió depicting the Crucifixion, you can find more benches and paths, as well as water fountains to fill up your water bottles (I don't recommend buying it at kiosks and newsstands; they tend to jack up the prices in high-traffic locations and the water fountains around the city have water that's safe to drink and free!).
I feel like so few visitors to Barcelona have seen this street that runs at an angle to the Sagrada Família and up to the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau. It has some of the best angles of the Sagrada Família, and a ton of bars and restaurants to get a bite to eat that aren't very touristy.
Not the Sagrada Família per se, but if you follow the Avinguda Gaudí directly from it, you end up at this stunning Art Nouveau complex designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner to house the expanding hospital that was getting too small for the number of patients. It's an iconic work of Catalan Modernist architecture!
I stopped in here once because I saw it had received great reviews from locals in the area and figured if the locals loved it for the price point and quality, then I would too! I was not disappointed. It's not as touristy despite within a very short walk of the Sagrada Familia and there were two gentlemen speaking Catalan while drinking some vermouth at the table next to mine, so I absolutely consider that a win.
Park Güell
Pronounced "Gwey" or "Wey", this is another incredibly iconic monument in Barcelona, This park was designed by Antoni Gaudí as an English-style park (hence the "k" in "Park" as opposed to the Catalan "Parc") that was never finished as originally conceived (it was supposed to be much, much bigger!). Still, the views and architecture are spectacular! I recommend booking tickets for later in the day so it's less busy and with the possibility of watching the city darken as the sun sets behind you. Note that as of July 1, 2024, tickets must be purchased online. You will not be able to buy tickets at the park itself in order to keep crowds at a minimum.
Barceloneta/Poblenou
This neighborhood is located right on the beach, full of seafood restaurants that often feature the day's catch. While technically only one neighborhood, the entire area encompasses everything from the Columbus Monument (Monument a Colom) to the Port Olímpic and the entire walkway that spans it.
If you just want to spend some time at the beach no matter what time of year, definitely head down here and walk down the stretch of walkway along the water. If the weather's nice, go in the water! If not, you can at least enjoy the sounds and smell of the water.
An absolutely adorable beach bar located on the Bogatell Beach strip. It's a bit pricey, but the ambiance is 100% worth it if you're looking for a Polynesian-themed beach bar (I'm obsessed with all things Polynesia-adjacent, won't lie). It's not a typical Spanish "chiringuito", but there are plenty of these dotted around the beach strips so feel free to check out any of those as well! This one is pure luxe and ~beach vibes~.
La Ciutat Vella
The Ciutat Vella, or Old City, *was* the city of Barcelona for centuries. It houses three main districts:, the Raval, the Barri Gòtic, and the Ribera.
El Raval
This was the old red light district and now predominantly houses university students and immigrants, thus making it the definition of "eclectic". It's divided from the Barri Gòtic by the Rambles.
The only one of Gaudí's buildings located in the old city of Barcelona, it was commissioned by textile magnate Eusebi Güell (who also commissioned the park of the same name) as the family residence and later donated to the city by the family in 1945.
The Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona is an art junkie's heaven! Housed in a modern building in the old city it manages to not look out of place. Perfect for wandering around the halls and enjoying some great art. Or just watching the skaters and students (the University of Barcelona is only a few blocks away) mingle and hang out...
This sculpture by Colombian artist Fernando Botero acquired by City Hall in 1987 is a Raval icon! He smiles at passersby to greet them and welcome them.
This tiny Benedictine Monastery originates from around the 10th century CE and is the oldest Romanesque church still surviving in the city. Even if you don't go inside the building itself, the grounds are perfect for a relaxing walk.
The most iconic walkway in Barcelona. Locally known as "les Rambles" due to the fact that there are actually five Rambles, not just one, it runs from the Plaça Catalunya down to the port. Lined with newsstands, restaurants, and street performers, it's probably the liveliest corner of the city and a perennial favorite!
Barri Gòtic
The famous Gothi Quarter is where the seat of the Barcelona government is, as well as the Cathedral and many other iconic landmarks. It's on the other side of the Rambles from the Raval.
The original town square features a fountain and lampposts designed by Antoni Gaudí himself! You can choose to sit at any of the bars and restaurants, but beware they're going to be a bit pricier than in other parts of the neighborhood. You may find the ambiance worth it, just watch your bags! Pickpockets abound and they love to grab your bags when you're not paying attention.
The Barcelona Cathedral perfectly showcases the history of the city. Right behind it is the Casa de l'Ardiaca, which features temporary small exhibits of the city's art and history. Keep walking down the street to pass under the Pont del Bisbe which replicates the Bridge of Sighs in Venice and served to transport the Bishop of Barcelona from his residence to the Cathedral. At the end of the walkway you'll come to the Plaça Sant Jaume, where you'll face Barcelona City Hall (open for guided tours on Sunday mornings and certain holidays) and on the other side, the Palau de la Generalitat which is the seat of the Catalan government.
Barcelona City Hall is *loaded* with history. When Barcelona controlled most of the Mediterranean, this was the headquarters. On Sunday mornings it's open to the public with guided tours in various languages (check the website for details) for free, but you can only go during a tour.
Located just behind the cathedral, it's pretty easy to miss this place, but it's worth a visit just to check out some of the remnants of the old Roman walls that are preserved inside as well as the courtyard.
The Museum of the History of Barcelona is technically spread out over the entire city, but this is the main building. You'll get a massive glimpse into the history of the city and an idea of the influence of the city on Europe, and the world, as a whole.
Absolutely a hidden gem in the Barri Gòtic. Barcelona has been populated for millennia, but the Romans settled here in the first century CE and dedicated it as Barcino to Emperor Augustus. Here you can find remnants of the temple dedicated to him.
This hidden square with pockmarked walls is a favorite of visitors. Even during the high season it's calm and quiet. It has a dark history, as the pockmarks in the walls date from the Spanish Civil War when people, mostly children who were sheltered in the church when a bomb was dropped on the square and dozens of people were killed.
La Ribera
On the other side of the Via Laietana, you'll find this neighborhood that used to mark the edge of the city. Barcelona has no natural harbor and no original beach (all the sand you see on the beaches now is imported) and this is where the city ended, hence the name ("Water's Edge").
The Palau de la Música Catalana is a true gem of the Renaixament and Catalan Modernism. Even if you just view it from the outside, this concert hall built to house chamber orchestras and the choir that it was created to house perfectly defines the art style that's come to define the city of Barcelona and is emblematic of what makes the city a Mecca of architecture.
If the Mercat de la Boqueria is too touristy for you, check out this market instead. It features the same kind of stands you'll find at its much more well-known neighbor on the other side of the Rambles, and is much quieter and more local-friendly.
This iconic church was constructed in a record (at the time) 13 years in the 14th century CE and dedicated to the many artisan and craftsman guilds (known as "gremis" in Catalan) and built by men and teenagers known as "bastaixos" who, in dedication to the Virgin Mary, for whom the church is named, made the trek from the stone quarries at Montjuïc to the site of the church with the building stones on their back.
This is a chain of Basque food and not Catalan, but as someone who's also lived in the Basque Country, this is some of the most authentic Basque food you'll get outside of the renowned foodie region. I've never eaten a full meal here and subsist solely on the "pintxos", which you can both order a la carte as well as grab some from a plate whenever the servers come around. It's my happy place in the city because of how much it reminds me of home in the center of Barcelona.
Ciutadella
This is the "green" section of Barcelona, built for the 1888 World's Fair, perfect for relaxing strolls.
This tree-lined avenue is perfect for strolling in the afternoon on your way down to the Parc de la Ciutadella. You can do as much or as little as you'd like, but it is perfect for a leisurely walk Barcelona-style. There are multiple playgrounds for kids to play in and benches for sitting (don't feel bad, they're supposed to be used, and it's okay to take a break!).
Built for the 1888 World's Fair, the Arc de Triomf leads you onto the Passeig de Lluís Companys, named for the first president of the Catalan government later executed by Fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War. At the end of the pathway is the Parc de la Ciutadella, a park mirroring NYC's Central Park (though not as large) with a reservoir for boating, a large fountain, and the Catalan Parliament building with plenty of grass for lying around and taking a much-needed break.A classic local haunt in a small square, with the typical bar foods you´ll find in Barcelona and other parts of Spain, this is another great choice for a non-touristy experience. I love these kinds of places because they're generally pretty quiet and if they´re not, it´s usually the locals making the noise and I´m perfectly okay with that!
A lovely little family-run bar on the Passeig de Sant Joan thoroughfare. The food is great, every time I've been it's been packed with locals and their families meeting up for drinks and having a grand ol' time. The prices are quite decent and it's another perfect place to experience Barcelona like a true local.
L'Eixample
The Expansion, designed by Ildefons Cerdà in the mid-19th century as the city was growing in both importance and size and needed more space to expand. It's split into two sections, separated by the Passeig de Gràcia
L'Esquerra de l'Eixample
Antoni Gaudí's iconic building was commissioned by the Batlló family who was big in the textile industry. It's designed to mimic a dragon, a reference to Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia and Barcelona.
Located right next to the Casa Batlló, this building was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch for the Amatller family, who were chocolatiers. There's a café you can visit and grab some coffee and sweets!
The final building on this block, known as the Illa de la Discòrdia due to the major architects of Catalan Art Nouveau each having designed a building on it, is the Casa Lleó Morera. It's less popular than its far more famous neighbors, but it's definitely worth checking out! This one was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner who has other buildings scattered around the city.
Since I usually stay in the Sants district, this is usually where I get my coffee and breakfast in the morning. 365 is a local-to-Barcelona chain and they're located all over the city. Super affordable, the pastries and bread are delicious, and it's always full of locals grabbing their cup of joe any time of day (Spaniards love their coffee!).
La Dreta de l'Eixample
Another one of Gaudí's iconic buildings, Casa Milà, or "La Pedrera" ("The Quarry", due to its shape) was an apartment complex that is now a museum. The roof is renowned for the iconic views of the city and sculptures said to inspire the helmets of the Storm Troopers in Star Wars.
The Casa de les Punxes ("Spiky House") or "Casa Terrades" after the family who commissioned Josep Puig i Cadafalch as a home, is another underrated gem in the city. It was recently renovated in 2016 and is now a co-working office space, but worth a visit from the outside.
If you need to have an uber-touristy experience, check out this cafe located in Gaudí's La Pedrera/Casa Milà. Quite pricey, but the pastries are quite good!
Gràcia
This quirky neighborhood used to be a town in its own right until Barcelona expanded and incorporated it in the mid-19th century. Since it was separate for so long, it has the same small-town Catalonia vibe as other towns outside the city.
Gaudí's first building in Barcelona was this one, located on a tiny narrow street just off the Via Augusta. It's much less crowded than his other works in the city.
A classic local haunt in a small square, with the typical bar foods you´ll find in Barcelona and other parts of Spain, this is another great choice for a non-touristy experience. I love these kinds of places because they're generally pretty quiet and if they´re not, it´s usually the locals making the noise and I´m perfectly okay with that!
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