Saying that Barcelona is one of the main tourists’ destinations in Europe is the same as saying that the sun will rise again tomorrow. Everyone knows it, and with good reason! This amazing city has a lot to offer. From the splendid Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s unachieved cathedral, the Picasso Museum, a mouthwatering culinary offer, the Gothic District or Las Ramblas Boulevard, Barcelona’s inner beauty is breathtaking!
Barcelona has a lot to offer and it’s hard to choose what to do or visit. Hopefully, we have selected 6 amazing experiences you can do in this Spanish city. Even better! Those experiences are unique and we are betting that none of your friends or colleagues did it before.
So if traveling to Barcelona is part of your bucket list, skip the tourists’ mainstream, and make sure you join at least one of these incredible Barcelona experiences!
1) UNCOVER THE CRYPTS AT SAGRADA FAMILIA
Needless to say, Barcelona’s most famous monument is visited by millions of people every year, it is actually one of the most Instagrammed places in the world. But what if we told you ninety-nine nine percent of people traveling to Barcelona missed a spectacular spot in within the Basilica. Indeed, Paris is not the only city to have the monopoly on gorgeous yet mysterious crypts.
Only open during limited hours, the Crypts of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains the tomb of its famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, and not many visitors get to know this peculiar fact.
Trivia fact: did you know that Gaudi wasn’t the original constructor of the crypt? In fact, Antoni Gaudi wasn’t the first person who was asked to build the Sagrada Familia. Hence, when he got the project, most of the crypt has been built in a Neo-Gothic style which was extremely trendy in the late 19th century. That is why the crypt is in a very different style to what you may see from the Sagrada Familia. As an example, the floor of the crypt is covered by a roman mosaic representing wine and wheat which is nowhere to be found elsewhere in the Sagrada Familia. This is a really cool thing to do and discover when in Barcelona!.
2) GET A DIFFERENT VIEW FROM THE SEA
Barcelona is a coastal city and it would be a shame for not taking advantage of it! While most of the travelers visiting Barcelona remain on the land, numerous boats can be rent at the marina.
Either you are planning just a day out with your friends or an entire week with your family, this is a truly unique way to enjoy the city. Because Barcelona is not only about Gaudi and delicious tapas, it also makes an amazing base for exploring surrounding villages and seaside towns of Catalonia such as Sitges or Tossa de Mar to mention some.
We highly recommend you to visit Pals towards the north. Standing over a hill and easily accessible by the sea, this ancient city offers a great view over the Catalonian fields. Foodies are not forgotten too. Many worldwide famous restaurants are reachable by boat for a day trip. From La Cuina de Can Simon to Mas Prades, Michelin-starred restaurants are numerous over the Catalan coast.
3) VISIT TORRE AGBAR
Photo credit: Marc Garrido Clotet
The Sagrada Familia may attract tourists and architecture lovers but countless beautiful buildings deserve attention too. The Torre Agbar is one of them, and it is actually not so far from Gaudi´s masterpiece. Marking the entrance of the financial district of Barcelona @22, this 145-meter high-tower is the fourth tallest building in the city and a symbol of contemporary Barcelona.
Designed by a French architect, Jean Nouvel, this skyscraper is supposed to be a tribute to the water, by emulating a geyser springing out the floor. Many people will certainly point the striking similarities with the famous Swiss Re tower aka the Gherkin in London. Yet, by looking closely, you’ll notice its uniqueness.
Depending on the light and time of the day, the aluminum covering the Torre Agbar reflects up to 40 different colors. However, the best time is when the Tower is illuminated at night. The nocturnal illumination of the building is spectacular. More than 4,500 LED devices constantly generate a blaze of color, for the pleasures of Barcelona locals eyes.
This crystal tower has caused a lot of controversy and jokes about its shape. Last but not least, locals’ favorite nickname for The Torre remain “The Suppository”.
4) GET LOCAL AND VISIT THE SANT ANDREU DISTRICT
Want to escape away from Barcelona’s city center for a day, without actually leaving the city? Why not exploring a district that was once, a town outside of Barcelona.
Sant Adreu has evolved from its agricultural origins with a series of farmhouses to a trendy district. The small-village atmosphere is still strongly present. Rarely visited by tourist even if it’s only 20 minutes away from the center and reachable by metro, the district makes an interesting alternative to more famous Barcelona neighborhoods.
In this quiet area, whether it’s within the peaceful corridor or alongside the water, residents stroll slowly, rhythmed by locals market.
One of them, the Mercat de San Andreu, is particularly lovely. Vendors are welcoming, clients are kind and always keen for a good chat. Wandering through the stalls, you’ll surely hear “T’has assabentat ?”, meaning “Have you heard .. ? “ between vendors and regulars, giving the feeling of a close and charming community.
Walking through San Andreu, you might come across hidden gems like the San Andreu del Palomar church that was built in 966, and destroyed and then rebuilt several times. Renovated in a Neo-Gothic style, as it was the trend in Spain back in the days, this building is a reminder of the district’s hectic history.
5) EXPERIENCE BARCELONA GASTRONOMY LIKE A LOCAL
It is so easy to get caught up in tourist traps when visiting a new city, especially one that caters one of the best cuisines of the world. In a city like Barcelona, visitors have endless options to eat, drink and cook with a chef. No one wants to miss the best patatas bravas in town, a glass of wine or cava, and certainly a well-prepared paella.
Taking part in a food experience or a Bodegas and tapas stroll it is a great way to uncover the authentic side of Barcelona´s gastronomy, meet local restaurateurs who are passionate about their culture, taste unique wines, such as cava and vermut, that are unique to this part of Spain, and to know a lesser known side of the city while uncovering why life in this city it is so exciting.
6) BUY A BOTTLE OF CAVA AND ENJOY THE BARCELONA SUNSET FROM THE CARMEL BUNKERS
Wars have shaped Barcelona’s skyline and scars are still visible. Fortunately, thanks to the creativity of local talents, some of them are becoming tourists attractions.
Originally built as an anti-aircraft during the 1930s, the Bunker of Carmel located atop the hill of Turo de la Rovira offers an unrivaled view over the city.
Once a strategic spot during the Civil War to fight airplanes that came all the way from Italy to bomb the city, its guns were only removed in the 1990s and the place was left to crumble. In 2011, a new patrimonial project was created in order to excavate and promote the bunker. Indeed, the view was too lovely to stay neglected.
The best time to go is at the sunset. Simply breathtaking, it’s the perfect place to combine a picnic with a glass of wine or local cava, so you enjoy one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona.
Do not miss this 360°panorama of Barcelona!
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