Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Sagrada Familia
Barcelona, Spain
Gaudi's unfinished basilica, a forest of stone columns and light that has been under construction for generati...
City · Spain · Catalonia
Barcelona
A Mediterranean city of Gaudi's surreal buildings, a medieval old town, city beaches and some of Europe's best food.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Barcelona matters
Barcelona mixes the fantastical with the everyday. Gaudi's buildings twist and glitter above ordinary streets, the Gothic Quarter hides Roman walls and tiny squares, and a proper sandy beach is a metro ride from the centre. Catalan identity is everywhere, from the language on the signs to the festivals in the squares. Spend a day on architecture, a day on food and markets, and an evening drifting between bars and plazas.
Talking points
- Gaudi worked here for decades, and several of his buildings are UNESCO listed.
- The city grid of the Eixample was planned in the nineteenth century with chamfered corners at every junction.
- Catalan is the everyday language alongside Spanish, and you will hear both.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
What to see in Barcelona
Park · UNESCO
Park Guell
Barcelona, Spain
Gaudi's hilltop park, with mosaic benches, a dragon staircase and views over the city.
Historic site · UNESCO
Casa Batllo
Barcelona, Spain
Gaudi's flowing facade of skull-like balconies and shimmering tiles on Passeig de Gracia.
Historic site · UNESCO
Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
Barcelona, Spain
Gaudi's wavy stone apartment block, famous for its rooftop of warrior-like chimneys.
Neighbourhood
Gothic Quarter
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona's medieval heart, a maze of narrow lanes, hidden squares and Roman remains.
Market
La Boqueria Market
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona's most famous market, a riot of fruit, seafood, ham and juices just off La Rambla.
Church, mosque or temple
Montserrat
Barcelona, Spain
A jagged mountain with a Benedictine monastery and the Black Madonna, an hour from Barcelona.
Entertainment · UNESCO
Palau de la Musica Catalana
Barcelona, Spain
A Catalan Modernista concert hall bursting with stained glass, ceramic and sculpted flowers.
Church, mosque or temple
Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona, Spain
A Gothic cathedral with a cloister garden, and a flock of geese that live in it.
Beach
Barceloneta Beach
Barcelona, Spain
The city's main beach, a short walk from the old town, lined with seafood restaurants.
Historic site · UNESCO
Hospital de Sant Pau
Barcelona, Spain
A Modernista hospital complex of tiled pavilions and gardens, now a cultural site.
Neighbourhood
La Rambla
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona's famous tree-lined pedestrian boulevard from Plaça de Catalunya to the port.
Park
Montjuic
Barcelona, Spain
A hill above the port, with gardens, museums, a castle and views over the city.
Museum
Picasso Museum Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Housed in medieval palaces, a collection that shows the young Picasso's early development.
Theme park
Tibidabo
Barcelona, Spain
A hilltop church and old-fashioned amusement park with sweeping views over Barcelona.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.