Spain’s second largest city is a treasure chest of sights and senses. Located on the northeastern Mediterranean coast, Barcelona’s rich history, delicious cuisine, vibrant art scene, and beautiful beaches are the perfect mix for any traveler to revel in. If you’re looking to explore the city for weeks or months, there are many things to do – but this short guide will give you a great itinerary for the ultimate day in Barcelona.
Start the day off on the right foot
After waking up at your hotel in Barcelona, start the day be exploring the city by foot. Meandering through the city’s vibrant neighborhood is a great way to get a feel for the city and get ready for the day ahead. Some of the most impressive places for taking a stroll are Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc de Joan Miró, and the Montjuïc castle. Other great areas include Horta, Sant Andreu district, and anywhere you can admire the modernista architecture. Some excellent and famous examples of such architecture include Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and practically anything created by Antoni Gaudí.
Next, take a break and enjoy some of the delicious culinary treats the city has to offer. One popular option is Pintxos, which are basically tapas served atop a piece of bread. Some examples include Chicken tempura, melted provolone with mango and ham, brochette, and various types of empanadillas. One of the top places to feast away on Pintxos is Euskal Etxea but there are many other places as well. Wash it all down with a glass of local vermouth.
The rest is history
Next, take in some of the city’s history by visiting one if the many museums or historical buildings. One of the best options is the Museu d’Historia de Barcelona, where you can learn about the history and culture under one roof.
After that, hit the streets again with a visit of the lush gardens of Teatre Grec for some natural beauty before stopping by Fundació Joan Miró, one of the largest museums on the planet. This museum houses a collection of over 200 paintings and 150 sculptures for you to browse. You might also walk by local art houses.
Once you’ve had enough art, take a walk through the lower Raval, which has inspired many writers over the years. Although this place was once famous for its drifters, prostitutes, and underground feel, it’s now more frequented by hipsters and is the prominent district for urban culture, music, and outstanding food.
End the night with a bang
By now, you’re likely feeling like you need a drink and with the sun setting and the moon overhead, make your way over to one of the many clubs for the ultimate end to your incredible day. Sala Apolo club is a great option if you’re interested in a themed party while the legendary Razzmatazz boasts five different rooms with different sounds.
As you can see, Barcelona has a lot to offer any type of traveler visiting the city. Whether you decide to conquer this whole itinerary listed above or shave off a fraction of it, you’re bound to have an incredible time. If this sounds like it would make your day too busy, there’s always the Mediterranean Sea, which is a perfect place to relax in the sun or take a dip in the water.
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Photo by Asier García via Trover.com
This article was written as part of the Hipmunk CityLove project. As a paid writer for Hipmunk, I occasionally write about cool cities such as Barcelona, Bangkok, and Seattle.