Barcelona is a big city with so many things to see and do, so how do you decide what the best options are if you only have one day in the Ciudad Condal? While there are enough events. activities, and sights to keep you busy for ages, here are some suggestions for what to see and do during a short period of time in order to discover the best of what Barcelona has to offer its visitors.
Table of Contents
Las Ramblas & the Gothic Quarter
Photo by Colin Busby via VisualHunt
No trip to Barcelona is complete without a stroll down Las Ramblas, so this is a great place to start your day in Barcelona. Take a walk down this popular pedestrian fairway lined with shops and restaurants and filled with street performers and musicians. Stop to have breakfast or a morning snack at the famous La Boqueria market, where your senses will be overwhelmed with sights and smells from the dozens of stalls inside. Let yourself be tempted to try some of the delicious Spanish and Catalan specialties and enjoy the ambiance. Make your way further down Las Ramblas and you will end up at Port Vell, another emblematic site in Barcelona.
Related article: Visiting Barcelona on a tight budget
The port and beach
At the end of Las Ramblas, you will find Port Vell and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Along the port, you can take in views of the sea, browse through the pop-up market stalls, and take a look inside the Maremagnum shopping center if you like. The Maremagnum has tons of restaurants and shops where you can check out the latest fashions in Barcelona. Keep going along the port and eventually, you will find yourself in Barceloneta, the most famous beach area of the city. It doesn’t matter what season it is because you are always guaranteed to enjoy the boardwalk, sunshine, and even a drink at one of the many chiringuitos.
Related article: Things to be aware of when visiting Barcelona
Everything Gaudí
Photo via Pixabay
Gaudí and Barcelona are synonymous, so it comes as no surprise that you need to make time to see the works of this architectural giant. If you only have time to see one Gaudí work, you should head straight on over to the Sagrada Família, the famously unfinished church that has been under continuous construction for decades. If you have more time, sign up for the free Gaudí Walking Tour, which will show you all of the famous Gaudí spaces like Parc Güell, Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló. If you can, get to Parc Güell at sunset and head on up for a special way to end your afternoon.
Food and drink
Of course, no trip to Barcelona is complete unless you try some of the amazing food, wine, and tapas. You could go on a food tour or simply try different restaurants and tapas bars in the city to taste some of the best. Try El Xampanyet to taste typical tapas like patatas bravas and mejillones, washed down by Catalonia’s own version of sparkling wine, cava. Some other great areas to grab a tapa are Carrer Blai or Avinguda Gaudí, where you will find endless bars to eat and drink. ¡Salud!
Looking for an apartment in the city? ShBarcelona can help you find the perfect one.
Leave a Comment