Travel the world without leaving Barcelona

If you’re spending the summer months in Barcelona, unable to afford a fancy holiday or too busy with work, don’t despair. Don’t while away the hours dreaming of exotic holidays in Bali or the Bahamas. Instead, why not make the most of what Barcelona has to offer? The city is home to some unbelievable areas which will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another city or country entirely. So, if you fancy exploring the world without taking a train or plane, here are some amazing places in Barcelona which are well worth a visit:

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Jardins Mossèn Costa i Llobera

Where? Ctra de. Miramar (Metro stop: Paral·lel)

Photo credit: smartiebirdie via VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-SA

Designed in 1970 to pay homage to majorcan poet Miquel Costa i Llobera, this park is a real hidden gem. Spending the day wondering around its 6 hectares, you will feel as though you’re in a Central American dessert, surrounded by over 800 species of cacti and other tropical plants. This is because of the park’s position on the Southern part of Montjuïc mountain, protected from the north wind and next to the sea, creating a microclimate perfect for the exotic plants to grow. What’s more, you will have some stunning views of the sea, port and coast as you stroll around the park. It’s the perfect place to get away from the city. Be warned, the park does get extremely hot due to the lack of shade, so if you do pay it a visit over the summer, be sure to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Alberg Mare de Déu de Montserrat

Where? Passeig de la Mare de Déu del Coll, 41-51 (Metro stop: Vallcarca)

If you’d love to experience the magic of Marrakesh, how about a weekend getaway at the hostel Mare de Déu de Montserrat? This magnificent building built at the turn of the 20th century has a Moroccan-esque feel about the place. Originally named Casa Josepa Marsans i Peix, the building was designed by architect Juli Mariné for the wealthy Marsans family. The design of the building is based on Moorish Revival with a Modernista touch. The lobby boasts beautiful stained-glass windows and numerous Moorish ornaments. Casa Josepa Marsans i Peix was turned in to a hostel 30 years ago and has been a big hit with tourists and locals ever since. With over 200 rooms for very reasonable prices, plus stunning views of the surrounding area and lots of nature, this hostel is the ideal place for a unique mini-break.

Plaça de Masadas

Photo credit: lapendeja via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-SA

Where? Plaça de Masadas (Metro stop: La Sagrera)

Plaça de Masadas, right at the centre of La Sagrera is one of Barcelona’s most charming squares, similar to one you might find in Andalusia’s beautiful capital Sevilla. It was built during the 19th century and is one the city’s only porticoed squares. The square is not as well known as others such Plaça Reial but it is equally stunning. Lined with glorious plum trees and with a fountain in the centre, there is no better way to spend an afternoon. On the first sunday of every month, there is a lovely market selling old toys and books. Plus, the area itself is lovely, filled with great restaurants and quaint shops, if you are planning on paying Plaça de Masadas a visit.