Architecture, culture, laid-back nightlife… and
football? Make the most of your holiday overseas with our
guide to the top 5 things to do in Barcelona
. We’ll help you enjoy the best the world has to
offer.
1. Park Guell
This really is a park like no other. Designed by famous
Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi, Park Guell is stunning at
every turn, with intricately tiled walkways and dragon
sculptures, strange but soothing angles and gently swaying
palms. And its great location gives panoramic views of
Barcelona’s impressive skyline.
2. Sagrada Familia
Also designed by Gaudi – who devoted the last 15 years
of his life to the project – is the magnificent
Sagrada Familia cathedral. Construction of this still
unfinished architectural masterpiece began in 1882, and is
expected to be complete in 2026 – marking 100 years
since Gaudi passed away.
3. The Nou Camp
FC Barcelona’s home ground has a 98,772 capacity,
making it the largest football stadium in Europe – and
one of the most impressive. The atmosphere inside the Nou
Camp is electric when FC Barcelona plays a big home game.
Even if you’re not a keen follower of football,
it’s a great experience.
4. The Fountains of Montjuic
Designed by engineer Carles Buígas, this remarkable
water display, just off the Placa Espanya, first took place
in May 1929 as part of the World Fair, and has been a
tourist magnet ever since. It was built in just one year,
involving over 3,000 people working round the clock to
complete it in time. The original technology is still used
to create a kaleidoscope of colours throughout the displays.
5. La Rambla
To soak up the evening atmosphere of this great European
centre of culture, you simply have to take a leisurely
stroll up and down La Rambla, Barcelona’s main
pedestrian street. A wide avenue, lined with cafés,
bars and restaurants, street art, musicians and stalls, La
Rambla has a thriving yet laid-back atmosphere that slowly
comes to life as the sun goes down.
