Barcelona
Spain
Backpacking Barcelona
Information on Barcelona, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Barcelona is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-class drinking and dining scene. Barcelona's architectural treasures span 2000-plus years. Towering temple columns, ancient city walls and subterranean stone corridors provide a window into the Roman-era. Fast forward a thousand years or so to the Middle Ages by taking a stroll through the shadowy lanes of the Gothic quarter, past tranquil plazas and soaring 14th-century cathedrals. In other parts of town visit the sculptural masterpieces of ingenious and whimsical creations by Gaudí and his Catalan architectural contemporaries. Barcelona has also long inspired artists, including Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, both of whom have major Barcelona museums devoted to their works. The food is legendary, simple, flavorful ingredients including seafood, cured ham, market-fresh produce – are transformed into remarkable delicacies and then served in captivating settings. Feast on hearty, rich paella at an outdoor table overlooking the sea or hit up tapas bars, seafood taverns and Japanese restaurants that are all essential parts of the culinary landscape. Being located right on the Mediterranean makes Barcelona one of the most visited cities in the world. Sun-drenched beaches make a fine backdrop to a jog, bike ride or long leisurely stroll along the seaside – followed by a refreshing dip. After a day on the beach the night holds limitless possibilities in Barcelona. Start with sunset drinks on a panoramic terrace or dig your heels in the sand at a rustic beachside snack bar. As darkness falls, live music transforms the city and towards midnight the bars fill. Take your pick from old-school taverns adorned plush lounges in lamp-lit medieval chambers or lively cava bars. If you're still standing at 3am, hit the clubs and explore Barcelona's wild side.
Must See
Sagrada Familia - La Sagrada Familia Cathedral is one of Barcelona’s main attractions. It is still a work in progress more than 90 years after the death of its architect and visionary, Antoni Gaudí. Expected to be completed by 2030, The Sagrada Familia is really impressive with its extraordinary architecture and is unlike any church you’ve seen.
Park Güell - Park Güell is one of Barcelona’s most famous attractions and like so many attractions in the city it is designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. In this park you can admire the colorful art and architecture as you roam the green space.
Castell de Montjuïc - Montjuïc is the local mountain in Barcelona. At the top is the Castell de Montjuïc and from this former fortress there is a great view of Barcelona and the sea.
Casa Battló - Casa Batlló is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an icon in Barcelona, a must see for those who want to discover Gaudí's work and modernism at its finest. It has many organic and skeletal qualities – Casa Batlló also carries the name Casa dels Ossos (House of Bones) amongst the locals.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera) - La Pedrera is unique, as there are no right angles in the building. From the inside, you can walk through the different floors and admire the art and architecture. Especially worth seeing here is the great roof terrace, from which you have a beautiful view over Barcelona.
Must Do
Walk La Rambla - This is one of the most famous streets in the world and one of the main attractions in Barcelona. This long promenade leads from the harbor into the city and is full of shops and restaurants. The Rambla street is almost always packed with people and a stroll through is part of every backpacking Barcelona trip.
Check out Mercat de la Boqueria - This huge food market is right on the Rambla and is another attraction for your Barcelona backpacking itinerary. In this market you will find countless food stalls, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, and bars to drink at.
Explore Barri Gòtic (Gothic quarter) - The gothic quarter is located in Barcelona’s old town and is definitely worth a visit. You can stroll through the narrow and historic streets and admire countless churches, cathedrals and monuments. Here it feels like you’re in the Middle Ages. Worth seeing is the great Cathedral of Barcelona.
Hang at Barceloneta Beach - Barceloneta beach is Barcelona’s most bustling and touristy stretch of sand and sea. This inevitably makes it one of the most crowded beaches in Barcelona, but it compensates for this with its surplus of entertainment and seafood eateries. A popular place to feast on some fresh seafood, even for locals, are a range of different chiringuitos, or seaside huts.
Nightlife
Barcelona’s nightlife is world class. Even on weeknights, the restaurants don’t fill up until after 9 pm, so people don’t start hitting the bars until late night — and the dance clubs are still going strong once the sun has come up. But the city’s nightlight isn’t just about clubs — there are tons of bars and restaurants that cater to just about anything you’re into. The best neighborhoods for Barcelona nightlife include el Born (just outside the Gothic area), Sant Antoni, el Raval, and Gracia. Barceloneta is home to the famous beach clubs. Heading out around midnight is usually a good time to start at the bars.
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