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It’s already common knowledge that Barcelona is number four among the most visited cities in Europe. And that more than 30 million tourists come here every year, while the local population is only about 1,6 million people.
In fact, there are quite a few factors that explain the huge pull of the Catalan capital. In addition to combining sea and mountain landscapes on its 99 km2 — the municipality can boast of the natural park of Sierra de Collserola and about 5 km of Mediterranean beaches spread along ten bathing areas. On top of that, Barcelona is famous for its inexhaustible fantastic monumental, cultural, gastronomic and its leisure offers.
To help you see and live all those great experiences discover Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia, our hotel in the centre of Barcelona. It is located in one of the hot spots of the city — the confluence of Passeig de Gràcia with Catalunya Square. This is an ideal place to start discovering the heart of Barcelona on foot, or to travel by public transport (train, metro, bus or coach) to nearby towns of great interest. Here come some tips for visiting Barcelona – where to stay, what to buy, places to visit and things to do.
Things to do in Barcelona
During a little more than 2.000 years of its history, Barcelona has accumulated an unparalleled architectural heritage. Its Roman vestiges, an urban layout that can be seen in the subsoil at Plaza del Rei, the columns of the temple of Augustus or the necropolis at Vila de Madrid Square, and other magnificent medieval buildings. Among others, it is possible to visit Sant Pau del Camp in Romanesque style, or three Gothic buildings of undeniable beauty: the cathedral, the church of Santa Maria del Pi and, above all, the imposing Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, one of the masterpieces of Catalan Gothic style and the principal location in the successful novel The Cathedral of the Sea (La catedral del mar).
However, it is its modernist style that is a must see in Barcelona and makes the city unique. Some of its streets still expose the talents of the famous architects such as Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the architect of the old hospital of Sant Pau and the Palau de la Música Catalana; Josep Puig y Cadafalch and, above all, the unforgettable Antoni Gaudí, who brought to life such masterpieces as Sagrada Família, Casa Vicens, Park Güell, Palau Güell, each of them declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Likewise, he constructed two more showpieces in Passeig de Gràcia which are permanently open to the public: Casa Batlló, located next to Casa Amatller de Puig y Cadafalch, and Casa Milà, popularly known as La Pedrera.
Other places that you can’t miss in Barcelona are attractions as the old Jewish quarter (Call), where the evocative Sant Felip Neri Square is located; the El Born neighbourhood, one of the most fashionable areas with ruins of the eighteenth-century city and a wide range of bars and restaurants; the streets of L'Eixample, the picturesque Ramblas, the seaside neighbourhood La Barceloneta, the top of Tibidabo hosting an amusement park, and the mountain area of Montjuïc with its impressive Magic Fountains, the fairgrounds, the Olympic ring and the castle that offers extraordinary views over the city.
As for the numerous museums in Barcelona, it is worth mentioning the Joan Miró Foundation, the Picasso Museum, with juvenile oil paintings of the famous artist from Malaga and the Las Meninas series, or the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), which brings together the most important collection of Romanesque paintings in the world.
Finally, we should mention the busy calendar of festivities and events in Barcelona, which includes music festivals such as Primavera Sound or Sònar, the Fiestas de Gràcia and Sants, the Fiestas de la Mercè dedicated to the patron saint of the city, or the Mobile World Congress, the world's leading mobile telephony event.
Are you looking for more ideas? In that case all you should do is to ask the staff of our hotel in Barcelona. We will be more than happy to help you organize your trip to Barcelona.
Places to eat in Barcelona
Although the city of Barcelona is short of arable land and livestock farms, the metropolis is abundant with food and ingredients of excellent quality, such as the chicken or the artichoke of El Prat de Llobregat and the well-known Maresme strawberries. These and other food products make the basis of the renowned Catalan gastronomy, inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine. In brief, the exquisite cuisine will surround you everywhere, so there will be no doubts as to where to eat in Barcelona.
Among the most typical dishes in Catalan cuisine it is recommended to start with Rossini cannelloni elaborated with foie, that have been present in Catalan cookbooks since the 19th century; la escudella y la carn d’olla – a time-honoured traditional dish cooked for Christmas, or the cod-based stews with specialties such as esqueixada or el bacalao en sanfaina.
And for dessert, there is nothing better than the delicious crema catalana (Catalan cream, also known as cream of Sant Josep) or mató de Pedralbes, made of fresh soft cheese most likely coming from the homonymous monastery, located in uptown Barcelona. Likewise, this city also stands out for its confectionery, that includes the tortell de Reis (also called roscón de Reyes), panellets (small marzipans that are savoured on the day of All Saints accompanied with Moscatel) or crispy coca de Montserrat, that presumably originated on the homonymous mountain in the province of Barcelona.
If you are looking for best restaurants in Barcelona with the aim to partake the best of genuine Catalan cuisine, make a reservation in the hotel restaurant. It is located on the first floor of our hotel, which allows you to enjoy splendid views over the city centre and, of course, to plunge into the paradise of sensations. But if you feel like chilling out in an even more relaxed atmosphere, go have a drink in the bar at our hotel terrace with pool ... or in one of our comfortable rooms with a balcony.
If you are looking for hotels in Barcelona, the Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia will be the right choice as this central four-star hotel that doesn’t lack a thing. Make your reservation, and get ready to have the Mediterranean holiday of your dreams.
Shopping in Barcelona: what to buy and where?
Barcelona is amongst Europe's top cities for fashion. You can find most of the mainstream stores near Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia (Paseo de Gracia) or Avinguda Diagonal. The Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia is located within walking distance to the most popular shopping districts in Barcelona.
There are also a lot of smaller local boutiques located in the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) where you can go shopping while walking and enjoying the historic city centre of Barcelona.
The Boqueria Market situated next to La Rambla is one of the most famous places in Barcelona with it's fantastic displays of fruit, vegetables, meats and seafood.
What else should you see on your trip to Barcelona?
Aside from these well-known places, there are some more local shops that you could visit to find a suitable and authentic souvenir:
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Panots. The panot, an emblematic concrete tile with a floral pattern that covers a lot of streets in Barcelona, gave birth to numerous gifts. From reproductions to scale, earrings, pendants, rings, handbags and other accessories, these tiles have become very famous. You will find them in many stores in Gaudi Avenue and Ferran street. What is more, the chocolate master Enric Rovira created his own replica in the shape of a chocolate bar, which can be bought in the famous chocolate shops in Petritxol street.
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Chocolate. Since we are talking about sweet carvings, let’s not forget that this speciality has been present in Catalan confectionery for centuries. The proof is the metallic boxes of Chocolates Amatller, available in many patisseries and on the ground-floor of the homonymous building, located in Passeig de Gràcia. The same could be said about Jolonch chocolate bars, produced since 1770 in Agramunt, a small town nearby Lleida, or about the irresistible catànies, sold in many confectioneries.
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Handmade biscuits. Although both come from the province of Girona, Trias y Birba biscuits with the history of more than a century and all-natural ingredients, will be a fantastic souvenir for those who have a sweet tooth. Available in bakeries and gift shops.
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Montserrat Cocas. The famous recipe from the famous Barcelona mountain, sharing the same name. You can buy them from many kiosks in Las Ramblas.
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Pochards. A glass container that does not go out of fashion, and that is perfect for good wine-tasting. Can be bought at kitchenware stores.
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Espardeñas. This comfortable esparto shoe that is one of the icons of traditional Catalan clothing and the typical red beret can be found in many specialized shops in the Gothic quarter, especially in Ferran street and nearby.
- Custo or clothes by Desigual. An excellent choice for those who want to renew their closet with garments and accessories designed in Barcelona.
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Tous accessories. The successful brand of jewelry, fashion and leather goods has its headquarters in the city of Manresa in Barcelona and offers a myriad of alternatives. On top of that, it has several shops in the Catalan capital.
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FC Barcelona or RCD Espanyol merchandising. Any hat or t-shirt available in official stores and gift shops will delight most football lovers. The most famous shop is located near Plaza de Catalunya.
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Rajoles d'oficis. These ceramic tiles from the 17th century and representing ancient crafts are an integral part of the typical decoration of Catalan second residences. You can buy them at handicraft shops and at various stalls in Ferran street.
- Modernist ceramics. The decorative objects inspired by this artistic movement are the flagship of Barcelona and can be seen everywhere. They can be spotted on countless cups, vases and sculptures and are most likely sold at any souvenir shop. Of course, you may also buy special theme posters. For example, posters of the period known as El tandem, by Ramon Casas. For these purposes, the best place to go are gift shops of the leading art museums.
All the beaches of Barcelona
With almost 5 km of Mediterranean coast, Barcelona brings together some of the best urban beaches in southern Europe. What is more, many of them regularly are awarded with the Blue Flag, in recognition of the quality of water, informational and environmental policies, as well as other services and facilities.
In total, Barcelona´s city offers 10 beaches & bathing areas which are described in the following (from north to south).
The beaches of Barcelona
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Bathing area of the Fòrum. The precinct that once hosted the Forum of Cultures in 2004 today is the only beach without sand. In fact, this space is surrounded and protected by cement slabs, which makes it feel like a large shallow pool with saltwater.
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Llevant. This newest beach line of Barcelona is based right next to the Diagonal Mar, which explains the low number of surrounding facilities. However, it is also the place that is least visited by tourists, which makes it a very suitable option for those who value tranquillity. A large field serves as a parking lot for those who arrive to this area by car.
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Nova Mar Bella. This is the favourite beach for youngsters and women (6 out of 10 visitors are females). It is also the most suitable place for people with disabilities, since there is a wooden walkway to access the sea, as well as a crane and volunteers who help those with reduced mobility.
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Mar Bella. Although this beach has been documented as early as in the beginning of the 20th century, its rise as a bathing area coincided with the Olympic Games of 1992. It offers a nudist area, a playground as well as an original slide.
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Bogatell. The place owes its name to a torrent that ran down to the sea from the neighborhood of Vilapicina, in the district of Nou Barris. As in the previous case, the beach was put into shape for the Olympics. The average age of its visitors is around 40 and 30% of them are foreigners.
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Nova Icària. 415 m in length and very quiet; this is one more beach that emerged in the Olympic times of Barcelona. It is located near the Port Olímpic and quipped with many leisure facilities, its name pays tribute to the name picked by the architect Ildefons Cerdà to baptize the old road leading to the nearby cemetery of Poblenou.
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Somorrostro. Its name is linked to the old shanty village in which the great dancer Carmen Amaya was born and raised. It has an information point, lockers, adaptable showers and toilets, a playground for children and several beach volleyball fields, as well as an open-air library, bicycle parking, beach bars, restaurants and free Wi-Fi.
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Barceloneta. Located next to the city's seaside district, it is the most famous beach in Barcelona. 578 m long and 89 m wide, it has an open-air library, lockers, showers, toilets and rental services for bikes, parasols and sunbeds. In the vicinity, you will find the best seafood in Barcelona. On the other hand, it is very easy to get there by public transport, either by metro or by bus, and to drop into local restaurants and bars.
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Sant Miquel. Situated next to the Plaza Del Mar, it is one of the busiest beaches in Barcelona, as well as one of the oldest ones. There are lifeguards, information point, adapted showers and toilets, hammocks, beach bars and restaurants, sports facilities, adapted parking, bike parking and Wi-Fi.
- Sant Sebastià. It is certainly one of the oldest beaches of the city, and at the beginning of the 20th century the first bath houses in Barcelona were installed here. It is equipped with many other amenities and is located within walking distance to the Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta and the Club Natación Barcelona.
Street festivals and events in Barcelona
Strongly linked to the Mediterranean culture, Barcelona is an ideal place to enjoy old traditions and celebrations, where one will see impressive giants and correfocs during breath-taking marches in the streets while fireworks and bonfires become the centre of attention.
Although most of Barcelona street festivals are celebrated in summer, the rich cultural heritage of Barcelona may be easily discovered anytime.
The most important street festivals in Barcelona
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Sitges Carnival. The beautiful seaside town of Sitges that is located in the province of Barcelona just 40 km from the city hosts a famous carnival of Catalonia which is among the most prestigious ones on the international level. Every year the dates are different, depending on the beginning of the Holy Week.
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Cavalcade of Sant Medir. Every 3rd of March, a cavalcade runs through the streets of the neighbourhood of Gràcia, showering its attendants with candies.
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Sant Jordi. Although April the 23rd is a working day, this Day of the Book and Roses is one of the most beloved holidays celebrated by the inhabitants of Barcelona. The streets of the city center host numerous bookstalls and stands with roses, while the most successful writers sign their own copies in the main bookstores of the city. Also, this day reminds us of the legend of Sant Jordi or St. George, the patron of Catalonia.
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L’Ou com Balla. During the weekend that is closest to Corpus Christi, some of the loveliest public courtyards of the old town are decorated with flowers. The most impressive about this holiday is the habit of placing an egg on top of different spouts, which gives name to this celebration. These festivities have a long history that started in the 17th century.
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Patum of Berga. Located 108 km away from the city, this provincial area of Barcelona gave birth to Patum celebrations in the 14th century. Nowadays the festivities are accompanied by parades and fireworks (correfocs) and were declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005. Its celebration coincides with Corpus Christi.
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Revetlla de Sant Joan. On the night of June the 23rd, the shortest night of the year, the streets and squares of Barcelona get full of bonfires, music and popular festivals. On this date fruit or pine nuts coca is a must for any dinner.
- Festivities of Gràcia (Fiestas de Gràcia). In the second half of August the streets of this neighborhood in the city of Barcelona, which has been an independent municipality until 1897, is beautifully decorated by the locals. The same thing happens during the festivities of Sants (fiestas de Sants), which begin a week later.
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Celebrations of Mercè. The celebrations of Barcelona´s patron saint take place some days before the 24th of September and include open days in some municipal museums, free outdoor concerts and the construction of human towers called castelleres, as well as marching giants, music and fireworks that crown the celebrations.
- The night of All Saints. On the night of October the 31st, it is common to buy chestnuts in stalls run by castanyeres and eat them together with the whole family, along with panellets (marzipans) and a bottle of muscatel for the adults.
Curious facts about Barcelona
Although the brand Barcelona is known all over the world, its streets and avenues always hide legends, tales and secrets that are unknown even to most of the locals. Discovering these unusual and sometimes funny facts about Barcelona contributes to the ever-growing undeniable magnetism of this Mediterranean city.
Barcelona history, legends and places to visit in Barcelona
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The first Barcelonans were probably not Romans. Although the foundation of the Roman colony of Barcino is dated approximately to the year 15 B.C., the truth is that the city of Barcelona had been inhabited long time before that. In fact, in Reina Amalia street that crosses the Raval neighbourhood, bone remains from two individuals who lived 5.500 years ago were recovered.
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One of the oldest synagogues in Europe. At 5 Marlet street one of the five synagogues that are open in the old Jewish quarter of Barcelona is located. Despite the documents mentioning the 13th century as the date of its foundation, some excavations indicate that its origin may be dated from the 3rd century AD.
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Catalan: the mother tongue of Columbus? This is what Estelle Irizarry, an emeritus professor at Georgetown University, says after studying the correspondence of the admiral. Of what there is no doubt is that the marine, to whom a monument in the port of Barcelona is dedicated, was received by the Catholic Monarchs on his return from his first trip to America in the monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra in Badalona, one of the nearby towns of Barcelona.
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Barcelona and Miguel de Cervantes. The fascination felt by the famous writer for the city of Barcelona is beyond any doubt. Not only has he visited the city at least once, but also Barcelona is the only city mentioned in his most renowned masterpiece – Don Quixote. To flatter this place the well-known nobleman describes it as: “The treasure-house of courtesy, the shelter of foreigners, the hospital of the poor, the country of the brave, the vengeance of the offended and the source of firm friendships, a place of incomparable and unique beauty; and though the events that have happened to me here are not of great pleasure, but of great sorrow, I stand tall only because I have been here.”
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Distant fifth gallows (quinta horca). Instead of referring to a faraway distance as being miles away, the locals say that something is as distant as the fifth gallows (quinta forca in Catalan). This expression has its origin in the remote location of one of the five crosses that were constructed in the city in time immemorial. One of them was on the hill of Finestrells, in the Trinitat Vella neighbourhood. Today, a boundary cross has been erected to mark that very place.
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Pioneer of the 8-hour workday. This initiative of trade unions has resulted in a strike that was started in 1919 by employees of the electrical industry known as La Canadiense in the Poble-Sec neighbourhood, and made Spain the first country in the world to apply this measure.
- Underground city. Barcelona has some 1.400 air raid shelters, built by the locals during the Civil War to protect themselves from aerial bombardments of Italian aviation. Two of them can be visited: one, that is in Diamant square, Gràcia neighbourhood, and the refuge 307, in Poble-sec. In addition, from the preserved part of the anti-aircraft battery in Turó de la Rovira you can enjoy the magnificent skyline of Barcelona.
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