My Top 5 Must See in BCN

heartbcn
Jul 19, 2016
2 min read

Barcelona is a city with many faces. There is something to please everyone be it history, art, culture, architecture or simply just soaking up the atmosphere. There is so much to see and do and the city is always changing and evolving – it’s difficult to keep up sometimes. Although I had visited many times before we moved here and even since moving here, I still haven’t seen everything this wonderful "Mediterranean Oasis" has to offer.

My fascination with Barcelona began in school where I studied a lot of the architecture and I have written this article based on my favourite things to visit in the city. These are the things I would suggest to family and friends to see as they are the things that define the city for me, places I never get fed up of seeing. So here is “My Top 5 Must See Places in BCN”

1. Sagrada Familia

Undeniably Gaudi’s most famous work and the top attraction to visit when in Barcelona. Started in 1882 this stunning masterpiece is still not finished which in my opinion, is part of the attraction to it. The projected completion is 2026 and this is a structure that must not be missed. Whilst the outside facades are probably the most famous thing about the basilica, don’t make the mistake of overlooking the inside and the museum underneath. Book your tickets online to skip the queue.

2. El Gotico – The Gothic Quarter

My favourite part of Barcelona to just “wander around in”. The Gothic Quarter is historic and atmospheric and I never tire of it. You will find stunning old buildings here and some Roman parts of the city are still preserved. The streets and alleys can make you feel lost but you will always happen upon many hidden little “placas” where you can grab some tapas and glass of cava! Yum!

3. Santa Maria del Mar

Part of La Ribera neighbourhood this 14th century church is my favourite. Whilst there are many beautiful churches in Barcelona, there is something about this one that always draws me in. With it’s understated elegance and “stillness” is hard to not be enchanted by it. You can also visit the roof for alternative views of the Old Town.

4. Casa Batlló

My favourite of Gaudi’s masterpieces represents the story of "Sant Jordi". The tiled roof symbolises the scaly Dragon and the balconies the skulls and bones of the Dragon’s victims. The genius behind these walls has to be seen to be believed. Book online to avoid the queues of this popular attraction.

5. Hospital Sant Pau Recinte Modernista

An underrated gem in my opinion. Still a functioning hospital and recently restored it was built by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, another of Catalonia’s great architects and his son. It has 8 pavilions linked by underground tunnels and each pavilion is different in that it recalls the history of Catalonia with murals. This is not far from The Sagrada Familia so makes for a great day out.