DK Travel : Barcelona

With warm, crystal-clear waters lapping its sandy shores and mountains nuzzling up to its northern edge, this glittering jewel in the Mediterranean is blessed with desirable geographical genes. From the buoyant, revamped port area to the atmospheric medieval streets of the Barri Gòtic and the beautiful Modernista buildings of the Eixample, Barcelona has it all. A host of treasure-filled museums, architectural wonders, lively beaches and enchanting squares provide the icing on the cake.

Església de Santa Anna

Mere paces from La Rambla is the unexpected tranquillity of this Romanesque church, with a leafy, 15th–century, Gothic cloister.
Església de Santa Maria del Mar

The spacious, breathtaking interior of this 14th–century church, designed by architect Berenguer de Montagut, is the city’s premier example of the austere Catalan Gothic style. The church is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Sea, the patron saint of sailors, and an ancient model ship hangs near one of the statues of the Virgin. Dubbed “the people’s church”, this is the city’s most popular spot for exchanging wedding vows.
Església de Santa Maria del Mar

The elegant church of Santa Maria del Mar (1329–83) is one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic, a style characterized by measured simplicity. A spectacular stained-glass rose window illuminates the lofty interior. See Església de Santa Maria del Mar.
Església de Santa Maria del Pi

This lovely Gothic church with its ornate stained-glass windows graces Plaça del Pi (Charming Churches & Chapels) with its elegant presence.
Espai Barroc

Filling the gorgeous courtyard of the 17th-century Palau Dalmases is this sumptuously-decorated “Baroque Space”. Live opera and classical music are often featured in the evenings, but drinks are pricey.
Espai Ras

Exhibits at this architecture and design gallery and bookstore include architectural models, video installations and graphic design.
Estadi Olímpic

The Olympic Stadium was first built for the 1936 Workers’ Olympics, which were cancelled with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1975: Civil War & Franco). Today, the original Neo-Classical façade is still in place, though the stadium was entirely rebuilt for the 1992 Olympic Games (1992-Present Day: The Olympics & Beyond). It is home to Espanyol football team. See Top 10 Spectator Sports & Events. The Galeria Olímpica holds mementos illustrating the importance of the games for Barcelona.
Exploring the Heights

Morning

Taking the northern route of the Bus Tourístic (Tours & Trips) is the easiest way to negotiate the vast northern area of the city; it also gives discounts on entrance to major sights en route. Start off at Plaça de Catalunya (tickets can be bought on board) and sit on the top deck for a good view of the Modernista magic along Pg de Gràcia. Make the whimsical Parc Güell your first stop and spend the morning ambling around Gaudí’s other-worldly park. Get back on the bus and continue north to the southern end of Av Tibidabo. Walk about 500 m (1600 ft) up Av Tibidabo and stop off for a leisurely lunch in the garden of the palatial El Asador d’Aranda see Restaurants & Tapas Bars.

Afternoon

After you’ve had your fill of fine Castilian cuisine, continue strolling up Av Tibidabo to Plaça Doctor Andreu where you can hop on the steep funicular train to go higher still to Plaça de Tibidabo. Pop into the Parc d’Atraccions (Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo) for a ride on the dod-gems or the Ferris wheel. Then head to the landmark Torre de Collserola (Torre de Collserola), where a glass elevator whisks you up to an observation deck for spectacular views. Return to Plaça Doctor Andreu on the funicular and treat yourself to a granissat (Top 10 Café Drinks) in one of the terrace bars. Then go down Av Tibidabo on the charming Tramvia Blau and catch the Bus Tourístic back to the city centre.
Exploring the Port

Morning

Begin your port passeig (stroll) with a visit to the Museu Marítim (Museu Marítim), where you can see Barcelona’s status as one of the most active ports in the Mediterranean. From here, head towards the Monument a Colom (La Rambla), and stroll the Moll de la Fusta to admire the Pailebot Santa Eulàlia, which has been immaculately restored by the museum. Saunter down the Rambla de Mar (Rambla de Mar), an undulating wooden drawbridge that leads to the glitzy Maremagnum mega-mall. At the start of the pier, embark on the Orsom Catamaran, where you can grab a drink and snack and soak up the rays and the port skyline, while sprawled out on a net just inches above the water. Back on land, about 90 minutes later, stroll down the Moll d’Espanya and turn towards the traditional fisherman’s quarter of Barceloneta, an atmospheric pocket of narrow streets and timeworn bars. Get a real taste of old-style Barcelona at the boisterous tapas bar, El Vaso de Oro (C/Balboa 6). Wedge yourself in at the bar and savour some tasty seafood morsels.

Afternoon

Revived, head to Pg Joan de Borbó and make for the beach. Douse yourself in the Med, then siesta in the afternoon sun. Pick yourself up with sangria at the beachside Salamanca Chiringuito (at the end of Pg Joan de Borbó), where you can bury your feet in the sand and watch the waves lap on the shore as the sun dips into the horizon.
FC Barcelona Basketball

The team of the city’s second favourite sport play at the Palau Blaugrana.