Location: Barcelona
Top Things to do in Barcelona
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Things to do in Barcelona, Catalonia: The Best Architectural Buildings
Barcelona feels a bit surreal – appropriate, since Salvador Dali spent time here and Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed several of the city’s buildings. Stepping into Gaudí’s Church of the Sacred Family is a bit like falling through the looking glass - a journey that you can continue with a visit to Park Güell. Sip sangria at a sidewalk café in Las Ramblas while watching flamboyant street performers, then create your own moveable feast by floating from tapas bar to tapas bar.
Restaurants in Barcelona
1. Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163,734 reviews
The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is a monumental church devoted to the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Construction began in 1882, based on plans drawn up by the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, and Antoni Gaudi was commissioned to continue the project in 1883. The Temple has always been an expiatory church, built only from donations. As Gaudi said: "The Expiatory Church of the Sagrada Familia is made by the people and is mirrored in them. It is a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people." In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the site as a minor basilica
Reviewed By Lifetoexplore59 - Denmead, United Kingdom
What a fantastic beautiful interesting work of art, I was in awe of the many many details, the amazing colours coming through from the stained glass windows just takes your breath away, a must absolutely visit.
2. Casa Mila - La Pedrera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,282 reviews
Casa Mila, popularly known as La Pedrera, is a most unusual building, constructed between 1906 and 1912 by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) and declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1984. Today it is the headquarters of Fundacio Catalunya La Pedrera and houses a cultural centre that is a reference point in Barcelona for the range of activities it organises and the different spaces for exhibitions and other public uses it contains. A visit to La Pedrera, landmark building and container, gives us a better understanding and appreciation of architecture and transports us to the period when Antoni Gaudi lived.
Reviewed By P9757ZGdavidn
We were amazed by the apartment building for the Mila family...and wandered in awe around the roof, attic, apartment, and courtyards of one of Gaudi's great accomplishments. We were mesmerized by his vision, his highlighting of natural elements and his keen craftmanship. What an extraordinary architect and builder!
3. Palace of Catalan Music
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,470 reviews
The Palau, an icon of modernist architecture in downtown Barcelona The Palau de la Música Catalana is one of the most representative monuments of the city and It is one of the most recommended tourist attractions of Barcelona. Built between 1905 and 1908 by the great architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner, the Palau de la Música Catalana is an architectural jewel of Catalonia and essential part of any visit to the city, as any of the most fascinating Gaudi buildings. This historical building, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, offers an experience so magical that visitors fall in love with it. From the hand of experienced guides, the wonders of this architectural pearl discovered and visitors into a fantasy world full of details and references to the characteristic nature of modernist architecture. An essential visit in the list of top 10 things to see in Barcelona.
Reviewed By camm3653 - Toronto, Canada
My husband and I are so glad that we took the official guided tour of this hidden gem designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner. Tucked away amongst the narrow streets of La Ribera, it was quite a treat to come across the Palau de la Musica Catalana for the first time and see its facade of beautifully detailed sculptures and intricate mosaics. Once we went inside and saw the interior, especially the concert hall itself, we were even more impressed. Our guide did a masterful job of providing the history and explaining the details of the building including, the ironwork, mosaics, stunning stained glass windows and skylight, and the ornate sculptures. As part of the tour, we had the opportunity to sit back and listen to the organist play. Not only was the concert hall gorgeous, the acoustics were amazing too. Our only regret was not being able to see a performance at the concert hall during our stay in Barcelona. We highly recommend booking this one hour guided tour. It must be booked on the official website in advance as spots are limited and it often sells out. If you book 21 days in advance, there is a small saving of 4 euros per ticket off of the standard rate of 20 euros.
4. Casa Batllo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57,149 reviews
Stunning outside, unimaginable inside!
Reviewed By mcchk - Hammamet, Tunisia
Amazing house and architecture Gaudi put all his knowledge and ingenuity in every single component of the house A very nice experience in the Gaudi's world Casa Batllo is a must see place to discover a new world
5. Casa Amatller
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 967 reviews
The Casa Amatller is the most complete work of Catalan modernism. Built by the architect Puig and Cadafalch in 1898, it is located in the called Manzana de la Discordia, next to the famous Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí. The façade has been admired since its beginnings, although its true treasure is in the interior, thanks to the original conservation with all its furniture and decoration. Casa Amatller offers daily visits in 4 languages and its opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm. Also, it offers commented visits, at 11 am 12am and 17 pd. A unique opportunity to discover the true history of Barcelona at the beginning of the century!
Reviewed By Mairwen1
Casa Ametller is one of the famous buildings that make up the “Block of Discord” on Passeig Gracia, so-called because of the visual clash between the Modernist buildings that almost seem to be trying to outdo each other. Casa Amatller not the most famous of the houses. The Gaudi buildings, Casa Mila and Casa Battlo steal the limelight. However it is right next door to Gaudi’s Casa Battlo so it’s very easy to see both at the same time and then head a couple of minutes up the road to Casa Mila. We didn't go inside any of the houses but you can see them very clearly from the street (there’s no walls or buildings blocking your view). The Casa Amatller façade is very detailed and the more you look, the more you see. Josep Puig I Cadafalch designed the house between 1898 and 1900 for the wealthy chocolate baron Antoni Amatller, whose family had chocolate factories in Spain, France and Switzerland and had been making chocolates for three generations. Sort of like Spanish Willy Wonkas. HIGHLIGHTS: 1. FREE PEEK INSIDE: You can walk through into the foyer for free. You don't see much but there are decoratively tiled walls, a marble staircase up to the main floor and a large stained glass skylight above that. 2. CHOCOLATE: If you go through the main door and keep heading out towards the back, you’ll find youself in the former kitchen of the house. Nowadays it is called Faborit, and is a café and shop, selling Amatller chocolates in pretty art nouveau boxes (handy souvenirs). We stopped to have a hot chocolate from the chocolate fountain 3. FACADE: the façade is very pretty and, in a weird way, the whole thing reminded me of a chocolate box. There’s a lot to notice on the front of the house. The peachy/white patterned surface comes from the traditional sgraffito technique. There are black wrought iron railings with floral motifs, small detailed stained glass panels above the main windows and stone figures which give it a Gothic feel to it also. 4. ‘A’ SYMBOL: The family name, Amatller is stamped on the façade in several subtle (and not so subtle) ways. Look closely and you’ll notice that the large balcony is an ‘A’. ‘Amatller’ is Catalan for almond, hence the almond tree and almond tree flower sculptures 5. ST GEORGE: St George (patron saint of Catalania) makes an appearance but you have to hunt a bit to spot him. Look for the sign ‘Casa Museu Amatller’ above the doorway and he’s on the left, ready to plunge his sword right down the dragon’s throat at any minute. 6. GARGOYLES: there are a whole bunch of strange, stone gargoyle-like creatures that are semi-hidden at the sides of the larger windows (just above the green shutters). They are easily overlooked and I only spotted them at the last minute. 5. GABLED ROOF: The stepped gable-style roof is probably the most immediately striking feature and has a Germanic feel. It makes the house look not unlike a Flemish guildhall. You can see this best by looking at the house from across the road. You can do a tour of the 1st floor. We didn’t but the express tour includes a hot chocolate afterwards for €12 which seems like very good value.
6. Casa Lleo i Morera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 870 reviews
Casa Lleo i Morera is one of the most spectacular modernist buildings in Barcelona. Built between 1902 and 1906, is a masterpiece by the great modernist architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner, author of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barcelona such as Hospital de Sant Pau and Palau de la Musica Catalana.
Reviewed By Luciafernandez62
Casa Lleo I Morera is one of the many stunning buildings located at Passeig de Gracia. Casa Lleó Morera is the work of Lluís Domènech I Montaner, and it has a long and interesting history. Lluís remodeled Casa Rocamora, an older structure, following the instructions of Francesca Morera. Francesca belonged to a rich family of merchants, and she had inherited Casa Rocamora from her uncle. Unfortunately, she died before the works were completed, and her son, Albert Lleó I Morera became the owner of the building. The building is spectacular inside and outside. The facade is amazing, and you can easily recognize Casa Lleo I Morera when you see the tempietto on top of the roof, or the profusely ornamented balcony with its round shape. The building is decorated with many mulberry flowers (Morera means mulberry tree). Loewe, a Spanish luxury fashion store, is currently located in the ground level of the building. Although years ago the appearance of this ground floor had been altered, recent efforts have vastly restored the original characteristics of the building, and it now looks amazing.
7. Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,776 reviews
The Gothic Church, built in the 14th century, is located in the quarter of La Ribera.
Reviewed By 523travelbug - Melbourne, Australia
Grand old church with opera buskers very fitting indeed, The church has a wonderful history and very beautiful piece of architecture dating back to 1700;s
8. L'Eixample District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 747 reviews
Barcelona's 19th-century historic district where visitors find works by famous architects such as Gaudí and Ildefons Cerdà.
Reviewed By 51danielled57 - Melbourne, Australia
This area is full of beauty and architecture, as well as high-end shops. I prefer the first, the buidlings, not the shops! Every building has elaborate architecture, and even the lamp posts have been made to look incredible. Take your time to look around by walking, and looking up to see buidling details that give this area it's grandeur. You will find some of Gaudi's work here too. And if you have cash to spare, the Passeig de Gracia high-end stores will take care of that
9. CaixaForum Barcelona
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 710 reviews
Reviewed By 82manuelal - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
A very nice sit touristique, present interesting exibitions, nice architecture, there is an entrance to pay; you will find a library with interesting books and a little restaurant.
10. Palau Guell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,723 reviews
This palace was the home of industrialist Eusebi Guell and was Antonio Gaudi's first major building in the city..
Reviewed By Journey814115 - Charlotte, United States
This wonderful facility, just off the Rambla, provides a fascinating view of the early Gaudi (and the generosity of the Guell family.
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