Location: Barcelona
Top Things to do in Barcelona
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Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Barcelona, Catalonia
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. Base Elements Urban Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Since opening its doors in 2003, Base Elements has functioned as a multi-faceted gallery- acting as both a workshop and studio- where space and forum collide.There is no doubt that Barcelona is one of the world’s hubs for Graffiti and Street Art. The walls and buildings of the city have become a canvas for both unknown taggers and globally known urban artists. With the concept of providing a literal and figurative canvas for such independent artists, Robert Burt (California native) and his wife Monica Riu (Barcelona Native) founded Base Elements Urban Art Gallery in 2003 with hopes of creating a space where such street artists could not only showcase their talents, but also be embraced as true artists.
Reviewed By 969alexc - Théoule sur Mer, France
If you love graffiti, pop art and contemporary artists then this place is a must visit. This was our second visit to this gallery in the last four years and it didn’t disappoint. The owner was so kind to spend time showing us the incredible collections by talented local artists and we even met a couple during our last visit. We talked art, architecture and politics all surrounding the gallery and it’s contents. Our 10 & 12 year old girls also enjoyed the experience both times. Next time.. we’re not leaving empty handed.
2. 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.
3. CosmoCaixa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,120 reviews
CosmoCaixa offers its visitors a whole host of activities and permanent and temporary exhibitions to give anyone who is interested a greater insight into the world of science. The museum’s most distinctive attractions include the new permanent exhibition “The Universe Gallery” where visitors can learn about the cosmos and its evolution from the big bang to the present day. An interactive experience beginning with the creation of the cosmos and going on to explore the evolution of the species and the innermost workings of the human brain. The "Flooded Forest” recreates the ecosystem of the Amazon inside a glass house covering an area of 1,000 m2, which is home to piranhas, crocodiles and other animal and plant species typical of the area, and the “Geological Wall” consists of seven vast sections of genuine rock that allow us to interpret the world’s geology.
Reviewed By H9855BFjessicab - Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Entry is only €4 per person (adult) which is a bargain then you can pay extra for certain exhibits such as a planetarium. There is enough to see and do without these but if you have children it is worth considering as they seemed to be more aimed at kids. The main attraction is the flooded forest which was beautiful to see and the second main attraction was a large science room with a great many interactive activities which were entertaining and educational for children and adults alike. If you do have children you could easily spend a good few hours and make a day of it. As two adults we spent far longer here than at the aquarium and so this museum is very good value for money. Didn't have any issues as an english speaker as all information signs had full English translations. There's lots to do and learn for children and I imagine it would keep them well entertained. I would also recommend adults without children to visit, as there is much to reflect and learn about as an adult whether it is about protecting our rainforests, the increasing reliance on robot technology or even to just remember your childish curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. A bit out of the way of the main more touristy parts of the city but easy enough to get to on the metro then a short walk (but be warned that it is uphill). Has picnic and restaurant facilities.
4. Barri de Gracia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,228 reviews
Students, artists and political types make their home here, and everyone's welcome to hang out at Placa del Sol, a popular square day or night with its cafes, bars and 19-century architecture.
Reviewed By milliesmum2016 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Barri de Gracia is a really fun area to explore, with wonderful Moderne architecture scattered along the streets, along with a very pleasant local neighbourhood vibe. Nothing particularly touristy about it - just people going about their business in a really lovely place.
5. Casa Vicens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,893 reviews
Casa Vicens is the first masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi and sowed the seeds of later works. Built between 1883 and 1885 as a summer house for the Vicens family, here he showcased his unparalleled talent. Declared Unesco World Heritage in 2005.
Reviewed By parayreberengere - Perpignan, France
I wanted visit this house for so long that I don't count years anymore. So when I knew it was finally open to public, I didn't hesitate. It's really beautiful. The style of the architecture is very different of the others Gaudi's buildings (less art nouveau and more moorish). The facades are full of details (sculptures, earthenwares, ironworks,...). The interior is just as amazing. I took the first visit of the morning, so there were few people. It was more pleasant because rooms are small. And it's better too if you want take photos without tourists in the middle :) If I should say something negative, I would say the garden is really small, mostly thinking about what it was at the begenning. But despite of this, it is all the same nicely maintained. So if you have the opportunity, come to visit this house. It's worth it !!!
6. Placa Sant Felip Neri
7. Major Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By 798joev - Fairfield, United States
Moving experience, fascinating history.If you are visiting Barcelona, highly recommended. Notice how the Synagogue is below ground after centuries of building the street above, Notice how narrow the streets are as they date from the Middle Ages....
8. Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,618 reviews
Reviewed By md1mm - Sheffield, United Kingdom
The buildings of this hospital at truly wonderful and you can easily understand why this is a Unesco world heritage site. This used to be a functioning hospital until 2009 when the new Sant Pau hospital opened next door. I was extremely fortunate to be shown round by the hospital's former medical director and also a group of doctors that used to work in this building. It is unbelievable that this was functioning as a hospital until 2009. The medical care they were providing was not just low level support. The doctors that showed me round are of international standard and this place was of the standard of most European hospitals. For example they used to do bone marrow transplants here and the first one ever carried out in Spain took place here.
9. MUHBA Temple d'August
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Temple in Barcino, dating to the 1st century BC and rediscovered in the early-20th century.
Reviewed By JRD1Atlanta_GA - Atlanta, United States
This place is tucked away without much in the way of markings. It is incredible to think about how old these artifacts are. Of particular interest there is a stone block that has a Roman era inscription. Plus - it is free admission so the price is right.
10. Museu del Modernisme
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By Attakator
I was born and raised in Barcelona, currently living abroad. I have visited this Museum for the first time this year: A true little gem! Excellent artwork, excellent space with an unusual, intimate make-your-own coffee area plus a unique little library/shop with well selected books and gifts. The service and attention provided by the young lady at the entrance was also perfect. Can't wait to be back!
