Explore Barcelona: Art, Architecture, and Mediterranean Vibes

1. Barcelona Cathedral

This striking Gothic cathedral was built in 1298 where a Romanesque temple once sat. Its expansive construction has taken more than 150 years, built in three stages. The main exterior was completed in the later years of the 19th century and the almost 300-foot high cimborrio was finished in 1913. In 1969 the altar was adapted, archives were renovated, and illuminations were installed, while that year also saw the cleaning of the blackened domes. Within this stunning cathedral, visitors will be able to see an array of Gothic art and baroque altarpieces, its choir and baptistery, and the burial place of Saint Eulalia.

Barcelona Cathedral, Pla Seu, 3, Barcelona, Spain, Phone: 933-428-262

2. Barcelona Zoo

The Barcelona Zoo is one of the oldest in existence, having opened in 1892. The expansive grounds are home to many unique creatures, including five animal species from the Asia-Pacific, such as the Komodo dragon in their Land of the Dragons exhibit. The Terrarium is a reptile and amphibian house showcasing several European species, and the Aviarium is an aviary house with more than 70 bird species. Their Aquarama has California sea lions on display, while the Primates Gallery features various monkey species; they even have a live garden that exhibits Barcelona's native living flora and fauna. A farm, gorilla area, flight dome, and the Marmosets Gallery can also be found at this zoo.

Parc de la Ciutadella, s/n, Barcelona, Spain, Phone: 902-457-545

3. Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach is one of Barcelona's oldest and most beloved beaches, nestled in the city's traditional fishing district. Visitors will enjoy basking in the sun on this white sand beach overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, but that is not all that can be experienced here. It features sand volleyball and tennis courts as well as ping pong and gymnastics areas for those who love to stay active. Barceloneta Beach is also popular for its various restaurants offering delicious seafood dishes and tapas. At this neighborhood beach, the guests will find sun loungers, umbrellas, sports facilities, ice cream kiosks, and a children's game area.

Passeig Maritum de la Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain, Phone: 932-210-348

4. Barri Gotic

Barri Gotic was once the center of this Roman city, originally marked by the convergence of the two primary streets of Decumanus and Cardo; today, the Carrer Llibeteria and Carrer del Bisbe meet here. This square is made up of narrow streets where beauty and history are seen from every angle. The Placa del Rei flaunts the architectural splendor of the Catalan-Argonese monarchs; royal residences and the remains of the Roman temple of Augustus can be seen close by. City Hall, Gothic churches, the cathedral, the old Jewish Quarter, and the Palau de la Generalitat can also be found within this quarter, among other historic highlights.

Mediterranean Seafront Ronda de Sant Pere, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain, Phone: 634-534-333

5. Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo is a modernist house of magical proportions designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi; many believe this was his grand masterpiece. This architecturally innovative building reflects the beauty of a calm sea, offering guests a delightful journey from the past to the early 20th century. The tour utilizes augmented reality via smartphones to guide guests from floor to floor, beginning on the Noble Floor, the previous residence of the Batlló family. It will then take them to the attic, before heading to the rooftop terrace, featuring its legendary chimneys. The journey is completed with a visit to the entrance hall and main staircase.

Passeig de Garcia, 43, Barcelona, Spain, Phone: 932-160-306

6. Casa Mila

Casa Mila is better known as La Pedrera, which in English means the stone quarry. It got its name from its likeness to a quarry. Built from 1906 to 1912 by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, this iconic structure is known as one of his most ambitious projects. It has received astounding acclaim and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 for its value to heritage and art. This Catalan art nouveau-styled building features a cultural center that showcases outstanding art exhibitions and various artistic shows throughout the year. They also foster healthy debates and provide lectures on both present and future issues.

Passeig de Gracia, 92, Barcelona, Spain, Phone: 902-202-138

7. Excursions Barcelona

Excursions Barcelona is an exceptional tour company featuring an international team of expert guides that take their guests on various trips throughout Catalonia, Barcelona, and Costa Brava. They offer a variety of tour packages, including kayaking and snorkeling in Costa Brava, bicycling throughout Barcelona, or sailing along the Mediterranean. They even offer a free walking tour in the Gothic Quarter, where they lead visitors through these narrow streets uncovering the more than 2,000 years of history that resides there. In addition to their predetermined packages, they also offer custom packages that let the guests invent a tour itinerary all their own.

Phone: 637-149-032

8. Placa de Catalunya

Placa de Catalunya is a circular plaza in the center of Barcelona, a focal point for many travelers as it's also a main transportation hub. It features several grassy areas, stunning sculptures, and trickling fountains that offer a little oasis in the heart of this concrete jungle. Often there are fiestas happening within Placa where musical performances will take place as onlookers dance along to the beat. Several department stores surround the plaza, including FNAC, Habitat, and El Corte Ingles. Just across from this outdoor oasis is popular Café Zurich, a great place to stop in for a quick bite before heading off to explore.

9. Free Walking Tours Barcelona

Free Walking Tours Barcelona is an eco-friendly tourism group that utilizes social responsibility as a way to give back to their city while entertaining and educating visitors on their tours. This 2 to 2.5-hour tour can be delivered in three languages; Spanish, English, and Italian, and begins at Paca Catalunya. Guests will be guided throughout the Gothic Quarter, where they will be regaled with tales of its rich history, from stories of African invaders and Jewish traders to the kings, queens, and artists who shaped the city. These expert guides also give visitors the current inside scoop along the way, including where to eat, drink, and catch live music.

Placa de Cataunya, s/n, Barcelona, Spain, Phone: 622-651-814

10. Fundacio Joan Miro

The Fundacio Joan Miro was established by Miró himself in order to display works from his private collection and foster contemporary art research in the center of Barcelona. Since its opening in 1975, it has become a vital center for his works and those of other innovative contemporary artists. Visitors will also get insight into Joan Miró's life and art through his landscapes. Throughout each year, Fundació arranges temporary showings of 20th and 21st-century artworks from various artists and organizes, academic projects, and activities, in participation with other organizations and institutions. Guests can also join guided tours of his art and the Fundació's architecture.

Parc de Montjuic, Barcelona, Spain, Phone: 934-439-470