Barcelona Sightseeing

What to see in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city with delightful streets, vibrant with life. There is no better place than La Rambla, if tourists want to feel the pulse of the city. This lively avenue is famous for the brilliant colours of its flower stalls.

Tourists can stroll around the old town, which consist of the Gothic Quarter, the Ribera and Raval districts. Known for its historical monuments, narrow streets and bohemian atmosphere, these places exudes the warmth of age-old traditions of Catalans. A walk through the labyrinth of streets is crucial in order to understand the various periods in the history of Barcelona and to adore its premium monuments. Traces of the Roman wall glimpsed between well-preserved Gothic buildings, the remains of the Jewish Quarter, which has been a spectator to the industrial expansion of the 19th century and the design of the 20th. Musicians in the medieval streets offer the ideal accompaniment.

The city also has a large selection of modernist architecture, which can be best described as a genuine open-air museum. Most of the buildings, built in this exclusive style, are in the Eixample district. A district planned in 1860 by the engineer Ildefons Cerda, which represents an inimitable model of European urban planning. The Sagrada Familia, the Casa Batllo, the Casa Ametller and the Casa Milà are some examples of this.

Barcelona is the only European capital with over four kilometres of beaches where tourists can enjoy the latest modern amenities. These beaches are not far from Barcelona's historical and cultural landmarks.

At present, the Olympic Harbour and the old port, the Port Vell, are some of the key meeting places, surrounded with many bars, restaurants, shops and recreational areas. Barcelona is a city of marvels be it on foot, by bicycle or bus, it is a magnificent sight, which tourists should not miss.




Barcelona Cathedral

The construction of the Barcelona Cathedral started way back in 1298. Built on top of a former Romanesque cathedral, this magnificent Gothic Cathedral was finally, completed in 1459. The main front and the dome, however, were not added until the end of the nineteenth century. This architectural delight was named a Historic-Artistic Monument of National Interest in 1929.

Inside the Barcelona Cathedral lies the Crypt of Santa Eulalia. This vault is almost entirely flat in shape and has two arches. Underneath this is the tomb of the saint, dating back to the fourteenth century, and supported by smooth columns.

On the choir stall inside the Barcelona Cathedral, there are beautiful paintings and intricate metalwork. The Chapter house, where a statue of the Santo Crist of Lepant is displayed, is a wooden altarpiece dating from the fifteenth century. The statue Santo Crist of Lepant accompanied John of Austria at the battle of Lepanto. The cathedral has many different gates, which are the Porta de Santo Lu, Santa Eulalia, Santa Lucia, and la Pieta.

Barcelona Weather

Will it rain or shine?

Barcelona's convenient position on the shores of the Mediterranean means that it enjoys a warm, friendly climate accompanied by pleasant temperatures all year round. In between the Barceloneta district and the River Besos, the city has over four kilometres of gorgeous beaches which are visited by its residents throughout the year. Barcelona also offers an olympic harbour which provides lovely conditions for water sports.

Rainfall is frequent and often heavy, with levels of around 1,000 mm per year. This helps in keeping the city green all round the year, which is quite soothing for the eyes.

In all seasons, Barcelona basks in the sun. Visitors can eat in open-air restaurants or have a drink on the terraces, situated on the shores of the Mediterranean sea.