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Top Barcelona Attractions
The first time you visit Barcelona, or any new destination,
the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be
scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get
there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice,
and other information about the top tourist attractions in Barcelona
to help with your itinerary planning.
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Sagrada Familia
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| Hours |
Open Daily: October - March, 9am-6pm; April-September,
9am-8pm. |
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| Admission |
EUR 8 |
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| Website |
www.sagradafamilia.org |
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Antonio Gaudi’s unique style of design and unparalleled vision
has given Barcelona some of the world's most astonishing architecture.
Among them is the Sagrada Familia, a breathtaking cathedral that
was begun in 1882 and is yet to be completed. (Some estimates say
completion will not occur for several decades). Gaudi played an
integral role in overseeing the construction of the cathedral until
his death in 1926, when he was killed by a train. The cathedral
is only half-built today and controversies surround the site. There
are many who believe the cathedral should not be completed, but
left as is as a memorial to a master whose tragic death ended a
brilliant career. Others believe the material being used today would
never have been approved by the great architect. Controversies aside,
one thing is certain - the building is extravagantly carved and
its stones are irregularly shaped, making it one, if not the, most
important site in the city of Barcelona. When completed, it will
have 18 towers representing the 12 Apostles, 4 Evangelists, and
the mother of God. The 18th and tallest tower will represent her
son. Note: No matter what time you visit, you will always be likely
to see construction, which also serves as a highlight of the site.
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Parc Guell
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| Hours |
10am to 7pm daily |
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| Admission |
Free |
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Yet another masterpiece envisioned and executed by Gaudi is the
city's famed Parc Guell, a playground marked by its wonderland-type
structures and whimsical atmosphere. The park was intended as a
place where Barcelona's aristocracy could gather and was commissioned
by Eusebi Guell, one of Barcelona's most well-known businessmen
(and coincidentally one of Gaudi's closest friends). The entire
park is a magical experience, leaving you to guess what's real and
what is not. In true Gaudi style, it has extraordinary and unique
stone carvings, accompanied by breathtaking tiles. The buildings
and their facades give a nod to the gingerbread houses depicted
in Hansel and Gretel, and you can spend hours going in and out of
its mazes and tunnels. To get an idea of what the park looks like
before you go, make sure to see the film 'L'Auberge Espagnole',
which has a beautiful scene taking place inside park. The house
where Gaudi himself lived in for 20 years is on the premises, and
has now been turned into a museum housing some of his self-designed
furniture.
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Picasso Museum
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| Hours |
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm. It is
closed on Mondays and on major holidays: January 1, May 1, June
24 and December 25/26. |
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| Admission |
EUR 6 |
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| Website |
www.museupicasso.bcn.es |
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Barcelona's Picasso Museum is located in a medieval mansion and houses one
of the most impressive collections of art today. The museum consists
of five different buildings (or palaces, as they are often referred
to). The museum was inaugurated in 1963 and seven years later, the
Barcelona City Council enlarged it by adding the Palau del Baro
de Balaguer. In 1999, it was enlarged once again with the inauguration
of two special exhibition venues. On the outside, serene gardens
and quiet spots make the museum an ideal place to get away from
the heat (if you go in the summer), the people and the touring.
On the inside, the mansion showcases Pablo Picasso's work - more
than 3,000 pieces that include paintings, drawings, ceramics and
engravings. The collection focuses on Picasso’s career from
1895-1904 and his affinity for and his relationship with the city
of Barcelona. In addition to this vast collection, two rooms in
the museum are devoted to a series of interpretations of Diego Velasquez’
“Las Meninas” done in the 1950’s.
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Barcelona Travel Guides
 Frommer's Barcelona
Lonely Planet Barcelona
Let's Go Barcelona
Fodors Barcelona
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