What to do in Barcelona?

Last Sunday night we went out to watch a Filipino movie entitled Barcelona A Love Untold. It was a typical romantic drama film (I must admit, I like it), shot on one of my favorite cities, Barcelona. While watching, I couldn’t help myself from reminiscing the times when we were there last year, thus the reason why I am writing this now. We spent four wonderful days there and visited some of the famous landmarks. So, if you also fell in love with the city and planning to visit anytime soon, I have listed here some of the activities we have done, as well as those we hope we did, which for me is a must.

Get a tour at Sagrada Familia. Sagrada Familia is one of the most beautiful Cathedrals I’ve been to. Though still unfinished, the structure of it, even up to the small details of its design, have symbolism and meaning (became a fan of Antoni Gaudi). This is the reason why I strongly recommend joining a tour or renting a digital guide, and spend at least 2 to 3 hours there, to fully appreciate everything.Visiting the towers is also recommended, as this will give you a picturesque view of the city. On your visit, please don’t forget that this is a place of worship, so behave properly and dress modestly. For information on tour and ticket prices, you may click on this link.

Inside the Cathedral.

View from one of the towers.

Watch the Magic Fountain. The only word you will hear from me when I was watching this was “WOW.” I am not exaggerating, it was a complete beautiful synchronize display of water, music and light. The music played every show (I guess) is random, since when we arrived they were playing modern songs, and then on the next show, it was songs from the Disney movies (this made me love it more). To know more about the timing, schedule and directions, please visit this website.

The pics I’ve taken did not give justice on how spectacular it is. But believe me, this fountain show is worth seeing.

Visit Tibidabo Hill. Tibidabo Hill is one of the places  to go if you want an overlooking view of the city. Aside from that, there’s a Church (Temple de Sagrat Cor) and an Amusement Park (this is where they ride a Ferris Wheel in the movie) here that you can visit. For more information, click here.

Temple de Sagrat Cor

The Church and some rides in the amusement park. The ride on the left is called Talaia, known as the scariest ride here.

Our picture at the top when we rode Talaia. Not recommended for people who have fear of heights.

The stunning city view.

Stroll Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is a lively and crowded street in the center of the city. It is complete with everything such as boutiques, shopping stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, street performers and a whole lot more. I actually enjoyed walking on this street despite bumping at times into people. Just remember to be careful with your belongings when walking on this street.

This is the only picture of Las Ramblas that I have.

They say that if you drink water from one of the fountains in Las Ramblas, you will fall in love with the city and will keep coming back.

Go for a walk at Park Guell. Park Guell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at Carmel Hill and designed by the late Antoni Gaudi. It is a big park which may take you hours to explore (comfy shoes required). Going here might also be a challenge for some, since it is a long uphill walk if you will take the metro (this is what we did), that is why some people recommend taking the bus or taxi instead. 

The famous Dragon or Salamander, which sits at the center of the stairway.

Spend a day at Montserrat. Montserrat is a spectacular rocky mountain and monastery. If coming from Barcelona, it is a one hour train journey. People come here for different reasons. Some visits the monastery to see the Black Madonna and watch the performance of the Montserrat boys choir (they have angelic voices), while some goes here to walk or climb the mountain, or just to enjoy the view.

The statue of the Black Madonna, inside the Church while waiting for the choir and the Montserrat Boys Choir.

Rocky mountain

View from Montserrat

Ride a Cable Car and Go to Montjuic. This activity was part of our itinerary, but we failed to do it because we run out of time. Can’t say anything much, but there are a lot of attractions to visit here such as the Montjuic Castle, Olympic Tower, Poble Espanyol, Palau National and the Magic Fountain.

Swim at Barceloneta Beach. We were able to go to the beach, but we didn’t swim (one of the hope we did things). Barceloneta is a long beautiful public beach which gets too crowded especially during the summer.

      

Shopping. Believe it or not, this is the last activity on my mind during our trip. Barcelona is a haven for shopaholics. There are a lot and variety of shops to choose from. Zara, Mango, Bershka, name it, they are way cheaper here. Make sure that every time you buy, ask for a vat refund which you can claim at the airport.

Aside from this list, there are other attractions that you can visit depending on your interest.  Like for sports enthusiast, you may wish to go to the FC Barcelona Stadium, then for art fanatics, you may pay a visit at Picasso Museum, Casa Battlo and Casa Mila. Foodies are also welcome to devour on their famous paella, tapas, jamon, sangria and more.

I think by now you already understand why I love Barcelona. There’s just so much to see and do, plus the people are really nice (based on our experience). Hope I inspired you to pack and visit this place soon, and be ready to say “Hola” to the people that you will talk to.