Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is the second largest city in Spain. Apart from its seaside location, it is known for its fairytale architecture by the famous Antoni Gaudí. Who wouldn’t recognize the iconic Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, or the twisted buildings? Along with beautiful Barcelona, make sure to reserve a day for the enchanting Montserrat Mountain, just a stone’s throw away from the city.
Practical Information
- Check which airport you are flying to, as Barcelona has two airports – El Prat Airport is closer at just 15 km away, while Girona Costa-Brava Airport is 90 km away
- Transport from T2 airport to the city center – take metro L9 with several transfers (you will need a more expensive Airport Ticket for 4.60€) or Aerobus to Plaça de Catalunya for 5.90€ (line A2 from T2 runs every 10 minutes)
- It’s worth buying a 10-ticket T-10 pack for 10.20€ if there are several of you (the ticket is not valid for the airport journey)
- Tickets for landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell can be purchased in advance online (especially Sagrada can get fully booked if you try to buy on-site).
- The direct Barcelona – Montserrat bus runs only once a day through the company Autocarres Julia
- When the local FC Barcelona is playing, the city is full of football fans
- The singing fountain Màgica de Montjuïc plays at different times in every season, so it’s better to check them in advance
What did we see in Barcelona?
Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family Church) – the main landmark of Barcelona, which has been under construction since 1882. It is expected to be completed in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of the death of the architect Antoni Gaudí, who designed the basilica. Once finished, it will have 18 towers, with 12 dedicated to apostles, 4 to evangelists, 1 to the Virgin Mary, and the largest tower with a big cross dedicated to Jesus Christ. The basilica is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We only did a basic interior tour for €15; to access the towers, you need to pay an additional €14.
Park Güell
Park Güell – a unique park designed by Gaudí on commission from the wealthy merchant Eusébio Güell. Originally intended to be a large garden city, it was never fully realized. The park features only two houses – one for Gaudí and one for Güell. Upon entering the park, you are greeted by a wide entrance staircase guarded by the symbol of the entire park – a dragon adorned with traditional Catalan mosaic. At the heart of the park is a large terrace lined with a wavy bench that stretches an incredible 110 meters. It is from there that all those iconic postcard shots are taken. Entrance fee to the park is 7.50€, and it’s safer to purchase your ticket in advance online.
TIP: We also recommend visiting the nearby viewpoint with a cross – Turó de les Tres Creus.
Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach – a long sandy beach closest to the city center. Despite being in June, we decided to take a swim. If you feel like exercising, you will also find a free gym available for both children and adults. At the end of the beach, towards the right, stands the luxurious Hotel W, resembling a Dubai sailboat.
Arc de Triomf
Arc de Triomf– brown victory arch in neo-Moorish style from 1888, located near Ciutadella Park. The park is suitable for runners.
Cathedral of Barcelona
Cathedral of Barcelona – La Seu Cathedral was built in the 13th – 15th centuries on the site of the original basilica. The facade and tower were constructed at the beginning of the 20th century.
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc – a singing fountain that plays at different times in each season, so it’s better to check them in advance.
Montjuïc Castle
Montjuïc Castle – an old military fortress with a beautiful view of the entire Barcelona. A cable car also leads to the entrance. A large Catalan flag flies over the castle. Entrance fee is 5€.
TIP: For a coffee near with a nice view, we recommend Restaurante Miramar.
Casa Batlló and Casa Mila
Casa BatllóCasa Batllo – another fabulous work by Gaudí. The houses are worth a visit at least from the outside, as the entrance fee is more expensive than to Sagrada Familia – Casa Batlló €24.50 and Casa Mila €22.
Legendary Montserrat Mountain
Montserrat is a must-visit stop when in Barcelona. It is only 40 km away, a legendary mountain with a world-famous Benedictine monastery, surrounded by huge limestone rocks.
There are two transportation options to the monastery
- Direct bus from Barcelona to the top of the monastery, which only runs once a day (approx. €10 round trip)
- Combination of train R5 (FGC company, price varies based on number of people) + cable car. If there is a long queue for the cable car as we experienced, you can take a hike up like we did
TIP: If you have enough time, from the monastery there is a cogwheel train to the peak of Sant Joan (€13 round trip), from where you can take a beautiful hike to the summit Sant Jeroni (1236m above sea level). Allocate at least 2 hours for the entire loop spanning 8 km.
