barcelona sightseeing -
top places to visit! ...

So, exploring the city on your own is a perfectly feasible option!

For those of you who like to "do it yourself", here's a simple map of Barcelona's districts, plus a review of the main sights, and the districts they're located ...

barcelona sightseeing - districts

Study the graphic above and you'll see Barcelona is divided into various barrios ... in other words districts or neighbourhoods.

Most centrally located, and home to numerous of the city's historic buildings and monuments, is the Ciutat Vella or Old Town.

Here you'll wish to explore Las Ramblas ... Barri Gotic ... just for starters!

To the west - leading off Cuitat Vella - lies the Sants-Montjuic District ... another sightseeing "must".

To the north of Cuitat Vella - mainly on the other side of Barcelona's long Gran Via - you'll find the Eixample District.

This is where to head to enjoy important works by renowned Spanish architect - Antoni Gaudi.

To explore Gaudi's amazing Parc Güell, you'll need head even further north - as far as the Horta-Guinardó District.

barcelona sightseeing - ciutat vella

PLAÇA DE CATALUNYA

The Plaça de Catalunya - in the Ciutat Vella District - is an excellent place to start your sightseeing.

A pleasant square in its own right, with department stores nearby, it's considered the very central point of Barcelona, and the hub of its Public Transport System.

Make your way to the south-westerly corner of the Plaça de Catalunya and you'll discover the beginnings of Las Ramblas ...

From the Arabic "ramla" or "torrent", this
charming, 1.2 kilometre boulevard runs
through central Barcelona - from the
Plaça de Catalunya down to the Columbus
Statue.

Liberally sprinkled with picturesque bars,
restaurants and stalls, the walk should
take you around 20 minutes.

The impressive, 60-metre high Columbus
Statue - pointing out to sea - is just
across the road from Barcelona's
marine area, known as Port Vell ...
leading onto the Aquarium, Maritime
Musuem, and IMAX cinema.

Isn't it gorgeous?


BARRI GOTIC

Barcelona's historic, narrow-streeted Gothic Quarter lies on the right-hand side of Las Ramblas.

Picasso lived here from 1895 to 1904 ... and Joan Miró was born here.

Enjoy visiting Barcelona's impressive Gothic Cathedral ... the Plaça St Jaume with Generalitat and Town Hall ... the popular (especially at night!) Plaça Reial with its Gaudi lamposts ...

Boasting more than one million visitors a year, the Picasso Museum - which houses one of the World's largest collections of the artist's works - is the most-visited art gallery in Barcelona.
Save 50% off entrance with the Barcelona Card!

barcelona sightseeing - sants-montjuic district

PLAÇA ESPANYA

The Plaça Espanya is the main starting point and transport centre of the Montjuic District.

Enjoy visiting the wonderful Magic Fountain, designed by Carles Buigas ... what a spectacular combination of light, colour, music and water!

Montjuic District is also home to the Fundació de Joan Miró, offering fine exhibits of Miró's work, including paintings, sculputres, tapestries and early sketches. You'll save 20% off the entrance charge if you have a Barcelona Card.

And, at the Museu National d'Art Catalunya (MNAC), you'll discover the largest collection of Catalan art in Spain. Not to mention terrific views over Barcelona! Once again, if you have a Barcelona Card, you'll be able entitled to a 20% discount off the entrance.

barcelona sightseeing - eixample district

A visit to Barcelona would certainly not be complete without visiting Antoni Gaudi's fantastic works ...

But to visit his amazing Parc Güell, you'll need to journey slightly further north ... to Horta-Guinardó District.

More useful information for your visit to Barcelona ...

barcelona sightseeing - where to stay

What are your accommodation options when staying in Spain's second city?

Click on the following links to find out ...

hotels in the center
Learn how to find and book a hotel in central Barcelona ...
more details ...

budget hotels
Some suggestions for budget hotels and hostels ...
more details ...

apartmental rental
Your guide to holiday apartment rental ...
more details ...

economy apartments
Economy apartment rentals for those on a budget ...
more details ...

holiday lets in the old town
Affordable rentals in Barcelona's old town ...
more details ...

holiday lets in el borne
Holiday rentals in El Borne District ...
more details ...

barcelona sightseeing - in and around barcelona

Who was Antoni Gaudi? ... What will the weather be like? ... What about the region and province? ...

Discover the answers on the following pages ...

antoni gaudi
Follow the Antoni Gaudi trail ...
more details ...

weather forecast
Will the weather be good? ...
more details ...

catalonia
All about the region of Catalonia ...
more details ...

fast facts
A few fast facts about Barcelona ...
more details ...

travel and tours

Check out recommended tours and FREE brochures ...

barcelona sightseeing tours
Superb choice of Barcelona tours ...
more details ...

travel guide barcelona
Your Barcelona travel guide ...
more details ...

barcelona airport
In-depth information on Barcelona Airport ...
more details ...

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