TOP 5 THINGS TO SEE IN BARCELONA
Everyone should go to Barcelona at least once in their lives. Catalonia's capital is a vibrant city that lives up to its reputation as a booming cultural centre with amazing museums, wonderful eateries, and the kind of nightlife that never ends.
Mirador Torre Glòries
Mirador Torre Glòries
Even if you don't recognise Torre Glries by name, you'll recognise it by sight. The dazzling, iridescent tower that pierces the cityscape like (some claim) a gherkin, yet architect Jean Nouvel intended it to be a geyser. It's probably Barcelona's most recognised monument that Gaud had nothing to do with, and it's certainly one of its highest at 470 feet. It was opened in 2005 and is most known for hosting Meta's Barcelona branch, but it has never piqued the imagination of visitors beyond a quick photograph. That changed in 2022 when the 30th level was transformed into a panoramic public observation deck with unrestricted views of the city from every aspect.
When they describe an installation, you'll think they're joking—they're not; it's a climbing structure hung in the air by 3.7 miles of tensioned cable, constructed of small platforms--many of which are transparent--that you struggle up onto, with no safety equipment. Some platforms have cushions where you can sit and enjoy the view. Others are so physically difficult to navigate that you'll break a sweat, slide on your butt, and have to logically plan your way out.
Parc del Laberint d'Horta
Parc del Laberint d'Horta
Horta's Labyrinth Park, or Parc del Laberint d'Horta, is one of Barcelona's best-kept secrets and one of the city's oldest gardens. It's a beautiful green area to escape to, perched high above the city centre among the hills of the Horta neighbourhood.
The gardens were designed by the Italian engineer Domenico Bagutti in 1792 for the estate's owner, Joan Desvalls, Marquis of Llupià and Alfarràs. Later, throughout the 19th century, successors of the Marquis added their own embellishments, including a beautiful garden, a waterfall, flowerbeds, and little plazas, or squares, under the leadership of architect Elies Rogent. It was also utilised for cultural events and open-air theatre performances during the time.
Picasso Museum
Picasso Museum
Picasso, who went to Barcelona as a 14-year-old kid and returned frequently during his life, deserved a museum sprawled across five palaces. A courtyard and Gothic archways lead below to white studios that light his creations. The rooms upstairs are extravagant, with enormous painted ceilings that virtually drip crystal chandeliers. Visitors come to view Picasso's paintings, but it's the unique location that keeps them coming back. If you're looking for Picasso's major hits, you might be disappointed—at least for a few minutes. Guernica is housed in Madrid's Reina Sofia, and The Weeping Woman is housed at London's Tate Modern. Everything in Barcelona's museum revolves on those postcard photos.
La Sagrada Família
Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidi
It's almost illegal to visit Barcelona without seeing La Sagrada Famlia, Antoni Gaud's remarkable temple devoted to the Holy Family, widely known as the world's biggest incomplete cathedral. The elusive completion date remains a mystery—local theories think that it will never be completed in order to maintain its in-process cachet. Make a reservation (days are available three months in advance) to get inside and admire the vaults and rainbow stained glass. When you go, get the supplementary audio guide and walk up to one of the two towers—we recommend the Nativity Façade.
Palau de la Música Catalana
Palau de la Música Catalana
It may be the Palace of Catalan Music, but you come for the sights as well as the sounds. The theatre is a rose-colored swirl of chandeliers and stained glass. This is the creation of Modernist architect Llus Domènech i Montaner, and some claim it is even more beautiful than Antoni Gaud's La Sagrada Famlia. Today's musical performances range from choral to pianists, jazz, flamenco, and operas like as La Traviata and Carmen, and were originally built to host the Orfeó Català symphonic choir. A critical option is whether to go during the day for a tour, when the building is at its most stunning, or at night, when the music takes place.