The place of the “Sagrada Família” and Gaudi’s architecture. This vibrant city is full of culture, history, and a lively bar scene with the most delicious tapas.
The people are friendly, it is safe for tourists, and you can expect more than simple and common attractions and activities to do in the city. Definitely, one of our favorite ones so far despite our visits to places like Paris, London, and Rome.
Why? Because it feels more carefree and you definitely can enjoy a little trip around what “peasants” would always visit and spend their money on, or go for a luxurious sightseeing option that offers anything other big cities could provide you.
What we’re trying to tell you with this is: Barcelona is a place worth visiting, and you should take the time to know it a bit, even if it is just with our article that can help you travel to it for a couple of minutes (and leave you more eager to visit it).
Explore the rich past and present of this Spanish city that should be on every traveler’s list with us, and we will help you determine if it is worth your next visit or not (though we gave you this spoiler already).
The Beautiful “Barna”: Knowing the Spanish City
Barcelona is a city with lots of history, and with lots, we mean too much to even cover properly. However, we will do our best to make it simple and easy for you to follow and know the basics so you will visit it and won’t feel ashamed of the little information you have.
According to research, Barcelona has been around since the Neolithic period, or, at least, when the first human settlements
occur.
The Romans founded the city that established the colony named “Barcino,” while the 1st venture BC. was finishing.
The colony was home to around 2,000 people and was enclosed by a defensive wall. Its remains can still be seen in the old town.
Barcelona was under Muslim rule for more than 200 years. Following the Christian reconquest, it became a county in the Carolingian Empire.
It also became one of the major residences of Crown of Aragon. Barcelona’s position in the world was established by its successful medieval period and was established as The West Mediterranean economic and political center.
Barcelona experienced a period in decline from the 15th century to the 18th century, as it tried to preserve its political and economic independence.
The struggle came to an end in 1714 when the Bourbon troops took the city. Catalonia and Catalan rights and privileges were also suppressed.
The development of the textile industry in the middle of the 19th century began a period of cultural recovery and took us to a new era in the city.
This period was also known as the Renaixenca, in which Catalan gained prominence as a literary tongue and was reintroduced to the community in specific sectors.
Urban renewal was a major theme of the 20th century. Barcelona showcases the beautiful landmark during this time and ends up with the Example district, which has some of Barcelona’s most unique Catalan art nouveau and modernista buildings.
Some of them were designed by the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí, like Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and the Sagrada Familia. These landmarks have been a world-famous symbol of Christianity.
During the Civil War of 1936 and subsequent dictatorship, the freedoms enjoyed during this period were severely limited until Barcelona was reestablished as a democracy in 1978.
The society gained economic strength, and the Catalan language was reintroduced.
Then, in 1992, the city hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, which gave it momentum and was reaffirmed as a major metropolitan area.
Reasons to Visit Barcelona: A Spanish Jewel
Barcelona is full of places to visit and take photos of. However, we are more interested in the culture, food, and vibe behind those walls and stunning buildings people want to admire when visiting it.
Yes, we are in love with the structure and gorgeous look of the city and its landmark, but we like to appreciate aspects like what makes a city actually beautiful.
Therefore, if you’re here looking for a few reasons (or more) to finally make a trip and see with your own eyes Barcelona, we can give you a few that we’re sure thousands if not millions of people share with us:
- Enjoy the contemporary art.
Barcelona’s reputation as an artistic city was made possible by the presence of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.
However, Barcelona’s contemporary art scene has greatly consolidated that status and driven many people to pay a visit over the last few decades.
The MACBA is Barcelona’s unique contemporary art museum and one of the most famous and popular institutions of its kind in Europe.
Many galleries represent emerging and mid-career artists, both from Spain and around the world. Last but not least, the street art in Barcelona attracts artists and admirers from across the world, so if you truly enjoy this, you should give it a try already.
- You should meet the Boqueria market’s food stalls.
If you’re looking for great food, you will find it all over Barcelona, but we have to point out this: there are few food markets in the world, like the Boqueria Market, which stands on Las Ramblas.
Local town planners designed the 19th-century building to house mainly fish stalls and meat. Today’s shoppers can find exotic fruits and rare spices under its roofs, but the fish carousel in the middle of the building is still a highlight of this magnificent place (and we never get tired of eating there).
- Nightlife in El Raval (don’t miss it!).
For us, this is the most vibrant and multicultural neighborhood in Barcelona, and considering that El Raval was once considered a place you shouldn’t set foot like, ever, its evolution is worth watching and loving.
After all, it’s now home to a vibrant arts community and the best nightlife in Barcelona, thanks to its mix of underground bars and hipster hang-outs.
Beginning at Carrer Joaquin Costa and ending just where the night guides you, we’re confident you won’t want it any other way.
Barcelona’s skyline is marked by iconic buildings like la “Pedrera” or the “Sagrada Família.”
It is a great way to enjoy them from a high place. You will have a stunning view of the entire city from the tops of Montjuic, Carmel bunkers, and the MNAC museum. You will fall in love with Barcelona and its amazing sunsets no matter the day or year.
Places to Visit & Attractions: What to Do in Barcelona
Only three reasons to visit Barcelona? Not even close!
We have many others in stock, but we want to make sure we’re covering the activities you would love to do along with the rest of the reasons. Therefore, expect us to include a few more here along with some of the tourist activities you can do in the city.
One of our favorites is the panoramic helicopter flight over the city. You can enjoy a beautiful view, take as many pictures as you want, and repeat thanks to the offers available for this activity.
Others include activities in the Port Forum of Barcelona, like flyboard and jet ski, while hot air balloons are waiting for you at Cardedeu, a location near the city.
If you are planning to visit, we will have to list the activities you shouldn’t forget or miss:
- Guided tour of the Sagrada Família.
- Kayak and snorkel day in La Costa Brava.
- Montserrat half-day tour.
- Visiting the Gothic Quarter, Palace of Catalan Music, and the Magic Fountain.
- All you can eat in several bars around the city!
Top 7 Facts About Barcelona, Spain
- It is home to the largest football stadium in Europe.
- There are nine UNESCO-protected monuments: Palau de la Música Catalana, Hospital de Sant Pau, Park Güell, Palau Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Vicens, La Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and the Crypt of the Church at Colonia Guell.
- There wasn’t any beach for leisure until the 1992 Olympic Games when the authorities shifted the industries and “created” new beaches.
- Barcelona is the place that gave us World Book Day.
- It is ranked as Europe’s largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast.
- Flamenco isn’t well known in the city despite Spain’s history with this type of dancing.
- Although it hasn’t been proved, many believe Barcelona is older than Rome, considering that Hercules might have created it 400 years before the latter.
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