The sophisticated yet lively city of Barcelona is a perfect mesh of the both Spanish and Catalan cultures. The second-largest city in Spain, Barcelona’s prime location on the coast exudes a luminous air of relaxation, with its boardwalk full of bikers and joggers overlooking the glittering Mediterranean sea and the Barceloneta beachfront.
This Catalonian capital is a paradise for architecture buffs. One of the most famous masterpieces to see is the Sagrada Familia designed by Antoni Gaudí, due to finally be finished in 2026. This magnificent display of creative art and design will be the tallest church structure in the world once finished, with its tiled spires reaching high into the blue sky.
Barcelona’s other cathedrals are equally as impressive — the Gothic Cathedral and the Santa María de Mar, both of which date back to around 1300.
A trip to Barcelona isn’t complete without a visit to the Park Güell, another special part of the city’s past, present and future. A picturesque green space perched atop a hill, the park is full of Gaudí’s unique and quirky elements, like a lifesize gingerbread house and famous twisted benches that overlook Barcelona’s skyline and sea.
Explore the winding streets of the Born district, with a hidden tapas bars, chic boutiques and artisans’ workshops at every turn. Get a full history lesson wandering through the medieval Gothic neighborhood, or shop for fancy designer goods along the Passeig de Gràcia street. Barcelona truly has it all!
