Barcelona - The City of Counts
Barcelona is the cosmopolitan Catalonia region in Spain. Apart from its loyal football fans, Barcelona is a highly celebrated city in terms of its architecture and art. This city is known for organising a few of the most important international sporting events. It also hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics. Romans founded Barcelona at the end of the first century B.C. Since then, it has become a financial, economic, and cultural hub in southwestern Europe. It is one of Spain's most beautiful cities because of a stunning landscape, bustling nightlife, amazing beaches, and uncompromised quality of life.
The local cuisine of Barcelonians is cherished worldwide. Its famous Patata Bravas is one of the most loved Spanish dishes. Potato bombas, gazpachos, croquettes, and paella are other local dishes in this city.
Places to visit in Barcelona
Barcelona has many ancient and contemporary sites. It is home to several cathedrals and churches, along with one of the most famous football stadiums. Remnants of the Roman empire make Barcelona a favourite among tourists.
- Gothic Quarter - Gothic Quarter can transport any tourist to the Mediaeval times. The Gothic architecture and a few of the most important political buildings make this place an essential aspect of this city. These narrow streets have several trendy bars, Catalan restaurants, and clubs. Artisans sell leather, jewellery, and other valuables near the Cathedral of Barcelona. The Plaça del Pi also hosts an art market every weekend.
- La Sagrada Familia - The La Sagrada Família’s full name is the Basílica I Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família. It is an unfinished church in the Eixample district of Barcelona, and a World Heritage Site. It is an amalgamation of different architectural styles like Modernisme, Spanish Gothic architecture, and Noucentisme. Its innovative and artistic architectural styles make it one of the grandest landmarks in Barcelona.
- Casa Batlló - Casa Batlló is one of the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a distinctive icon in Barcelona. This private house depicts Modernism in its finest form. This building has a skeletal exterior which gives it its selective tone.
- Mercado de La Boqueria - Mercado de La Boqueria is also referred to as La Boqueria. It is a grand public food market in the Ciutat Vella district. Mercado de La Boqueria is home to more than 300 stalls where tourists can purchase vegetables, meats, sweets, and other local delicacies. Metro is readily available to reach this place.
- Palau de la Música Catalana - Palau de la Música Catalana was developed in Catalan modernista style by Lluís Domènech I Montaner. It is called the architectural jewel of Barcelona and was constructed between 1905 and 1908.
- Spotify Camp Nou - Spotify Camp Nou is one of the most magnificent football stadiums in the world. It is the home stadium for FC Barcelona, with a capacity of almost 100,000 people. Even non-football fans can learn a lot about the history of football here.
- The Magic Fountain - Called the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, it was built by Carles Buïgas I Sans. In 1992, its restoration was finished. In the evenings, it has a fountain show with music and lights.
- Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar - It was built between 1329 and 1383 and is undoubtedly the most famous church in Barcelona. It is the last remaining Catalytic Gothic-style church with regal naves and beautiful stained-glass windows.
Important things to remember for a trip to Barcelona
- Consider visiting Barcelona between April to July and September to November. Tourists can enjoy most festivals during this time apart from pleasant weather.
- Book tickets to attraction sites in advance to avoid missing out on them.
- Try Spanish Tapas. It is one of the most amazing dishes in Barcelona.
- Many museums give free entry on the first Sunday of every month.
- Consider wearing comfortable shoes. Many attractions are nearby, so walking is usually a common way to visit them.
Barcelona Airport
Barcelona Airport–El Prat (BCN) is also called Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport and Barcelona Airport. It is about 12 km southwest of Barcelona city centre. It has two Terminals.
Taxis, aerobuses, buses, trains, and metros, are convenient options to reach the airport from the city centre. That shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Barcelona visa requirements
The Spanish Schengen visa works to enter the city as it is an EU member. The following are required for the same:
- A passport.
- Your passport-size picture.
- A return ticket.
- Evidence of hotel bookings.
- A detailed Itinerary that shows the duration of your stay in the city.
- Travel insurance.
- Evidence of financial support.