Isabel and I have lived in Barcelona multiple times over the course of running Bike Odyssey. It is a fantastic city to just wander a get lost but here is a little guide for those with a few days spare pre Hannibal wanting to see some of the highlights but also visit some of our favourite bits too.
Work your way across to the busy but central Plaza Catalunya and wander down the Los Ramblas.
Have breakfast/coffee/lunch in La Boqueria (B) – a great market with all sorts of excellent food.
Wander around the small streets to the east of the Ramblas. If you zig zag your way from C to E it is all pretty interesting. Perhaps head through Placa Reial and Placa de Sant Jaume. There is a Roman temple in an apartment building (F) near here which I really like.
And there is a museum that is often hard to get into which has stuff about the foundation of Barcelona with Roman Ruins underground – G – Museum of the history of Barcelona
Then continue on to Santa Maria del Mar (H) which I think is the best church in Barcelona – inside is lovely.
Then get a raspberry croissant at Hofman (I)… not just for the name, they are amazing!
And lastly you can head over to the Picasso Museum (J) – even if you don’t go in the buildings it is in are very typical Catalan palaces from the age when the locals like to tell you they ruled the Mediterranean (they sort of did but as with all locals they exaggerate!) – but they are really nice palaces.
Then wend your way but up towards the hotel – if you need another coffee then just around the corner at Nomad Coffee Lab & Shop, Passatge Sert, 12, 08003 Barcelona (I) is the best in town.
And then there is all of the Gaudi architecture which is really interesting – it is mostly outside of the Gothic quarter. The Sagrada Familia, a wander up Passeo de Gracia is good too – all the way up to the Casa Mila or La Pedrera. One block west of here is the Rambla de Catalunya which is a quieter, nicer street – perhaps for a drink or a coffee?
Gaudis Parc Guell is worth a visit too – up on the hill – if it’s a nice day I’d go up.
If you are into art then where the Olympics was held (Mont Juic) there are a few good places to go. The National Museum of Catalan Art is mammoth and has heaps of good stuff.
Lastly, just wander! Every corner has an interesting view and history and do email me if you have questions.
Sam (ps photo is Ramblas on the way to school….Annie leading the way on the scooter!)