Barcelona Things to Do Tips by kazander

Rooftop of Palau Guell Palau Guell Review

There are many different chimney pots on the rooftop of Palau Guell. The ones above the main house are decorated with many different multicolored tiles. The less decorative ones are above the servants quarters.

Palau Guell Palau Guell Review

The house Antoni Gaudi created for Eusebi Guell is right off of the lower La Rambla. The guided tours take you through much of the house, no pictures are allowed with the exception of the rooftop. The tours end about 4pm so get there early. We had to go 3 times before we actually got in! And then we had to wait an hour for our tour to begin...you can wander on La Rambla or Go to Placa Reial for a drink while you wait. The front of the building doesn't stand out as much as you think it might, given the pictures of the chimney pots that are mostly shown of the house. The first time I went there I walked right by!
An interesting thing the guide told us was that this house was restored right before the Barcelona Olympics. The chimney pot in the forefront of my picture is the only one that is still completely original.

Don't miss this magical place Cathedral La Seu Review

Located in the Barri Gotic, the Catedral le Seu is a one of my favorite spots in BCN. I had to revisit again and again. It has many nooks and crannies to explore. My favorite part of this beautiful cathedral was of course it's unique cloister. A little oasis with beautiful flowers, trees, fountains, and the 13 famous white geese. I found it completely enchanting.
The oddest thing in this church had to be the toilet. It is located right in the middle of the cloister amongst all the greenery. You would never know it was there, they gave me a map when I asked where it was!

I also have a travelogue filled with pictures of this church

Address: Plaça de la Seu

Directions: Barri Gotic. Metro: Lines 1 and 3 (Catalunya Station) and Lines 2 and 4 (Urquinaona Station.)

Phone: 933151554

Website: http://www.catedralbcn.org

As much Gaudi as possible! Gaudi Review

Don't miss La Pedrera, Casa Battlo, Palau Guell, Parc Guell and of course Sagrada Familia. You can get a pass that gives you discounts if you go to a bunch of these attractions. It can be purchased next door to the Casa Battlo at Casa Amatller. Both are located on Passeig de Gracia.

In the summer La Pedrera (also known as Casa Mila) has drinks and Jazz on it's unique rooftop!

Placa Reial Plaça Reial Review

I read a ton of warnings about this square before I went to Barcelona, so I was very wary of coming here, much less staying here(which I only did for 1 night, but that's a whole other story). But I found it to be a beautiful relaxing place. There were some questionable folks around, but I was never bothered, even at night. So be watchful, but definately go see it.
A lot of great resturants, cafes and clubs are located here. it's a perfect place for an afternoon snack while sitting outside, a nice dinner or dancing and drinks!
The lampposts in the square were designed by Gaudi, his first known works.

Address: Plaça Reial

Directions: Barri Gotic east of La Rambla. Metro: Liceu

Sagrada Familia Temple de la Sagrada Familia Review

Although this project has been in the works for over a hundred years, this Gaudi masterpiece is far from completed. At the time of Gaudi's untimely death, only the Nativity facade had been completed. Unfortunately a fire destoyed the plans Gaudi had for the Cathedral, so it's been open to interpretation on how to complete it. Hardly any interior work is done and it feels very cavernous inside. But the spires and the view from them are incredible. You can climb what seems like a million spiral steps to get to the top or you can pay 2 euro to take the lift. I paid to get to the top then took the dizzying staircase down. There are some great vantage points from the spires. I loved climbing the connecting staircases that took you from spire to spire in the open air!

Address: Carrer de Mallorca 401

Directions: Metro: Line 2 or 5 Station: SagradaFamilia

Phone: 93 207 30 31

Website: http://www.sagradafamilia.org

tibidabo Tibidabo Review

Tibidabo is a mountaintop on the edge of the city of Barcelona. Located on the top is The Sacred Heart Church as well as the Tibidabo Funfair. To get there you take the funicular which is closed during the week in the winter. We didn't know this until we got there so unfortunately we didn't actually get to see it up close, but I'm sure this cathedral and Amusement park (interesting combo!) is worth checking out.

Address: Collserola Mountain

Directions: Grey Metro Line, then Blue extension to Funicular del Tibidabo.

Fairytale Parc Guell Parc Guell Review

I loved exploring in this park. I couldn't get enough, I wish there was more of it! Originally Gaudi was to have built 60 houses here in the park. Unfortunately the project fizzled out after only two were built. Luckily we still have great things to explore!
When you enter, there is a grand staircase with fountains and the city's mascot, the mosaic lizard greeting you. Follow the stairs up and you will come to huge doric columns and an area where there was supposed to be a marketplace. Supported by the columns, above this area, is a vast plaza ringed by the famous tiled, curving benches. To the side and back of the plaza are these unique natural stone pillars. Beyond this is a vast natural park with winding pathways through wooded areas. At a very high point in the park is a little tower with 3 crosses on it, it's a great place to view the city from.
The section I have pictured here was my favorite. It was so organic looking, like an extension of the landscape.

Address: Nou de la Rambla, 3-5

Directions: Metro; line 3. Lesseps Station, then follow the street signs.

Phone: 93-317-39-74

It's a different place City At Night Review

When you are on your way out for dinner or to a club, go back and see all of the buildings at night. they take on a much different look when lit up.

Explore the winding alleyways Barri Gotico Review

This was taken on the Carrer del Bisbe. It connects the catedral square and Placa de Sant Jaume.

The Barri Gotic section was my favorite part of Barcelona. The little pedestrian streets always opened up to a surprise. There a tons of little bars, cafes, shops and more to spend your time and money in. There are also markets that pop up. When I was there a flea market was in the Placa Reial on Sunday, the Placa del Pi on Monday and in front of the catedral on Thursday.
The ambiance of the Barri Gotic is really what will keep you there. The ancientness of the area is really fascinating, There are even some Roman ruins not far from the catedral, but I must say we stumbled upon them when we least expected it! It's nice to get away from all the noise and bustle of the Exaimple(the modern part of the city) and wander in the quiet medieval quarter.