Barcelona Things to Do Tips by emilybcn

This park was built by Antoni Gaudi, it is unique and a must see in Barcelona. There are many different areas that make up Parc Guell. The center and perhaps most interesting part consists of the large snake bench. Each part of the bench has a different looking pattern and color. My favorite part of the parc is the hallway that is tipped it almost looks like an optical illusion and reminds me of a wave. Then down below this part is the famous lizard. Good luck trying to get a clear picture of it! Just accept that someone else will be in the shot or you'll be waiting forever. Above this more popular area are pathways to walk on and even these are decorated with palm trees and unique benches made of rock. Gaudi's intention in making these designs of rock was to use nature as much as possible. The beautiful ceramic designs on the ceiling are actually all made with recycled ceramic and glass pieces. His innovation by using nature and recycled objects truly show Gaudi's innovation and modernity.

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Phone: 93-317-39-740
Address: Carrer d'Olot 7, Vallcarca, Gràcia, 08024
Directions: Metro; line 3. Lesseps Station, then follow the street signs. It's better to take bus number 24 bus stops for 24 are located near placa catalunya, and along passeig de gracia.
Website: http://www.bcn.es/parcsijardins

Every Friday and Saturday there is a fountain show at Montjuic. The fountain undulates and moves to the music while colored lights at the bottom of the fountain also change in time to the music. The spectacle lasts about 15 minutes, while another will start 15 minutes later.

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Address: metro stop-espana
Directions: you don't have to take the funicular as the fountain is located at the bottom of Montjuic.

La Sagrada Familia is Antoni Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece. It is dedicated to the holy family, and was left unfinished upon Gaudi's death, and he left no specific plans on how he wanted it to be finished. Although it is still being constructed it is a beautiful and incredibly interesting cathedral. It may or may not be worth it to go inside, there is a small museum and you have the option of climbing stairs up to the top where you'll be able to see Gaudi's amazing designs up close. During peak tourist times the lines can be very long. An elevator is availabe for a few euro per person.

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Phone: 93 207 30 31
Address: metro-sagrada familia
Directions: metro sagrada familia
Website: http://www.sagradafamilia.org

Most people who visit Mt Tibidabo probably take the bus, but I actually ended up walking the entire way, I wouldn't suggest doing this, but I was persuaded by some adventure starved friends of mine. So after being chased by a dog(long story) and walking up many hills we arrived at the highest point in Barcelona, at the top there is a great view of the city(although not much better than the one you'll get at Parc Guell) a cathedral and for those with bored kids there's a theme park as well. This is an interesting place but if you don't have too much time it's not an absolute must see.

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

Barceloneta is not the most beautiful beach you will ever see, but you will be able to swim, partake in great people watching and enjoy your time. Be warned though that this beach is very crowded, so you might prefer to go further down on the bus towards Icaria.
The weather is beach ready from mid May until the beginning of September.

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Address: Metro-Barceloneta
Directions: metro-barceloneta

This Apartment building was comissioned by a wealthy man named Pere Mila. He wanted a place to live which would impress others and Gaudi wanted to express his unique designs and thus La Pedrera was built. It really is worth going inside of this building mainly for the amazing rooftop adorned with Gaudi's famous chimneys that look like soldiers. These same designs were also seen on the more modern side of the Sagrada Familia. Inside you can tour what the an apartment looks like, and learn more about Gaudi in the surprisingly interesting laundry room attic.

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Phone: 93 484 5900
Address: Passeig de Gràcia 92, Carrer Provenca 261
Directions: Eixample district Metro 'FGC Diagonal/Provenca'

I think Nou Camp stadium is much more entertaining if you go to see an actual game. Although for you true football fans I suppose you might enjoy a tour of the stadium. I didn't see a Barca game but rather two different exposition games, Brazil vs. Catalunya, and another time Argentina vs, Catalunya, I just bought tickets at the stadium before the game, however to see a Barca game it would be more difficult to buy the tickets at the door. You should go on the website to buy tickets. Once inside the stadium is pretty typical, it's really the energy of the crowd and the game which makes a trip to Nou stadium worthwhile! One tip, outside the stadium before a game there are a lot of tables selling merchandise for the teams playing, I don't know if the quality is that great but it seemed pretty reasonably priced compared to the real jerseys etc.

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Phone: 34.93.496.36.00
Address: Aristides Maillol, 12-18
Directions: Metro Collblanc Line 5 (blue)or line 3 les corts, although Collblanc is closer.
Website: http://www.fcbarcelona.com

Catedral La Seu, is like a jewel in the midst of the noise and mayhem of the surrounding tourist areas. Entrance is free unless you want to go to the rooftop and witness a spectacular view of the city, in which case you should make a small donation. Inside there are many different altars for different saints. This Cathedral is still very much in use, so be aware that others will be praying and lighting candles amidst the tourists. There is also a small museum and outside area with geese. It is a beautiful cathedral with objects dating from 1200s. Unfortunately the outside is currently undergoing reconstruction so scaffolding may block your view of the facade.

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Phone: 933151554
Address: Plaça de la Seu
Directions: Barri Gotic. Metro: Lines 1 and 3 (Catalunya Station) and Lines 2 and 4 (Urquinaona Station.)
Website: http://www.catedralbcn.org

Aside from Gaudi's architecture the Ramblas is probably one of the best known tourist areas in the city. It is sort of a paradox because it combines a lot of what Barcelona is like with a lot of tourists and high prices. Go and enjoy the street performers, la boqueria, the liceu opera house, flowerbooths, petbooths, and street drawings. Realize that you should be especially careful with your belongings, and that a beer here will cost you much more than in other areas. Las ramblas is also withing walking distance to many other attractions, passeig de gracia, shopping on portal d'angel and el barri gotico.

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Address: ramblas, metro catalunya, or liceu line 3/green
Directions: metro passeig de gracia-2/purple, liceu, catalunya-3/green

The Gran Teatre de Liceu is very beautiful inside, the opera tickets seem surprisingly affordable until you are inside and realize that most of the cheaper seats above in the balcony have a somewhat obstructed view to be honest though the ticket seller did tell us it was partially obstructed. I wouldn't suggest getting the absolute lowest priced ticket or you'll be standing the whole time in order to see the stage. Thankfully we weren't that far back but we still had to look around an ornate lamp.

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Phone: 93 485 99 00
Address: Las Ramblas, 51-59
Directions: On the corner of C. Sant Pau
Website: http://www.liceubarcelona.com