B arcelona is a great place to visit, and if you’re looking for a European destination to head to on a short break, I’d definitely recommend this Spanish city. When I went a couple of years ago, I discovered there were so many things I wanted to see, it would’ve been impossible to fit it all in.
Montjuic Hill night views
But if I could go again, here are some just sights I’d prioritise seeing if you’re short on time.
• Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
This is perhaps the most famous site in Barcelona, so you can’t really go to the city and avoid coming here. The cathedral, called Basilica of the Holy Family in Spanish, was designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudi, and you’ll recognise his inspiring ideas with this building.
Ideas for the huge church began in 1882, and Gaudi worked on the magnificent project until 1926. However, the cathedral is still not complete – when it will be, the building will have 18 huge towers to look at.
• Museu d’Historia de Barcelona
If you love history as much as I do, some places you should visit are the several sites of the Museu d’Historia de Barcelona (MUHBA). There are a number of locations that demonstrate 2,000 years of history in the city, with these all being around the urban area.
For instance, you can visit The Call in the House of Rabbi Alchemist where you’ll find objects from the 13th and 14th centuries that have been discovered on archaeological digs around the Jewish quarter. If I came here, I’d definitely have gone on a guided tour to learn more about the Jewish heritage in the city.
• History Museum of Catalonia
One of the best ways to learn more about the past events that have taken place in the region is to head to the History Museum of Catalonia. The building was established in 1996 and contains objects and artefacts that reveal detail about the history of the area.
• Barcelona Football Club Museum
Ok, as I’m not the biggest football fan in the world, this wouldn’t be my first port of call on a trip to Barcelona, but my husband loves the sport, so I’m sure he – and lots of other footie enthusiasts – would love to come the Barcelona Football Club Museum.
This exhibition centre showcases displays of Barcelona FC’s trophies won by Barcelona FC, and you can also see press boxes, where the players get dressed, as well as walk around the field on a tour of the stadium. If you love the sport – whether you’re a fan of Barcelona FC or not – I’m positive you’ll enjoy a trip here.
• Las Ramblas
This isn’t so much an attraction, but it’s definitely worth visiting, with this thoroughfare being the most famous marketplace in Barcelona. The 1.2 km stretch is covered in stalls selling souvenirs and you’ll also see plenty of street performers.
Las Ramblas is a great place to grab a bite to eat as well, with a huge variety of cafes and restaurants to choose from. I loved sitting at one of the coffee shops and sipping on a cafe con leche while people-watching on this busy street.
You might only have a few days in Barcelona if you’ve booked a last-minute flight to Spain or you’re stopping here as part of your Royal Caribbean cruise deal, but this itinerary should help you hit all the top spots in the city.
