Barcelona at a glance
Barcelona is a feast for the senses. The vibrant and beautiful capital of Catalonia has a distinctly Mediterranean feel with a style and energy that is hard to beat. Originally founded as a Roman city, Barcelona was invaded and occupied by a variety of nations which no doubt shaped the landscape into the multicultural centre it is today. With the second largest population in Spain, Barcelona’s dynamic, cosmopolitan atmosphere continues to attract visitors worldwide.
The city’s most popular attractions can be found in the Ciutat Vella (Old City) where medieval structures arc skyward in striking contrast to the Ciutat Vella, with its 19th century, Modernist buildings. Barcelona is known for its extraordinary architecture, the most spectacular of which is courtesy of its famous son Antoni Gaudí.
Explore the city's many boardwalks and esplanades, guiding you to some of the most popular beaches of the world. With over 4 kilometres of golden sand to enjoy, every beach in Barcelona has its own unique flair, from sand artists and seafood eateries to American-style restaurants, volleyball courts and windsurfing. But sun worshippers are not to be disappointed when the sun goes down. At night the city comes alive, with each district offering a huge selection of trendy nightclubs and eclectic bars to suit every taste and budget.
Perfect if you’re looking for:
- Gothic and Modernist Architecture
- Vibrant Nightlife
- Modern Art galleries
- Beaches
Getting around
Whether you want to visit old or new, Barcelona is easy to navigate with an efficient subway, train and bus network. However, exploring the city by foot is effortless.
Dining in Barcelona
A variety of international cuisine exists in Barcelona. Although tapas is not native to the area, it can be found at many restaurants, as can standard fish based dishes such as paella. Alfresco dining is popular in good weather, with many terraced restaurants offering sea views.
Must-try local dishes:
- Botifarra (sausages)
- Arròs a la catalana (Catalan Paella)
- Crema Catalana
Shopping in Barcelona
There are two main streets for shopping, these are the Passeig de Gracia and Portal del Angel and they both begin at the famous Placa de Catalunya. The Passeig de Gracia is created for luxurious shopping, here you will find Chanel, Rolex, Swarovski, Burberry and Gucci. The Portal del Angel is the place to be for popular high street brands such as Pull & Bear, Zara, H&M, Mango and Bershka. There are also plenty of malls if you’re seeking to do some indoor shopping, there is the Diagonal Mar which is not far from the famous Mar Bella beach, the Centro Comercial Glories and Las Arenas Shopping Centre.
Osprey Holidays top tips
If you get the chance, visit Gaudi’s Parc Guell on a weekday and avoid the crowds.
Get your tailor-made city break itinerary
Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Barcelona designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:
- All travel and transfers on days of your choice
- Accommodation from our handpicked range of Barcelona hotels, to suit your budget and requirements
Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.
- Latest blog posts
- Important information
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Population 1,620,943 Languages Catalan, Castillian Currency Euro Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens - Average temperatures
(monthly highs °C)
- Interesting facts
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La Boqueria market on Las Ramblas, with its huge array of colourful food stalls, is the place for extra special picnic ingredients.
- Featured accommodation
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- Distance from airports
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El Prat 14 km
- Railway stations
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Barcelona Sants Station