I’m not exactly sure how many times I’ve been to Barcelona, but in November, 2022 I visited the city properly for the third time (staying more than just a few days). I still feel I don’t know Barcelona that well, and I certainly haven’t seen everything it has to offer, but I’ve compiled some tips on what to do and what to leave out based on my experiences. Late November was a perfect time to go to Barcelona as the weather was great (hovering around 17-20 degrees Celsius) and crowds were much smaller than during peak season.
So much Gaudí, so little time
There is no better place to experience Gaudí’s remarkable legacy of architecture than in Barcelona. I love his unique, whimsical style that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike for more than a century. However, if you have limited time in Barcelona, it may not be possible to visit all of the architect’s most famous works. Here is my personal ranking:
1. Park Güell
I choose this as my top pick knowing that most people would disagree. However, there’s something magical about Park Güell – it’s like walking into a fairytale complete with gingerbread houses, luxurious, verdant greenery, playful parakeets, and fantastical mosaics. Despite the hoards of tourists who visit the incomplete project commissioned by Eusebio Güell, the park is a breath of fresh air with views of the sea beyond the city.
2. The Sagrada Familia
Next on my list would be the unfinished Sagrada Familia, widely considered to be Gaudí’s most important work. He died tragically in 1926 before completing the church to which he had dedicated so many years of his life. His death is perhaps a lesson in compassion, as he did not receive immediate medical treatment after being hit by a tram due to his bedraggled appearance.
Like many North American travellers, I quickly tire of visiting European churches. Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia is so distinct that it is certainly worth a visit at least once in your life. I first came with friends in 2008 and returned with my mother in 2022. The church is in a constant state of change as the date for its completion (2026 – 100 years after the architect’s death) looms. Will they finish in time? I supposed I’ll have to plan another trip to see for myself. Note that you need to book your ticket online – it’s not possible to purchase it in person.
3. Casa Batlló & 4. Casa Milà
When it comes to Gaudí’s most famous residential buildings, in terms of both exterior and interior, I would say that my preference is Casa Batlló over Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Both have great architectural interest (and fabulous rooftop terraces), but Casa Batlló has some incredible wood and glass finishes that Casa Milà lacks. Both are worth a visit, but if you are tight on time or funds while in Barcelona, my tip would be to visit Casa Batlló first. Of course, Barcelona has more Gaudí to offer than those listed above, but these are the top attractions.
From architecture to art
Barcelona has a wealth of options for art lovers of all kinds. I’ve been to the Joan Miró Foundation, the Picasso Museum, and most recently, MOCO, a new addition to the art scene in Barcelona. The Picasso museum has the potential to disappoint if one is expecting to see the works that made Picasso an international sensation. However, the museum has many works from his early years as an artist and provides insight into his development. If you like Joan Miró, then you´ll love the gallery that bears his name, but if you aren’t a fan, you’ll want to skip this one.
The awkwardly named MOCO (meaning snot in Spanish) is a sister museum to a gallery in Amsterdam. If you enjoy contemporary art, you’ll probably enjoy this one. The collection is fun and engaging, and small enough to be completed in an hour or two. Names like Banksy, Dalí, and Kusama draw visitors, but we had a lot of fun discovering names we didn’t know like a new favourite, the Chilean artist, Guillermo Lorca.
Beyond art and architecture
Stay tuned… There’s so much to do in Barcelona I’ve decided to split this into two parts!
