From the otherworldly architectural masterpieces by Gaudi to the Olympic village, wherever you visit in Barcelona you’ll keep coming back to Las Ramblas. It’s the city’s backbone, and a wonderful place to promenade and watch the world go by.
SHOPPING
The Old Town has pedestrianised streets and some exclusive brand names, and you’ll find traditional Spanish food markets too. A good time to shop is after 5pm, as shops tend to shut down in the heat of the afternoon.
BEACHES
Many visitors come to Barcelona to enjoy all the pleasures of a city break. But you can top up your tan or even go surfing here too, as there are golden sands all down the coastline, not too far from the city centre.
LANDMARKS
Barcelona is known for Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces, which are dotted through the city. The unfinished Sagrada Familia Cathedral is a bewildering and wonderful sight, while Park Guell seems to hover over the town below.
There’s so much to see in Barcelona that it makes sense to take a bus tour through the city first. You can get on and off at any point en route.