Barcelona is a city that allows you to visit everything on foot or by bike. You can also use the bus or metro, but it's always great to have one or two days off of public transport. In case you prefer to go by public transportation, or you really need to because of lack of time, it is highly recommended to get the Barcelona Card. This card can be valid for 3 days for 45 euros, 4 days for 55 euros, and 5 days for 6o euros. This card includes unlimited use of public transportation for free. It also includes the free entrance to 20 activities, and in some others, you can receive a discount.
In addition, Barcelona has one of the biggest ports in the Mediterranean and it's perfect for sailing. Giving you a great combination of sea and city life. Click here to find a perfect boat and plan your holidays in advance.
The main idea is that you can visit the following places you will read more about. These places either take your breath away or make you want to stay in Barcelona forever. Ready to be captivated by this spectacular city?
Casa Batllo
Built between 1904 and 1906 and located in Barcelona's center. This Gaudi's masterpiece gives the city a spellbinding touch because it looks like it comes from an otherworldly fairy tale. Gaudi replaced the original facade with a new composition of stone and glass. The house has a surface of more than 5,000 m2. It consists of a ground floor, the main floor with a courtyard, four further self-contained floors, a loft, and a roof terrace.
The external wavy walls, the colorful, iconic dragon's back roof, and the one of a kind balconies are what grabs everyone's attention. Inside the house, you'll find yourself surprised by every small detail. The huge translucent windows on the communal landing stairwell, allow light to pass through selectively, making the shades of blue of the building look like sea waves! The skylights, door handles, banisters, etc...are ergonomically designed. It's the definitive work of art, with the artist making everything working together: design, shape, light, color, and space.
"Casa Batlló is a joyful and allegorical representation, full of organic elements, colors, and charged with symbolism. An incredible spectacle in the city which inspires the most sublime sentiments in all those who gaze upon it."
La Pedrera
Built between 1906 and 1912. Casa Milà, known as "La Pedrera" (the stone quarry). Inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, for its unique artistic and heritage value, it's another of Gaudi's gems. Also, you can have the famous 'Gaudi's Pedrera: Origins' , an amazing live night-time experience, where you will see the unique architecture of this space to present an incredible audio-visual show. Taking you on an unforgettable journey to the origins of life, the essence of Gaudí’s architecture, with multiple projections in the stairwells, special lighting and a soundtrack that will accompany it all, making this a lifetime experience.
Park Güell
In 1886 Eusebi Güell assigned Gaudi to design this stunning and gorgeous park. Güell wanted to recreate the British residential parks. The location is perfect, with the sea view and Barcelona's Plain. Hence, this presented a problem when Gaudi planned the construction because he had to take into account that it wouldn't block the sea view to the neighbors. Also, this masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage. Surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent, the terrace is one of the most striking parts of the park. Gaudi incorporated many elements from religious mysticism and ancient poetry. As well as many motifs of Catalan nationalism. The benches were mostly designed by J. Maria Jujol, Gaudi's collaborator. This park is a must-visit!
Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família
You might be wondering why I wrote about Gaudi's masterpieces in a row. It's not only because I am a huge fan of his artwork. I truly think that these masterpieces give the magic touch to the city. Therefore I would like to talk about the sublime Gaudi's design, La Sagrada Familia. Being one of the most famous Roman Catholic churches worldwide. This church construction began on the 19 of March 1882, on the festival of St Joseph. Designed by Francisco de Paula del Villar, whose plan was for a Gothic revival church. A year after Gaudi got involved in the design giving it Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms.
Gaudi's idea was that the church consists of 18 towers. Unfortunately, he was only able to create one before passing away. Gaudi wanted that 12 out of the 18 towers were meant to be for the Apostles. The other 4 for the Evangelists, one for Mary the Virgin, and one for Jesus. As a result, each of them will be endowed with different height depending on the religious hierarchy they represent. Three main facades represent Jesus' birth, the passion of Christ, and the principal one, the Glory facade. Gaudi left the sketches so that his successors could finish the work. Its construction has been progressed slowly. It is supposed to be completed in 2026, also commemorating the centenary of Gaudi's death.
Palace of Catalan Music
Another UNESCO's World Heritage because of its architectural Catalan Art Nouveau style. Moreover, it represents a symbolic, emotional heritage for people who identify with its history. Hosted world premieres and it is a landmark symphonic and choral music, both international and national, making the place one of its kind. They offer tours where they can give you more information and show you around.
"Designed around a central metal structure covered in glass, which exploits natural light to make the make Domènech i Montaner's masterpiece into a magical music box..."
The Palau also has two other venues, the Petit Palau and Sala d'Assaig de l'Orfeó Català. Petit Palau opened its doors in 2004, offering great acoustics and high-tech audio-visual equipment. Furthermore, it is a perfect place for small-format concerts. Furthermore, Sala d'Assaig de l'Orfeó Català is also a great place for small-format concerts, presentations, and talks. The Orfeó Català choirs practice at Sala d'Assaig de l'Orfeó Català. Also at Sala d'Assaig de l'Orfeó Català, you'll find the first stone of the Palau, laid in 1905. Besides, the Palau has a special part called, Lluís Millet Hall, named after the founder, Maestro Millet.
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Situated in Maria Cristina Avenue, it's one of the main attractions because of its extraordinary display of lights, colors, music, and water acrobatics. All those elements are the perfect combination, and it gives the place a beautiful touch. The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc first spouted on 19 May 1929 during the Great Universal Exhibition, and since then it keeps captivating everyone that come and visit it.
Mercat Santa Caterina
Built-in 1845 on the former site of the Convent of Santa Caterina, from which it takes its name and completed in 2005 by the architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue. During the post-civil war, the market was the primary food supplier for the people from Sant Adrià, Santa Coloma, and Mataró in times of shortage. Nowadays, people come in specially for its architectural beauty, such as its great colorful roof that can be seen from the Barcelona Cathedral. The roof is attached to the building by a wooden structure, and a vast mosaic of colored ceramic pieces. The ceramic pieces represent fruit and vegetables, making it very appealing to people's eyes. Missing it would be a shame, don't think it twice and go!
Catedral de La Santa Cruz
Built from the 13th to 15th centuries and dedicated to the co-patron of Barcelona, Eulalia of Barcelona. Using a typical Catalan Gothic structure in its construction. Designed to permit the utilization of the spaces within the buttresses, allowed rows of secondary chapels to be opened up in the Cathedral. There are two chapels in each section of the naves, encircling the entire basilica. Located at the ends of the section nearest to the presbytery, there are the two bell towers. One of the towers is over the door of Saint Ivo, and the other is over the interior entryway to the Cloister. There are also large windows that illuminate the presbytery. From the cathedral, you can have the most beautiful view of Mercat Santa Maria.
Museu Marítim
Located in the building of Royal Shipyards of Barcelona, is a true sign of the Catalan's maritime heritage wealth. Here you'll find collections of ships' models, nautical instruments, marine painting, masks, cartography, and the replica of the Royal Galley of Joan of Austria. Moreover, the building is a unique example of the world of civil Gothic architecture dedicated to maritime uses. If you are passionate about boats as much as Tubber's team and I are, you cannot miss this beautiful museum. The architecture and what you'll find inside of it will amaze you!
Picasso's Museum
Opened its doors in 1963, Picasso's museum is a key to understanding Picasso's formative years. An exhibition of 4,251 works of the young artist that make up the permanent collection. Picasso's museum shows people's deep relationship Picasso had with Barcelona that was shaped in his youth and continued until his death. Moreover, the museum occupies five large townhouses or palaces on the street Carrer de Montcada. Being a good example of the Catalan civic Gothic style. Perfect for learning more about this prestigious painter, this place has to be in your top list of places to visit!
Boat licenses and sailing permits in Spain
A sailing permit or license (título de recreo) is not needed to rent the following vessels during daylight hours in Barcelona, Ibiza waters:
- Motorboats up to 5 meters in length and with a maximum power of 10 kW (13 CV)
- Sailing boats up to 5 meters in length
- Kayaks, canoes and pedal boats and boats with motors of under 3.5 kW
- For further information: Click here (in Spanish)
- All other vessels may only be handled by a person holding an appropriate license. Failure to have a license may result in the vessel being confiscated or a hefty fine.
Although a Yacht Masters certificate (and translation into Spanish) or an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) are considered sufficient proof of competence to skipper.