Spanish Accent

Barcelona is packed with architectural excitement and stunning sights

Written by Christy Waller of CW Luxury Travel / Photos courtesy of CW Luxury Travel, The Barcelona EDITION, and Nikolas Koenig

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and it’s not hard to see why. Known for its unique architecture, beaches, and cultural landmarks, the historic capital of Catalonia is packed with galleries, museums, attractions, and thriving restaurants. Set between the mountains and sea, the city is celebrated for its unique architecture, famous artists, and urban beaches.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the finest examples of Catalan modernist architecture. It is a massive basilica designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi in 1882. It is still under construction after more than 135 years, expected to be finished by 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.

Sagrada Familia

The church’s design is heavily inspired by nature, with stunning tree-like pillars, immense open spaces, and intricate details that reflect the delicate precision of a spiderweb. The façade is adorned with elaborate sculptures and carvings, including several elements of religious imagery like angels and scenes from the Bible. One of the church’s most striking features is its stained-glass windows, each designed to cast a specific color throughout the interior. When the sun shines through the windows, the church is filled with a vibrant rainbow of light, creating a truly breathtaking experience for visitors. Despite not being finished, La Sagrada Familia has become one of the most visited attractions in Barcelona and one of Spain’s most important monuments.

Park Guell, designed by Antoni Gaudí, attracts millions of visitors yearly. It is situated on a hill in the Gracia district of the city and offers stunning views of Barcelona. Visitors can stroll through the winding paths and gardens, take in the stunning architecture, and enjoy live music and street performers. It was originally built in the early 1900s as part of a commercial development, but it was never completed. In 1926, the City of Barcelona purchased the property and transformed it into a public park.

Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

Park Guell is known for its unique architectural features, including brightly colored mosaics, curved shapes, and organic-looking structures. The park has several notable landmarks, including the Dragon Stairway, the Hall of One Hundred Columns, and the Serpentine Bench. The park’s iconic terrace also offers panoramic views of the city.

Another of Antoni Gaudi’s works, Casa Batlló, is located in the center of Barcelona. Casa Batlló is known for its unique and creative design, a mix of modernist and Art Nouveau styles. The exterior of the building consists of colorful tiles and broken shards of glass, evoking the impression of a watery surface. The balconies appear like masks and are characterized by smooth wave-like contours. Inside the building, the walls and ceilings are curved and decorated with bright colors and patterns. The main rooms of the building are the Noble Floor and the Attic, which house several exhibitions of the history, architecture, and design of the Casa Batlló. The rooftop terrace provides a 360-degree view of the city and features a fascinating chimney with interesting designs. Casa Batlló has become one of Barcelona’s top tourist attractions and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It attracts thousands of visitors yearly, marveling at its unique architecture and artistic appeal.

The oldest part of Barcelona—the Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gotic—is known for its narrow, labyrinthine streets, Gothic architecture, and historic buildings. The district is home to the Cathedral of Barcelona and many other churches that bear witness to the city’s rich history. Other notable sites include the Plaça del Rei, once the seat of the Kings of Aragon, and the Plaça Sant Jaume, home to the Catalan government headquarters.

The district is also known for its trendy shops, cafés, and restaurants among historic buildings. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee on a picturesque terrace overlooking the narrow streets or savor traditional Catalan cuisine in a cozy restaurant.

La Rambla is one of the busiest and most famous streets in Barcelona. Located 1.2 kilometers from Plaça Catalunya in the north to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell in the south is lined with bars, shops, and restaurants and home to several notable landmarks and attractions, such as the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Boqueria Market, and a stunning mosaic by Joan Miró. It is considered one of the most vibrant and lively streets in Barcelona, and it is bustling with activity at all hours of the day and night.

The mountain range located about 30 miles northwest of Barcelona is home to Montserrat. Its 11th-century Benedictine monastery, Santa Maria de Montserrat, and the surrounding natural beauty are worth the trip—visitors can also take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain. The monastery is known for its choir, which performs daily during several religious ceremonies. In addition, visitors can see the famous Black Madonna statue, the patron saint of Catalonia, and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes from the top of the mountain.

Barcelona has several excellent museums, including the Picasso Museum, the Joan Miró Foundation, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. The Picasso Museum is a world-renowned art museum in the Gothic Quarter and houses the most extensive collection of original works by the famous Spanish artist. The museum was inaugurated in 1963 and holds a collection of over 4,200 artworks, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

The collection at the museum covers Picasso’s early years, particularly his formative years as an artist in Barcelona between 1895 and 1904, when he developed his individual style. Visitors can see some of the most significant pieces from the Blue Period and the Rose Period and some fantastic examples of his cubist works. One of the museum’s highlights is the famous painting, Las Meninas, inspired by the great Diego Velázquez and reinvented in his cubist style. There are also a few rooms dedicated to Picasso’s works from his later years, which include prints and ceramics.

Barcelona also has several beaches along its coast that are popular with locals and tourists alike. Barceloneta Beach is the most popular and is known for its lively atmosphere, but quieter beaches like Bogatell and Mar Bella are also perfect for relaxing. These are just a few of the many sights to see in Barcelona, and the city has something to offer for everyone.

The Barcelona EDITION is located on the edge of El Born District, an oasis in the heart of the city, beside the Picasso Museum and the Barcelona Gothic Cathedral, adjacent to the Santa Caterina Market and steps away from Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia and Barceloneta beach. With a modern design merging the timeless aesthetic of Ian Schrager and the bold buzz of Barcelona, The Barcelona EDITION features 100 sophisticated guest rooms, suites, and two penthouses with unparalleled views of the city, a Mediterranean market cuisine restaurant, a state-of-the-art micro-club and lounge, a specialty cocktail bar serving punches, a rooftop bar with outdoor pool and sunbeds serving signature cocktails, and complimentary 24-hour Gym and Room Service. Flooded with natural light, luxury suites offer an airy, spacious layout with the hotel’s signature touches, as well as spacious bathrooms with marble bathtubs with large windows that provide stunning views of the El Born or the beautiful and colorful Santa Caterina Market. Adjacent to the iconic Santa Caterina Market and beside the Barcelona Cathedral, the hotel is set within walking distance of the main city beaches, the luxury shops on Passeig de Gràcia, and the city’s most beloved landmarks including the Picasso Museum, Antoni Gaudí’s Palau Güell, and the famed Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar.

Dining at The Barcelona EDITION is an experience in itself. The hotel is a dynamic social hub where guests rub elbows with locals. Based on the freshest seasonal ingredients from the neighboring Santa Caterina market, Bar Veraz offers an affordable culinary experience and features an exterior terrace for al-fresco dining. The Roof features unparalleled views over Barcelona to enjoy while sipping on signature cocktails by their master bartenders, and a live DJ set plays in the background while the sun sets.

Visit Barcelona for a trip back in time and unsurpassed cultural experiences.