48 HOURS IN BARCELONA

BARCELONA 41.3874° N, 2.1686° E

Barcelona

Proud city of the Catalans, Barcelona offers everything from Mediterranean beaches to Michelin-star dining and that renowned eclectic architecture

Catalans are so proud of their distinct language, culture and heritage, that it’s hard to miss. Spain’s second-largest city, Barcelona, could seem daunting to visitors, but besides being largely built in a highly navigable grid pattern, it has plenty of public transport options, including trams, funicular railways and cable cars, making it enjoyable to get around.

The first human settlements date back to Neolithic times but the city was founded by the Romans towards the end of the 1st century. The well preserved Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) is the historic centre of the old city. With soaring 14thcentury cathedrals, towering temple columns and ancient Roman and Medieval walls, this is a city rich in historical architecture. A visit to The Museu d’Historia de Barcelona details the ancient and medieval history of Barcelona, particularly Roman artefacts and architectural remains.

Don’t miss one of the earliest examples of Art Nouveau - the first home designed by Gaudi – Casa Vincens which opened to the public in 2017. It blends beautifully tiled exteriors with Arabian and Oriental influences inside. Or take a tour of the flamboyant Palau de la Música Catalana. Its spectacular interiors helped it become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Start with a stroll around Europe’s best-preserved Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) and visit the Museu d’Història de Catalunya where a rooftop bar offers views of the harbour. Wander the medieval lanes and stop at the gothic Barcelona Cathedral to see the stunning vaulted ceiling and cloister with its 13 ornate geese. Spend some time in the attractionpacked Montjuïc to find the Palau Nacional, home to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, as well as the Magic Fountain which some nights offers spellbinding light shows. Ride the funicular to the top of the hill for panoramic city views.

A short metro ride takes you to the La Sagrada Familia – Antoni Gaudi’s most famous work – a church for the people. Buy a ticket online to bypass the queues. The carved, colourful interior resembles a fairy tale structure. Take a quick detour north to see the stunning Art Nouveau Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau before making the short walk down tree-lined streets to the Passeig de Gracia. Here you’ll find the iconic Gaudi house Casa Batlló and also Casa Mila with its fascinating rooftop walk, as well as other Modernista architecture.

A ride in the lift to the top of the Mirador de Colom (The Columbus Monument) to the viewing gallery (60m up) for 360-degree views of the Gothic Quarter, Parc de Montjuïc and the harbour is not to be missed.

WHERE TO SHOP

One of the most iconic boulevards in Barcelona the elegant Paseo de Gràcia, once a place for 19thcentury affluence, it remains impeccable today. With a high concentration of exclusive fashion and accessory shops such as the international fashion houses of Versace, Prada and Louis Vuitton.

In the heart of Barcelona Plaza de Catalunya providing fashion for everyone, then head down La Ramblas to La Boquería Market Spain’s biggest and most famous market to shop for food and souvenirs. For traditional shopping head to the Gothic Quarter to browse antiques, books and handmade artisan clothing.

WHERE TO DINE

Although tapas is commonplace, Catalan cuisine has its own distinct style. Fuelled by a combination of world-class chefs producing imaginative creations, food becomes an art, and cosmopolitan Barcelona offers some of Europe’s finest dining.

La Ramblas is the most popular street in the city, with shops, restaurants and cafés. You’ll find locals and residents alike out enjoying the tree-lined strip way into the golden evenings, where evening dining doesn’t usually start until after 9pm. La Boquería Market is where you can find fresh fruit, veggies, pastries, smoked meats and cheeses along with an array of food stalls and tapas bars offering the freshest foods cooked to perfection. The hip Gracia neighbourhood is distinct from other parts of the city. By day, sample varied street food and tasty tapas. At night, find cool and classy bars playing live jazz.

Clockwise, from

left: Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia looming over the city; Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic); shopping district Paseo de Gràcia; traditional Spanish tapas