Interesting cities around barcelona. Barcelona guide: attractions, how to get there, what to see, what to do, travel plan

Barcelona (Spain) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Barcelona with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Barcelona

Barcelona is a city in northeastern Spain, the capital of Catalonia. This largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast with a population of more than one and a half million people and the second largest in the country. Barcelona is a lively seaside city and port with a magnificent cultural and historical heritage, a unique atmosphere and charming architecture. The center of Catalonia attracts with its mild climate and relaxed lifestyle, surreal buildings - masterpieces of Gaudí, beaches and the sea, delicious food and entertainment for every taste.

The sights of Barcelona span almost 2,000 years of its history and include: the medieval old town, a unique street grid that reflects the urban planning trends of the 19th century, and many interesting, unusual and even slightly fabulous buildings, of which the architectural delights of Antonio Gaudi stand out in particular. On the streets of the capital of Catalonia, you can easily find ancient rarities of the Roman past, medieval quarters and cathedrals, sculptural and architectural masterpieces of modernism and modernity. Barcelona is the city where Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro drew inspiration, where you can wander aimlessly through its streets, stumbling into charming corners, listening to street musicians or having a good time in cozy cafes.

Areas:

• Ciutat Vella ( Old city) is the oldest part of Barcelona, ​​the central area right on the Mediterranean coast. This is the main attraction, where most of the city's historical sights are concentrated.
• Eixample - modernist quarter, building squares and street geometry.
• Gràcia - located in the northern part of Barcelona. This once separate city (founded in the 17th century) was annexed to the capital of Catalonia in the 20th century.
• Sants-Montjuïc is the southern edge of the city. Here is the port.
• Sant Martí is the eastern outskirts of the city.
• Inland Suburbs - suburbs. Here is the famous Camp Nou stadium and the highest point of Barcelona.

Geography and climate

Barcelona is located on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean coast, 120 km from the border with France. From the south, the city is bounded by the Collserola mountains and the Llobregat river, and from the north by the Besos river. The highest point is Tibidabo. The city itself lies on five hills, which gave the city districts their name.

The climate is Mediterranean, with dry and humid summers and warm and dry winters. The hottest period is July and August. The coldest is January. Although even in winter average temperature about +10 degrees.

Best time to visit

Highest tourist season- July and August. At this time, the city is given to the "torn apart" by tourists. The locals mostly leave the city. Some restaurants and shops are closed, and hotel prices "bite". The most comfortable time to visit Barcelona is the off-season. At this time it is warm here, but not hot. You can come to the capital of Catalonia in winter. During this period there are few tourists, it is quite warm and dry.

Practical information

1. The population is 1.62 million people.
2. The area is 101.4 square kilometers.
3. The language is Spanish and Catalan (or Catalan).
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. 62% of Barcelona residents are Catalans.
8. 50% of the population professes Catholicism.
9. Avoid walking alone in the El Raval and La Rambla areas late at night.
10. Credit cards accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants.
11. Tip, if you liked the service, it is customary to leave 3-5% of the bill.
12. Tourist offices are located at the following addresses: Plaça Sant Jaume, Plaça Catalunya, Estació de Sant and in the center of the Gothic quarter Col legi d "Arquitectes de Catalunya.
13. VAT is 21%. Tax free can be returned from a purchase of 90 euros.
14. Smoking in public places is prohibited.
15. Holidays: January 1 - New Year, January 6 - Three Kings Day, Good Friday and Easter, May 1 - World Labor Day, June 24 - St. John the Baptist, August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin, September 11 - national holiday of Catalonia, October 12 - national holiday of Spain, November 1 - All Saints' Day, December 6 - Constitution Day, December 25 and 26 - Christmas.
16. Barcelona has a metro network that consists of 11 lines. Public transport also includes buses and trams. The hills of Montjuic and Tibidabo can be reached by funicular.
17. In public transport, a single ticket is valid. The cost of one trip is 2.2 euros. Tickets can be bought on buses and at metro stations.

Story

There are several legends about the founding of the city. One of them attributes the foundation of Barcelona to the legend of myths - Hercules, the other - to the Carthaginians. It is known for certain that the Iberians lived here. Their city was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. The Romans built a fortification here, the center of which was located near the square of St. Jacob. Thanks to its location and access to the sea, the city grew, grew rich and strengthened until it was conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century. Interestingly, the remains of ancient Roman fortifications and structures can still be found on the streets of Barcelona.

After the conquest by the Visigoths, the capital of their kingdom was located here for some time. At the beginning of the 6th century, in the vicinity of Barcelona, ​​a battle took place between the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths, in which the latter won. In the 8th century, the Berbers took Barcelona. At the very beginning of the 9th century, the son of Charlemagne conquered the city and made it the capital of the Spanish brand. At the end of the 10th century, after the raid of Al-Mansur, the Carolingians lost control of the capital of Catalonia, which gained independence.

In the 12th century, Catalonia united with Valencia, forming the Kingdom of Aragon, which lasted until the 15th century. In the 1410 century, control of the city passed to the Castilian dynasty. In the second half of the 17th century, after the fall of the Catalan Republic, Barcelona was sacked. In the early 18th century, Catalonia was conquered by Spain, of which it remains to this day. In the 19th century, Barcelona experienced an industrial boom that contributed to the growth of the city. In the 20th century, the capital of Catalonia turns into one of the most significant and largest cities in Spain. Despite this, nationalist sentiments and tendencies towards political autonomy have historically been strong in the region.

How to get there

international Airport Barcelona is one of the largest in Europe. It is located about 12 km from the city and consists of two terminals. Terminal T1 is new, it accepts a number of major international and European airlines. Terminal T2, which is mainly intended for small carriers and charters. You can get from the airport to the center of Barcelona (Plaza Catalunya) by bus A1 (from T1) and A2 (from T2). The trip will take 30 minutes. Buses run from 5.30 to 1.00. A cheaper option is bus 46, which serves both terminals and goes to the Plaza de España stop. The airport is also connected to the city by metro (line 9) and the natural train line.

Barcelona has a developed railway connection with Nice, Paris, Marseille, Milan, Zurich, Madrid and other European cities. bus service available with most major cities in Spain and European countries including London, Amsterdam, Cologne, Brussels, Paris, etc. By sea, Barcelona can be reached from Rome, Sardinia, Genoa, Livorno, Algeria.

Shopping and shopping

Barcelona is one of the main shopping centers in Spain. There are more than 30,000 stores in the Catalan capital. home market Street- Pedestrian Las Rambla. Most shops and malls are closed on Sundays. The huge La Boqueria, located in Ciutat Vella, stands out from the markets. The most fashionable shops and boutiques are located in the same area. Souvenirs can be bought in the Gothic Quarter and Las Rambla.

Food and drink

The Catalans are proud of their cuisine, but to find a good and inexpensive place, we recommend turning off the tourist trails. In Barcelona, ​​traditional Basque cuisine is common, as well as Spanish and Italian. Catalan cuisine is a variation of Mediterranean cuisine that includes soups, salads, meats, fish and seafood. Their traditional dishes are worth trying paella, pa amb tomėquet (bread with tomatoes), jamon, anchovy sandwich (anchoas de L "Escala), squid ink risotto (Arros negre), pasta with garlic (El allioli), grilled sausages with beans (La butifarra), beans with black pudding (Las habas a la catalana), cannelloni (Los canelones) In addition, they make excellent wine in Catalonia!

Among the best restaurants with traditional cuisine are:

• Can Pineda - Carrer de Sant Joan de Malta, 55
• Ca l "Isidre - C / Flors, 12
• Petit Comite - Passatge de la Concepció, 13
• Can Valles - Aragó, 95
• Òsties Pedrín - Jerusalem 30
• Bar Angel - Ocata, 2 bis
• El Sortidor de la Filomena Pages

Barcelona is famous for its nightlife. Almost every area of ​​the city has its own bars and clubs. But the main place of concentration of such establishments is the port area.

Attractions

The main attractions of Barcelona are concentrated in the following areas: the Old Town (Ciutat Vella), the Eixample and the port with the hill of Montjuic. The Old Town is the oldest part of the Catalan capital. Here you can find evidence of more than two thousand years of history of the city: from the ancient Roman period to the Middle Ages. The port and hill of Montjuic is the seaside part of the capital of Catalonia, where the shipyard and big park. Eixample is a new city designed in the 19th century.

The old town is the historical core of Barcelona with an area of ​​about 500 hectares. Until the middle of the 19th century, it was surrounded by fortress walls. A fragment of the original city fortifications can be found at the medieval shipyard, within the walls of which the maritime museum is located. The region consists of four parts.

The central part of the old city is the Gothic Quarter. It has been the center of the city since Roman times. Here you can see the ruins of Roman buildings and plunge into the labyrinth of narrow medieval streets. In the Gothic Quarter, you can discover charming atmospheric places and picturesque quiet squares, enlivened by the emotions of people and the sounds of guitars, and in quaint courtyards, sit in cute little cafes with terraces.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulampia

The main attractions of the Gothic Quarter:

• Cathedral of St. Cross and St. Evlampii - the Cathedral of Barcelona, ​​founded in the 13th century, a masterpiece of Gothic. The cathedral was built over 6 centuries. The temple building was built on the site of an early Christian church destroyed by Al-Mansur. Only the baptistery has survived from the ancient building. The main façade and the bell tower were completely finished at the end of the 19th century in neo-Gothic style. Inside, the cathedral is very impressive: from the magnificent choir and pulpit to the crypt where the relics of St. Eulampia.
• Santa Maria del Pi is a beautiful 14th century Gothic basilica. The vaulted ceiling is one of the highest in Spain, and the four stained glass windows are original (the work of Josep Ravella). The cathedral has a high 54-meter tower, which is the tallest medieval building in the Old Town.
• The Town Hall is a building in Sant Jaume Square, founded in the 14th century. It is located on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. The town hall has a neoclassical façade, hiding its gothic past.
• Barchino - a sculptural composition of 7 giant letters, located opposite the Roman wall. Depicts ancient name capital of Catalonia.
• The Church of San Felip Neri is a small religious building tucked away in a small square with a romantic atmosphere.
• Roman wall and ancient aqueduct(Casa de l "Ardiaca) adjoins Plaza Nova. Since the 12th century, the seat of the church diocese has been located here.
• Sant Just e Pastor - considered the oldest church in Barcelona. It was founded in the 9th century after the Frankish conquest. Unfortunately, almost nothing remains of the Romanesque and Gothic churches.
• Ramón Berenguer el Gran Square and Laietana Street - section of the Roman wall with the Gothic chapel of Santa Agata. This area is a majestic mixture of two different eras: Roman and Medieval. Initially, the city's fortifications had 74 towers. The walls were 16 meters high. The Royal Chapel of Santa Agata was built in the 14th century.
• Plaza del Rey is one of the most charming squares in Barcelona, ​​a true gothic ensemble. Here is the majestic Royal Palace, which was the residence of the rulers of Catalonia from the 13th to the 15th century, and the watchtower of King Marti.

La Rambla is the famous pedestrian boulevard that divides historical Center into two parts. This is the busiest street in Barcelona. It was founded in the 18th century following the contours of the medieval walls.

La Rambla is home to impressive historic buildings, lots of shops, Barcelona's greatest theater and the impressive Boquería Market.

La Ribera is a charming area that has been chosen by the bohemians. In the past, the richest residents of Barcelona lived here. Now it houses museums, art galleries, restaurants and wine bars.

Port Vell is a medieval shipyard and port. Here is the starting point for pleasure boats. The Palau de Mar red brick building houses one of the most interesting museums Barcelona - Museum of the History of Catalonia.

The citadel park was built in the 19th century on the site of a military fortress for the World Exhibition.

The Sagrada Familia (Cathedral of the Holy Family) is a symbol of Barcelona and Gaudí's masterpiece, an impressive basilica and one of the most unusual churches in Europe. Included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in Europe. The church was started by Gaudí at the end of the 19th century, but has not yet been completed.

Located in the northern part of Barcelona in the Eixample district. The Sagrada Familia is a fine example of surreal art nouveau architecture. During the construction, Antonio Gaudi did not have a clear idea and project. He changed the appearance of the basilica in the process of work. The famous Catalan architect planned to complete the work in 10-15 years.

Park Güell is another visiting card of Barcelona. This cheerful and colorful park was created by Gaudi and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Viaducts, grottoes, a colonnaded hall, winding staircases and other charming places are scattered throughout the space. These imaginative structures are adorned with colorful ceramic fragments. The terrace of the park offers a beautiful view of the city and the sea. Gaudi himself was very fond of this area. This was also his house.

Casa Mila is an avant-garde residential building in the Eixample district built in the early 20th century. It is the most famous secular building of Gaudi and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each line of the façade of this amazing natural stone building is curved, with rounded windows and metal balconies twisting into the shape of plants. Even the roof has a wavy shape, complemented by decorative chimneys.

Casa Batlló is another Gaudí masterpiece and one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona. It is a wonderful example of modernist architecture and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The fantastic mansion was designed as a private residence for a major textile worker, Josep Batllo. With free-swinging shapes and ornate façade, this dreamlike building looks like a castle from a surreal fairy tale. Most of the details of his design completely depart from any architectural trends.

Montjuic - a hill near the port with the largest park in Barcelona - Tibidabo and the old Jewish cemetery. The beautiful palace houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia with art collections from the 10th to the 20th century.

Monestir de Pedralbes is a 14th century monastery, a fine example of Catalan Gothic. Situated in a picturesque little park. The monastery museum houses a magnificent collection of medieval art from the 14th century.

Camp Nou is one of the greatest football stadiums in the world, the home arena of FC Barcelona.

Indeed, the capital Spanish Catalonia- The city of Barcelona is very famous not only for the architectural creations of the outstanding architect Antonio Gaudi, but also for one of the most popular Spanish football clubs and for its vibrant nightlife. If you are lucky enough to stay in Barcelona for a long time and after visiting all the beautiful sights of the city, you still have time to travel around Barcelona, ​​it will be just wonderful.

First of all, go to the holiest place in Catalonia - the monastery of Montserrat. It is located 50 kilometers from Barcelona in very unusual mountains. They are also called - "toothy" or "cut". I must say that they look very impressive. The monastery was originally built in the 11th century, but, unfortunately, at the beginning of the 19th century it was almost completely destroyed. And only a few decades later it was literally rebuilt, and after that it becomes a real cultural center of the whole of Catalonia. The monastery is active, and today the monks of the Benedictine order live in it.

In the monastery church there is a very famous sculpture of the Black Virgin of Montserrat, the patroness of Catalonia. Pilgrims wishing to pay tribute to this sculpture come to the "cut" mountains literally from all over the world. I must say that the history of the creation of the sculpture of the Black Virgin of Montserrat has long been shrouded in secrets and legends. One of them tells that the author of the sculpture is none other than St. Luke. And the founder of the Catholic Church, St. Peter, brought her to Montserrat. Unfortunately, research scientists completely refute this beautiful version. Expertise data prove that the age of the sculpture of the Black Maiden cannot be more than 900 years old.

You can get to Montserrat by car, for this you will need to climb a winding narrow road to the top of the mountain. There you will see a paid car park. Next, you will have to walk. Or you can get from Barcelona by train, running literally every hour. After you get off at Montserrat-Aéri station, you will have to go up to the top of the mountain by cable car. During the five-minute elevator ride, you will have time to admire the amazingly picturesque view of the nearby surroundings. Alternatively, you can take the same train to the Monistrol de Montserrat station, from which the ascent to the mountain is carried out using the funicular.

Another place in the vicinity of Barcelona constantly attracts the attention of travelers. This is an ancient town - Girona, built during the time of Roman rule. In it, you can wander endlessly through the maze of winding streets, and then admire the magnificent gothic cathedral and look at the real Arab baths. The town is located on a hill overlooking the river Onyar. Even before reaching the city, from afar you can see not only the towers of the cathedral, but also other churches. The cathedral was built for a long time - starting from the 11th century, and completed in the 17th century. Until now, the main pride of the Girona Cathedral is considered to be the central (the widest in the world) Gothic nave. A treasury clung directly to the building of the cathedral, inside which the most valuable tapestries on religious subjects and various ritual attributes are stored.

The best way to get acquainted with the history of Girona is by taking advantage of a special route called the Archaeological Route. So you can best see all its sights, including the ancient ruins left over from the Roman fortifications. You can get to Girona from Barcelona either by bus or by train. The distance between them is 100 kilometers.

If possible, go to the small town of Figueres, located 140 kilometers from Barcelona. He received the widest fame thanks to the famous Spanish artist Salvador Dali. The fact is that this very eccentric artist is a native of this city. Nowadays, there is a theater-museum where you can get acquainted with the work of this brilliant artist and the history of his fate. The interior of the museum is very unusual and even somewhat surreal. Some visitors are completely delighted at the sight of it, while others leave with a feeling of absolute bewilderment. Such was the work of Salvador Dali himself, who designed the museum building during his lifetime.

Another stunning attraction in Figueres is the Sa Feran fort, which is surrounded by a very impressive three-kilometer wall. According to the generally accepted opinion, the town of Figueros got its name from the fig trees that once grew in the vicinity of Figueros.

Another interesting town worth visiting while in Barcelona is elegant Tarragona. It is located on the very coast of the gentle Mediterranean Sea, literally 100 kilometers from the center of Barcelona. During the period of Roman rule, it was Tarragona that was actually the capital of the Catalan region. And today in the town there are many reminders of this solid Roman heritage - the ruins of the amphitheater, city walls and many other ruins of ancient buildings. Tourists interested in ancient civilizations should definitely visit the National Archaeological and Roman Museums, which display the widest collection of ancient artifacts.

You can get a lot of pleasure by visiting the rocky Spanish coast - the Costa Brava, stretching for as much as 200 kilometers from the town of Blanes to the very border with neighboring France. On the ledges of the Costa Brava, many villages have found shelter, offering a closer look at the wonderful culture and life of the Catalans. This coast is rightfully famous for its luxurious beaches and wonderful resorts, among which the most popular are Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar and, of course, Blanes. In it, you should definitely visit the famous cactus gardens, which are arranged right above the rocks. The town of Cadaques is also associated with the genius of Salvador Dali, which for many years inspired the work of this surrealist. In Cadaques, among the many white houses, you can see the villa and Dali himself. Now it houses a small museum.

And the last, perhaps, the town that you can visit from Barcelona is the old Caldes de Montbui. It is literally 35 kilometers from Barcelona. He became truly famous for healing properties thermal springs in it. Apparently, the ancient Romans used the waters from these sources, since the ruins of numerous Roman baths are well preserved to this day. On the main city square is the Lion Spring. I must say that the temperature of the water beating out of it reaches 70 ° C. You can learn about the fascinating history of local spas at the Termalia Museum.

Which allows fully relax and forget about the bustle of the metropolis. Live in major city boils andday and night. It is best to hide from all this in the nearby smalllocated along the Mediterranean coast. In such a place, you can count on a peaceful pastime. From nightclubsand historical sights of the capital it will beonly half an hour drive away. The coast south of Barcelona is called the Costa del Garraf. If you are visiting Barcelona and its surroundings for the first time, we recommend downloading our application, which will become an excellent guide to the region.

Gava

Nearest locality- . This is a miniature village with a couple of thousand people.Several beautiful parks, the center and cozy cafes along the embankment - herethe main "attractions" of this town, although onthe ruins of a castle lie in the hills nearby.

Vacationers can easily find cheap accommodation here, which is rented by locals, and can also easily choose a hotel using the link. As for, next to Gava heclean and sparse. This is a great option for families because of the largepart of the coast here is shallow.

Castelldefels

No less convenient for living should be Castelldefels. The advantage of this the town can be called what it is only 10-15 minutes from. INThe village has a rowing and sailing school. Tourists are offered to ride onalong the coast, explore the beauty of Catalonia from a bird's eye view, flyingon an airplane or in a hot air balloon. On the western outskirts of Castelldefels is locatedformer fortress. There are daily tours of its territory. To the centerBarcelona can be reached from here in 40 minutes. You can choose a hotel using this link.

Sitges

The resort closest to the Catalan capital is rightfully considered. Of course, by it is inferior to noise and the number of attractions, but somevacationers still prefer it. divided into old and newcity. Family and elderly people who love peace and quiet stop in the old one, andthe new one is designed for young people who spend most of their time at parties and in. The tango, held here in July, brought fame to the village.

It is also worth visiting the steam locomotive museum, the academic theater and the Cathedral of St. Teresa. must be delighted with a local amusement park modeled after Disneyland. To the north of it stretches a long continuous beach, changing with suburban zones. Recommended for Sitges with a Russian-speaking guide. You can see hotels in this city.

Calella

The first full-fledged town in this direction is Calella. From the capital of Catalonia to it will have to go about 30 minutes. You can get both on andand on . Calella has gained fame thanks to the cleanest coast.people come here for the white sand beaches and the silence of a small village. About noise and bustlemetropolis can be forgotten here. Local residents deliberately oppose the constructionthere are large hotels, nightclubs and entertainment centers because they don't want to changepeaceful lifestyle. You can choose a hotel in Calella.

Santa Susanna

Relatively close to Barcelona Santa Susanna. The city can claim the title of a full-fledged one, since life here is in full swing not only.Despite the fact that the village is large, it is an ideal place for families with children.This is explained, first of all, by reasonable prices for rental housing. If youIf you are planning to spend at least a month in Spain, you should definitely contactfocus on Santa Susanna. To Barcelona from the town - about 70 km. secludedbeaches, in family restaurants, hiking, horse riding, cycling and– all this Santa Susanna has to offer. If you are worried that there may be a problem with housing, then your worries are in vain: using the link, you can easily choose a hotel for any budget.

Malgrat de Mar

We will tell you what to see in Barcelona - the most resort city in Spain. We have collected the main attractions so that you can make an itinerary.

The capital of rebellious Catalonia is the largest port in Spain and the second largest city in Spain after Madrid. In total, about 1.5 million people live here.

If you watched the news last fall, you definitely saw stories about the struggle of local residents for their independence. The Catalans have their own language, symbols and a burning desire to leave Spain, although the question is still up in the air.

Barcelona is a city of sangria and recognized geniuses, lively beaches and festivals. On the one hand, the capital of Catalonia keeps the architecture of different eras. On the other hand, it is a center of modern culture with an active life and entertainment for tourists of all ages.

Must see

Each era has left its mark here. But there is a "set" of locations that must be included in the route. They also say about such places: “I didn’t visit - I didn’t see the city.”

Sagrada Familia Cathedral

Any tourist city has a symbol, to which it is difficult to break through the queue of those who want to see it with their own eyes. Here they became the Sagrada Familia Cathedral - the strangest temple in the world. The author of the first project was the architect Villar. Gaudi, replacing him, completed work on the crypt and erected a high vault - so sunlight penetrates better into the cathedral.

Gaudí's whole life was connected with the project. He endowed each of the facades with a special meaning, dedicating it to the deeds and life of Christ. During the life of Gaudí, three portals were completed - symbols of Christian virtues. The interior of the cathedral is a triumph of strict geometric laws. Inside the Sagrada Familia, you can see stars, stained glass windows, imposing columns and hyperbolic vaults, as well as decorations in the form of majolica and vines.

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

House of Batllo

The appearance of the city is largely based on the masterpieces of Gaudí. A feature of the Batllo house is the almost complete absence of straight lines in the design of the facade and balconies, which is why the building is often called "dancing". For Gaudi, details were important, so Batllo's house is decorated with tiles, decorative plates, forged elements and bizarre details, the outlines of which resemble either a curved dragon or a vine.

Gaudi created the game of chiaroscuro with the help of tiles of all shades of blue, and designed the windows so that sunlight easily penetrated the building. The visiting card of the Batllo house is chimneys of unusual shapes. Inside the house, you should admire the stained-glass windows and go into the attic, the vaults of which create the feeling that you are in the skeleton of a vertebrate.

Working hours: from 9:00 to 21:00.

Price: 23.5 euros, visitors 7-18 years old - 20.5 euros.

Citadel Park

Appeared in the 19th century. For several decades it remained the only green zone cities. Today, the park is considered an open-air museum, where you can see the Parliament building and the military chapel, walk along the shady alleys or go boating on the lake.

One of the central monuments of the park is the Cascade Fountain, reminiscent of a triumphal arch and decorated with sculptural compositions. After inspecting the fountain, you need to go to Castle of three dragons, which houses the Zoological Museum. The Ciutadella Park also includes a zoo, a solemn Arc de Triomphe and a Geological Museum.

Working hours: from 10:00 to sunset.

Price: Entrance to the park is free, you will have to pay extra for visiting the zoo and the Geological Museum.

Interesting places in the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is a medieval labyrinth with a chaotic layout and narrow streets. The quarter was first inhabited during the reign of Octavian Augustus. But most of the surviving buildings date back to the XIV-XV centuries. The Roman heritage also remains and is easy to find.

Cathedral

The main cathedral is the one located in the Gothic Quarter, not the Sagrada. It was erected in honor of St. Eulalia and was built over two centuries, starting from the 13th century. The cathedral is designed in the best traditions of Gothic, but later it acquired neo-Gothic features. Eat interesting tradition: exactly 13 white geese are kept in the cathedral - according to the number of years when St. Eulalia was martyred. And the white color has become a symbol of its purity.

There are many artifacts kept inside the cathedral. Attention is drawn to the seats for members of the choir with magnificent decoration and knightly coats of arms. In the 16th century, an organ appeared in the cathedral, which is used during concerts. main shrine Cathedral - alabaster sarcophagus of Eulalia with bas-reliefs.

Working hours: on weekdays, the cathedral is open from 8:00 to 12:30 (free of charge), then from 13:00 to 17:30 (surcharge), after which it can be visited free of charge until 19:00.

Price: You can visit only part of the buildings of the cathedral for free. It is better to pay 7 euros for the opportunity to get acquainted with all the richness of a religious monument. On religious holidays and during masses, admission is free.

Sant Jaume Square

The Gothic Quarter combines several open spaces. The main one is Sant Jaume. This area is located on a site well developed in Roman times. Previously, the main roads of the Roman settlement of Barcino intersected at this place. At the crossroads there was a forum where citizens resolved all important issues and the Temple of Augustus, built presumably in the 1st century BC. AD The area has since changed radically both in size and in terms of buildings, but some traces remain. You can look at the columns of the temple of Augustus near the building of the Catalan excursion center on the neighboring Carrer del Paradís street.

In the Middle Ages, the temple of Sant Jaume was located here, after which the square was named. Today on Sant Jaume you can see Historical building government of Catalonia and the town hall. If you find yourself on the square during the holidays, you can get to fairs, festivities and festivals. There are also competitions for the construction of castells - the famous Catalan towers made of people.

Working hours: around the clock

Price: for free

• Numbeo - see the order of prices in the host country.
• AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.
• Tripster - craft excursions from locals.
• Sputnik and Weatlas - the best excursions from professional guides.

New Square

Contrary to its name, this is one of the oldest squares in the city. Until the 14th century, there was a non-built-up area outside the city gates of the Roman settlement of Barcino. The towers of the Bishop's Gate have survived to this day. Previously, one of the main streets of Barcino began here and two converged, supplying the settlement with water. Fragments of the aqueduct have been preserved near the left gate tower.
A larger fragment of the Roman fortress wall is located on the opposite side of the Cathedral - it is best seen from Ramon Berenguer Square.

In the wake of the civil war

Many iconic places have been preserved from the war in the old center. But first, some context.

Remember the old Soviet film "Officers"?In the middle of the tape, the main character Alexei Trofimov takes part in the hostilities in Spain, where he is seriously wounded in the back. Did you wonder what he was doing there? What is this civil war in Spain and what does the USSR have to do with it. Let's figure it out.

The Spanish Civil War lasted from 1936 to 1939. It was a conflict between the Republican government and Francisco Franco's rebels. The Republicans were supported by France, Mexico and the USSR, and the rebels were supported by Germany, Italy, Portugal and several hundred Russian emigrants who had previously been involved in the white movement.

In Barcelona as a major industrial city, communist and anarchist views were strong. Therefore, the rebels could not immediately capture the city. For several years, the capital of Catalonia has seen everything: street fighting, bombing and surrender on January 26, 1939. All this time, the USSR did not stand aside and helped support the resistance.

• We gave the Spaniards a loan of 85 million dollars.
• brought 300 thousand tons of weapons and ammunition
• transferred 648 aircraft and 347 tanks
• more than 2 thousand soldiers were sent: pilots, tankers, translators and other specialties.

Most iconic place- Church of St. Philip Neri. The preserved monument of the civil war. Pay attention to the walls. They are all covered in shrapnel. These are traces of two air bombs that were dropped on the city on January 30, 1938 by Italian planes. During that raid, 42 people were killed. Most of them are children who were in church school. One of the most dramatic scenes of the film “Perfumer” was filmed at the same place - the first murder, then the girl with yellow peaches suffered. The main problem for the film crew was not in the scenery, here and so everything is very naturalistic. It was raining heavily, so a tent had to be pulled over the entire area.

Moving to another place Gothic Quarter. Before us is the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi. If we go around it, then on one of the walls we will see the old inscription “Square of unknown policemen”. An interesting story is connected with it. The inscription was discovered by accident in 2004. It was hidden under a large wooden plank. Her traces are still visible.

When they began to understand, it turned out that it was left by the people who defended Barcelona in 1937. So they perpetuated the memory of the volunteers who joined the police detachments to protect the city. Before the fall in 1939, someone thought to hide the inscription behind a wooden board. Since the cathedral was badly damaged and was being restored for quite a long time, apparently no one paid attention to this detail, or paid attention, but did not tell where to go. Miraculously, the inscription survived 36 years of military dictatorship and another 30 years of peaceful life.

And now let's move from the Gothic Quarter to Plaza Catalunya. Now the new house houses an Apple store, but earlier this place was the building of the Columbus Hotel, where the anarchists were headquartered. It was on its roof that one of the most famous photographs was taken. civil war. There, 17-year-old journalist Marina Ginesta posed with a rifle against the backdrop of the panorama of the city. Here is that photo. Marina was lucky, she survived the war and survived until 2014.

Let's go back to the building. At that time, the building was a curious sight. Slogans hung on the facades framed by two huge portraits: Lenin and Stalin. There is even a photograph of this design. Looks unusual!

Where to go with children

Whole families often come here, because this city is focused not only on young people and lovers sightseeing holiday but also for tourists with children. Where to have fun with a child and not get bored?

Aquarium

In the Mediterranean countries, the local Aquarium is one of the most important centers for the conservation of marine fauna and favorite place recreation for families with children. The aquarium includes a huge oceanarium with tanks inhabited by seahorses, exotic fish, sharks, rays. You can participate in feeding sharks or even stay overnight to follow the nocturnal lifestyle of the inhabitants of the aquarium. For children, entertainment events are held with the participation of artists and acrobats, concerts and theatrical performances.

Working hours: The aquarium is open all year round and opens at 10:00. Closes at 19:30-21:30 (depending on the season and day of the week).

Price: per day - 18 euros for adults and 6-13 euros for children, family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children 5-10 years old - 60 euros.

Tibidabo Park

On Mount Tibidabo there is an amusement park of the same name - the oldest in Spain and one of the oldest in the world (opened at the end of the 19th century). Immersion in the magical world of Tibidabo begins with a trip on a special tram that takes you to the funicular - on it the path lies through the mountain forest. At the top there is an amusement park, from the height of which the city can be seen at a glance.

Tibidabo has fun for all ages, with a puppet theater and a LEGO playhouse for the little ones, while older kids, teens and parents will love the thrilling slides. Also in the park there is a terrifying abandoned hotel and quite harmless trains. The highlight of the amusement park is the impressive Ferris wheel.

A couple of important details. The funicular can be reached on foot. It will take about 20 minutes. In winter, the funicular itself operates only on holidays and weekends. It is possible to climb the mountain on foot, but it will take several hours, because the road winds a lot.

Working hours: in summer - from 11:00 to 21:00, in winter - from 12:00 to 17:00.

Price: 28.50 euros, 10.30 euros for those under 120 cm tall. There is also a family pass for 136 euros.

Camp Nou stadium

Barcelona is the birthplace of the legendary club of the same name. Here he plays his home matches at the huge Camp Nou stadium. The arena can accommodate about one hundred thousand spectators and regularly collects full houses. Going to the match is easy, just buy tickets on the club's official website (cheaper) or from intermediaries (more expensive, but sometimes more convenient).

If there are no matches, then you can get to the stadium as part of a tour of the museum of the football club. Interactive exhibitions, curious exhibits and the opportunity to sit on the coaching bench await you.

Read more about how to buy a ticket. It is based on personal experience and answer all questions.

What to visit for free

You don't always have to pay for experiences. There are dozens of free attractions that will give no less emotions than the Sagrada Familia.

City beaches

Barcelona is known for its beaches. In total, there are 10 of them within the city limits. A huge sandy strip 5 kilometers long. From end to end. Moreover, the beaches were awarded the blue flag for cleanliness and well-equipped. Every year, before the start of the season, the sand is sifted to get rid of debris and unnecessary items. Surprisingly, such a luxury appeared in the resort town quite recently.

There are beaches in the Barceloneta area. Even 600 years ago there was a sea here. It reached the borders of the old city a kilometer away. Over the years, the water receded and a small village was formed on the coast that appeared, where fishermen lived. Every morning they went to sea in search of fish, and in the afternoon they went to the city to sell their catch in the market. This was until the 18th century, when the War of the Spanish Succession unfolded.

In 1714, the city was captured by King Philip V. He ordered to demolish some of the quarters and build a huge fortress in their place. The king ordered the cannons to be directed directly at the houses of the poor. This measure was supposed to keep the inhabitants from revolting.

The fortress stood for only 150 years, now in its place is the Citadel Park, which is described a little higher. In those years, thousands of people were left homeless and went to Barceloneta by the sea. Here they pitched their shacks and tried to start life from scratch. Naturally, soon these buildings were overgrown with additional infrastructure: taverns, warehouses and all kinds of shops. It was just a disaster with the environment, since sewage was drained here, and the bottom topography created lagoons with stagnant water. There was even a popular saying that Barcelona lives “with its back to the sea”.

In the second half of the 19th century, an official plan for the construction of city blocks on the coast appeared. At the same time, the first attempts to open sea baths for city residents appeared. But the atmosphere on the coast was still heavy. The shacks near the sea survived until the 1970s. Then the coast was cleared a little, but there was no question of beautiful sandy beaches. They appeared only in 1992, when the Summer Olympic Games were held here. This became a turning point in the life of the city.

Then the railroad tracks were removed from the shore, the coastline was brought together and sand was brought. In addition to the beaches, new stadiums, hotels appeared, the industrial city was put in order and tourists poured in here. This is how the Barcelona we know and love was born.

Mount Montjuic

Montjuïc is a 170-meter hill that offers an impressive panorama. In the past, there was a Jewish settlement here, and over time, alleys and paths for leisurely walks appeared. On the mountain there was a place for botanical gardens, one of which collected a huge collection of cacti, Olympic infrastructure facilities and Montjuic Castle. The climb itself is already worth it to visit Montjuic. Free funiculars run from the foot of the mountain and the Old Port - from the cabins it is convenient to enjoy the panoramas of the city.

Funicular opening hours: from 11:00 to 22:00 in the summer season, until 20:00 - in other months.

House Amalie

Against the backdrop of other architectural masterpieces, the Amalie house is sometimes lost. Meanwhile, you can see the sandy-pink facade in the Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic styles for free. Its stepped pediment is reminiscent of Dutch tradition, while the windows show features of typical Spanish architecture. If you look closely at the main entrance, you can distinguish bas-reliefs and sculptures with biblical themes and coats of arms. By the way, next to the house of Amalie is the house of Batllo.

Monument to Columbus

Between the Old Port and the Rambla stands a monument to Columbus. 60-meter statue set to the top world exhibition 1888 exactly in the place where the foot of the famous navigator set foot after his return from an expedition to America. In Barcelona, ​​Columbus honored the royal family and shared the results of his journey. The statue itself has a height of 8 meters and is made of cast iron. Although the monument can be viewed for free, you will have to pay extra for the opportunity to go inside and climb to the observation deck.

Encants Vells Flea Market

The flea market is located near the Marina metro station at PI Glories Catalanes, 8. The market is located in a modern building with a roof, which allows you to trade even in bad weather. There are several tiers here. Antiquity is located on the first floor, the second floor is occupied by various household knick-knacks.

Entrance to the market is free. There are a lot of people, so watch your bags and wallet. Trading takes place 4 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Approximate opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sellers are changing. If you see a cool thing, it’s better to take it right away and have no doubts. Then it is problematic to find something for the second time.

You can and should bargain in the market. Throwing a few euros is not difficult. Lots of old books and postcards. There are practically no Soviet paraphernalia and military things.

Where to go nearby

Even if the abundance of attractions becomes scarce, its surroundings are a great alternative for a day trip. Near the capital of Catalonia, medieval cities and impressive historical monuments are an option for those who want to get to know Catalonia closer.

Monastery of Montserrat

Montserrat is a legendary monastery, and therefore you cannot drive past it. For the Catalans it is a religious center, for Catholics from all over the world it is a place of pilgrimage. The monastery is located 50 kilometers from the city, at an altitude of almost 800 meters. Montserrat is surrounded by rocks of bizarre shapes. Back in the 9th century, the first hermits came here and built the monastery, but it took on its modern look only by the 20th century after large-scale restorations.

Today, the main symbols of the monastery are the silver altar decorated with enamel, the miraculous statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, the luxurious Throne Room and the chapel, which Gaudi was involved in the design of. Montserrat has a museum with an extensive collection of valuables. Here you can see paintings (starting from the 15th century), a collection of archaeological finds, icons. Every day at 13:00, the monastery hosts performances by the boys' choir - pupils of the local music school, which is recognized as the oldest educational institution in Europe.

Working hours: from 7:00 to 19:30.

Price: 7 euros (in January 2018 they didn’t take money for the entrance, only for climbing the mountain)

Dali Museum

More time will have to be spent on the road to Figueres, which is located 135 kilometers from Barca. Among all the attractions of this city, the Dali Museum stands out. The extravagant roof of the building is not to be confused with any building of Figueres: sculptures in the form of eggs are installed on it. The facade reverses stereotypical ideas about museums as something boring and hints that the inside will be no less interesting. The exposition of the museum is formed by the works of Dali and the creations of other artists from the personal collection of the surrealist. The exhibition is complemented by incredible installations, collages and jewelry created from Dali's sketches.

Working hours: in the summer season - from 9:00 to 20:00, in other months - until 18:00.

Price: 14 euros.

Catalonia in miniature

Only 12 kilometers separate the city from the Park "Catalonia in Miniature". It demonstrates the natural and architectural richness of the region through small copies of the most striking sights of the autonomy. On the territory of the park, you can count about 150 copies of the famous creations of Gaudi, monasteries, churches, castles of Catalonia. All exhibits are made by hand, and for realism, the models are activated by a simple push of a button. We can say for sure: neither adults nor children will be bored. It will take at least 2 hours to view all the miniatures. If time is short, you can drive through the park on a tourist train.

Working hours: from 10:00 to 20:00, in the low season - until 18:00.

Price: 13.50 euros for adults, 9.50 euros for children.

And finally, let's talk about sweets!

Chupa Chups

Although this is not a material, but also an important landmark of the city. The famous candy was invented by Enrique Bernat right here in Barcelona in 1958. One day he saw a mother scolding a child for having his hands stained with melted sweetness. This gave him the idea to make the candy child-friendly. So a wand appeared, holding it, the child did not get his hands dirty and did not irritate his parents. Another gimmick involved with the stick was when Chupa Chups instructed store owners to place the lollipops near the checkout where children could reach them, rather than behind the counter, as was customary at the time.

The logo for Chupa Chups was created in 1969 by guess who? Surrealist Salvador Dali. He sketched it in half an hour on a newspaper and advised Bernat to place the logo on top of the package, and not on the side, as other competitors did. According to legend, as a thank you, he asked to send him a box of sweets every day. But it is not exactly.

Barcelona is a place of attraction for millions of tourists. white sand beaches Barcelonetas give way to the modern skyscrapers of Les Corts, the amazing multi-colored houses of Eixample turn into the old Gothic buildings of Born and Raval. At sunset, weary travelers rush to the Park Güell of the Gracia district, then descending into the city for the famous Montjuic fountain show. The city, sung in the song of the same name performed by the great Montserrat Caballe and the inimitable Freddie Mercury. The famous singer still prefers to live here. Barcelona is Spanish and Catalan at the same time - so much is intertwined and mixed in it. This city is served with a sauce of ancient monuments, modern eclectic apartment buildings and football.

All the beauty of Barcelona can be seen on the video:

For those who want to plunge into the thick of the festive events, we advise you to plan a visit to Barcelona in September, when two major events are celebrated at once: September 11, Catalonia's Independence Day and September 24 locals for several days they walk in honor of Our Lady of Mercy, the patroness of the city. And for a leisurely and measured rest, we recommend coming in the spring, when it is already warm, but there are still few tourists.

How to get and move around the place

Photo: Map of Barcelona

Spain is part of the euro area and all prices are in this currency. On average, a ticket from Moscow costs 230 euros with a transfer and 350 euros for a direct flight. Flights from St. Petersburg are much more expensive - 270 euros with transfers and from 900 euros direct flights. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy a package tour at a travel agency and fly on a charter.

Visa documents are accepted in visa centers Spain in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Most often, a multivisa is put in the passport for a year or two.

There are three airports in and around Barcelona.

1. From El Prat there are several ways to get to the city:

• Buses A1 and A2 run from terminals 1 and 2 respectively. The cost is 5.90 euros one way, 10.20 euros both ways (the ticket is valid for 15 days). Travel time is 35 minutes. Leave every 5 minutes. You can buy online in advance.
• In 2016, a separate metro line from the airport was launched - L9 Sud. Study the metro map in advance, because it is not always possible to immediately figure out how and where to go - the map is here http://www.barcelona-airport.com/TMB-Metro-Map.pdf for 4.50 euros.
• Buses to metro stations: L46, LPR1, L77, L99, N17, N16. The ticket costs 2.15 euros. They go to different stations, sometimes they are a checkpoint through the airport to other areas. They go from morning to evening, except for the night N16.
• Taxis are expensive, but convenient and fast.

1. Girona Airport is 90 kilometers from Barcelona. Low-cost airlines fly here to unload El Prat.

To Barcelona Central Station (Estació del Nord). One-way ticket - 16 euros.

1. Reus Airport is an hour and a half drive from the city. Bus number 50 runs from the terminal to Reus station, then by train to your destination. Or by bus La Hispano Igualadina, which goes straight to Barcelona.

There is convenient and inexpensive public transport: metro, trams and buses.

Metro map here - https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/maps/barcelona-metro-map.html . The cost of the trip is 2.15 euros. On sale there are T10 tickets for 10 trips for 9.95. And tourists can purchase a Barcelona Card (Barcelona Card): an unlimited number of trips around the central zone by metro, trams and buses, discounts in museums, some restaurants and shopping centers. On sale options lasting from 2 to 5 days.

In Barcelona, ​​there is a huge selection of cars for rent at a price of 5 euros per day.

What to see

Photo: Beautiful view Barcelona

Barcelona is a rich and ancient city, with a lot to offer in and around it.

Must-see attractions:

1. The Sagrada Familia is perhaps the most famous unfinished building in the world. The great Antonio Gaudi spent 43 years building this structure. The fundamental decision was to finance the construction - only on voluntary donations from the parishioners. Therefore, the process continues and its end is not yet in sight.

Photo: Sagrada Familia

2. Park Güell with fantastic sculptures, houses and gardens.

Photo: Park Güell

3. Plaza Catalunya is a favorite meeting place for Barcelona residents and tourists.

Photo: Plaza Catalunya

4. Montjuic Hill is a huge area where famous museums, Olympic facilities, as well as a well-maintained park for walking. In the evening, a unique show of singing fountains begins.

Photo: Montjuic Hill

5. Museum of the Extraordinary Picasso - located in five old Gothic buildings.

Photo: Museum of the Extraordinary Picasso

6. Casa Batlló - an unusual building with bright ceramic mosaics and a roof in the form of a curved back of a dragon.

Photo: Casa Batlló

7. Maritime Museum with scale models of liners, boats and vintage ships.

Photo: Maritime Museum

8. Gothic quarter - narrow streets create a complete feeling of immersion in medieval Europe, when the guards of the Inquisition are about to appear around the corner. It's easy to get lost in this labyrinth.

Photo: Gothic Quarter

9. Mila's house is really a residential building. They say that residents do not stay here for a long time due to the increased attention of tourists to this building, but the apartments are not empty for a long time. There are too many who want to feel like special residents of Barcelona.

Photo: Dom Mila

10. Museum of Unusual Inventions - in case there are not enough around strange buildings and monuments.

Photo: Museum of Unusual Inventions

11. Rambla Boulevard - a visiting card of the city with a pedestrian part. Here in the neighborhood are theaters, museums, palaces. On one of the streets of this area, fans traditionally come to celebrate the victory of the Barcelona club.

Photo: Las Ramblas

12. Museum of Rock - in addition to the excellent exhibition musical instruments, from the roof of the shopping center "Las Arenas" offers a beautiful view.

Photo: Shopping center "Las Arenas"

13. Aquarium - it presents almost all marine life from the Mediterranean Sea.

Photo: Aquarium

14. CosmoCaixa Museum - a modern interactive museum about how the Universe works. It clearly shows and tells a lot about nature and space.

Photo: CosmoCaixa Museum

15. FC Barcelona Museum - 99.99% of the citizens support this club.

Photo: FC Barcelona Museum

Interesting neighborhoods:

1. Monastery of Montserrat, hidden between the rocks. A place of pilgrimage for believers from all over the world. There are hiking trails around.
2. The medieval city of Vic with the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement. On Tuesdays and Saturdays there is a large market.
3. The famous Freixenet and Codorniu sparkling wine factories for those who want to learn more about production technology and visit deep underground cellars.
4. Sau reservoir with the flooded Church of San Roma. In dry years, it appears from under the water.
5. The towns of Cadaqués and Figueres are small and cozy; at one time they struck Salvador Dali. His house-museum is also open here.
6. The resort town of Sitges with the most famous nightclubs. Carnival is held from the end of February to the beginning of March.
7. Volcanic region of Garrocha - huge park, on the territory of which there are more than 70 extinct volcanoes. Picturesque churches have been erected in separate craters.
8. Girona is a medieval city 65 km from Barcelona with a fortress and a labyrinth of narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the historical part, the Gothic buildings of the basilica have been preserved.

The Eagle and Tails program came to Barcelona twice - to see the sights and shop, you can watch the video:

What to do

What you need to do in Barcelona:

Photo: Singing fountains

1. Walk along the Rambla - it doesn't matter, in the morning or in the evening. It is beautiful at any time of the day.
2. Go to a football match at the famous Camp Nou stadium. To be in the crowd of another hundred thousand fans is an amazing feeling.
3. To look at the city from a height - there are many viewing platforms: Montjuic mountain, Collserola TV tower, Park Güell, Agbar tower.
4. Admire the beauty of the singing fountains in the Plaza de España.
5. visit best museums Barcelona - the CosmoCaixa Museum, the Barcelona Club Museum, the Picasso Museum and dozens of others..
6. Take a break from the summer heat in the Park Güell, walking through the Ciutadella Park and the zoo.
7. Try the freshest seafood in local restaurants - La Paradeta (Passage de Simó, 18) and El Puma (Carrer d'Aribau, 44).
8. Sunbathe and swim on the Barceloneta beach (by the way, they appeared only in the 1990s before the 1992 Olympics). Only without fanaticism! Do not forget sunscreen to avoid health problems.
9. Come to the port to the statue of Christopher Columbus and try to imagine yourself in the place of a brave navigator and discoverer. From here the funicular runs directly to Montjuic.
10. Travel back in time walking through the Gothic Quarter and the Raval district. Special daredevils even venture on such a walk late at night - in pursuit of thrills.
11. Put on comfortable sneakers and sneakers and go out of town - enjoy the mountain views and landscapes: the Montserrat monastery, the former craters of ancient volcanoes, the small streets of the village of Sitges.
12. Drink in Catalan wine and eat tapas in the best bars of the city - El Xampanyet (Calle Montcada, 22), El Vaso d'Oro (Calle Balboa, 6), Jai-ca (Calle Ginebra, 13).
13. Taste the original national Catalan dishes.
14. Go to one of the many concerts and performances in the city, which is a magnet for talented musicians. Every day there are dozens of events on the agenda.
15. sit on tourist bus on the second floor and with a breeze in the evening or in the morning (until it's hot) ride around Barcelona several times and listen to an interesting audio tour of the main attractions.
16. Come to the Boqueria market and try to bargain - not only you, but also the seller will enjoy it. After all, tourists who come and buy, as in a store, are sheer boredom!
17. Come to the Big Opera theatre"Liceu" and compare it with the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. If you take care of tickets in advance, then it is quite possible to plunge into the world of high art, watching the artists from a comfortable box.
18. Make a forced march through the largest shopping centers in the city, as well as the Encants and Fira de Nautumismo (Placa Reial) flea markets, where lucky buyers catch antiques.
19. Listen to great concerts at local clubs like the Jamboree, or dance all night at the discos La Terrrazza (open air), Razmatazz (the city's main techno club)

Shopping (What and where to buy)

Photo: Arabic dessert "Turron"

What tourists bring from Barcelona:

1. Jamon - it is better to take it in a vacuum package, because it is not enough just to bring a leg. You also need a sharp knife that can cut the meat into thin plates.
2. Turrón is an Arabic dessert loved by the Spaniards.
3. For Christmas in Catalonia they like to make little men who relieve themselves of great need. They are hidden in the house, and according to local beliefs, the one who finds the whole year will be lucky in all matters. The Catalans approach the production of figurines with humor: they can be famous modern celebrities, politicians and even religious figures. Kaganers are sold at all Christmas markets and souvenir shops before the holiday.
4. Cheese - in Catalonia they prepare their own special delicious varieties. Basically it is goat cheese with various additives. There is also a spicy one - Formatge d-oli amb herbes de musser. But the most popular on the tables of the Catalans is mato cheese - a delicate goat cheese served with dried fruits, berries, jams and honey.
5. Footwear – Barcelona has a long tradition of shoe making High Quality at nice prices.
6. Original local souvenirs - they are sold in the Spanish village on Mount Montjuic. Local artisans - glassblowers, potters, leather craftsmen - work right in front of tourists.
7. Olive oil - carefully choose the packaging, you will have to carry it in your luggage.
8. The FC Barcelona T-shirt with your favorite player is one of your favorite keepsakes.

Photo: Souvenirs

Barcelona has a unique bus for all shopping lovers: the Barcelona Shopping Line. He makes stops at all the major shopping centers, as well as near boutique streets and places with souvenirs. The ticket costs 10 euros, the bus leaves from stops every 7 minutes. On one ticket, you can ride all day, getting off the bus, making purchases, and going further along the route.

Watch the Eagle and Reshka video about shopping in Barcelona:

There are two big sales seasons in the city: from January 7 to March 6 and from July 1 to August 31. All stores announce big discounts. Experienced shopaholics know that at the very beginning of the sales season, discounts are small - up to 20-30%, but the assortment is huge. But at the end of the season, discounts are already much more noticeable - up to 70%, but the choice is much smaller.

The capital of Catalonia is the shopping center of the region, so there are many malls and outlets:

1. L'Illa Diagonal (Avinguda Diagonal, 557) - a huge shopping center next to the metro, low prices, a large assortment;
2. Pedralbes (Av. Diagonal, 609-615) - a modern shopping center, many European brands, as well as a large food court and even an ice rink;
3. Bulevard Rosa (Paseo de Gracia, 53) - premium brands in numerous boutiques;
4. El Triangle (Plaça Catalunya, 1-4) - a multi-storey shopping center, modern clothing and cosmetics brands;
5. Maremagnum (Muelle de España, 5) - next to the port, two floors, a large assortment for every taste;
6. El Corte Ingles (Plaça de Catalunya 14) - a chain mall in the city center with a huge selection;
7. Glòries (Plaça de les Glòries) - convenient location, parking and over 100 clothing and accessories stores;
8. La Maquinista (Paseo Potosí, 2) - good assortment both well-known brands and local brands;
9. Diagonal Mar (3 Avda. Diagonal) - rich selection, comfortable parking and a rooftop food court.

Photo:

In addition to modern shopping centers, the city has wonderful markets.

The most famous of them is Boqueria, which is located in the very center of Barcelona. Even if you are not going to buy anything, it is still worth coming here to at least feel this atmosphere.

On Avinguda de Francesc Cambó, there is another large Santa Catarina food market.

Photo: Santa Catarina Market

Among the various street markets, Enkants Flea Market is the most popular. Its history of existence has more than seven hundred years. This is the oldest surviving market in Europe. He works at Av. Meridiana, 69 4 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Prices

In Barcelona, ​​all prices are in euros. The euro exchange rate against the ruble is 1 to 63. According to tourists, it is best to change rubles for euros before traveling. Bank cards accepted almost everywhere.

The average check for a business lunch with a fixed menu (menu del dia) in an inexpensive establishment is 10-15 euros.

For 20-30 euros you can have dinner with alcohol in a decent restaurant.

Bread - 0.70 euros

Chicken 1 kg - 4 euros

Tomatoes - 1.5 euros

Milk - 0.8 euros

Museum ticket prices from 4 to 15 euros per person.

Souvenirs (plates, magnets) cost from 1 euro.

A taxi ride costs an average of 7 euros, depending on the distance.

The average budget for visiting Barcelona per person per day (accommodation, transport, meals and tickets to museums and attractions): 100-120 euros.

Where to live

Photo: Room at Hotel Medium Prisma

The area of ​​​​residence should be chosen in accordance with priorities. If you want to see the city first of all, then you should choose hotels closer to the sights. According to tourists, the most convenient areas for living are Raval, Born, Eixample, Barceloneta and the Gothic Quarter.

Top 5 budget hotels according to tourists reviews:

1. Bonanova (Bisbe Sivilla, 7) - the perfect combination of price and quality, close to restaurants, supermarkets, bus stops and metro station.
2. Hotel Lloret Ramblas (Rambla Canaletes 125) - literally two minutes from the central pedestrian street of Barcelona. Delicious breakfasts, comfortable rooms.
3. Amrey Sant Pau (173 Sant Antoni Maria Claret) is a small hotel a short distance from the center. Spacious rooms, excellent view from the windows, good transport accessibility.
4. Hotel Medium Prisma (Josep Tarradellas 119-121) - comfortable accommodation 10 minutes from attractions. Hearty breakfasts, modern equipment in the rooms.
5. SmartRoom Barcelona (56 Carrer Olzinelles) – Minimalist but comfortable rooms. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby. The sea is within walking distance.

A room in a 3-star hotel costs about 50 euros per person. Hostels and 2-star hotels offer accommodation for about 35 euros per person.

Better so - If you need quite inexpensive, then you can spend the night in hostels, an average of 20 euros. The best hostels in Barcelona according to tourist reviews:

1. Hostelscat BCN (C/ Panissars, 5)
2. INOUT Hostel (Major del Rectoret, 2)
3. Hola Hostal Eixample (149 Carrer de Napols)
4. Barcelona Central Garden Hostel (Roger de Lluria 41)
5. Alberguinn Sants Youth Hostel (C/ Melcior de Palau 70-74)

For a large company, it is more profitable to rent an apartment: per day per person from 20-30 euros.

Tour plan, tours for 1-3-7 days

We have prepared detailed plan sightseeing in Barcelona:

Day	Morning	Dinner	Evening
1	Temple of the Sagrada Familia, Observation deck, park nearby	Along Avenida Diagonal to Piazza Juan Carlos I. Art Gallery. Walk to Casa Mila, then Casa Batlló, to Plaça Catalunya	Arc de Triomphe, Fountain Grand Cascade, walk along the sea past the yacht club, casino.
2		zoological park	Museum of the History of Catalonia
3	Plaza Catalunya, Museum of Modern Art, Boqueria Market, Liceu Grand Theatre, Guell Palace	Narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, Roman Gate Torres Romanes, Modern Art Gallery (Villa del Arte Galleries) in an old building	Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, Barcelona History Museum, Saint James Square, Cannabis Museum
4	Go to Montjuic for the whole day, visit the Olympic Stadium, see the lighthouse	Olympic Museum, Fortress of Montjuic, Spanish Village	Magic Fountain of Montjuic
5	Monastery of Montserrat in the mountains or the town of Sitges or Fegaras		Oceanarium
6	Flea market Enkants	Shopping centers	Attending a match at Camp Nou
7	Relax by the sea		Concert at the Palace of Catalan Music

What and where is

Photo: Seafood

In Spain, at every turn, they are ready to serve delicious food. And the Catalan cuisine in Barcelona is somewhat different. How to understand all this diversity?

Top 5 most delicious dishes:

1. Butifarra (Botifarra) - raw meat sausages with spices. Most often it is eaten without heat treatment. There is a leaner white butifarra or black with pig's blood. According to travelers, the most delicious boutifarra is served at the Pork Boig Per Tu cafe (Carrer del Consolat de Mar, 15).
2. Escudella is a stew made from potatoes, beans, meat and cabbage. Be careful: this is a 3 in 1 meal: broth, meat and vegetables. The best escudella is prepared at the Terra d'Escudella restaurant (Premia 20, baixos).
3. Fideua is Barcelona's version of paella, but instead of rice, small noodles are added here. Contains vegetables and chicken or seafood. All visitors to the restaurant 7 Portes (Passeig Isabel II 14 | Pla del Palau) are delighted with the local preparation of this famous dish.
4. Empedrat is a traditional Catalan cold salad, which, in addition to fresh vegetables, includes salted cod. Before serving, it is additionally put in the refrigerator, which is very nice on a hot summer day. The restaurant Casa Isabel (Passeig Garcia Faria 69) has perhaps the most delicious salad in the whole city.
5. Suquet de peix is ​​one of the most popular fish dishes in Barcelona. This is a juicy fish and seafood stew with potatoes, tomato and a few cloves of garlic. When cooking, add the freshest fish, preferably the morning catch. The restaurant El Grao (Plaza Del Mar | Numero 6) is always full of people who want to try this dish.

Some establishments offer a buffet with unlimited approaches for 10-15 euros per person - these are network WOK, Fresc & Co, Lactuca, Pans company, Dao Kaitensushi, El Puma.

The best tours by reviews

There are a lot of excursions in Barcelona, ​​and we tried to choose the most interesting according to the reviews of experienced travelers:

1. Modern and Gothic: two faces of Barcelona - the guide will give you the opportunity to see medieval buildings next to the most modern skyscrapers, take you through the narrow streets and lead out to the wide squares. Tour participants will learn about the most mysterious legends of the city.
2. Secrets of Masonic Barcelona - this secret, but powerful society is fraught with many secrets and secrets. But professional historians have learned to read the Masonic symbols and unravel the hidden messages. Tourists will be very surprised to find out how many of them are around us in Barcelona.
3. Helicopter flight over the city. You will be able to cover it entirely during the air tour. Only a select few get to see Barcelona from a bird's eye view. The most famous sights will open from a completely different angle.
4. Quest "Legends of Barcelona" is an ideal way to get to know Barcelona and get on with it for those who do not like to slowly follow a guide and listen to stories. Here you can become an active participant in the events yourself. During the tour there will be an opportunity to solve riddles and get into the most mystical places cities.
5. The night face of Barcelona is a large and vibrant city where life begins at nightfall. And it is no less interesting and exciting than in the light of the sun.
6. Taste Barcelona: go with a guide to the best establishments, learn how to eat cheese and jamon properly, and even distinguish high-quality olive oil.

Once again, the video will help to appreciate the beauty of Barcelona:

How do we save up to 25% on hotels?

Everything is very simple - we use a special RoomGuru search engine for 70 hotel and apartment booking services with the best price.

Bonus for renting apartments 2100 rubles

Instead of hotels, you can book an apartment (1.5-2 times cheaper on average) on AirBnB.com, a very convenient worldwide and well-known apartment rental service with a bonus of 2100 rubles upon registration