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May 3, 2007updated Dec 07, 2015

What to Do in Barcelona During the Day

By Chris Boyle

Poble Espanyol De Montjuic

One of Europe’s cultural capitals, Barcelona genuinely offers something for all tastes, from culture buffs to thrill seekers.

With fantastic galleries and museums, one of the world’s finest sports teams, a beach and much, much more, your stay in Barcelona has the potential to be action-packed.

 

LA SAGRADA FAMÍLIA

La Sagrada Familia

Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Família is architecture on a grand scale.

The construction of the building commenced in March 1882, initially as part of a project by the diocesan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar (1828-1901). At the end of 1883 Gaudí was commissioned to continue the building, a task which occupied him until his death in 1926. Since then a number of architects have taken up the mantle, continuing construction in keeping with his style. As impressive internally as it is externally, it is well worth going inside the building and enjoying the fantastic imagery on offer. The building is in the center of Barcelona and over the years has become synonymous with Barcelona and Spain. Gaudí himself said: “The expiatory church of La Sagrada Família is made by the people and is mirrored in them. It is a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people.” Building work on the ‘Holy Family’ church continues, and is expected to be finished in the first third of the 21st century.

PGA CATALUNYA

Regarded as one of Europe’s finest golf courses and located a short flight from Barcelona, the PGA Catalunya is an ideal spot to enjoy a day trip out of the city and play nine or 18 holes.

Recently voted one of the top 100 golf courses in the world, the PGA Catalunya has previously hosted the Spanish Open, and is located 45 minutes to the north of Barcelona where this wonderful course is sheltered by the Girona Mountains. The landscape is beautiful, and the golf will provide a challenge to players of all abilities through the five tee-off points available at every hole. This course is a must for golf fans looking to enjoy a few rounds in a peaceful location. Once you’ve finished, the recently opened Catalunya Resort Club House is the perfect place to head to for a relaxing drink and a chat about the day. The Club House has an excellent bistro and restaurant, and a function room available for events and social occasions.

+34 97 247 2577

701 Caldes de Malavella, 17455 Girona

www.pgacatalunya.com

LAS RAMBLAS

Despite being one of the simplest things to do in Barcelona, taking a stroll along Las Ramblas is one of the most rewarding.

Barcelona’s most famous street is actually a series of interconnecting roads that stretch 1.2 kilometers through the center of Barcelona, from the Placa Catalunya to Port Vell. What sets Las Ramblas apart is that in a city of small, interconnecting alleys, this wide boulevard has flourished into the focal point of the city for many Barcelonans. Attractions along Las Ramblas include the spectacular La Boqueria, a market place full of culinary delights; Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona’s renowned opera house; Font de Canaletes, a fountain and meeting point for urbanites and the Palau de la Virreina, a beautiful Baroque palace. The street entertainers of Las Ramblas have become world famous and often imitated in other countries. These colorful characters are usually to be found standing perfectly still, statue-like; they will spring into life for a handful of change. You can expect to see anything from contortionists to dancers, and these highly accomplished individuals will always bring a smile to the face of the watching crowds. Market stalls selling an assortment of traditional wares line the street, and with coffee shops and tapas bars aplenty, Las Ramblas is the ideal place to relax with a drink and watch the world go by.

CENTRE DE CULTURA CONTEMPORANIA DE BARCELONA

Inside the centre de cultura Contemporania de barcelona

One of Europe’s most up-and-coming cultural centers, the CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona) plays host to a wide variety of exhibitions and performances, from national and international artists.

Inside the stunning glass structure is a wealth of knowledge which makes the CCCB one of the city’s most popular museums. A diverse range of displays cover elements such as photography, social issues, historical trends, events and art. Since its inception in 1994, the reputation of the CCCB has grown to occupy its now unarguable position as one of Catalonia’s must-see sights for cultural enthusiasts.

+34 93 306 4100

Carrer Montcada 15-23

www.cccb.org/en

MUSEU PICASSO

Inside The Museu Picasso

The life of one of the world’s most famous artistic talents is the central theme of one of the world’s finest museums, the Museu Picasso in Barcelona.

Famous for having co-founded the cubist movement and for his unique style, easily recognizable and renowned throughout the world to this day, Pablo Picasso’s life is now immortalized in one of Europe’s finest art-themed experiences. Picasso had numerous studios in Barcelona, and lived in the city on several occasions, and the museum showcasing his work opened to the public in 1963. There are over 3,800 of Picasso’s works on display as part of the Museu Picasso’s permanent collection, and exhibitions run throughout the year. Private, guided tours in a variety of languages are available on request. Please ask your concierge to make enquiries on your behalf.

+34 93 256 3000

Carrer Montcada 15-23

www.museupicasso.bcn.es

HELICOPTER TOUR OF BARCELONA

Barcelona Helicopters offers you a new experience in the world of tourist flights, and an exciting way to take in the city.

Flyers can visit anywhere in Catalonia and go wherever they please, flying aboard a top-of-the-range helicopter. Barcelona Helicopters lets you design your own tourist flight route, with a host of different options available to flyers; from flying alone on a Robinson 22 with the pilot, to sharing the thrills and experiences on a two or three person flight plus pilot on a Robinson 44. Barcelona Helicopters will give a presentation on how their helicopters work for aircraft enthusiasts, and their base, which is located at the Heliport Teresà Vilà d’Ullastrell in Vallès Occidental, is wholly owned by the company. In addition to the heliport, the Sabadell Airport is also a launch point for tourist routes around Catalonia.

+34 93 730 4911

Heliport Teresa Vila, Ullastrell, 08231

www.barcelonahelicopters.com

THE GOTHIC QUARTER

The Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is an area steeped in history.

Originally dating from the Roman era, many of the buildings in the Barri Gòtic are from the Medieval period. The Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, or the Barcelona Cathedral, is one of the many stunning attractions in the area, a breathtaking 15th century cathedral that is particularly famous for its gargoyles. Private guides can be organized through the Barcelona Guide Bureau, an experienced Barcelona tourist agency that will conduct guided tours throughout Barcelona and the surrounding area, and which is happy to arrange private, specialized tours for you and your family.

BGB Barcelona Guide Bureau

+34 93 268 2422

Via Laietana, 54, 3-4, 08003

www.bgb.es

POBLE ESPANYOL DE MONTJUIC

Poble Espanyol De Montjuic

Poble Espanyol de Montjuic is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions, giving visitors an insight into traditional architecture and village life from a variety of Spanish regions without having to leave the confines of the park.

Hosting a wide range of craft shops which sell high-quality, traditional goods, Poble Espanyol also features traditional flamenco shows. All the buildings in the village have been faithfully preserved or recreated to give an authentic feel, making it a must-see for those with an interest in period history. Concerts and shows are also held in the outdoor courtyard during spring and summer; ask your concierge for listing information and to book the best seats.

+34 93 508 6300

Avinguda Marquès de Comillas, 13

www.poble-espanyol.com

ENCHANTED CARRIAGE EXCURSION

Vineyards Of The Penedes

Let yourself be whisked away on one of the most romantic trips Barcelona has to offer: an enchanted carriage ride through the beautiful Penedès region of Barcelona.

Famous for its wine, this idyllic setting is the perfect location for a picturesque carriage ride. This outing will take you out of the gentle slopes of Barcelona, deep into the vineyards of the Penedès, and give you the chance to sample some of the region’s famous wines. A heavenly dinner will then be prepared for you to enjoy as the sun sets over the distant hills; the perfect end to the perfect day. This is a ride fit for royalty and a fairytale day out that will delight all true romantics.

+34 93 270 2048

Calle Mallorca 260 – 262, 5º 3ª, 08006

www.lifestylebarcelona.com

UNDERWATER WINE TREASURE DIVE

There are some people who will do anything for the perfect glass of wine, including heading to the bottom of the sea.

The Underwater Wine Treasure Dive is one of the more unusual activities in Barcelona and will be a favorite for divers and wine lovers alike. Underwater wineries are few and far between, and Barcelona presents visitors with the unique opportunity to discover one of the finest examples in Europe. A great trip, especially for couples, it includes an interesting history of underwater wine storing, a guide to the aquatic wine cellar, a chance to explore the magical underwater landscape and, of course, a glass or two of the fantastic, unusual wine to enjoy with your evening meal.

+34 93 270 2048

Calle Mallorca 260 – 262, 5º 3ª, 08006

www.lifestylebarcelona.com

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