When visiting Europe, do you prefer the cultural life of the big city or do you want sun and beach? In Barcelona, Spain, you get both!
Beautiful Barcelona beach
Barcelona beach is a cool, clean place to relax and work out. Pick a spot in the sun or take a run at the beach walk/workout at one of the many (free!) beach gyms. At the evening, you’ll find the locals playing beach tennis and chill out after work. The beach is well maintained and clean.
Rich, cultural city
For those who prefer city life before sun and beach, Barcelona won’t disappoint. You’ll find historical Catalonian architecture mixed with modern experiences. One of the most visited tourist attractions is the unfinished church of La Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudi. Another of Gaudi’s work is the UNESCO World Heritage site Parc Guell. Also, don’t miss Les Festes De La Merce which turns the whole city into a four day summer festival.
For shopping, pay Las Ramblas street a visit. In the evening, take a stroll in the Gothic Quarters (Barrio Gotico).
Sporty experiences
In 1992 the Summer Olympics were held in Barcelona. Lots of work were done to restore parts of the city before the hosting and some of the stuff that was built explicitly for the Olympics can still be seen. The Olympic village has been turned into apartments and close to it are some pieces of art. If you take the funicular up Mountjuïc you can visit the Olympic Stadium and sports museum. While on Mountjuïc, enjoy the fantastic view over the city and the harbor. If you have an interest for history, then Mountjuïc with its dark history will probably fascinate you.
Barcelona FC is one of the best (if not the best) football clubs in the world. Be sure to pay their home arena, Camp Nou, a visit. Just a Metro trip away, you can see the arena from outside, visit the gift shop and get a guided tour. Or why not watch a football game like El Clásico between Barcelona FC and their rivals Real Madrid.
