Choose from 459 Fun Things to Do in Spain
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Barcelona Cruise Port
One of Europe’s largest and busiest cruise ports, Barcelona welcomes more than 2.5 million cruise passengers each year. The Catalan capital makes a popular stop and starting point for Mediterranean cruises, including liners operated by Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Costa.
The Basics
For first-time visitors to Barcelona, the must-see attractions include Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria market, and Gaudi’s magnificent La Sagrada Familia church. The city sights are quite spread out, so a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a convenient option, while bike and Segway tours often explore further afield, including attractions such as Montjuic hill, Parc de la Ciutadella, Barceloneta Beach, and the Arc de Triomf.
The most popular day trip destinations include the mountaintop Montserrat monastery, around an hour’s drive away; the beaches of the Costa Brava, just north of the city; and the Penedes wine region, famous for its cava.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Barcelona is notorious for its pickpockets, so keep an eye on your belongings and leave any valuables aboard the ship.
- The Maremagnum shopping mall, IMAX complex, and Barcelona Aquarium are located in the Port Vell area, right beside the cruise terminals.
How to Get to Barcelona from the Port of Barcelona
Barcelona’s eight cruise terminals are clustered around historic Port Vell at the foot of Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous thoroughfare. Although it is feasible to walk from the closer terminals, most visitors opt to catch a shuttle bus to Las Ramblas, from where many of the city’s sights are reachable on foot. Alternatively, a taxi ride to the Gothic Quarter takes only 10 minutes from the port.
Port Information
Barcelona has two official languages—Spanish and Catalan—but English is also widely spoken, especially around the main tourist areas. The local currency is the euro, available from banks and ATMs throughout the city. Restaurants, cafés, and other amenities are located at each terminal.
Address: Plaça de l'Odisea, Barcelona, Spain
From $ 9
Barcelona Zoo
Whether you like your animals fluffy or ferocious, there's something that fits the bill at Barcelona Zoo. Sitting on 35 acres (14 hectares) inside Parc de la Ciutadella, there are 7,000 animals and 400 different species that call the zoo home, with everything from dolphins to rhinoceros living in quarters that mimic natural habitats.
The Basics
This century-old zoo, opened in 1892, is one of Barcelona’s most family-friendly attractions and a great place to spend the day outdoors. Visitors can buy a standard admission ticket to the zoo or opt for the Barcelona Pass, which includes free entrance to the zoo, as well as other top attractions, such as the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, Poble Espanyol, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, and L’Aquarium Barcelona.
Many walking, cycling, and Segway tours of Old Town pass the zoo entrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Barcelona Zoo is a must-visit for families traveling with children.
- Buy your ticket online and skip the queues at the zoo.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
How to Get There
You can reach the zoo on foot from just about anywhere in the old city. To get there by public transportation, take the Metro to Vila Olimpica (line 4) or Arc de Triomf (line 1). The Ciutadella–Vila Olimpica tram also stops at the zoo, as do several public buses.
When to Get There
Barcelona Zoo is open daily throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the shoulder season (spring and autumn) when weather is not too hot and the zoo not too crowded. If you’re visiting in peak season (July and August), plan to arrive first thing in the morning.
Native Fauna of Barcelona
While Barcelona Zoo is best known for its star residents, such as lions, hippos, and elephants, it’s also a great place to learn about native fauna. The Garden of Biodiversity features numerous native plants, as well as a small lake, where local wildlife like Iberian tree frogs, midwife toads, and Mediterranean tree frogs, can take shelter.
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella s/n, Barcelona 08003, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Casa de Campo
Madrid’s Casa de Campo is the city’s 1,722-hectare verdant heart, an urban park that originated as hunting grounds for the Spanish Royal Family, whose decorative Palacio Real lies just to the south on Plaza de la Armeria. Since 1931, the park has been open for all comers to enjoy, and a favorite weekend picnic destination for Madrileño families.
Centered on a vast boating lake, this sprawling green oasis is a haven for walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters; for kids there’s a small amusement park with a Ferris wheel, water slides and rollercoasters, plus a zoo and aquarium. Free classical and rock concerts are held in the park in summer.
Casa de Campo is linked by the Teleférico de Madrid cable car to the Paseo del Pintor Rosales; the cabins travel at a height of 40 meters (130 ft) above Madrid and the single 2.5-km (1.5k mile) journey takes 10 minutes, looking down on Plaza España and the Palacio Real en route, with far-reaching panoramas over the Manzanares River. The terrace of the restaurant at the Casa de Campo cable-car station also has panoramic views over Madrid, and is just the spot for a reviving glass of sangria.
Practical Info
The park is located at Avenida de Portugal and is open daily from 8:30am to sundown. There is no charge to enter. Metro line 5 can be taken to Casa de Campo, while line 10 can be taken to Lago.
Address: Avenida de Portugal, Madrid, Spain
From $ 23
Casino Gran Vía
Casino Gran Via, situated on Madrid’s boulevard of the same name, occupies a grand three-story building, formerly the Commercial and Industrial Union building, outfitted with marble staircases, chandeliers and a wide atrium covered in stained glass. Visitors will find three floors dedicated to gaming — everything from table games like American Roulette, poker and black jack to slot machines and electronic roulette machines.
Casino Gran Via is also home to three bars, including the luxe Bulle Champagne Bar, and the Circulo Mercantil Restaurant, serving upscale seasonal cuisine. Live music sets the mood nightly.
Practical Info
Entrance to the casino is restricted to visitors over the age of 18. Make sure to bring your passport or valid ID.
Address: Gran Vía, 24, Madrid 28013, Spain
Hours: 10am to 6am (table games 2pm to 6am)
From $ 60
Girona Cathedral
The baroque facade of the Girona Cathedral stands at the top of a grand staircase, high above the old city. The structure was built between the 11th and 18th centuries in a variety of styles: The cathedral boasts a Romanesque cloister and tower, Gothic nave (the widest of its kind in the world), and a baroque exterior.
The Basics
Girona Cathedral stands as the most prominent landmark in Girona and one of its most popular attractions. Many visitors explore the cathedral and surrounding town on a day trip from Barcelona; some trips also include stops at the Dalí Museum in nearby Figueres or the sacred mountaintop monastery of Montserrat. Entrance to the cathedral includes an audio guide in several languages, and access to the nave, treasury, cloister, and Basilica of Sant Feliu.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Girona Cathedral is a must-visit for spiritual travelers and first-time visitors to Girona.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to climb about 90 steps to reach the cathedral entrance.
- Much of the cathedral is wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the Conventual Chapel, cloister, and Sala del Tinell.
How to Get There
The cathedral is located in Plaça de la Catedral in the heart of Girona’s old city. The easiest way to get there is on foot, though it’s also possible to take a local bus to Plaça de Sant Doménec station or hire a taxi.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily throughout the year, with slightly reduced hours during the winter months (November to March). This sight is particularly beautiful during the annual Temps de Flors flower festival, when the steps are adorned in colorful blossoms.
Cathedral Treasury Museum
Visitors to the Girona Cathedral should make sure to explore Cathedral Treasury Museum. This collection showcases works of religious art dating as far back the 10th century. Notable pieces include the Beatus illuminated manuscript, the 11th-century Tapestry of Creation, and a Renaissance altarpiece of St. Helena.
Address: Plaça de la Catedral, Girona, Catalonia 17004, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 110
Casa Carbonell
Built in the 1920s under the orders of wealthy textile manufacturers, the striking white façade and towering blue domes of Casa Carbonell has become an iconic landmark in the Alicante skyline.
According to an old legend, Enrique Carbonell, a well-to-do businessman, arrived at a swanky local hotel after WWI and was turned away because of his shoddy dress. In an act of revenge he vowed to build an even better structure—what is now Casa Carbonell—right next door. While most locals deny the validity of this tale today, the impressive iron, glass and marble work of this classic building is irrefutable. Travelers will love to wander the grounds and capture images of Casa Carbonell against the striking backdrop of modern Alicante.
Practical Info
Casa Carbonell is located at Number 1 Explanada de Espana esplanade not far from Playa del Postiguet.
Address: Number 1 Explanada de Espana, Alicante, Spain
From $ 29
Giralda Tower (El Giraldillo)
There is no more representative symbol of Seville’s layered history than the 322-foot (98-meter) Giralda Tower (El Giraldillo). The bell tower of the city’s cathedral stands a little apart from the main building; it was once the minaret of a mosque that stood on the site before it was razed to make way for the cathedral.
The Basics
Giralda Tower, with its added baroque lantern, belfry, and bronze weather vane, is one of Seville’s most notable landmarks, and is often included as a stop on city sightseeing tours. Most visitors choose to climb the tower to a viewing platform some 230 feet (70 meters) up via a series of 35 ramps, originally built so that guards could access the tower on horseback. The panoramic views over the city are well worth the climb.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Giralda Tower is a must-see for photographers and first-time visitors to Seville.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, and be prepared to climb up fairly steep ramps.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for enjoying the sunny observation platform.
- While parts of the cathedral of Seville are accessible to wheelchair users, the tower is not.
How to Get There
La Giralda stands just next to the Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla) in the Centro Histórico, a few blocks from the bullring by the Guadalquivir river. To get there by public transportation, take the light rail to Archivo de Indias station.
When to Get There
The tower and cathedral are open daily, but hours vary widely depending on the day of the week. The best weather for enjoying the tower and Andalucia’s other outdoor attractions comes in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Expect temperatures to soar to 95°F (35°C) during the summer months.
Inside the Cathedral of Seville
The Giralda Tower isn’t the only point of interest within the Seville Cathedral. The 15th-century Gothic cathedral—one of the world’s largest—also houses a collection of religious art, the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and the world’s largest altarpiece depicting more than 1,000 carved biblical figures. Among the masterpieces on display within the cathedral are Santas Justa y Rufina by Francisco de Goya, Pedro de Campaña’s El Descendimiento, and La Inmaculada by Spanish baroque painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.
Address: Seville, Spain
Hours: Mon: 11am - 3:30pm. Tues - Sat: 11am - 5pm. Sun: 2:30pm - 4pm
Admission: Adults: € 9
From $ 23
Casa de la Guitarra
If truly intimate, soul-grabbing flamenco is what you’re keen to experience while in Seville, then look no further than the Casa de la Guitarra. The cozy venue may be small in size and number of performers, but when it comes to spirit, talent, authenticity and value, it pretty much wins the prize every time.
Casa de la Guitarra was founded by flamenco guitarist great José Luis Postigo. With a passion for guitars, he not only opened this space to feature truly authentic flamenco but also to host a museum dedicated to his beloved instrument. The exhibit is the first of its kind in Spain, and displays some 60 antique guitars from the last three centuries. Meanwhile, the show, which is an hour long, features three performers - a guitarist, a singer, and dancer - and is all about the soul rather than any sort of tourist-geared spectacle.
Practical Info
The well-priced shows are performed every day, and it is advised that you book your tickets in advance. Given that the venue is all about the flamenco, don’t expect food and drink; come with your hunger and thirst satiated. Note that visiting the guitar exhibition is free.
Address: Calle Mesón del Moro, 12, Seville, Andalucia 41004, Spain
Hours: Guitar exhibition: Open daily from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: General: €17; reduced: €15; children 6-12: €10. The guitar exhibition is free.
From $ 46
Girona Jewish Quarter
Girona, one of Catalonia’s most atmospheric towns, is also home to one of the world’s best-preserved Jewish quarters, known as the Call. This neighborhood dates back to the 12th century when Girona was home to a thriving Jewish community. Its maze of medieval streets and narrow back alleys hasn’t changed much in the centuries since.
The Basics
Girona is one of the most convenient and popular day trips from Barcelona, with a bulk of the town’s attractions situated in or near the Jewish Quarter. A typical tour might include sights, such as the impressive hilltop Cathedral of Santa Maria and the nearby Arab baths, while Jewish history tours often include a stop at the Museum of Jewish History.
In recent years, the Jewish Quarter was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, and TV-themed walking tours take visitors to key filming sites.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Jewish Quarter is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to Girona.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces; cobbled streets are still the norm.
- Keep in mind that many shops and restaurants in the Call close during the afternoon hours, so plan accordingly.
- Day trips from Barcelona can last anywhere from six to 13 hours, depending on the activities chosen.
How to Get There
The Jewish Quarter is located in the old part of the city, around Carrer de la Força and within easy walking distance of the Girona train station.
When to Get There
With a mild climate, there’s no real bad time to visit Girona and its Jewish Quarter, though it can be rather busy during the month of August. For the best balance of good weather and sparser crowds, plan to visit during the spring or fall shoulder seasons. The old city hosts a wildly popular flower festival in mid-May.
Museum of Jewish History
The collection at the Museum of Jewish History in Girona recounts the history of Catalonia’s Jewish communities throughout the medieval period. Eleven themed galleries lead visitors through the collection, covering topics such as family life, Jewish culture, synagogues, and the Inquisition.
Address: Força Vella (Old Quarter), Girona, Catalonia, Spain
From $ 41
Casa Amatller
Though Passeig de Gràcia is most famously known for Gaudi-designed masterpieces La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, there’s another curious building to discover here: Casa Amatller. Constructed in the late 19th century, the former home was constructed for its namesake, chocolatier Antoni Amatller, and is just the place to go to see spectacular Modernisme architecture, and minus all the crowds.
Like its neighboring buildings along Passeig de Gràcia’s famous Block of Discord, or Illa de la Discordia, Casa Amatller also mixes things up architecturally, featuring both Flemish and Catalan styles. A visit to its interior is equally impressive, promising exquisitely tiled walls and floors, colorful stained-glass detailing, and rooms decorated with the original furniture. Appreciate the building from the busy Barcelona street, while inside at the chocolate-filled café, or on a pre-scheduled guided tour, during which you’ll learn about Casa Amatller’s history, and even enjoy a chocolate sample at the end.
Practical Info
To visit the interior (beyond the first floor entryway and café), you must book a guided tour. Limited slots are available, so be sure to book in advance. Also note that they do not permit selfie sticks, or stiletto heals (in order to protect the fragile floors).
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 41, Barcelona, Catalonia 08007, Spain
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: General: €15; over 65, and students: €13.50; children 6-12: €7.50; children 0-5: free.
From $ 22
Barcelona Aquarium (L'Aquarium)
The Barcelona Aquarium (L’Aquarium de Barcelona), one of Europe’s largest, sits right on the harbor in the heart of the old city. The exhibits within provide a habitat for some 11,000 sea creatures representing 450 different species, and house one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of sea life from the Mediterranean.
The Basics
A highlight of the Barcelona Aquarium is the Oceanarium, a 1-million-gallon (3.8-million-liter) tank housing sunfish, moray eels, rays, two types of sharks, and more. Pass through an underwater glass tunnel to see these creatures from all angles. Planeta Aqua, on the second floor, houses guest-favorite Humboldt penguins.
If you’re pressed for time, opt for a skip-the-line ticket to the aquarium. If you’re more budget-minded, get discounted admission to the aquarium and numerous other attractions with the Barcelona Card.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Barcelona Aquarium is a must-see for animal lovers and families with kids.
- Book your ticket ahead of time to skip the admission line when you arrive.
- Lockers are available for storing bags and other items.
- All aquarium facilities are accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Situated in Port Vell at the base of La Rambla, the aquarium is easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in the old city. You can also get there by taking the metro to Barceloneta (Line 4) or Drassanes (Line 3) stations, or by taking the hop-on hop-off bus to Port Vell.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open throughout the year, with extended hours during peak tourist season (July and August). Should you choose to visit during these busy months, plan on arriving first thing in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds.
Lunchtime at the Aquarium
Lunchtime at the Barcelona Aquarium is a complicated affair, with 150 different types of meals prepared for its inhabitants. To learn more about how the animals are cared for, don’t miss feeding time for the sharks, penguins, rays, and moray eels.
Address: Maremagnum, Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Casa Batlló
One of Barcelona’s most fanciful buildings, the elaborate Casa Batlló was built by celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and is nicknamed the “House of Bones” for its contorted window frames and skeletal pillars. Casa Batlló’s interior is equally mind-boggling, featuring rippled walls, exquisite tile work, and sculpted fireplaces.
The Basics
A masterpiece of modernist design, Casa Batlló has become one of the city’s most memorable tourist attractions. The UNESCO-listed building stands on the famous Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s central avenue, and ranks among Gaudí’s most famous structures. Gaudí-themed tours of Barcelona almost always include a visit to the building, and visitors pressed for time can opt for skip-the-line access. Caso Batlló is often visited in combination with Gaudí’s other famous sites, including nearby Casa Mila (also known as La Pedrera), La Sagrada Familia, and the mosaic-filled Park Güell.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Casa Batlló is a must-see for art and architecture lovers.
- The museum offers free Wi-Fi.
- Much of the building is wheelchair accessible, and museum exhibits are also accessible to visitors with visual and hearing impairment.
How to Get There
Situated in the heart of Barcelona, Casa Batlló is easily accessible on foot from most areas of the old city. You can get there via the metro (the nearest stop is Passeig de Gracia station), or by bus. Most hop-on hop-off bus tours of Barcelona also stop at Casa Batlló.
When to Get There
Casa Batlló is open year-round. In the busy summer months, expect long lines at the ticket window and opt for an early morning visit to avoid crowds.
The Legend of Saint George
Antoni Gaudí worked the legend of Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia, into the architecture of Casa Batlló. Keep your eyes open for the back of the dragon pierced with Saint George’s sword, the balcony of the princess, and the skeletal remains of the dragon’s victims.
Address: Passeig de Gracia 43, Barcelona 08007, Spain
Hours: Daily, 9am - 9pm
Admission: General admission: €29
From $ 19
Casa Vicens
Opened to the public for the first time in 2017, Casa Vicens is Antoni Gaudí’s original modernist masterpiece and the first house he ever designed. Built in Barcelona in the 1880s for Manel Vicens i Montaner, this UNESCO World Heritage Site sets the tone for the rest of Gaudi’s architecture, created during Europe’s late 19th century and early 20th century Art Nouveau period.
The Basics
Turned into a museum after restoration work and visitor-friendly updates, Casa Vicens features two floors of the Vicens family’s sitting rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms; a top floor space with a permanent collection depicting the house’s history and cultural context; a rooftop; a basement housing the La Capell specialty store and bookshop; and a garden. An admission ticket allows you to explore the house at your own pace, while guided tours limited to 10 people are available if you wish to explore with a tour guide for a more in-depth visit. Get the full Gaudí experience with a combo tour of Casa Vicens and other notable Gaudí attractions, such as Basilica of the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Casa Vicens is wheelchair accessible, and a separate tour is available for those with reduced mobility.
- The house features a café and gift shop.
- Lockers, stroller storage, and a cloakroom are available.
How to Get There
Casa Vicens is located in the Gràcia District of Barcelona, adjacent to the Eixample District, which is home to Gaudí’s Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. The closest metro station is Fontana. From there, it’s a 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) walk north to Park Güell, another major Gaudí attraction, making it easy to visit both.
When to Get There
The house is open daily, with the exception of certain holidays. Tickets are timed, so you’ll choose your desired entrance time when booking.
Barcelona’s Gràcia District
If you’d like to get to know the Gràcia neighborhood where Casa Vicens is located, book a walking or scooter tour with a guide to show you around this artsy, bohemian barrio (neighborhood). Its narrow streets are home to cafés and a number of foreign restaurants, plazas such as Plaça de Sol, and a mix of both hip young professionals and elderly residents.
Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 24, Barcelona, Catalonia 08012, Spain
Hours: Open daily, 10am - 8pm (doors close at 7pm). Closed 25 Dec, 1 and 6 of Jan.
Admission: Adults: €16
From $ 14
Casa de los Picos
On your journey from Segovia’s Roman aqueduct to its Plaza Mayor, you’ll no doubt pass by one of the city’s most intriguing buildings, the Casa de los Picos. One look at the façade and you’ll easily see how it earned its name, the (loosely translated) House of Sharp Points, as its front is covered top to bottom with over 600 granite, diamond-shaped reliefs.
It is believed that the 15th century noble home’s curious façade was created as a possible form of defense given the building’s rather exposed location. Legend has it, though, that the house was well known (famously or infamously) for its previous owners, so when new ones moved in, they chose to cover the façade. These days, the thick-walled structure is home to the Segovia Art School and serves as an exhibition hall, which is open to the public free of charge.
Practical Info
While opening hours are sparse, there isn’t much to see on the interior, so most will get their fill by viewing the exterior.
Address: Calle Juan Bravo, 33, Segovia, Castile-Leon 40001, Spain
Hours: April 1st-September 30th: Monday-Sunday, 12 a.m.-2 p.m.
and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. October 1st-March 31st: Monday through Sunday, 12 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
From $ 92
Casa Lleo i Morera
One of the trio of striking buildings that make up the ‘Illa de la Discordia’ (Block of Discord) along Barcelona’s famous Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Lleo i Morera stands proudly beside Gaudí’s iconic Casa Batlló and Josep Puig i Cadafalch’s equally eye-catching Casa Amatller. Elaborately restored in 1902 by architect Lluis Domènech i Muntaner, whose other works include the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana and the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Casa Lleó i Morera was built in 1864 and takes its name from its original owners, the Morera family.
On a guided tour, visitors can explore the spectacular modernist interiors of Casa Lleó i Morera. Along with the distinctive ornamental façade, highlights of the building include exquisite stained-glass windows, a series of sculptures by Eusebi Arnau, colorful mosaics by artists like Mario Maragliano and Lluís Bru i Salelles and exquisite furnishings, handcrafted by cabinetmaker Gaspar Homar.
Practical Info
Casa Lleo i Morera is located on Passeig de Gràcia in downtown Barcelona. It's open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and entry by guided tour only.
Address: Passeig de Gracia, 35, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Mon–Sat: 10am–7pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 46
Barceloneta Beach
Backing onto the former fishing quarter that shares its name, this sandy 0.6-mile (1.1-kilometer) stretch of Mediterranean-facing beach is a beloved summer hangout with locals who flock here to sunbathe, swim, and play volleyball. The beach is lined with chiringuitos (beach bars), public artworks, souvenir shops, and cafés.
The Basics
Sun-kissed Barceloneta is the nearest beach to Barcelona city center. Many visitors explore the waterfront as part of bike, Segway, or self-guided three-wheel GoCar tours. Sailing tours, speedboat excursions, and catamaran cruises from Barcelona also float past Barceloneta Beach and nearby Port Vell. Other water-based tours include activities such as jet-skiing and parasailing, while helicopter tours fly over the sands.
Architecture tours also make stops in the Barceloneta neighborhood, at landmarks such as the iconic sail-shaped waterfront W Hotel, the sustainable market of La Barceloneta, and the eye-catching Torre Mare Nostrum skyscraper.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Barceloneta is a must-visit for sunseekers and beach lovers.
- Bring sunscreen as the sun’s rays can be very strong, especially in summer.
- Barceloneta’s beachside promenade, Paseo Maritimo de la Barceloneta, is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Take the yellow metro line to the Barceloneta stop. Alternatively, it’s possible to walk: From the southern end of Las Ramblas, the beach is just 20 minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
Barceloneta Beach is at its most atmospheric during summer, when sun-worshippers come here in droves to take advantage of the warm weather. Time your visit to coincide with the end of the day and sip a sangria by the waterfront while watching the spectacular sunset.
Public Artworks at Barceloneta
As well as presenting ample people-watching opportunities, Barceloneta is also a good place to view art, including several notable pieces commissioned during the run-up to the 1992 Olympics. Look for Frank Gehry’s 183-foot-long (56-meter-long) El Peix sculpture, which resembles a giant copper-colored fish, and Rebecca Horn’s crooked L'Estel Ferit (The Wounded Shooting Star, aka Homage to Barceloneta), inspired by the shacks that once lined the Barceloneta seafront.
Address: Spain
From $ 9
Casa Natal Picasso (Birthplace of Picasso)
Picasso’s life in Spain spanned nearly all of the country’s corners, from the northwestern region of Galicia to big-city Barcelona, and, of course, Andalucia, where he was born in 1881. Indeed, it is in Malaga at the now-titled Casa Natal Picasso — Picasso’s former family home, located in the heart of Malaga’s old town — where he spent his first, and perhaps most formative years.
Today, you can visit the artist’s childhood house, which is now the headquarters for the Fundación Picasso, a foundation that studies and promotes the artist’s work. The museum features more than 4,000 pieces by some 200 artists, including Picasso, as well as other contemporary artists. It also houses a variety of objects related to Picasso’s childhood, family, and his connection to Spain and the south.
Practical Info
Take note that the Casa Natal Picasso is different than the actual Picasso Museum, which is located not far away and focuses solely on his artwork. This museum is centrally located in Malaga’s old quarter. Note also that the museum is closed on Tuesdays from November though March, and that it is open for free Sunday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: Plaza de la Merced, 15, Malaga, Andalucia, Spain 29012, Spain
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-9pm. Closed on Tuesdays Nov-Mar
Admission: Adults: €3 with audio guide; Senior Citizens and Students under 26: €2
From $ 5
Barcelona Wax Museum
Entertainment, culture, history, and even a scare — these are all things you can expect to find at the Barcelona Wax Museum. Housed in a fancy 19th-century neoclassical palace of sorts, the museum is home to over 300 characters, both real and fictitious.
Wandering the museum’s exceptionally staged galleries, you’ll come face to face with a range of noteworthy figures, such as kings and queens, politicians, and painters, singers and actors. From Albert Einstein to Catalan surrealist Salvador Dali, and frightful personalities such as Frankenstein, there’s no shortage of surprising characters that will stand in your path. The quirkiness doesn’t stop at the wax figures, either, as the museum also has two eccentric cafés — one in the theme of a forested fairytale, the other an avant-garde paradise of origami.
Practical Info
The museum is located near the water-end of Las Ramblas, and therefore very easy to get to while in the tourist center. Note that the museum closes for a few hours midday, except during summer.
Address: Passatge de la Banca, 7, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m.;
Sat, Sun and holidays: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Summer: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Admission: General: €15; reduced: €9
From $ 17
Barcelona Pavilion (Pabellon Mies van der Rohe)
The Barcelona Pavilion was built for the city’s 1929 International Exposition by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and stands today as important building for both the city and the modern architecture movement. It once served as the official opening for the German section of the exhibition, and is now admired for its simple design and intelligent use of special materials. It was constructed in less than one year, following World War I, with materials such as travertine, Greek marble, steel, glass, and golden onyx. Its emphasis on simplistic structure and minimalism makes this a peaceful place to visit, and still a model of expert design.
Perhaps the highlight of a visit to the Barcelona Pavilion is the prestigious and iconic Barcelona Chair, also designed by Mies van der Rohe. The Barcelona Chair was purposefully designed and keeps with the minimalistic style of the building. The Barcelona Pavilion continues to inspire modernist artists all over the world.
Practical Info
The Pavilion is situated at Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 7 on Montjuic in Barcelona and is open from daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission cost is 5 euro. The closest metro stop is Placa Espanya.
Address: Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 7, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Open from daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Admission: 5 euro
From $ 65
Casa de Colon
Charming Casa de Colon was reportedly a rest-and-repair stop for Christopher Columbus and his ship, La Pinta, en route to the New World in 1492.
Originally belonging to the Governor of the Canaries, Casa de Colon was one of a small number of houses that became Las Palmas' first settlement, marking the beginning of the city in 1478.
As you might expect, displays at Casa de Colon have a strong nautical theme and include a replica of a ship's cabin that belonged to Columbus’ fleet, navigation instruments, nautical maps, charts and paintings related to voyages made by the famous navigator. The site's ornate doorways, latticed balconies and chocolate-box-like exterior make it one of Las Palmas’ most eye-catching buildings. If its pretty facade doesn't make you want to discover more about the building's history and Columbus's visit here, the interesting and well-run museum inside will.
Here you’ll find multilingual exhibits that explain the connection between the Canary Islands, Columbus and his great voyages that led him to discover and establish trading links with the new world.
Practical Info
Casa de Colon is in the historic Vegueta district, approximately 10km (6.2mi) south-east of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. To get there by car from Las Palmas, follow the GC-1 highway along the coast in a south-easterly direction. To get there by bus (guaguas) head to the main bus station, estación de Guaguas de San Telmo, south-east of the city.
Address: 1 Calle Colón, Vegueta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35001, Spain
Hours: Daily Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-3pm
Admission: Free
From $ 11