Things To Do In Barcelona
Barcelona is the best of both worlds as far geographical landscapes. From the breathtaking views of Mount Tibidabo to the clean, crisp air of Sant Miguel beach, this city is a hidden gem. Throughout Barcelona, you will find various Gaudi sites, including the impressive La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. From Madrid, it is a 2.5 hour train ride.
Cathedral De Barcelona
Cathedral De Barcelona, also known as Cathedral La Seu, is in the Gothic Quarter. Completed over multiple phases, the first phase is the main building in 1460. The next phase, in 1889, is the Gothic façade, and the last phase is the tower in 1913. Additionally, the cathedral’s tower is 230 feet high and the sarcophagus of Santa Eulalia is inside the crypt. During December, a Christmas market is set up in the square.
Marina District
If you venture over to the water, you will find a wide variety of things to do. This includes but not limited to: Sant Miguel beach, the marina, the mall, and the aquarium. As you walk along the pedestrian walkway that’s lined with palm trees, take in the view of the skyline with the aquarium. Sant Miguel beach is near Placa del Mar and its clean sand, clear blue water and calm waves make it a popular summer destination.
The Barcelona marina is lined with restaurants to grab lunch or dinner and enjoy a view of the harbor. You will end up walking through the marina if you want to go from the beach to the aquarium and vice versa. The aquarium and Maremagnum Mall are next to each other. From the entrance of the mall on a clear day, you can see Mount Tibidabo.
Mount Tibidabo
If you have time, I recommend taking the funicular up to Mount Tibidabo. This is one of the iconic mountains that make up the Barcelona skyline, Montjuic being the other one. At 1680 feet high, you have some of the best views of the city. Once you are done inside the church, walk over to the small amusement park. It is no Disneyland but it has a few rides that are mainly for young kids.
To get there, take either Parallel metro station (L2 and L3), or buses 55 and 150 to the bottom of the funicular. If you do not want to use this route, taking a taxi up the hill is another alternative.
Where To Stay In Barcelona
I recommend staying at the H10 Raco del Pi hotel. I stayed there for both my trips and the location couldn’t be better. Nestled in the Gothic district, it is surrounded by shopping, cafes, gelato shops, and restaurants. Hard Rock Cafe Madrid is also in this area. Barcelona Cathedral is a 5-minute walk while the marina is 15 minutes.
The large beds, tiled bathrooms, welcome chocolate, and champagne are just some of their great amenities. Additionally, the customer service is excellent. My second visit to Barcelona was part of a 2-day trip from Madrid. I forgot my plug converter and they were nice enough to lend me one, so I didn’t have to buy it. H10 Racó del Pi | Rooms | H10 Hotels
Barcelona Nightlife
If you find yourself in the Eixample district, a unique and fun spot is the Dow Jones Bar. This bar uses the stock market model to price their drinks. Buying a drink will drive the price up of that drink up and bring others down. They have over 100 beers, tons of tvs, and a pool table in the back room.
Weather
Like Dublin, I have been to this city twice, February 2019 and December 2022. Barcelona is one city I will gladly come back to. February has a nice, mild temperature. It is not too hot or cold and I wore a t shirt and cardigan with jeans throughout the day. December in comparison, is cold and a thick jacket is definitely needed.
Barcelona in December
During December, the city streets and buildings are decorated with Christmas lights. There are Christmas markets throughout the city including at the Barcelona Cathedral and La Sagrada Familia. Gelato, Christmas trees, nuts, cheese, dolls, clothes, stockings, ornaments, toys, jewelry, and candles are just some of the things you will come across.
