By Claire Taylor
Things to Do in Barcelona
There is something to do in Barcelona for everybody. Whether you're an active person, a lover of the arts or traveling with the kids, Barcelona will be a great destination in Spain for you. The city, which is home to over 1.6 million people, also attracts tourists who want proximity to the Mediterranean coast while still enjoying city living at its best.
City Beaches
Barcelona is home to seven beaches, two of which are extremely popular with the locals (and so are better avoided if you want to stay away from the crowds): Barceloneta and Sant Sebastia. The other five beaches are across the Olympic port and feature clean sand that is replenished every year to replace anything that's been washed away by the frequent storms in the area. Bogatell, Llevant, Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella and Nova Icaria offer a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as a windsurfing school and kayak rentals. Mar Bella is Barcelona's only naturist beach.
Picasso Museum
If you arrive when the beaches are closed for the season (between November and March), your best bet is to head indoors to explore one of Spain's best museums. The Museu Picasso houses the world's largest collection of art by Picasso, including "Science and Charity" and "Portrait of the Artist's Father." There are also many works from Picasso's Blue Period, as well as items belonging to the artist himself, such as school books, furniture and letters. Guided tours are available for those who want to understand a little better the background of the artist or his work, but visitors are also welcome to wander around the three palaces that make up the museum's premises. Aside from the famous paintings, ceramics, prints and pencil drawings can also be found here.
Museu Picasso
C/ Montcada 15-23
08003 Barcelona
+11 (34) 933-196-310
The Sagrada Família Church
The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is one of Spain's most impressive works of architecture. Under construction since 1882 (and expected to be finished in 2026), the massive cathedral features 18 spindle-shaped towers, three grand façades, five interior aisles and several vaults (with the tallest one reaching 246 feet), and numerous statues of saints both inside and outside the church. The Sagrada Familia is designed in a mix of styles, including elements of Cubism, Art Nouveau, and lots of hyperboloid and geometrical structures. The church also serves as the burial place of several members of the nobility, including Antoni Gaudi (the architect who designed the structure) and several members of the Aragon family.
The Sagrada Família Church
Mallorca, 401
08003 Barcelona
+11 (34) 932-073-031
About the Author:
Claire Taylor is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Taylor is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
Photo Credits:
Mike Scott
