Ahh Barcelona, the land of tapas, flamenco, and Antoni Gaudi. To be frank, I was most excited to visit Barcelona due to the favourable reviews I’ve had heard about the flamboyant architecture and cheap, tasty tapas. But besides the food, there's just so much to do in Barcelona. So here's a list of top things you shouldn't miss out on when you're in Barcelona!
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1. Visit the home of Barcelona FC
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Begin your trip in Barcelona with a visit to Camp Nou, home of the Barcelona FC. Fans of the team can pay for a tour inside the stadium, or if you’re just interested in buying their merchandise, there’s a three-floor shop dedicated to serve visitors.
2. Visit Basilica La Sagrada Familia
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Basilica La Sagrada Familia is one of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece. The temple has been in construction even before the architect took over in 1873, and is expected to finish in 20 years time.
#HHWT Tip:Purchase the tickets ahead from their online store to avoid lining up at the site. If you’re between 11 – 30 years old, spare your wallet by visiting the Basilica on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays as they have a 50% discount on tickets from 6.00PM until closing.
3. Walk along La Rambla
A must stop for us, the Hard Rock Café Barcelonais situated at the starting point of La Rambla, a long stretch of concrete in between roads that makes for an interesting night walk.
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After sundown, La Rambla has a vibrant feel to it with the street performers and various dining places down the street although visitors are advised against dining at any of the roadside restaurants as most are tourist traps.
#HHWT Tip: For satisfying tapas, try to venture further into the alleyways at the side of La Rambla. Do not venture alone though!
4. Fall Further in ❤ with Antoni Gaudi
Although Basilica La Sagrada Familia is cheaper in the evening, in order to capture the exquisite façade and other breathtaking details on the surface of the temple you have to come in the morning where the light hits the masterpiece just right.
#HHWT Tip: To take a full photo of the Basilica, go around Plaza de Gaudi, which is just in front of the Basilica, and capture the building across the small pond in the Plaza.
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Continue your Gaudi appreciation by visiting La Pedrera - Casa Milà, a house along Passeig de Gracia which Gaudi was commissioned to build by Pere Milà.
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While making your way from Casa Milà to Casa Batlló, take your time window shopping high-end brands along Passeig de Gracia!
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Spend a few hours exploring the beautiful Casa Batlló, an actual residential house designed by Gaudì for the Batlló family with a bone-like exterior.
5. Explore Port Vell
Stroll along Port Vell, where you can find various attractions nearby for example The Christopher Columbus Monument, L’Aquàrium de Barcelona, and Museu d’Història de Catalunya.
If you get hungry, La Bombeta serves great tapas in a small restaurant. Alternatively, you can dine at Restaurante Siempreviva, and order garlic shrimp and a seafood spread for two.
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End your day by treating your eyes and ears to the magical light and water show at Font Magica.
6. Hike Park Güell
Park Güell, another site Gaudì was commissioned to work on by Eusebi Güell as an estate for well-off families. Situated on top of Carmel Hill, visitors are treated to a dynamic view of Barcelona amidst colourful mosaics.
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While you're there, visit Mercado de Sant Josep La Boqueria. For hungry travelers, they have tapas bars towards the back of the market. I’d suggest trying one of their fresh fruit juices, costing €2 a cup.
If you’re feeling famished, try a serving of seafood paella at a stall back of the market for €10 a serving.
7. Visit Catedral de Barcelona
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Visit the majestic Catedral de Barcelona for a walk through Gothic architecture. Nearby the Catedral, spot the BARCINO letter structures and snap a selfie with them!
#HHWT Tip: Plan your visit to the Catedral before 12.45PM and after 5.45PM to enter free!
8. Take pictures at Palau de la Música Catalena
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Slip through alleys and find your self the beautiful pink building that is Palau de la Música Catalena. The interior concert hall is absolutely stunning, unlike the usual stark and minimalist design we usually see of musical halls.
#HHWT Tip: As souvenirs in Barcelona don’t usually go lower than €3 each, there are stalls around the Palau that sells keychains and magnets at €5 for 3, with considerable lower quality.
With so much stunning architecture, Barcelona is definitely the place to visit if you want to get lots of Instagram worthy shots ? Have you been to Barcelona? Leave us a link to your favourite muslim-friendly eatery and let us know why it's your favourite in the comments below! It'll definitely help out others who are heading to Barcelona ?