Fast Facts:
- Country: Spain
- City: Barcelona
- Location: Located on the northeast coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia.
- Language: Catalan and Spanish
- Currency: Euro
For this trip:
- Month of Travel: November
- Weather: 17 to 19 deg C
- What to Wear: The weather is not too cold. It even gets warm at noon. Light long-sleeved tops or cardigans on top of a shirt/sleeveless would be enough. Wear comfortable shoes, of course.
Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia, which at the time of our visit was under civil unrest with a bid for independence from Spain. Across this powerhouse, it’s hard to miss the influence of Catalonia’s father of Modernism, Antoni Gaudi. In fact, a lot of the must-visit sites are his works.
Park Guell located on Carmen Hill was initially planned to be an estate for well-off families. Commissioned by Eusebi Guell, Gaudi started designing it but its lack of buyers due to its exclusivity and accessibility led to its abandonment. Guell opened it instead as a large private garden and after his death, it was converted into a municipal park.
GALLERY:
We can write an entire post about the Sagrada Familia. When visiting, it’s best to get an audio guide to better appreciate its features. It is a large Roman Catholic church that was only less than a quarter completed when Gaudi passed away. It is set to be finished in 2026, the centenary of Gaudi’s death.
GALLERY:
Casa Mila (also named La Pedrera or the stone quarry) was the last private residence designed by Gaudi. This UNESCO world heritage site is now home to a cultural center.
Casa Batllo (also named Casa dels ossos or House of Bones) is a league of its own with its façade looking like scales and skeletons. Casa Batllo is one of the three unusual buildings along Passeig de Gracia together with Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Casa Lleo Morera by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Together, they make up the “Block of Discord.”
While in Barcelona, make sure you also find time for the following.
Visit Placa de Catalunya, the city’s busiest square; and Placa del Rei or the King’s Square where Christopher Columbus was said to have been received by the King and Queen from his return from the New World.
Pass by La Rambla and Diagonal Avenue.
Check out Barcelona Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona.
Explore local dining and drinking scene.
GALLERY:
Although there were threats of public demonstrations that could go violent, it was safe and peaceful at the time of our visit. So no matter how Catalonians write their future, we will always remember Barcelona as a charming city we’d love to fly back to.
Watch our video!