You can find all types of hotels in Barcelona; whichever area you choose to stay in, you’ll always be surrounded by interesting and lively places. For those visiting the city for the first time, we recommend starting your route in the Gràcia neighbourhood, an old independent town that still has its own character today. Known for its art nouveau monuments and emblematic meeting points, such as the Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia and Plaça de la Virreina, this modern neighbourhood is the perfect area to discover the authentic side of Barcelona for the first time.

Heading down the main avenue, Passeig de Gràcia, the most important buildings such as La Pedrera, Casa Batlló or Casa Amatller rise above the commercial shopfronts which stretch all the way to the Palau de la Música Catalana.

A little further down, the Gothic quarter encourages you to lose yourself in a labyrinth of winding back streets. From La Rambla it is easy to walk to the old city, where you can discover small squares, churches, palaces, institutional buildings and the Gothic Cathedral itself. If at any point you need to recharge your batteries, the local food market La Boquería is a spectacle of colours and flavours that never disappoints. Renowned as one of the best markets in Europe, this delicious stop on La Rambla 91 is a must for any food-lover.

Barcelona is famous for its modernist buildings; the originality of the designs and the extravagant decorations on monuments such as Park Güell, the Sagrada Familia and the Hospital de Santa Creu i Sant Pau will take your breath away.

For art lovers, here you can find one of the most extensive permanent Pablo Picasso exhibitions. The five original XIII and XIV century palaces that make up this museum enable you to delve into a world seen through the painter’s eyes. In the bohemian neighbourhood of El Raval, you’ll stumble across other cultural treasures such as the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, the Filmoteca de Catalunya and La Central del Raval.

After all that wandering around, take a break in the Parc de la Ciutadella. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit the lake and take a photo of the Arc de Triomf. As a final stop, why not visit La Barceloneta, a charming neighbourhood on the seafront with a lot to offer.

Still incomplete, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is one of architect Antonio Gaudí’s most distinguished works. Designed based on traditional Gothic and Byzantine cathedrals, its shapes, images and sculptural ensembles express Christian beliefs and convey an evangelical message. Understanding the complex symbolism of the design and the elaborate decoration of this impressive temple requires thorough reflection. Nature, prayers and the principles of Christianity merge together in a unique and original construction in which each and every element has its own purpose.

Verticality is an important characteristic, as the architect represents the idea of rising towards God A total of eighteen infinite towers symbolise Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the four evangelists and the twelve disciples. It’s worth going in and climbing the long, spiral staircase to appreciate the best views of the city from the top. The extraordinary façades that surround the basilica tell the story of the most significant moments in the life of Jesus Christ through its figures. The unique character of each façade conveys a strong emotional impact that complements its message. Without a doubt, the Sagrada Familia is one of the most beautiful and fascinating attractions in the city.

Take advantage and book one of the many guided tours during your holiday in Barcelona; a fantastic option to contemplate each and every one of the many elements that make this city one of the main global destinations for leisure and cultural tourism.