Barcelona

You can find all kinds of hotels in Barcelona, whichever area you choose to stay in, you will always have places of interest and a lot of movement around you. For those visiting the city for the first time, we recommend starting your route in the neighbourhood of Gràcia, this former independent village now stands as a district with a character of its own. Known for its art nouveau monuments and emblematic meeting points such as Plaça del Sol, Paça Rius i Taulet or Plaça de la Virreina, this modern neighbourhood is an ideal area to enjoy a first encounter with the authentic Barcelona.

Continuing along the main avenue, Passeig de Gràcia, the most important buildings such as La Pedrera, Casa Batlló or Casa Amatller rise among the abundant commercial shop windows that reach up to the Palau de la Música Catalana.

A little further on, the Gothic quarter invites you to lose yourself in a labyrinth of twisting alleyways. From La Rambla it is easy to slip into the old town, where you will discover small squares, churches, palaces, institutional buildings and the Gothic Cathedral . If at any time you need to regain your strength, the gastronomic market of La Boqueria is a spectacle of colours and flavours that never disappoints. Recognized as one of the best markets in Europe, this delicious stop on La Rambla 91 is a must for any foodie.

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

For art lovers, one of the most extensive permanent exhibitions of Pablo Picasso is housed here. The five original 13th and 14th century palaces that make up this museum allow you to immerse yourself in a world seen through the eyes of the painter. In the bohemian Raval district, you will find other cultural treasures such as the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, the Centre of Contemporary Culture, the Filmoteca de Catalunya and La Central del Raval.

After all that walking take a break at Parc de la Ciutadella is the perfect time to visit the lake and take a picture of the Arc de Triomphe. As a last stop we suggest La Barceloneta, a charming neighborhood by the sea with a lot to offer.

Still incomplete, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is the most outstanding work of the architect Antonio Gaudí. Conceived in the tradition of Gothic and Byzantine cathedrals, its forms, images and sculptural ensembles express Christian beliefs and convey an evangelical message. Understanding the complex symbology of the structure and the elaborate decorations of this striking temple is quite a reflection. Nature, prayer and the principles of Christianity merge in a unique and original construction in which every element has a purpose.

The verticality is an important characteristic, with it the architect represents the goal of rising towards God. A total of eighteen infinite towers symbolize Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the four gospels and the twelve apostles. It is worth going inside and climbing its long spiral staircase, from the top you can see the best views of the city. The beautiful facades surrounding the basilica tell through their figures the most significant moments in the life of Christ. The character of each façade transmits a great emotional charge that complements its message. In short, the Sagrada Familia is one of the most beautiful and interesting visits in the city.

Take advantage and book one of the many guided tours during your holidays in Barcelona, a very good option to see each of the many details that make this city one of the world's leading destinations for leisure and cultural tourism.