Hello all! I’m Sally and I blog over at Life Loving which is my way to inspire others to get out and about and enjoy life more. I live by the motto ‘ketchup tomorrow, relish today’. Miranda has kindly let me put together a guest post about one of my favourite cities, Barcelona, which I know is on her bucket list for 2017. So here’s my top five things to see when visiting this beautiful beach city.
Sagrada Familia
This is one of the highlights of Barcelona. It’s beautiful inside and out. The carvings on the exterior are mind-blowingly good, and then when you get inside the stained glass windows are one of the most beautiful things you’ll ever see. If you go on a sunny day, you get the full effect of the colours used in the glass. I would recommend booking ahead as it gets really busy. We booked in advance and went straight in.
Mount Tibidabo
It probably feels quite odd to have a mountain in the middle of the city. But hey it’s Barcelona, anything goes. Mount Tibidabo houses an eclectic mix of attractions at the top. There’s the church named The Temple of Tibidabo which is really pretty, plus there’s also a vintage theme park. We went when it was relatively quiet and the music is a bit eerie, which totally adds to the atmosphere. Would I go there alone at night? Certainly not, but it’s definitely worth a ride on the funicular to see what’s up there.
Beaches
Barcelona has a mountain, and it also has a coastline. It really is the city with everything. You should include a trip to the beach whilst you are there, but bear in mind in high season, the beaches nearest to the city are crowded and not-exactly golden sands! But in less than 30 minutes on a train from the city centre, you can find yourself on oodles of golden, uncrowded sand. Montgat beach is highly recommended, but do some research as there are a number of great beaches within an hour’s train ride of the city.
The Magic Fountain
This was one of my personal highlights. Maybe because I grew up with a Nan that made me watch videos of water dancing to music, but I honestly loved the Magic Fountain. Framed by backdrop of the National Palace, the Magic Fountain is best viewed at night. There are regular fountain shows where the water is animated alongside light and music. Be warned, if you get too close, you will get a gentle sprinkling.
Las Ramblas
You can’t go to Barcelona without visiting this famous tree-lined street. There’s a plethora of stalls, offering all kinds of gifts to those looking for a unique memory from Barcelona. Las Ramblas is also known for its ingenious human statues. You give them a little tip and they’ll pose next to you for that perfect summer selfie.
I would highly recommend Barcelona for a city break. It became one of my favourite places within hours of arriving, and not just because there are more Desigual shops (my favourite brand) than I can throw a stick at, it offers a lot to see and do. Want to find out more about me and my blog? You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter or peruse my adventures through my photos on Instagram.
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
Anddd over to ORBITZ I go….. To book a ticket! LOL!
Jaime Nicole says
Your photos are so cool! I really hope to go to Barcelona one day – my daughter is going next year with school!
Ricci says
Your photos are just gorgeous!! I would love to visit Barcelona one day!! It’s on my travel bucket list for sure!!
chubskulit says
That magic fountain is gorgeous. Barcelona is in one of my bucket list of places to visit.
Jenn Padgett says
This looks like a dream trip to me. I love to travel, but it’s hard to make it fit into our budget very often.
Maurene Cab says
I recently watched a movie shot in Barcelona and I immediately fell in love with the place. Your photos just reinforced my love for the Barcelona.
Debra Hawkins says
I have always wanted to go to Barcelona and now I just want to go more! We didn’t hit Spain in our last trip to Europe.
Kim L says
I’ve never been to Europe, but hope to go one day. The market in Barcelona sounds like just my kind of place.
Pam W says
I have always wanted to go to Barcelona. That vintage theme park sounds like it would be cool to visit.
Liz Mays says
I’d love to see all of the attractions at the top of Mount Tibidabo. Spending some time at the beach would be fun too. I’m impressed with the carvings on the Sagrada Familia!
Christy Maurer says
Wow! I cannot even get over that Sagrada Familia! I would love to see Barcelona one day.
Nikki says
I would love to see any or all of those things! The street shops would definitely be my favorite, though. I love finding unique little gifts. It would be so neat to visit Barcelona!
Sarah Bailey says
What some amazing sounding things to see, I think for me I would love to see The Magic Fountain I’ve seen videos before and it would be great to see it up close.
Cheryl Vivian | neurotic baker says
I have so many friends who have been to Barcelona only to come back to tell me that I would love it there. It’s definitely on my list!
Jeanette says
This is also on my bucket list! I love to travel, but have not been here yet. I SOOO want to go and the post makes that want even stronger!
Tammy says
I’ve never been to Spain either but this does look like a lovely place to go.
Robin Rue says
My sister honeymooned there and absolutely loved it. I would love to get to Barcelona someday!
valmg says
I have never been to Spain. I’ve always wanted to go and it’s on my travel bucket list. I bet the fountain is lovely.