5 Places You Must Visit When In Barcelona

Barcelona is a treat for the senses, with vibrant and colourful streets, sprinkled with impressive architecture and monuments. Here are a few places to explore while in the city.

1. Sagrada Familia

Situated in Carrer de Mallorca, Sagrada Familia is a colossal unfinished Roman Catholic church designed by the acclaimed architect, Antoni Gaudi. The structure has been under construction since 1882 and is slated to be completed by 2028. Gaudi drew inspiration from nature and made sure to infuse organic elements into his design, evident in the geometry, light and colour that fill up the sacred space.

Look out for: The ceiling of the church Do check out: The Sagrada Familia Museum and the Plaster Workshop

2. Las Ramblas

Set between the city’s main square, Plaça de Catalunya, right up to Christopher Columbus Monument, at Port Vell, this tree-lined pedestrian mall stretches for 1.2 km. Las Ramblas is a collection of five pedestrian-oriented streets, each of these is equally worth exploring!

Our Built-ID member project, Ikibana Restaurant, by El Equipo Creativo, is located along the Avenue del Parallel, near the Poble Sec metro stop.

Look out for: The Chinese dragon gracing the House of Umbrellas Do check out: La Boqueria bang opposite Passatge D’Amadeu Bagues where one can sample and buy local produce and specialities

Ikibana Restaurant – El Equipo Creativo- Click image to view more

3. Girona

Tucked away onto a hillside along the bisecting Onyar river, Girona is a well-known compact fortress city held together by a series of narrow streets and steps of cobblestone. Both sides of the city can be easily accessed by pedestrian bridges that grant spectacular views of the strings of painted building facades.

Look out for Culo de la Leona en Girona (The Lion of Girona) Do check out: The Cathedral of Girona and spot the Stone Witch gargoyle

4. Park Güell

Another of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces, this park is renowned for its roof made up of small domes and impressive entrance, bordered by two buildings, also designed by Gaudi. The park is a perfect fusion of carefully considered architecture and natural landscape.

Look out for El Drac (the prominent china mosaic-tiled lizard) and the Basket Lady Do check out: The ancient aqueducts, rock colonnades and the view of Barcelona from the terrace

Park Güell

5. Port Olimpic Marina

Built to coincide with the 1992 Olympic Games, the marina is dotted with a variety of public recreational activities: bars, restaurants, events and modern sculptures.

Our Built-ID member mixed-use project, Hotel Arts by SOM, is strategically located here within walking distance to the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and the beaches. The complex consists of a hotel, apartments, a village-like retail centre, and first-class office facilities, providing a range of waterfront activities.

Look out for: The giant fish sculpture surrounded by skyscrapers Do check out: The view of Barcelona and the marina from Montjuïc

Hotel Arts – SOM – Click image to view more