Location: Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
Top Things to do in Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
Things to do in Barcelona, Catalonia: The Best Architectural Buildings
Barcelona feels a bit surreal – appropriate, since Salvador Dali spent time here and Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed several of the city’s buildings. Stepping into Gaudí’s Church of the Sacred Family is a bit like falling through the looking glass - a journey that you can continue with a visit to Park Güell. Sip sangria at a sidewalk café in Las Ramblas while watching flamboyant street performers, then create your own moveable feast by floating from tapas bar to tapas bar.
Restaurants in Barcelona
1. Aduana de Barcelona
2. Palace of Catalan Music
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,470 reviews
The Palau, an icon of modernist architecture in downtown Barcelona The Palau de la Música Catalana is one of the most representative monuments of the city and It is one of the most recommended tourist attractions of Barcelona. Built between 1905 and 1908 by the great architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner, the Palau de la Música Catalana is an architectural jewel of Catalonia and essential part of any visit to the city, as any of the most fascinating Gaudi buildings. This historical building, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, offers an experience so magical that visitors fall in love with it. From the hand of experienced guides, the wonders of this architectural pearl discovered and visitors into a fantasy world full of details and references to the characteristic nature of modernist architecture. An essential visit in the list of top 10 things to see in Barcelona.
Reviewed By camm3653 - Toronto, Canada
My husband and I are so glad that we took the official guided tour of this hidden gem designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner. Tucked away amongst the narrow streets of La Ribera, it was quite a treat to come across the Palau de la Musica Catalana for the first time and see its facade of beautifully detailed sculptures and intricate mosaics. Once we went inside and saw the interior, especially the concert hall itself, we were even more impressed. Our guide did a masterful job of providing the history and explaining the details of the building including, the ironwork, mosaics, stunning stained glass windows and skylight, and the ornate sculptures. As part of the tour, we had the opportunity to sit back and listen to the organist play. Not only was the concert hall gorgeous, the acoustics were amazing too. Our only regret was not being able to see a performance at the concert hall during our stay in Barcelona. We highly recommend booking this one hour guided tour. It must be booked on the official website in advance as spots are limited and it often sells out. If you book 21 days in advance, there is a small saving of 4 euros per ticket off of the standard rate of 20 euros.
3. Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,776 reviews
The Gothic Church, built in the 14th century, is located in the quarter of La Ribera.
Reviewed By 523travelbug - Melbourne, Australia
Grand old church with opera buskers very fitting indeed, The church has a wonderful history and very beautiful piece of architecture dating back to 1700;s
4. CaixaForum Barcelona
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 710 reviews
Reviewed By 82manuelal - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
A very nice sit touristique, present interesting exibitions, nice architecture, there is an entrance to pay; you will find a library with interesting books and a little restaurant.
5. Palau Guell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,723 reviews
This palace was the home of industrialist Eusebi Guell and was Antonio Gaudi's first major building in the city..
Reviewed By Journey814115 - Charlotte, United States
This wonderful facility, just off the Rambla, provides a fascinating view of the early Gaudi (and the generosity of the Guell family.
6. High Court of Justice of Catalonia
7. Santa Anna Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
8. Basilica dels Sants Martirs Just i Pastor
9. Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By DaveTheShorts - Menston, United Kingdom
We visited this place without the kids as they wanted time to explore the city before our planned visit to Sagrada Familia. So glad I found this place whilst researching Barcelona. After Parc Guell (a bit disappointing because so much of it is out of bounds for renovation) we walked down from the free bus stop and we were amazed at the beauty of these old hospital buildings right in the heart of the city. The stories told and the images show some great pieces of architecture. It is an oasis of calmness in the mad place that is Barcelona. It is tranquil and worth a trip for an hour or so. Great exhibits and it is being carefully restored to show what it was like when originally used as a hospital. Go now before it gets busy!
10. La Casa de la Seda Barcelona
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
'La Casa de la Seda' (The House of Silk) is the only guild house in Barcelona open to the public with regular visits from Monday to Saturday. It also has beautiful rooms to celebrate all kind of events. Discover a unique house in Barcelona. Visit the luxurious headquarters of the Art of Silk Association, one of the most influent institutions of the 18th century Catalan society. The visit includes: • The amazing guild room with silk lined walls and rich ornaments. • The library with more than three thousand documents from 1533 until today. • The majestic presidential office and the meeting room.
