Barcelona

Visit Barcelona to excite your sensibilities with the overflow of cuisine, castles and confectionery.

When to visit

Barcelona is a city of surprises and festivals, all of which can be experienced at any time of year, depending on what type of weather appeals to you. Carefully consider May–August as great options for sunny, humid days. During the months of May and June, temperatures are still warm but not uncomfortable, and there are still lots of things to do. The months of July and August are at the height of summer when both temperatures and accommodation prices soar. You can find Barcelona hotels to suit any budget, however, make sure to book early for the best prices and availability.

Where to visit

Barcelona is exotic and there are as many places to visit as the size of the city itself. Start at Raval, a part of the “real” Barcelona – where you can take in and support local business life – a bit of its food, music and culture in one place. Other sightseeing highlights:

• Fundacio Joan Miro is one of the largest museums on the globe. With more than 250 paintings, and over 150 sculptors – an art buff could happily spend an entire day here.
• Combine love of confectionery with an appreciation of art and one gets the best of both worlds. A visit to Bubo is a must, where every piece of confectionery is a distinct and extraordinary piece of art.
• Visit Montjuc Castle, where after climbing the ancient battlements, the panoramic views will sweep one away. Learn about a different side of Barcelona by going slightly off the beaten track and taking in the Saint Andrew district.
• Plan to take in Parc de la Ciutadella – where one can explore a variety of things in one vast expanse of space. A zoo, parliament buildings, a lake, a church. Just pack a basket and wander around freely.

What to eat

Eating is a way of life in Barcelona and forms a key piece of an otherwise idyllic vacation destination. There are structured times for every meal – five meals a day, ending with dinner (not the traditional meal, which happens at suppertime) from 9:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Dinner thus is more of a social activity than a formal meal.  In terms of cuisine, there is much from which to choose. Try the very popular paella on Thursdays; or enjoy light tasty food choices in the triad of tapas, ham and some tasty sangria to wash it all down. Don’t miss the Basque tapas: plates of bite-sized goodies served on bread – a particular trend in this exciting city!

Enjoy amazing gastronomic delights as part of the overall Barcelona package. Visit one of the many confectionery shops scattered throughout the city – and remember to include a stop to purchase a few of these delightful creations to take home.

What to do

While it is possible to take a taxi or other transportation to get around wider Barcelona, a simple walking tour through the city is recommended. Stroll along through the streets, getting close to the pulse of activity.  If rich history and wonderful architecture have some appeal, select from one or two of the many churches, museums or art galleries in the city.

Barcelona is also home to many festivals throughout the year. Plan a trip around a particular event, or be totally spontaneous - there is always something going on in the city. Not to be missed in September is a week-long festival known as Festival de Merce, which begins as a religious parade and then evolves into a full-blown explosive celebration of Catalan culture!  Don’t miss Razmattaz, a live music venue, with activities on offer for most of the year. This location is also home to pulsating nightlife, so don’t forget your dancing shoes.

Take advantage of this intriguing travel destination by consulting with your trusted travel advisor and let them help you to create your unique vacation experience in Barcelona. Contact Going Places Travel to book your trip today.