Gaudí
la sagrada família
Mallorca 401. Guadi's famous unfinished cathedral is a must see visit. Take the elevator up one of the towers if you have the time. Avoid the long lines and purchase tickets ahead of time via the website:
Casa batlló
Passeig de Gracia, 43. As stunning inside as outside. Again, tickets best purchased ahead of time if you want a tour inside the building.
casa mila (La pedrera)
Passeig de Gracia 92. Casa Mila, popularly known as La Pedrera, is one of the most famous buildings of Gaudi. Best to buy tickets ahead of time if you want to do the tour (the chimney rooftop is very cool).
park Güell
Carrer Olot 5. Best to take a taxi up the hill or a bus from Pg de Garcia. This playful urban park features peaceful greens, winding paths and many sculptures and mosaics designed by Gaudi himself. Buy tickets ahead.
museums
museo picasso
Montcada, 15-23 Barrio. The Museum is very rich in regard to work from the formative years in the life of the artist .. up to the blue period. If you're a museum lover, best to buy the museum pass for the top 6 museums in Barcelona.
Macba
1 Placa dels Angels. A comprehensive collection of Spanish, Catalonian and European modern and contemporary art housed in a striking white building designed by architect Richard Meier.
Fundació joan miro
Parc de Montjuic. The Fundació opened to the public in 1975 and has since become a dynamic centre in which Joan Miró's work coexists with cutting-edge contemporary art. While you are in the Montjuicarea, check out the Pavilion Mies van der Rohe.
Fundació Antoni Tàpies
Arago, 255. Love it or hate it, this small museum in the middle of the Eixample houses a few of Tapies's works (but, only a few).
strolls
passeig de gracia
If you like high end shopping (Gucci, Prada, etc.) and stunning architecture, this street is for you. It's the Champs de Elysees of Barcelona with a taste of Gaudi.
Barrio Gótico
With its iconic, narrow streets and alleys, this picturesque neighborhood is the very heart of Barcelona. Fun to discover quaint terraces and plazas brought to life by the many small bars and local musicians lasting late into the night. Just fun to wander the narrow streets and get lost in the history.
Arc of Triomf
Take a stroll through the Arc of Triomf and continue throughthe Parc de la Ciutadella. Make sure you don't miss the Beautiful Cascada Monumental with the golden horses and a small pond where you can rent boats.
Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
Las Ramblas 91. This popular food market sells some of the freshest fruit, vegetables and seafood in Barcelona. I enjoy going in the morning to see the action in the fish market. Also, you can find a few nice tapas bars inside the market if you are a bit hungry.
las ramblas
The most famous pedestrian street in Barcelona is a must see for first time visitors (but that's it). The street performers can be entertaining, but the number of tourists can do your head in. Beware of pick pockets !!
gracia
Students, artists and political types make their home here, and everyone's welcome to hang out at Placa del Sol, a popular square day or night with its cafes, bars and 19-century architecture. If you come in summer, be sure to check out the Fiesta Major in August. Entertaining street party where locals compete for street decorations. Fun to wander about.
Barceloneta
Best place to stroll on a sunny day or if you feel like a little beach time. Lots of restaurants if you're craving a paella lunch. If you venture inside the barrio into the narrow streets you will discover some interesting bars, restaurants and cafes.
Palau de la Música Catalana
Palau de la Musica, 4-6. Built in 1908 by the great architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner, the Palau is an icon of modernist architecture in Barcelona. Try to get tickets to see a concert if time allows.