Taking in the sights and sounds of Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain is a beautiful and historic city from its stunning architecture and art to its delicious food and friendly people, there is no shortage of reasons to visit Barcelona. Whether you’re interested in soaking up the sun on one of the city’s many beaches, exploring its rich cultural heritage, or simply enjoying some of the best food and wine in the world, Barcelona has something for you.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second-largest city in Spain. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, and is bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola mountain range.

We visited from a cruise ship and were lucky enough that it was an overnight port. Barcelona at night can be a bit intimidating, especially with two 4-year-olds, but we found it inviting once we were out and about.

La Rambla

La Rambla is a street in central Barcelona, popular with tourists and locals alike. It runs for just over 1km from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus monument at the Port of Barcelona. Along the way, it passes some of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, including the Palau Güell and the Gran Teatre del Liceu.

La Rambla is also home to a number of markets, including the famous La Boqueria food market. There are also numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants lining the street, making it the perfect place to people-watch or enjoy a leisurely meal.

If you’re visiting Barcelona, make sure to check out the street performers at night! They are a popular attraction in the city and can be found performing all around La Rambla.

The street performers come in all shapes and sizes, from jugglers and fire-eaters to musicians and acrobats. They provide a great source of entertainment.

We found many that were “statues” as people walked by, but for a dollar, you could walk up to them and they would play out some scene while taking your money. Our 4-year-old daughter approached the one above that was humorously sitting on a toilet.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a large Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of the church began in 1882! and is expected to be completed sometime in the 2030s.

Yes you heard me right, it is still under construction and will take nearly 150 years to complete, but as you can tell from the photos the building is extremely ornate with tomes of details.

When finished, La Sagrada Familia will be one of the tallest churches in the world, with a height of 172 meters (564 feet). It will also have 18 towers, representing the 12 Apostles, 4 Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ.

Park Güell

A visit to Park Güell in Barcelona is an excellent way to spend a day in the city. This world-famous park is home to some of Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic architecture, and it offers stunning views of the cityscape. Visitors can explore the park’s many nooks and crannies, admire the beautiful buildings, and take in the panoramic views. Park Güell is a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona.

One of the most notable features of Park Güell is the use of mosaics throughout the park. These mosaics, which were designed by Gaudí, are composed of brightly-colored pieces of ceramic.

Another notable feature of Park Güell is its undulating landscape. The park is located on a hill, and as a result, its terrain is quite uneven. This was another deliberate design choice by Gaudí, as he wanted the park to look like a natural extension of the hillside.

When we visited Park Güell, we were in awe of the stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. It was a perfect day for a walk, and the park was teeming with people. We climbed up the steps to get a better view of the park and cityscape below, and then wandered through the gardens, taking in the colors and fragrance of the flowers.

The mosaics and tilework were amazing, and we spent some time sitting on one of the benches to just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It was a truly wonderful experience, and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Barcelona.

Columbus Monument

The Columbus Monument is located in the Plaza de Colón, which is also home to other notable monuments and buildings such as the Palau de la Generalitat and the Cathedral of Barcelona. It was a good spot to snap a picture and rest your feet, but not much more. If your itinerary is already full, I would certainly suggest going to something like Park Güell and foregoing this. That said it is along La Rambla so you’re likely to walk by it regardless.

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