Tourists can’t miss the string of chiringuitos (beachfront bars) although locals prefer quite Boatel or the more daring nude beach, Mar Bella.
Sights like Barcelona's famous church are also not to be missed on a trip to the famous gothic city, but what else would locals recommend you do?
We spoke to Ana, Evaneos Travel’s local agent in Spain and here's what she had to say:
1. Sagrada Familia Church
This wonderfully unique building is one of Barcelona’s quintessential architectural sites. Like a piece of history linking the past to the present, Antoni Gaudi’s now UNESCO-listed basilica is unfinished, and still under construction after more than 100 years.
The first stop for any trip to Barcelona should include an excursion inside the basilica’s towers. A climb to the top via a combination of lifts and narrow spiral staircases will provide you with a fantastic view across the city.
2. Batllo House
Another of Gaudi’s must-see masterpieces in Barcelona. If you’re planning on travelling to the city during summer be sure to include an afternoon on the Dragon Roof Terrace in your itinerary.
You’ll start off by exploring the house’s fascinating, labyrinth-like interior with a comprehensive audio/video guide, before heading up to the rooftop to enjoy a live music show, with drinks and nibbles. Perfect for a warm summer evening after a busy morning of sightseeing.
Whether you’re a world-class foodie or know nothing about Catalan cuisine, you’ll find yourself drawn into the colours and scents of the vast Boqueria Market.
From cheeses to charcuterie, the stalls are filled with the freshest daily assortment of ingredients and local products.
After a guided tour of the market-place, you’ll also have the opportunity to sign up for a cooking workshop in which you’ll learn how to prepare some of the most typical and delicious Spanish dishes to bring out at your next dinner party.
4. Bike tour around the Old City
One of the major features that marks Barcelona out is its layers of historic and architectural styles. Hopping on a bike through the more hidden, older parts of the city, you’ll enter Gothic and Born neighbourhoods with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful stone buildings.
While you’re there take a wander around the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar.
No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a walk through the buzzing Ramblas Street.
This ever-crowded street is absolutely bustling with life, hosting colourful flower stalls, mimes, musicians, magicians and many more weird and wonderful things.
6. Shopping and modernist architecture in Paseo de Gracia
If you’re a fan of architecture or shopping, the avenue of Paseo de Gracia is an absolute must. Lined along what is often regarded as Spain’s most expensive street, you’ll find some of the finest samples of modernist architecture in the city, as well as a collection of the most exclusive and luxury shops in the whole of Barcelona.
One of Barcelona’s most stunning views across the city is accessible from the multi-coloured, tiled mosaic seats in the terraced area at the top of Güell Park.
Conveniently, tickets to this UNESCO-listed natural park are limited to a certain number per hour, so you can take in the view without endless hordes of tourists blocking the way.
If you find yourself in Barcelona during the Easter or summer months, I’d recommend booking a slot in the early evening. The view across the Mediterranean Sea with the sun setting in the horizon is breathtaking.
8. Sail along the coast
Jumping in a boat along Barcelona’s glistening coast, you’ll get the chance to sight-see back on the city’s various shapes and colours from the water.
If you’re feeling particularly fancy, you can even request that a chef accompanies you on board to whip up a delicious lunch of local cuisine while you cruise.
If you’re on the lookout for a good lunch or dinner spot head over to one of the emblematic restaurants in Barceloneta, (the old fishers’ neighbourhood). With the sea just next door, the traditional paella they serve in this area is among the best in the city.
As a bonus, you can also finish your meal with a gentle walk barefoot along the beach.
10. Tapas tour
For us Spaniards tapas is more than just small plates of delicious food – it represents a huge part of our lifestyle and culinary culture.
There are hundreds of tapas restaurants in Barcelona, offering Basque flavours, characterised by bite-size goodness served atop pieces of bread, or more typical local tapas, in which patatas bravas take the number one spot on the menu.
Challenge yourselves to work your way through as wide a variety of tapas as you can during your stay – you won’t be disappointed.
Evaneos Travel let you design your own tailer-made holidays with a local travel agent who has all the inside knowledge.
Source: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/travel-news-cheap-uk-holidays-luxury-breaks-more-daily-star/496552/Best-things-to-do-in-Barcelona
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