Last year I spent 5-months living and working in Barcelona! Before this, I had visited twice and I’ve since concluded It to be my favourite European city and I would move back in a heartbeat if it weren’t for my husband (Love you Cam). So as I’m going back to visit this week for the first time since, I felt in the mood to write a post on my favorite spots in Barcelona – the ones I’ll be heading straight to as soon as I touch down!
1. El Carmel – Bunkers
The Spanish Civil War bunkers, by far my no.1 favourite. I could stay here for hours with my friends watching the sun go down, listening to music and talking. It’s really not the most accessible place as it’s a bit of a walk-up if you don’t get a bus to the highest bit of the hill but I used to walk up from Joanic metro and it roughly took an hour depending on who I was walking with. The perfect date spot or hang out spot in Barcelona. Although it’s pretty crowded these days, the atmosphere and panoramic views are 100% worth the hike.
Tips: Don’t forget walking shoes (although I’ve definitely trecked up without). Take a picnic, some music and your camera (definitely worth trying some long exposure shots as the city lights come on).
2. Montjuic
The place my husband proposed to me in 2016! No joke, the most picturesque place where you’ll be greeted with 360º views of Barcelona cityscape. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in June/August I recommend you book tickets for the open-air cinema held in the 17th-century hilltop fortress grounds of Castle of Montjuic (right at the top). Sala Montjuïc – the cinema screening, It’s a huge open-air cinema screening that happens in the summer, something you don’t want to miss. On your way down you’ll probably pass Montjuic Municipal Pool and not even realise it’s there like I did until I discovered it the 3rd time I visited. It’s a pool on the mountain overlooking Barcelona. Exquisite!
Images were taken from inside the Castle of a castell aka ‘human tower’ during a summer festival.
3. Montserrat
This isn’t exactly in Barcelona but it’s one of my main places to visit and definitely in my top 5. If I’ve learned anything about myself from this blog post, it’s how much I love hiking and views. To get there it’s a train journey away and a cable car or train up the mountain to the monastery and also where you can start your hike to the peak.
4. Park Guell
A place that’s perfect for a Sunday stroll and good vibes. There’s an array of architecture surrounding Gaudi’s house (Gaudí House Museum) which is situated in the heart of grounds. Located on Carmel Hill and it’s FREE – minus the mosaic viewing platform.
5. Las Rambles
The most popular street in the center of Barcelona which leads all the way from Plaça de Catalunya (where you can catch the airport bus and shop at the best high street stores) to Barcelona beach. As you stroll be careful of your belongings as Barcelona and this street in particular is notorious for pickpocketers. As you stroll you’ll see La Boquería on the right – an incredible indoor market filled with fresh fruit and veg, freshly blended smoothies and so much more!
The Plaça Reial a turn off on the left where you can dine in the square full of restaurants surrounding the famous fountain (which you’ve probably seen in all your friend’s tourist photos) and my favorite club Jamboree! I’ll be checking out reinvented speakeasy cocktail bar Nou Pipa Club during my next visit.
6. Gothic Quarter
My favorite place because of the character in the apartment buildings, narrow streets and the mass amount of independent brands, artists and vintage stores. It’s also pretty close to the beach so you can stroll straight to it while having a wander through the streets and shops.
7. Sagrada Familia
This is last on my list because, in my opinion, it’s probably the most incredible building I’ve ever seen, however, there isn’t much to do here but take photos and sit in the park surrounding it. Of course, you could also go inside if you feel like spending the money, tickets range from 17€ to 32€. You could plan to go here for lunch or even cocktails as there’s plenty of fast-food restaurants around and an Irish bar facing the park in front of it.
Thanks for reading my guide to the best free places to visit in Barcelona! I cannot wait to be back tomorrow.
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By Laurelle