Barcelona

Have you ever wanted to hold the Champions League trophy? Or look up around the stands which can hold 99,000 passionate football fans? Well now’s your chance. Camp Nou is the home to FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most famous sports teams and now it’s your turn to sit in the first team dugout and imagine the call to run onto the pitch to the adoration of the tens of thousands of fans. A must for any sports fan and with a tour of the stadium starting at only 20 Euros it is a cost-effective way to appreciate one of Barcelona’s most important structures not designed by Antoni Guadi.

One of the city’s busiest museums, you will be sure to find a queue of people eagerly waiting for the doors to open. The museum houses Pablo Picasso’s lesser known work from his formative years, where he was developing into the artist we now know and love. Displaying a deep relationship between Barcelona and the city’s adopted son, this immense and astonishing display of his work is not to be missed.

Guided tours are available and workshops with visiting artists are available throughout the year.

Started by Guadi at the end of the 19th Century, this beautiful and iconic cathedral towers over Barcelona’s winding streets. Not for the faint hearted, you can view the city from the top of one of the cathedral’s spires, giving you an unusual and unique view of the city below. As a building still under construction, each time you visit you’ll notice something new.

Tickets range from 15 to 30 euros and can be purchased online, or in person.

Another one of Guadi’s stamps on the city, he along with Eusebi Guell created this area of delight as a way of providing upper class housing with a touch of class. Inspired by Hansel and Gretel, the buildings are quirky and unique and almost immediately unforgettable. Unfortunately, in the early 1900s the Barcelona locals were not as enthusiastic about the design with only two of the sixty houses which were planned being built. In 1984 it was made a UNESCO World Heritage.

Tickets can be purchased for less than 10 euros and pre-booking is recommended.

For something a bit different, how about one of Europe’s largest science museums. Located on the outskirts of Barcelona but within easy reach of the Metro, this museum is always a hit with adults and children alike. The CosmoCaixa covers such a wide variety of sciences, from electric voltage tests to seeing the evolution of our planet. Finally prepare to be amazed by the Flooded Forest, a reconstruction of an Amazonian rainforest ecosystem which is partly underwater and is full with crocodiles and other animals and plants typically found in the area.

Wonder at the wonderful water show at Barcelona’s biggest ornamental fountain. Built in 1929 by Carles Buigas and restored for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the fountain is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions. Teaming lights, music and water fountains it needs to be seen to be believed, and you can experience it for free!

Without even knowing you will most likely walk over a piece of art from Joan Miro. Located on La Rambla, Joan Miro has used characteristic colours for his circular mosaic, the bright colours and quirky design is iconic. Some people stop to admire the work, while others will blissfully stroll on by.

As a large public market, La Bouqueria is one of the busiest Barcelona tourist attractions. With its entrance just off La Rambla, it provides a popular location for people wanting to treat their senses. The smells, colours and tastes are something to be desired as you wander through the Europe’s largest food market.