2. MONTJUIC CASTLE
After getting off the first cable car you can get a second one that drops you off just below the castle. Rather than enduring another cable car ride we opted to walk up instead, which was a killer in almost 40’c heat. Entry to castle is only 10 EUR (although after reading TripAdvisor it appears prices seem to vary). If you’ve walked all the way to the top you may as well take a look around. The castle is well maintained but, there’s not much to see other than a couple of decomitioned cannons. I think most people go inside hoping for a better view over the city and port. The view is the same except you’re just a little bit higher up.
3. SAGRADA FAMILIA FACADES
When you think of Barcelona, most people think of the Sagrada Familiar. This was a must see for me so, I booked tickets in advance before we left the UK. I paid 29 EUR per person for entrance to the cathedral and to go up the Passion Façade. I choose the Passion over the Nativity Façade as its higher up and has views over the city centre. In hindsight, I think we would have preferred the Nativity as tower which was was built under the direct supervision of Antoni Gaudí, until the the others. Don’t get me wrong the view was great but, as with most sights like this the view is always better when you’re looking at the place of interest, rather than the view from it. Save yourself some euros and just buy the standard ticket for 15 EUR per person (22 EUR if you want an audio guide), and with the 14 EUR you’ve save head to roof top bar for a cocktail.
Badbanchi Mohammad Reza
Very very Nice.I was 2 times in Barcelona but I never seen these places
Imma
Too bad, lol. Try visiting Sagrada Famillia, it’s a nicer experience than was put in the article. Author was too subjective and not rational in their choice of words either. Best of luck!
Cara
En Barcelona cobran muy caro todo al turista, y lo estafan y han escrito por sus bus turísticos y calles Turistas go home! INCORDIAN AL TURISTA.
Hasan Zaidi
I have been to Barcelona once for 5days with my wife in Dec.2018, since I am not a beach lover I always prefer to travel in winter. I would suggest hotel in gothic quarter near la rambla enjoy walking in narrow calles and seeing historical places museos and yes shopping shopping & shopping to make your wife happy and energetic. Don’t eat in la rambla, there are some very good and economical restaurants in side streets.
Andy
I really do not agree with this article. I was there for around a week a couple of years ago, and i can tell there are choices for Sagrada Familia Tour: you can buy tickets for €24 which would include the audio guide and a visit to Gaudi’s house at Parc Güell, so I wouldn’t choose to go up the tower at all, specially having so many high places to watch the city from above. The Castle at Montjuic holds the National Museum of Fine Arts of Barcelona, which is quite interesting. Also, there’s the Miró Museum, the Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion, and the Calatrava’s Olimpic Village nearby the castle. Maybe a museum is not a preferred place for these travelers to visit, which is great, but the option here is try to figure out what you wanna see and experience in your trip, rather than looking after anyone else’s opinion (at a travel guide, or even a friend’s advice). The drive of a trip should be a personal interest, which is why I only travel when I can, where I am driven to, and don’t do travel guides. Open up to surprise, and to a little adventure, and get it together with a little more time and organization for the next time ❤
Alexandra
Typical touristic ride and all over the places where all the city’s pickpockets are running to steal unaware tourists. I used to go to different places which Barcelona has so many. And food is everywhere – actually, the worse&more expensive is next to Las Ramblas and Paseo de Gracia. I loved cultural spots like Palau de Música, concerts inside and small lovely places to eat. All the “recommended” in Barcelona are for dumb tourists. Even tapas or saffron in paella -are dedicated certain way to tourists. True paella for catalunyan born people does not add a saffron, mind you. Meat is as expensive as not very tasty even at meat’s temples but sea fruits are the best simply where most natives crowded. I used to shop at Las Boquerías in the BACK stands and prepare great food at apartment.
Ed
As a resident of Barcelona, I found it amusing that someone could find negative things to say about visiting Barcelona! I do agree with the comments about the cable car from the port however. But the rest of the comments just underscore the importance of preparing well for a trip!
Leo
This really depends on your interests… I loved going to the Montjuic castle because I really enjoy being in important historical places. It is probably the most strategic spot in the city, which has been involved in a lot of important historical events since the times of the Roman civilization, up until last century Franco dictatorship. Also, you have a wonderful view from there of the whole port of Barcelona, one of the major ports of the Mediterranean.
gus
WORST place in Europe–if not the world !—for street theft and pickockets ! Period.
Want to lose your passport and credit cards?—Barcelona fills the bill.
Sasa
I visit Barcelona usually 2 or 3 times a year as two of my children live there! …….I absolutely love it there….there’s so much to see and do and some fabulous places to eat……everyone is warned about the pickpockets so you just make sure that wear a crossover bag to the front of you and under a jacket or cardigan…… I ❤️ Barcelona
Hassan Oumaarir
I admire your article, and I admire mostly your saying ‘there is no right or wrong way, it’s all about choice’. This is a great way to think for any traveler! Thank you for sharing your experience!!
Dominic
We have been to Barcelona twice. Fabulous!! Great food, great wine, great people. All I can say is…walk as much as you can, enjoy as much as you can and live as if you are in your home city because if you give it a chance, Barcelona can be your home (if only for a little while). That being said, Hey Andy, for only being there for a week a couple of years ago, you certainly managed to drop a ton of names. “just sayin”.
Aamena
personally, its choice, i have gone to the museum but its not bad ok…in fact i loved it try going in farther than what you see….thanks for the content btw
Ioans
Hey! My husband loves Barcelona! I liked a lot the singing fountains and Montserrat! It was gorgeous!
Norman Suiter
Nevermind culture go to C & A., but don’t lose your wife
Don jones
Dont go in summer too crowded.The locals are sic of tourists and i sympathize with them.Pre covid of course
Brian
Barcelona is one of the best holiday destinations in Europe.
All of the above are well worth seeing, especially the Sagrada Familia . Even if not for religious, the place is stunning. You will be in awe! But, do buy a tour, don’t wait, and stand in line for hours. Buying a tour gives you immediate access.
Re: the cable car: The view is at the top, and the castle is well worth the visit. Dining out in this city is a real treat. Where else other than perhaps Italy, can you dine at 12 midnight? If your into Architecture, this city is a real treat. The hop on, hop off buses are the best, and an easy way to travel around the city.
Brian
David Aldridge
BE CAREFUL AROUND THE MARINA WE WERE ROBBED BY GIRLS SUPPOSIDLY COLLECTING FOR CHARITY.SEEMS ITS A REGULAR OCCURANCE .SPOILED THE TRIP BUT I DO LOVE BARCELONA DAVE
Morocco luxury tour
Amazing article! Thank you for sharing. I guess what most of travelers forget is they are not at their home so it means culture is different, the way of doing things is different and can be totally the opposite of their own.
Morocco agency
as a travel agent in Morocco, we won’t always have the same opinions and thoughts, some of them agree some of them don’t the reasons are absolute because of different cultures, civilizations, and languages.
the most important is to use these reviews and grow your business in a positive way
best regards