Barcelona, Spain

At a glance · 5 reasons to go

Why Barcelona, Spain.

1. 1

   Gaudí’s Sagrada Família — under construction since 1882 — is unlike any other building on earth; book timed entry, and aim for late afternoon when the western stained glass sets the nave on fire.

2. 2

   Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera complete the Gaudí circuit; the architect’s organic Modernisme is the city’s signature.

3. 3

   Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter give way to the grid of the Eixample and the beaches of Barceloneta — few cities pack mountains, medieval lanes, and sand so close together.

4. 4

   The food runs from the Boqueria market and vermouth bars to El Celler and a deep bench of pintxos and seafood paella along the waterfront.

5. 5

   Be alert to pickpockets on Las Ramblas and the metro — Barcelona’s one persistent traveler nuisance in an otherwise gloriously walkable city.

Read this before you go

Sécurité