Barcelona 2025

Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Here I am again, boarding a plane to Barcelona.

A predictable situation, since I couldn’t complete certain visits back in 2024.

But that’s not the only reason I felt drawn to return to the Catalan capital.

Just like last year, I arrived in the afternoon and was warmly welcomed at my hotel, a sweet note and delicious treats awaited me.

Their turrón is simply irresistible!

I settled in quietly.

With my HOLA metro card in hand, the sightseeing will begin tomorrow.

An 8-day stay ahead.

1-CASA VICENS

This was Gaudí’s first major project, fresh out of architecture school.

Commissioned by a wealthy industrialist, Manuel Vicens, who wanted a summer residence, construction began in 1883 and was completed in 1885.

It’s a curious yet successful blend of Orientalism and Catalan Modernism.

Gaudí’s love for nature is clearly present throughout.

The house is vividly colorful, thanks to the abundance of ceramic tiles, one of the architect’s favorite materials.

Although it’s a tourist site, I had no trouble feeling the calming atmosphere of this house.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, like most of Gaudí’s works, the house has been open to the public since 2017.

To fully appreciate its details, use the audio guide available for download on your phone.

The site’s guides are friendly and helpful, and they’ll gladly point out features you might have missed, along with insightful explanations.

A truly beautiful visit.

Visit: Morning

Booking: No

Waiting time: No

2-MUSEO EGIPCI

This charming private museum was founded by Jordi Clos in 1997.

Located in the elegant Eixample district, just steps from Passeig de Gracià, this intimate space showcases a collection focused on two main themes: on one hand, daily life in Ancient Egypt, cosmetics, jewelry, and crafts; on the other, funerary rites and beliefs, statues, amulets, sarcophagi, and both human and animal mummies.

The atmosphere is hushed, almost confidential, enhanced by the fact that I was the only visitor for over an hour.

It’s not a spectacular place in terms of scale, but you’ll learn a great deal, like the meaning of the hieroglyphs on a sarcophagus.

Don’t miss the reproduction of a tomb belonging to a scribe of Amun; it offers a beautiful glimpse into funerary art and the symbolism of the journey to the afterlife.

Visit: Morning

Booking: No

Waiting time: No

3-BANKSY MUSEUM

This visit was of a completely different kind.

The museum pays tribute to the world-renowned street artist known by the pseudonym Banksy.

Active since the 1990s, nonconformist, anti-militarist, and activist, he has become an iconic figure of politically engaged street art.

Over 130 of his works are on display, most accompanied by explanations in several languages, including French.

The museum strongly emphasizes the social and humanitarian causes addressed in Banksy’s work.

You’ll also discover more personal works, expressed in the first person singular.

His identity remains a mystery, but isn’t that a wish he’s already made clear?

Visit: Morning

Booking: No

Waiting time: No

4-THE SAGRADA FAMILIA

This time, I took precautions. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to visit.

I booked my ticket 15 days in advance, as reservations are only available online.

Many tourists still aren’t aware of this.

You can only show up 15 minutes before your scheduled time, or you’ll be turned away.

After that, you’ll go through the usual security checks.

The story of the Sagrada Família begins with the devotion and philanthropy of a single man: Josep María Bocabella y Verdaguer.

He founded the Association of Devotees of Saint Joseph with the goal of building a Catholic church dedicated to the Holy Family.

The first stone was laid in 1882 under the direction of architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, but his design failed to inspire. He was replaced by Antoni Gaudí, who devoted 40 years of his life to the project until his tragic death in 1926.

Little by little, the scaffolding and cranes are disappearing — the completion of the basilica is scheduled for 2026.

This basilica is grand and truly one of a kind. With its colorful reflections and organic design, it stands in stark contrast to traditional religious buildings, which are often more austere, and it invites quiet contemplation.

I found myself lingering longer than expected, carried by a serene atmosphere that transcends the usual codes of a place of worship.

Although the ticket price may seem high, it’s an absolute must when visiting Barcelona.

Visit: afternoon

Booking : mandatory and online

waiting time : no

5-FESTA MAJOR DE GRACIA

This was the second reason I returned to Barcelona this year.

La Festa Major de Gràcia is a tradition dating back to the 19th century, attracting thousands of visitors each year, both locals and tourists, especially to admire the street decorations.

Numerous events are organized during the festival, which begins on August 15 and lasts for a week.

As you stroll through the neighborhood, you can grab a drink, enjoy a meal, listen to small concerts, pick up a souvenir, and more.

It’s a chance to celebrate local culture, strengthen community bonds, and enjoy the creativity of the residents.

Visit : free entry

6-RECINTE MODERNISTA
DE SAN PAU

The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is a landmark site in Barcelona, built between 1905 and 1930 by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. This Art Nouveau architectural complex, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, was designed as a pavilion-style hospital set in lush gardens, the architect firmly believed that a beautiful environment could help speed up patients’ recovery.

It served as a public hospital until 2009, when its aging facilities were replaced by a more modern hospital built just behind the complex.

The site is stunning!

A visit well worth making.

Visit: morning

Booking: no

Waiting time: no

7-THE GUELL PARK

Another visit I couldn’t make in 2024 due to lack of reservation.

Since the beginning of summer, there’s a small new requirement: your name must appear on the ticket when booking online.

Wanting to do another visit accessible via the hop-on hop-off bus, I used my ticket to reach Park Güell.

However, I wouldn’t recommend this option for people with reduced mobility.

From the bus stop, it’s a solid twenty-minute uphill walk, and toward the end, you’ll need to climb stairs to finally reach the park entrance, which can be exhausting in hot weather.

It’s a beautiful park where Gaudí’s imprint is clearly visible.

If you’re hoping for great views of the city, be prepared to climb even more stone steps, visibly worn from heavy use.

This park is definitely a bit of a workout.

Make sure to wear good walking shoes.

Visit: late morning

Booking: yes

Waiting time: no

8-THE PEDRALBES MONASTERY

The Pedralbes Monastery is a Gothic complex in Barcelona, founded in 1326 by King James II of Aragon and his wife Elisenda de Montcada. It was intended for a community of Poor Clares, most of whom came from noble families.

The cloister is vast, and you can also visit the adjoining spaces such as the kitchens, the laundry room, the chapter house, and more.

Don’t miss the small chapel of Saint Michael, entirely decorated with mural paintings by artist Ferrer Bassa.

Less frequented by tourists, this monastery is a great option for escaping the city’s hustle and bustle for a peaceful visit.

A bit outside the city center, the best way to get there is via the blue line of the hop-on hop-off bus.

The monastery is just a five-minute walk from the stop.

Visit: afternoon

Booking : no

Waiting time: no

Free on Sundays after 3 PM

9-THE GUELL PALACE

Palau Güell is a dark, modernist palace built between 1886 and 1890 for the wealthy industrialist and shipowner Eusebi Güell, a great admirer of Gaudí’s work.

It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

The interior is striking, especially due to the height of the rooms. That said, I wasn’t as taken with this visit.

I wouldn’t call it a “must do,” but I wouldn’t discourage it either. It’s all a matter of personal taste and perception.

Visit: morning

Booking : no

Waiting time : no

10-COSMOCAIXA

The science museum, more commonly known as Cosmocaixa, opened its doors in 2005.

It’s considered one of the best and most modern museums in Europe.

Its construction cost reached 100 million euros.

It’s operated by the social savings bank “la Caixa.”

Visitors descend 30 meters via a massive spiral to reach the basement level (level -5), an interactive space where you can experiment with phenomena like heat, electricity, sound, and atmospheric pressure, and learn about exoplanets discovered up to 2021.

But the most popular attraction, for children and adults alike, myself included, is the recreation of the flooded forest, a fragment of the Amazon rainforest. Surrounding it are numerous aquariums and terrariums.

Living ecosystems are a rare feature in this type of museum.