BARCELONA 2024
It’s my first city trip to Spain, and choosing this city felt completely natural.
Although it has 4,000 years of history, it’s mostly known for its unique and modernist architecture, especially Gaudí’s works, which I was eager to discover.
Barcelona hosted a Universal Exhibition in 1888 and an International Exhibition in 1929, both of which left a lasting architectural legacy that has become a tourist attraction today.
During my stay, I would notice that while Barcelona is forward-looking and embraces new technologies, it remains deeply attached to its traditions and culture, and it won’t hesitate to share them with you.
On this August 12th, I’m at Brussels National Airport waiting for my flight, which for once, is on time.
Arrival is scheduled for early afternoon. I chose to take a taxi to reach my accommodation.
Taxis are easy to find at Barcelona Airport and the fare is reasonable.
A warm welcome at the hotel, with a little note and some local treats.
These small gestures can really make a difference when starting your trip.
Once settled in, I head to the nearby metro station to buy a “Holà” card, a 5-day pass with unlimited access to public transport.
There are also 48-hour cards available.
I started my visits the next day by heading to Passeig de Gracià, a very long avenue that connects Plaça de Catalunya to the Gracià district.
It’s famous for its stunning modernist buildings, luxury shops, and restaurants. It’s a pleasant walk, and there are benches along the way for a short break.
Metro line 2 – Passeig de Gracià stop.
1-CASA BALLTO
Casa Batlló, located at number 43 on Passeig de Gracià, is a masterpiece by architect Antoni Gaudí, a leading figure of modernism and one of the city’s most iconic personalities.
Built between 1904 and 1906 at the request of Josep Batlló, the house is famous for its unique design.
It was Gaudí’s residence from 1906 to 1925.
Since opening to the public in 1963, the house, now a museum, has aimed to showcase the more personal side of the architect.
Over the years, the museum has collected furniture designed by him, along with objects and documents related to his life.
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
An icon of Barcelona, and a must-see to discover Gaudí’s work and modernism.
This house is magical!
The visit is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Although there may be a queue, an elevator is available.
Don’t hesitate to use it—there are five floors up to the rooftop.
2-WHITE RABBIT-THE OFF MUSEUM
Here’s a surprising and fun museum ! It opened its doors on May 14, 2024.
This interactive museum breaks away from the traditional concept and offers a unique experience of Catalan culture through various installations.
The name White Rabbit refers to Lewis Carroll’s rabbit who leads Alice into a magical world.
Located at Passeig de Gracià 55, it features sculptures, graffiti, virtual video, video-dance, an immersive digital art cube, a mechatronic installation, and an infinity room.
You’ll be invited to take part in some of them, but I won’t say more so as not to spoil the surprise for future visitors.
And if you’re offered a trip to the restroom, even if it’s not needed, don’t say no!
A very cool experience.
3-LA CASA MILA
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí.
Located at 92 Passeig de Gracià, it was built between 1906 and 1910.
Its construction faced several challenges, including financial and legal issues.
Gaudí frequently altered his plans to match his artistic vision, which led to budget overruns and conflicts with the city authorities.
Despite these obstacles, Casa Milà was completed and declared a historical monument in 1969.
In 1984, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
In another neighborhood, but just two metro stops away from Passeig de Gracià,
you can visit a completely different kind of place: the Wax Museum.
Take line 3 – Drassanes stop.
4-MUSEU DE CERA
This museum, inaugurated in 1973, was a pleasant surprise.. It’s housed in a historic building dating back to 1867, which once served as the headquarters of the Bank of Barcelona.
The museum is known for its diverse exhibitions, ranging from historical figures to modern celebrities.
It was renovated in 2020 to enhance the visitor experience and make it more appealing by incorporating new technologies.
Tickets are purchased at a kiosk outside.
Once inside, you’ll be asked to wait in the next room with a bellboy (made of wax, of course) until another museum staff member comes to get you. He will take you on a unique experience but I won’t reveal more so as not to spoil the surprise.
Partial
Visit the official website
5-POBLE ESPANYOL
Poble Espanyol is a unique site in Barcelona. Created in 1929 for the International Exhibition of Barcelona, it’s a life-sized museum.
It’s an open-air village located on Montjuïc hill that recreates traditional architecture from various regions of Spain.
During the Spanish Civil War, the site was used as an internment camp.
After the war, it was restored and transformed into a cultural and tourist center.
Strolling through the village is a pleasant experience, especially in good weather.
It’s home to workshops and craft shops, as well as the contemporary art museum
and a few bars and restaurants.
6-MNAC
Its full name is the National Museum of Catalan Art, and it’s located in the Palau Nacional on Montjuïc hill. It houses a vast collection of works dating from the 10th to the 12th century.
The museum is especially renowned for its Romanesque art collection, considered the most complete in the world.
It also features several other collections:
– Gothic art from the 14th to the 16th century
– Renaissance and Baroque
– Modern art from the 19th to the 20th century
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.
Escalators are installed all the way up to the museum entrance, and accessibility features are also available inside the museum.
7- MIRO FUNDATION
Located on Montjuïc hill, the Joan Miró Foundation was created in 1975 at the initiative of the Catalan artist himself.
The museum’s main goal is to preserve and showcase Miró’s works: the paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and tapestries that reveal the most significant aspects of his work throughout the 20th century.
He is one of the leading figures of the Surrealist movement.
Ramps and elevators are available.
For a peaceful stroll, head to the Laribal Gardens, just over a 5-minute walk from the Miró Foundation.
Created between 1917 and 1924 by landscape architects Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier and Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí, these gardens were designed for the 1929 International Exhibition.
Free and open to the public.
The gardens close at 9:00 PM.
8-ARCO DE TRIUNFO
The Arc de Triomf of Barcelona is one of the city’s iconic monuments.
Designed by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas, it served as the gateway to the 1888 Universal Exhibition.
It’s built with red bricks and features stone-carved friezes representing various allegories such as industry, agriculture, commerce, science, and the arts.
It’s often brought to life by street performers.
Metro line 1 – Arc de Triomf stop.
9-PARCO DE LA CUITADELLA
Once at the Arc de Triomf, take the wide palm-lined avenue.
It will lead you straight to the park.
This beautiful 17-hectare park is first marked by its monumental waterfall, to which Gaudí contributed.
The park features a lake where you can enjoy a boat ride.
Perfect for walking or cycling.
As you explore it, you’ll come across several points of interest such as the Castle of the Three Dragons, a greenhouse, the Catalan Parliament, and the Barcelona Zoo.
It’s easy to spend the whole afternoon there.
10-MUSEO PICASSO
Located in the Ribera district, the museum houses over 4,300 works by the artist.
In the first room, I discovered an exhibition entitled: “Fernande Olivier, Picasso and Their Friends” inspired by Fernande Olivier’s book published in 1933.
She was Picasso’s muse and companion from 1905 to 1912, and also a professional model for many artists.
The exhibition, on view until October 6, 2024, presents texts and documents that retrace their shared life, as well as the living and creative conditions in the Bateau-Lavoir, in Montmartre, Paris.
It reveals Picasso’s artistic evolution, from his early works to Cubism.
Many artists stayed at the Bateau-Lavoir with Picasso, such as Kees Van Dongen, Juan Gris, among others.
This exhibition made the visit even more captivating.
Metro line 4 – Jaume I stop.
Elevator available upon request from museum staff.
Down by the port
Port Vell is Barcelona’s historic old port, located between the Gothic Quarter and La Barceloneta. It has been transformed into a vibrant area for both locals and tourists.
The zone includes a large shopping center, Maremagnum, as well as cafés and restaurants.
Beyond strolling along the docks, there are several places to visit.
11-EL ACUARIO
The aquarium is home to over 11,000 marine animals from 450 different species.
One of its main attractions is the 80-meter-long underwater tunnel, offering a spectacular view of sharks and other sea creatures.
It’s a very popular spot, so there’s usually a queue—less crowded later in the day.
Metro line 4 – Barceloneta stop.
12-MUSEU D'HISTORIA DE CATALUNYA
The Museum of the History of Catalonia (MHC) was established in 1996 to promote the knowledge and dissemination of Catalan history and culture, both nationally and internationally.
It features a rich collection, largely made up of donated objects and documents related to the political and institutional history of Catalonia.
Key events in Catalan and Barcelona history are presented, but that’s not all.
Daily life is also explored: housing, trade, agriculture, and more.
TRADICIONES
Among the many traditions, one stands out as deeply rooted in Catalan culture.
It’s even mentioned at several sites, including next to the Wax Museum.
It’s the tradition of the castellers.
This practice involves building multi-level human towers.
Dating back to the 18th century, it has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010.
During my stay, I witnessed another tradition that has taken place every year without interruption since 1589 in the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of Barcelona.
The festival pays tribute to Saint Roc, who is credited with protecting the neighborhood’s residents during a plague outbreak in 1583, no one is said to have died from the epidemic.
My stay is coming to an end, and I wasn’t able to see everything, either due to lack of time or unavailable tickets, as was the case for the interior of the Sagrada Família.
The Sagrada is the only site that requires a reservation, and it must be made online.
But it’s only postponed, I definitely plan to return.
Personally, I really appreciated the warm welcome and kindness of the people of Barcelona.
Amazing trip, far too short.