Barcelona: 10 photos that will inspire you to visit
Do you still need to be sold on visiting Barcelona?
From its fascinating history to mind-blowing Gaudi architecture, the city offers so much for those in search of a rich cultural experience. Meanwhile, its affordable restaurants, bars and tapas spots make it a top destination for culinary tourists. Even those into more active vacations will enjoy riding around the city on bikes or hitting the beach!
Need a little nudge? Let these photographs I’ve taken of some of my favorite aspects of the city convince you to come this spring and summer to Barcelona:
The Santa Maria del Mar Church
1. History
Stroll cobblestone streets and gawk at thousands of years of history hidden in the walls around you.
Barcelona’s streets offer lots of free art.
2. Art
You don’t need to pay to go into a museum to see art in Barcelona, it’s all around you. Street art is abundant in the metropolis! Of course, the city has plenty of art museums, too. Here’s a list of free and cheap places to see great art.
Hit the beach in nearby towns or even in Barcelona itself. Above, the beach in la Barceloneta
3. Beach
From May to October, swim in the Mediterranean Sea along the Barcelona shoreline! Before you race into the water, read our essential guide to visiting Barcelona’s beaches.
Excellent Spanish wines are very affordable in Barcelona.
4. Wine
Spain produces some of the best wine in the world. Guess what? You can drink it in Barcelona and it won’t cost you more than $6 a bottle! Here are some of my favorite wine bars, plus suggestions for more great central bars.
Go back to nature by wandering through the city’s gardens.
5. Hike
Walk around the many gardens tucked into the folds of Montjuïc Mountain, an area easily reached from the city center. Look for Jardins de Mossen Costa i Llobera for a wonderful cacti collection! (Read more about the Parc de la Ciutadella and the Parc Guell.)
Go Ga-Ga for Gaudi’s eclectic architecture in Barcelona.
6. Architecture
You could spend a week or more just visiting Antoni Gaudí sights and buildings in Barcelona… Check out this article on surviving Parc Guell in all its Gaudi glory, tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia and this round-up of our favorite hotels near Gaudi architecture.
Enjoy summer drinks at night in plazas throughout Barcelona
7. Plazas
Nothing is sweeter than a cold drink on a breezy plaza in the evening come spring and summer in Barcelona. Here’s a list of beach-side bars and here are my three favorite plazas to visit.
Eat locally by buying yummy Catalan food at the outdoor food markets.
8. Markets
Buy fresh local products at the many outdoor and open markets in the city. Goat cheese anyone? Here’s a list of my three favorite outdoor food markets in the city.
Embrace the night in Barcelona.
9. Nightlife
Every night of the week there is something going on in Barcelona. In this photo, patrons line up for El Molino, a cabaret club in Poble Sec. Looking for some nightlife suggestions? I outline some club and bar options in my “Cheapo night out” article. And here’s a list of good budget hotels located near the city’s nightlife.
Great food at affordable prices is easy to come by in Barcelona.
10. Food
Barcelona is known for its excellent cuisine. Mediterranean eats include lots of veggies, fish and seafood. Need some suggestions for great cheap eats? Read our general tips on keeping your dining budget in check, our guide to local foods worth trying, super cheap dining options (seriously, under €6), and this list of great lunch spots.
Need more?
Obviously, there are many reasons to visit Barcelona this year. For more help on planning your trip, be sure to swing by our Barcelona guide.
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Great article and photos! Barcelona is definitely on the places to visit. Reading this article makes me want to go there even more!