Barcelona is the capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia and the second largest city in the country. It’s the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean and receives more than 7.5 million visitors each year. But the statistics aside, Barcelona is one of the most beautiful and culturally significant countries in Europe! If you’re planning a visit to this amazing city, you better get ready to see the sites, soak up the art and embrace the people! There is so much to do here in Barcelona that it can be difficult to decide where to start, so we have compiled a helpful list of things you simple MUST do during your time here!
1. Indulge in Spanish Wines
Spain is the land of vino! The country is home to several distinct wine regions which all produce a unique and special product! Catalonia in particular, grows a lot of unique grape vines like Garnacha, Carignan, Garnacha Blanca and Xarel-lo – which produce specialty wines that are sure to stand out in the realm of the Mediterranean wine industry! During your time in Barcelona, be sure to attend a wine tasting (cata de vino) where you can learn the art behind the Spanish and Catalan vinos. With Citylife Barcelona you can do just that! We offer several “catas de vino” at the beautiful beachside lounge, Shoko. Take a look at our events and join us!
2. Marvel at a Flamenco Show
Flamenco was born deep in the heart of southern Spain, but that hasn’t stopped the fiery dance from spreading nation wide! Every city of Spain has its own style of Flamenco that is as equally enjoyable as the next. Barcelona is no exception! There are several flamenco shows within the city including the famous Palacio del Flamenco, which is a great show and well worth the price! Citylife also hosts something we like to call The Flamenco Experience! It’s an amazing up-close and personal show that will get you dancing and singing like a pro! Head over to our activities page to find the next show and join us!
3. Learn to Cook Like a Spaniard
The memories of your experience abroad will stay with you forever. But wouldn’t it be nice to bring some of your experience home with you? Spain has some delicious recipes, many of which originated right here in Catalunya! Learning how to cook the most traditional Spanish dishes is a great way to share your love of Spain with family and friends. That’s why we’ve organized a great cooking class for you to take part in. Here you will learn to make things like classic Paella, delicious Crema Catalana and Sangría, of course! Stay up to date with our events calendar so you can reserve a spot and join us!
4. Tapas, Tapas and more Tapas
What’s the point in coming to Spain if you aren’t going to try some tapas!? These “little” plates of goodness are a normal part of Spanish life, no matter where you go. The Spanish figured out early on that it’s better to share several delicious plates with all your friends – like fish, potatoes and beef – than it is to keep one boring dish to yourself! So why not take a flavourful tour of one of the most cherished Spanish traditions out there? Join Citylife Barcelona on our yummy Tapas Tasting event and introduce yourself to the food you will soon come to know and love!
5. Get to Know the City
They say the best way to get to know a city is to get lost in it. While we agree, we don’t want anyone to get too lost! Instead, you can join a beautiful and informative walking tour for free on our Meet & Explore event! Barcelona’s streets are loaded with history, art and culture that are just begging to be seen! All you have to do is reserve your spot online and you will find yourself wandering through the lovely, historic and breathtaking streets of Barcelona’s city centre! For more information and to reserve your space, head over to the event page on our website! See you there!
6. Overload on Museums
In the city that gave rise to Antoni Gaudi, Salvador Dali, Claudia Bassols i Sans and Josep Maria Jujol i Gibert there is no shortage of art and culture for you to visit. There was an art revolution in Barcelona that resulted in the creation of Catalan Mondernism. Throughout the city, you can watch as this trend evolved over the centuries at museums and art galleries both large and small. Like the many Gaudi buildings, the Palau Nacional, the Museu Marítm de Barcelona, Centro de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona and so much more! Take a look at our Art & Culture section to learn intimate details about Barcelona’s true artistic and historical identity.
Your friendly neighbourhood travel guide,
– Leah
