Top 5 sights to visit in Barcelona

2:04 AM

Barcelona is a beautiful city you can explore for days. If you have limited time though, here are the top 5 sights to visit. 




# 1 SAGRADA FAMILIA “The Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family”






No trip to Barcelona is complete without marveling at Gaudi’s iconic masterpiece - the Sagrada Familia or the “The Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family”. The first stone was laid on St. Joseph’s day in 1882 and is target to be completed by 2026.  Although not the first architect of the Basilica, Gaudi’s plans which he spent 40 years on are still followed until today. Unfinished it is already a UNESCO world heritage site and a minor Basilica . The Basilica i Temple Expiatro de la Sagrada Familia  was consecrated in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI. 




The oldest part of the church is the crypt where Gaudi is also buried. 




When you look up inside the church, you’ll be amazed at how they were able to create such an expansive space. Gaudi’s configuration of the nave columns and vaults distributes the light and sound and the enormous weight. 





The interiors look slightly different as the sunlight flood from the outside through its windows. 







The crucial events of Jesus Christ’s existence is represented in the facade of the church - His Birth, His Passion, Death & Resurrection, and the Present & Future Glory.  The Nativity  Facade built when Gaudi was still alive celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is on the eastern side which is at the Main entrance on Calle de la Marina. The Passion Facade on the Western side of the church. Calle de la Sardenya, The bell towers are dedicated to the 12 apostles. 




The Our Father in Catalan is featured on the central bronze door the Glory facade side of the church. Created by Josep Subirachs it also features the central phrase “Give us O Lord, our daily bread”  in 50 languages including Filipino, English, and Spanish. A replica is displayed in the interior of the church. 


A dress code is implemented as this is  place of worship. Knees and sleeves should be covered, plunging necklines and bright colors are also not allowed. 


If you would like to pray in there is a dedicated area for worship at the back of the altar. Masses are also held at the chapel in the crypt in Catalan & Spanish.  Schedule of Masses: Weekdays: Spanish 9AM, Catalan 8:15 PM; Saturdays: Spanish 9:00 AM, Catalan 7:30 PM; Sundays and Holy Days of Obligations: Spanish: 9:00 AM, 11:45 AM, 815 PM, Catalan: 10:30 AM, 1:00, 6:30 PM. Entrance on Calle Sardenya. 



It’s the most visited site in Barcelona thus tickets sell out early. It is best to purchase tickets ahead of your visit. You can buy tickets at tickets.sagradafamilia.org. Reservation email need not be printed. You can just show your confirmation at the entrance. Ticket slots are every 15 mins: 915 AM from 7:15PM.  

Main entrance is on Calle Marina in front of the Nativity Fascade. Group Entrance is on the opposite street on Calle Sardenya. If you have a stroller or wheel chair you’ll need to take the entrance on Calle Marina. 

Allot at least 2 hours to have enough time to notice the little details of this magnificent architectural wonder.
ENTRANCE FEE: (donation to the construction of the church)
HOW TO GET HERE: You can take the Metro to Sagrada Familia (From L5 you’ll exit Calle Provenca if L2 you’ll exit either Calle Marina. It also one of the stops of the Hop On Hop Off Buses. 
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Sagrada Familia (M, L2, & L5) 
HOURS OF OPERATION: 9:00 AM -8:00 PM 



# 2 BARCELONA CATHEDRAL 





Much older than the Sagrada de Familia, the Barcelona Cathedral is located in the Gothic Quarter. The  current Romanesque  “Cathedral of the Holy Cross & St. Eulalia” was built in the 13th century on the foundations of the primitive paleo-Christian foundations.  It is dedicated to one of the patron saints of Barcelona St. Eulalia. Her relic is found is in the crypt before the high altar. on the left side of the church, you can take the elevator near the apse to reach the Cathedral roof and get an amazing view of Barcelona. 





Hours of Masses at the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament - Holy Christ of Lepanto (on the side of the main door) : Weekday:  9, 10, 11, 12 (Spanish), 7PM Saturday & vespers 9, 10, 11, 12 (spanish), Mass at High Altar 6 , 7PM Sunday & holidays: 9, 10:30AM, 12 (Spanish) , 1, 6 (Spanish), 7PM


ENTRANCE FEE: 

NEAREST TRAIN STATION:  Jaume I Station ( L4) 
HOURS OF OPERATION: 
Weekdays: Free 8:00-12:45 and  5:45- 7:30 PM ; Entry with donation:  1 pm- 5:30pm;  
Saturdays: Free 8:00-1:45 and  5:15- 8:00 PM ; Entry with donation:  2 -5PM ;
 Sunday & Holidays: Free 8:00-1:45 and  5:15- 8:00 PM ; Entry with donation:  2 pm- 5:00pm;


# 3 MERCAT DE LA BOQUERIA (“Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boquiera”)

More commonly known as La Boqueria, this market in La Rambla is feast for the senses.  Popular among tourists as it is centrally located, this market is still patronized by locals. Visit this typical Spanish market to see and taste local produce and specialties.

As you enter the market, you will be welcomed by a myriad of colors of the variety of fruits and juices on display. I would suggest going one row at a time to see the abounding choices available. Prices of fruits for example vary and you can find cheaper ones inside the market. 


While walking around you can also sample the kinds of charcuterie by purchasing small portions or sampler cones of sliced hams, sausages and cheeses. This is a great way to sample many types without paying a lot. Prices of the cones vary from 1€ to 5€  depending on the specific item and quantity.




 Make sure to try the catalan sausage, Jamon Serrano, Jamon Iberica and Manchego cheese.  


There are many stalls that sell cooked food you can eat while walking around the market or to take back to your hotel. If you prefer to sit and enjoy a meal in the market. There are several small restaurants too where you can enjoy some tapas, beer and wine.  There are also stalls of fresh meat and seafood in the back. there are stalls that also sell veggies, nuts, candies, chocolates, and spices.  







You can also find a stall of Vicens - the oldest nougat of Catalonia that started in 1775. They have  almond, walnut, and a variety of nougat flavors and sizes available. They offer samples of their products. They also have a small store beside Casa Mila. 

ENTRANCE FEE: none
HOW TO GET HERE: take Metro line A, Get off at Liceu, the market’s entrance is on the left when you climb the stairs from the station. 
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Liceu (L3) 
HOURS OF OPERATION: 8AM-8:30 PM 


#4 LAS RAMBLAS & BARRI GOTHIC 

The heart of the city of Barcelona is the “Barri Gothic” or Gothic Quarter. Some of the buildings in this historic, religious, and political center of the city date back to the medieval times. Within the Gothic quarter is from Las Ramblas to Via Laietana. The Barcelona Cathedral and La Boqueria also is located here and you can find the Mirador de Colom at the end of Las Ramblas. 








You can spend half to a whole day walking around exploring La Rambla. Pop into one of the stores and buy an authentic espadrille or Spanish fan. In the afternoons, there are many street performers you can watch on La Rambla. 

Popular especially to tourists, be mindful of your belongings. There are also many mid range and souvenir stores, and restaurants in this area. 

Mirador de Colom 
Located at the end of La Rambla, you can find the Mirador de Colom. Opened in 1888 during the Universal Exposition this cast iron column was built to commemorate Christopher Columbus’ return to the port of Barcelona from America. On top of the Corinthian style iron column you can find him holding a navigational map and pointing to America. Go up inside the 60m column to enjoy panoramic view of Barcelona and the port. 

 For more photos: http://coffeecakesandsuitcases.blogspot.com/2017/06/exploring-barcelonas-gothic-quarter-las.html

ENTRANCE FEE: 6 € Adult ; 4 € Children 4-12 years old and seniors 65+
HOW TO GET HERE:Drassanes (L3) 
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Drassanes (L3) 
HOURS OF OPERATION: 8AM-8:30 PM 

#5 Gaudi’s Works

A. PARK GUELL



Initially conceptualized to be a housing site by the Count Eusebi Guell, only a few houses were built in the area including the one that currently houses the Casa Musei Gaudi. There are two areas in Park Guell  - the free access area and monumental zone (paid area). 

The park limits its guests to only 400 visitors every 30 mins so even if you visit early in the day you are likely to run out of tickets. Unfortunately despite arriving early and due to our limited time, I was unable to get a ticket to enter the Monumental zone. It’s highly suggested you purchase your ticket in advance to ensure your entry. If you’re visiting the Sagrada Familia or the Gaudi buildings, you can save money and time by purchasing a combined ticket. 

One of the must see is the Gaudi’s Dragon more commonly known as  “el drac” is a mosaic of a salamander which is steps from the main entrance. Noteworthy also is the “band de trencadis” or the tiled bench on top of Sala Hipostila. 

This garden complex on the hill of El Carmel is not as accessible as the other tourist sites in Barcelona. From the main road where the Hop on Hop Off bus stops, it will take you about 10 minutes to walk to the entrance of the park. The nearest train station too is about a 15 minute walk. If you will be walking from Vallarca, note that the walk is uphill thus there is an elevator in certain sections and you will enter from the back of the park which is part of the free area. You will need to walk down to the street to enter the paid area where the mosaic buildings are. you will enjoy however a great view of the city as you make your way down. If you have difficulty walking far, i would suggest taking a cab directly to the main entrance. 


ENTRANCE FEE: Adult- 8€ ; children 7-12 - 5.60€ ;  children 0-6 - free
HOW TO GET HERE: Hop on Hop Off stop- about a 10-15 min walk from stop to park
If coming from Vallarca, when you exit to the road level. walk down towards the cafe (the street is going down), then take the escalator on Baixada dela Gloria and then Go to the entrance of Passatge de Sant Joseph de la Muntaya. 
NEAREST TRAIN STATION:  Lesseps or  Vallarca (15 min walk too but there is an uphill part and you enter from the back of the park) 
HOURS OF OPERATION: 8:00 AM -9:30 PM 


B. CASA MILA (La Pedrera) 


The Casa Mila is a combined apartment and office block located on one of Barcelona’s main roads the Passeig de Garcia. It is only a 6 minute walk from Casa Batilo whose roof resembles the back of the dragon.


The ticket counter is on the side of the street from Passeig Gracia. I would suggest buying tickets ahead of time to avoid the line and ensure entrance. There are combined tickets if you’re planning on visiting other of Gaudi’s works. 



The Hop on Hop off stop  is just stops across the street. 


ENTRANCE FEE: 

NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Diagonal 


HOURS OF OPERATION: 9 AM-6:30PM; 7PM - 9PM Monday to Sunday 

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