Barcelona is a place which has long enjoyed a reputation in Europe and beyond for being a good holiday destination. However, what would happen if you lived in Barcelona full-time? What kind of activities would you want to enjoy? It’s important to stay active, of course, and to soak up all the rich culture and entertainment the area has to offer locals.
To try and help with this, we’ve compiled a list of fun things to do when you’re living in Barcelona. If you require assistance with moving your household belongings to Barcelona, make sure to contact our team, who will be more than happy to help you.
1. Visit the Sagrada Familia
Antoi Gaudi is the most famous architect in Catalonia. His work has echoed through Barcelona, and this is a basilica which has 140 years of history in it. From the intricate details to the amazing stained glass, this building has a lot to show off, so it’s worth taking a look.
2. Stroll La Rambla
This is perhaps the most iconic street in Barcelona, starting at Placa de Catalunya. A 1.2km stretch of boulevard that runs through the city, La Rambla is a rich part of local history and culture. You’d be wise to see it for yourself.
3. The Picasso Museum
Pablo Picasso made his home and fame in Barcelona, and the Picasso Museum chronicles the life and work of the famous artist. You can see his style take shape and evolve throughout his life, and the museum boasts some 4000 works by the man. If you’re lucky, then you’ll stop by during one of the temporary exhibitions, showcasing some of the more thought-provoking pieces.
4. Hit the Beaches
It probably wouldn’t be a life in Barcelona without hitting up the beaches regularly - it attracts a plethora of tourists and visitors from other parts of the country for a good reason.
There’s roughly 4.5km of coastline within the city limits, and it’s all picturesque beaches and clear waters. Whether you want to kick back and enjoy the ambiance or swim a little, the beach is a wonderful place to visit most of the year.
5. The MNAC
Fans of culture and art will want to visit the MNAC - the largest national art museum in Catalonia. The museum contains a wealth of different exhibits covering the 12th to 20th centuries, which is highly impressive.
The main highlight of the area is the Romanesque collection, which offers one of the biggest collections of painted works on wood in all of Europe. It’s worth a visit for the impact it’ll have on your soul.
6. La Boqueria Market
As the largest municipal market in Barcelona, the La Boqueria market often attracts people from all over the city who want to browse local cuisine. You can enjoy anything you might want, and there’s plenty of trinkets and food on offer. It’s one of those things that needs to be experienced first-hand - words don’t do it justice.
7. The Gothic Quarter
European Gothic architecture is something that has been firmly cemented in literature and fiction for centuries, and it has proven itself to be an enduring part of many places including Barcelona. The Gothic quarter plays host to a range of different styles and influences, with cathedrals and buildings to experience. It’s a memorial to the old city, and it’s worth visiting.
8. The Mountains
The mountains surrounding Barcelona are always a great sight and this is no exception. There’s a lot of unique nature and wildlife to see in the foothills and they’re a frequent sight for tourists and locals. Plus, there’s an amusement park and botanical garden to find - a fun time for any member of the family.
9. The Barcelona Cathedral
If you are someone with a religious background or simply have an appreciation for history then visiting the cathedral is something you need to do at least once.
Featuring a gothic motif and foundations that were first laid in 1298, you’ll find inspiration from many parts of European history. With bits of gothic design, bits of Nordic-inspired style, and panoramic views of the city from the rooftops, it’s a treat for all.
10. The Cocktail Ride
Did you know that Barcelona has 3 of the most top-rated bars in the world? It might seem like a tourist destination at first glance, but the truth is that having a good time is one of the best parts about Barcelona - it’s a gorgeous holiday destination, and locals are often just as keen to partake in that. Do a bar hop and visit clubs and speakeasies galore.
11. Can Calopa
Did you know that there is a functional and authentic winery and bodega in Barcelona? This may not be a well-known location but Can Calopa is a wonderful place to visit. It is a 16th-century farmhouse with vineyards across three hectares of land. The winery does produce 8,000 bottles of wine each year - there’s a lot to take in.
12. Mirador Torre Glories
This is a chance to explore Barcelona in a whole new way - seeing it from an angle you’re unlikely to have viewed it from before. An observation deck was installed in 1999, the views are pretty good from 125m up in the air. You’ll be able to see every part of the city, and it’s one for the books.
The takeaway
As we can see, there is a lot to do in Barcelona and it’s not a surprise that the area is so popular to live in. We’ve tried not to list any of the chain activities or soulless things that every city has - everything we’ve listed helps you to understand and appreciate the culture of Barcelona.
After all, if you’re going to live there, you need to know what it offers. If you are convinced about moving to Barcelona, or anywhere in Spain, we can help. Pinnacle Removals & Storage provides a removal service to Spain.