Experience
Spain

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : BARCELONA

A mosaic of colours and flavours beneath the Catalan sun

Barcelona attracts visitors from all over Europe, thanks to its beach, palm trees, festive atmosphere and year-round sun. Its reputation for being a friendly city is another reason for its popularity. Tourists love sharing unmissable tapas dishes and basking in the unique architecture designed by famous modernist architect, Gaudí.

A DAY AT PALO ALTO MARKET

Palo Alto Market is in Poblenou (30, Carrer dels Pellaires). Less well-known than the Barrio Gótico Gothic Quarter with its famous Plaça Reial square, the 1992 Olympic Games gave Poblenou a new lease of life. You can still see the listed red brick chimneys in this former industrial neighbourhood.

Tucked between Avenida Diagonal avenue (which runs diagonally from one side of the city) and the sea, this neighbourhood is a surprising contrast. Stroll along old narrow streets where fishermen and workers once lived and explore wide avenues lined with modern buildings.

The area’s charming Palo Alto Market takes place on the first weekend every month from 11 am to 9 pm*. The market is proof of the neighbourhood’s revival, a monthly meeting place for Barcelona’s vibrant creatives.

Nestled in an oasis of greenery between the bougainvillaea and the palm trees, discover Barcelona fashions, handmade objects and designs, and an abundance of vintage goods. The market also has over 20 street food vendors. Find a comfy spot and sip a drink underneath the festoon lighting. As the sun sets, the market takes on a party atmosphere with local music groups playing into the night. All to be expected in Barcelona!

* For more information, visit their website /https://palomarketfest.com/

Must-sees in Barcelona

THE SAGRADA FAMILIA

This basilica is Barcelona’s most iconic monument. Construction of the modernist masterpiece that is the Sagrada Familia began in 1882. The building owes its renown to the architectural work of Gaudí, who dedicated forty years of his life to it without ever seeing it complete. It is, nevertheless, spectacular.

PARK GÜELL

This 17-hectare park is an outdoor work of art. Behind this project is local hero, Gaudí, who was commissioned to work on it by wealthy entrepreneur Eusebi Güell. Don’t miss the caretaker’s house, the double staircase with the salamander and the mosaic-covered winding bench.

CAMP NOU

Camp Nou is FC Barcelona’s football stadium. With a capacity of 99,354, it’s Europe’s largest stadium. You can visit this temple for Barça fans and step on the legendary pitch on which players like Messi, Ronaldinho and Henry have all played.

CASA BATLLÓ

After the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, head to the impressive Casa Batlló to continue your immersion into Gaudi’s enchanting work. Here, the modernist master designed a house for a textile tycoon at number 43, Paseo de Gracia, taking inspiration from the colours and shapes of the sea.

BOQUERIA MARKET

This central public market on Las Ramblas is the place to be for food lovers. With colourful stalls spanning 2,500m2, Boqueria Market offers a variety of fresh produce and tapas you can enjoy when you’re there.