Is Barcelona the best city in Europe? It certainly has a lot going for it. Boasting culture, great weather, plenty of beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s easy to see why millions of tourists flock to the Spanish city each year. The list of things to do is endless. You’ll have heard of Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas, but there’s so much more to do. If you’re planning a summer trip to Barcelona this year, then this is the page for you. We’ll outline the local football matches to attend, why you should consider using a table games deal in preparation for a trip to a seaside casino, and the best place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon. Take our tips onboard, and you’ll have a Barca experience that most visitors to the city don’t have.
Get the Train
Barcelona is a world-class tourist destination, so it might seem odd to suggest that you take the train out of the city, but it is recommended. This is especially true if you’re planning to hit the beach during the summer months. The city’s beaches can be jam-packed with people from the morning through to late at night, but if you take a train twenty minutes away from the city, you’ll find relatively quiet stretches of sand. And there’s more than beaches to enjoy, too. Indeed, take a train basically anywhere and within 30 – 40 minutes you can be somewhere beautiful.
Hit the Casino
Not many people associated Barcelona with its casinos, but there are a fair few in the city that are worthwhile exploring. At the top of the list is Casino Barcelona, which has an enviable location right on the beach. Get dressed up in your finest clothing, take a pleasant evening stroll along the beachfront, and then dive into the casino for a few hours of fun. Keep in mind that this is a real casino, so it’s best to brush up on your poker (or whatever game you prefer) skills before you pay a visit, so you can sit down at a table with confidence. Once you’re finished, head across the street to one of the many sea-view restaurants for a delicious meal.
Stargaze at the Observatory
Barcelona has its very own observatory that’s open to the public. It’s located in the hills to the west of the city and is easily accessible via public transportation. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the observatory offers guided tours that allow you to view the cosmos — and also, get a terrific view of the city. If you’re visiting with your partner, plan a trip for a Saturday evening, when you can enjoy a glass of cava or orange juice from the observation deck.
Rent a Bike
Barcelona is highly walkable, and the public transportation network is extensive, too. But for the best experience, look at renting a bicycle. The city is essentially the perfect size to explore on top of a bike, and with a set of wheels you’ll be able to visit all the key attractions with ease — and a few that are off the beaten path, too. When you get tired of the city, look at taking your bicycle north, up the coast. You’ll be treated to luscious views of the sea and get to enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the many pueblos that you encounter.
Attend a Local Football Match
When we say ‘attend a local football match,’ you might think that we mean Barcelona FC, but we don’t! Of course, you can attend a game at the Camp Nou if your trip lines up with a home game for the Catalan giants. But don’t worry if it doesn’t. There are a bunch of local teams, including Europa FC, that play on Sunday afternoons in stadiums that hold several thousand people. There’s a good atmosphere and it’s all very relaxed, making it a good option for something chill to do when you don’t want to visit the beach.
Spend a Sunday Afternoon in Gracia
And talking of Sunday afternoons: if you’re not attending a football game (or even if you are), look at visiting Gracia, a lovely neighbourhood to the west of the city. The majority of neighbourhoods in Barcelona are quiet on Sundays, sometimes overly so, but Gracia is full of life. There, you can enjoy the many picturesque terraces or watch people dance in the plazas. There are many fantastic restaurants in Gracia, too, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere to eat a delicious lunch.
Take a History Tour
Barcelona is very much a modern city, but it also has a long and storied history, too. One of the best ways to get to know the city is to take a walking history tour, which will lead through all the main points of historical interest. There are free walking tours (you have to tip at the end), but for a more detailed look at one of the most interesting points in the city’s history, look at joining a Civil War walking tour. It’ll take you through the sites that George Orwell wrote about so well in his seminal historical book, Homage to Catalonia.
Visit Joaquin Costa
Most visitors to Barcelona head straight to Las Ramblas, the main street in the city. But in truth, there’s not a whole lot to see there apart from menus with overpriced drinks. For a more interesting — and wallet-friendly — experience, walk around 5 minutes south of Las Ramblas, to Carrer de Joaquin Costa. This lively street has many bars and restaurants and a lot of character. It doesn’t look like much at first glance, but spend some time there, and there’s every chance that it’ll become your favourite part of the city.
Hang out in Eixample
Finally, take a look at Eixample, a large neighbourhood between the “main” part of the city and Gracia. Tourists tend to skip this part, but it’s home to arguably the best restaurants and bars in the city, and makes for an excellent base. Book a hotel in this region, and you’ll have everything on your doorstep.