Barcelona – Photo Diary

Summer’s the best time to plan those unforgettable Barcelona holidays. During these warm sunny days, the European city is busy with cultural events, music festivals happening every other week, and delicious food.

Barcelona Attractions in Pictures

Standing on the terrace by the entrance of Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya on top of Montjuic Hill, I got a panoramic view of the incredible Barcelona city. Another landmark I could see from up there is Plaça d’Espanya (MNAC), one of the most significant squares here.

Plaça d’Espanya

I couldn’t help but marvel at this beautifully painted ceiling in the MNAC. Inside each exhibition rooms, I enjoyed Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque art from the 13th to 16th centuries.

Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

Montjuic Garden

The immaculately sculpted Montjuic Garden, a tranquil spot for a slow stroll in the heart of the city, gave me a breather from the loud and busy crowds and a chance to soak in the serene Barcelona weather.

The city is filled with tiny alleys that are fun to explore but getting lost isn’t a problem with a grid plan that’s easy to navigate.

Colourful street art and graffiti adorn the doors along every street, bringing bright Barcelona attractions to every stroll around the city.

Barceloneta beach

On the way to Barceloneta beach. Nothing says I’m near the beach more than the sight of palm trees.

Watched the sky turn into hues of pastel pink and blue on the dock of Barceloneta.

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La Xampanyeria

A friend took me to La Xampanyeria, this tiny and nondescript yet popular standing sandwich bar, a few minutes walk from Barceloneta, that serves the most delicious and affordable sandwiches and cava (Spanish sparkling wine). I had a sinfully indulgent Bacon & Foie Gras Sandwich!

Address: Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Casa Batlló

The quirky nature of the famous Casa Batlló, one of Antoni Gaudi’s unique masterpieces that can’t be categorised under any architectural style.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

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Park Güell

Park Güell, yet another masterpiece of Gaudi, blew my mind. The multicoloured mosaic and mythological element in the park’s design was a visual feast.

Address: Park Guell, 08024 Barcelona, Spain

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The Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882 and is also designed by Gaudi. I didn’t go inside as there was a long queue for tickets, proving its popularity amongst the best of Barcelona attractions, but I’ve heard that the cathedral’s interior is breathtaking.

Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

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Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona

The Modernist architectural style of Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona is very chic. The open area outside the museum is a popular skating spot for teens and a good people-watching spot.

Address: Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Empanadas

Barcelona breaks aren’t complete without a taste of the local cuisine. I snacked on delicious empanadas from La Fabrica. Each empanada contains different types of fillings such as ham & cheese, mozzarella, tomato and basil, as well as Thai chicken.

Address: Carrer del Call, 19, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

The Barcelona Cathedral

The Barcelona Cathedral is not as famous as the Sagrada Familia, but it’s a well-known landmark in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona and is free to enter!

Address: Pla de la Seu, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

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El Raval

Big shiny sculpture of a cat in El Raval district, a hip neighbourhood with a diverse mix of immigrants from South Asia and Morocco.

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Red Ant

An Asian-inspired dinner of pan-seared salmon on coconut rice served with a side of fresh herbs, tangerine slices and fried shallots at Red Ant.

I wanted to dine at its sister restaurant, Mosquito, which serves its creative take on dim sum (I saw Eel bao on the menu) but there was a 30-minute wait.

Address: Carrer dels Tiradors, 5, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

La Boqueria

I’ve only been to La Boqueria two out of the four times I’ve been to Barcelona. It’s tourist-centred but a convenient spot to grab a refreshing juice and a light snack if I’m in La Rambla, a street bordered by the Gothic Quarter and El Raval, popular with tourists.

Address: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Recommended Hotel in Barcelona

When it comes to Barcelona hotels, I recommend staying at Catalonia Portal de l’Angel in the Gothic Quarter. I love the minimalist design of the rooms, which even has a balcony. The best part? It’s within a 10-minute walking distance from all the main Barcelona attractions and metro stations.

Barcelona truly has so much to offer. Whether you’re a night owl looking to sample the local nightlife, a foodie seeking a taste of Catalunya, or a culture vulture, there’s something for everyone. The positive vibes of the city are infectious and I can’t imagine anyone ever being unhappy there!

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Where to Stay during your Trip

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