The list of places you want to travel to is probably a mile long — and it should be! But if there's one destination that should be moved promptly to the top of your list, it's Barcelona. Located on the northeast coast of Spain, Barcelona provides the perfect historical, cosmopolitan vibe that can only be described as magical. I had the chance to visit this amazing city twice in just six months, and I'm already itching to go back! If you get the chance to go, you'll quickly realize that it would be easy to spend weeks exploring the narrow streets and one-of-a-kind shops. But before you get lost in the beauty, don't forget these five things that are a must when you visit!
Explore Rambla de Canaletes
This famous street is lined with larger stores, but the middle is filled with the perfect souvenir shopping experience. From colorful scarves to sweets to the ever-important shot glasses, this is one fun attraction.
Pro tip: Right off of this street is La Boqueria Market, which is a must do all its own. There's locally made meats, fruits, and cheeses, and you'll only spend a couple euros.
Visit La Sagrada Familia
Going to Barcelona and failing to visit La Sagrada Familia is like going to Paris and not stopping at the Eiffel Tower. This gorgeous, unique-looking church was built from 1882 to 1926 by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. The view is (arguably) even better inside where the sun beams in and the glass windows reflect every color of the rainbow. Wander around this famous Barcelona site on your own or with a guided tour.
Go on a Bus Tour
When you picture Barcelona, you probably don't picture a beach right away, but there's actually a bunch of them! There's also a financial business district that is much different from the area surrounding the Rambla de Canaletes street that we talked about before. So if you don't have an extended stay, the bus tour is especially great to help you see everything!
Eat Tapas . . . and a Lot of Them
Imagine going to a restaurant and getting to try a variety of small dishes — that's what tapas are. They're essentially appetizers/snacks that are popular in Spanish cuisine and eaten from around 8:30 p.m. to midnight. Some well-known dishes include ensaladilla rusa (Russian salad), pa amb tomàquet (white bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled with oil and salt), and patatas bravas (basically the french fries of Spain). And don't forget the red sangria!
Get Lost
One of the best things about Barcelona is that there are hidden gems [3], in the form of shops and restaurants, around every corner. So don't worry if you don't have an exact plan on where to go or what to do, because you're bound to find something fantastic if you just make the effort to get up and go!