Barcelona Pictures

Parc Güell is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona. So much so that nearly 98 percent of visitors to this park every year are tourists. eli_asenova Getty Images
This massive Catholic church – located northeast of central Barcelona – is considered to be Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece. Andrey Nikitin Getty Images
Gaudí's Casa Batlló is conveniently located right along one of Barcelona's busiest streets, Passeig de Gracia. It's also just a few blocks north from Gaudí's other masterpiece, Casa Milà. photoaliona Getty Images
Barceloneta Beach is the most popular beach to visit in Barcelona. Romeo Reidl Getty Images
A stop at the Boqueria Market is mandatory for everyone who enjoys food (which is pretty much everyone). Grab some of the market's famous fresh pressed juice along with Spanish staples such as manchego cheese and jamón ibérico. elxeneize Getty Images
Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera) is another one of Antoni Gaudí's famous architectural works. Ershov_Maks Getty Images
Camp Nou is the home of FC Barcelona, one of the best soccer teams in the world. The stadium offers tours that take visitors to multiple behind-the-scenes spots, including the team's trophy room. Karim von Orelli Flickr
Take advantage of the trails in Parc Güell for awesome views of the city. From certain points in the park, visitors can see La Sagrada Família. haveseen Getty Images
You'll find art from throughout Picasso's life displayed at the Picasso Museum, including his famous distorted portraits and works from the Blue Period. Ivan Lian Flickr
If you can swing it, travelers say catching an FC Barcelona game is an unforgettable experience. Ticket prices vary, depending on who the team is playing. If FC Barcelona is playing their rivals, Real Madrid, you can expect to pay hundreds of euros for nosebleed seats. Armin Rodler Flickr
Be sure to wander down the narrow streets and alleyways of the striking Gothic Quarter, you'll never know what kind of architectural relics you will find. hakat Getty Images
If you're getting around Barcelona, chances are you'll end up here once. Plaça d'Espanya is a major transportation hub and gateway to a number of major attractions, including the National Museum of Catalan Art, Olympic Stadium and the Joan Miro Museum. Jorge Franganillo Flickr
Because of its popularity and central location in the city, Las Ramblas is always filled with people. This is especially the case at night, as the thoroughfare is a popular meet up spot before locals and visitors head out for a night out on the town. visualspace Getty Images
The Palace of Catalan Music is lauded for its striking architecture. Even if you can't get tickets to a show, visitors highly recommend booking a tour with the venue to view its beautiful interiors. kkmarais Flickr
While at Boqueria Market, don't forget to pick up Spain's favorite food: jamón, or ham. You can find it in the form of grab-and-go snacks or in full leg form. Erik Tham Getty Images
Boqueria Market is full of treats that'll satisfy your sweet tooth, including chocolate and marzipan delights (pictured). Elijah-Lovkoff Getty Images
There are plenty of healthy options available at Boqueria Market, too, including exotic fruit. tekinturkdogan Getty Images
While touring the Palace of Catalan music, make sure to look up or else you'll miss the venue's striking central skylight. 1001nights Getty Images
Look closely at the statues while touring the Palace of Catalan Music. You'll see plenty of characters playing various instruments as well as odes to legends such as Bach. Fred Romero Flickr
The colorful and intricate architecture found in and outside of Casa Batlló has earned Gaudí's masterpiece the distinction of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Starcevic Getty Images
While visiting Casa Batlló, take a long look at its exterior. Chances are, you'll probably spot a detail you missed at first glance. dvoevnore Getty Images
Gaudí's unique Casa Batlló was inspired in part by the legend of St. George, who slayed a dragon to save a princess. The scaly architectural detail located on the roof is said to resemble the dragon's skin. Vladone Getty Images
Most travelers opt to view Casa Batlló on the outside, but the inside is certainly a treat as well. Inside you'll find unconventional architectural features including windows and balconies facing inside of the building instead of the outside. Montipaiton Getty Images
While travelers no doubt enjoyed their time taking a dip in the Mediterranean, many warned to be prepared for crowds year-round at La Barceloneta. Romeo Reidl Getty Images
You'll find plenty of activity on the promenade that lines La Barceloneta beach. Should you seek solace from the always-crowded shore, walk south to the more laid-back marina. lavendertime Getty Images
It's important to know that La Barceloneta beach ends at the noticeable golden fish sculpture, El Peix. After that, Platja de la Nova Icària beach starts. Vladimirs_Gorelovs Getty Images
Casa Milà, known for its wavy, stone façade, was not only Gaudi's last work on Passeig de Gràcia but his last civil work as well. The building has been designated as a National Monument of Interest by the Spanish government and a World Heritage site by UNESCO. photoaliona Getty Images
Unlike Casa Batlló, where visitors tend to just admire the exterior, visitors like to venture into Casa Milà for the building's unique rooftop sculpture garden (pictured). JackF Getty Images
You'll find plenty of striking statues atop Casa Milà's rooftop sculpture garden. For an enchanting experience with Gaudí's architecture, come at night when visitors are admitted between 9 and 11 p.m. portokalis Getty Images
If you're planning to visit Parc Güell during your stay in Barcelona, be advised that it gets incredibly crowded. You may want to visit either very early in the morning or later at night, but chances are you still will run into a lot of people. Vladimirs_Gorelovs Getty Images
The mosaic seating area that snakes Parc Güell is one of the park's most standout features. Come here to relax, people watch and admire the intricate tile work. Lukasz Janyst Getty Images
There's so much to see in Parc Güell, it's best to alLot a few hours to see all the unique areas the park has to offer. venakr Getty Images
Parc Güell offers some of the best views of the city. While here, be sure to hike up Turó de les Tres Creus for panoramic city views. David Soanes Photography Getty Images
The Barcelona Cathedral, also known as La Seu, is the city's principal cathedral. If you plan on visiting, make sure your knees and shoulders are covered, otherwise you won't be admitted. Jesus Jover/EyeEm Getty Images
The balconies that line the apartments found in the beautiful Gothic Quarter neighborhood are quite romantic. querbeet Getty Images
If you're visiting the Gothic Quarter, you have to make a stop in the palm tree-lined Plaça Reial. The plaza is best visited at night when locals and visitors stop here on their way out on the town. JackF Getty Images
Las Ramblas is one of the most recognized areas of Barcelona. This bustling thoroughfare is home to plenty of restaurants, alfresco cafes, souvenir stands, street performers and buskers. If you're planning a big night out in Barcelona, this is another great place to start. venakr Getty Images
Las Ramblas is located right smack dab in the middle of the city, affording easy access to a number of central city attractions including La Barceloneta, the Gothic Quarter and the Boqueria Market, to name a few. Nikada Getty Images
Gaudí dedicated 44 years of his life to La Sagrada Família. Construction still continues on the structure, even though the architect died in 1926. The chuch is estimated to be completed by 2026. catalby Getty Images
Gaudí's La Sagrada Família is full of symbolism. Visit the base of the church (pictured) and you'll find loads of stories from the scripture, including the life of Christ, from his birth, death and resurrection. Nikada Getty Images
Travelers strongly recommend paying the admission fee to explore inside the La Sagrada Família. Visitors loved the vibrant stained glass windows and tree-like columns that hold up the church. Tetra Images Getty Images
The stained glass windows are a favorite at La Sagrada Família. When the light shines brightly through the windows, various parts of the white church, including the tree-like columns, appear as if they have turned colors. mychadre77 Getty Images
The Gothic Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in Barcelona, with architecture left over from Roman times as well as the Middle Ages. Xantana Getty Images





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