Beautiful Barcelona 2022

Lucy Morgans on 02 December 2022
I was lucky to spend a fantastic 48 hours in Barcelona as a pre-Christmas treat in December 2022.

There’s plenty to do in this cosmopolitan city …. its full of character with its narrow streets, boutique shops, and its bursting with tapas and wine bars… How did I spend my 48 hours?

Sagrada familia Cathedral : Definitely worth a visit. But you MUST pre-book before you arrive in Barcelona otherwise it’s likely that you might not get in! One of the most visited & iconic buildings in Barcelona. Pay extra to take the lift to the top of one of the towers (there are two tower possibilities which can be included in your entrance ticket) & enjoy spectacular views from the top …but what goes up must come down & be aware there are five hundred steps to walk back down & that the staircase is quite narrow! It is famous for being the largest “unfinished” Catholic church in the world. An amazing building. On the day we visited, the sun was shining brightly, & the colours shining through the stain glass windows were just beautiful.

Park Güell: This is another iconic Barcelona ‘attraction’ that is definitely worth visiting. There is a lot of steps & walking - so come prepared in comfortable, flat shoes. Located in the Gracia district; it is the largest park space in Barcelona, and it is another genius idea designed by the famous Catalan architect who has hugely influenced much of what we now see in today’s Barcelona — Antoni Gaudi. We reached the park via the “hop on hop off bus “which most people will be aware are a wonderful way for tourists to get around most cities. The bus stops a short walk from the park - be prepared for lots of steps! The park now makes a charge for tourists to visit. Tickets can be bought on the gate or in advance online ….

Port Vell: The Marina at Barcelona or ‘Port Vell’ is a beautiful part of this wonderful city. It is located near the city centre at the end of the famous “Las Ramblas boulevard.” At the Harbour you will find ‘Barcelona Giradabo’ - a huge Ferris wheel very similar to the London Eye. You will also find ‘Maremagnum’ A huge & spacious shopping centre reached by a wooden boardwalk. There are lots of restaurants as well as shops … so it is a great location to have a bite to eat & take in the views of the marina’s boats & water.

The Montjuic Cable Car: Take one of a choice of two cable cars rides across the city …..& sit back and enjoy the views… We took one of these amazing cable car rides on the Sunday morning …it travels 750 meters up to the famous Montjüic Castle. During the journey you will see all of the famous sights of Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Familia, and the Camp Nou.

“All in all,” Barcelona is a wonderful city – its compact (but prepared to walk a lot still) It is perfect for a short break, or long weekend, as only a short flight from a local airport. Highly recommended. You will love the day-time sights and in the evening the streets come alive with tapas and wine bars!