© Logan Armstrong

Travel Guide: BarcelonaHeading to the Catalan Capital? Here’s what to do…

There’snowherequitelikeBarcelona,it’sapopulardestinationformillionsofvisitorseveryyearandthecityisnevermorealivethanwhentheFormulaOnecircusarrives.Ifyou’reluckyenoughtobeintownforroundeightofthe2023season,here’showtospendyourtimewhetheryouhaveaticketfortheraceornot.

ThingsToSeeAndDo

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit, so there is plenty to do, but there are some ‘must see’ attractions in the Catalan Capital.

One place you have to witness is the Park Güell. Work began on the park in 1900, it was opened as a public park in 1926 and became a UNIESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 under “Works of Antoni Gaudí”. The park is one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona, with more than 17 hectares, next to the Sierra de Collserola. Gaudi designed the park and it is composed of gardens and architectural elements.

Obviously the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical unfinished basilica, is well worth a visit and the iconic landmark in the city, but we think Casa Batlló is one place you can’t miss. It’s a stunning piece of architecture in the middle of the city. It was designed by Gaudi and is considered one of his masterpieces. A remodel of a previously built house, it was redesigned in 1904 by Gaudí and has been refurbished several times after that.

The Stunning Park Güell© Dorian D1

Shopping

The city is filled with shops, boutiques and local markets that offer a taste of Catalonia.

The Rambla de Catalunya is a huge nine-block-long walkway that is filled with designer stores, art galleries, theatres, exclusive hotels, and high-end restaurants.

The most fashionable street with international brands is Passeig De Gracia. Known as Barcelona’s Champs-Élysées, the street is full of well-known brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada and Luis Vuitton. You’ll also find famous Spanish fashion designers, such as Antoni Miró, Roberto Merino, Tous, and Desigual.

If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll also want to visit the Gothic Quarter which hosts not only the popular Portal De L’Angel street but also Carrer d’Avinyó a quirky shopping experienced tucked away in the area. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, offering a more authentic local and historical experience. Tourists often spend hours exploring the eclectic collection of stores and cafes here.

Local Markets Heaven© Yoav Aziz

Eatanddrink

You’re in Catalonia so naturally you’re going to want to try some tapas, and according to TimeOut, the best place for tapas in Barcelona is Casa de Tapes Cañota. The restraunt serves Galicia-inspired seafood and is the younger sibling of the renowned Rías de Galicia, one of the greatest Galician restaurants in the city. El Cañota serves traditional dishes, draught beer and wine.

If you’re thirsty, then you’ll want to visit Boadas. The bar was open in 1993 by Miguel Boadas, the son of Cuban immigrants. Now run by his daughter, Boadas is a place to take in local history whilst sipping the best cocktails the city has to offer.

If your tastes are slightly more high-end then a visit to Lasarte could be in order. The three Michelin-starred restaurant is an essential for your to-do list. Martín Berasategui’s creativity is world-renowned. The sampling menu is a once-in-a-lifetime treat that everyone should enjoy. Chef Paolo Casagrande’s sophistication can be seen in in his dishes and the aesthetic of the dishes never out-do the combination of amazing flavours.

Hola Tapas© CHUTTERSNAP

GetYourF1Fix

If you’ve not got tickets for the weekend, you’ll want to head to Barcelona’s Port Vell, which after the success of last year, will be turned into a fan village for Formula One fans in the days leading up to the Grand Prix and across the race weekend.

There will be a range of activities on offer for F1 fans here, including a 360º Photobooth, a pit stop challenge, a Scalextric competition, reaction tests, eSports area and more.

There will, as always be a stage which this year will be presented by Spanish commentator Albert Fàbrega. There’ll also be performances and DJ sets from local acts, Catalan cultural groups and a marching band.

The Barcelona Fan Village is open from 15:00-20:00 Monday to Thursday of Spanish Grand Prix week and from 12:00-20:00 on May 26-28 and June 2-3. Access is free for all visitors.

Barna's Beautiful Port Vell© Unsplash