Barcelona Travel Tips - The Adventuring Millennial Travel Blog

Spain offers life’s simple pleasures. Here you will enjoy good food, beautiful weather, and plenty of rest (the siesta culture is alive and well!). This country is unlike anywhere else I have traveled in Europe or the States.

The Spanish people’s passion is apparent in the vibrancy of their cities. Barcelona’s architecture is especially colorful and whimsical. Most of this can be attributed to the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Alright, get ready to hear his name A LOT. He designed most of Barcelona’s famous sites.

Barcelona is truly a beautiful city. And I’ve made a list of my 8 must see colorful sites. Get your cameras ready, because these are perfect for your Instagram feed.

Parc Güell

This Gaudi masterpiece is the perfect place to start. Not only is this an iconic view, but it is a great photo op. You know you want to pose on that tile bench!

A Spanish businessman named Eusebi Güell originally planned this area as a housing development. Güell asked the architect Gaudí to create the design. Unfortunately, the unique and playful designs did not attract Spaniards to move away from the city center and only 1 out of the 40 planned homes was sold. (Personally, I would love to live in a gingerbread-inspired house!)

After the housing development failed, the area was donated to the city and is now an incredible park that offers a unique look into the imagination of these Spanish dreamers. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a beautiful place to start as you explore this colorful city.

La Boqueria

Officially named Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, this lively market is filled with many colorful items. As you fight the crowds in this popular tourist destination, check out the bright fruits, vegetables, and candies for sale.

There are a few restaurants in the market so this makes for a great lunch spot. A market has existed on this site since the 1200s (Let that sink in for a bit. It blew my mind) so it was fun to imagine the millions of people who have walked and shopped in the same area for hundreds of years.

I visited this market while I was following a Rick Steves walking tour of Las Ramblas. Consider checking out his books before you make a trip to Europe. He is very knowledgeable and his books include self-guided walking tours that are perfect for budget travelers.

Casa Milà

Also known as La Pedrera, this was the last private home designed by Gaudí. Don’t miss this home tour, which includes access to the whimsical rooftop. Here you will enjoy sweeping views and 30 unique chimneys and ventilation towers (yes those sculptures are actually chimneys!).

These towers allowed for a playground feel on the rooftop and this was a great place to explore. The tour also included a visit to the attic which contained a Gaudí exhibit. After visiting the rooftop and attic, I toured the apartment, which was arranged as it would have been when it was occupied in the 20th century.

Casa Milà is just another example of Barcelona’s appreciation for things that are colorful, bright, and happy.

Sagrada Família

Let’s be real. This is one of the main reasons you want to visit Barcelona, right? I know it was for me!

Since 1882, this Roman Catholic church has been under construction. The main architect of this project was none other than Gaudí (tired of hearing this name? Be ready to hear it everywhere when you tour Barcelona!). He devoted over 40 years of his life to this work and died well before seeing the completed church. The Sagrada Família was not finished when I visited in 2014, and at that time the projected completion date was set for 2026.

Yes, this church is still under construction. But you should still check it out! The exterior alone is impressive but the interior is unlike anything I have ever seen. 56 columns modeled after trees fill the church and the stained glass windows allow for a multitude of colors to spray inside. In 2010 Pope Benedict consecrated this UNESCO Heritage Site. And now Mass is held in this breathtaking church. Allow plenty of time to tour and explore this incredible display of Gaudí’s drive to create the most imaginative and impressive architectural designs in the world.

Balearic Sea

Part of the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea, the Balearic Sea allows Barcelona to function as a port city and offers an incredible coastline for plenty of beach activities.

European cruises often visit this Spanish city and visitors can also take shorter ship excursions on the water. A 40-minute boat cruise was included in my Barcelona City Pass (Score!)

I also spent some time soaking up the Spanish sun from one of Barcelona’s beaches. But be prepared if you visit the beaches- they are not like American beaches. The whole time I was there, I was constantly approached by someone trying to sell their goods or services. As I tried to enjoy the beach, blankets, massages, and hair wraps were pushed on me. Still, the deep blue water was worth any annoyance caused by the salespeople.

Santa Caterina Market

A modern colorful roof sits atop this food market, where vendors offer olives, meats, fruit, bread, and many other delicious and fresh items. A market has existed on this site since 1845 and originally served the middle-class families in that community.

After exiting the market, be sure to notice the exhibition showcasing the ruins that were discovered on the site. The ruins are believed to be from a Gothic church dating to 1241. This is one of my favorite things about Europe. Everywhere you turn there is some incredible piece of history just waiting to be explored!

Casa Batlló

At this point you should be expecting this- Casa Battló is another one of Gaudí’s incredible masterpieces (did he ever take a break?). I was only able to enjoy this site from the street, but visitors are welcome to tour this beautiful building.

Included in the tour are the incredible rooftop (complete with whimsical chimney sculptures), the original Battló residence, a beautiful stairwell, the attic, and the loft. This colorful residence allows for another glimpse into the inspired mind of Gaudí I can only imagine how magical it would feel to live in a house like this!

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Located in front of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, this fountain display was first performed during the Great Universal Exhibition in 1929.

The fountain show reminded me of something you might experience in Las Vegas. Hundreds of people crowded around to witness the display. I found a spot to sit on a wall, which allowed for a great vantage point. The show included synchronized lights, songs, and impressive water sprays. Check the website for show times.

I also recommend walking up the steps of the museum for an incredible view of the city. I watched the fountains on my last night in Barcelona and this was the perfect way to end my trip.

What colorful spot are you most excited to visit? Did I mention your favorite colorful site in the city? Let me know in the comments below!