Trip to Barcelona

This art nouveau basilica is called ‘the most extraordinary interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages’. The UNESCO World Heritage Site receives 4.5 million annual visitors.

The showcase piece is the beautifully eccentric mansion by Antoni Gaudi called Casa Batllo. Stand outside and appreciate the building’s visceral, skeletal qualities. The colourful mosaic facade was crafted using broken tea cups from local factories.

La Pedrera is another Gaudi work (surprise, surprise) and it is arguably his best. It’s just a short five minute walk from Casa Batllo. This wobbling limestone apartment block is best known for its ‘Garden of Warriors’ rooftop.

Reveal the secrets of La Rambla, Boqueria Market, Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Sant Felipe Neri, Augustus Temple, the Jewish Quarter (El Call), and beyond. Along the way, you’ll discover a favorite spot of Picasso, indulge in one of Barcelona’s most delightful snack locations, and marvel at abundant street art.

Home to legendary FC Barcelona, aside from taking the field yourself (you actually can!) the Nou Camp tour is the best way to experience world class football. In fact, this Barcelona stadium tour is the second biggest tourist attraction in Catalonia behind the epic Sagrada Familia.

Barceloneta is a great neighborhood to explore inner alleyways where elderly residents sit outside playing cards while young people gather to socialize in kitschy bars. It’s one of the best beaches in Barcelona. For the early afternoon (like locals) you’ll want to work on that tan – the cleanest waters for a summertime dipa re in the corner near the W Hotel (the sail shaped-one).