La Carboneria (the coal-house) was built in 1864 and was used as a squat from 2008 to 2014 until the occupants were evicted by the police and the building was earmarked for destruction. However, the city council intervened and the building was preserved as a site of historic and artistic interest. The large mural on the exterior wall means it’s now one of the best places to see street art in Barcelona.

2. El Raval

Once one of Barcelona’s most notorious districts, El Raval has been rejuvenated in recent years thanks, in part, to its central location near Las Ramblas. Nowadays it’s one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Barcelona and the region’s cuisine and nightlife have benefited from this influx of influences. To get a sense of El Raval’s difficult past, visit the ‘Baby Drop-Off’ at Carrer de les Ramelleres, a wooden hole in the wall where destitute mothers used to leave their children to the care of the Church.

3. Olympic Stadium

Built in 1929, the original Olympic Stadium was intended to host the 1936 Olympics, a privilege that was ultimately awarded to Berlin. Barcelona finally got its chance to host the games in 1992 and the lighting of the torch by archer Antonio Rebollo remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history. The Olympics were instrumental in revitalizing Barcelona, both economically and architecturally, so the place is vital to understanding modern-day Barcelona and is well worth a visit, whether you’re a sports fan or not. Moreover, if you can catch a concert at the Olympic Stadium, that’ll surely be a night to remember!

4. Drive an F1 Car on the Spanish Grand Prix Circuit

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a bit tasty behind the wheel then now’s the time to prove it. The Spanish Grand Prix has been held in Barcelona since 1992 and motorheads have the chance to prove their mettle by taking to the same circuit. A range of F1 cars are available but the 2011 Williams is the most current F1 car available to drive anywhere in the world. You’ll need a driving license (obviously) and *very* deep pockets, but cheaper alternatives in Ferraris are available too.

5. Carmel Bunkers

Because Barcelona is backed by mountains there are many spots that offer awe-inspiring vistas over the city but, if you’re looking for a place that’s secluded and inexpensive, the Carmel Bunkers should be at the top of your list. Built as anti-aircraft fortifications during the Spanish Civil War, the bunkers then fell into disrepair, before being salvaged by city officials keen to preserve the history and unique city-views this spot holds.

6. Barceloneta

Lively, independent, and full of enticing restaurants and bars, Barceloneta is one of the prime locations to experience local life in the city. You can take a visit to the zoo, hit the beach, or ride a cable car for some awesome views over the city. The streets really come alive during the Festival de Saint Joan—held on the Summer Solstice each year—when locals party and let off fireworks late into the night. If you want to get a taste of the festival, take a listen to ‘Barceloneta Heat’ by musician Greg Tank (below), a track inspired by the celebrations.

7. Icebarcelona

After spending the day in the Spanish sunshine, what could be better than a nice cooling drink? At Icebarcelona you can walk from the beachfront into freezing temperatures for a cocktail served in an ice glass. Enjoy the ice sculptures and chat with locals and tourists alike, before heading back out into the warm evening air.

8. Mount Tibidabo

Tibidabo might not be Barcelona’s most famous mountain but it’s still well worth a visit, especially if you have kids with you. At the summit is the spectacular Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, a masterpiece of modern ecclesiastical architecture. Nearby is also Tibidabo Amusement Park, an old-fashioned theme park with many rides that offer panoramic views over the city and to the Balearic Sea beyond.

9. Camp Nou

Ok, this one might not be that surprising but I had to include it nonetheless. As a lifelong football (soccer) fan, I had to make a visit to Camp Nou, the largest football stadium in Europe and one of its most historic. Over the years this arena has been the home to the greatest footballers to have ever played the game, and even if you’re not a football fan, there is something about being nestled within 100,000 of the most passionate fans in world football that will send electricity right through your body. Win, lose or draw, it’s guaranteed to be an experience you will never forget.

Other Barcelona articles you should read next:

1. 6 Simply Wonderful Day Trips From Barcelona
2. 9 Cultured Spots In Barcelona Art Lovers Simply Can’t Miss

The post 9 Unique Must-Do Things In Barcelona That Many People Miss appeared first on Modern Trekker.

The options for art lovers are almost endless in Barcelona. The Museu Picasso is a traditional favorite with visitors, but for me at least, it’s Joan Miro who best epitomizes the vibrancy, color and quirkiness of Barcelona. Some of Miro’s sculptures can be found dotted around his home city, but for the most immersive experience, visit the Fundacio gallery on Montjuic. If you’re bitten by the Miro bug you can take time to pay your respects afterward, as Miro’s body is interred in nearby Montjuic cemetery.

2. Palau de la Musica

This concert hall is not just one of Barcelona’s best locations to indulge in a symphony or some jazz music, it’s also a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. The famous skylight could be straight out of a Renaissance Cathedral, but the rest of the building is another example of Barcelona’s love affair with “modernisme”. Guided tours can be arranged from as little as 20 Euros, though it’s more if you want to take in a performance too.

3. MNAC

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is an art gallery housed within the almost preposterously grandiose Palau Nacional, on Montjuic Hill. One of the largest museums in Spain, MNAC exhibits everything from early church paintings to modernist and surrealist works. What better way to understand a place and its people than through the works they leave behind?

4. Park Güell

Most major world cities have one or more architects or planners who have left an indelible mark on the landscape. In the case of Barcelona, that person is undeniably Antoni Gaudi. Here, Gaudi draws on his life-long fascination with the natural world to create a miniature wonderland of colorful mosaics and contoured lines; a small paradise in the middle of a modern city.

5. Block of Discord

Colorful, exuberant and conflicting—no other spot best encapsulates the explosion in modernist architecture that took place in Barcelona at the end of the 19^th Century than the “Block of Discord”. Another of Gaudi’s masterpieces, the “Casa Batllo”, is perhaps the best-known of the houses in this area, but other architects have also left their mark. “Casa Amatller” and “Casa Lleo-Morera” are no less distinctive than Gaudi’s masterpieces For the best experience take a tour inside one—or all—of the houses, where the styles are even more over-the-top than they appear from outside.

And here’s a very imaginative (and weird!) video in the style of Gaudi showcasing the otherworldliness of the Block of Discord:

6. Deep Dive Gaudi

No one comes away from the first visit to Barcelona without some exposure to its most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. However, those looking to gain a deeper insight into Gaudi’s work should visit the Palau Guell in El Raval, his first major building in the city, and Bellesguard Tower in Sarria-Sant Gervasi. These two monuments showcase Gaudi’s style but are removed enough from the throngs of crowds that you’ll have time enough to savor the details and drink in the atmosphere.

7. Cathedral

The Gothic Cathedral—built largely in the 14^th Century—is in the slightly unusual position of being overshadowed by a much more recent neighbor (of which more later). However, for many centuries before the modernist explosion in Barcelona, the Gothic Cathedral was the heart of public life and a spectacle that would have been unrivaled anywhere in the region. It’s also the likely origin of one of Catalunya’s most unusual traditions—the dancing egg—which takes place throughout Catalunya during Corpus Christi.

8. Sagrada Familia

Begun in 1882 and still under construction, La Sagrada Familia is regarded by many as one of Gaudi’s masterpieces and is certainly Barcelona’s most emblematic site. It’s an explosion of colors and ideas set in stone, for some this means that it lacks some of the internal harmony compared to Gaudi’s masterpieces dotted elsewhere around the city, but for others, it’s a testament to the breadth of his vision. Yes it’s touristy and yes it’s crowded, but it’s also a structure unlike any you will find anywhere else in the world, making it a must-see. Just make sure you order your tickets online in advance or prepare for long queues to get in.

The Sagrada Familia is currently unfinished (even though construction started in 1882), though here is a video showcasing how it will look once it is finally finished:

9. Tablao Cordobes

Flamenco is an art form that is synonymous with the southern region of Spain, meaning an authentic experience of the dance is a near impossibility in the north. Luckily for us, the one exception is Barcelona. The Tablao Cordobes has been in operation since 1970 and has hosted some of the masters of the form since then. It is now one of the only two authentic tablao in Barcelona. Enjoy tapas or a larger meal as you watch the dancing for the complete experience.

Other Barcelona articles you should read next:

1. 9 Unique Must-Do Things In Barcelona That Many People Miss
2. 6 Simply Wonderful Day Trips From Barcelona

The post 9 Cultured Spots In Barcelona Art Lovers Simply Can’t Miss appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Spectacular Scenery – Pyrenees Mountains

If you fancy a break from city life then why not hire a car and head north to explore the Pyrenees? The towns of Ripoll or Olot are excellent bases for rock-climbing and bouldering. Alternatively, head to Grandvalira for the best skiing in the region. Keep pressing north-west and you’ll reach Andorra, Europe’s fifth smallest country. The capital, Andorra La Vella, is a beautiful city nestled in a picturesque valley where French and Spanish influences mix. It can take a full day to do a round-trip from Barcelona and so it is well worth an overnight stay if time and budget permits. The Pyrenees has so much to offer depending on where you decide to explore. See the video below to get an idea of everything the Pyrenees has to offer!

2. Beaches – Tossa de Mar

Sitting atop Mount Guardi, a craggy outcrop towering above the Balearic Sea, is Tossa de Mar, the only surviving fortified medieval town anywhere on the Catalan coastline. A short climb to the top of the mountain provides an opportunity to drink in gorgeous views of the coastline whilst savoring the local seafood in one of the restaurants. Beyond that, the wider town boasts a lively (if touristy) shopping district and a string of pleasant beaches. Nearby Lloret de Mar is another popular destination, but we found it to be more crowded and less characterful than Tossa.

3. Medieval History – Girona

A forty-minute train ride from Barcelona, Girona is overflowing with history and is one of the best spots in Catalunya to gain an understanding of life in medieval Spain. Walk the city walls for a real sense of how a medieval city operated, then dive down onto the streets to sample local food in charming surroundings. The highlight for many is the magnificent Cathedral, a former Moorish mosque which has stood on this spot for over 1200 years. It will be familiar to Game of Thrones fans as the place where Cersei Lannister started her walk of shame, among other scenes.

4. Roman Ruins – Tarragona

A relatively short train ride from Barcelona, Tarragona was founded in the 5^th Century BC and is steeped in Roman history. The amphitheater is one of the best preserved in Europe and its beauty is only accentuated by the coastal backdrop. The Roman aqueduct and Circ Roma (chariot-racing track) are other major draws for history buffs, as is the Romanesque Cathedral. After you’ve taken in the sights, Tarragona has a number of first-class seafood restaurants to help you round off your day in style.

5. Religious Life – Montserrat Monastery

Historically Catalunya’s most important religious retreat, the abbey at Montserrat is still home to around 70 monks. During the Spanish Civil War, it was used as a refuge for artists and intellectuals opposed to Franco’s regime. As well as its interesting history, the Monastery is located in some of the most stunning scenery in Catalunya, making it a must for any visitor looking to explore the wider region beyond Barcelona.

To see a full view of Montserrat Monastery, see the video below.

6. Local Culture – The Castellers of Catalunya

Spain is famous across the world for its public festivals, and one of the most iconic is undoubtedly the human towers constructed by Catalunya’s “Castellers”. These towers are comprised of pinya—generally stocky and strong individuals who act as the base of the tower and a safety net to people who may fall—and the upper levels of more lightly-built people, often children, who make the daring ascent to the top. UNESCO recognised the tradition of making Castells as one of the “Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage” in 2010. The Castellers’ schedule for Barcelona and beyond can be found on their website here.

We hope you enjoyed our 6 day trips from Barcelona! Want to learn more? Or know of anymore? Feel free to comment below.

Other Barcelona articles you should read next:

1. 9 Unique Must-Do Things In Barcelona That Many People Miss
2. 9 Cultured Spots In Barcelona Art Lovers Simply Can’t Miss

The post 6 Simply Wonderful Day Trips From Barcelona appeared first on Modern Trekker.