Barcelona has a storied majesty; it is a city both cosmopolitan and Old World, and renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Indeed, there is much to see and do. The Ciutat Vella is comprised of four neighbourhoods—El Barrio Gotico, La Barceloneta, El Raval, and Sant Pere, Santa Catarina, and El Born i La Ribera. To say it is breathtakingly beautiful would be to wax poetic, but it is all that and more—it is one such spot in the world wherein the ancient and the contemporary thrive in tandem.

1. A walk by the Born District

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Above Carlos and Jessica stroll around Plaça Reial

Discover the unique cartier with vintage shops and small bodegas and wine houses. Make a stop at Santa Maria del Mar Basilica and Vila Viniteca, where you will find amazing gourmet delicatessens.

2. Casa Sant Vicenç

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Above Casa Sant Vicenç

This modernist masterpiece is the first work that Gaudí made in Barcelona and has been recently refurbished and more open to be visited.

3. Park Güell

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Above A structure at Gaudi's Parc Güell

Explore the wonders of the garden designed by Gaudí. Visit the dragon staircase with its surface covered in broken shards of trencadis mosaic and the Hall of One Hundred Columns.

4. Palau de la Música Catalana

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Above Palau de la Música Catalana

Built by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this UNESCO World Heritage site combines sculpture, mosaic, stained glass, and wrought iron on its magnificent façade.

5. Modernist houses

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Above Casa Batlló

Houses on Passeig de Gracia from architects such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera also called Casa Milà by Antoni Gaudí, Casa Lleó i Morera by Lluis Domènech i Montaner, Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, or his Casa de les Punxes on Diagonal Street.

6. Barcelona seafront

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Its over 4km of urban beach is perfect for a walk, a run, or a bike tour. Stop by one of the chiringuitos such as Escribà, Can Majó o Pez Vela for a tasty paella.

7. Hospital Sant Pau

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Above Hospital Sant Pau

Built between 1905 to 1930 and designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner, this was used as a hospital for a century and has been newly refurbished.

8. Sagrada Família

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Above Sagrada Família

Barcelona’s iconic building and Gaudí’s masterpiece. Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction started in 1882 and is slated for completion in 2026.

9. The Liceu Opera House

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Above Liceu Opera House

This has remained an important cultural centre and symbol of the city. Its private club, El Circulo del Liceo, possesses a rich artistic heritage, including paintings by Ramón Casas.

10. La Boqueria

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Discover the flavours and colours of the markets of Barcelona. Stop for a bite or a tasty dish of gambas con huevos fritos at El Quim de la Boqueria or at Pinotxo, where Juanito will suggest you his dishes of the day.

11. Gothic Quarter

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Above Plaça Sant Felip Neri

Get lost and walk thru history, from the Romans to the present. Visit the Cathedral, the Plaça del Rei or its charming squares Plaça Sant Felip Neri or Plaça del Pi.

12. Picasso Museum

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Above Picasso Museum

Housed in five medieval palaces and inaugurated in 1963, the museum holds a collection of more than 4,000 pieces. Do not miss its temporary exhibition, “Picasso’s Kitchen,” which runs until 30 September, and discover the master's relationship with cuisine.

13. A view from Tibidabo Hill

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Above Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Tibidabo

Whether you take a walk thru Carretera de les Aigües or visit the Tibidabo church or amusement park, you will get the best views of the city.

14. Luxury Shopping at Passeig de Gracia

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It is the Champs-Élysées of Barcelona where you will find most of the luxury brands and high-end local boutiques. Drop by Santa Eulalia or visit the famous local designers.

15. Montjuïc Magic Fountains

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A unique show of water, music, and colours. Montjuïc is also home to museums such as MNAC in the National Palace with beautiful views, the Fundació Joan Miró, the Pavilion Mies van der Rohe, CaixaForum, and the Olympic Stadium.

Mónica Homedes is the Director of Communications at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, which she has been with since March of 2013.

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