Coming to Barcelona is to experience a diverse and unique culture, admire the unique architectures of Gaudi, walk on the La Rambla granite paved boulevard all day long without feeling bored, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of nightlife stretching along the beautiful coast of Barcelona.
Park Güell
Park Güell, like much of Barcelona, is a colorful compilation of architecture and green spaces in the La Salut neighborhood of Barcelona. The Park, one of Gaudi’s early works, is as colorful as it is architecturally rich.
Originally an unsuccessful housing complex brought to the city by Eusebi Güell, Gaudí unleashed all his architectonic genius and put to practice much of his innovative structural solutions that would become the symbol of his organic style.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
The Park contains a real maze with shrubs that are above head high, which is actually difficult but they appear to be no “dead-ends” so eventually, you will get out! The entire Parc del Laberint is divided into the traditional park, a romantic castle, and the garden. It contains many elements of Greek mythology and is devoted in many ways of love. You can find many sculptures, streams and ponds.
It is a lovely area and connected by Barcelona’s metro system. One of the coolest and most different things to do in Barcelona.
Parque de atracciones Tibidabo
One of Barcelona’s landmarks is their Amusement Park which is over 100 years old. It’s one of the oldest in the world yet is constantly improving. You’ll find more than 30 attractions and great shows for all ages as well as a street theatre. They also offer a range of other services including restaurants and cafes with incredible views, indoor dining, picnic areas, and everything you need to make your visit to the park memorable.
Arc de Triomf
This architecture is the work of Josep Vilaseca and it was built as the main access gate for the Barcelona World Fair in 1888.
A very decorative and monumental structure. As you walk under the arch, there is a beautiful walkway lined with trees and gardens on either side. A perfect place for a picnic.
Ciutadella Park and Zoo
The Parc de la Ciutadella is a park on the northeastern edge of Ciutat Vella, Barcelona. For decades following its creation in the mid-19th century, this park was the city’s only green space. The 70-acre grounds include the city zoo, the Palau del Parlament de Catalunya, a small lake, museums, and a large fountain designed by Josep Fontserè.
Cathedral of Barcelona
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia aka Barcelona Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic church of Barcelona. The cathedral was completed in 1448 after 200 years+ of construction.
The facade you see today was not built until the 19th century. The facade was relatively plain up until then but now is clearly neo-Gothic which fits in nicely with Bari Gothic neighborhood.
You’ll find many gargoyles on the roof of the cathedral as well as animals including a unicorn!
The structure is ornate and magnificent both inside and out which is why this is at the top of our list of Barcelona’s top monuments and attractions.
La Boqueria
Occupying 2,583 square meters La Boqueria is one of Europe’s greatest food markets and a true treasure of Barcelona. Located in the bustling street of La Rambla, the city’s most famous street, the market attracts thousands of people daily.
La Boqueria is Barcelona’s premier covered market. You can go there to get high-quality jamón to go or some seriously delicious street food. This is an iconic sight and educational experience in one.
City Beaches
Barcelona’s beachfront boardwalk stretches for miles. It will take a good hour to get from Barceloneta to Diagonal Mar on foot. It’s a great walk that really helps you understand the city.
The western most beaches like Sant Sebastià are busier and more touristy. This is where you’ll find trendy shops and bars with terraces and outdoor seating.
As you move along the waterfront after the Olympic Port, you’ll find a bit more room and more Barcelona locals.
Finally, just up from Platja de Llevant is the massive and new Diagonal Mar mall, revitalizing a former industrial part of the city.
Montjuic
Montjuic is a hill in Barcelona where you can ride the cable car to the Castle. This coastal hill is home to a veritable treasure chest of attractions that include Montjuic Castle, the Olympic Stadium, the Botanical Gardens and the Joan Miro Foundation on one side of the hill.
On the other side of the hill, you’ll see Poble Espanyol, the MNAC museum and Magic Fountain. Planning on visiting the castle at the top of the hill? Take the Montjuic cable car to enjoy sensational views over the city as you ascend.
Also located on Monjuic is the Museum Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. It is a well-rounded gallery to visit in Barcelona. It is by far the most comprehensive museum in Barcelona with art from the Romanesque period, Gothic, Renaissance & Baroque, all the way up to Modern and even Photography.
La Ramba
La Rambla is a tree-lined pedestrian street in central Barcelona. It stretches for 1.2 km connecting the Plaça de Catalunya in its center with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. La Rambla forms the boundary between the neighborhoods of the Barri Gòtic to the east and the El Raval to the west.
This area can be crowded, especially during the height of the tourist season. Its popularity with tourists has affected the character of the street, which has shifted in composition to pavement cafes and souvenir kiosks.
Summer 2022 Programs Open
We are now offering pre-enrollment for students wanting to spend their summer with ACA in Barcelona. More details CLICK HERE.