Local Host Picks
Casa Vicens
This is the first house, first important work, and one of the key pieces of Antoni Gaudí’s artistic career. It is the work that marked his point of Departure, an architectural gem which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005.
Park Güell
Visit the only park designed by Gaudí in Barcelona, with it sinuous and organic shapes, integration with nature and broken mosaics. Opened to the public in 1922, the park was declared World’s Heritage by Unesco in 1984.
La Pedrera Secreta
Antoni Gaudí's last residential building, and one of his most innovative landmarks, is a work of art in its own right. The Casa Milà, popularly known as La Pedrera (Catalan for quarry), was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. “Secret Pedrera” will allow you to discover the secrets hidden inside the building when night falls.
Catalan National Art Museum
Housed in the National Palace, the Catalan National Art Museum includes one of the most important Romanesque painting collections in the world.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
Take a short train ride from the center of Barcelona, then catch a funicular train from the half-way point, to reach the top of the mountain and Tibidabo Amusement Park. It was built in 1889 and many of its 25 rides date back to this time, giving the park a whimsical feel.
Magic Fountain
Enjoy this spectacular show of water, lights, and music held in an area which stretches from the National Palace to Plaza de España. Ask your Local Host for details about days and times of this entertaining attraction.
Football Club Barcelona Stadium (Camp Nou)
If you're a football (soccer) fan, ask your Local Host for directions to view the stadium of the world-famous team. Maybe even see a match!
Cosmo Caixa Science Museum
A museum, for people of all ages, designed to stimulate knowledge and opinion of science through exhibitions and a wide variety of activities.
Sardanes Folk Dancing
La Sardana, sometimes also called the "sardanes" dance, is the traditional group folk dance of Catalonia. The music is provided by a "cobla" woodwind band. Ask your Local Host for more information.
Miró Foundation
Contemporary art lovers should visit the Miró Foundation to view the permanent collection of Joan Miró.
Port Olimpic
Barcelona's Port Olimpic was built to coincide with the 1992 Olympic Games, and its appearance on the city landscape is perhaps the most notable of the building projects the sporting event left behind; one of the most attractive areas of the city to visit, full of bars, restaurants, leisure facilities and modern sculptures.
Catalan Cuisine
Among the most typical dishes, you will find Escudella i carn d'olla (a delicious soup of pork, beef, & chicken with vegetables, rice, noodles, & potatoes); Butifarra (Catalan sausage); and Arroz a la cazuela (similar to paella). Seafood specialties include La zarzuela (a mixture of halibut, monkfish, prawns, squid & mussels); or Suquet de peix, (cod fish soup). Two of the most popular dishes of the region are Escalivada (grilled eggplant & red peppers in an olive oil & garlic sauce); and Esqueixada de bacalao (a cold codfish salad). For dessert, taste the famous Crema catalana (custard); Mel i mato (cottage cheese with honey); and Postre de músico (the traditional Catalan “musician's dessert” nuts). In Barcelona, you can also enjoy a fine selection of wines from the nearby Penedès region.
Traditional Souvenirs
Take home Cava, a local sparkling wine similar to champagne. It can be white or rosé - both are delicious; Anís del mono, an anise-based liqueur is also popular. Spanish sausages such as Fuet or Chorizo; Carquinyolis, artisan crunchy almond biscuits; a handcrafted Gaudí keepsake; a souvenir of the legendary FC Barça football team; or the traditional porrón, a Catalan glass wine pitcher.
Barcelona Beaches
Barcelona's coastline is over 4 km. long and offers a wide variety of excellent beaches. Barceloneta beach, nearest to the city center, is located in the traditional fishing district “La Barceloneta” and is one of the city's best-loved beaches due to its sandy beach and many restaurants and nightclubs along the boardwalk.