Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Barcelona

Clockwise from top: Museu Nacional dArt de Catalunya; stained-glass dome at the Palau de la Msica Catalana; La Pedreras chimneys; Parc Gell; Casa Batlls windows; maze at the Parc del Laberint dHorta; Museu dArt Contemporani and Centre de Cultura Contempornia

On the shores of the Mediterranean, the Catalan capital boasts one of Europes largest, best-preserved medieval quarters and the finest collection of Modernista architecture anywhere. It also has exciting contemporary design, world-renowned cuisine and a buzzing nightlife. With Eyewitness Top 10 Barcelona, its yours to explore.

For all its apparent big-city bustle, Barcelona is a place to linger, whether on the palm-shaded seafront, over coffee in a medieval square or picnicking at Parc Gell or in a Montjuc garden. The best way to experience the city is on foot, getting lost in the stone labyrinth of Barri Gtic or taking time to notice the details ceramic garlands, wrought-iron balustrades, vibrant tiles on the EixampleModernista mansions. The streets are full of public art, from Haring murals to Lichtenstein sculptures, and there are a host of fantastic museums dedicated to Picasso, Mir, contemporary art and more.

Modern Catalan cuisine is innovative and daring, and alongside molecular gastronomy in award-winning restaurants, youll find places serving fabulous local produce the way theyve done for generations. At the colourful local festivals youll get an insight into what makes Barcelona so different from the rest of Spain. No flamenco here instead you can admire the locals as they build towering castells or dodge fire-spitting demons and dragons in the correfocs.

Whether youre coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide describes the best of everything that Barcelona has to offer, from Gauds greatest masterpiece, the Sagrada Famlia, to the 18th-century maze in Parc del Laberint dHorta. There are tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus nine easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Barcelona.

EXPLORING BARCELONA

Youll be utterly spoiled for choice for things to see and do in Barcelona, which is packed with historical buildings, parks, museums and beaches. Whether youre coming for a weekend, or want to get to know the city better, these two- and four-day itineraries will help you make the most of your visit.

---

Two Days in Barcelona

---

Day 1

Morning

Stroll along Barcelonas most celebrated avenue, .

Barcelonas 13th-century cathedral has a magnificent faade and a quiet cloister.

Afternoon

Continue your exploration of Barcelonas historic heart with a wander around the Born neighbourhood. Visit the .

Day 2

Morning

Spend the morning marvelling at Gauds incredible , but make sure youve booked tickets online in advance to avoid the long queues.

Afternoon

Ride the funicular up the green hill of Montjuc to the , a stunning modern building that is home to a spectacular collection of Mirs work.

---

Four Days in Barcelona

---

Day 1

Morning

Make the days first stop the playful, whimsical , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon

Head south to the citys most iconic building, the , set in a complex of five interconnected Gothic palaces. Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues at these attractions.

The Sagrada Famlia, Gauds colourful masterpiece, has become an iconic symbol of Barcelona.

Day 2

Morning

Take a stroll along .

The vibrant Mercat de la Boqueria is one of Europes largest markets for fresh produce, cheese and meat.

Afternoon

Take in the smart boutiques of the elegant . In summer, you can stick around for jazz on its famous undulating rooftop.

Day 3

Morning

Relax in one of the many gardens on Montjuc, perhaps the charming Jardins Laribel or the leafy groves of , one of the worlds largest Mir collections.

Afternoon

Youd need more than an afternoon to see every gallery at the .

Day 4

Morning

Take a tour of the , a breathtaking Modernista masterpiece with an eye-popping auditorium.

Afternoon

Check out the contemporary art at the .

---

Top 10 Barcelona Highlights

The soaring, tree-like columns of the Sagrada Famlias nave

Top 10 Barcelona Highlights

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

SAGRADA FAMLIA

Nothing prepares you for the impact of the Sagrada Famlia. A tour de force of the imagination, Antoni Gauds church has provoked endless controversy. It also offers visitors the unique chance to watch a wonder of the world in the making. Over the last 90 years, at incalculable cost, sculptors and architects have continued to build Gauds dream. Now financed by over a million visitors each year, it is hoped the project will be complete by 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gauds death.

NEED TO KNOW

Entrances: C/Marina (for groups) and C/Sardenya 93 207 30 31 www.sagradafamilia.org