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City breaks in Barcelona

Packed with quirky architecture, an enigmatic nightlife and enviable cultural riches, Barcelona city breaks really do have it all. If you can't decide between a short beach break, a hiking holiday or a gallery-hopping culture trip, you don't have to in Barcelona.

Looks don’t deceive in Barcelona – they’re the first insight into what makes this city so special. Ancient, Art Nouveau and everything in-between, the Catalan capital is a trove of sublime architecture. From the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter to the surreal spires of Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Familia in Eixample, some come for Barcelona’s breath-taking buildings alone.

But the famous architect isn’t the only genius to leave a lasting mark on the city. From Picasso and Miro to Cruyff and Messi, Barcelona’s inimitable style has been carefully crafted by a host of greats. A centre for art and design, both Picasso and Miro have museums here, while the MACBA contemporary art museum shows off some of the world’s great modern works. For a different sort of masterpiece, you can still watch Messi create magic at the Camp Nou.

After a night out? Many of the tourists who come to party stick to the seafront area, but the hippest district right now is Raval, with its multicultural vibes, edgy bars and cheap Barcelona stays. For the classic Barcelona experience, head to El Born, a maze of winding cobbled lanes, historic eateries and drinking holes.

Most spend at least one day flopped on Barceloneta beach, a stretch of enviable sand fronting a lively port area. When city’s summer temperatures reach scorching point, you’ll find the locals cooling off here.

Elsewhere, Montjuïc is one of two 'mountains' that edge Barcelona; it overlooks the Mediterranean and is worth a climb during your holiday, as much for the views as for the castle at its summit. Hikers will prefer Tibidabo, a tree-covered ridge bordering the city at the other end, with many trails and a rather curious church.

When to go to Barcelona

There really isn't a bad time for a Barcelona city break – the Catalan capital basks in about 300 days of sun a year and is perfect for a weekend escape. If you want to hit the beach, it's best to visit from May onwards.

The main tourist hotspots are jam-packed by July, while a trip to Barcelona in August can be unbearably hot in the heart of the city.

Though you're unlikely to go for a dip come December, the mild weather equates to cheap short breaks in Barcelona as temperatures level out until after the New Year.

What to do in Barcelona

It's a sin to stick to the beaches in Barcelona, tempting though they may be. There are several essential stops among the city's iconic modernist architecture, older Gothic buildings, awesome churches and beautiful parks, plus more than a few captivating museums to boot.

La Sagrada Familia

Gaudí's crowning masterpiece had only one facade when the architect died in a tram accident, but the church-in-progress is already a mind-blowing fantasia of sculptural detail. Each generation's contribution is easily discerned by the lighter and darker tones and subtly different styles.

La Sagrada Familia will be finished in time for the centenary of Gaudí's death in 2026.

Casa Batlló

Another of Gaudí's most-lauded works is Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia, which is a true wonder inside and out.

The undulating roof is covered in pink-and-blue tiles, rather like the scales of a dragon (or so we imagine), while the facade is adorned with broken ceramics in rainbow colours, as well as balconies like animal skeletons and an entrance resembling the jaws of a beast.

Santa Maria del Mar

Even if you're not a fan of churches, you'll love Santa Maria del Mar. Its perfect proportions are mind-boggling, while the interior of narrow stained-glass windows and aged pillars will have your jaw hitting the ground.

It's thought to be the last surviving example of Catalan-Gothic architecture (much of the other Gothic churches were destroyed during the Civil War) and it's much prized for having supposedly been built by local people.

Museu Picasso

Barcelona is credited with nurturing the talent of Picasso during its heyday as Europe's cultural capital in the early part of the 20th century. Fittingly, then, the city's Picasso museum has one of the largest collections – some 4,000 pieces – of the great artist's work anywhere in the world.

Spread across five grand Catalan gothic townhouses, the museum was uniquely unveiled during Picasso’s lifetime, and he donated many of the items personally.

Park Güell

By now, you may be thinking of Barcelona as the city that Gaudí built – but the pioneer of Catalan Modernism looms large with good reason.

Park Güell is a stunning wilderness hovering above the city, punctuated by giant sculpted ribs that resemble natural caverns, and a sculptural park showing off the best of the architect's broken-ceramics method, including his iconic lizard.

Where to stay in Barcelona

For food and drink

Barcelona’s culinary scene is up there with the best, whether you’re seeking out cheap and easy tapas bars or high-end fine dining. Central El Born is a good base for a wide range of tastes, and it’s also home to the enormous Santa Caterina Market, a bustling hall of fresh food and budget eats.

Elsewhere, El Raval is beginning to make a name for itself with its hip restaurants and bars, while Barceloneta’s food is very much inspired by its seafront location (it’s also right by the beach).

For nightlife

You don’t have to look too hard to find a party in Barcelona. Barri Gotic puts you right in the centre of the city, amid alleyways and squares, bars and nightclubs, just steps away from La Rambla. Stay here for a winning combo of choice and convenience. Trendy El Born, meanwhile, is known for its cool cocktail bars and bohemian vibes.

If you’re after upmarket, Seafront Vila Olimpica – the former Olympic village – is all beach bars and glitzy night clubs. You’ll find some of the city’s most exclusive venues here.

For culture

For the best of Barcelona’s cultural attractions, stay central. In particular, El Born is packed with interesting architecture, and world-class museums.

The concert hall Palau de la Música Catalana, El Born Centre Cultural, the basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and Museo Picasso are all here. Plus, it’s close to both the beach and La Rambla. El Raval is another excellent central option. MACBA (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art), the Maritime Museum and the CCCB arts centre are all located here.