Full of fairness and charm, Barcelona is one of the most touristic attractions and a premier travel destination in Spain. Sparkling coastlines, stunning architecture, amazing art and rich culture is what makes this city so special. Walking from the oldest medieval districts to the modern ones, there is always something to do, visit and discover. Consequently, Barcelona boasts about having an endless natural, cultural and architectural explorations that make you want to travel there right away! So, hop on and let’s explore this charming “Paris of Spain” as described by Hans Christian Anderson and discover Barcelona architecture gems.

Barcelona Architecture

Sagrada Familia

Starting with Gaudi’s unfinished symphony and an extraordinary work of unlimited imagination, La Sagrada Familia. A masterpiece from the brilliant mind of Antonio Gaudi. Characterized by its ornate detailing, this Roman Catholic Church is a testament for architectural ingenuity. When completed in 2032, the church will feature over 18 spires, 3 grand façades and will be the tallest church in the world. So, whether you visit the church as a part of an architectural tour or as a pilgrimage, it leaves all its visitors in various states of awe.

Casa Mila

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is one of Gaudi’s most iconic buildings. It broke away from the typical architectural style of the time as it was innovative yet functional whilst being decorative and pleasant to look at. The stonework is undulating and cut in large blocks creating a moving surface throughout the entire facade. Certainly, it’s considered to be one of the most organic and artistic works of Gaudi.

Casa Batllo

The fascination continues with Gaudi offering Barcelona Architecture more gems with most poetic Gaudi’s design. The incomparable architectural piece that will forever astonish its observers, Casa Batllo. The charm and fantasy of the Casa Batlló captivate passers-by.  Inside the Casa Batlló, you can visit the mezzanine, see the ceramic skylight, the double attic space with its sequence of catenary arches, and the rooftop with its colorful mosaiced chimneys. It’s a true representation of Gaudi’s creativity.

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is the first house designed by Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona. The protruding and intruding elements on the facade of Casa Vicens and the use of color and decorated ceramics are inspired by Moorish and Oriental architecture. Therefore, it stands as a unique gem in Barcelona’s architecture.

Parc Güell

Park Güell is one of the most impressive public parks in the world also designed by Gaudi. It is a garden complex that houses a series of dynamically designed buildings, including Gaudi’s house. In this park, Gaudi let loose of his imagination and so should you when you walk through Parc Güell.

Palau de la Música Catalana

Barcelona architecture boasts with a culture all over the city. For music lovers, you have to visit Palau de la Música Catalana. This turn-of-the-century concert hall is a sublime venue for opera, symphonies, and folk music and is a UNESCO-listed heritage.

El Peix

This 52m long golden fish sculpture by Frank Gehry is one of the most striking landmarks in Barcelona. It’s a gold-colored stainless steel surface shines under the Mediterranean sun and changes appearance depending on the angle of the sun and the current weather conditions. This giant goldfish has become one of the symbols of the post-Olympic Barcelona. So, we highly recommend you visit this unique work of this famous architect.  

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

Barcelona has a huge variety of museums and on top of these is the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, also well-known as MACBA. Designed by the celebrated Richard Meier, the museum holds a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions throughout the year and is well-known for displaying a wide range of contemporary works. Therefore, if you’re an art lover, directly head to this museum.

Torre Agbar

It’s an enormous eye-catching building emerging from the ground and pointing towards the sky. Having a glass surface through which the colors of the Mediterranean are reflected, this building proudly stands. The Glòries Tower is Jean Nouvel’s iconic landmark one of the symbols of contemporary Barcelona.

Barcelona’s Forum

Because of its striking play of surfaces, textures, and patterns, you won’t help notice the Forum Building in Barcelona. Designed by the Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, this daring building is a must-see.

Els Encants Vells

’Està molt bé’ or ’it’s really very good’ was the phrase most heard from the thousands who visited it. It’s Barcelona’s locally legendary flea market. The tilted, golden-hued canopy and its reflective ceiling make Els Encants Vells an enchanting design showpiece. So, whenever you plan to shop in Barcelona, this market should be on top of your list.

Las Ramblas

If you’re a fan of long promenades, Las Ramblas is the place for you. It is a large boulevard which runs through the heart Barcelona. You’ll be wandering under the shade of the tall trees and passing by living statues, street performers, bird-sellers and flower stands. Part of experiencing this avenue is actually walking on Miro’s famous mural and seeing outstanding human statues and other charming works of art too.

Camp Nou

For those who breathe in Football instead of air, Camp Nou is one of football’s greatest venues that they will undoubtedly enjoy. Above all, don’t forget to pass by the FC Barcelona club museum and see the hidden gems there.

Tibidabo Amusement Park

If you’re the type of tourist that perceive amusement in a more fun and energetic way, well Tibidabo Amusement Park won’t be less than perfect! Enjoy an unforgettable skywalk and experience Barcelona Architecture from above while riding the roller coaster of the park. Certainly, there are lots of fun activities that you can enjoy at the park too. For more information, check this website: Tibidabo Attractions.

Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

While you’re still in Tibidabo, we certainly recommend you visit this incredibly beautiful church and enjoy the unusual scenery there. The Tibidabo Cathedral del Sagrat Cor looks down on Barcelona from the city’s tallest peak, Mount Tibidabo. Therefore, don’t forget to visit this church and experience Barcelona from above.

To wrap up, There’s something to delight everyone in Barcelona! So, when booking your next trip, don’t forget to read our article to have a full view and a city guide to Barcelona’s architecture. Fell in love with Spain? So, check this article to know more about this amazing country: Granada City Architecture.