Barcelona is a tourist-friendly city and this can be one of its greatest advantages and also a major disadvantage when it comes to crowds and busy spots.
Each year the city receives thousands of tourists and as a result, prices soar and the traditional iconic places harder to enjoy.
For those looking to enjoy Barcelona away from the noisy touristic routes, here are 10 places you should not miss when visiting this awesome city.
Photo via Flikr
1. Monasteri de Pedralbes: This gothic building from 1326 is a beautiful jewel in the middle of the chic Pedralbes neighborhood. Most tourist guides ignore Pedralbes but that doesn´t make it any less beautiful. Right next to it is the San Miguel Chapel, decorated by Ferrer Bassa, a famous Spanish gothic painter.
2. Palau Güell: One of Anthoni Gaudi´s least known buildings is a palace located in Carrer Nou de la Rambla in the Raval neighborhood. It was built for the city residence of Eusebi Güell. It was one of Gaudi’s first constructions and features a terrace with nice views of the city.
3. Els quatre gats: This antique café frequented by personalities like Picasso is hidden near the famous Passeig de l´Angel a well known shopping street and is a symbol of Catalan modernism. Although is included in guides like Trip Advisor (which, by the way, have made it´s prices rise) it is not a crowded place where you can enjoy some nice tapas in a place full of history.
4. Gracia: Although every day more and more tourists are discovering this residential neighborhood, Gracia is still a haven for those looking to hide from tourist packs. You might discover nice restaurants with Japanese, Mexican and Turkish food and you will also find nice alternative bars.
5. Jardins de Miramar: These small gardens are located between Montjuic Castle and the Miró Foundation museum and from there you can enjoy one of the most amazing sights of the city. There is a bar located at the end of the gardens and from there you can also take a funicular that will take you to La Barceloneta and from which you will enjoy beautiful city sights.
6. Horta Labyrinth: this maze has staged famous movies like “The Perfume” and is definitely one of the best kept secrets of the city. Located in Horta neighborhood, the labyrinth is located in the Desvalls family property and besides the maze it has several plants and trees that makes it a small green paradise within the city.
7. Santa Caterina Market: located by Barcelona’s Cathedral, this beautiful market is a nice place to grab some tapas without the tourists crowds you will find on the Boqueria Market.
8. El Nacional: located in Passeig de Gracia, this beautiful restaurant is like a market where you will find different options to eat: tapas, meats, fish or simply grab a gin tonic after a long day of tourism.
9. Blai street: well known among tourists and students who come here almost every day to enjoy their cheap tapas, Blai street has become one of the best spots to enjoy tapas, this pedestrian street is full of terraces where you can enjoy tapas and lots and lots of beer.
10. Encants Market: this newly reformed market near the Agbar tower is one of the oldest markets of Europe, and is a nice place to find some interesting antiques, it’s mirror ceiling is also worth visiting.
