Barcelona Things to Do

Walking down Barcelona’s famous shopping street Passeig de Gracia, you’ll come across more than just stores, but also one of the city’s most iconic structures: La Pedrera. With an undulating façade decorated with leafy-like wrought-iron balconies, it’s a sight to be seen both inside, outside and from above.

If you’re looking for Christmas with a twist, then Barcelona might just be the place to find it. Forget snow and loads of Christmas trees — for the most part, anyway — and prepare yourself for some of the most intriguing holiday traditions around.

Visiting Montserrat was one of my travel highlights. Not only is it visually spectacular but there’s something about the place that takes you out of your normal thinking – even if only for an hour or two.

The Spanish love a party so it’s not surprising that the lead up to Lent is a festive time in Barcelona. Carnaval literally means ‘farewell to meat’, and it’s a time of feasting in preparation for the 40-day fast period of Lent. This year Carnaval kicks off on February 16th with Dirty Thursday (Jueves Ladero or Dijous Gras) – let the eating begin!

Flamenco is the passionate style of traditional music, song and dance of the Gypsies (flamencos) of Andalusia. Flamenco takes three forms: Cante, (song), Baile, (dance), and Guitarra, (guitar). Flamenco dance features swirling skirts, rhythmic patterns, sophisticated footwork and magnificent hand gestures, with the singing at the heart of the tradition. Flamenco songs explore themes of love, politics and humour, and the often tragic lyrics reflect the sufferings of the gypsy people.