Barcelona Things to Do

Despite being next to the beach, Barcelona can get pretty warm during those hot Spanish summer days and nights. Many of those who live there escape the city heat by heading out to their places in the countryside and hills beyond. For the rest of us, here are a few options:

Montjuic

Head to the top of this mountain next to the city for great views over Barcelona and the cooling spray of the magic fountain…

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.

You don’t have to wait long after the snows melt for the wildflowers to begin appearing in the Pyrenees. These fabulous mountains divide Spain (Catalonia) from France, and they’re easily visited in a day trip from Barcelona, or on a longer hiking trip, either organised with a group or on your own staying in a hotel.

Eating and drinking aren’t just enjoyable things to do when you travel – food and wine reveal so much about a culture and its people. Well, that’s our excuse for doing so much of both on Grantourismo, a contemporary grand tour we did. (Read more about Grantourismo here.)

Given Catalonia’s diverse geography and climates and cultural history it makes sense it’s no surprise that the region would produce artists such as Picasso, Dali and Gaudi. These noted surrealists’ imprint on cities such as Barcelona are as indelible as they are famous; in fact, I’d say a trip to Barcelona to see their most famous works is something to do before you die.

Catalonia is one of the most fascinating regions in all of Europe, and Barcelona is no less interesting. Outside of Barcelona, however, is Montserrat, home to a monastery and the famous Morenita, the “Black Madonna” statue. If you’re visiting Barcelona, you should really take a day trip to this rugged mountain (Montserrat literally translates to “jagged”).

If you’re looking to get out of the city for a day, the area around Barcelona is chock full of fun things to do, and Barcelona day trip tours are reasonably priced. For wine lovers, there’s a good one that takes you to Montserrat and the Freixenet winery. It’s a little over $80, and its takes you the Royal Basilica in Montserrat, where you can view the famous Black Virgin statue and hear La Escolania de Montserrat, one of Europe’s oldest children’s choir. The tour concludes at Freixenet, where you’ll get to taste its world-famous sparkling wine.