About Barcelona:

- Barcelona is the largest city in Catalonia, a northeastern province of Spain well known for having its own language and independence movements.

- Language: Spanish, Catalan (but you can get by just fine with English!)

- Currency: Euros

- Population: 1.6 million (city) / 4.8 million (greater)

Where should I stay in Barcelona?

There are many great areas to stay in Barcelona. Here are a few that we recommend:

- Plaça de Catalunya / Eixample – this is probably the most central area where you can walk to most major neighborhoods and attractions in the city. Plaça de Catalunya is near La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia, which are the heart of the shopping and restaurant life of Barcelona. We will be staying at the Hotel Pulitzer. You are welcome to stay there as well, though you can also find plenty of hotels, hostels, and Airbnb’s nearby.

- Gothic Quarter – the Gothic Quarter is an old part of town built during Roman times, with narrow medieval streets filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street, La Rambla, passes through the Gothic Quarter.

- El Born – filled with historical spots like Picasso’s Museum, the Arc de Triomf, and the Basílica of Santa Maria del Mar, El Born is a trendy spot with plenty of designer boutiques, cafes, cocktail nights, and restaurants. You’re also very close to Parc de la Ciutadella. This area is a bit more local, less touristy, but still centrally located.

- Barceloneta – if you want to stay on the beach, this is your spot. Barceloneta Beach has over 3.5 miles of coastline. Close to yacht clubs and trendy restaurants, this is a great area to experience a popular Mediterranean vibe while still being in the city.

Things to Do and See in Barcelona

- Sagrada Familia – The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is a breathtaking basilica designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Its unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, stunning facades, and colorful interior make it a must-see landmark, symbolizing the city's rich cultural heritage.At this point, the cathedral has officially taken longer to build than the Egyptian pyramids.

- Park Güell – another one of Gaudí’s masterpieces (you’ll see a few of them on this list), Park Güell is a mosaic filled park overlooking the city of Barcelona. Another must-see in any trip to Barcelona.

- Casa Batlló – while you don’t necessarily have to go into the museum, this Gaudí designed home resembles a dragon. It’s visible from Passeig de Gràcia (the city’s main shopping corridor) so make sure to mark it on your map to check it out!

- Casa Milá – popularly known as La Pedrera or "the stone quarry", this was the last private residence designed by Gaudí. It’s now a museum and cultural center and can also be observed on Passeig de Gràcia.

- La Rambla – this tree-lined pedestrian street stretches nearly one mile through the Gothic Quarter. Strolling through La Rambla, you’ll find cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and more. It’s a very popular street, so expect many pedestrians while visiting it.

- Camp Nou – home of FC Barcelona, Camp Nou is the biggest stadium in Europe with a capacity of over 100 thousand. A stadium and museum tour will not disappoint. Més que un club.

- Montjuic – Montjuic is more of an area than a specific attraction. This hilltop park is home to Olympic facilities (Barcelona hosted the Summer Olympics in 1992), the Montjuic Castle, a botanical garden, and more. However, the most impressive and beautiful part of Montjuic is at night, where you can experience the Magical Fountains of Montjuic – a Bellagio-styled fountain & light show with classical music on a backdrop of the Palau Nacional Museum.

- Plaça de Catalunya – as mentioned above, Plaça de Catalunya is more of a central plaza conveniently connecting the Gothic Quarter with Eixample. Most of the shops, hotels, and restaurants are near this area. It’s a good central area to convene with friends and move around.

- Mercado de la Boquería – right at the midpoint of La Rambla, this market dates back to the 13th century. Great place to try local delicacies, fruits, hams, cheeses, and drinks.

- Picasso Museum – Gaudí isn’t the only famous Catalan in town! Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí are amongst other famous artists Catalonia has incubated. The Picasso Museum is in the trendy Born district, where you’ll find many museums and outdoor urban art exhibits.

- Parc de la Ciutadella – think of Ciutadella as Barcelona’s Central Park. Beautiful sidewalks, charming ponds, fantastic fountains, and even a zoo! And, while you’re there, check out the Arc de Triomf. Despite its name, ​​this arch does not celebrate the country's military victories (like the ones in Paris or New York), but rather was built as the gateway to the 1888 World Fair and was thus intended to welcome people into the Ciutadella Park.

- Run by the same family since the 1930s, El Xampanyet is a tiny traditional cava (Catalan’s champagne equivalent). It is always full and bursting with atmosphere and a chaotic excitement as people of all ages, many of which are locals squeeze into the small room of blue-tiled walls. The cava is served by the bottle at low prices and served in wide, shallow champagne glasses. Address: C/Montcada 22, Weekdays: 18.30 - 23.30 Weekends: 18.30 - 23.30

Short trips from Barcelona

- Sitges – small beach town 25 miles from Barcelona. It is very close to Casa Felix so it would be a great destination to chill before or after the wedding.

- Montserrat – more of a day-trip than a stay-in, Montserrat is a hilltop town with breathtaking scenery and an 11th Century Benedictine monastery.

- Tarragona – located about 60 miles from Barcelona, the coastal city of Tarragona is renowned for its Roman-era ruins which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll see smaller versions of many edifices you see in Rome, including an amphitheater, aqueducts, bridges, circuses, cathedrals, castles, and more.

- Girona – Girona is a small charming Catalan city about 60 miles from Barcelona landscaped with Medieval and Roman architecture.

- Figueres – located just north of Girona, this town is home to the Salvador Dalí Museum.