How to explore Spain’s coolest city this summer

From Prima

With its independent spirit, striking architecture and buzzing bars dotted all over a pedestrian-friendly centre, not to mention a stunning coastal location, a Barcelona trip should be on everyone's list.

VISIT ON A CHEAP TRIP TO SPAIN

Undoubtedly Spain’s coolest city, Barcelona is a great city to explore in the summer and combined with a beach holiday on the sunny Costa Brava.

If you’re not relaxing in a stylish park, you’ll be sipping a cold drink and people-watching in one of the many squares, or perhaps doing a spot of shopping before grabbing some tapas.

In fact, there’s so much fun to be had during a Barcelona trip that we’ve included an optional day trip there as part of our fantastic all-inclusive Spanish holiday for Prima readers.

Just an hour’s drive from the sun-kissed beaches of the Costa Brava, you’ll have the chance to see the Gaudí-designed Park Güell and iconic, mind-boggling Sagrada Familia. You'll want to explore the shops of Las Ramblas and bars in the Gothic Quarter, too.

Here are some of the must-see sites to visit during a Barcelona trip this summer.

For inspiring architecture… The Gothic Quarter

This trendy and historical corner of Barcelona contains some of the city’s oldest buildings. Wander down winding medieval alleyways to find authentic Catalan restaurants, or learn about the city’s past in the Jewish Quarter.

You can then emerge into one of the areas stone slab squares to gaze up at Gothic churches and their soaring spires.

For fabulous food… La Boqueria

If all that exploring has got you feeling peckish, you’re in luck. Just around the corner from the Gothic Quarter lies one of Europe’s oldest covered markets, a huge celebration of the region’s glorious foodie heritage.

Smell the amazing fresh produce in the air as your eyes wander from one magnificent counter to the next selling traditional tapas, amazing seafood, wonderful cured meats, rich cheeses, and so much more.

For Bohemian bars… El Raval

This hipster hangout is popular with the city’s students and younger crowd, so expect plenty of music and a lively atmosphere, alongside a dose of modern art and culture from the district’s various galleries and exhibition spaces.

There’s also cafes galore and plenty of colourful street art on the walls.

For perfect pics… Parc del Laberint d'Horta

Barcelona is full of picturesque parks, but this is perhaps one of the most a-mazing, with its cypress hedge-lined labyrinth that’s been entertaining visitors for 200 years.

Wind your way around to the centre to find a statue of the Greek god of love, Eros, and bag some awesome holiday snaps as you go.

For mesmerising mosaics… Park Güell

Designed by Barcelona’s most famous son, Antoni Gaudí, this elaborate park complex is full of surprising details. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a fairytale world as you explore its quirky cottages and mosaic-lined staircases.

Gaudí built the park without using any straight lines to mimic his impression of the natural world.

TAKE ME THERE

For incredible views… Montjuic

Climb up to the top of this hillside park on the outskirts of Barcelona or, if you’re feeling a little lazy in the hot sun, take a short gondola ride to the summit.

Once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Barcelona’s ramshackle districts, as well as mountains in the distance and the Balearic sea behind you.

For sun and sand… Barcelona's beaches

Barcelona is probably Europe’s coolest seaside city. In fact, there’s so much to do in town that it might not even occur to you to crash on the sand.

But when the sun’s shining, locals love to decamp to the beaches stretching down the coastline and take a dip in the dazzling blue sea, or simply lie down with an ice cold can of beer in hand. Try Barceloneta, the most famous beach in the city.

Experience Barcelona during an affordable all-inclusive holiday to the Costa Brava this summer. BOOK NOW

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