The Picasso Museum

This should be on the itinerary of anyone who visits Barcelona. The museum collection is housed in five medieval palaces. Picasso was a prodigious artist and the extensive collection show the progression of his work as he went throw one creative stage to another. It also gives a good idea of Picasso’s life, as the exhibits trace his roots from birth in Malaga, to the happy years he lived in Paris, to the very influential Moscow period (it was there that he made his famous series of paintings on the Russian Ballet), his return Barcelona, which he made his home.

The Picasso Museum also has the benefits of having very affordable entrance fees, easy accessibility (even from public transportation), and proximity to other tourist attractions. One can spend the morning at the museum and then head for the Ciutat Vella (which means Beautiful City).

The Ciutat Vella

This is one of the historical districts of Barcelona and dates back to the 14th Century. You’ll find several of the original neighborhoods. This includes the Gothic quarters, Las Ramblas (a promenade filled with flowers) La Ribera, and the Raval.

It is not difficult to navigate the Ciutat Vella. Tourists are guided by four famous landmarks. Begin your tour at the Catalunya Square and then amble towards the Las Ramblas. From here, head towards the Christopher Columbus Monument, which is located at the edge of the city near the port area. You can walk towards the Olympic Port, and by doing this, reach Ciutat Park. Amid the cobblestone streets and series of boutiques, you will have a great view of Arc of Triumph.

Nou Camp Football Stadium

You don’t have to be a soccer fan to enjoy an exciting game played by the Barca, Barcelona’s pride. The football season starts in September and ends in May. If you are in the city during that time be sure to get tickets! Hopefully the team will win and you will see how the entire city celebrates!

Costa Brava/Costa Dorada

Try to spend at least one day at the coastlines of Barcelona. You can find quite a number of hotels, from affordable youth hostels to five star hotels to very charming bed and breakfasts run by the locals.