More to do and see in Barcelona

My last post picked 4 things to see and do in Barcelona, particularly for those who haven't been before and who have limited time. Here are a few more, some that may take a little more time and effort to reach, but offer great rewards. At the top of the list is Tibidabo, the mountain that looms over the city and which is easily spotted by the large communications tower on it peak.

The view from the top over the city to the sea is magnificent, but far from the only reason to visit. If you have kids along, and it's a warm season, they should get a kick out of the old-fashioned amusement park (opened in 1899) set on the steep slope. The rides may not offer the thrills of an extreme coaster, but gazing out the window of the airplane that appears to be taking off over the city could be a fun substitute.

The amusement park on Tibidabo offers throwback thrills like this airplane ride.

If you're wondering how I got that photo, the next one provides the answer. In a juxtaposition that may be unique in the world, a church, the Temple of the Sacred Heart looms over the amusement park, providing not only spiritual sustenance but fantastic views.

Construction of the Temple of the Sacred Heart began soon after the amusement park opened in 1899.

Getting to Tibidabo can be easy or challenging, depending on the day and time of year. There's a bus directly from Placa de Catalunya on days the park is fully open - that's the easy way. Read more about Tibidabo and getting there in this blog post from 2014.

A little easier to reach is the seafront boardwalk that runs from Barceloneta to Vila Olympica. This is a great place for an evening stroll, perhaps after enjoying paella at the restaurants Can Majo or El Pacifico, formerly Cava Mar, or you can stop for refreshment at one of the many beach bars along the way.

Looking back to Barceloneta, and the W hotel, on the boardwalk.

If you make it all the way to Vila Olympica (you can grab a bus or taxi back to your apartment at any point on the parallel Passeig Maritim) you'll be rewarded with a view of Frank Gehry's gigantic metal fish that's set atop a casino.

The swanky Hotel Arts looms over Frank Gehry's fish sculpture on the seafront.

This earlier blog post has a lot more detail about the seafront and boardwalk area.

Tired and hungry after your trip to Tibidabo? You can just hang out, eat and people watch on Rambla de Catalunya. If it's a nice evening, grab a chair at one of the many outdoor dining spots that fill the median for blocks. It may not be 4-star food, but you can't beat the setting. And if the urge to shop strikes, there are usual suspect chains and local boutiques streetside.

A curious parade one evening on Rambla de Catalunya.

Undoubtedly the most popular restaurant here is Cerveceria Catalana, which is set just off the boulevard on Carrer de Mallorca. Remarkably, like some other great tapas bars in Barcelona, it manages to thrive without having a website. If you go, prepare to be packing in like a sardine among the boisterous crowd. Other well-regarded restaurants, such as El Glop and the always reliable Taller de Tapas have outposts here as well.

Stretch your legs and your knowledge of Barcelona by visiting the Gracia district. Depending on where you stay, you can walk there or take a Metro to either the Fontana (L3) or Joanic (L4) stations. On a stroll between the two you can get a good feel for the neighborhood, which is touristy but less so than El Born, and dotted with small squares surrounded by cafes and bars.

Shops and cafes surround the Joanic Metro station.

A typical small square in the Gracia district. The "man" on the bench at right is a statue.

Gaudi's Parc Guell is at the outer edge of Gracia, and it's a convenient walk downhill into the district from the park. If you arrive at the park in the morning, you can have lunch in Gracia. Unless you can climb like a Billy goat, I wouldn't recommend doing it the other way. Reach the park is best done by taxi or bus, since there are no Metro stops close by.

Just inside the impressive main entrance to Parc Guell.

Looking down to the space in the photo above.

With Gaudi, look for the details. No space goes undecorated.

Here's an apartment that is located at the end of Passeig de Gracia, where this wide, busy boulevard is reduced to one lane in each direction, with a park-like median in between. From here you can walk to Gracia in one direction and to Rambla de Catalunya in the other, or hop on one of two nearby Metro lines or a bus to reach other parts of the city.

With two bedrooms and a sofa bed, this is a great space for a family or couples traveling together. There are a few places nearby to get coffee, pastries, breakfast or lunch on days you want to stay close to home.

Visit likelivingthere.com to see more vacation rental apartments we can offer in Barcelona and  Paris, or drop us an email at info@likelivingthere.com with the basics of your trip. We'll get back to you promptly and stay with you through booking and beyond.