Barcelona in a day

Barcelona is a city that is open to the world: lively and welcoming, it draws people from around the globe. There is definitely a wealth of things to be discovered on a visit to Barcelona, including history, traditions, architectural heritage, culture, gastronomy and beaches.

The city’s mild climate makes it the perfect destination for visiting at any time of year, without missing out on any of its delights. It’s always a good time to stroll around the streets of the historic quarter, enjoy a shopping trip, visit the city’s museums or savour its traditional dishes.

What to visit in Barcelona in a day

There are so many things to see in Barcelona in a day that it’s impossible to mention them all. However, here are the principal landmarks of Barcelona that no tourist to the city should miss.

1. Sagrada Familia

Antonio Gaudí’s unfinished temple continues to surprise and delight everyone that visits this Modernist masterpiece with its seemingly impossible forms and shapes. You are advised to schedule your visit for first thing in the morning before the queues start to form, especially if you only have a day to visit Barcelona.

2. Güell Park

This public park is another of Gaudí’s creations. Perched on a hilltop, in addition to the coloured mosaics and staggered terraces, it offers magnificent panoramic views of Barcelona.

3. Paseo de Gracia 

Continuing with the works by Gaudí, on this avenue stand two of the city’s best-known buildings: La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Both boast colourful façades and terraces overlooking the city.

4. Catalunya Square

This square stands between the Ensanche district and the historic quarter, but also connects one of Barcelona’s principal shopping streets, El Portal del Ángel, with Las Ramblas.

5. Las Ramblas

Possibly the busiest street in the city, this is an absolute must on your one-day visit to Barcelona. It is famous for the flower stalls and street artists such as painters and living statues and is lined with bars and restaurants as well as numerous sites of interest, such as Canaletes Fountain, El Liceo Theatre, the Wax Museum and La Boquería Market.

Other places not to be missed when visiting Barcelona in a day  

6. Columbus Monument

At the far end of Las Ramblas, heading for the sea, stands the Columbus Monument, with a viewpoint situated at a height of 60 metres.

7. Gothic Quarter

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the countless options this city offers and you’re not sure what to see in Barcelona in a day, this is an absolute must. A stroll around its maze-like streets is like taking a journey back into the city’s history.

Here you will also find another of the must-see attractions: the Cathedral of La Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia. This temple is not to be confused with the Basilica of Santa María, known as “the Cathedral of the Sea”, situated in the Born district.

8. La Barceloneta

This is the former seafaring district, site of Barcelona’s best-known beaches. From here, visitors can take the cable car up to the Mirador del Mar and admire the spectacular views of the port from this lookout point.  

9. La Ciutadella Park and the Triumphal Arch

This is a natural space with gardens, monuments and a spectacular waterfall. It was built on the occasion of the 1888 World Exhibition and the Triumphal Arch marked the entrance to the site.

10. Montjuïc

Montjuïc Mountain and its surroundings are one of the most popular tourist attractions for a day in Barcelona. It’s also well worth going to Plaza de España to admire the Magic Fountain and the impressive stairway that leads to the National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC).

Montjuïc is a large park with gardens and sports facilities, where visitors can also explore the Pueblo Español open-air architecture museum, the Castle and much of the Olympic Ring.

Where to stay when spending a day in Barcelona

Occupancy rates in Barcelona tend to be high throughout the year, which sometimes makes it difficult to find accommodation that meets particular needs and budgets, especially for occasional overnight stays.

One good option is to look for properties on the outskirts of the city, such as in the area of Sabadell. This town is just 25 km outside Barcelona and has a large number of hotels and aparthotels situated close to the main roads and railway stations with train connections to Barcelona. This will not only enable you to enjoy your day out in Barcelona, but will also guarantee a good night’s rest in a residential area with all the comforts and facilities these types of accommodation can offer.

What’s more, if you have time, you can take advantage of the opportunity to discover some of the sights close to your hotel. Places to visit in Sabadell include the following: 

• Catalunya Park where visitors can take a boat trip.

• The Miquel Crusafont Catalan Institute of Palaeontology, which houses a magnificent collection of fossils.
• Can Feu Castle.

You can also visit Terrassa and admire its Modernist heritage. In addition, nature lovers should visit the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Nature Park or take a cable car ride up to Montserrat massif.

Restaurants in Sabadell

Sabadell is one of the most attractive areas to visit when you’re in Barcelona. Together with Tarrassa, it is the co-capital of the Vallés Occidental region. Not only does it boast a wealth of tourist attractions and countless leisure options, but it also has a number of iconic restaurants serving the traditional cuisine of Catalonia.  

Eating out in Sabadell: savour the finest flavours of Catalonia!

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Sabadell for an unforgettable meal, then take note of our recommendations. Sabadell, which is part of the province of Barcelona, has an extensive gastronomic offer with something to suit everyone, even the most demanding gourmets.

El Celler: one of the recommended restaurants in Sabadell

One of the best restaurants in Sabadell with a long-standing tradition in fine dining, is El Celler. This iconic restaurant, run by the Bernils family, is located in the Vallés area, and is easy to access if you’re staying at a property like the Aparthotel Attica 21.

El Celler is located in a welcoming masía or country house and serves dishes of outstanding quality. At El Cellar, the aim is to leave you with a desire to return and lasting memories of its excellent cuisine, which is always being enhanced with new techniques.

La Capella: one of Sabadell’s most iconic restaurants!

La Capella is one of Sabadell’s best-known restaurants, situated in the lively Can Gambús Park. A prime location that means that you can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the park either before or after your meal.

La Capella is located in a former chapel, and today it is one of Sabadell’s most popular and fashionable eateries, yet it conserves all the charm of a renovated chapel. This restaurant specialises in vegetarian dishes, although the menu also features a selection of meat and pasta dishes. There is also a set menu every day!

For younger diners, there is a specially prepared play area so families can spend a memorable evening together.

Cingle: a paradisiacal setting

Apart from its delicious food, the best thing about Cingle is its prime location in Vacarisses with the Montserrat Massif as a backdrop. This is an idyllic spot for enjoying a meal in Sabadell! This popular restaurant is always busy and follows the traditional of Catalonian cuisine, but always offering a wide variety of dishes.

You can eat in the dining room, but also on the terrace or in the courtyard.

Heura, a restaurant with the very freshest flavours  

What makes Heura one of the best choices for eating out in Sabadell is that it serves local cuisine based on traditional dishes made with ingredients straight from the market. The restaurant’s menu changes with the seasons, so you won’t find the same dishes in winter and in the middle of summer.

What’s more, this restaurant only serves the freshest produce with authentic Mediterranean flavours. If you’re looking for a unique and truly memorable dish, then don’t forget to order the risotto or the sea urchins au gratin. They simply melt in the mouth!

Can Feu, a restaurant with a long-standing tradition

If you’re looking for restaurants near Sabadell, then Can Feu is an absolute must. Originally a bar that opened back in the 1970s, it has gradually evolved into one of the classic names in Sabadell’s gastronomic tradition:  the Villagrasa family.

Today, the latest generation of the family to run Can Feu prepares the very finest Catalonian cuisine with a modern twist, but always in accordance with the region’s traditional flavours. House specialities include fish and shellfish dishes, and they also use produce from their own hatcheries. If you go there during the week, order the set menu – you won’t go hungry!  

Dining out in Sabadell: head for Capritx!

Capritx is quite a small restaurant with just five tables. It’s always busy, so if you’re looking for somewhere to have dinner in Sabadell, make sure you book well in advance!   

Although Capritx has only been open for around a decade, it occupies the site of a former takeaway food business, founded by the grandparents of Capritx’s current owners. This restaurant is very popular because it uses the freshest quality produce from the Vallés Occidental region. And the dishes are simply delicious!

El Rincón del Bierzo

Dining out in Sabadell at an affordable price and with quality dishes has never been easier: head for El Rincón del Bierzo, one of Sabadell’s best restaurants. It is an ideal option located on the famous Passeig del Comerç.

Surprisingly, this restaurant serves traditional Galician cuisine! The house speciality is Galician-style octopus and is always much in demand! They also serve a selection of tapas which are perfect for an informal meal. However, remember to get there early or book beforehand, as it gets very full.

What to visit in Terrassa

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Roman city of Égara became one of Catalonia’s principal economic driving forces. At one time, there were more than 40 factories in the city, the majority related to the textile sector. Most of the Modernist buildings dating back to that period are still standing today.

Terrassa, situated some 35 kilometres outside Barcelona, is the capital of the Vallés Occidental region, which it shares with Sabadell. The municipality boasts a rich built heritage and an interesting range of cultural options. In fact, the town hosts a series of concerts, fairs and exhibitions throughout the year. 

What to see in Terrassa

Due to its rich history, visiting Terrassa is like taking a journey back in time. However, the city has managed to combine both past and present. Proof can be found in the Modernist buildings that today house museums and cultural centres, or the conservation of many of the chimneys from the former factories.  

1. Vallparadís Park

Stretching out for 3.5 kilometres, this is one of Catalonia’s largest city parks. It runs through the city from north to south and is divided into various spaces, including a municipal swimming pool and a miniature train line. It is an ideal spot for visiting in Terrassa and enjoying a peaceful stroll, as it is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. Cartuja Castle

This 12th century castle is a great place to visit in Terrassa and is located in the centre of the city at the top of Vallparadís Park. In the 14th century, it ceased to be a stately home and was converted into a residence for monks. Today it houses the main facilities of the Terrassa Museum.   

3. Seu d’Ègara

Still in the park, just a short distance from the castle, visitors will find this medieval site that has been declared a National Monument. It is made up of three churches: San Pedro, Santa María and San Miguel.

La Seu conserves remains and the architectural styles of all the civilisations that have settled in this area throughout history. During the visit, you can admire exhibits from the days of the Iberians, as well as Roman columns and mosaics, Gothic altarpieces and the only Visigoth paintings in Europe.  

4. Historic Quarter

One of the must-see places when visiting Terrassa is its historic quarter with its fascinating streets and buildings.  

• Espíritu Santo Cathedral: built in the Late Gothic style, inside visitors can admire the outstanding Modernist chapel.

• El Palau Tower: standing in the old square known as Plaza Vella, this tower is all that remains of the former 12th century Palace-Castle. The square is full of street cafés, making it one of the liveliest spots in the city.

• City Hall: a Neo-gothic style building designed by the architect Lluís Muncunill.

• Alegre de Sagrera House-Museum: the former home of the textile manufacturer Joaquim de Sagrera that still conserves the original murals and stained glass windows. Here, visitors can learn about the life of the bourgeoisie in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

• La Independencia Market: one of the city’s historic buildings that today houses Terrassa’s municipal market.

• Principal Theatre: another of the buildings that forms part of the city’s historical heritage.

5. Masía Freixa

One of the finest sites to see in Terrassa is this building in the style of Gaudí designed by the architect Muncunill. The owner, Josep Freixa, decided to convert his textile factory into a second home. The interior still contains the original furniture from the dining room and study. Today, this masía houses the Municipal Tourism Service and Catalonia’s Industrial Tourism Network.

Visitors can enjoy a walk around the building in San Jordi Park, which also features a Modernist design. This open space includes a picnic area and amphitheatre.

6. Catalonia National Museum of Science and Technology 

The museum, housed in a former textile factory, not only stands out for its Modernist architecture, but also for its exhibitions, not to be missed if you are visiting Terrassa. One of them includes historical exhibits related to industrialisation and also provides an insight into the production of wool. Another exhibition describes the origin of the universe and includes an experience in the planetarium.

7. Textile Museum and Documentation Centre

Terrassa was a major centre for textile production and therefore a visit to the museum dedicated to this activity is a must. The museum not only describes the history of this industry, but is also home to a large collection of textile items from various countries.

What to see near Terrassa

Choosing a hotel close to the main roads in and out of the city makes it easy to visit other cities such as Barcelona and Sabadell as well as places not to be missed near Terrassa such as the Miniature Catalonia theme park and Güell Industrial Colony (both located half an hour outside the city).

Terrassa also boasts a spectacular natural setting, with attractions such as the Montserrat Massif and the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Nature Park. Hiking lovers will find various routes that will enable them to discover part of Catalonia’s Romanesque heritage.

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