Top 5: Ways to Experience Art in Barcelona

Antoni Gaudi’s Parc Guell Public Garden © Matthew Dixon | Dreamstime

Parc Güell

Hike (or metro) your way north toward this hilly park for stunning views of Barcelona, the sea and some of Gaudi’s awe-inspiring architecture. Although some areas of the park require a fee, the majority of the space is free for visitors and is meant to be explored on foot. Winding pathways take you under arborous havens with pockets of stone towers, arches and picturesque picnic areas.

Antoni Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia © Alexsalcedo | Dreamstime

Sagrada Familia

It’s no secret Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece is one of Barcelona’s must-see destinations. With an entrance fee worth every euro, the interior of this stunning edifice is unlike any other cathedral in the world. A myriad of colors and every arch variation imaginable awaken the architectural enthusiast in everyone.

The Pablo Picasso Museum © MaxiSports | Dreamstime

Picasso Museum

One of Spain’s most well known artists has his own museum tucked away in the corridors of El Born district. Guided tours and audio tours are available through the five townhouses that feature some of Pablo Picasso’s most influential and recognizable works.

106 Carrer d’Enric Granados © The Brandery | Flickr

Carrer d’Enric Granados

Located a few blocks north of Plaça Catalunya and stretching from the University to Diagonal, this strip of art galleries, restaurants and boutiques highlight some of the city’s best art. Heavy with sidewalks and bicycle paths — but not with vehicles — you are free to peruse the rotating exhibits among the promenade’s galleries.

Carrer del Bisbe, Gothic Quarter © Sergey Dzyuba | Dreamstime

On foot

Strolling through Barcelona’s thoroughfares is one of the best (and cheapest) ways to see the artistic aspects of the city, which tend to pop up out of nowhere. A façade here, a sculpture there and hidden cathedrals are around any corner, especially in the Gothic Quarter and El Born.