5 Things You HAVE to Do in Barcelona

1 Explore Rambla de Canaletes

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

This famous street is lined with larger stores, but the middle is filled with the perfect souvenir shopping experience. From colorful scarves to sweets to the ever important shot glasses, this is one fun attraction.

Pro tip: Right off of this street is La Boqueria Market, which is a must-do all its own. There's locally-made meats, fruits, and cheeses and you'll only spend a couple euros.

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2 Visit La Sagrada Familia

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Going to Barcelona and failing to visit La Sagrada Familia is like going to Paris and not stopping at the Eiffel Tower. This gorgeous, unique-looking church was built from 1882 to 1926 by a Spanish architect. The view is (arguably) even better inside where the sun beams in and the glass windows reflect every color of the rainbow. Wander around this famous Barcelona site on your own or with a guided tour.

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3 Go on a Bus Tour

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When you picture Barcelona, you probably don't picture a beach right away, but there's actually a bunch of them! There's also a financial business district that is much different from the area surround the Rambla de Canaletes street that we talked about before. So if you don't have an extended stay, the bus tour is especially great to help you see everything!

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4 Eat Tapas . . . and A Lot of Them

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Imagine going to a restaurant and getting to try a variety of small dishes — that's what tapas are. They're essentially appetizers/snacks that are popular in Spanish cuisine and eaten from around 8:30 p.m. to midnight. Some well-known dishes include ensaladilla rusa (Russian salad), pa amb tomàquet (white bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled with oil and salt), and patatas bravas (basically the French fries of Spain). And don't forget the red sangria!

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5 Get Lost

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

One of the best things about Barcelona is that there are hidden gems, in the form of shops and restaurants, around every corner. So don't worry if you don't have an exact plan on where to go or what to do because you're bound to find something fantastic if you just make the effort to get up and go!

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