Why Barcelona is One of the Best Cities in Europe

Barcelona is one of the many cities that comes to mind when you think of Europe. It is often at the top of your mind for a good reason. It is a marvelous city known for its arts and culture, but lucky for you, there is more! Barcelona also has some of the amazing food, beaches, and nightlife, making it the ultimate European getaway! This cosmopolitan city has everything you would ask for in a great travel destination – be it a sojourn or a long-term stay. It is one of a few cities I’ve been to that never failed to amaze me.

The Catalan city has something to offer for every kind of traveler. As one of the busiest airports in Europe, Barcelona can be reached wherever you are in the world. If you are looking for cheap flights on your next trip, FlightHub has fantastic flight deals to Barcelona and to some of the best cities in the world.  

The Food

Food is something that the Spanish are well known for. Spanish cuisine offers delicious and diverse tastes that will suit any taste bud. Being a coastal city, Barcelona is known for its paella. Paella is an incredibly tasty dish that consists of mainly rice and seafood. For those that aren’t a fan of seafood, you might want to give bombas a try. They are balls of beef and mashed potatoes that are fried to perfection, creating a crispy, delicious treat! If you are a foodie type of traveler, go inside every market you could find, and you will definitely find something you would like to try. 

The Culture

Barcelona’s culture is rooted deeply in Classical Spanish art and architecture. This can be found throughout the city in its various historical buildings. The city’s historic buildings and relics serve as reminders of what built the city in the past. The narrow alleys at Barrio Gothic is a must to tread on to satisfy your lust for Gothic architecture. Catalan’s pride, architect Antoni Gaudi, has left many of his most notable buildings throughout Barcelona. Some of his most celebrated works in the city are Casa Pedrera, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. Don’t miss his breathtaking and most ambitious architectural project – the Sagrada Familia.

For the early works of Picasso, visit the Museo Picasso that hosts 4,251 artworks of the Spanish artist. Joan Miro, another Catalan artist, has some of his works displayed at a Fundacio Joan Miro. The harmony of the interior design is something you won’t be able to experience in the city or any museum in the world.  

The Nightlife

No matter what generation you are from, or what you like to do when you go for a night out on the town, Barcelona has something for you. The nightlife in Barcelona is incredibly diverse and has something for everyone. Looking for a spot bustling with both locals and tourists? Head over to Las Rambas, as it happens to be one of the more popular parts of the city when it comes to nightlife. If tourists aren’t really your thing, and you are looking for a more laid back, authentic atmosphere, Gracia may be the spot for you at night.

For LGBT travelers, the Eixample neighborhood is your nightlife haven. The locals fondly call it as Gaixample because of its gay-owned and LGBT-friendly businesses in the area. PuntoBCN has some of the wild parties in the city, and for many hedonists, this is their cathedral. On the other hand, Moeem, a cocktail bar, attracts a mixed crowd of people with different gender identities. No matter what your preference is, you are sure to find a place that suits your desires in Barcelona!

The Beaches

Believe it or not, Barcelona also has some pretty amazing beaches. If you’re looking to soak up some sun or enjoy a refreshing swim, head on over to one of their beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches in Barcelona include Platja de Bogatell, Platja de Sant Sebastia, and Platja de la Mar Bella. Beware, these beaches tend to be tourist hotspots, so if you are looking for a spot where locals flock to, you may have to travel a bit off the beaten path!

If you have spare time, take a 30-minute train ride to the beautiful coastal town of Sitges! Many locals in Barcelona love spending their weekend here for the beach – far from the madding tourists’ crowd. Sitges is also known and considered as Spain’s best gay destination.

Overall, Barcelona has to be one of the greatest cities in Europe, possibly even the world! The incredible culture, food, beaches, and nightlife make Barcelona a no brainer when it comes to planning a European vacation! The city will definitely appeal to your senses – and hopefully, charm you the way it did to me. Anyone who gets a chance should definitely make the journey because it is entirely worth it!