Categories
Markets

La Boqueria

Entrance to La Boqueria market

The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, to give La Boqueria its proper name, is one of Barcelona’s busiest attractions. If you love food, you’ll see why – not only are the raw ingredients available, but there are also numerous stalls selling cooked (and pre-prepared) food. There are actually 11 bars in the market – along with dozens of others around the periphery.

There are quiet times at La Boqueria

The Boqueria is a working market, however, so please behave accordingly: ask before taking photos, and give people enough space to get their shopping done. And for goodness sake, don’t drag your suitcases around – yes, I have seen it. If you are buying supplies, La Boqueria is surprisingly good value. Just go early, before the crowds. Closed Sundays.

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Categories
Architecture

La Sagrada Família

La Sagrada Familia interior

Of all of architect Antoni Gaudí’s works in Barcelona, La Sagrada Família has to be the most iconic.

Set to be the world’s tallest church when it is completed in 2026, La Sagrada Família sees more than 3m visitors annually. It is the sixth most reviewed attraction in the world on TripAdvisor, with mostly positive reviews.

Famously, George Orwell wasn’t a fan, saying it was “one of the most hideous buildings in the world” and that he hoped it would be destroyed during the Spanish Civil War.

Whether you consider it gaudy or a work of genius, it is difficult not to be impressed. You’re unlikely to have the place to yourself however, but the visitor numbers are managed reasonably well.

If you want to avoid those crowds entirely, here are some alternative sites to visit without being overrun.

Book online.

Sunlight filters into La Sagrada Familia

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Architecture

Palau de la Música Catalana

The stunning headlight skylight at the Palau de la Música Catalana is a highlight

The Palau de la Música Catalana is a spectacular modernista concert hall designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It’s well worth taking a guided tour. Better still, do that and also attend a performance: There’s plenty going on throughout the year, and if the show’s a bit dull there’s always the magnificent stained glass skylight and other architectural details to wonder at.

the auditorium at the Palau de la Música Catalana

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