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Off the beaten path in Barcelona - Make it count!

by Hrvoje

Barcelona offers almost everything every holidaymaker desires. From favorable weather conditions, mountains, tasty cuisines, to a buzzing nightlife, Barcelona has something for everyone.

While on vacation in Barcelona, the chances are that you would want to explore as much as you can. 

Most tourists fancy exploring all the classy sites such as The Magic Fountain of Montjuic, La Rambla, La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Beach or Camp Nou.

Magic Fountain and the Catalan art museum, Barcelona La Rambla street. The most popular street in Barcelona early in the morning

Aerial Panorama view of Barcelona city skyline and Sagrada familia at dusk time, Spain

 

These are some famous tourist attractions in Barcelona. 

However, they are likely not to be as exciting as some of the unpopular but fascinating places that you can visit, given that you will probably already know everything about them by the time you get to those popular destinations.

As much as you are inclined to explore some classic sights, you should incorporate some off the beaten path sights into your travel itinerary.



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Day 1

As you begin your first day, start your day off by visiting the Casa Balto and the Casa Mila, a truly fantastic architectural masterpiece by Gaudi. 

As you explore this building and some of its amazing sites, the chances are that these sights have you hungry. 

And when it's time for a spot on the La Rambla, halfway through the walk, step into the La Boqueria to enjoy the delicacies offered at this eatery.


As you move further down the street, you will ultimately end up on the northern end, where you will have some time to quench your thirst. 

The Las Golondrinas Boat Tour might be a great place to wind up your first day as you enjoy the scenery, perhaps, as you enjoy some coffee or something a bit stronger.


Day 2

As much as you would love to explore some classic sites at the heart of Barcelona, you should consider spending time in equally beautiful but less-visited places.

Even though nothing in Barcelona is 'absolutely' of the beaten path, you can start your day visiting the Casa Museo Amatller, which regarded as one of a unique building in all of Barcelona with a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary architectural features. 

From there, you can wind up your morning tour with a Dark History tour, which will take roughly two hours by foot, as you learn about Spain's bloody past. 


Start your afternoon by visiting the Mercat Sant Antoni, a beautiful historic market with few tourists, for an authentic Barcelona market experience.

Later, after checking out on the market, you can stop by some eateries and local bars. And who knows, you might end up ending your day here as you enjoy the calm and great vibe on this market.


Casa Amatller is an Modernism masterpiece by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch at Eixample District in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Day 3

On your final day, there isn't much that you can do as you make arrangements to get back home.

Start your day at the Casa Roja en Carrer de Padua to enjoy the affluence of the lively Barrio

While still in Barrio, visit the Gothic Quarter will reveal a host of other off the beaten path attractions. While at the Gothic Quarters, the oldest part of Barcelona, there is more than you can chew as far as historical sightseeing is concerned.

While still embedded in Barcelona's history, you can end your day at the Jewish Quarter and the Ruins of Augustus Caesar Temple.


Panorama of Ancient Roman Gate and Placa Nova in the Morning, Barri Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

 



The best way to explore Barcelona is to go beyond the beaten path.

This will not only give you a more authentic picture of this city, but it will help you discover where life is.

There are many more off the beaten path places that you can visit and activites to do:


Jardins De Rubio I Lluch

Jardins De Rubio I Lluch is one of the hidden gems of Barcelona, which provides a medieval hideaway.

It provides a different feel compared to the busy market places and monuments in Barcelona.

Individuals who are interested in art find the most value visiting this destination.

A Moorish style fountain in the Jardins de Rubió i Lluch


The Horta Labyrinth Park

The Horta Labyrinth Park is the one destination in Barcelona where you can quite literally get lost.

It is among the oldest gardens that you can find in the city, which features hedges that form a maze.

Finding your way out of the maze can be fun, irrespective of whether you are alone or in a group.

The beautiful Horta Park and its great labyrinth

 

The Monastery of Pedralbes

The Monastery of Pedralbes is a 14th-century gothic monastery, which is one of the few places that you can visit that offers something so different from what you can find in other popular destinations in the busy city.

It might not be as spectacular as other similar monuments that are well-known, but it does have its unique charm. It has been home to nuns since 1327.

Gallery of arches in the monastery of Pedralbes in Barcelona



Teatre Grec

Almost every tourist goes to Montjuic Castle when looking to enjoy a relaxed time with amazing views.  A great alternative that is not very common is Teatre Grec. 

It is almost entirely surrounded by nature and has a way of giving an extra charm with the beautiful gardens and surroundings.


El Jardi bar

El Jardi bar  which is also referred to as The Garden, is located in the densely populated El Jardi.

It is a bar that offers you a perfect opportunity to chill and figure out whatever you need to.


Pillow Fighting in Barcelona

Just imagine how much fun it gets thumping strangers and friends with a pillow? If you think I’m kidding, then I invite you to the next Pillow Fight BCN.

I can tell you that whipping other people with a giant pillow is, for sure, more than just fun. If you have fatigue or stress which you may have accumulated during winter, then this is one activity you should try out.

The Pillow Fight is a fun way to meet people from different walks of life. I liked the fact that the event is open to even children, and I did not have to pay a single cent to participate.

All I did was to pack my fluffiest, feather-filled pillow and stroll to the Central Square of Barcelona. 

No “fighter” was allowed to use a zipped or fastened pillow, wear glasses, or attack anyone who did not have a pillow. For sure, it was a perfect throwback to my childhood days.


Pillow battle in Catalunia square

 





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