On our second morning in Barcelona, we caught the hop-on/off tourist bus and followed the Modernista Route stopping off along the Paseo de Gràcia to view outstanding examples of Catalan art-nouveau architecture, such as Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló and the imposing stone façade of Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – built by Antoni Gaudí, the city’s most emblematic architect between 1906 and 1910, the interior of this house, declared Patrimony of Humanity, is full of surprises.
Seeing the Sagrada Familia and Catalan Modernist Route
Continuing our 2 day Barcelona itinerary
Day 2 in Barcelona
Next on our itinerary was the Sagrada Família, the unfinished cathedral, architectural wonder by Gaudí. At the time of his death in 1926, only one of the towers had been completed. It’s debatable whether the effort of climbing up the claustrophobic, twisting turret stairway to the top of the pinnacles that spear the skyline of Barcelona is really worth the exertion (there is a lift only that would have been cheating) but the incredible views from the stone windows probably tips the balance.
The Modernista trail concludes at the surrealistic Park Güell. From here, one of the optional attractions, Tibidabo, is just a stone’s throw away. The Tramvia Blau, Blue Tram, leaves you at the foot of the Tibidabo Funicular Railway which runs to the top of the hill. The magic mountain is the ideal place to stop off for lunch and enjoy the panoramic views over the city or call in at the Amusement Park, which opened in 1900 and presently combines traditional and symbolic attractions with the most modern facilities.
We visited the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), where the remains of the Roman city survive alongside the city’s medieval buildings.
In the evening, Juan and I dined at the Hard Rock Café in Plaza Catalunya, and had a great time listening to live music – the place is usually packed especially on Thursday nights when gigs of up-and-coming bands are held.
The slow-moving queue up the turret in the Sagrada Familia meant we didn’t get the chance to visit Gaudí’s amazing Casa Batlló. Travel bloggers ‘Where Gals Wander’ were there recently, you can see their photos here: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló in Barcelona
Related Posts on Barcelona
Day 3 in Barcelona (Montjuïc and Plaza España)
On our third day in Barcelona, I took time out to discover some of the interesting sights further away from the city centre. You’ll definitely want to see Montjuïc and Plaza España.
Read more >>>
Barcelona city is an open-air museum with a multitude of fascinating things to see. Follow our Barcelona 2 day itinerary through the historic quarter down to the fashionable seafront boulevard. Read more >>>
Road Trip Costa Brava (3 Day Itinerary from Barcelona)
Enjoy a road trip along the Costa Brava. This 3-day itinerary from Barcelona is packed with suggestions for activities, places to see and must-have experiences. Read more >>>
Discover the World with
the blog with a focus on independent travel
