It is one of the oldest stadiums in Spain. It opened in 1929 for the International Exhibition and was renovated several times over the years to eventually host the 1992 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. It has a capacity of 54,367 and is located in a wonderful spot in Barcelona, on the Montjuïc hill. The stadium has hosted Mediterranean Games, F1 races, international athletics events, American football matches and boxing matches, among others.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO LLUIS COMPANYS OLYMPIC STADIUM
*** BUS: 55, 150
*** SUBWAY: L1, L3.
*** TRAIN: R1.
BARCELONA: THE DREAMY COLORFUL CITY
It has a unique architecture thanks to Gaudi’s impressive and fairytale touch. Many people say that Barcelona developed at a rapid pace after the 1992 Olympics. However, even before 1992 it had not lost the cosmopolitan and colorful connotation it gave to the traveler. It is a dream travel destination, where in every corner you will live to the rhythm of the FC Barcelona football team. Τhere are attractions that will take you back in time and of course you will see how modern city is.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +34
Nearest airports from city center: Barcelona Airport (15km), Girona Airport (91km) and Reus Tarragona Airport (105km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** SAGRADA FAMILIA (Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona)
Antonio Gaudi did his… miracle with the church of the Holy Family, which is the trademark of Barcelona. The Catalan architect and modernist wanted to build the largest cathedral in Europe and its construction began in 1882. You will be impressed with its Gothic architecture, huge bell towers and facades of Genesis, Passion and Glory.
*** PARK GUELL (Carrer d’Olot, 08024, Barcelona)
Antonio Caudi put his signature on the most unusual park in the world, which he designed to be the mansion of the industrialist Eusebi Güell. Finally, it is now a park that is one of the city’s top places to visit. See the giant mosaic lizard, the forest of stone pillars, the fairytale houses and the intricate and impressive streets.
*** MUSEO PICASSO (Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona)
See the collection of over 4,200 works by the leading Spanish painter, who had a love affair with the city. You will even see exhibits from his youth, when he painted women walking or selling lottery tickets on the Rambla.
*** CASA BATLLO (Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 0034, Barcelona)
Gaudí has also left his signature on this attraction, as it is one of his most famous works. In this colorful building, you won’t find a single straight line. You will only find strange figures, futuristic chimneys and the spine of the drama that hugs the roof.
*** CASA MILA (Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona)
In this 8-storey apartment building you can once again feel the aura of Gaudí, who in 1912 created a masterpiece building that is one of the most important attractions of the city. In short, it leaves you speechless!
*** CATEDRAL DE BARCELONA (Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona)
In the heart of the Gothic quarter you will find the Cathedral which was built from the 13th to the 15th century and is the seat of the archdiocese of Barcelona. In the imposing interior of the Church you will see the aerial arches, the 29 chapels, the crypt of Agia Eulalia under the Holy Altar, the Chapel of Christ of Nafpaktos and much more that will impress you.
*** MONTJUIC, MNAC, MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY and JOAN MIRO FOUNDATION
Definitely take the cable car to go up the hill where you will see the castle, the botanical gardens above the port, the Ethnological and Archaeological Museum (with Greek, Roman and prehistoric artefacts), the National Art Museum of Catalonia MNAC (world’s largest collection of Romanesque frescoes), the Juan Miró Foundation (with works of art by the Catalan painter and sculptor), Poble Espanyol (open-air museum of Spanish architecture) and the Caixa Forum cultural center which is the definition of modernism. All of these are in close proximity to each other in Montjuic, while of course they also dominate the impressive fountain.
*** COLUMBUS MONUMENT (Plaça Portal de la Pau, s/n, 08001 Barcelona)
The statue of the Spanish navigator, Christopher Columbus, which stands on a column and points towards America, is of historical importance, wanting to give everyone a sense of pride for the conquests to the west. Take the elevator up to the observatory to enjoy the view.
*** MUSEO DE LA XOCOLATA (Carrer del Comerç, 36, 08003 Barcelona)
The port of Barcelona played an important role in the introduction of the chocolate and in 1777 the locals are said to have tasted the first industrial chocolate. Enter the museum and fill up on… chocolate!
*** TIBIDABO
It is worth climbing to the top of the mountain to see not only the majestic cathedral, but also the picturesque view of the city.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Rambla! From Placa de Catalunya starts the famous Rambla which is a wide pedestrian street that ends at the sea and where thousands walk every day!
*** Barceloneta Beach is not only for swimming, but also a beach to take a walk and forget everything that concerns you in everyday life.
*** Visit the Arc de Triomf which was built in 1888 and was the gateway for the city’s international relations.
*** The Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar is a Gothic style church that opened its doors at the end of the 14th century.
It is worth visiting.
*** If you have time visit the MUHBA Museum. You will see all the historical heritage of Barcelona.
*** The three most important squares of the city are Placa d’Espanya, Placa de Catalunya and Placa de Sant Jaume and you should definitely walk them.
*** For walking you will be impressed in the Barcelona Barri Gòtic Area.
FOOD AND DRINK
It could be one of the top-10 attractions of the city, but we prefer to include it at the start of your gastronomic “journey” in Barcelona. Visit La Boqueria and you will find yourself in the heaven of flavors! We would also recommend visiting the Mercat de Santa Caterina or Mercat de la Llibertat which are preferred by the locals. Taste the local paella, croquettes and tapas, try the patatas bravas and jamon iberico, ask for the gazpacho soup or fideua which is similar to paella and eat grilled red shrimp and chipones. It goes without saying that chorizo and tortilla de patatas should be on your menu, as are crema catalana and churros for dessert. Drink cava, wine and traditional beers, while we would suggest you to drink Horchata as well.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find relatively good value hotels in the city center. However, there are hotels in every neighborhood of the city for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** The Aquarium of Barcelona is one of the best in the world and if you have time to visit it, then we assure you that you will have a great time.
*** We would recommend you to visit the Parc de la Ciutadela, not only for moments of relaxation, but also for a walk in the Ζοο.
*** Do you like parks and games? Then Parc del Laberint d’Horta is the most suitable place. The Labyrinth will impress you!
*** If you like Opera, then see what shows are on during your visit to the city, at the Gran Teatre del Liceu or the Palau de la Música Catalana. The moments you will live will remain etched in your mind.
*** Tibidabo Amusement Park is here to make you feel again kids!
*** If you like flamenco then definitely go to Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Barcelona which also has a restaurant!
*** For shopping therapy visit the Rambla shops. Also Maremagnum, Center Comercial El Triangle, Center Comercial Diagonal Mar, Arenas Mall, CC Moda Shopping Port Olímpic and Les Galeries Maldà.
*** In general you can find shops for your shopping in Paseo de Gràcia, Diagonal, Plaza Catalunya and The Gothic Quarter. Barcelona is a city that in every corner has a beautiful shop for everything you want to buy and put in your suitcases.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike, metro or by bus.
CITIES NEAR BARCELONA
Major cities close to Barcelona are Girona (85km), Tarragona (97km), Andorra la Vella (201km), Huesca (230km), Zaragoza (314km).
