Top Rated Attractions in Barcelona

An unfinished religious icon that is steeped in profound cultural value and features an incomparable aesthetic, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is an astounding marvel. Gaudí began working on this utterly surreal temple, now a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1882. Originally intended to be a modest, neo-Gothic church, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia has since become arguably the most iconic building in all of Barcelona. Gaudí broke away from the reigning neo-Gothic style in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, imbuing his architecture with symbolic meaning and pioneering the Catalan Modernism movement. Intricate details like palm-tree pillars whose bases take the shapes of turtles, eye-catching colors, Baroque-style influences, and materials ranging from mosaic tiles to an array of stones converge to create an absolute masterpiece.

An impressive sight and the crowning glory of the football community in Spain, Camp Nou is one of the largest stadiums in Europe. Home ground of the beloved FC Barcelona, known simply as Barça to locals, this spectacular stadium was constructed in 1957 on a separate piece of land when the expansion of the Camp de Les Corts stadium was deemed impossible due to lack of space. The stadium is sometimes referred to as the 'house that Kubala built', in reference to the great Slovak-Hungarian goal scorer who played for Barça through the 1950s. Kubala was so popular with spectators that the stadium was even unable to accommodate the extraordinary masses that flocked to watch him play on more than one occasion. Camp Nou can accommodate more than a whopping 99,000 spectators at a time, and is profoundly iconic for its vibrant bleachers, painted in the club's royal blue and red colors.

Featuring an air of striking regality that can be attributed to its historic dull rose facade, the Gran Teatre del Liceu is a longstanding symbol of Barcelona's prized culture. Perhaps the most important theater in Barcelona, the Gran Teatre del Liceu was built in 1847 as a venue for opera performances. The original building showcased a modern aesthetic designed by architects Miquel Garriga i Roca and Josep Oriol Mestres, and while the theater was rebuilt after a fire in 1994, a handful of cherished artifacts from the first structure remain. The main façade, the Hall of Mirrors, and staircase notably represent the historic Gran Teatre del Liceu as it was originally conceived. As important as ever, the new theater stays true to its roots by staging an exciting program of operas, concerts, and ballets performed by some of the most reputable companies in the world. It even houses a symphony orchestra and choir that perform throughout the year. With 2,292 seats, the Gran Teatre del Liceu is certainly grand, and it has one of the largest opera auditoriums in Europe.

Teatre Grec with the semi-circular structure reminds you of typical Greek theaters. Large number of people can be accommodated and the perfect acoustics ensure that the sound quality is excellent. Built in 1929, it was planned and structured by architect Ramon Reventós. Mostly connoisseurs of performing arts gather here to enjoy various festivals. Festival Grec de Barcelona that celebrates the rich Spanish culture is held at this theater.

Teatre Lliure belongs to the Union of European Theatres. It has its own resident theater company and a chamber orchestra, which plays jazz, classical chamber music and contemporary music. State-of-the-art technology allows the stage and the seating arrangements to be transformed from one performance to another. The program features theater, musical concerts and dance, specializing in experimental theater productions.

Barcelona with the students and the tourists has scores of nightclubs, pubs and bars that rock the night life. Harlem Jazz Club is one such place that attracts one and all. The locals frequent this place to enjoy the melange of music. Be it professional or an amateur, the crowd enthusiastically cheers the artists. Jazz, funk and blues groups, the variety of the genres of music played here is amazing. Though a very modest club, the extra-ordinary performances rock the house.