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5 unexpected things you have to do in and around Barcelona

By Ian Goodwillie

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 07: View of the new italian artist TVboy work 'Despicable Me 4' featuring Vladimir Putin on February 07, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. The Russian people have been taking to the streets to protest the imprisonment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. (Photo by Xavi Torrent/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 07: View of the new italian artist TVboy work 'Despicable Me 4' featuring Vladimir Putin on February 07, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. The Russian people have been taking to the streets to protest the imprisonment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. (Photo by Xavi Torrent/Getty Images) /
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Europe is made up of unique countries and cities, all of them special in their own way. And Barcelona, Spain is certainly one of the most engaging of them all. It calls to people, drawing them in with the promise of tapas and adventure.

But Barcelona is a massive place with lots to experience, some of it unexpected. Truly enjoying the city requires a step back from the usual and taking a chance on some other spots. Fortunately, Barcelona is the kind of place that rewards visitors who take chances.

Amusement Park

Barcelona
BARCELONA, SPAIN – JULY 04: Visitors enjoy attractions at Tibidabo Amusement Park on the first day of reopening since being closed due to coronavirus lockdown on July 4, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. The amusement park reopened for the first time since March 14 under strict sanitary security measures including: mandatory wearing of face masks, maintaining of social distancing measures of 1.5 meters between people or family units, the following of hand hygiene protocol and capacity restrictions with tickets booked in advance. (Photo by Manuel Medir/Getty Images) /

Going to Barcelona and planning to spend time at an amusement park seems like an odd suggestion. But Tibidabo Amusement Park is more than worth the stop. It’s located on the top of Tibidabo Hill, which overlooks Barcelona. This place has a hell of a view.

Tibidabo has several great rides and attractions, as well as an almost overwhelming number of places to eat an drink. In addition to that, the amusement park shares the top of the hill with the Sagrat Cor church, which should not be missed.

Gracia, Barcelona

If you want to get a true taste of Catalan life, stay in Gracia. This neighborhood in Barcelona is stunning, vibrant and generally free from the kind of crowds tourists often find in other parts of the city.

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This is the area where you’ll find the quaint stores and restaurants that people picture when they dream of Spain. It is a truly special experience to spend time in Gracia, so much so that it has been referred to as one of the city’s best hidden secrets.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Barcelona
BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: The Parliament of Catalonia in the Parc de la Ciutadella on October 22, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. The Spanish government announced measures yesterday it will implement in triggering Article 155, which would lead to the imposition of direct rule by Spanish authorities in Catalonia and at least temporarily suspend the region’s autonomy. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said he would begin the process of removing Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont from office. The Spanish government also plans to hold Catalan regional elections in January. The moves come after Catalan regional President Carles Puigdemont let a Thursday deadline pass and threatened to go forward with Catalan independence. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /

Off the main drag and away from the action, Parc de la Ciutadella is an absolute gem for anyone looking to simply relax. The park itself was established in the 19th century, and is gorgeous. But Parc de la Ciutadella is more than just a pretty face.

This park is home to destinations such as the Zoo, the Citadel, the Casacada and the Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona. One of the most incredible features is the park’s fountain, which was designed by Josep Fontserè.

Just go to the beach

It seems like this shouldn’t need to be said but one of the best things to do in Barcelona is just go and hang out on one of many marvelous beaches. When planning a trip, many people get caught up in finding things to do. One of the best things to do in Barcelona is nothing.

The city has several amazing beaches to choose from. Some of them are quite lively while others are sedate and relaxing. When putting that vacation to Barcelona together, make sure you set aside some quiet beach time. Nothing makes tapas taste better like a day of lying in the sun.

Mercat de Santa Caterina

The first thing you notice is the brightly colored roof. You can’t take your eyes off of it. Then, you walk in and find one of the most incredible food markets Barcelona has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to do what you came to Barcelona for, and eat incredible food.

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There are numerous markets similar to Mercat de Santa Caterina around the city. The reason to go to this one is that you get all of the great food and more but without the absurd crowds. That alone makes it more than worth stopping at.

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