Along with London, Paris and Rome, cosmopolitan Barcelona has become one of Europe’s must-see cities for honeymoon couples and other romantics. For many, Barcelona on the Mediterranean is the most important city in Spain. With its famous Las Ramblas street, its Gaudí architecture and numerous art galleries, the Catalan capital attracts lovers of art and architecture, food and music, modernism and the sea. In fact, Barcelona has become a popular cruise port as well.
Discover the art and history of Barcelona
Barcelona’s history has long been part of its appeal. Its Gothic Quarter, the best preserved medieval area in Europe, dates from 27 BC. C. and of the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus.
The preserved historic center houses the 13th century Barcelona Cathedral, the royal palace where Columbus had his initial audience with King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth. Civil and cultural institutions in the area include the Picasso Museum. Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí, born in Catalonia, also reflect the passion, creativity and intellect of the Catalan spirit.
Admire the architecture of Barcelona
However, it is the bold works of Art Nouveau, Antonio Gaudí’s native son, built a century ago that give the city its inimitable profile. From the neo-Gothic Palau Güell (pictured) on Las Ramblas, the city’s famous waterfront, to the epic, sinuous but unfinished Sagrada Familia that can be seen for miles, Gaudí’s art is synonymous with Barcelona.
Try the tapas
Honeymoon couples can savor 21st century Barcelona in tapas restaurants where cava, Catalonia’s sparkling wine flows, and along the city’s exciting new coastline. The city also has more than three dozen food markets, where the freshest food feeds the city. The best known is La Boquería on Las Ramblas.
Head to the hills of Barcelona
Montjuïc, one of Barcelona’s famous hills, has become a popular destination thanks to distinctive museums, including the National Museum of Art of Catalonia and the Fundació Joan Miró, in addition to numerous galleries, nightclubs, an al outdoors, parks and the stadium and sports facilities built for the 1992 Olympics. Visitors can even see Mies van der Rohe’s original Barcelona chair on display in a replica of the architect’s eponymous pavilion from the 1929 International Exposition.
Shopping in Barcelona
Although there are many places for honeymoon couples to shop for antiques and vintage clothing in Barcelona, one of the favorite places is El Corte Inglés shopping center, which is like Macy’s in Spain. There is something fascinating about looking for new products in another country. Depending on where you shop, El Corte Inglés can also stock traditional Spanish embroidered shawls and elaborate hair ornaments so you can enjoy a night of flamenco dancing.
Choose a romantic hotel in Barcelona
Sophisticated Barcelona welcomes honeymoon couples to outstanding hotels including the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona ( see rates ), the Gran Hotel La Florida (see rates) , which opened in 1925 and underwent a $ 42 million transformation a few years ago; the luxurious and modern Hotel Majestic (see rates) in the best and most convenient part of the city; and the Hotel Arts, a Ritz-Carlton property ( see rates) with panoramic views of the city and the glittering Mediterranean Sea beyond.
Search TripAdvisor for more hotels in Barcelona
Is Barcelona safe?
It is as safe as any big city in Europe. However, be careful around Las Ramblas and other areas popular with tourists; It is also popular with pickpockets.
