barcelona

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Barcelona: 14 pictures that will make you want to visit right now

Everything you need to know about a quick getaway to Barcelona: what to do, where to to go and the best holiday accommodation options.

barcelona

Image credit: Pexels/Aleksandar Pasaric

Barcelona, the capital city of the Catalonia region, is the cradle of Catalan culture. The city has a rich history – from witnessing major events like the Industrial Revolution to the Civil War.

While the two main languages are Spanish and Catalan, English travellers will get by just fine. It’s a safe travel destination, as safe as a large city can be anyway.

Barcelona boasts two of the best-known parks in the world: Parc de la Ciutadella with walking paths and the Cascada fountain, and Parc Guell with landscaped gardens and the great Banc de Trencadis bench.

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Photo by Sebastian Pichler on Unsplash
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Photo by Walkerssk on Pixabay

It is also home to La Rambla, one of the most popular streets in the world and it dates back to mid-1840s. It has a bustling nightlife, so go after dark. This is where you’ll find street performers and artists, and the famous La Boqueria market. And the beach is just 15 minutes away. It is definitely worth a visit!

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Photo by Stephanie_Ev on Pixabay

So what are you waiting for? Have a look at these Travelstart specials because now is as good a time as any for an adventure.

Need some help navigating around? Don’t worry, we have your back.

Read: Zambia: 12 pictures that will make you want to visit right now

What to do in Barcelona and when to go

Explore the neighbourhoods

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Photo by kirkandmimi on Pixabay

Barcelona has a smorgasbord of charming neighbourhoods with beautiful streets and hidden alleys to explore. Head over to the Barri Gotic, the city’s old town, where you can get lost daydreaming, or explore Garcia if you are looking for some peace and quiet away from all the touristy hustle and bustle.

Read: Mauritius: 15 pictures that will make you want to visit right now

Visit the Sagrada Familia

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Photo by Cristina Gottardi on Unsplash

The impressive basilica took longer to build than the Pyramid of Giza. It stands a whopping 984 meters tall and combines several architectural styles such as Catalan Modernism, Spanish Late Gothic and Art Nouveau. Get your tickets here.

Visit Park Güell

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Photo by Derek Story on Unsplash

The garden complex on Carmel Hill is the stuff of postcards and a definite must-visit for your to-do list. Get lost between the sculptures, colonnades and fountains and drop by the Gaudi House Museum too.

Read: Travel safety: Keep your data safe whilst abroad

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Photo by Mariamichelle on Pixabay
Image source: Pexels

The architecture is simply beyond compare! Antoni Gaudí is responsible for most of it. He received his architectural degree in 1878. From the start of his career, his work stood out from his contemporaries. He was influenced by nature and many of his designs incorporate curved construction stones, as can be seen from image above. Read more about him here.

Best time to visit Barcelona

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Photo by JoaquinAranoa on Unsplash

If a budget trip is what you’re after, book now. November to early March is low season, meaning prices will drop exponentially, from flights to accommodation to tourist attractions. You won’t wait in queues, and you’ll have enough space to move around.

High season is from May to September and is the hottest and most crowded time of the year. But if it’s the beautiful Barcelona beaches and renowned festivals you’re after, then May to September would be the perfect time for you.

Photo by globenwein on Pixabay

Visa requirements for South Africans

Unless you’re a diplomat on a work trip, you’ll need a Schengen Visa. And a valid South African passport, of course, no older than ten years and with at least two consecutive blank pages, and valid for three months after your date of return.

Step-by-step instructions can be found here, and the Embassy of Spain in Pretoria can be contacted on 012 460 0123. BLS Spain Visa Application can be reached on 012 007 0030.

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Photo by JoaquinAranoa on Pixabay
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Photo by violetta on Pixabay

Holiday accommodation in Barcelona

Accommodation rates drop significantly this time of the year. Staying at the Travelodge Barcelona Pablenou will cost less than R6,000 for two adults for six nights.

If luxury is what you’re after, indulge yourself with a week’s stay at the Casa Gracia for under R10,000, or a week at the Grand Hotel Central for R22,000. It’s pricey, yes, but this is your view from the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool…

Image credit: Booking.com