Things To Do in Barcelona on Your First Day There
Barcelona, known for its beauty, history, tradition and cultural influences, is the second largest city in Spain, in both size and population. It is located on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the shores of the Mediterranean. People travel to this wondrous city to enjoy the history, landscape, culture and the football matches, to name a few.
The architecture, museums, and cultural festivals add a flourish of color, romance and cultural energy that is unique to this part of the world. So, if you are new to this area what do you do first? Where do you go and what do you explore? The possibilities can be quite overwhelming, so let us suggest a few things to do in Barcelona on your first day.
Are you a history buff? Have you travelled to this piece of heaven to learn about the history of this land? If so, you are in luck. The documented history of the city dates back to the founding of a Roman colony in the second century BCE, and the history continued to pile on from there as this beautiful city continued to evolve and adapt.
One stop that you will not want to miss is the La Sagrada Familia, which is considered the international symbol of the city. This Roman Catholic Church has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it is interesting to note that this church is not yet completed and is not anticipated to be until 2026.
Have you come to this beautiful land to experience its vistas? Then why not experience it from the bow of a boat, or from on high in a helicopter? If you would be more comfortable riding the waves of the sea, you can book a trip on a private sailboat, join a group booking or take in a leisurely cruise. This will allow you to see the coast lines, explore the open seas and revel in the majesty of the colorful skies.
If, however, the skies are more your thing, book a hot air balloon or a helicopter tour to get a bird’s eye view of the landscape. A hot air balloon flight is the best way to capture outstanding views from heights of up to 3,000 feet (900 meters) and allows you to note the areas you may wish to explore on the ground as your holiday spreads out before you.
We would be remiss if we did not draw your attention to the culture, art, music and dance all around you. A good thing to do on your first day in Barcelona is to walk around the area where you are staying: check out the shops and stay for a meal or two. If you are lucky enough to be staying nearby, La Rambla is a must.
This is a tree-lined mall promenade over 1 kilometer long, open day and night, and full of restaurants, kiosks, shops, entertainment and cafes. This also includes attractions such as the Virreina Palace and the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona’s iconic opera house.
Our biggest recommendation, with respect to things to do in Barcelona on your first day, is to consider how long you plan to be there, what your budget is and what your top must-see, must-do priorities are. Plan right away and then allow yourself to be led by the magic that is all around you.