2 days in Barcelona: Gaudí, sea life, and city views

See one of Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces up close with a trip to La Pedrera.This striking building was built between 1906 and 1912 and is noted for its unique shape and façade. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural center, as well as a symbol of Catalan Modernisme, the Catalan Art Nouveau period.There’s so much to see inside and out of this fascinating building. It’s known for its unique façade of undulating limestone which resulted in the ‘stone quarry’ moniker. See the large windows and intricate wrought-iron balconies, then head up to the roof terrace - one of the most spectacular parts of this building. You’ll see the imposing chimneys which are reminiscent of twisted, standing soldiers, along with six stepping skylights.Due to the building’s conceptual design, Gaudí created furniture, especially for Casa Milá. You’ll see the modernist style up close, fitting perfectly into the curves and waves of the walls and rooms that Gaudi designed.Your ticket to La Pedrera also includes a free kid's audio guide to make exploring the building fun and exciting for little ones. The unique and innovative commentary will introduce boys and girls to the world of architecture and is available in Catalan, Spanish, English, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Japanese, and Korean.

Deemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone’s trip to Barcelona.It’s one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona and a perfect representation of the mark Gaudí made on the city. You’ll receive a free smart guide as you explore the attraction to learn more about the legacy of this striking building.Inside and out, there’s so much to see here. You’ll start with the facade, taking in the mosaic glass and ceramic disks. See the gallery projecting out over Passeig de Gracia, as well as large oval-shaped windows, stone columns in the shape of bones, and balconies with a mask-like appearance. Then you’ll explore the Noble Floor, the former residence of the Batlló family that spans more than 700m² and is the main residence in the building. Head up the staircase, which is designed to resemble an animal’s spine, and into a private entrance hall, reminiscent of underwater caves with skylights that look like tortoise shells.Whatever your interpretation, a trip to this building will be top of your sightseeing list.

Barcelona Aquarium boasts over 11,000 animals, 450 different species, an underwater tunnel and live feedings - look out for some of the star species, such as sharks, eels and rays.You’ll get to view 14 different Mediterranean-themed aquariums and learn more about the incredible creatures that call the ocean their home. See Humboldt penguins, gaze up at sharks swimming above your head, and admire the colorful fish in the tropical tanks.The aquarium also hosts a regular calendar of events including educational talks to teach about marine conservation and shark cage diving.

No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the city's most iconic architectural structure – Gaudí's Sagrada Familia. On this tour, you'll join an experienced arts-trained guide to get a real insight into the history, hidden symbols, and behind-the-scenes secrets of the building. Gain buckets of expert knowledge and see a side to the Sagrada Familia you'd otherwise miss if exploring alone!Construction began on the Sagrada Familia over 135 years ago, and although still unfinished, the basilica is one of the finest examples of Gaudí's work. Combining Gothic and Art-Noveau, it's one of the most unique cathedrals in the world. Ornate spires and sculptured façades will dazzle you from the outset, and once you venture inside, you can marvel at the unique geometric designs of the Sagrada's ceilings, along with the wonderfully decorative stained-glass windows. With so much to take it in, you'll be happy to have an expert guide with you to show you the highlights of this incredible place.As part of your tour, you'll learn more about the basilica's façades, its interiors, and the many elements of Christian symbolism that have been incorporated into the building's design. Your arts-trained guide will impart their detailed knowledge on the subject, offering you a greater understanding of the basilica's most important decor, as well as all the hidden symbolism throughout.

If you want flexibility while sightseeing, then a hop-on, hop-off bus ride will give you just that. Barcelona is waiting for you and you can explore this stunning city at your own pace with this 24-hour ticket. You can jump on and off as much as you like at more than 30 stops dotted across the city, making this experience a perfect way to get around and tick off all your bucket-list must-sees.There are two routes to choose from – green or orange – and both offer incredible views of the city.Green RouteThis one will take you to the most artistic part of the city. Admire modernist architecture and impressive landmarks while learning all about the history and secrets of Barcelona. Orange RouteThe orange route will take you beyond the modernist buildings as you travel west to see sights such as the FC Barcelona stadium and the National Museum of Art of Catalonia. Hop off and explore, or sit back and relax while soaking up the city.Whatever you're interested in, this is one of the ultimate ways to explore a city. Need a beach break? Hop off near Barceloneta and dip your toes in the sand. Hungry? The Gothic Quarter awaits with tapas bars and plazas for people-watching. Art fan? Pop over to the Museu Picasso. With buses running often, you’re never stuck waiting long—and there’s no pressure to rush from one place to the next.