Muse of artists and architects, Modernist hub, home to one of the world’s top football teams and embraced by the warmth of the Mediterranean, the Catalan capital has all the ingredients for a fantastic school tour. Here are our top things to do and see on your school trip to Barcelona.
As the Catalan saying goes: ‘Qui no ha vist Barcelona, no ha vist cosa bona’, if you haven’t seen Barcelona you haven’t seen anything good.
SAGRADA FAMILIA
Our first three absolute unmissable places in Barcelona are all the work of Modernist architect genius Antoni Gaudi, who has given the city its most iconic and outstanding buildings.
The Sagrada Familia Basilica is possibly Gaudi’s most famous work and has become a symbol of the city. Work on the temple started in 1882 and Gaudi devoted over 40 years to this project, which is still unfinished.
The three striking facades represent the birth, passion and resurrection of Christ while its extraordinary interior is inspired by nature, with columns in the shape of tree trunks, forming a ‘stone forest’.
Gaudi’s seven architectural gems in Barcelona are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage for their exceptional display of creativity, unique artistic styles inspired by nature and remarkable contribution to architectural heritage.
PARC GUELL
Another modernist treasure designed by Gaudi is Parc Guell, possibly the city’s greatest green spaces: 17 hectares of previously barren land were transformed into a fairytale park by Gaudi’s sculptures and figures.
Catalan entrepreneur Eusebi Guell commissioned Antoni Gaudi to build this dream-like space originally as an exclusive housing estate on the slopes of Carmel Hill following the concept of ‘garden city’.
However the lack of buyers meant works were abandoned and only two houses were built. Instead the area became a private garden and was eventually purchased by the city council for the enjoyment of the people of Barcelona. It opened to the public in 1926 with magnificent views of the sea and the city below.
The Güell family house was converted into a school and Gaudi’s home, where he lived with his family until 1925, is now the Gaudí House Museum.
CASA MILA – LA PEDRERA
The extraordinary Casa Milà was commissioned by the wealthy Milà family who wanted to move to the chic Passeig de Gràcia and it caused a great stir when it was finished in 1910.
Locals gave it the nickname of La Pedrera, something like ‘the quarry’, as they weren’t too impressed by the extravagant style of the building with its undulating facade, inspired by the shapes of nature.
Another spectacular feature of Casa Milà is the roof terrace and sculpture garden, dotted with 30 chimneys representing petrified warriors. The roof and the attic are open to the public as well as one of the apartments in the building, while some of them are still private. Can you imagine living in such an extraordinary building?
BARRIO GOTIC
Exploring the lanes, squares and streets of Barrio Gòtic, the Gothic Quarter, visitors travel to the historic heart of Barcelona city.
The remains of the Roman wall, the Jewish quarter, the Gothic Cathedral and the lively Ramblas are some of the must-visit places in Barcelona’s oldest neighbourhood.
BOQUERIA FOOD MARKET
La Boqueria Market in La Rambla is a real treat for the senses and hungry visitors; and definitely Barcelona’s most famous food market.
Food traders have been selling their produce at this very sport for over 800 years. Originally sellers displayed their wares in makeshift stalls but today they trade from a wonderful building which dates back to 1840; a monument to the flavours and gastronomy of Catalonia, Spain and beyond.
BARCELONETA
La Barceloneta was the city’s old fishing village and today one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods, with plenty of cafes and bars, and space to cycle, rollerskate, walk along the seafront, take a dip at the beach or simply soak in some Vitamin D courtesy of the Mediterranean sunshine.
Here students can also visit Barcelona Aquarium or take the cable car to Montjuic, a 10 minute ride with the most spectacular views of the city.
CAMP NOU
A school trip to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without visiting Barcelona FC’s Camp Nou Stadium and Museum, an absolute must-see for sports tours and soccer fans.
Barcelona FC, or Barça, is one of the world’s top football teams and a much-loved local institution, still owned and managed by the supporters today.
At the Camp Nou Stadium Museum students can learn about the unique history of this club, its commitment to integration and the Catalan identity, see all its trophies and find out more about all the players that have worn the ‘blaugrana’ jersey.
MUSEUMS
For art students, a school trip to Barcelona gives them the opportunity to visit fantastic museums including the Museu Picasso, the first in the world dedicated to the work of Pablo Picasso, who lived in the city for a while; but also Fundación Joan Miró, the new Gaudi Experience and many others.
PORTAVENTURA
While it is not in Barcelona but 100kms down the road in Salou, PortAventura is one of the country’s first and best theme parks and a favourite for school trips to Barcelona, where students can spend a day of fun after all the exploring and learning.
These are just a few of the many wonderful things to do and see on a school trip to Barcelona. For more ideas or to discuss your school trip, contact our school travel experts.
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