The most iconic building in Barcelona.

Located in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is a 19th century Roman Catholic church and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The construction of the cathedral started in 1882 and to date has still not been finished; repeat visitors have the pleasure to watch how over the years Sagrada Familia has evolved – giving them a new experience with each visit.

Every day, thousands of tourists from around the world come to Barcelona to marvel at this spectacular piece of architecture, one full of religious symbolism and experience the cathedral’s construction in real time.

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Gaudí, fascinating architecture, and of course, tapas.

Barcelona, just the word itself invokes the wildest parts of your imagination. Typically when we travel, we all get wrapped up in whatever city’s magic we are visiting; whether it is Rome, Paris, Tokyo, or the tiny islands of the Pacific. Barcelona, however, just hits you differently, it feels alive – living, breathing, pulsating with every step you take down it storied streets. It’s not just the people or the culture that makes the city feel so vibrant, rather it is the architecture.

Every line, brick, decoration, makes its buildings look like living creatures, watching you with vivid interest. The buildings are exactly what gives life to Barcelona, a cosmopolitan wonder on Spain’s most beautiful coast. These photos will make you not just want to visit, but also sit on a street side tables, sipping vermouth, eating tapas, and watching the city breath like a sleeping lion.

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Did you know that Barcelona has nine UNESCO World Heritage sites?

Barcelona is a city that draws people from all around the world who eagerly await to experience its wonders. From phenomenal architecture and iconic museums to delicious food and centuries of history, Barcelona is a dream city. The most amazing site is without a doubt the Sagrada Familia, but there are other numerous attractions and monuments that deserve a visit. In fact, Barcelona has nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, so as you can imagine there is plenty to do in this coastal city.

We recommend that you spent at least 3 full days (or more if you can!) to visit Barcelona. 3 days will let you explore at least the main sites. However, keep in mind that Barcelona will draw you in so don’t be surprised if you end up coming back a couple of times.

Explore the Park Güell

The Park Güell is among the most visited attractions in Barcelona and with more than 17 hectares it is one of the largest green spaces in the city. Park Güell began to be built in 1900 and in 1984 it became a World Heritage Site, along with other works by the architect Antoni Gaudí.

When we got to the park the last time we were in Barcelona, we had purchased our tickets in advance (thankfully!) and we witnessed people begging the entrance guards to sell them tickets. Unfortunately they did not succeed as the park has a strict limited visitor capacity. So the important lesson is that you get your tickets in advance! There are different tours available: general pass as well as guided and private tours.

There are several points of interest you should visit when in Park Güell that offer magnificent photo opportunities. If you prefer your photos not to include hundreds of tourists try to go when the park is less busy (early in the morning / late in the afternoon). The main points of interest are the Three Viaducts, the Porter’s Lodge Pavilions, the Monumental Staircase, Hypostyle Halls and the Greek Theater (also called Natural Square).

Explore La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is Gaudi’s masterpiece and an amazing work of art. A visit to La Sagrada Familia should be on the top of your things to do while visiting Barcelona. In the 1880s construction for la Sagrada Familia began and as you probably already know to this date it hasn’t been completed.

It is one of the most visited landmarks in all of Spain; when finished it will also hold another record – it will be the tallest church in the world. A work that has easily taken 100 years of constructions, with at least a decade left to go, this is a living building in which its legendary façade showcases the three phases in the life of Jesus – the nativity, passion and glory.

When visiting la Sagrada Familia there are a few things you can visit including La Basilica, Gaudi’s crypt, and the towers. I recommend you visit it during the late afternoon as the lines will be more manageable. Even if you visit it in the early morning/late afternoon I still recommend you get your tickets in advance. As you can imagine, La Sagrada Familia gets packed.

Visit the Joan Miró Foundation

Located in Montjuïc, the Joan Miró Foundation is a museum of modern art honoring the contemporary artworks of Joan Miró. The museum owns more than 10.000 paintings, drawings, sculptures and tapestries from this extraordinary artist. In addition to looking at the paintings, there are several colorful sculptures both outside and inside the museum along with a magnificent view of Barcelona from above. I recommend you get the tickets in advance so you don’t need to stay in line for long times. The museum can get pretty busy sometimes.

Visit La Pedrera

La Pedrera (or Casa Milà) is a unique building that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is named after its stone façade and its quite massive structure, clocking in at 30 mts high and 80 mts long. There are a few tours available, but there are a few can’t miss spots. So, what should you see at La Pedrera?

The terrace: For breathtaking views of the city, head to the terrace where you will be greeted by stone warriors guarding the building. You’ll find many cityscape photos on social media and posts cards which feature aspects of the terrace.

The tenants’ apartment: Here you can see how a bourgeois family in Barcelona lived 100 years ago. The apartment has been recreated with furniture and household equipment of this time; there are lots of features designed by Gaudí including knobs, moldings, doors among others.

The flower courtyard: Contrasting with the sober façade, the flower courtyard showcases shapes, lights and colors. This is a very Gaudí-esque feature where you see the architect’s imagination at play; for example you’ll experience how the flowers come to life on the ceiling of the staircase.

Get some food at the Mercado de la Boquería

This is the most popular mercado in Barcelona and is frequently visited by tourists so it gets packed. The entrance is in La Rambla so you can combine a visit to the Mercado while you are enjoying this location. At the mercado you can find a wide variety of fruits (fresh juices are available and they all look delicious) as well as jamones crudos, sea food and simply just food from all around the world. You can grab a bite to go, do your grocery shopping for dinner at home, or try one of the restaurant stalls.

Get awed by the Palacio de la Música Catalana

Do you want to visit another World Heritage Site? If the answer is yes, head to the Palacio de la Música Catalana which was built between 1905 and 1908 by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The Palacio showcases the Catalan Art Nouveau and represents and essential landmark of both the cultural and social life of the city. Sculptures, mosaic, stained glass and ironwork are brought together in a very cohesive way. Don’t miss the chance to visit this architectural jewel – it’s definitely worth a visit. If you can catch a concert, do so – you cannot miss out on such an epic experience.

Get lost in the Gothic quarter

Barcelona’s gothic quarter is extremely charming and it’s worth spending a few hours wandering through its narrow streets. A few things that are a must-see while visiting this part of the city can be found below:

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia: Located in the heart of the Gothic quarter, this cathedral is one of the largest and most impressive churches located in Catalonia. For panoramic views over the city of Barcelona head to the rooftop.

Pont del Bisbe: This must be among the most photographed locations in the city. This bridge was designed by Joan Rubió I Bellver who made the proposal that all non-Gothic buildings in Barcelona, specifically the area surrounding the Cathedral should be demolished and replaced by new Gothic style buildings. While this notion was ultimately turned down, but the Gothic Quarter did undergo some parts of the proposal. The bridge is associated with several legends and superstitions, helping it become a site that is constantly visited by a flow of tourists. I tried taking a photo without any people, but it was just impossible!

Read blog: Viator tours in Barcelona you can’t miss

Head to Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is another of Gaudi’s spectacular creations and it’s worth taking some time to contemplate the unconventional façade of this building and eclectic design. A World Heritage Site (yet another one in Barcelona!) Casa Batlló is open to the public for tours and events. Casa Batlló is also known as the “house of masks”. Why? Take a look at its balconies to find out… they resemble carnival masks. Casa Battló is located next to Casa Amatller which is another building worth exploring if you have time.

Bunkers del Carmel

If you want to capture panoramic views over Barcelona and see the major landmarks, head to the Bunkers del Carmel, a series of Spanish Civil war era bunkers that offer amazing views over Barcelona. This location is especially busy during the afternoon where tourists and locals alike head to this location to enjoy the sunset. Keep in mind that if you are traveling by car, parking is limited at this location so public transportation may be the better option.

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San Sebastián is a gem of a city combining the best of the Basque Country has to offer – gastronomy, beaches, culture, and a vibrant atmosphere that extends past the city limits. To make sure you don’t miss out on anything, we curated the best tours to do while you are visiting the amazing city of San Sebastián. Don’t waste time going through dozens of tours or staring aimlessly at a guidebook– below are our top 7 tours that will give you the best all-around experience.

All the tours featured below are offered by Viator, our favorite website offering tours you’ll remember forever. Some of these tours include the Viator Badge of Excellence – which means that the experience is highly rated by travelers and has met Viator’s top quality standards. As you may have gathered, we use this company quite a bit as it provides a broad range of attractions and tour options.

Small-group electric bike tour

San Sebastián is not a massive metropolis, and everything is fairly close by, so what better way to explore this city than by electric bike? The Small-Group Electric Bike Tour allows you to experience the main attractions of this magnificent city as well as some hidden charming spots. The best part of this tour is that the easy-to-ride bike allows you to see many more attractions than you could do on foot. The electric bike is a major plus for because there are some steep hills with must see attractions, making it easier to include while you explore. We highly recommend this for those visitors who don’t have much time in the city and want to have a flexible option for transportation.

This tour includes some of the best attractions the city offers; you will ride along the boardwalk to explore La Concha beach, Monte Igueldo, and many other key landmarks. The best part? This tour will take you to overlooked areas including the university and sports quarter, so you can truly get a sense of this gorgeous city. The small tour – which allows for a maximum of 4 participants- gives you a semiprivate and much more personalized experience than other options.

Ultimate San Sebastián pintxos & wine tour (Evening)

If you are in San Sebastián, you absolutely MUST try the amazing pintxos (Basque tapas). For a city that is considered home to the best cuisine in the world, what better way to do dive right in than taking this small-group food tour? The Ultimate San Sebastian pintxos & wine tour takes you to six renewed pintxos bars (please eat very lightly the day of the tour!) and meet the families managing these tasty restaurants. This is a small tour (eight people max) and will be a great opportunity to do what the locals do – pintxo hop across town and discover what life really means in San Sebastián. This tour has a Viator Badge of Excellence.

San Sebastián private sailing tour

San Sebastián is a coastal city with a couple natural bays and steeped in nautical culture. The city naturally pulls visitors and locals towards the sea, as you will notice tons of boats dotting the bays. Do like the locals and soak in the city from a different perspective by hopping aboard a private sailboat, just for yourself and your family or friends. You can relax on the deck, immerse yourself in the panoramic views of the coast, or take a refreshing swim. And don’t forget your camera as you will be able to enjoy unobstructed views of San Sebastián’s shoreline.

Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe small group tour with lunch from San Sebastián

Even though there is plenty to do in San Sebastián, it will be a shame not to venture and discover the beauty of the Basque Country. This tour which features stops in Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe, is a small group tour with lunch from San Sebastián. It will take you to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a magical and unique place. Be ready to hike to the hermitage church and get amazing views of the Bay of Biscay and sea arches along the way. Next you will head to Bilbao where you will explore the city on foot including the old town and the Guggenheim. After so much walking you probably will feel hungry so take some time to relax over lunch at a traditional restaurant and enjoy sone local pintxos.

Hondarribia and Pasaia (San Pedro & San Juan) Tour

Join the Hondarribia and Pasaia (San Pedro & San Juan) Tour and discover these two charming seaside villages. If you like to visit the small villiages that dot the European landscape, this tour is a can’t miss. Get ready to walk on quaint cobblestone streets, pop into tiny cafés. and experience the charm of village life along the way. Your first stop will be Hondarribia to visit the historic center and then cross to Pasai San Pedro by boat – so you’ll have some exciting paths to take. This is a small group tour, of around 8 people max, and it offers hotel pick up; it also boats the Viator Badge of Excellence.

Walking tour of the old town

San Sebastián is steeped in history, and the best part to see it all is the old town. This Walking Tour Old town of San Sebastián is a great option to experience the best attractions the city has to offer. You will first stop by the Ayuntamiento de San Sebastián where you will learn about the curious purpose of its construction.

Then you will head to the Mercado de la Bretxa where you will find the typical and fresh ingredients of Basque cuisine, make sure you get a snack of Jamon while you explore the market. Next is the Plaza de la Constitución, located in the heart of the old town where you will be surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings of the Belle Epoque found in the city. A short walk away is the Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro, which is over 200 years old and survived a fire. Its facade is one of the best examples of Baroque in San Sebastián.

The last three stops of the tour are the San Vicente church, an ancient construction from the 16th century, the San Telmo Museo which showcases the history of the Basque Country and its people, along with other temporary exhibitions, and Monte Urgull with its panoramic views above the city.

History and flavors of San Sebastián with lunch

This for me is the best of both worlds – you soak up some history while gorging on delicious food. The History and flavors of San Sebastián with lunch tour gives visitors a a glimpse of San Sebastián’s food, history, and culture; a holistic cultural view that connects you with the locals directly. And the best part? Enjoy tasting the best “pintxos” of the city, as well as typical beverages from the Basque Country and beyond. Stroll past the Bay of La Concha while you digest and learn about the city’s history. This tour is limited to only 8 people and has a Viator Badge of Excellence.

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When you dream about the best vacation spot do you think of panoramic views and crystal-clear beaches? If yes, then head to San Sebastián. Believe me, you won’t be the only one as San Sebastián attracts a whole range of tourists; from the chic jet set to bohemian surfers. This city – located in the Basque Country- is without a doubt among the top spots for a beach vacation in Europe.

The most striking feature of this city is its world-famous boardwalk. Dotted by Belle Époque buildings and with magnificent views towards the twin mountain bookends, Monte Igueldo and Monte Urgull, the boardwalk is a great place to enjoy a peaceful stroll or grab a bike and exercise.

I recommend that you get to San Sebastián with an empty belly. San Sebastián has 11 restaurants with three Michelin stars. In fact, San Sebastián places second in the cities with the greatest concentration of Michelin star restaurants per square kilometer. Make your trip a culinary delight and explore these restaurants; I’m sure they will not disappoint.

In San Sebastián (and the Basque Country overall) it rains a lot. In fact, when we looked at the weather app there was rain expected for the 5 days we were going to be there. We almost had a heart attack! The rain is sporadic and a totally cloudy day can easily give to sunny skies in a couple of hours so don’t worry.

Explore La Concha beach

La Concha beach – named because of its seashell shape- is San Sebastian’s gem and one of the city’s most popular icons – you can find its image in several postcards and marketing products of the city. Considered one of Europe’s finest city beaches, La Concha beach stretches about a mile wide and offers spectacular views of Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo and Santa Clara Island, not to mention of the extraordinary buildings that dot the coastline of La Concha.

Whether you stroll down the boardwalk, take a swim in its crystal-clear waters or take a boat trip to the nearby Santa Clara island, La Concha Beach will take your breath away. If you are planning to spend the day at La Concha note that this beach offers facilities such as sunshades to protect you from the sun as well as toilets, showers and lockers to take the experience of going to the beach to the next level. Do not miss the opportunity to photograph La Concha beach from different angles. I guarantee that each photo you take will be better than the last! If you want the full experience, rent a boat for the day and relax in the bay.

Go up to Monte Igueldo for the best views over the city

Monte Igueldo offers the most amazing views over San Sebastián. To get to the top of Monte Igueldo, take the funicular -the oldest funicular railway in the Basque Country -located at the base of the hill. The experience of riding the funicular went smoothly for us except when we decided to go back… The line to ride down was extremely long and took us almost an hour to get down.

The worst part was that there was no shade when we were in line which was really uncomfortable. I’m not sure if this is something that happens regularly, or it was a one-time thing. We paid around 3 euros for the roundtrip. Note that you can also walk up to the top (plan to walk for an hour approximately) or drive; the parking lot is located up-hill close to the amusement park.

Once you are at the top of Monte Igueldo there are several activities you can do. Climb up to the Monte Igueldo Tower to get even higher views. This tower was built back in 1778 and it served as a lighthouse. From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the lighthouse and La Concha beach. There is also an old-school amusement park with several rides including a roller coaster and go-carts along with a few food/adult beverage options.

Take photos of the Peine del Viento sculptures

El Peine del Viento are three steel sculptures by Eduardo Chillida located near the Playa de Ondarreta. An icon of the city, the Peine del Viento are anchored to the rocks so the wind will be “combed” at La Concha Beach. This is an amazing place, full of peace and quiet where the only sound that can be heard is the sound of the waves.

Visit the Aquarium

The San Sebastián Aquarium is one of the first oceanographic museums in Europe. Located in the harbor right at the base of Monte Urgull, the Aquarium gives you the chance to look at the skeleton of an 11-meter North Atlantic Right whale, see extraordinary reproductions of historic ships and view a vast collection of corals, crustaceans and seashells.

But without a doubt, the best attraction of the Aquarium is the Oceanarium, a 360-degree view tunnel that allows you to observe more than 40 species of fish and 5 species of sharks. And if you visit the Aquarium on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 12:00 pm you can see how sharks gets fed. Fascinating isn’t it? As of 2022, the entrance ticket is 14 euros for adults and 7 euros for children aged 4-12.

Explore the lighthouse

Built in 1855 by to prevent boats from shattering against the rocks, the lighthouse sits on the side of Monte Igueldo that faces out towards the high sea. From the terrace of the lighthouse you can make enjoy the coastline and beautiful sunsets. This lighthouse replaced the tower located at the peak of Monte Igueldo which used a fixed light to warn thousands of sailors of possible dangers.

This is one of the best spots to take the iconic panoramic photo of the city: you’ll have a full view of La Concha beach and the bay.

Explore the Old Town (La Parte Vieja)

The Old Town of San Sebastián is full of pedestrian-friendly and charming streets, restaurants and shops. Don’t be afraid to get lose in the maze of small streets and remember to look up to see the beautiful building facades dating back to the mid-19th century.

The Old Town is the perfect place to get the famous pintxos which are very similar to tapas. Note that at night this part of town gets full and it’s a bit difficult to find a place to eat. In San Sebastián and in Spain more generally, locals love eating late so don’t be surprised if you see the restaurants at their fullest at 11:00pm. A few places that are worth a stop in the Old Town are the San Vicente Church, the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus and Plaza de la Constitución.

Stop by the Mercado de La Bretxa

Mercado de La Bretxa is a market located in the basement of a mall in the Old Town. There is a wide selection of Jamon Iberico, wine, olives and other fresh ingredient that can be purchased. I recommend you stop by this market to purchase some local delicacies.

Go hiking in Monte Urgull

Located above the Old City of San Sebastián, Monte Urgull offers magnificent hiking opportunities where you will be rewarded with panoramic views over the city. There are several viewpoints along the way giving you the opportunity to photograph La Concha beach, Monte Igueldo as well as the castle and fortifications. Make sure you take the time to enter the fortress, as it not only has a great museum of the city’s history but you can go up the tower to the uppermost level and get the only view of the entire city.

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Located in northeastern Spain’s Catalunya region, Barcelona draws people from all over the world…and with good reason. The city is known for the amazing works of Gaudí, a mix of emblematic architecture, art, and amazing food. There are plenty of things to do in Barcelona, and whether you are sipping a vermouth while peoplewatching, or scaling up Monserrat, you will not be bored. From leisurely strolling Park Güell, to visiting the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church – La Sagrada Familia – and admiring the unconventional architecture of La Pedrera, Barcelona will quickly steal your heart.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with everything this city has to offer. Therefore, we have compiled below the best tours you should book while visiting Barcelona. All these tours are from Viator – our favorite website from booking tours which never disappoints. If you end up booking any of the highlighted tours in this post leave us a comment about your experience – we’d love to know how it went.

Visit La Sagrada Familia

Visiting La Sagrada Familia when in Barcelona is a absolute must do. Some even say that you haven’t been to Barcelona if you haven’t visited the Sagrada Familia. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage this Gaudí masterpiece is fascinating; not only will you be mesmerized from the church’s exterior (which itself goes beyond architecture and veers into the avant garde art realm) but the interior is otherworldly in how the lights and colors play off the sculptures. This is Gaudí’s swansong, and it’s no wonder such a complicated work of art is taking over 100 years to finish building. Make sure to visit the crypt where you will find Gaudí’s tomb.

The only downside of this cathedral is the number of tourists that visit it. Expect long lines and sometimes up to two hours wait. I highly recommend you purchase the Fast Track Sagrada Familia Guided Tour which allows you to skip the long lines. A guide will accompany you to this tour where you will learn the history of La Sagrada Familia while also learning about Gaudí, the building’s charismatic creator. Trust me, don’t waste time doing the queue.

Let Montserrat Monastery take your breath away

Monserrat is a breathtaking Benedictine monastery located approximately an hour away from Barcelona. Nestled among rocky mountains, Montserrat offers amazing views of the surrounding landscapes. I can’t recommend enough visiting Montserrat, especially for hikers. The monastery offers you lots of things to do – visit the church, monastery, a great art museum, hike along the mountain, to name a few.

The Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Tapas and Gourmet Wines Tour allows you to visit the Montserrat Monastery which is home of the “Black Madonna” often referred by other names including “The Virgin of Montserrat” and “La Moreneta”. It is tradition to either kiss or touch the Virgin’s hand whilst opening out your other hand to Jesus. After seeing all the highlights in Montserrat you will have free time to enjoy traditional food made by the monks or farmers.

The tour ends with a visit to the vineyards of Oller del Mas, a winery housed in a 10th-century castle. Here you will descend into the cellars to learn about the production methods, and sample signature wines alongside a cold tapas lunch with dessert. Enjoy!

Enjoy a Spanish cooking experience

One of the highlights of our trip to Barcelona was enjoying the delicious food the city offers. Let’s be honest, you cannot go wrong choosing a place to eat. However, a really cool idea is to learn some traditional recipes to take back home. Join the Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona and get immersed in the country’s culture by learning how to make tapas, paella and sangria with a Barcelona chef.

Fresh ingredients are key; this tour starts with a visit to La Boqueria – the world famous market in the city where you will find all manner of goodies to eat; each stalls offering the highest quality food and some will even prepare what you purchase as a meal (make sure to get a “cone of jamon” to snack on in between meals).

Then you will head to the professional teaching kitchen. This is a hands-on class that includes dinner, drinks and a snack – just make sure you arrive with your belly as empty as possible. When the paella is done, sit down to the meal you’ve prepared, savoring the rich flavor of the rice and seafood (a non-seafood meal option is served by the chef for those who don’t eat seafood).

360º Barcelona: Walking, helicopter flight & sailing

Ready to explore Barcelona by air, water and land? Then join the 360º Barcelona: Old town walking, helicopter flight & sailing tour. This is the best tour to get a holistic grasp of the city, and it will give you some of the best photo ops. You will first visit Barcelona’s Old Town where you will begin wandering the picturesque streets of this charming neighborhood, marvel at the impressive facade of the Barcelona Cathedral and stop by the Gothic Quarter. Don’t forget your camera as there are plenty of hidden gems throughout and to capture the cool atmosphere of Old Town.

Afterwards, hop on a catamaran for a relaxing cruise starting from the Old Port. Take the time to relax here because the next stop is climbing aboard a helicopter for a bird’s eye view of the city and surroundings – get ready to soar high above the city for magnificent views that will be imprinted in your mind forever.

Experience the Park Güell with skip the line tickets

Park Güell offers visitors a place where they can be awed by magnificent architectural and natural heritage blending seamlessly together. However, it’s most famous for its breathtaking views over Barcelona.

Needless to say, this is one of the most popular locations to visit in the city, and it will be packed throughout the day. When I visited Park Güell earlier this year, a guy next to me was trying to get into the park but since he didn’t buy his ticket in advance, the guards didn’t allow him in as the park was full. Lesson learned? Get your ticket in advance. Even better, get the skip the line tour and don’t waste time in line. The Park Güell Guided Tour with Skip the Line Tickets will let you explore the park with its modernist structures and colored tiles while also learning about the history and architecture of one of Gaudí’s masterpieces.

Explore Casa Batlló

Located in one of Barcelona’s most iconic avenues, Casa Batlló is among the cities’ most eye-catching buildings. The block gets full of tourists trying to take pictures of the marvelous building, so make sure to get there early. While the façade is absolutely brilliant, the interior of the house is just as breathtaking as Gaudí pushed the world’s architectural limits and imagination.

The Casa Batlló Admission Ticket with Intelligent Audio Guide Tour will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in newer additions to Casa Batlló, including the Gaudí Dome and Cube while learning about the architect’s famed life and inspirations. Note that this attraction gets really busy, as many of tourists will merge with the entrance line, so purchasing this skip the line ticket will save you time.

Check out Barcelona on a hot-air balloon flight

What better way to see a city than from above?! Join an early morning hot-air balloon excursion to enjoy the amazing Barcelona cityscape and local landmarks including the Pyrenees Mountains, the Mediterranean and the famous Montserrat. Flying in the early morning ensures the most optimal flying conditions – light from the sunrise guarantees amazing views but temperatures tend to be cooler.

The Hot-Air Balloon Flight Over Catalonia will climb up to heights of up to 3,000 feet (900 meters) during the 1- to 1.5-hour flight. Then, conclude the flight with a snack and a Champagne toast as you go over your favorite parts of flight you just experienced!

Kayak and Snorkel day tour to la Costa Brava

Let’s face it, Barcelona is a city with a beach and Catalonia has miles of pristine beaches along it’s famed Costa Brava. Since you’re already going to enjoying some beach time, what better way to experience the amazing coastline of Costa Brava than from the water? Join the Kayak and Snorkel Day Tour to la Costa Brava from Barcelona to enjoy the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea.

Get ready to snorkel and meet the marine life and go kayaking to explore coves and small underwater caves. All your gear and equipment is provided at the time of your excursion and a deli-style lunch will be served. You can’t beat Spanish jamon and a day in the water. Round-trip transport aboard a comfortable coach is also offered from a central location

Enjoy a Flamenco Night

Originating in southern Spain’s Andalucia, flamenco is now the country’s national dance. Barcelona just happens to have one of the most legendary venues for Experience exhilarating flamenco performances, Tablao Cordobes. Join the Skip the Line Ticket: Flamenco Night at Tablao Cordobes, Barcelona and cheer on a talented troupe of flamenco dancers as a unique display of agility, passion and energy is demonstrated on stage.

While you soak up the electric atmosphere of one of Spain’s most famous flamenco venues, you can opt to enjoy a traditional Spanish buffet or refreshing drink while watching the show. Tablao Cordobes attracts the best performers of flamenco, internationally-renowned flamenco dancers take the stage for a truly memorable experience. It’s a great introduction to Barcelona culture, and an ideal choice for your first evening in the city.

Immerse yourself in Spain’s football culture

An absolute must do it visit FC Barcelona’s stadium, located in Les Corts which is about a 20 minute drive from the Sagrada Familia. Delve into FC Barcelona’s history on an independent tour of Camp Nou stadium. With the Camp Nou – F.C.Barcelona Open Date Ticket you’ll be able to skip the lines with your priority access ticket and retrace the footsteps of the clubs (and rival) football (soccer) legends.

Here, you will be able to walk onto the pitch and be awed by 360-degree views of the largest stadium in Europe. Visit the locker room, presidential suite, and press room, then you’ll head to the FC Barcelona Museum, where you find the club’s expansive trophy collection along with interactive exhibits. Skip-the-line admission to Camp Nou is the best way to visit this museum of the world’s most popular sport.

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Ready to explore one of Game of Thrones most breathtaking filming locations?

The pitter-patter drizzle which slowly drenches ancient stones gives way to a timid sun as the salt hangs thick in the air. Dragons suddenly burst through the clouds, flying high above a meandering staircase leading to a cruel castle of black stone. Circling in the air, the little light glistening off their scales from the sun’s desperate attempts to reflect in the water, the dragons finally land on this impenetrable fortress, Game of Throne’s Dragonstone.

Like many, I was blown away by this scene which dutifully highlights the serpentine staircase jutting out into the bay and winding its way up an island to the Targaryen fortress. Little did I know it was an actual location, and once I found out it immediately became my next bucket list travel to-do. Surrounded by unspoiled beaches and cliffs, untouched San Juan de Gaztelugatxe should be on top of the list of places to visit while in the Basque Country.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a magical and unique place; it looks like a mythical location straight from folklore. Its name, which is in Basque, means “castle on the rocks” – which is delightful irony for those Game of Thrones fans.

Through the years, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe served as an actual fortress during battles, including resistance against the crown of Castile or to fight attacks from pesky pirates. Despite its violent past, it’s also a place with religious ties. Sailors and fishermen have packed the island with votive offerings for protecting their boats. Today, a hermitage sits atop of the craggy island, reflecting Gaztelugatxe’s peaceful and spiritual evolution. Legend has it when you reach the hermitage church you should ring the bell three times so that it gives you good luck.

The weather at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Something that you have to be mindful when visiting is the weather. In the Basque Country it rains a lot. Sometimes every day, sometimes multiple times a day. When we visited San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, we started out with some oppressive August heat and humidity, but as soon as we reached the hermitage church we were caught in a downpour.

I should note this was not a regular storm – it was what’s affectionately called “Blizzard Rain” as the wind changes directions ensuring you get soaked even under shelter. Thankfully, we were next to the hermitage church and had a place to stay relatively dry until the rain stopped. Bring a poncho as the weather it’s totally unpredictable.

Tip: Bring comfortable shoes with good traction. If you get caught in the rain having good shoes is essential. The steps can be very slippery so be prepared.

Is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe worth visiting?

Yes, yes, and yes! San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is an incredible place that will take your breath away. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is connected to the Basque coast by a narrow bridge and a winding staircase (with 241 steps). On top of the cliff, there is a hermitage church and a monastery in addition to wonderful views of the Bay of Biscay and sea arches. In fact, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is among the most popular sites in the Basque Country so don’t miss it. It’s an easy day trip from anywhere in the Basque Country and you have a beach town nearby with great surf.

Tip: Note that the stairs are the only way to access the islet making it accessible for people using wheelchairs or taking strollers.

Getting to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is located between the Basque towns of Bakio and Bermeo along the northern coast of Spain. We drove from my husband’s ancestral town, Bergara, which was about 45 minutes, the same time you’d have to drive if you start from Bilbao. However, we were staying in San Sebastian, and it took us around 1 ½ hours to get back. You can also take a bus (Termibus) from the Bilbao bus station that stops in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (A3527 Bilbao-Mungia-Bermeo). If you don’t want to drive and prefer to join a tour, I recommend the following:

Entrance tickets to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

The popularity of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe has significantly increased in the past years – specifically because Game of Thrones used this as one of it’s iconic filming locations. Now it’s important that you book your ticket online, especially if you are traveling during the high season. Staff will only let you access the island during your allotted date and time during peak months. Tickets are mandatory during:

• Easter, Christmas and official Spanish holidays
• Daily from June 15th until the end of September
• Weekends from the last week of March until the end of the year

The ticket is free and can be reserved on this website. We visited San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in August and got the tickets with a couple of weeks in advance. Even though we booked them earlier we couldn’t get the times we were looking for. My advice? Book as early as possible and book multiple dates in case of weather.

Best viewpoints and hiking trails

When you get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe take the Urizarreta, which is the shorter path to the hermitage church. After walking for a few minutes, head to “Begiratokia/Mirador” – where you will have a really nice view of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Get a couple of photos before continuing to walk. Even if you don’t have a ticket, you can still take a photo from this location.

To get to the bridge and commence the ascending trail up to the church you will need to walk approximately a kilometer down to the bridge. The hike goes is rather winding but thankfully there are a few scattered benches to sit down and catch your breath if needed (the hike back can be very tiring).

Once you get to the bridge turn on your camera. This the most famous viewpoint because it was the first scene introducing Dragonstone on Game of Thrones. Like the majority of visitors, this is the best viewpoint, and it will help you capture the mysterious aura that radiates from San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

The next photo location I recommend are the steps to the hermitage church. You should photograph the steps from above as it will give you a chance to capture the winding steps with the mountains in the background.

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