10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Barcelona

Barcelona has been at the top of travel destination lists for years, and with good reason. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who already considers Barcelona your favorite city in the world, there are plenty of reasons to visit again and again. Here are 10 reasons why you should visit Barcelona as soon as possible.

1) Barcelona Has a Very Rich History

Barcelona has been a major trade center since the late Middle Ages, and its historic districts are filled with both living examples of this heritage, as well as restored buildings from every major architectural period. Most notably, it's home to arguably Gaudi's most famous work - Sagrada Familia. A favorite among travelers is Picasso Museum which houses a large collection of Pablo Picasso’s work from the early years in Málaga up until his death in 1973.

2) Its Architecture Is Unique and Varied

The most iconic site in the city is, without a doubt, the Sagrada Familia. Other significant architecture includes Gaudi's Casa Batlló and Park Güell. One of the most beautiful things about Barcelona is that it isn't as built up as many other major cities around the world- this means there are plenty of great options for getting around on foot, by bike or even by hopping on one of the public transport trains!

3) Beautiful Spanish Traditions Abound

The Spanish culture is thriving and it seems to be growing at an exponential rate. That's why there are so many wonderful traditions that you can see everywhere in the country. One of the best places to see these traditions in action is Barcelona, Spain. There are some beautiful Catalan traditions happening all over this wonderful city. For instance, La Mercè is one of the most spectacular festivals held in honor of Our Lady of Mercy and she's celebrated on September 24th every year.

4) Get Lost In The Streets

Once you make your way out of the airport, the first thing to do is get lost in the streets. Wherever you go, don't be afraid to step off a beaten path. The best spots are always hidden from tourist eyes. For example, I met up with friends for drinks and we stumbled across a cafe that served craft beer!

5) Walk On The Beach

Barcelona beaches are a great escape from the day-to-day bustle of the city. For many people, a day at the beach starts with ice cream and an old book, slowly slipping into siesta mode until it's time for afternoon coffee.

6) Taste The Cuisine

One of the most underrated reasons to visit Spain is to experience their cuisine. Tapas are Spanish appetizers, typically costing 3-4 euros, and they often include everything from cheeses, meats, to fish. If you want to try some dishes but are short on time or budget, stop by one of the many 'Cervecerías' in town. Beer is cheap and there's plenty of seating indoors and out.

7) Get Educated At A University

Regardless of where you study, learning is the most important part of any experience. During the University of Pittsburgh’s trip to Spain, we made it a point to visit the free universities in order to talk with professors and students about how education is handled. We were pleasantly surprised by how much our kids were engaged in discussion despite some being much younger than others. The university system is different from ours because there are no grades at all.

8) Attend A Football Game

-Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe, can hold more than 99,000 fans at one time.

-Barcelona has won 25 La Liga titles, as well as four Champions League titles.

-They are called The Generals because of their longstanding tradition for wearing military attire to a match.

9) Enjoy One Of Europe’s Leading Festivals

Barcelona is a city with so much to offer. Just like the rest of Europe, it has its own unique culture and cuisine. One festival that I find really cool is the Beer Festival (Sudamericana de la Cerveza). It’s one of the largest events in Barcelona. Everyone heads out to the streets to drink some delicious beer!

10) See Where Salvador Dali Lived And Died

Salvador Dali was a major contributor to the surrealist movement. The museum offers a rare opportunity to explore and experience Dali's unique creative world. If you're not into surrealism, this might not be the museum for you. If you are, however, it will be hard to resist! Admission is €12.