Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Barcelona Cruise Port
One of Europe’s largest and busiest cruise ports, Barcelona welcomes more than 2.5 million cruise passengers each year. The Catalan capital makes a popular stop and starting point for Mediterranean cruises, including liners operated by Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Costa.
The Basics
For first-time visitors to Barcelona, the must-see attractions include Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria market, and Gaudi’s magnificent La Sagrada Familia church. The city sights are quite spread out, so a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a convenient option, while bike and Segway tours often explore further afield, including attractions such as Montjuic hill, Parc de la Ciutadella, Barceloneta Beach, and the Arc de Triomf.
The most popular day trip destinations include the mountaintop Montserrat monastery, around an hour’s drive away; the beaches of the Costa Brava, just north of the city; and the Penedes wine region, famous for its cava.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Barcelona is notorious for its pickpockets, so keep an eye on your belongings and leave any valuables aboard the ship.
- The Maremagnum shopping mall, IMAX complex, and Barcelona Aquarium are located in the Port Vell area, right beside the cruise terminals.
How to Get to Barcelona from the Port of Barcelona
Barcelona’s eight cruise terminals are clustered around historic Port Vell at the foot of Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous thoroughfare. Although it is feasible to walk from the closer terminals, most visitors opt to catch a shuttle bus to Las Ramblas, from where many of the city’s sights are reachable on foot. Alternatively, a taxi ride to the Gothic Quarter takes only 10 minutes from the port.
Port Information
Barcelona has two official languages—Spanish and Catalan—but English is also widely spoken, especially around the main tourist areas. The local currency is the euro, available from banks and ATMs throughout the city. Restaurants, cafés, and other amenities are located at each terminal.
Address: Plaça de l'Odisea, Barcelona, Spain
From $ 9
Barcelona Wax Museum
Entertainment, culture, history, and even a scare — these are all things you can expect to find at the Barcelona Wax Museum. Housed in a fancy 19th-century neoclassical palace of sorts, the museum is home to over 300 characters, both real and fictitious.
Wandering the museum’s exceptionally staged galleries, you’ll come face to face with a range of noteworthy figures, such as kings and queens, politicians, and painters, singers and actors. From Albert Einstein to Catalan surrealist Salvador Dali, and frightful personalities such as Frankenstein, there’s no shortage of surprising characters that will stand in your path. The quirkiness doesn’t stop at the wax figures, either, as the museum also has two eccentric cafés — one in the theme of a forested fairytale, the other an avant-garde paradise of origami.
Practical Info
The museum is located near the water-end of Las Ramblas, and therefore very easy to get to while in the tourist center. Note that the museum closes for a few hours midday, except during summer.
Address: Passatge de la Banca, 7, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m.;
Sat, Sun and holidays: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Summer: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Admission: General: €15; reduced: €9
From $ 17
Barrio de Salamanca
Shopping, sightseeing, and elegant architecture are all good reasons to head to one of the Spanish capital’s most famous neighborhoods, Barrio de Salamanca. This posh pocket of Madrid is where you’ll find the famous Puerta de Alcalá, the massive and path-filled Retiro Park, and the world’s largest Spanish flag, which waves proudly in Plaza de Colón.
It’s also the ideal destination for shoppers keen to hit up high-end boutiques as well as budget-friendly stops, such as the giant and many-floored Zara store (which, along with some of the area’s biggest shops, is located on Serrano Street). Foodies can find a bit of tasty heaven here, too, visiting places such as the traditional market, Mercado de la Paz, or the theater-turned-gourmet-food-court, Platea, and even the rooftop Gourmet Experience found at the country’s biggest department store, El Corte Inglés.
Practical Info
Barrio de Salamanca is a decent-but-doable walk from the heart of the tourist center, and can also be reached by bus, metro, and hop-on hop-off tour. Note that many of the neighborhood’s shops (particularly the smaller ones) close on Sundays.
Address: Madrid 28001, Spain
From $ 25
Bascarsija
Lying north of the River Miljacka and forming the original heart of Sarajevo’s Old Town (Stari Grad), Bascarsija is a vibrant, bustling Oriental bazaar where several mosques and hammams (baths) date back to 1462, when the country was under the Ottoman rule. Starting life as a caravanserai, with accommodation for travelers and stabling for horses, its foundations were laid by Isa-Beg Ishaković, who was the first Ottoman governor of Bosnia. Over time, Bascarsija grew into a labyrinthine district of cobbled alleyways and shaded lanes, and by the 17th century it was a thriving trading hub with thousands of workshops practicing scores of crafts from coppersmiths to potters and jewelers, all existing amid the mosques and minarets.
Despite an 1879 fire destroying almost half of the bazaar, today its intriguing spider’s web of pedestrianized backstreets spans out from the landmark 19th-century Sebilj Fountain. Many of the alleyways and are still crammed with cluttered artisan stores spilling over with copper pots, gold, ceramics and hand-embroidered shawls, as well as cozy little cafés offering eastern delicacies such as stuffed dolmas and meat-filled burek.
Practical Info
Located in Old Town (Stari Grad), Bascarsija is always open and accessible.
Address: Stari Grad (Old Town), Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
From $ 54
Barcelona Aquarium (L'Aquarium)
The Barcelona Aquarium (L’Aquarium de Barcelona), one of Europe’s largest, sits right on the harbor in the heart of the old city. The exhibits within provide a habitat for some 11,000 sea creatures representing 450 different species, and house one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of sea life from the Mediterranean.
The Basics
A highlight of the Barcelona Aquarium is the Oceanarium, a 1-million-gallon (3.8-million-liter) tank housing sunfish, moray eels, rays, two types of sharks, and more. Pass through an underwater glass tunnel to see these creatures from all angles. Planeta Aqua, on the second floor, houses guest-favorite Humboldt penguins.
If you’re pressed for time, opt for a skip-the-line ticket to the aquarium. If you’re more budget-minded, get discounted admission to the aquarium and numerous other attractions with the Barcelona Card.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Barcelona Aquarium is a must-see for animal lovers and families with kids.
- Book your ticket ahead of time to skip the admission line when you arrive.
- Lockers are available for storing bags and other items.
- All aquarium facilities are accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Situated in Port Vell at the base of La Rambla, the aquarium is easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in the old city. You can also get there by taking the metro to Barceloneta (Line 4) or Drassanes (Line 3) stations, or by taking the hop-on hop-off bus to Port Vell.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open throughout the year, with extended hours during peak tourist season (July and August). Should you choose to visit during these busy months, plan on arriving first thing in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds.
Lunchtime at the Aquarium
Lunchtime at the Barcelona Aquarium is a complicated affair, with 150 different types of meals prepared for its inhabitants. To learn more about how the animals are cared for, don’t miss feeding time for the sharks, penguins, rays, and moray eels.
Address: Maremagnum, Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Barolo
The town of Barolo in Piedmont is very small – less than 1,000 residents – but since it produces one of the most sought-after wines on any Italian wine list, it attracts quite a bit of attention.
Barolo is roughly 30 miles southeast of Turin, not far from Alba. The tiny town is easy to explore on foot – although some of it is quite hilly, it's small enough that you can take your time. The countryside around Barolo is covered in vineyards, most of which are responsible for growing the nebbiolo grapes used to make the town's namesake wine.
Wine lovers will likely want to explore the area's vineyards, but don't overlook the town itself. There are a number of wine shops right in Barolo, and many winemakers have storefronts there, too, where you can taste (and buy) their wines.
Practical Info
Barolo is just nine miles south of Alba, and it's easiest to explore the whole area (including the vineyards) by renting a car. If you're staying in Alba, however, there are local buses you can take to get to Barolo.
Address: Barolo, Cuneo 12060, Italy
From $ 9
Barcelona Pavilion (Pabellon Mies van der Rohe)
The Barcelona Pavilion was built for the city’s 1929 International Exposition by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and stands today as important building for both the city and the modern architecture movement. It once served as the official opening for the German section of the exhibition, and is now admired for its simple design and intelligent use of special materials. It was constructed in less than one year, following World War I, with materials such as travertine, Greek marble, steel, glass, and golden onyx. Its emphasis on simplistic structure and minimalism makes this a peaceful place to visit, and still a model of expert design.
Perhaps the highlight of a visit to the Barcelona Pavilion is the prestigious and iconic Barcelona Chair, also designed by Mies van der Rohe. The Barcelona Chair was purposefully designed and keeps with the minimalistic style of the building. The Barcelona Pavilion continues to inspire modernist artists all over the world.
Practical Info
The Pavilion is situated at Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 7 on Montjuic in Barcelona and is open from daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission cost is 5 euro. The closest metro stop is Placa Espanya.
Address: Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 7, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Open from daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Admission: 5 euro
From $ 65
Basilica Cistern
Atmospheric music, rosy flood lighting and the lilting sound of water lapping on marble – entering the Underground Cistern known in Turkish as Yerebatan Sarayi - or Basilica Cistern, is an experience that charms all the senses.
Built to store water, this has to be the fanciest and most enormous well you’ll ever see. The cistern dates back to Byzantine days when the city was called Constantinople.
Built by Emperor Justinian in the mid-500s, the cavernous underground water-storage area has a vaulted brick ceiling supported by a forest of Corinthian-carved marble columns.
If this eerie, magical place looks a little familiar, you may recognize it from a scene in the James Bond movie From Russia with Love.
On your walk around the Basilica Cistern, seek out the two pillars that have the face of Medusa carved onto their base.
Practical Info
The Basilica Cistern is in Sultanahmet. The entrance is opposite Hagia Sophia on Yerebatan Caddesi.
Address: Yerebatan Caddesi 13, Istanbul 34400, Turkey
Hours: 9 am- 8 pm
Admission: 10 TL
From $ 29
Barcelos
Barcelos is a city in the Braga district of northern Portugal. The city is well known for the place where the unofficial symbol of Portugal, the cockerel, originated. Legend has it that a pilgrim was arrested for a crime he did not commit, and as he was about to be hanged, he claimed that a roasted cockerel would crow if he was innocent. Supposedly the cockerel stood up and crowed, and the man was released. Today visitors will find ceramic versions of the Galo de Barcelos throughout the city.
Aside from colorful ceramics and the Galo de Barcelos, this walled medieval city is known for its Thursday market in Campo da República. The market attracts locals from all over the region as well as tourists. Other local attractions include the Nossa Senhora do Terço church, the Centro do Artesanato de Barcelos (handicrafts center) and the ruins of the 15th-century Paço dos Duques de Bragança (Palace of the Dukes of Bragança). The ruins of the palace have been turned into an open-air archaeological museum, which also has a cross describing the story of Galo de Barcelos.
Practical Info
Barcelos is located 38 miles north of Porto and can be reached using route A28 or by train using the Linha de Braga line and R3111.
Address: Barcelos, Portugal
From $ 12
Barrio del Carmen
Situated in the ciutat vella, or old town, Valencia’s Barrio del Carmen is in many ways where you’ll encounter the soul of the Spanish coastal city. Once sandwiched between the 11th-century Muslim wall and the 14th-century Christian one, it’s a neighborhood packed with history, dating back over 1,000 years.
You can still see remnants of its distant past among El Carmen’s streets. The most impressive of these sights certainly includes the medieval towers, Torres de Quart and Torres de Serrano, both of which once belonged to the now-destroyed Christian wall. Then there’s the Portal de Valldigna (located on the street of the same name) that once served as the gate through the former Muslim wall to the Moorish and Jewish quarter. And the past also lives on in the district’s name, derived from the 13th-century Convent of Carmen, which is now a museum dedicated to the 19th century.
These days, El Carmen is hardly just about the past, though, as this barrio makes up arguably the most hip, trendy and bohemian in town. It’s home to a diverse population of people, and of course the mix of establishments that they frequent. As such, expect to find a healthy concentration of eclectic restaurants, shops, and especially bars since El Carmen is quite noted for its nightlife. The neighborhood is also blanketed by street art, ranging from colorful graffiti to wood installations, and message-filled murals that cover the sides of entire buildings.
Practical Info
Barrio del Carmen spans the northern portion of the old town. Though Calle de Caballeros (or Carrer dels Cavallers, in Valencian) is considered a main drag of sorts, the bulk of the area’s offerings are hardly limited to this east-west avenue.
Address: Valencia, Spain
From $ 17
Barry Island
There are few places as quintessentially Welsh as Barry Island, a lively seaside resort known for its Blue Flag beaches and traditional Pleasure Park, and teeming with locals during the sunny months. It was hit British TV show Gavin & Stacey that put Barry Island firmly on the map and today the main pastime for visitors is touring the many filming locations seen in the comedy series, among them Marco’s Café, Stacey’s house and the arcade where Nessa works.
Barry Island isn’t actually an island, it’s a peninsula jutting out from the southern tip of Barry town, and at just 30 minutes by train from Cardiff, it makes a popular day trip from the capital. Easily explored on foot, the small town is crammed with cafes, quirky souvenir shops, amusements and ice-cream vendors, while the surrounding coast harbours a number of scenic walkways, sandy beaches and rock pools.
Practical Info
Barry Island is located on the south coast of Wales, around 16 km south of Cardiff.
Address: Wales
From $ 36
Barcelona Zoo
Whether you like your animals fluffy or ferocious, there's something that fits the bill at Barcelona Zoo. Sitting on 35 acres (14 hectares) inside Parc de la Ciutadella, there are 7,000 animals and 400 different species that call the zoo home, with everything from dolphins to rhinoceros living in quarters that mimic natural habitats.
The Basics
This century-old zoo, opened in 1892, is one of Barcelona’s most family-friendly attractions and a great place to spend the day outdoors. Visitors can buy a standard admission ticket to the zoo or opt for the Barcelona Pass, which includes free entrance to the zoo, as well as other top attractions, such as the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, Poble Espanyol, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, and L’Aquarium Barcelona.
Many walking, cycling, and Segway tours of Old Town pass the zoo entrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Barcelona Zoo is a must-visit for families traveling with children.
- Buy your ticket online and skip the queues at the zoo.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
How to Get There
You can reach the zoo on foot from just about anywhere in the old city. To get there by public transportation, take the Metro to Vila Olimpica (line 4) or Arc de Triomf (line 1). The Ciutadella–Vila Olimpica tram also stops at the zoo, as do several public buses.
When to Get There
Barcelona Zoo is open daily throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the shoulder season (spring and autumn) when weather is not too hot and the zoo not too crowded. If you’re visiting in peak season (July and August), plan to arrive first thing in the morning.
Native Fauna of Barcelona
While Barcelona Zoo is best known for its star residents, such as lions, hippos, and elephants, it’s also a great place to learn about native fauna. The Garden of Biodiversity features numerous native plants, as well as a small lake, where local wildlife like Iberian tree frogs, midwife toads, and Mediterranean tree frogs, can take shelter.
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella s/n, Barcelona 08003, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Bargello Museum (Museo Nazionale del Bargello)
If Florence is the capital of the Italian Renaissance, the Bargello Museum is the capital of Italian Renaissance sculpture. Housed in the city’s medieval Palazzo del Podestà, the collection includes masterpieces by Cellini, Andrea della Robbia, Luca della Robbia, Michelangelo, Bernini, and Donatello.
The Basics
Palazzo del Podestà, Florence’s oldest public building, served as a barracks and prison before becoming the National Museum of the Bargello in 1865. Today, the art museum is home to an extensive collection of Renaissance works displayed in a series of vast apartments, including gold, armor, bronze animals made for the Medici family gardens as well as tapestries. The centerpiece of the Bargello collection, however, is the statuary that dates from the 14th to 16th centuries.
This is one of the most popular art collections in Florence; avoid a long wait by booking skip-the-line tickets ahead. Many Renaissance Florence walking tours include a stop at the Bargello; there’s a lot of art and history to take in, though, so consider reserving a private tour with an expert guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Highlights include bronze relief panels created by Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti, Donatello's David and St. George Tabernacle, Michelangelo's Pitti Tondo, and Sansovino's Bacchus.
- In the Bargello Chapel, don't miss the one of the oldest portraits of the poet Dante Alighieri, part of a fresco fragment attributed to Giotto.
- The Bargello Museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be left at the free coat check.
How to Get There
The Bargello Museum is located on Via del Proconsolo; it’s a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station.
When to Get There
The Bargello Museum is free the first Sunday of the month, so those days are especially crowded. The museum is closed on alternating Sundays and Mondays; to avoid confusion, visit Tuesday through Saturday.
Palazzo della Podestà
With its fortified and crenellated facade, maze-like interior with fine halls, balconies, and loggia overlooking a courtyard, this austere, fortress-like building was the inspiration for Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
Address: Via del Proconsolo, 4, Venice, Veneto, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Bari Cruise Port
Bari is one of the largest cities on southern Italy’s Adriatic coast and a major cruise ship port and ferry hub for routes to Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania. Before exploring the surrounding region of Puglia or heading farther afield by ferry, tour Bari’s charming historical center and seafront promenade.
The Basics
Highlights of Bari’s old town (Bari Vecchia or San Nicola) include the Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola, dedicated to the Saint Nicholas the rest of the world knows as Santa Claus; Via Sparano, the city’s elegant boulevard lined with designer shops; and Castello Svevo, a castle now used for art exhibitions. The city also has a lively market, busting restaurants and cafés, and vibrant nightlife.
Bari’s old town is surrounded by a vast urban sprawl of apartment blocks and office buildings, so the best way to visit is by joining a private or small-group tour that includes a transfer from the port to the center of the historical district.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It is at least a 20-minute walk through the busy port area to reach the historical center; booking a private transfer or taxi is the best way to reach Bari’s more picturesque quarter.
- Most churches, including the Basilica di San Nicola, require clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter.
- Many of Bari’s highlights are outdoors. Bring a hat and sunscreen in summer.
- Tours of Bari require a fair amount of walking; comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
How to Get There
Shore excursions and private tours generally include port pickup and drop-off, though there is a local bus that stops right outside the port terminal, taxis, and a shuttle bus. It’s possible to walk to Bari’s historical core from the port, but it’s not a particularly pleasant stroll.
Port Information
The official language at the Bari cruise port is Italian, although the local dialect is a hybrid of Italian and Greek surviving from the town’s fishing-port days. Not a lot of English is spoken, and due to its busy ferry terminal, the port area can be a Tower of Babel of languages. The currency is the euro.
Address: Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo, 1, Bari, Puglia 70122, Italy
From $ 12
Barry Mill
Barry Mill The Barry Mill is a Category A listed watermill located half a mile north of the village of Barry, not far from the town of Carnoustie in eastern Scotland. Found in a fairly secluded area next to the Barry Burn, the mill consists of three floors: a meal floor (the basement), a milling floor and the top floor. The original mill standing on the site was destroyed by fire in 1814 and the current mill dates from the rebuilding. It was commercially operational until 1984, processing oats into oatmeal, and was restored by the National Trust of Scotland in 1992.
Guided tours of the mill are available and worthwhile in learning more about the process of milling grain into oatmeal. Actual milling takes place on Sunday afternoons and uses a pair of French burr stones made in Edinburgh in 1880.
Practical Info
The grounds surrounding the mill are open year round until sunset each day and are great for picnicking. The mill itself is open April 2 to October 31, Thursday to Monday, from noon to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. To get there, you can take a Strathtay Bus from Dundee, Carnoustie or Arbroath. Additionally, trains on the Dundee to Aberdeen route stop at nearby Carnoustie.
Address: Carnoustie, Scotland
Hours: The mill itself is open April 2 to October 31, Thursday to Monday, from noon to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults £6.50
From $ 14
Basilica di San Francesco
The town of Assisi in Umbria is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Europe, thanks to the saint who was born – and is buried – there.
When Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, died in 1226, plans for a basilica dedicated to him were begun. Construction of the Basilica di San Francesco started in 1228, and the basilica was consecrated in 1253. It is actually a complex of two churches, an upper and lower, built into a hillside. The interiors of both churches were frescoed by artists of the era whose names are familiar to us today – including Giotto and Cimabue. St. Francis' tomb is in the crypt, and is what both pilgrims and tourists line up to see.
In 1997, two earthquakes hit Umbria within minutes of one another, but it was an aftershock that shook the basilica in Assisi. Many of the original Giotto frescoes in the Upper Basilica were destroyed, and the vault collapsed, killing four people. The church was closed until 1999 while restoration work took place.
Practical Info
The Basilica di San Francesco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lower Basilica and crypt are open daily from 6am-6pm, and the Upper Basilica is open daily from 8:30am-6pm.
Address: Piazza San Francesco, 2, Assisi PG 06081, Italy
From $ 106
Baroque Museum (Salzburger Barockmuseum)
Set in the lovely Orangery of Mirabell Palace, Salzburg’s Baroque Museum hosts an unusual and rare collection of sketches by legendary artists of the Baroque era.
The only museum to focus solely on preliminary artworks, the collection includes drawings and studies by Rubens, Tiepolo, Guardi and Fragonard.
The sketches provide insights into the artists’ creative processes, and a rare glimpse into the birth of a work of art.
While you’re here, take a stroll around the impressive gardens.
Practical Info
The Baroque Museum is on the northern bank of the River Salzach, in the classically landscaped gardens of Mirabell Palace.
To get here, cross the Staats Bridge and follow your nose west to the gardens.
Address: Orangerie des Mirabellgartens, Mirabellplatz 3, Salzburg 5020, Austria
Hours: Wed - Sun & holidays: 10am - 5pm. Open Tues - Sun on Easter, Jul - Aug and Christmas
Admission: Adults: € 4.50, Children: Free
From $ 52
Basilica di San Domenico
Behind its understated Romanesque façade and distinctive rose window, the Basilica di San Domenico is teeming with Renaissance treasures, as well as ranking among Bologna’s most important churches. The church was built in 1221 to house the tomb of San Domenico, Founder of the Dominican Order of Preachers, and the Ark of St. Dominic remains the church’s grand centerpiece – a magnificent marble shrine created by Nicola Pisano and Niccolò dell’Arca.
The church’s elaborate interiors also include colorful frescoes and paintings by Michelangelo, Filippino Lippi, Guido Reni, Ludovico Carracci, and il Guercino, while one of its three grand organs was once played by Mozart. Other priceless artifacts are on display in the basilica’s small museum, including a terracotta bust of St. Dominic by Niccolò dell’Arca and a gothic-style reliquary once belonging to French King Louis IX.
Practical Info
The Basilica di San Domenico is located on Piazza San Domenico in Bologna and opening times are: Mon-Fri 9am-12pm & 3.30 6pm; Sat: 9am-12pm & 3.30-5pm; Sun: 3.30-5pm. Entrance is free.
Address: Piazza S. Domenico, 13, 40124, Bologna, Italy
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-12pm & 3.30-6pm; Sat: 9am-12pm & 3.30-5pm; Sun: 3.30-5pm
From $ 83
Barceloneta Beach
Backing onto the former fishing quarter that shares its name, this sandy 0.6-mile (1.1-kilometer) stretch of Mediterranean-facing beach is a beloved summer hangout with locals who flock here to sunbathe, swim, and play volleyball. The beach is lined with chiringuitos (beach bars), public artworks, souvenir shops, and cafés.
The Basics
Sun-kissed Barceloneta is the nearest beach to Barcelona city center. Many visitors explore the waterfront as part of bike, Segway, or self-guided three-wheel GoCar tours. Sailing tours, speedboat excursions, and catamaran cruises from Barcelona also float past Barceloneta Beach and nearby Port Vell. Other water-based tours include activities such as jet-skiing and parasailing, while helicopter tours fly over the sands.
Architecture tours also make stops in the Barceloneta neighborhood, at landmarks such as the iconic sail-shaped waterfront W Hotel, the sustainable market of La Barceloneta, and the eye-catching Torre Mare Nostrum skyscraper.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Barceloneta is a must-visit for sunseekers and beach lovers.
- Bring sunscreen as the sun’s rays can be very strong, especially in summer.
- Barceloneta’s beachside promenade, Paseo Maritimo de la Barceloneta, is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Take the yellow metro line to the Barceloneta stop. Alternatively, it’s possible to walk: From the southern end of Las Ramblas, the beach is just 20 minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
Barceloneta Beach is at its most atmospheric during summer, when sun-worshippers come here in droves to take advantage of the warm weather. Time your visit to coincide with the end of the day and sip a sangria by the waterfront while watching the spectacular sunset.
Public Artworks at Barceloneta
As well as presenting ample people-watching opportunities, Barceloneta is also a good place to view art, including several notable pieces commissioned during the run-up to the 1992 Olympics. Look for Frank Gehry’s 183-foot-long (56-meter-long) El Peix sculpture, which resembles a giant copper-colored fish, and Rebecca Horn’s crooked L'Estel Ferit (The Wounded Shooting Star, aka Homage to Barceloneta), inspired by the shacks that once lined the Barceloneta seafront.
Address: Spain
From $ 9
Bardini Garden (Giardino Bardini)
In the Oltrarno neighborhood of Florence, behind the 17th-century Villa Bardini, is the Bardini Garden (Giardino Bardini) an often-overlooked gem.
The Bardini Garden’s pretty terraces are closer to the Arno River than the more popular Boboli Gardens, but were only opened to the public in 2012 and remain largely undiscovered by visitors. It was a classic Italian Renaissance garden, with fountains and statues among the symmetrically-placed plants, though the property dates back to the 13th century.
One of the primary reasons to visit the Bardini Garden, in addition to its serene beauty, is to escape the crowds of the nearby Boboli Gardens. As the Bardini Garden is closer to the Arno River, it also offers arguably better views overlooking the city of Florence.
There are many walking tours that include the Boboli Gardens, but only a few also visit the Bardini Garden. Choose a group tour or a private tour for a more intimate experience.
Practical Info
The Bardini Garden is a popular stop for families with kids - there are numerous places to sit and relax with a picnic while little ones run around, and there’s even a small cafe on the property.
Address: Via de’ Bardi 1n, Florence, Tuscany 50125, Italy
Hours: Varies by season. Closed on first & last Monday of each month, New Year’s Day, May 1, Christmas Day.
Admission: €7 adults, €3.50 EU citizens between 18-25 - first Sunday is free
From $ 45