Barcelona City Guide

Barcelona

Welcome to Barcelona Escape Apartments. Your vacation rentals URL for all your Barcelona accommodation needs. Explore a full selection of vacation accommodation including a large selection of apartments as well as extended stay accommodation and bed and breakfasts.

About Barcelona

Once a Roman city Barcelona, located in Spain’s Catalonia district, has grown to be Europe’s sixth largest metropolitan area. Renowned for the dynamic mix of seaside beaches, fine dining, historic sites, sports, and a vibrant joy for life, Barcelona beckons travelers from all corners of the globe.

Situated on the northern tip of the Iberian Peninsula and facing the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is a convenient arrival spot, with an international airport, port and rail access. The city also boasts an efficient metro, bus and tram service to easily explore all the Jewel of Catalonia has to offer. The delights are endless.

Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia and Spain’s second most populated city, is surely a destination that everyone should see at least once. The beauty and splendor will make for a vacation experience that you will be sure to have fond memories of for many years to come. Here is just a small part of what Barcelona has to offer you and your friends or family. Be sure to explore other options, especially if you are planning an extended trip.

The deep blue sea and sunny beaches

For those looking to laze around in the sand and surf, Barcelona is paradise. The warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea invite refreshing dips, paddle-boarding, surfing and kayaking. The famous sun-drenched beaches are made to take sunset strolls, early morning runs or just for lounging. This corner of Spain offers you as much, or as little, as you want to do on your holiday getaway.

Quirky buildings and fine museums

Barcelona’s skyline features amazing modernist sculpture unique to many of the famous buildings: Modernisme, a Catalan cultural movement which originated in Barcelona and Catalonia from 1888 to 1911, is most famous for its architectural expression. Of particular note are the many works of Antoni Gaudí. Take time out of your sightseeing itinerary to explore the fantastic novelty and creative expression of Barcelona’s Modernism architecture. 

The city is also home to many fine museums and historic sites, from the Picasso Museum to the La Sagrada Familia Church, also designed by Gaudi. Any history, religious or art aficionado is sure to be astounded and charmed with the offerings that Barcelona provides.

Sports

Soccer is part of Spain’s lifeblood. Barcelona is particularly proud of its team, FC Barcelona, or “Barca” as locals refer to it. If visiting during the season, attending a home game at Camp Nue Stadium is a sure way to experience the excitement of one of Spain’s greatest passions. Camp Nue is also home to one of the world’s largest Nike stores, which is well stocked with Barca merchandise.

Barcelona is also the first major European city to be home to its own Olympic museum, the Museu Olímpic i de l'Esport.  Located on Montjuic Hill, the museum offers visitors an interactive experience based upon the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

An endless table

Food is an art in Barcelona, from the high-end gastronomic heritage of Catalan chefs such as Albert Adria, to the Basque-style tapas plates, or the seafood-rich heritage of Galician dishes, Barcelona is a food lover’s dream. Enjoy picnics made with the celebrated Spanish ham, jamon, and rich cheeses, or celebrate with friends over one of Spain’s signature dishes, paella. Eating your way through a vacation in Barcelona is complex and delightful treat. The food, while excellent, is inexpensively to moderately priced in many restaurants, and the wine is known for being abundant and economical. Barcelona is also known for tempting those with a sweet tooth to indulge in fine chocolates, crafted by premium chocolatiers throughout the city.

The nightlife never stops

The Spanish know how to have a good time, and when you’re with them, they want you to dive into the celebration too!  Whether you start your night off with a sunset walk on the beach, or at a café enjoying a diversity of tapas to savor, as the sky darkens, Barcelona beckons you to join the party.  Music lovers can choose from watching the storied Flamenco performances, dancing to jazz music tucked away in clubs on side streets, or taking in an indie rock concert in parks and concert venues, Barcelona boasts a vivacious live music scene.

Bars, offering both food and drink are a popular destination, as many people slowly travel from one to another, enjoying a drink and plate at a variety of establishments. For those looking for more excitement as the night goes on, the club scene extends far beyond 3a.m., giving an outlet to those who want to dance and party the night away.

Lodging

We offer you the widest range of unique vacation rental properties in Barcelona in the most popular areas of the city, such as the Gothic Quarter in the heart of the old town, the trendy Born, the famous Las Ramblas or the bohemian Raval.

We are the best, with an unrivaled range of choice because we are a family-run business who have specialized in online vacation rental booking since the year 2000. With highly-experienced experts on the ground, we stand behind all the apartments we offer, and should you need any assistance, simply get in touch.

Whether you are looking for a Barcelona family vacation, an extended stay in Barcelona or Barcelona group accommodation, we have the experience and flexibility to arrange anything you might wish for from your Barcelona holiday accommodation. Most of our Barcelona apartments are bookable directly online, but should you want any assistance, do not hesitate to contact us, either through live chat, telephone or email.

Barcelona, a city of abundance, has a wide variety of places to stay for visitors, everything from 5-star hotels, to bed and breakfasts and apartment rentals. Navigating the choices to be in just the area you want to explore, in the comfort and budget you want is made easier by using World Escape's Barcelona guide.  Find the perfect escape today.

Barcelona Holiday Apartments

Barcelona, city of tempting shopping streets, long, hot summers, beautiful, golden beaches, Gaudi’s infamous garden and the inconceivable number of other wondrous pieces of architecture, is one of the top holiday destinations in Europe. There are many things to see that do not cost anything and here are a few of them 

To experience Barcelona in its full glory, avoid stuffy, boring, rip-off hotels. To truly experience life in Barcelona, choose, instead, a vacation rental in the heart of this vibrant city. Nothing is better than the comfort and privacy of your own home for the night, and being able to step out the door straight into the lively local buzz and excitement, and all at much better value than the cumbersome old hotel monopolies would ever dream of offering you. When in one finds themselves in Barcelona one should not miss the chance to check out some of the fantastic architectural creations of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí.

Gothic District

Narrow streets and a very old feel make the Gothic district unique. This section of town was founded by the Romans as a village. While the buildings and atmosphere are old, there is a lot of modern shopping and activity there. Be sure to see the Cathedral in the quarter, which features some of the most remarkable architecture of the time. The Cathedral was built in the 11^th century and was added onto up until 1890. The front of the Cathedral is a popular place for people to gather to dance and talk. There is an appealing blend of the old and new in this district, and you should not miss this vibrant area on your visit to the city. The architecture is astounding and something you will not see anywhere else on your travels.

Explore the city via bicycle

Cycling is a great way to see the sights and sounds of beautiful Barcelona. There are many maps that you can get that give directions for the best bike routes, or you can get a city map and find your own way around. The residents are very friendly and happy to point you in the right direction. For a different and more personal experience, try to get away from the areas that are most well-known and explore what else the city has to offer. Cycling will also help you keep in good physical condition while you are on your holiday, plus you can work up an appetite to ensure that you are ready to try the vast array of gastronomic options that the city has to offer.

Dining

You don't want to leave Barcelona without trying the famous paella, which is the national dish of Spain. The dish features shrimp, yellow rice, vegetables, and other seafood, all cooked in a single large pan. It pairs wonderfully with the many regional wines that are available almost anywhere in the city. Be sure to partake in top-quality wines from the Garnacha and Tempranillo grapes. Don't let the small price tag on wine fool you; Spain has more vineyards than any other country in the world and is known for producing high-quality vino for a budget price. 

A rich and fascinating history

If you are a history enthusiast, then Barcelona will have a lot to offer you on your trip. There are many historical tours, where you will get to see various sites of historical interest and learn about the city’s fascinating past. The Spanish Civil War Tour is rated as one of the top historical tours. Visit the museum at Park Güell, or for a broader perspective, there is The Museum of the History of Barcelona. Make sure to pack an extra memory card for your camera because you will want to take plenty of pictures during your tour.

Meeting the locals and getting outside of town

While staying in Barcelona, it is important to get out and talk to those that live there. The stories and knowledge that they can share with you will enrich your trip. Making new friends is one of the great things about traveling to a place that you have not been to before. Make sure that you also take a trip to the countryside and see how people live off the land. Spain is famous for its olive groves as well as its wine. Getting off the beaten path can be a great way to unwind from a few days in the city. Ask your hosts what they would recommend, and start exploring the great areas around Barcelona on your next trip.

Comfortable accommodations and friendly hosts

Great accommodations in Barcelona are less expensive than you might think. World Escapes lists a range of places to stay, from cheap apartments to luxury rentals. We can help you find the perfect base for your Barcelona vacation, whether you’re planning a trip with friends or family.