Exotic Things To Do

bar

“The rooftop bar at Hotel Rosellon is arguably the best in the city. It sits directly facing Sagrada Familia and watching the light change across Gaudi's towers while sipping on a drink is something else entirely.”

experience

“Two, wander around Park Güell. You know those places that look incredible in photos but feel a little flat when you actually get there? Park Güell is the complete opposite. It's somehow even better in person.”

experience

“Three, explore Casa Batlló. If Sagrada Família is Gaudí at his most monumental, Casa Batlló is Gaudí at his most playful. And it might just be the most visually stunning building you walk through on this entire trip.”

experience

“Four, step inside Casa Mila, La Pedrera. Just a short walk from Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia sits Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, which translates to the stone quarry.”

outdoor adventure

“Six, stroll along La Rambla. La Rambla is one of those streets you'll end up on whether you plan to or not, and that's not a bad thing.”

shopping

“Seven, explore Mercat de la Boqueria. Just off La Rambla, Mercat de la Boqueria is a feast for all the senses, literally.”

experience

“Nine, visit Barcelona Cathedral. Right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter sits Barcelona Cathedral, and it absolutely earns its place on this list.”

restaurant

“For a quick and easy lunch, grab takeaway pizza from Nap Mar and eat it on the sand.”

experience

“13. Visit Palau de la Musica Catalana. This is the one that surprises people the most, and once you're standing inside, you'll understand why it's considered one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world.”

experience

“16. Visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia, MNAC. Even if art museums aren't really your thing, this one's worth visiting for the building and the views alone.”

experience

“17. Watch the show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This one is completely free and completely unmissable.”

bar

“18. Sip cocktails at Paradiso. Here's something most visitors don't know. Barcelona's home to not one, but two of the world's top cocktail bars. Paradiso is currently ranked in the world's top five, and the moment you arrive, you'll understand why.”

experience

“20. Visit Casa Vicens. Most people racing between Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló completely skip this one, and they're missing out. Casa Vicens was Gaudí's very first major work, and it looks completely different from anything else he ever built.”

experience

“21. Explore the Picasso Museum. The Picasso Museum isn't just a great art museum, it's a great Barcelona story.”

experience

“22. Discover El Born. Speaking of El Born, this neighborhood deserves its own spot on the list. It's got the same narrow streets and historic feel as the Gothic Quarter, but with a slightly more relaxed local vibe.”

experience

“It's also home to the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic architecture anywhere.”

experience

“23. See the Arc de Triomf. Barcelona's own Arc de Triomf often surprises visitors who stumble across it for the first time.”

outdoor adventure

“24. Walk through Parc de la Ciutadella. If you need a breather from the streets and sightseeing, Parc de la Ciutadella is exactly where you want to be.”

experience

“25. Explore Camp Nou. Even if football isn't your thing, stepping into Camp Nou is something else. It's one of the most famous stadiums in the world, home to FC Barcelona, and the sheer scale of the place is hard to fully comprehend until you're standing in it.”

bar

“Another great option is La Tiq at Hotel Le Meridien, which has an incredible view of Barcelona Cathedral.”

experience

“At the top sits Montjuïc Castle, a 17th century fortress with a complicated history and incredible views in every direction.”

experience

“One, visit Sagrada Familia. We're starting with one that will genuinely stop you mid-step, Sagrada Familia. And before you say, 'Yeah, yeah, I've seen the pictures.' Nothing prepares you for the real thing.”

bar

“Then stroll up to Franco's Bar for a sunset apparativo overlooking the bay. Cocktails here average $18 to $22 and the view is unforgettable.”

restaurant

“End the night with dinner at Iltraente where a full meal with wine usually lands around $60 to $80 per person.”

experience

“Spend the day relaxing at Arenzo Beach Club where sunbeds usually run about $35 to $50 per person...”

outdoor adventure

“...or claim a free spot on Spa Grande if you don't mind the pebbles.”

experience

“No Amalfi Coast itinerary feels complete without a full day in Positano. Built into a dramatic mountainscape and spilling down toward the Terraneian Sea, this pastel colored town instantly stole my heart and it'll probably steal yours, too.”

bar

“As the sun begins to dip, pick up a to-go cocktail from La Alternativa for about $10 to 12.”

shopping

“Grab picnic supplies, proh [music] baratha, and fresh bread from a local shop like the wine shop and enjoy lunch by the water for under 20 to $25 per person.”

experience

“Villa Chimbrron's gardens are dramatic and immersive, filled with fountains, statues, and panoramic viewpoints. The shaded avenue of immensity wrapped in wisteria feels almost surreal. And the Tedato del Infinito lined with marble busts offers one of the most breathtaking views on the coast.”

experience

“Dating back to the 13th century, Villa Rufel blends lush gardens with romanesque gothic and moorish architecture. Highlights include the Moorish courtyard, the panoramic gardens, and the Tore Major Museum.”

experience

“...and glide beneath dramatic coastal bridges like the one at Fioro de Furore.”

outdoor adventure

“Hike the Path of the Gods. This legendary trail once served as a main route between villages like Noel and Bomerano. Today, it's one of the most scenic hikes in Italy.”

experience

“Rell feels quieter and more romantic than most Amalfi Coast towns, making it perfect for a slow afternoon wandering through historic villas and gardens.”

outdoor adventure

“This hike may be shorter than the path of the gods, but don't underestimate it. The climb includes roughly 1,500 ancient stone steps winding through lemong groves and olive trees. The ascent is challenging, but the views over the terrinian sea and the Lati mountains are worth every step.”

outdoor adventure

“If you want beach time, rent an umbrella and two sunbeds at a beach club like Tonino's for around $32 to $35 or head to the free public beach nearby.”

experience

“...or visit the Mo de la Carta for about $6 to learn how this centuries old craft began.”

experience

“The Duomo Diiam absolutely deserves its own moment because it's spectacular. Climb the 62 stone steps and step into a space filled with shimmering gold details, polished marble, vivid fresco, and even human skeletons resting in the crypt.”

experience

“Amalfi is lively, energetic, and often the busiest town along the coast. Wander its cobblestone streets, people watch in Piaza Duomo, and take in the harbor views.”

barPartnership likely

“A day trip to Capri belongs on every Amalfi Coast itinerary. Between the dramatic limestone cliffs, electric blue water, lush gardens, and stylish little towns, the island feels cinematic from the moment you arrive.”

experiencePartnership likely

“Once on land, relax at a beach club, 30 to 50 dollars for sunbeds, ride the funicular up to Capri's main square, stroll through the Gardens of Augustus, about 2 dollars, or head to Anacapri.”