Explore Barcelona

Welcome to Barcelona, a city full of wonders, offering a unique blend of historical, cultural, and modern experiences that cater to all tastes. 

EACR Ambassador Sara Sánchez-Serra introduces you to her beloved city: “Offering both sea and mountains, exquisite food from around the globe, incredible museums and landmarks and, of course, amazing weather, why not take time to explore this beautiful city while you’re here for Defence is the Best Attack?”   

We asked Sara and other local EACR Ambassadors for their advice on what to do while you’re in town; we’d like to thank Cristina Fornaguera Puigvert, Albert Gris Oliver, Dario Ruiz Ciancio, Sara Sánchez-Serra, Joan Pera, Teresa Rubio-Tomás, Francesco Schettini and others for sharing their local knowledge and insights into what makes Barcelona a great place to visit. 

Read on for a taste of what Barcelona has to offer…  

History and culture 

While attending Defence is the Best Attack at CosmoCaixa, Albert reminds you to take some time to explore the museum’s fascinating exhibitions, including the immersive Flooded Forest and the Planetarium.  Away from the conference venue, iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Família, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló by Gaudí are a must see – EACR Ambassadors advise you to book your tickets in advance! 

Don’t miss the city’s top museums: the Museu Picasso, Fundació Joan Miró, and MNAC for art lovers; MACBA for contemporary works; or the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA) for a journey through the city’s past, including Air Raid Shelters scattered around the city. Football fans will enjoy the FC Barcelona Museum, while CaixaForum offers cutting-edge cultural exhibits. 

Barcelona’s parks 

If you love to be outdoors, local EACR Ambassadors recommend a relaxing stroll or run in one of Barcelona’s many parks and open spaces.  Head to Montjuïc Hill with its castle, magic fountain, and the stadium that hosted the 1992 Olympic Games.  Within the Parc de Collserola, with its stunning views over the city, Tibidabo Hill is another popular choice: check out the theme park while you’re there! 

Park Güell (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Parc de la Ciutadella, the Laberint d’Horta and Barceloneta Beach are all well worth a visit. 

Charming neighbourhoods 

Take time to stroll through the Gothic Quarter and El Born with their medieval streets, covered squares, and historical landmarks such as the Barcelona Cathedral.  Sara recommends you seek out hidden gems such as Plaça Sant Felip Neri, the Roman Temple d’August and Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar. 

Dining 

Barcelona’s culinary scene is diverse and dynamic, catering to all tastes and budgets. Dario tells us that El Born is ideal for an upscale dining experience with fusion and gourmet tapas restaurants, whilst for a more traditional approach, Gràcia offers charming local taverns serving authentic Catalan cuisine.   
 
Albert encourages you to savor Catalan dishes such as fideuà, mar i muntanya, fricandó, or the sweet crema catalana, and pair them with a glass of local wines (DO Penedès, DO Montsant) and Cava.  

Francesco advises that some of the best local dishes to be found in Barcelona, including pan con tomate, croquetas and tortilla de patatas, can be enjoyed in more unassuming and less well-known eateries. 

There has never been a better time to dine in Barcelona, with options ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to vibrant market food stalls, as it celebrates being the World Region of Gastronomy 2025. 

Night life 

For those who enjoy clubbing, Razzmatazz and Sala Apolo are Francesco’s pick, while The Safari is a great hangout for LGBTQ+ visitors.  If you fancy a cocktail, Teresa suggests Paradiso is the place to go. 

Getting around 

Barcelona offers an efficient public transportation system, including metro lines, buses and trams, facilitating easy navigation throughout the city including the airport, conference venue, and tourist attractions. The “T-Casual” ticket, which includes 10 trips for €12.55 is Sara and Francesco’s recommendation. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are widely available, while for eco-conscious travelers, Dario recommends the city’s bike-sharing program, Bicing.  

Safety warning 

While the city is generally safe, be sure to remain alert and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy tourist areas.  The emergency number is 112. 

CosmoCaixa

La Pedrera

Parc de la Ciutadella

Barceloneta Beach

Barcelona Cathedral

El Born