Barcelona Walk: La Sagrada Familia
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Our one-day Barcelona walk takes in many of the city’s most exciting locations. Winding through the Eixample and Cuitat Vella neighborhoods, the trek includes stops at Basilica Las Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Mercado de la Boqueria, Placa Reial, and Barcelona Cathedral. Our free Barcelona walking tour is one of the best things to do in Barcelona Spain.
The route begins at La Sagrada Familia where Antoni Gaudi’s modernism, love of nature, and sense of mayhem is on glorious display. The middle section of the walk encompasses the vibrant avenues of Passeig de Gracia and Las Ramblas Barcelona. After a stroll through the lanes of the Barcelona Gothic Quarter, the trek concludes at the Arc de Triomf.
Full of shaded sidewalks, outdoor cafes, and pedestrianized streets, Barcelona is a great city to stroll. For more ideas on walking tours and Barcelona travel, read our articles on:
Gothic Quarter Barcelona Walk
BARCELONA WALK: LA SAGRADA FAMILIA AT A GLANCE
DETAILS BARCELONA WALK: LA SAGRADA FAMILIA
Activity: Self-guided Barcelona free walking tour.
Location: Eixample and Ciutat Vella neighborhoods in Barcelona Spain.
Walk Length: 3.6 miles or 5.9 km
Duration: Walking non-stop 1 hour and 20 mins; with stops plan for 5 hours.
GPS: We have provided a Google map of the route and the address of each stop. The best way to complete the walk is to GPS the address of your next stop and follow the suggested route.
Number of Stops & Sights: 12 (La Sagrada Familia, Passeig de Gracia, Casa Mila, Casa Batlo, Placa de Catalunya, Las Ramblas, Mercado de La Boqueria, Placa Reial, Bishop's Bridge, Barcelona Cathedral, Placa del Rie, and Arc de Triomf).
MAP BARCELONA WALK: LA SAGRADA FAMILIA
ROUTE BARCELONA WALK: LA SAGRADA FAMILIA
STOP 1: Basilica la Sagrada Familia
(Address: C/ de Mallorca, 401, L’Eixample, 08013)
Stop Length: Tour beginning point with 1 hour stop.
The walking tour begin at the Basilica La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family) where the modernistic architect Antoni Gaudi designed what is considered to be his greatest work. Gaudi anchored the massive structure by three soaring towers: the Glory, Nativity, and Passion. The light-filled basilica interior is full of fanciful carvings of animals and religious symbols.
Although ground broke on the Basilica La Sagrada Familia in 1882, it is still under construction. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a busy Barcelona attraction, so we have planned this stop as the first of the day. We strongly recommend buying tickets online prior to the visit, with a booking time for early in the day. Don’t forget to also purchase a separate ticket for an elevator ride to the top of the towers for spectacular city views.
Passeig de Gracia
Leaving La Sagrada Familia, head to Passeig de Gracia. Barcelona is known for its innovative fusion of Catalan, Gothic, and Modern architectural styles resulting in a rich and colorful street scene. Nowhere is that more apparent than on the beautiful avenue Passeig de Gracia.
Developed in the early 1900s, Passeig de Gracia became home to some of Barcelona’s most celebrated citizens who competed to build the most remarkable homes. The avenue continues to be a sought-after address known for its modernist houses, chic restaurants, and luxury shopping. Walking the street, look for intricate ironwork on the boulevard’s balconies and lamppost benches (designed by Antoni Gaudi).
Stop 2: Casa Mila
(Address: Pg. de Gracia, 92, L’Eixample, 08008)
Stop Length: 45-minute stop.
While strolling Passeig de Gracia look for Casa Mila, another Gaudi masterpiece. Pause here for a tour (buy your tickets ahead online). Antoni Gaudi designed Casa Mila as an office and residential building in the early 1900s. The stone façade that was meant to be evocative of the wind and waves, instead reminded people of a quarry (hence its nickname "La Pedrera"). Once inside, be sure to view the Flower Courtyard, Whale Attic, and other-worldly Warrior Rooftop.
Casa Batllo
(Address: Pg de Gracia, 43, L’Eixample, 08007)
Just down the street from Casa Mila is the Gaudi building, Casa Batllo. The structure’s colorful exterior is marine inspired. It’s light-filled interior is filled with exquisitely crafted stained glass, iron, wood, ceramic tiles, and stone. If you don’t tour Casa Mila, try Casa Batllo.
Placa de Catalunya
(Address: Placa de Ctalunya, L’Eixample, 08002)
At the end of Passeig de Gracia, you will pass through one of Barcelona’s busiest squares. The enormous Placa de Catalunya is flanked by large department stores. The square serves as a transportation hub and meeting spot for the city. Placa de Catalunya is bordered by six sets of statues and a large esplanade that is often packed with festival tents, food trucks, and street performers.
Las Ramblas Barcelona
(Address: Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain)
When you are ready to continue your Barcelona walk find Las Ramblas Barcelona. The .8-mile (1.3km) avenue is a lively pedestrian boulevard that links Eixample to the Gothic Quarter and waterfront.
The walkway is home to a flower market, craft kiosks, outdoor tapas bars, and souvenir shops. Trekking Las Ramblas you will rub elbows with peddlers and street performers. Despite the crowds, Barcelona’s laid-back beachy vibe runs up and down Las Ramblas.
Stop 3: Mercado de la Boqueria
(Address: La Rambla, 91, Ciutat Vella, 08001)
Stop Length: 30-minutes.
Mid-way along Las Ramblas you will find the Mercado do la Boqueria. The enormous food market is a major Barcelona attraction for locals and travelers. The sprawling warehouse is filled with scrumptious displays of fruits, meats, cheeses, candy, vinegars, and much more. During your 30-minutes stop shop for gifts for home.
Stop 4: Placa Reial
(Address: Cuitat Vella, 08002)
Stop Length: 1-Hour.
Exiting Mercado de la Bouqueria, cross Las Ramblas and head into the Barcelona Gothic Quarter. You are enterting the historic center of the Old City (Cuitat Vella). Along the narrow pedestrian lanes there are Roman, medieval, and Gothic-era structures. The neighborhood is a patchwork of squares connected by colorful shops, restaurants, and bars. The first square we will explore is Placa Reial (Royal Square).
Placa Reial is a palm tree lined square surrounded by elegant porticoed buildings. The Three Graces fountain adorns the courtyard and the street lanterns are designed by Antoni Gaudi. An hour stop is planned at this location to have drinks, a tapas lunch, and to snap some photographs.
Bishop’s Bridge
(Address: C. del Bisbe, 08002 Barcelona, Spain)
From Placa Reial, travel a short distance to Bishop’s Bridge (Pont de Bisbe). The ornate footbridge looks like other Gothic Quarter structures that were built in the 14th century. However, the Pont de Bisbe was actually erected in the 1920’s.
Stop 5: Barcelona Cathedral
(Address: Pla de la Seu, s/n/ Ciutat Vella, 08002)
Stop Length: 45-minutes
Dating back to 1298, the Barcelona Cathedral (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia) is the next stop on our Barcelona walking tour. The building’s intricate stone carvings and stained-glass give it a dramatic Gothic appearance. Buy tickets, and then check out the church’s central choir seats, crypts, and lower-level chapel. Take an elevator to the roof for great city views. Before leaving, visit the cloisters and see the gaggle of geese that live in the courtyard.
Placa del Rei
(Address: Pl. del Rei, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain)
From the Barcelona Cathedral it is a short walk to Placa del Rei (Royal Square). This historic square is reported to be the location where King Ferdinand welcomed Christopher Columbus back from his trip to the new world in 1493. At Placa del Rei look for Royal Palace, Roman walls, Santa Agata Royal Chapel, and the Barcelona Museum of History.
Arc de Triomf
(Address: Passeig de Lluis Companys, Ciutat Vella, 08003)
Tour End Point
From Placa del Rei, make your way to the Arc de Triomf (1888). The arch was erected as the gateway to the Universal Exhibition that Barcelona hosted in the late 19th century. The arch is adorned with a series of murals symbolizing agriculture, industry, and commerce. The much-loved city landmark stands at the entrance to the Parc de la Ciutadella. Buy some snacks and have a picnic in the park at the end of your Barcelona walking tour.
Salut! (Cheers!) Laura and Randy
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