No other city in the world can rival or reproduce the cosmopolitan, complete city feel of Barcelona. From Gothic to Catalan Modernisme, the cityscape is eclectic, dynamic and truly unforgettable.

Travel guides are rampant with the expression “no amount of hyperbole can properly convey” some elusive quality about a particular city. Well, more often than not, Barcelona is that city. The capital of Catalonia is a place people return to again and again because of some elusive allure or hold it exacts and perhaps a sense that here, in this exceptional city, one can experience it all.

Everyone has their favorite Barcelona haunts. These ten represent our must-see list (most names in Catalan).

10. Camp Nou

Even if you harbor indifference for “The Beautiful Game”, you simply must make a pilgrimage to Camp Nou. The home of FC Barcelona since 1957 is a holy shrine in the football world and a UEFA Elite Stadium with a total capacity of just under 99,000 spectators.

9. Hospital de Sant Pau

Although Antoni Gaudi is the most famous Modernisme architect to come out of Catalonia, Lluis Domenech i Montaner left his mark in Barcelona as well, with two landmarks that now share a UNESCO World Heritage inscription. The first is the glorious Hospital de Sant Pau, which remarkably, still operates as a functional hospital.

8. Palau de la Musica Catalana

Perhaps the magnum opus of Montaner’s career however, is the magnificent Art Nouveau Palau de la Musica Catalana. The concert hall, built in the first decade of the 20th century, underwent a long and immaculate restoration just prior to UNESCO inscription in 1997. Over half a million people enjoy performances in the grand landmark every year.

7. Museo Picasso

Paris and Malaga have fine museums in tribute to the most famous artist of the 20th century and perhaps, frankly, of all time. We like the Museo Picasso in Barcelona however, if not for the Barri Gotic backdrop than for the actual layout and composition of the collection. The overall experience is a thorough visual tour of the career evolution of Pablo Picasso.

6. Fundacio Joan Miro

Picasso was a master who cast a long shadow over his peers, one of whom, Joan Miro, was a genius of the surreal. The late experimental painter, sculptor and ceramist has his own museum in Barcelona as well, a museum which ranks as one of our favorites in all of Europe. The Fundacio Joan Miro on Montjuic has a treasure trove of works by the native son in a milieu worthy of his name and reputation.

5. Barri Gotic

Though the Picasso Museum is in the Barri Gotic, one has to walk the peerless quarter to fully experience a phenomenal section of Barcelona. Pockets of the Gothic quarter can get seamy, noisy and repugnant after dark, as the nightlife scene blooms, but therein is part of the appeal for some. To truly enjoy the plethora of landmarks here, take your stroll after breakfast.

4. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

The most resplendent point of interest on Montjuic looms over Barcelona and was built for the World’s Fair in 1929. Today, the former Palau Nacional is the home of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, a world class museum of visual art that captures the very spirit of Catalan culture.

3. La Boqueria

Perhaps the best open air market in the world, if not Europe, La Boqueria, or Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, is your one-stop-shop for a perfect picnic in the Ciutat Vella. The convenient entrance off La Rambla, steps from the Liceu opera house and metro stop, helps a great deal.

2. Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona

Modern art has no better home in Europe than the wonderful Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona.

1. Works of Antoni Gaudi

Obvious? Yes. Necessary? Without question. Barcelona has seven works by the Art Nouveau master that stand out as must-see. Together, they comprise the “Works of Antoni Gaudi” UNESCO World Heritage Site, a rare feat for any architect. From the Sagrada Familia to Palau Guell, Casa Vicens to Park Guell, nobody in history has left their mark on a city quite like Gaudi did with Barcelona.

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Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10