Alternative Sights to See
The following sights are some of the unique or off the beaten track sights to see in Amsterdam.
Monestir de Pedralbes
Baixada del Monestir, 9, 08034 Barcelona
Founded in the 14th century, The Royal Monastery of St Mary of Pedralbes was the home of the Poor Clare Nuns from 1327 until 1982. Today, the former monastery is a museum showcasing the history of the monastery, as well as religious artworks from the 14th to 20th century. Grouped around the stunning three-storey Gothic cloister, you can visit the St Michael’s Chapel, the dormitory, refectory and kitchen among other rooms, many featuring historical furniture and beautiful murals.
The lovely well-kept gardens are the perfect spot to escape the stresses and crowds of Barcelona. Cypress and Palm trees provide shade and a fountain emits a pleasing trickling sound to accompany the bird chirps not heard throughout much of the city.
Located in the west of the city, you can reach the Monestir de Pedralbes via train, metro or bus. The hop-on hop-off tourist bus also stops close by. Entrance is €5.
Montjuïc
Montjuïc is a hill located south of the city centre in Barcelona. You can spend a whole day exploring the many attractions and sights found on Montjuïc and it is well worth a visit during your time in Barcelona. Some of the sights to see include: the Montjuïc Castle, an old military fortress; the Joan Miró Foundation, dedicated to the works of the Barcelona native artist; the National Museum of Catalan Art, with its collection of Catalan art from the 12th to 20th centuries; the 1992 Olympic site; and several beautiful gardens including the Botanical Gardens (Jardí Botànic) which have spectacular views.
From the Metro (Paral-lel Station) you can catch the Montjuïc Funicular (opened in 1928) up the hill to Parc de Montjuïc. From here you can take the 752m journey on the Montjuïc Cable Car up to Montjuïc Castle. Return tickets cost €12.70 but are worth it for the spectacular views on the journey.
If you are visiting Wednesday – Sunday, at the foot of the hill is the Magic Fountain. The Magic Fountain is a spectacular light and water show that was originally designed for the 1929 International Exhibition. The show runs for approximately 20 minutes and operates at night (times vary according to the season). Best of all, it’s free!
Horta Labyrinth
Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, 08035 Barcelona
North of the city, in the Horta-Guinardó district lies the oldest park in Barcelona, Parc del Laberint d’Horta. Originally built in the 18th century as the private gardens for the wealthy Desvalls family and later enhanced in the 19th century, today Parc del Laberint d’Horta is the perfect green escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Throughout the grounds you’ll find manicured gardens, fountains, lily ponds and sculptures of ancient Greek mythological characters. However, the highlight is the labyrinth itself, a hedge maze in the centre of the park. Two metres high and formed from cypress, the maze features many dead ends and twists and turns, making it a fun but harder than you think afternoon stroll.
To get there, take the L3 Metro line to Mundet. It is then a 15 minute walk to the park. It is €2.17 to enter or free on Wednesday and Sunday.
Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palace of Catalan Music is a concert hall located in the beautiful Sant Pere district of Barcelona. Designed by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and built between 1905 and 1908, the Palau de la Música Catalana is a spectacular building, with intricate detailing outside and in. Modernist features such as curved lines, sculpture, mosaic, stained glass and ironwork are all featured and make it a unique concert venue, contributing to its listing as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Concert Auditorium is dominated by a majestic skylight that illuminates the venue with natural light during the day, making for a one of a kind experience. Guided tours are held daily, but for the real experience, try to get tickets to one of the 150 concerts held in the venue each year.
Bellesguard Tower
Carrer de Bellesguard, 20, 08022 Barcelona
Bellesguard Tower is one of Antoni Gaudi’s lesser known works and has only been opened to the public since 2013. Built on the site of the former Royal residence of King Martin I, Gaudi’s design for Bellesguard Tower is unique for his work, in that it makes use of straight lines and comprises a fusion of art nouveau and gothic styles. You can explore the interior and exterior of Bellesguard Tower, learn about the architectural sophistication of the building and the symbology and personal touches Gaudi added. You can also trace the history of the site, covering the Roman civilisation up to today. Don’t miss the lovely gardens or the rooftop terrace with its spectacular views over Barcelona.
Entrance tickets including audio guide are €9 or €16 including a guided tour.
