If you are heading to Barcelona for a business trip, you should take the time to explore the city and experience it to the fullest. Barcelona is world-renowned for its marvelous architecture, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and colorful history. It's also gaining a new reputation for business travel, offering exciting opportunities to combine work and leisure.
Here are five essential experiences when visiting Barcelona on business travel.
Relax in Ciutadella Park
If you want to relax and take a break between business meetings, head to Parc de la Ciutadella. Nestled in the heart of downtown Barcelona, the lush green park features a lovely fountain, scenic lake, and a vast green area, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the breathtaking natural scenery.
Aside from the gorgeous fountains and lake, Parc de la Ciutadella is home to fascinating architectural structures, offering the perfect spot to enjoy sightseeing. It is home to the Parliament of Catalonia and the city's most prominent zoo. Be sure to check out the Cascada waterfall, which you'll find at the Passeig de Pujades entrance. The beautiful waterfall is one of the masterpieces of the famous artist Antoni Gaudi.
When sightseeing around the park, visit the Parliament of Catalonia and admire its lovely garden with a lily pond. On the south wing of Passeig de Picasso, you'll find more beautiful places, including a former geology museum, a palm house, and a shallow pool.
Before you leave, check out the Modernista Arc de Triomf, an imposing arch designed by architect Josep Vilaseca. It offers the perfect backdrop for that Instagram-worthy shot!
Explore Las Ramblas
While on a business trip to Barcelona, don't miss the chance to explore the charming streets of the La Rambla d. The bustling area lies in the heart of Barcelona and features a tree-lined pedestrian-friendly boulevard stretching for over a kilometer. Ckilometerthe numerous stretches of shops and boutiques, admire street performers posing as statues, and witness live concerts and other performances.
Las Ramblas is also home to some famous landmarks worth checking out. One of these is the 60-meter statue of Columbus Monument standing proudly at the end of Las Ramblas. Take the elevator to the summit, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the neighborhood, reaching out into the harbor.
Another attraction not to miss in Las Ramblas is the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Established in 1847, it's the city's most famous opera venue hosting various stage performances, including contemporary dance nights and classical music concerts.
Don't forget to stop by La Boqueria, the most famous marketplace in Barcelona. A stroll through the market will take you to a long line of stalls selling fresh produce, frozen meat and fish, aromatic flowers, and more!
Network at Events
With many entrepreneurs and business professionals heading to Barcelona for a business trip, it offers the perfect place to network with like-minded people. Barcelona hosts world-class events, offering the perfect place to establish connections that could open you up to numerous business opportunities. One of these events is the IBTM World, a leading global event for the industry of events, conferences, incentives, and meetings. These MICE events in Barcelona are a great way to spend your time here when on business.
IBTM World brings together industry leaders to meet and create better business results. It's where you can interact with the right people and gain insights into the industry while engaging in unrivaled networking opportunities.
Networking at business events can be a valuable way to build relationships, search for potential clients and partners, and stay updated with the industry's best practices. For instance, attending a trade show can offer you a chance to showcase your products and services and meet potential clients.
Try Local Cuisine
Take advantage of the opportunity to try local cuisine on your business trip to Barcelona. Catalan cuisine is among the most delectable in the world, and Barcelona offers the perfect place to savor these mouth-watering dishes. In Barcelona, you'll find all kinds of eateries to indulge in delectable meals from breakfast to brunch and dinner. Of course, don't miss a good aperitif. Check out the many rustic bodegas and wine shops, where you can sample the region's sparkling cava wine and nibble delectable cured meats, olives, and cheese.
Do what the locals do and have lunch late in the afternoon. Besides, many local restaurants will not open until 2 PM. Even then, many are half-empty. Lunch is the perfect time to indulge in paella, a classic Spanish rice dish with chicken, seafood, and veggies. Don't miss the afternoon snack. Join the locals for their merienda at around 5 or 6 PM. It's the perfect time to sample the tastiest pastries in the city, from churros to croissants and cakes!
Just like in lunch, locals eat late dinner in Barcelona. Many restaurants will not open until 8 PM as most locals have dinner at 9 or 10. The best places to dine with the locals are the tapas bars, which you'll find in abundance around the city.
Tour the Iconic Sagrada Familia
Whether on business or leisure, no trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting the city's most iconic attraction, the Sagrada Familia. With towering columns, glittering stained glass windows, and intricate arches, you'll be in awe of the magnificence of this famous church. The famous landmark lies in the city center, visited by millions of tourists yearly.
Consider buying tickets online to avoid the long queues and even save money! If you are flexible, you can buy tickets on the day of your visit. However, the lines can get long, and the capacity is limited. Take your time admiring the church's facade and interiors. You'll find the contrasted coloring of stones in the structure's front and back areas quite noticeable.
For breathtaking views, climb to the top of the four towers via elevators or winding staircases. The hike can be steep and narrow, but once you get there, it will reward your efforts with the most outstanding views! Head underground for the Gaudi Museum, where you'll learn more about the life of the famous artist behind the Sagrada Familia's architecture.
