TRAVEL GUIDE
Circuit de Barcelona-catalunya, Spain; 11-13 May 2018*
Our guide to visiting Barcelona
WHY VISIT?
The Spanish Grand Prix is traditionally the first European round of the world championship, and the race where teams tend to bring their first major technical upgrades. With the first batch of long-haul flights safely behind them, the Formula 1 paddock swells with the return of the teams’ motorhomes, while the on-track excitement is bolstered by the Formula 2 and GP3 support races.
Spain’s second city is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations – and with good reason. It’s characterised by some very unusual buildings designed by Catalan Modernist architect, Antoni Gaudí. It’s also is the home of one of the world’s most-loved football teams: FC Barcelona. And if that’s not enough, there’s a popular three-mile-long sandy beach that runs 100 metres from the edge of the bustling city, plus a collection of magnificent landmarks and sights, many of them remnants of the 1929 Expo.
The short travel distance from the UK, with direct flights from most airports taking around two hours, in addition to the typically pleasant and sunny weather, makes Barcelona an ideal base for an interesting long weekend away, with the grand prix at its heart.
WHAT TO SEE Sagrada Família
The construction of Barcelona’s most iconic building began in 1882 and is not expected to be completed at least until 2026. The 150-year construction process is a testament to the complexity of Gaudí’s greatest masterpiece, and the basilica was chosen as his final resting place following his death in 1926.
Camp Nou
FC Barcelona are a legendary force in world football and a visit to their home in the north of the city is a must for any sports fan. Whether
football interests you or not, the 99,354-seater stadium is certainly a sight to behold – and since the builders are due to move in again during the next 12 months, for the next phase of the ongoing renovations, this could be your last chance to see the ground in its current incarnation.
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Built in 1929 for the Barcelona International Expo, this free illuminated water show has been running regularly since 1955. The fountains ‘dance’ to music at half-hourly intervals, from 9.30-10.30pm every Thursday to Sunday.
La Boqueria
A market has stood on the site of La Boqueria since at least 1217. It is now home to some of the freshest fruit, vegetables and seafood in the region. You’ll need at least an hour or two to wander around all the colourful stalls and sample the local cuisine. The market’s entrance opens out onto Las Ramblas, which leads down to the port where you’ll find the Columbus monument and the aquarium.
Park Güell
This ornate park, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is situated on top of Carmel Hill, giving you panoramic views of the entire city, including the famous beach and port. Keep an eye out for the much-love multicoloured mosaic salamander, known as ‘El Drac’, with further mosaics visible on the main terrace. The park also contains Gaudí’s house, La Torre Rosa, which contains furniture he designed himself.