CPhI has officially started in Barcelona. As a world leading trade fair for the pharmaceutical industry, the event will no doubt be a busy one, featuring over 2,000 exhibitors and more than 20,000 trade visitors.
With all the activity, visitors might want to explore Catalonia’s cosmopolitan city and partake in some activities that are far removed from the pharma industry. Here’s our guide on what to do in Barcelona.
Barcelona CPhI
Sagrada Família
Barcelona is no stranger to wonderful architecture but the Sagrada Família is perhaps the most awe-inspiring. The cathedral can described best as work in progress with construction still going on to this day. The majority of its design was done by architect Antonio Gaudi, who proposed an innovative design over the original neo-gothic plan, a design that would be inherently symbolic.
The Christian depictions carved into the stone are wonderful to behold. Every one of the 18 towers has particular significance to Christian symbolism, but if religion isn’t your thing, the size and beauty of the building should certainly please you. Inside is a wonderfully woven structure of branching columns, saturated in numerous hues that are produced through the building’s stained glass windows.
The wait for a ticket can be long and if you want a tower visit the price will be €29. However, it’s a small price to pay to see one of the most stunning buildings in Spain.
La Rambla
Exploring Barcelona will guarantee you some brilliant sights. The city is full of winding streets and is consistent in cosmopolitan and historical culture. One of the most famous streets in Barcelona is the La Rambla. This tourist destination is a 1.2km boulevard that leads to Barcelona’s equally impressive port.
You’ll find everything from souvenir shops to street performers, landmark buildings, the Boqueria Market and if you visit its side streets you can find delicious chocolatier’s. Watch out for pickpockets though as the La Rambla is one of busiest parts of the city.
Food & Drink
You won’t be hard pressed to find bars and restaurants in Barcelona. The city is host to classic Spanish cuisine, Michelin star restaurants and fancy cocktail bars. Grab some tapas at Bar Lobo and BOBO Puplin near the La Rambla, or request a dry martini at Gimlet, a prohibition-era cocktail bar known for classic international drinks.
Shopping
If shopping is more to your style, then Barcelona has you covered. Starting in Plaça Espanya, near where CPhI will be this year on Fira de Barcelona is Creu Coberta Shopping, Europe’s longest shopping street.
Other places include the Encants Barcelona, a flea-market that dates back to the 14th century. There are over 300 open air stalls and on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday a morning an auction is held which is open to the public.
Montjuïc Magic Fountain
If you want to finish your night in a spectacular fashion, you may want to visit Barcelona’s Montjuïc Magic Fountain. The city’s biggest ornamental fountain offers an arrangement of music, water acrobatics and lights of over 50 colours.
The combination of water jets and lights, synchronised with the music makes it look as if a dance is unfolding from the water. The Magic Fountain is located at the end of the Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina and is a free show that consistently changes, making each viewing a unique experience.