{"id":41464,"date":"2025-05-23T10:05:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T10:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meininger-hotels.com\/blog\/?p=41464"},"modified":"2025-05-23T10:05:03","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T10:05:03","slug":"cool-facts-about-barcelona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meininger-hotels.com\/blog\/en\/cool-facts-about-barcelona\/","title":{"rendered":"Cool facts about Barcelona"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cool facts about Barcelona<\/a><\/strong> you didn\u2019t see coming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This beautiful city full of… surprises! Whether you\u2019ve been here before or it\u2019s still on your bucket list, these fun facts will make you see Barcelona in a whole new way (we promise).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Gaud\u00ed\u2019s vibes and that view? Total win
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Scroll down to discover them all!<\/sub><\/p>\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

#1 Barcelona\u2019s a Michelin-star powerhouse<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are 29 restaurants<\/a><\/strong> in the city with a total of 39 Michelin stars! That\u2019s a lot of stars.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 It has 2 official languages<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Barcelona, both Catalan and Spanish are official languages.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3 Sagrada Fam\u00edlia is taking its time<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Construction on the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia<\/a><\/strong> started in 1882… and it\u2019s still going. Yep, it\u2019s been under construction for more than 140 years. Just for perspective: the Egyptian pyramids took about 10-20.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Still not finished but still a showstopper
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#4 There are 9 UNESCO sites in the city<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Barcelona is home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/a><\/strong>. Seven of them were designed by the one and only Gaud\u00ed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5 World Book Day started here<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The idea for World Book Day came from Barcelona in 1922, thanks to Vicente Clavel, a local publisher. It was originally on Cervantes\u2019 birthday (October 7), then moved to his death date (April 23). On that day, the city also celebrates Sant Jordi\u2019s Day when locals give each other books and roses; it\u2019s like Valentine\u2019s Day but… for book lovers! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#6 Camp Nou is Europe\u2019s biggest stadium<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into soccer, Camp Nou<\/a><\/strong> is for you. It\u2019s the largest stadium in Europe and can fit almost 100,000 fans. That\u2019s a lot of team spirit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#7 Beaches are artificial<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Barcelona\u2019s now-famous beaches didn\u2019t always exist. The city imported sand from Egypt and other places to get ready for the 1992 Olympics! <\/p>\n\n\n

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Sun, sea and a chill beach mood \u2013 what more do you need?
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#8 There are 12 abandoned metro stations<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

12 ghost metro stations are hidden under the city. Some were closed, some never finished, and others are part of spooky urban legends. Next time you ride the metro, keep an eye out. \ud83d\udc7b <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#9 The Eiffel Tower almost ended up here (maybe)<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to an urban legend, Gustave Eiffel<\/a><\/strong> wanted to build his tower in Barcelona first. The city allegedly said \u201cno, thanks\u201d so he took it to Paris. Is it true? Who knows! But it\u2019s definitely fun to imagine how different Barcelona\u2019s skyline could\u2019ve looked.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning to hop from Barcelona to Paris? Don\u2019t miss our guide to the unmissable concerts in Paris in 2025<\/strong><\/a> for your next music-filled getaway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#10 MEININGER Hotels is opening a new hotel here soon!<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Big news: a brand-new MEININGER hotel is opening in Barcelona<\/a><\/strong> by the end of 2026. Whether you\u2019re traveling solo, with friends or family, you\u2019ll have a comfy, budget-friendly stay in this beautiful city. \ud83d\ude09\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want more quirky trivia? Check out our list of fun facts about Munich<\/strong><\/a> for surprises from another must-visit European city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t

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Cool facts about Barcelona: FAQs<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t