Some people travel for the love of art, while others do so for the love of architecture. If that sounds like you, you are probably already celebrating the fact that UNESCO has designated Barcelona as the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture 2026. The title recognises the role that architecture, urban planning and culture play in shaping the city’s identity and sustainable development. And rightly so: these five buildings, designed by some of the most important architects of all time, are proof of it.

It is impossible to talk about Barcelona’s architecture without mentioning Antoni Gaudí, especially in 2026, which marks the 100th anniversary of his death. And yes, we could focus on the Sagrada Família —you would not believe the views of it from our Sercotel Rosellón—, La Pedrera or Park Güell. But we have chosen Casa Batlló because lovers of Catalan Modernism will be struck by a serious case of Stendhal syndrome when they see it.

Its colourful façade creates a fantastical underwater world through its undulating balconies, bone-shaped columns and scale-covered roof. And that is before you have even stepped inside, where an extraordinary combination of details and materials comes together in perfect harmony —something only a genius like Gaudí could achieve.

This building is a vision of pure minimalist beauty. Also known as the German Pavilion, it was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich to represent Germany at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. Today, it is considered a seminal work of modern architecture, and its architectural importance is such that it was reconstructed on its original site in Montjuïc between 1984 and 1986. Understated and unassuming, it is defined by its simplicity, perfect symmetry, straight lines and abundance of open-plan spaces.

Although its monolithic silhouette proved controversial when it first became part of the city’s skyline, Torre Glòries can now be considered one of Barcelona’s landmarks. It was designed by Jean Nouvel and b720 Arquitectos. Nouvel drew inspiration from the rounded shapes of the Montserrat mountains, envisioning the tower as a geyser rising out of the ground. He also incorporated the changing colours of the Mediterranean. Oval in shape, the building stands 144 metres tall and is primarily constructed from concrete, aluminium and glass, with a glass-and-steel dome. As well as admiring it from outside, you can now head up to the 30th floor and enjoy 360-degree views across the city from a viewing platform 125 metres above the ground.

Yes, Norman Foster also left his mark on Barcelona. You will find it in the Collserola Tower, the slender structure visible from almost anywhere in the city. It is a telecommunications tower built on top of one of the Collserola hills for the 1992 Olympic Games, when the city needed to expand its telecommunications capacity. At the time, its slender base supporting the structure’s thirteen platforms looked like something from the future. Today, it is another of the city’s landmarks and is also home to an observation deck on the 10th floor, 560 metres above sea level.

Richard Meier was the architect entrusted with the challenging task of creating a building worthy of all the art it would house. He more than rose to the occasion, designing a series of interconnected prisms that blend seamlessly into the surrounding neighbourhood, El Raval. Meier skilfully alternated straight lines with sweeping curves, while ensuring that the interiors were flooded with abundant natural light through skylights, curtain walls and even specially designed openings. At times, the building may remind you of Le Corbusier.

Yes, we can say it with complete confidence: our hotels in Barcelona are the best possible base for your city break. Whether you choose Sercotel Rosellón, Sercotel Caspe or Sercotel Ámister Art Hotel, all three boast strategic, central locations, peaceful rooms and thoughtful touches that will make you feel truly looked after. And we always know what is happening around the city, so drop by reception if you want to discover Barcelona’s most authentic experiences.