Free walking tours in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat and what to see

Must-sees

L'Hospitalet de Llobregat is Catalonia's second city by population and borders Barcelona directly. Its most striking area is the Plaça d'Europa and Gran Via, with contemporary towers and the Gran Via exhibition centre, where major congresses and trade fairs are held. The Centre district keeps a more traditional feel, with the Rambla de Just Oliveras and the Museu de l'Hospitalet.

The city also has an active cultural life. The Tecla Sala cultural centre, in a former textile factory, hosts art exhibitions. Even so, most visitors use L'Hospitalet as a base for seeing Barcelona, a few minutes away by metro. From Collblanc and La Torrassa you can walk to FC Barcelona's stadium, and Plaça d'Espanya and Montjuïc are very close.

Free tours and guided visits

The pay-what-you-like free walking tours take place in Barcelona. The most common cover the Gothic Quarter, the Born and La Rambla, explaining the city's history since Roman times. There are also modernisme routes through the Eixample, stopping outside Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and other buildings on Passeig de Gràcia.

Among paid visits, the most recommended is the guided entry to the Sagrada Família, followed by Park Güell, which helps you understand Gaudí's work. Visits to Barça's stadium are also common, as are day trips to Montserrat, with its monastery and rock formations, or to Girona and the Costa Brava.

How long to spend

L'Hospitalet itself can be seen in a few hours, especially if you are interested in the architecture of the Plaça d'Europa. Barcelona, on the other hand, needs at least three days. Spend the first on the Ciutat Vella, the second on the Eixample and the Sagrada Família, and the third on Montjuïc or Park Güell. A fourth day lets you take the trip to Montserrat.

Where to stay

If you are coming for a trade fair or congress, the practical choice is to stay by the Plaça d'Europa and the Gran Via, where there are several modern hotels a short distance from the venue. If your plan is sightseeing in Barcelona, look near a metro line 1 stop, such as in Collblanc or La Torrassa, because they get you to the centre in a few minutes and usually have keener prices.