Spotify Camp Nou

"The importance FC Barcelona soccer club has in the city can be felt in the noise of its home stadium, the Camp Nou. At 99,354, it’s the biggest in Europe—and there's an expansion plan in place to push it to 105,000. All seats are actually owned by season-ticket holders, who then release them to the public if they can’t go. Don’t worry: it means there’s usually a good chunk available, especially against lower league teams, and 72 to 48 hours before a match. Barcelona’s home matches in La Liga—the Spanish soccer league—usually run from mid-August to the end of May, and tours of the stadium and the FC Barcelona museum are still kicking off (from €28 or $30.50). Glimpse Messi’s trophies, the players’ tunnel, and the first team’s bench." - Gemma Askham

"Even if you can’t attend a match, you can still imagine the crowds cheering on the home team at the Football Club Barcelona’s stadium, admire a shrine to Argentine superstar Leo Messi and learn about the history of Barcelona’s world-renowned soccer club with interactive displays in the museum. There’s also an indoor ice-skating rink and a massive FC Barcelona store where fans can buy official jerseys and more emblazoned with the team’s name and colors."

"Watching this storied club play at their home stadium is a bucket list item for fútbol aficionados. But seeing a game there is really an incredibly cool experience even if you don't know who Lionel Messi is. The stadium, which was originally constructed in the mid-1950's, now seats a staggering 99,000+ people, many of whom are die-hard fans, meaning the collective energy of the crowd can be insane. If you're planning a trip to Barcelona during season, check the team's schedule to see if they're at home while you're in town. Although the games can get rowdy, this can also make a really fun outing for kids (who are old enough to sit for a couple hours) and teen travelers."

"If the kids start talking about GOATs, don’t panic – it’s unlikely to be a new pet request. In Barcelona the only GOAT – or Greatest Of All Time – is soccer player Lionel Messi: the striker, star, God and GOAT of FC Barcelona. A visit to his office, the Camp Nou stadium, is a treat: the Trophy Gallery hoards championship awards like the rest of us hoard spare change, there are photo opportunities with the stars (OK, mocked-up opps – but still, convincing), and its capacity is staggering. Even as an adult, you feel awed and oddly ant-like in the vast cement arena, which, if filled completely constitutes the 10th largest city in Catalonia. For sporty children, a trip to the Messi Space (a shrine to the star) or the first team’s dug-out will make them feel driven, pumped and desperate for you to spend 70 euros on a shirt at the gift shop. Located outside the city center, the best way to arrive is via the hop-on, hop-off Barcelona Bus Turístic – riding the top deck, obviously. After all, how else would Messi do a victory parade?" - Gemma Askham