barcelona fun places to visit

Cool Things To Do In Barcelona

From classic attractions to unique and original experiences to spice up your trip.

Editor’s Choice

1. Park Guell (by Ebike)

5. Montserrat (& Wine)

6. Local Bike Tour

7. Create Your Own Cava

9. Paella Cooking Class

11. Flamenco & Tapas

12. Casa Mila by Night

16. Sea Kayaking

22. Dali & Girona Tour

33. Espadrilles Workshop

Are you a first-time visitor keen to hunt down Barcelona’s must-see attractions ? Or maybe you’re searching for an unforgettable experience to share with friends? Here are my most inspiring tips, on and off the beaten track . The highlight of your trip is waiting for you on this very page!

This article was last updated in February 2024. You can reach me on [email protected] .

Everyone’s heard of  the main attractions in town , like  La Sagrada Familia  and the  Picasso Museum , but what about some of the cool and different things to do in the capital of Catalonia?

In a city as magical and mysterious as Barcelona, there’s plenty to savour that goes beyond the ordinary… experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left

In a city as magical and mysterious as Barcelona, there’s plenty to savour that goes beyond the ordinary… experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left, and which will leave you with plenty of holiday snaps that go beyond the usual photo fodder of greasy paellas and overpriced jars of sangria on Las Ramblas .

From unique experiences, quirky museums and one-of-kind bars, to authentic local tours, secret gardens, nudist beaches, and unusual and thrilling activities, we’ve compiled a few of our favourite original and alternative ways to pass the time in Barcelona.

And to make this a complete list (you can plan your whole trip on this page!) we’ve also rounded up the must-see attractions for first time visitors, and included our advice on how best to experience them.

Fun Things to do in Barcelona

To make this list more manageable, and your trip easier to plan, we’ve divided this list into themes – starting with the unmissable attractions and ending with ideas on how to live life like a local .

In between, we highlight plenty of unique inspiration you won’t find on any other “best things to do” article.

36+ Things To Do By Theme

Part 1. Must See Attractions… with a Twist! Part 2. Authentic Tours Part 3. Magical Evenings Part 4. ‘Wow’ Experiences Part 5. Museums, Art & Culture Part 6. Delicious Food & Drink Part 7. Kids & Families Part 8. Going Local Part 9. Fun Group Activities

So without further ado, let’s get going…

I. Must See Attractions… With A Twist!

Let’s start with the classic attractions you absolutely MUST SEE on a first time visit to Barcelona. But of course, we like to be original, so let me share my local perspective on how I would visit these sights…

1. Park Guell (via electric bike?) 2. Sagrada Familia (with tower visit!) 3. Montjuic Cable Car 4. Camp Nou Experience (and challenge Robokeeper?) 5. Montserrat Abbey (plus organic wine tasting!)

1. Visit Park Guell…

BOOK PARK GUELL TICKETS

…With a Twist. Get There via E-bike!

Why faff around with the metro or tourist bus, when you could whizz up to Park Guell on an electric bicycle with Gaudi Bike Tours ? Their Gaudi Legacy includes Park Guell tickets and drinks on the rooftop of the 5-star hotel, and costs €69, or you could opt for their more affordable Gaudi UNESCO Highlights Tour that focuses on the architect’s mansions. Both tours call by Sagrada Familia…

2. See La Sagrada Familia…

BOOK SAGRADA FAMILIA TICKETS

…With a Twist. Climb a Tower!

If you can afford it, I’d strongly recommend upgrading your standard entry ticket to include visiting to one of the church towers, from which you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the whole of the city – whilst also getting up close to some of the incredible architectural details at the top of Gaudi’s basilica. There are two towers that are open to the public , and the option to book them pops up after you select the date of your visit. Otherwise, you could also book a guided tour .

THE BARCELONA PASS

BUY BARCELONA PASS

3. Ride the Cable Car to the Castle

RESERVE CABLE CAR TICKETS

4. The Camp Nou Experience

RESERVE BARCA IMMERSIVE TOUR

…With a Twist. Take on Robokeeper!

Think you’re pretty handy in front of goal? Then upgrade your standard Barça Immersive Tour ticket to include the Robokeeper Challenge For just €37, you get 6 chances to take a penalty against a robotic goalie… you can even a prize or two! Just look for this ticket upgrade option after selecting your dates on Get Your Guide .

5. Visit Montserrat Abbey & Mountain…

BOOK MONTSERRAT HALF DAY TOUR

…With a Twist. Add on Wine Tasting!

II. Authentic Tours

Now it’s time to go deeper. To discover, to learn and to experience Barcelona and its unique culture with the help of friendly and expert guides. Here’s our list of the most authentic tours in the city…

6. Local Bike Tour 7. Create Your Own Cava 8. Street Photography Tour 9. Paella Cooking Class 10. Free Walking Tour

6. Explore Barcelona by Bike!

STEEL DONKEY BIKE TOURS!

7.  Create Your Own Cava

BOTTLE YOUR OWN BUBBLY!

8. Learn Street Photography

BOOK A PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR!

9. Sign up for a Paella Cooking Class!

BOOK PAELLA COOKING CLASS

10. Take A (Free) Walking Tour

BOOK WALKING TOUR

III. Magical Evenings

Barcelona comes alive at night (full article here !), with flamenco shows, rooftop concerts, boat parties and VIP nightlife tours amongst your options for evening entertainment.

11. Flamenco & Tapas Evening 12. Casa Mila by Night 13. Awesome Boat Parties! 14. Sub-zero Ice Bar 15. VIP Nightlife Tour

11.  Eat Tapas… And Dance Flamenco!

BOOK FLAMENCO & TAPAS EVENING

12. Visit Gaudi’s Casa Mila by Night

CASA MILA BY NIGHT TICKETS

13. Party On The Mediterranean!

GET ON BOARD A BOAT PARTY!

14. Chill Out In A Sub-Zero Beach Bar

RESERVE ICE BARCELONA TICKETS

15. Experience The Legendary Nightlife

RESERVE NIGHTLIFE TOUR!

IV. Unforgettable Experiences

The Catalan capital has more than its fair share of extraordinary activities, magical moments and Instagram opportunities for travellers ready to spoil themselves…

16. Sea Kayaking 17. Sailing Trips 18. Helicopter Flight 19. Hot Air Balloon Flight 20. Ferrari Drive

16. Go Sea Kayaking on the Costa Brava

GO SEA KAYAKING!

17. Sail Away On An Ocean Breeze…

BEST SAILING TOURS

18. Take a Helicopter Flight!

TAKE A HELICOPTER FLIGHT!

19. Take a Hot Air Balloon Flight

BOOK HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT

20.  Cruise Around Town in a Ferrari

CRUISE IN A FERRARI!

V. Museums, Art & Culture

Barcelona isn’t all about beaches and tapas you know… here are some unmissable museums and other cultural attractions.

21. Picasso Museum 22. Dali Theatre Museum 23. The Gaudi Houses 24. Palau de la Musica 25. Moco Museum

21. Visit The Picasso Museum

PICASSO MUSEUM TOUR

22. Head to the Dali Theatre Museum

BOOK DALI MUSEUM + GIRONA TOUR

23. Dive Inside One (Or All) of Gaudi’s Mansions

BUY GAUDI HOUSES PASS

24. Explore El Palau de la Musica

BUY PALAU DE LA MUSICA TICKETS

25. Mosey Around the Moco Museum

BUY MOCO MUSEUM TICKETS

VI. Delicious Food & Drink!

Ok, we’ve already mentioned a few cooking and tasting tours, but you’re in Barcelona… a city where Spanish and Catalan traditions mix with the creative legacy of Ferran Adria’s ‘molecular cuisine’. Let’s delve in…

26. Vineyard Tours 27. Tapas Tours 28. Craft Beers

26. Visit the Local Vineyards

THE 11 BEST WINE TOURS

27. Take a Tapas Tour of El Born

BOOK TAPAS TOUR

28. Sneak off for a Crafty Beer

Like most of the world, Barcelona has experienced a craft beer revolution with scores of  boutique breweries, beer bars and festivals  appearing from nowhere to wet our whistles with delicious artisan ales. You’ll find great bars dotted all around the city, with a concentration of cool venues above Plaça Universitat in what is unofficially known as ‘the beer mile’. You can even  take a tour  of some of them in the company of a local expert and brewer.

VI. Keeping The Kids Entertained!

The dreaded ‘M’ word (museum!) needn’t be a drag when there’s a whole village to explore. Or planetariums to discover…

29. Barcelona Aquarium 30. Poble Espanyol (The Spanish Village) 31. Olympic Swimming Pool 32. Family Photoshoot

29. See Sharks at the Aquarium

30. The Whole of Spain in One Village

31. Go Swimming In An Olympic Pool

32. Book a Family Photoshoot

RESERVE A PHOTO SHOOT

VIII. Going Local

If you’re in town for longer, or just far too hip to see the mainstream sights, the following suggestions should keep you busy…

33. Espadrilles Workshop 34. Parc del Laberint 35. Skateboarding 36. Nudist Beaches 37. Learn Spanish 38. Vintage Shopping 39. Shadow of the Wind (Literary Tour)

33. Espadrilles Workshop

BOOK ESPADRILLES WORKSHOP

Barcelona Life readers get a special discount, when you check out!

34. Get Lost In A Labyrinth

35. Skateboard At MACBA

That’s right grandpa, Barcelona has been considered the skateboarding capital of the world for well over a decade now, and the hobby is all the rage with the Catalan cool kids who take their boards wherever they go. You can catch them practicing their tricks every evening on the Plaça del Angels by  MACBA , and soak up some of the alternative vibe with 1 euro beer from a friendly Pakistani vendor. If you want to join in check out FTC Barcelona Skate Shop just round the corner to pick up a board.

36.  Go To A Nudist Beach

37. Learn To Speak The Lingo

If you’re in town for longer than a few days you might want to consider signing up for an intensive Spanish course – in which case check out  our page on language schools in Barcelona . Speaking a foreign language is certainly an exhilarating experience, and at the same time it’s a great way to meet other students and make some new friends with whom to explore the city. If you don’t have time for that you can always check out our pages on Spanish  and  Catalan language tips .

38. Go Vintage Shopping

39. Chase The Shadow Of The Wind

IX. Group Activities

Whether you’re here for a hen do, stag weekend, wedding, team building event or birthday celebration, you can find plenty of ways to keep your crew entertained…

Embark On A Treasure Hunt

In this group activity (min. 8 players), you race against both the opposing teams, and the clock, as you navigate the winding streets of the  Barri Gotic and beyond in a bid to find the (proverbial) treasure in this interactive urban game. You’ll have to solve cryptic clues, consult your compass and move sharpish to claim the winner’s bottle of  Spanish champagne .

Challenge Yourself in an Escape Room

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Sherlock Holmes, or even Indiana Jones, then pit your wits against the puzzles and challenges of  one of Barcelona’s great escape rooms . There are several companies operating in the city and each has one or more interactive games where you have to frantically search for keys, crack codes and solve conundrums to progress and eventually leave the room! Some of the storylines are a lot of fun, and if you’re looking for something different to do in a small group of friends this might just be perfect for you.

Shake Up Your Drinking Habits

LEARN HOW TO MIX!

Keep Reading…

Still not sure what to do in BCN? Are you crazy??? Try swinging by  our guide section  for the essential attractions and a break down of the best districts. Or read up on  our recommended tour providers  for more original (as well as tried and tested) activity ideas…

For a different take on things consult this nearly-as-awesome-as-ours  list by Time Out .

Related Reading

Entertainment Guide

Culture Guide

Tours & Trips

Shopping Guide

Spas & Wellness

Things To Do With Kids

Barcelona After Dark

About the Author

Duncan established Barcelona Life in 2009, whilst freelancing for the likes of Conde Nast, The Guardian, Easyjet Magazine, CNN Traveller and many more. From interviews with Ferran Adria to revealing the secrets of the city’s poetry brothels, he knows the city inside out… and shares all his best tips right here.

Dinyar H. Sidhva

Hi Duncan, My wife and I are in Barcelona for 3.5 days. Kindly, provide your valuable inputs on the following: 1) Once I book the Go All-inclusive Pass, is my booking at the attractions in Barcelona automatically confirmed? 2) Is the tourist bus transport available for only one of the days or for all days of the stay? 3) If you were my age (70+) would you recommend Montjuic or Montserrat, if you had to choose between the two? 4) I assume Montserrat would not be part of the All-inclusive Pass and if that is suggested by you, I would be better-off take the Explorer Pass instead of the All-inclusive Pass. Look forward to getting your suggestions. Thanks & Regards

Possibly you meant to comment on our Tourist Cards article, not our things to do one?

https://www.barcelona-life.com/barcelona-card-and-city-passes

But in any case, it doesn’t matter, I’ll be happy to help!

I just wrote to my contact as the pass company to get clarification on some of your points… what I can tell you now is the following:

1) For sure, after buying the All Inclusive Pass, you will need to then also need to select a specific time to visit La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. I believe the same will be true of nearly all the main attractions, as they are all pretty busy these days.

2) This I need to check. From the wording of the website, I would say you only get to ride the bus on one day (not every day for the duration of your pass).

3) Difficult one… but I think you will find Montserrat more impressive overall though.

4) Montserrat is included in the All-Inclusive Pass. If you click on the link , then scroll to the bottom where it says “See all attractions” then you can reveal more options, including Montserrat.

The Montserrat option available with the All-Inclusive pass is just transport to and from Montserrat however, no guided tour. But if you’re happy to see the church by yourself that’s fine. There’s also the museum and chance to take the funicular up to the very top of the mountain range.

Hope that helps! Will try to get more clarification about the tourist bus for you soon.

Just to confirm the Tourist Bus is only for one day.

thanks for sharing such a nice information

Cool round-up of the city. The fun stuff is doing things and you’ve listed so many besides the usual touristy things. Great site.

I also enjoyed these fabulous things during my last journey and have a joyful time with my mates.

Nice activities !! I like it 🙂 I loved the Escape game and the Ice bar, all tested !

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Barcelona   Travel Guide

17 Best Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has some of the most unique and inspiring architecture in the world, so a small-group tour to get behind-the-scenes at the city's parks, museums and churches is a must-do. Kick off your stay with tours of Antoni Gaudí's whimsical

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

La Sagrada Família (Church of the Sacred Family) La Sagrada Família (Church of the Sacred Family)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Wander 20 minutes north to reach Hospital de Sant Pau. This elaborate, UNESCO-listed former hospital was the brainchild of architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner and is a beautiful example of Catalan art nouveau architecture. – Laura French

From 1883 up until his death in 1926, Catalan art nouveau master Antoni Gaudí devoted himself to the construction of La Sagrada Família , a towering, Gothic-style-with-a-twist church. But even then, he was unable to finish it; Gaudí was known for saying "My client (God) is not in a hurry."

Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)

The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, sits at the heart of the Ciutat Vella – the oldest part of Barcelona – and, considering its location next to the city center, is one of its liveliest neighborhoods. Here you'll find beautiful examples of Roman and Medieval-era architecture rubbing elbows with the many shops, restaurants, alfresco cafes, bars and clubs that line its narrow roads and picturesque plazas – and there are so many plazas to explore. Aside from Plaça de la Seu, which you'll no doubt end up in if you visit the Barcelona Cathedral , make sure you stop in the smaller Plaça Sant Felip Neri, which was bombed by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War (you can see scars from the attack on the church in the square). The palm tree-clad Plaça Reial is meanwhile much more energetic and usually buzzes until the wee hours of the morning. Another notable plaza is Plaça Sant Jaume, where the Catalan seat of government has been since the Middle Ages.

No matter where you end up in the Gothic Quarter, travelers say its Spanish splendor will leave you charmed long after you leave. Many enjoyed strolling its narrow alleys and admiring its atmospheric, back-in-time architecture, and several said it was the highlight of their stay. Some suggested taking part in a walking tour if you're interested in learning more about the history behind the neighborhood. 

Casa Batlló Casa Batlló

U.S. News Insider Tip: From spring through fall, Casa Batlló hosts "Magic Nights" – a series of open-air concerts on the dragon roof terrace, with romantic views of the city. Tickets start at 59 euros (around $62) and include entry to Casa Batlló and a drink. – Laura French

The details highlighted in Casa Batlló show famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí at his best. Of all the Gaudí apartments in Barcelona, this is probably the most recognized (it's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Sitting down the street from Casa Milà, Casa Batlló is known for its vibrant colors, intricate tile work and skeletal terraces. The unconventional façade is inspired by the legend of St. George, the patron saint of Catalonia, who is said to have slayed a dragon to save the king’s daughter. The roof depicts the dragon's scaly back, while the skeletal balconies and boney windows are said to represent the dragon's previous victims (the legend goes that someone would be sacrificed every day so the dragon wouldn't take the whole town).

Popular Tours

Park Guell & Sagrada Familia Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

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Park Güell Park Güell

U.S. News Insider Tip: For more sweeping city views and fewer tourists, grab a five-minute taxi or walk 20 minutes uphill to reach Bunkers del Carmel – a viewpoint popular with locals, especially at sunset, when the lighting over the city is spectacular. – Laura French

Antoni Gaudí's Park Güell is as whimsical as parks can get. The park was originally supposed to be a housing community for the rich, commissioned by Eusebi Güell. Güell hired Gaudí but the project eventually folded due to the land's incompatible building conditions. Gaudí continued on, modeling the park after gardens he had seen in England (Güell means English in Catalan) and building around the natural elements of the land instead of tearing them down.

Las Ramblas Las Ramblas free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Keep your hands on your bags and keep an eye out for pickpockets on this notoriously busy thoroughfare. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

This wide, tree-lined boulevard is one of the city's major tourist hubs – so much so that if you're visiting Barcelona, you're bound to end up here eventually. Las Ramblas is a pedestrian-friendly pathway situated right smack dab in the middle of the city, so expect it to be busy all hours of the day and night. During the day, you can peruse souvenir stands, watch buskers and street performers, pick up some local art from artists selling on the street, or sit down and enjoy a light snack at one of the many alfresco cafes found here. When the sun sets, head here to start your night out – many bars and clubs can be found in the surrounding area.

Barceloneta Beach Barceloneta Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: While Barceloneta is a must-see with its lively bars and restaurants, it can get crowded, so if you're looking for a quieter alternative, wander 20 minutes up the coast to Playa de Bogatell (it attracts more locals and fewer tourists). – Laura French

In between all the cultural and artistic attractions Barcelona has up its sleeves, it's easy to forget that the city is situated right along the brilliantly blue waters of the Mediterranean. The city's swathes of sand are broken up into several different beaches – among them Barceloneta and the quieter Nova Icària. Both are separated by the Port Olímpic harbor, easily recognized by the two seafront skyscrapers and giant golden fish sculpture by artist Frank Gehry.

Casa Milà (La Pedrera) Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

The nickname, La Pedrera (meaning "the Quarry"), is appropriate for Antoni Gaudí's stately, fortress-like Casa Milà. Bobbing around the corner of Passeig de Gràcia and Carrer de Provença , this eclectic Catalan-style art nouveau building rubs elbows with the more classic architecture usually found in its neighborhood, Eixample. It is known for its wavy stone façades and intricate carvings that can only be attributed to Gaudí's quirky style. Casa Milà was originally constructed as a home for the commissioners of the building (Pere Milà i Camps and his wife), who also requested the complex included apartments for rent. Casa Milà was not only Gaudí's last work on Passeig de Gracia ( Casa Batlló is just a few blocks south), but his last civil work as well. Since then, Casa Milà has been designated as a National Monument of Interest by the Spanish government and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Today, La Pedrera is a cultural center managed by the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation. Come here to admire the architecture: there are few single straight walls or right-angled corners in the entire building. Also head to the roof to get a good look at Gaudí's whimsical chimneys (many designed to look like guardian warriors in armor), then work your way down through the exhibits to learn more about Casa Milà and Gaudí himself.

Mercat de la Boqueria (Boqueria Market) Mercat de la Boqueria (Boqueria Market) free

Even if you're not keen on visiting the touristy Las Ramblas , it's worth making the trek to this tree-lined thoroughfare to reach the foodie heaven that is the Boqueria Market. This was Barcelona's oldest local market, having opened in 1840 – but its foodie history spans much earlier than that. The first food vendors were said to have been around as early as the 13th century, selling meat on the streets. The market you see today wasn't around back then; it took four years to construct, once Saint Joseph's convent left the area (hence the name of the market). 

Today, that tradition of hawking goodies lives on, and the covered marketplace treats visitors to the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of everything from fruit juices and wines to fresh fish, meats, produce and desserts. Make sure to grab Spanish specialties while you're there, including jamón ibérico, manchego cheese and salted cod (or bacalao ). Bars and restaurants can also be found in and around the market, so food options truly abound here. 

Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

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Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Guided Day Trip from Barcelona

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Palau de la Musica Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music) Palau de la Musica Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music)

Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana is considered to be a masterpiece of Catalan art nouveau. Built by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the palace earned the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its striking architectural features. Outside, make sure to snap a few photos of the intricate mosaic pillars and the busts nestled atop some of them, which depict famous musicians, such as Bach and Beethoven. The interior of the palace is even more of an eyeful, complete with mosaic pillars and intricate sculpture work of its own, as well as stained glass windows and beautiful motifs of flowers spread throughout. And you won't be able to miss the massive stained-glass central skylight – it protrudes from the ceiling, treating the concert auditorium to plenty of natural light. Aesthetics aside, the Palace of Catalan Music is a hub for classical and choral music and of course, Catalan musical arts. It also acts as a concert venue for local, national and international acts.

Travelers agree with the experts: the Palau de la Musica Catalana is an architectural marvel. Visitors thoroughly enjoyed admiring the many intricate details found throughout the music venue, saying even if you can't get tickets to a show, it's worth a visit just to see its magnificence in person. Some weren't crazy about the admission price, but many enjoyed the guided tour, and those who did attend a show said the experience was quite magical. 

Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum) Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)

U.S. News Insider Tip: You can visit for free on Thursday evenings (from 5 to 7 p.m.), all day on the first Sunday of the month and on special Open Door days; check here for details. – Laura French

When you feel like you've hit your Gaudí limit, head to the Picasso Museum ( Museu Picasso ) for a change of pace. While most people know Pablo Picasso for his distorted portraits, this museum displays his work on a timeline of sorts, allowing you to follow his progression from the more controlled works of his early years to the very whimsical paintings and sculptures from the end of his career. Make sure you dedicate plenty of time to Picasso: the museum itself holds around 5,000 pieces by him, including works from his famous Blue Period. The museum also explores the artist's lifelong relationship with Barcelona, explaining why he chose the city for his museum before he died. 

Montjuïc Castle Montjuïc Castle

If you have even the slightest interest in history, make sure to add Montjuïc Castle to your Barcelona itinerary – the stone structure is teeming with history dating all the way back to the 11th century. The castle started out as a single watchtower that was occupied by a sailor looking out for enemy ships. During the Revolt of Catalonia during the mid-1600s, the government decided to add walls surrounding the watch tower when the threat of invasion from Spanish King Philip IV's fleet became imminent. Montjuïc Castle ended up defending the city from many attacks moving forward, including those carried out during the War of the Spanish Succession. It also served as a prison during the War of the Pyrenees and was occupied by Napoleon's troops in the early 1800s.

Montjuïc continued to serve as a prison under multiple political leaderships over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries, including during the Spanish Civil War. Francisco Franco, Spain's dictator from 1939 to 1975, took over Montjuïc and it became an internment camp for Republican soldiers (Franco was part of the Nationalist party that overthrew the democratic Republic of Spain at the time). It was here that the President of the Catalan Government, Lluís Companys, was executed at Franco's orders. 

Catedral de Barcelona (Barcelona Cathedral) Catedral de Barcelona (Barcelona Cathedral)

Towering above the center of the Barri Gòtic district is Barcelona's principal cathedral. The Gothic cathedral's construction began in the late 13th century, though it wasn't completed until the mid-15th century. While you're here, take time to explore the numerous examples of artisanship that went into completing the cathedral – from its exterior details to the many gold furnishings within, including its elaborate baroque altarpieces, as well as the 140-plus statues of saints that call the cathedral home. While you're here, make sure to stroll over to the cloister, which features a verdant tropical garden. 

Recent travelers found the Catedral de Barcelona to be stunning both inside and out, commenting on the elaborate altarpieces, stained-glass windows and impressive statues. Many recommended a stroll through the cloisters to see its pond, home to several geese, and climbing to the roof of the cathedral to get an eyeful of the spire up close, as well as prime city views. Make sure to wear the proper attire; according to recent visitors, the dress code here is strict and knees and shoulders should be covered. Shawls are said to be for sale for those who need to cover up. 

Gràcia Gràcia free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come in late August for the free Festa Major de Gràcia (Gràcia Festival). During the weeklong celebration, streets come alive with colorful lanterns and other creations, competing to be the best decorated; expect live music, food, parades and Catalan correfoc fire displays. – Laura French

If you've already seen the bucket list sites and want to escape the crowds, amble north of the city to explore the charming, bohemian streets of Gràcia. Once its own separate town, this elegant, colorful neighborhood has kept its independent village feel, with cobbled streets, lively plazas and laid-back cafes aplenty. At its heart is Calle Verdi, lined with trendy boutiques, vintage stores, bookshops and restaurants, and Plaça de la Virreina, where locals gather on outdoor cafe terraces in the shadows of the Church of Saint Joan. While you're here, pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Casa Vicens – Gaudí's first home in Barcelona, now a museum – and the Mercat de la Llibertat, a large food market where stalls overflow with fresh produce between brick-and-iron architecture.

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Parc de la Ciutadella Parc de la Ciutadella free

U.S. News Insider Tip: A five-minute walk from the park will take you to El Born – one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods, with tapas bars, indie boutiques and bistros lining cobbled lanes. Head to the Bormuth tapas bar for great food in a lively atmosphere. – Laura French

Built in the late 19th century on the grounds of a former citadel, Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona's most popular green spaces. At its heart you'll find an elaborate fountain, surrounded by sculptures and designed by architect Josep Fontserè i Mestre – who asked Gaudí, then still at university, to help out (visitors might recognize Gaudí's iconic style in the winged dragons guarding the fountain).

Mount Tibidabo Mount Tibidabo free

The highest mountain in the Serra de Collserola range, pine-forested Mount Tibidabo peers over the city, crowned by its neo-Gothic basilica, the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (or Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). Built in the early 20th century in the northwest of the city, this elaborate, Catalan art nouveau-style masterpiece can be seen from almost anywhere in Barcelona and is well worth a visit in itself – but it's the views over the city that really astound here. A lift and several steps take you up to the tower, where a viewing platform offers a full panorama of the skyline and sea below.

It's not just the church that lures visitors to the mountain, though; it's also home to Tibidabo Amusement Park, one of the oldest theme parks in the world and the oldest in Spain, with a carrousel, bumper cars, Ferris wheel and several other attractions drawing families. Hiking trails are on the doorstep too, with much of the area protected under the Parc Natural de Collserola – the largest green space in Barcelona and the city's green lung.

Mercat de Sant Antoni Mercat de Sant Antoni free

There are ample reasons to visit the impressive Boqueria Market , but if you're after a less-touristy alternative, put Mercat de Sant Antoni on your list too. Located in the up-and-coming Sant Antoni neighborhood, the market originally opened in 1882 in an art nouveau, wrought-iron and glass building; neglected, it closed in 2009, but reopened nine years later following an 80 million euro refurbishment. Today, the market is home to a whole range of fresh products, from Spanish cured meats to fresh cheeses, fruit and vegetables, which sit beneath its striking, original octagonal domed ceiling. You'll also find stalls selling clothes, shoes, homeware and more. And on Sundays, the surrounding streets (which have been semi-pedestrianized under one of the city's traffic-free "superblocks") turn into one of Europe's largest outdoor book fairs.

Beyond the market, there's plenty to explore in the area, too; its opening helped revamp the neighborhood, turning it into something of a foodie paradise with tapas bars, bodegas and restaurants on almost every corner.

Museo de la Ciencia CosmoCaixa Museo de la Ciencia CosmoCaixa

Whether you're coming with kids or just want to embrace your inner child, Barcelona's science museum is well worth a visit. Housed in a modernist glass-and-steel building, it's home to an array of interactive exhibits ranging from the "Flooded Forest" – an Amazonian-style glasshouse home to piranhas, crocodiles and exotic plant species – to "The Universe Gallery," which focuses on all things space, from the creation of the cosmos to evolution and the human brain. Families can get hands-on with different experiments, from creating sandstorms and tornadoes to learning how soundwaves are transmitted, and there are some impressive design features too – don't miss the Foucault pendulum, a heavy iron ball used to demonstrate the earth's rotation; and the spiral staircase, which winds around a towering Amazonian Acariquara tree.

Recent visitors were highly impressed by the CosmoCaixa and enjoyed the interactive exhibits, especially the Amazonian rainforest section. Several said it was the best science museum they'd been to, with state-of-the-art facilities and plenty to see, and many recommended spending a few hours here. Others were surprised at how reasonably priced it was. A few said there wasn't much for very young children, but for many it provided a welcome escape from the heat and an impressive alternative to the better-known Barcelona sites.

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28 Best Things to Do in Barcelona

By Gemma Askham

The soul-caressing Spanish climate might set Barcelona up as an outdoor city, but its indoor activities have kudos, too. Find world-renowned museums that showcase artistic legends and rising stars, markets rich in local produce, and panoramic viewing platforms to take in the iconic architecture. If it’s sun you want, it’s sun you shall get—but the beach is only one option. From a secret maze to a hilltop fairground, Barcelona’s to-do list is every bit as varied as it is pure fun; Antoni Gaudí’s color-pop architecture ensures that dull moments simply don’t exist here. Consider this your capsule edit of attractions: the definitive list of what to do in Barcelona for the time-smart traveler, from art, iconic parks, and performing arts spaces to so much more. Spanning big-hitters and under-the-radar gems, these are the best things to do in Barcelona—the Catalan-speaking city's most unmissable spots.  Vamos .

Read our complete Barcelona travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

"The World Begins With Every Kiss" Mural Arrow

This romantically named mural near the Catedral de Barcelona was only meant to be a temporary exhibition. It was unveiled in 2014 for the 300th anniversary of September 11, 1714, a day known as Catalonia Day, or La Diada, which commemorates Catalan surrender in the War of Spanish Succession. The day is a tribute to the Catalan lives lost, to regional identity, and to freedom. The mural is made up of 4,000 tiles with photos printed onto them arranged into mosaics by color and density so that, from afar, the 26-foot-tall mural shows two people kissing. This kiss—a symbol of affection, empathy, and liberty—felt so poignant that the local government never took it down.

Park Güell Arrow

Park Güell is an almost make-believe landscape: home to Barcelona’s famous mosaic lizard—the image on a thousand postcards—plus spiral towers that look like fairground slides. The city’s grandest park began life as a collaboration between entrepreneur Eusebi Güell (hence the park’s name) and Antoni Gaudí. Know that you need to book in advance online, and arrive promptly for your allotted slot—there’s zero wiggle room with timing. An interesting add-on is Casa Museu Gaudí, the pink spired building inside the park. It’s not included in your entrance fee (so factor in an extra €5.50/$5.50 per person), but Gaudí actually lived there for 19 years—which makes it the home tour of all home tours.

Santa Maria del Mar Arrow

Ask any local to pick their favorite church and we’d bet a glass of (sacramental) Catalan wine that Santa Maria del Mar would be it. (Sorry, La Sagrada Família !) If you’ve read Ildefonso Falcones’s thriller Cathedral of the Sea , you already know more about it than you think: the novel’s backdrop is the construction of this particular Gothic church, with the lead protagonist one of its stone workers. In real life, the church’s history is almost stranger than fiction: in 1428, it was shook by a major earthquake. Then, in July 1936, it was set on fire and burned for 11 days straight. Look inside, and you’ll still see the black scorch marks on the roof. The building has very tall columns, set 43 feet apart. Combine that airiness with vast stretches of stained glass and it almost feels like someone’s pulling you up into the sky.

Parc del Laberint d'Horta Arrow

Barcelona is famous for its buildings being works of art; this is one of the few examples of a garden stepping up to that level. On the wilderness spectrum, Barcelona’s oldest park is beauty-salon manicured: splendid temples, lily-glazed ponds, sculptures of mythological figures, and a cypress maze that’s clearly given the gardener’s pruning shears a workout. The labyrinth is definitely the standout feature, a maze made of elaborate swirls of thick foliage. It recreates the Greek myth of Theseus destroying the Minotaur (a part-human, part-bull monster) to fall in love with Ariadne. A similar fate awaits those who make it to the center—no bovine slaying required, but you will find love in the form of a statue of Cupid. If that all sounds a bit soppy, scoff later: the maze is harder than it looks.

María Casbas

Jessica Chapel

Madison Flager

Tibidabo Arrow

While Tibidabo mountain is a fairground, it's also so much more. You’ll first notice it from the city center: high on a summit, the silhouette of a majestic temple makes you curious to go. Officially called the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (or Sacred Heart church, easier on the tongue), its roof is topped with an enormous bronze statue of Jesus that you can take an elevator to. Mind-blown (and a little breeze-blown), you suddenly see the charm of the amusement park next to it—like its retro-styled attractions, such as a Ferris wheel with color-pop seating pods, built for the views as much as the screams. Adults love the views; kids love the rides. Finish with a gin and tonic on the terrace of Mirablau Bar , near where the blue tram stops. The edge seats rule.

Gran Teatre del Liceu Arrow

As you’d expect from an opera venue, it’s grand, beautiful, doused with art, and occupies a prime piece of zip code on La Rambla . Yet, as with many of life’s most interesting characters, not all is quite what it seems. The vestibule, as you walk in, dates back to the building’s original construction in 1847. However, the main performance space—with a striking domed ceiling, red-velvet chairs and ornate gold moldings that have echoes of the Palace of Versailles—was actually unveiled in the grand old year of… 1999. A fire having wiped out most of the building’s structure in 1994. But you would never know. The acoustics and sight lines are excellent, and a small screen in your footwell provides subtitles. There's legroom to keep even the long-limbed content.

Mirador Torre Glòries Arrow

Even if you don’t know Torre Glòries by name, you’ll know it by sight. The gleaming, iridescent tower that pierces the cityscape like (some say) a gherkin, though architect Jean Nouvel had a geyser in mind. It’s possibly Barcelona’s most famous landmark that Gaudí had absolutely nothing to do with, and at 470-feet tall it’s definitely one of its tallest. Opened in 2005, and famous for housing Meta’s Barcelona outpost, it’s never offered much in the way of visitor interest beyond a snap. That changed in 2022, when the 30th floor became a panoramic public observation deck with unobstructed views across every angle of the city. Now, when we explain an example of an exhibit, you’ll think we’re joking—we are not joking; it’s a climbing frame, suspended in the air by 3.7 miles of tensioned cable, made of tiny platforms–many transparent–that you scramble up onto, with absolutely no safety protection. Some platforms have cushions to rest and savor the view. Others are so physically tricky to traverse that you’ll break into a sweat, slide on your butt, and have to logically plan a route out. The serious stuff: it’s hard! 

Catedral de Barcelona Arrow

It might not have the quirkiness nor the hype of La Sagrada Família , but it holds court: a giant Gothic temple that looms large against the narrow lanes and matchbox shops. Its site originally housed a Roman temple some 2,000 years ago, when Barcelona was still called Bàrcino (you can track down parts of the old Roman walls and aqueduct nearby). Today, the cathedral’s official name, Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, honors Eulalia, a local girl who refused to accept Roman emperor Diocletian’s demand to recant her Christian faith. It’s beautiful and atmospheric, as religious buildings so often are. Regardless of your personal level of piety, the architecture inside—plus the city view from the short elevator ride to the top—is quite something.

La Boqueria Arrow

La Boqueria might be Barcelona’s oldest market—it started life in 1217 as a mere huddle of meat stalls on La Rambla —but tradition isn’t staid. More than 200 stands unite like a foodie’s choir: traders’ shouts, the clink of glasses, welcome greetings sung out ("holaaaa"). Though, for all the atmosphere, it’s the smell that gets you: warm, ocean-salty, freshly fried fish: the kind that lines your nostrils, excites your stomach, makes your physician tense, and has to be washed down with a glass of cava. Grab a fruit smoothie from the technicolored stalls as you walk in. Then do a lap: the deeper you venture, the better the value.

La Rambla Arrow

Barcelona’s most famous street—a nearly one-mile pedestrianized boulevard from Plaça Cataluyna to Port Vell—is still the strolling route for the city's visitors, even if selfie-stick vendors can’t match the charm of the old-school florists, gelaterías, and candy stalls offering bites of crema catalana (a form of crème brûlée) along the way. To predict your next question: But is it La Rambla or Las Ramblas? Well, it’s really both. Originally, the area consisted of five mini-ramblas: Rambla de Canaletes, Estudis, Sant Josep, Caputxins, and Santa Mònica, but they're often lumped together and today, the street sign says La Rambla. Annoying as it is to keep your purse clenched from pickpockets for a mile, La Rambla has a charm that keeps the 78 million coming.

Fundació Joan Miró Arrow

It takes a certain type of space to accommodate Miró—an artist whose works range from a white canvas with a single black line to bold, primary-colored, robot-like sculptures. So it makes sense that Miró worked with his friend, architect Josep Lluís Sert, to design the building himself. It’s modern and minimalist by Barcelona’s standards—it's certainly no La Sagrada Família . But the coolest part is knowing that you’re seeing Miró’s work laid out exactly as he intended. However you feel about Miró, the collection is lively and energetic and devoid of the stuffy pretense that art museums can attract.

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Els Encants is the flea market with the fabulous roof. That ceiling is over 80-feet high, built from undulating zinc and aluminum, and mirrored silver-gold to reflect a kaleidoscopic whirl of stalls below. This market of odds-and-sods has existed in Barcelona since around 1300; for years, as a nomad–goods laid out on ever-changing streets and squares around the city. That changed in 2013 when Els Encants’ sparkling new home opened in Poblenou. The design wizardry of architect b720 Fermín Vázquez (which is now modernizing the city’s iconic Camp Nou soccer stadium), it’s a visual stunner blessed with good-looking neighbors. On one side, the tin-foil-shiny Torre Glòries and Disseny Hub, the design museum. Turn 90 degrees, and there’s La Sagrada Familia saying hola in the background.

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It’s easy to see why Casa Batlló has been likened to Claude Monet’s Water Lilies : Covered in shards of stained glass, it sometimes appears blue, then green, then shimmering like the glassy layer of a lake. Textile industrialist Josep Batlló commissioned Gaudí to design this home after seeing what Gaudí had done with Park Güell . Influenced by nature, Casa Batlló has no straight lines (because they don’t exist in nature, said Gaudí), stone pillars that contort like animal bones, and a tall, ocean-blue stairwell that’s very Jules Verne. The result is both grand and intimate. See our Barcelona Gaudi guide, here .

Palau de la Música Catalana Arrow

It might be the Palace of Catalan Music, but you come as much for your eyes as your ears. The auditorium is a kaleidoscope of roses, chandeliers, and stained glass. This is the work of Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a building some say is even prettier than Gaudí's La Sagrada Família . Built to house the Orfeó Català symphonic choir, today’s musical acts span from choral to pianists, jazz, flamenco, and operas such as La Traviata and Carmen . A key decision is whether to visit in daylight, for a tour, when the building is at its most spectacular, or at night, when the music happens.

Barceloneta Arrow

Barceloneta is the high-school jock of beaches: loud, popular, and boisterous. Its version of a buff torso? A strip of sand that’s no less of a showoff; at one end, there’s the metallic, sail-like silhouette of the W Hotel , at the other, the blinding gold sculpture of a fish by architect Frank Gehry. When you’ve arrived at Barceloneta, you know it. If you’re looking for the whitest sand and the most azure waters, you won’t find them at Barceloneta. But it is convenient, chaotic, and a must-see carnival.

Montjuïc Arrow

There are many grand elements to Montjüic, a historic hill that’s a whole lot more than ‘just a hill’. For starters, the approach at ground level. From the roundabout at Plaça España (which doesn’t sound sexy, we know), it appears majestically from nowhere, a dramatic, architectural staircase leading up to the  Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (National Museum of Catalan Art). It looks like a palace; the water feature in front is even called the Magic Fountain. (Some evenings, there’s a water-light spectacular; check the schedule  here ). So far, we’ve described about 400 meters of Montjüic: the rest has more museums, the 1992 Olympic site, exotic gardens, and enough panoramic views to jam a smartphone camera roll.

Palo Market Fest Arrow

Take an abandoned factory in the most up-and-coming part of town, plant enough foliage to fund your local garden center for life, and use the term "concept space" a LOT. Sounds trendy, right? On the thermometer of cool, Palo Market Fest is an icy Old Fashioned cocktail. Yet its atmosphere has the warm glow of having knocked a few back: live music provides a head-bopping shopping backdrop, while pop-up beer bars and insanely good food trucks mean that everyone is simply in a great mood.

La Sagrada Família Arrow

It’s practically illegal to go to Barcelona and not visit La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s extraordinary temple dedicated to the Holy Family—also known as the world’s largest unfinished church. The illusive end date remains a mystery—local theorists speculate it will never be done in order to preserve its in-process cachet. Be sure to book a ticket ahead (dates are available three months out) so you can get inside and gawk at the vaults and rainbow stained glass. When you go, spring for the extra audio guide and a trip up to one of the two towers—the Nativity Façade is our favorite.

Mercat de Sant Antoni Arrow

Imagine La Boqueria –the heaving, calamari-scented food market on La Rambla—before it became famous. When the only voices were local, and daily specials were scribbled in felt-tip pen on scraps on paper. That’s Sant Antoni today. A food and clothes market that’s revered by locals and cemented in their daily routines. Telling an international audience about it feels like breaking a secret code, so come with respect for that authenticity and a willingness to practice your high-school Spanish–as well as an appetite. Oh yes, you’ll definitely want the latter. Aim for that sweet spot where you’ll salivate upon seeing trays of olives piled like sandcastles, but aren’t so ravenous that you’ll blow all your hunger on the first stall of cured meats you come to. Built in 1882, it recently closed from 2009 to 2018 for an €80 million refurb. Today, it’s restored, reopened and thriving–with the surrounding blocks becoming car-free to enhance the community-first experience. If you're on a budget: the stall Ous de Calaf takes pretty presentation next-level with loose eggs displayed in straw among ornaments of hens. Regional wines are also likely to be gluggably affordable.

Picasso Museum Arrow

A museum spread over five palaces—we’d expect nothing less for Picasso, who moved to Barcelona as a 14-year-old boy and made frequent trips back throughout his life. Downstairs, a courtyard and Gothic archways lead into white studios that illuminate his works. Upstairs, the rooms are lavish: epic painted ceilings that almost drip crystal chandeliers. Visitors flock here to see Picasso's work, but the special setting is why they come back again and again. If you’re expecting Picasso’s big-hitters, you might be disappointed—for a few minutes. Guernica resides in the Reina Sofía in Madrid , The Weeping Woman at London ’s Tate Modern . What Barcelona’s museum has, is everything around those postcard images. In chronological order, it shows every brushstroke (all 4,251 works’ worth) of how he moved from a classically trained painter (see Ciencia y Caridad in Room 3) to a Cubist pioneer, plus some things we never knew he did, like ceramics.

Moco Museum Barcelona Arrow

Here’s the thing: you cannot be bored here. Even if you hit 10,000 steps by lunchtime, Moco’s fluorescent, lively, reaction-provoking collection is a guaranteed perk-you-up. Yes, even if you’ve been known to yawn at the word “museum”. Younger sister of the original Moco Museum in Amsterdam , the name–a snappy portmanteau of modern and contemporary–gives you an idea of the collection’s genre. In truth, the cliché of “expect the unexpected” runs true. There’s a room of Banksys. Talking-point pieces by Damien Hirst and Salvador Dalí sit alongside chuckle-inducing satirical wall quotes. Andy Warhol pops up; photography by David LaChapelle; a lot of KAWS–he of Smurf courtyard fame. And possibly some new-discovery names to add to your iPhone Notes, such as the beautifully macabre oil paintings of Chile’s Guillermo Lorca, which are part-fairytale, part-horror story. One hack: tickets for time slots before 11:00 am and after 6:00 pm are cheaper.

Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site Arrow

Built by legendary Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner (of Palau de la Música Catalana fame) with all the features of Catalan Art Nouveau—extravagant domes, stained glass windows, epic pillars—it was designed to be a building that people enjoyed recuperating in. His vision was a garden city for nursing the sick instead of the clinical-looking spaces we still know today—buildings are oriented for maximum sun exposure, for example. When the hospital was moved further north in 2009, this site went through its own rehabilitation: into a museum and arts venue. It now hosts the runways for Barcelona Fashion Week.

Parc de la Ciutadella Arrow

Barcelona's vast city park houses a zoo, regional parliament, and plenty of sites and spots for lounging. Cascada Monumental, built with input from a young Gaudí, is a stunning golden waterfall that both wows and relaxes you. Ditto the serene boating lake beside it. Enter through the Arc de Triomf and the elaborate Modernist building to your right is Castell dels Tres Dragons , built by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Currently closed for renovation, with no word on a reopening date, it was once the zoology museum. Another beautiful, yet no less mysterious, series of structures are the cast iron Umbracle (palm house) and Hivernacle (winter garden) in front. Go for an authentic slice of city-park life.

The Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Arrow

This Pavilion was designed by German architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich for the 1929 International Exposition—a global showcase of architectural styles. Exposition over, the pavilion was duly dismantled back to Germany. It was only in the decades after—cue: a face-palming moment of hindsight—that the architectural community realized just how pivotal Mies van der Rohe’s founding symbol of modernist architecture was. In 1980, Barcelona City Council enlisted a team of Catalan architects to turn salvaged photographs and drawings into a delicate, atmospheric reconstruction. Most people’s overarching takeaway from the Pavilion is that it’s smaller than they imagined, so use this as your battery recharge before tackling the other arty big-hitters on Montjuïc , such as Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) and Fundació Joan Miró .

Camp Nou Arrow

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 €26, or $30). Glimpse Messi’s trophies, the players’ tunnel, and the first team’s bench.

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Built in the 1880s as a summerhouse for stockbroker Manel Vicens, Casa Vicens was the very first house Gaudí designed. Forget the Gaudí of La Sagrada Família fame, this is his Orientalist Period. Imagine a Moorish palace merged with a Rubik’s cube. It’s crazy. Anyone who’s a fan of tiles or maximalist design will geek out on the oriental palms, pink walls, flower-adorned tiles and flying birds. Add in a terracotta roof terrace, a couple of elaborate domes, and some Gaudí ironwork and you’re left wondering how it all harmonizes together. Because, weirdly, it does.

IDEAL Centre d’Arts Digitals Arrow

If a digital arts center was going to pop up anywhere in Barcelona, you’d bet your tapas fund on the district of Poblenou—the Catalan capital’s East London-like ‘hood, where once crumbling factories spawn start-ups, art studios, and museums like the Museu Can Framis . From the outside, IDEAL’s boxy exterior shouts movie theatre. And it was—for 67 years. Then it became a movie set, then nothing at all, before a regeneration project in 2019 turned the lights back on. It’s now southern Europe’s first facility dedicated to producing and showcasing digital arts projects, such as holography and virtual reality. Instead of watching an image, you’re thrown right into the image—meaning popcorn-munching to fill the slow scenes is a thing of the past.

Nau Bostik Arrow

Barcelona has a lot of well-known museums, with a lot of well-known names, in a lot of well-known parts of town. Nau Bostik is absolutely none of those—which is exactly why we love it. Take the metro to La Sagrera, walk 10 minutes through a residential district that makes you wonder if you've gotten lost, and look for a bold-colored striped mural on the side of a factory. This work, by Argentine street artist Elian Chali, sums up the spirit of the Nau Bostik.

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The 30 best things to do in Barcelona

From modernista masterpieces to some truly gorgeous beaches, these are the very best things to do in brilliant Barcelona

Everyone should visit Barcelona at least once. Everyone. No excuses. The Catalan capital is a bustling city that lives up to its reputation, a thriving cultural centre with brilliant museums , magnificent restaurants and a club scene to go all night. 

Barcelona is brilliant, bombastic, and bloomin’ marvellous. And what are the best things to do while you’re here? We’re glad you asked, because we’ve done the hard yards and put together the ultimate Barna bucket list. You can’t go wrong with this place.  Here are its best things to do right now. 

RECOMMENDED: 🥘 The best restaurants in Barcelona 🍸 The best bars in Barcelona 📍 The best  attractions in Barcelona 🏨 The  best  hotels in Barcelona

Maria Jose Gomez is the Time Out Barcelona editor. This piece was written by the editorial team.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in Barcelona

1.  Buy a book at a beautiful bookshop

What is it? A tour of the most beautiful bookstores in Barcelona.

Why go? In recent years, new bookstores have joined some of the long-standing ones we already had in the city. And the joy was twofold because, besides being places that championed books, most of them were also beautiful (just look at Ona Llibres , Librería Byron and Finestres ).

Don’t miss: The García Márquez Library in Poblenou was chosen as the best public library in the world in 2023. And it's no wonder: It’s spectacular.

2.  Cool off with a unique ice cream

What is it? Barcelona might not be Florence, so we don’t eat ice cream all year round – but we do have all kinds of amazing ice cream parlors, some of them among the best in Europe.

Why go?  It’ll likely be hot when you visit. Need we say more? Besides, you can eat ice cream inside a spaceship at Lucciano’s , create an ice cream from memories at Mamá Heladera , or get a taste of Barcelona at Badiani . 

3.  Have a moment of silence at Santa Anna

What is it? A Romanesque church associated with the Order of the Holy Sepulchre which was declared a Cultural Heritage of National Interest.

Why go? If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Plaça de Catalunya and the traffic of Carrer d'Aragó, you'll find tranquility in the cloister of Santa Anna and in that of La Concepción – recovered from the former temple of Santa Maria de les Jonqueres. Time stands still, and the silence invites you to disconnect.

Don't miss: Also visit the Chapel of the Pardons, which housed a sculptural ensemble of the Holy Burial, and visitors were granted the same pardons as those who went to the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

4.  Go for tapas at Bodega d'en Rafel

• 5 out of 5 stars
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• Sant Antoni
• price 1 of 4
• Recommended

What is it? A bar just a stone’s throw away from La Paloma with one of the best tortillas in Barcelona.

Why should you go? El Pollo has that typical melancholic vibe of the Raval bars, but when the dishes arrive, joy bursts forth: the ingredients are fresh, and the menu offers spectacular hearty dishes that could easily be found in a classic Bilbao restaurant. It’s not cheap, but the tapas option is suitable for almost any budget, with spectacular tortillas, top-notch croquettes, and some squid in onion sauce that’s simply divine. Rosalía recommended it, and since then, it’s always packed.

Don’t miss out: Right next door, the same owners have opened La Polla, serving up a great selection of cured meats, pickles, salads and tortillas.

5.  Have a cocktail at Mariposa Negra

What is it?  A cocktail bar dedicated to storytelling

Why go? Mariposa Negra  is located in El Born, founded by Luca Corradini, who in 2015 was one of the head bartenders at the American Bar at the Savoy in London, England’s oldest cocktail bar. The bar takes inspiration from the novel ‘Marina’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, which is set in Barcelona during the 1970s.

Don’t miss: Corradini not only prepares spectacular cocktails but also distills his own liqueurs and designs – and manufactures! – the glasses you drink them from.

6.  Do some reflecting at Cementiri de Montjuïc

• Attractions
• Sants - Montjuïc

What is it? Designed by Leandro Albareda in 1880, this enormous necropolis sits at the side of the motorway, as a daily reminder to commuters of their own mortality.

Why go? he cemetery was originally divided into four sections: one for Catholics, one for Protestants, one for non-Christians and a fourth for aborted foetuses. It now stretches over the south-west corner of the mountain, with family tombs stacked five or six storeys high. Many, especially those belonging to the gypsy community, are a riot of colour and flowers. The Fossar de la Pedrera memorial park remembers the fallen of the International Brigades and the Catalan martyrs from the Civil War. There is also a Holocaust memorial and a mausoleum to the former president of the Generalitat, Lluís Companys. Don’t miss: The cemetery is much visited, particularly on All Saints' Day, when the roads are clogged with cars. Eventually, it will provide a new home for the city's collection of funeral carriages.

7.  Discover urban art

What is it? A route through the places in Barcelona where urban art abounds.

Why go? Barcelona has a ton of great graffiti and mural spots. In Poblenou, you can follow this route: start at the corner of Marroc and Espronceda, continue along Perú and descend via Selva de Mar. On the island formed by Agricultura, Veneçuela, Josep Pla, and Pallars, you'll find plenty. In Poble-sec, the Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies are a meeting point for spray artists. And in Sant Andreu, Nau Bostik is a curated space for urban art.

Don’t miss: The Besòs River Park aims to become the largest urban art museum in Europe. The 18km river, between the Pont Vell de Santa Coloma and the Pont de Can Peixauet, is being painted with works by international and local artists thanks to the BesArt project.

8.  Ride the port cable car

What is it? The cable car  that takes you from Montjuïc to Barceloneta (and vice versa). 

Why go? Test your fear of heights and hop on the Port Cable Car. The adventure begins with the ascent to the Tower of Sant Sebastià, the iron giant conceived by architect Carles Buïgas for the 1929 Universal Exposition. The most thrilling part is stepping into the red cabin – it holds up to 19 people – to cross the city at 70 meters high. After 10 minutes of swaying, weightlessness sensation and bird’s-eye views, you might want to kiss the ground at Miramar, but if you still have the urge to fly, you can return to Barceloneta in the opposite direction.

Don’t miss: It’s hard to avoid the queues, but the best times to go are around midday or early in the morning.

9.  Find tranquility at the Umbracle

What is it?   A building of iron architecture declared a Cultural Heritage of Local Interest.

Why go?   The project by Josep Fontseré was built at the end of the 19th century following the prevailing style; hence the cast iron pillars, iron beams, and exposed brick. Later, for the Universal Exposition, it was turned into a dance hall; nowadays, it resembles its original appearance: a shadowy and quiet space where plants of all kinds and origins grows. You’ll find hydrangeas, kentias, small ficus trees, Swiss cheese plants, Indian rubber trees, wax palms, winter jasmine and more. 

Don't miss:   A first-rate botanical spectacle that only opens on weekdays and in the morning, you can spend your time here discovering (and coveting) plants or sit down to read in peace in this simulation of a tropical jungle.

10.  Marvel at Sant Felip Neri

• Ciutat Vella

What is it? One of the most beautiful and historically significant squares in the city.

Why go?  After strolling through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find Sant Felip Neri on the site of the ancient medieval cemetery of Monjuïc del Bisbe. Within it you’ll find the church and school of the same name, Renaissance houses, and the former guild houses of coppersmiths and shoemakers, the latter being the headquarters of the Shoe Museum. If you look at the facade of the Sant Felip Neri church, you’ll see the remnants of shrapnel from a bomb launched by the Nationalist faction during the Civil War, which caused the deaths of 42 people, most of them children.

Don't miss: The Hotel Neri has a good restaurant (with a terrace on the square!). It’s romantic. 

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60 Best Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

Home | Travel | Europe | Spain | Catalonia | Barcelona | 60 Best Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

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There are a lot of things to do in Barcelona, Catalonia. Its art and architecture have enriched this beautiful city with worldwide fame, making it one of the main tourist destinations in Spain.

As all of my mother’s family is from Catalonia, I have been traveling to Barcelona for as long as I can remember and I can tell you that you should visit it at least once in your lifetime.

I suggest spending 3 days in Barcelona, but if you want to visit the surroundings, you’re better off with 4 or 5 days. There are many amazing  places to visit in Barcelona , one of the best cities to visit in Spain.

If this is your first time, this  free tour  is one of the  best things to do in Barcelona  as soon as you arrive. Also, to learn more about the architect that designed many of the main points of interest in the city, don’t miss this   free tour about the modernist works of Gaudí .

Keep in mind that not all of  Barcelona’s tourist attractions  are close to each other. The best way to get around is with   this unlimited transport card , which is valid for 2 to 5 days from activation. However, if you’re going to visit museums and other paid attractions,   this other card   includes unlimited transportation and free entrance to some sites.

Now, here are the 60 best things to do in Barcelona . At the end of this guide, I’ve included a tourist map to help you plan your itinerary.

1. La Sagrada Familia, a must-see in Barcelona, Catalonia

La Sagrada Familia  is one of the most important  places to visit in Barcelona . This Catholic cathedral was designed by Antoni Gaudí and is considered his most impressive work. Construction began in 1882 and the work is still not finished! Once you step inside, you’ll understand why.

The church is a prime example of Catalan Modernist architecture, and perhaps the most ambitious project in the country. Simply walking up to it, you have to crane your neck to see the impressive façade and all the intricate details. Be sure to take time to see all the religious elements interspersed with natural forms.

The Sagrada Familia is a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site, so there’s no doubt that visiting it is one of the best things to do in Barcelona . Along with the Alhambra in Granada, the cathedral is one of the most-visited monuments in Spain. The interior is a true work of art, full of symmetrical ornamentation.

The most remarkable thing about it is its massive size and huge towers. Each tower is meant to represent a Biblical character: Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the apostles, and the four evangelists of the gospels.

I think it’s well worth spending the extra money to climb to the top of the towers. You’ll get the most stunning views of the city! The lines get long, so I suggest booking one of these options in advance:  skip-the-line-ticket only ,  ticket + guided tour , or  ticket + guided tour + towers .

2. Park Güell, the most beautiful park to visit in Barcelona

Park Güell  is one of those places not to miss in Barcelona . This public park is another dreamy creation by Gaudí, and it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Entrance to the park is free, although you’ll need a ticket to visit the monument area. It’s worth it, as you’ll get to see the best modernist architecture in Barcelona. Plus, there’s a  skip-the-line ticket  available. Or, you  bundle Park Güell with a tour of La Sagrada Familia .

As you go through the main entrance, you’ll see a whimsical little house overlooking the southern slope of Mount Carmel. The house functions as a bar, exhibit room, and souvenir shop. Also, right in front of it is one of the top tourist  attractions in Barcelona : Gaudí’s famous lizard sculpture. The colorful ceramic fragments were made with the traditional  trencadís  technique, which is reflected in many Barcelona souvenirs.

Take your time exploring the gardens and the  Plaza de la Naturaleza , where you’ll find the iconic snake-shaped bench and magnificent views. Be sure to also check out the incredible architecture of the  Hypostyle Hall, the Viaducts , and the  Laundry Room Portico . You can also visit the Gaudí House-Museum, where the famous architect lived for a few years.

I would plan a few hours at the park so you can take your time to see everything. There are picnic tables and plenty of benches, too. Don’t forget to visit the  Austrian Gardens , the  Vallcarca Forest , and the  Hill of Three Crosses .

3. Watch a match at Camp Nou,  popular things to do in Barcelona, Spain

I’m not passionate about soccer, but I know that watching the Barça team play at  Camp Nou  is a dream come true for many people. I think it’s one of those  activities in Barcelona  that anyone could enjoy.

Camp Nou stadium was inaugurated on September 24, 1957, and since then, has been where FC Barcelona plays their home games. The arena currently seats over 99,000 fans, making it one of the largest stadiums in Europe. It’s also open to self-guided tours throughout the week, so it’s a popular  tourist attraction in Barcelona .

If you can’t catch a match, consider  this tour , which takes you behind the scenes to the more private areas of the stadium. A sports journalist will share history about the Barça team while showing you the press room, museum, and press box. The tour ends with a snack and drinks at the local bar.

I did this tour with my brother a couple of years ago and can say that it’s one of the  fun things to do in Barcelona  for families too.

4. La Pedrera-Casa Milà, a breathtaking place to go in Barcelona

La Pedrera , also known as  Casa Milà , is another important work by Antoni Gaudí, and it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can find it by strolling along Paseo de Gràcia. Once you see it, you’ll have no doubts because it’s the most  beautiful place to visit on Barcelona ‘s streets.

It’s hard to imagine living in such an incredible building, but  Casa Milà  was built as a residence. The undulating structure was completed in 1912 for Pere Milà and Roser Segimon, an aristocratic couple.

From the sidewalk, you can see the home’s wrought-iron balconies, each with a slightly different style. You can admire Casa-Milà from the outside or pay to see the inside. Admission doesn’t cost too much, and I think it’s an  interesting thing to do in Barcelona .

From inside, you can see that the construction of the windows and patios was very intentional to improve the lighting and ventilation. If you go up to the roof, you’ll get awesome views of the city. I think it’s fun to look around and notice which chimneys and staircases stand out from the ordinary.

The main hall of the building serves as a public museum. It also houses the headquarters of the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation headquarters and some luxury apartments.

If you do want to go inside, I suggest booking a  skip-the-line ticket  since it can get crowded.

5. Casa Batlló, one of the best museums in Barcelona, Catalonia

Casa Batlló  is another famous work by Antoni Gaudí and one of my favorite  places to visit in Barcelona . What makes this building so special is that the façade represents the history of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia. If you visit Casa Batlló on April 23rd (the day of his death and the Day of the Book), you’ll see red roses adorning the balconies.

The exterior façade of Casa Batlló is colorful and ornate, and the designs seem to resemble masks or skulls. The balconies are equally as impressive, especially the uppermost Princess Balcony. Along with the scaly roof, these architectural elements look like the body of a dragon. You could stand in front of this house for an hour and still find little details, which makes it a  popular place to visit in Barcelona.

Like Gaudí’s other works, Casa Batlló is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can view the exterior for free, but I recommend reserving a  ticket  to go inside. The tour includes a virtual reality “smart guide” that gives you an inside look at Gaudí’s design process.

6. Visit Plaza de Cataluña-La Rambla-Mirador de Colón, the best free thing to do in BCN

One of the most iconic  things to do in Barcelona  is to take a walk through the  Plaza de Cataluña  to  La Rambla  and the  Columbus Monument . These three attractions are part of any Barcelona itinerary and will give you a great introduction to the city.

The  Plaça de Catalunya is a huge square and connects the old town to the E nsanche , or expansion of the city. Shops, bars, restaurants, and a subway station surround the plaza, and it always has a lively atmosphere. If you visit during the holidays, you can experience the Christmas market. There are lots of activities too, making it one of the best  things to do in Barcelona with kids .

6. Plaza de Cataluña-La Rambla-Mirador de Colón, the best free thing to do in BCN

The plaza also connects to La Rambla, the central street in Barcelona. This energetic street leads to the port and is always filled with tourists and enticing stalls. La Rambla passes by popular  Barcelona attractions  like the  Liceu Theater  and the  Boquería market . While there are lots of things to see here, be sure to stay aware, as lots of pick-pocketers hang out around this area.

At the end of La Rambla, you’ll see the  Columbus Monument . It’s nearly 200 feet tall and you can climb to the overlook, where you’ll get spectacular views of the port. Nearby is a scenic waterfront walkway and Port Vell , the old city port. There are lots of restaurants around here, but I don’t recommend them because the prices are high, and the quality isn’t great.

7. Eat at La Boquería, an incredible thing to do in Barcelona, Catalonia

The  Boquería Market  is one of the most  famous places to visit in Barcelona , and it’s quite an experience for the senses.

This open-air market has the perfect location to entice tourists who are strolling La Rambla. It dates to 1840 when it was a popular local market for fresh produce. Today, it’s one of the main  Barcelona tourist attractions  with a global reputation.

La Boquería covers over half an acre, and you’ll find over 200 vendors here. The products range from local specialties to exotic foods and delicacies. If you can find a seat at one of the bar counters, settle in for some traditional tapas. The market is also a great place to sightsee, and it’s a nice free thing to do in Barcelona .

I think it’s interesting that this area used to be the site of the Convent of Sant Josep back in the 16th century. However, the convent caught fire, so the market was built in its place.

8. La Barceloneta, one of the best beaches in Barcelona, Spain

La Barceloneta  is one of the top  tourist sites in Barcelona . The neighborhood is a popular vacation spot for locals and visitors since it offers a convenient location to the beach and the city center.

Because of its proximity to the sea, the Barceloneta district was a fishermen’s neighborhood in the mid-18th century. While the area has been modernized, the old-fashioned essence of remains, mostly in the narrow streets, darkened facades, and squawking seabirds.

Barceloneta Beach  is one of the more  popular places to visit in Barcelona , particularly among tourists. The beach can get so crowded that many locals prefer to travel to nearby towns instead. While Barceloneta is worth seeing, there are other great beaches in Barcelona, such as  Sitges, Calella , and  Castelldefels .

When you get hungry, you won’t be far from some great restaurants. One of my favorite pizzerias, NAP, is in Barceloneta. If the weather is nice, you can order a pizza to go and enjoy it on the beach.

There are also lots of  interesting things to do in this Barcelona  neighborhood. For example, here you’ll find the  Museum of History of Catalonia, the Clock Tower , and the  Maremagnum Shopping Center . You can also take the  cable car to the Miramar Viewpoint  on the lower level of  Montjuïc , an area I’ll talk about next.

If you’re staying overnight, the beach has one of the best hotels in Spain , the W Barcelona .

9. Montjuïc, an area with more things to do in Barcelona, Catalonia

Montjuïc  is one of those  places of interest in Barcelona  that offers something for everyone. This iconic hill is home to parks, museums, historical sites, and incredible views of the city.

The area has several  unique things to do in Barcelona  that you can’t find anywhere else. For example, the  Castle of Montjuïc  is an old military fortress from the 1640s, although it had to be rebuilt in 1751. It has a neoclassical style with bastions, parade grounds, a watchtower, moat, and terrace. It’s at the summit of the hill, over 565 feet above sea level, and you feel like you’re in another world.

If it’s museums that you want, Montjuïc won’t disappoint. The area is home to MNAC , the  Archaeology Museum of Catalonia , the  Joan Miró Foundation , and the  Joan Antoni Samaranch Olympic and Sports Museum . The  Poble Espanyol,  an open-air museum that recreates traditional Spanish villages, is another highlight.

Another unforgettable thing to do here is to see the free  Magic Fountain  show in front of MNAC. Watching the colorful display of water, lights, and music is the  best thing to do in Barcelona at night .

Besides, getting to Montjuïc is half the fun. You can take the  cable car  and take in aerial views of the sea and mountains. It’s a more expensive option, but it’s worth it for the experience.

10. Tibidabo amusement park, the best thing to do in Barcelona with kids

Tibidabo amusement park  is the most popular  place to visit in Barcelona with kids . The park is on  Tibidabo Mountain , which is part of the Collserola Range. It’s the oldest active amusement park in Spain, and one of the oldest in Europe, and makes for a thrilling day trip.

The amusement park will delight kids, but there are also elements for adults to enjoy. If I had to choose an attraction, of course, I’d choose  Hotel Krüeger . It’s a haunted house full of creepy characters like Dracula, Freddy Krueger, and the girl from  The Exorcist . This is one of the  best attractions in Barcelona . It’s so good that you can only go in three times per day.

Other activities at Tibidabo include historic rides like  Talaia , a rotating arm built in 1921 that soars over 1,800 feet in the air. There is also  Avió , the world’s first   flight simulator, which is a to-scale replica of a 1920s Iberian Airlines plane. There are modern thrill rides, too, such as the  Dididado  4D cinema attraction and  Virtual Express , a virtual reality roller coaster.

When you need a break, you can visit the park’s  Automata Museum , which contains over 40 automated machines and puppets from the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also several restaurants, picnic areas, and souvenir shops in the park.

Tibidabo is popular with locals and tourists, so it can get crowded. Sometimes it’s impossible to get same-day  tickets , so I recommend purchasing them in advance.

11. Barcelona Cathedral, a tranquil place to go in Barcelona, Catalonia

The  Barcelona Cathedral  is one of the most impressive Gothic temples in Catalonia, so it’s one of the top places for  sightseeing in Barcelona .

Also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, this 14th-century church is a stunning example of Catalan gothic architecture. As you approach the structure, you’ll notice the exterior façade is covered in religious motifs and gargoyles. There are also relief sculptures of Christ and the apostles on the large door and Gothic arch.

If you’re an art aficionado, you may notice that some elements in the church are more Renaissance while others are modernist. For example, the impressive bell towers and stained-glass windows reflect these styles.

Of course, you don’t need to be well-versed in art history to appreciate the beauty of this cathedral. One of the most remarkable parts of the church is the  Crypt of Santa Eulalia . This tomb is the resting place of Saint Eulalia, a young girl who defended her Christian faith to her death. The 13 white geese in the cloister area represent the age at which Eulalia was martyred.

You should also check out the ornate choir stalls, the monstrance made of gold and silver, and the  Chapel of Santo Cristo de Lepanto , which was built in 1407.

12. MNAC, one of the most important museums in Barcelona, Spain

MNAC  or the  National Art Museum of Catalonia  is one of the most important  museums to visit in Barcelona . It’s conveniently located in Montjuïc Park, behind the Magic Fountain.

The museum has one of the most impressive collections in the country. Its exhibits cover masterful works from the 11th century to the present day, including works by El Greco, Rubens, and Goya, among others. Along with these famous paintings, you’ll also find drawings, engravings, sculptures, and foreign coins.

It’s worth visiting MNAC more than once, as the permanent collection is massive. That said, the museum also holds temporary exhibits, so check the  website  to see what’s showing during your trip.

As you walk up to the museum, you’ll feel like you’re entering a magnificent castle. And well, you kind of are! MNAC is housed in the National Palace, a Spanish-Renaissance building that was designed for the 1929 International Exhibition.

If you love art, this is one of the  best places to go in Barcelona . You can explore thousands of works all in one location. Plus, if you go up to the museum terrace, you can look out over  Plaça d’Espanya  and the rest of the city.

13. The Gothic Quarter, an interesting place to visit in Barcelona

The  Gothic Quarter  is one of the most  interesting places to visit in Barcelona . As the oldest and, in my opinion, the most beautiful part of the city, you can’t say you’ve experienced Barcelona without seeing this neighborhood.

You might stumble upon the Gothic Quarter by accident, or you can make a left off La Rambla as you’re walking towards the Columbus Monument. Follow the narrow streets to encounter one of the most charming  Barcelona attractions .

Some of the small shops in this neighborhood are the original 19th and 20th-century buildings. You’ll also find a few tourist sites like the neoclassical  Plaza Real , the  Barcelona City History Museum , the  Picasso Museum , and the  Barcelona Cathedral  that I mentioned earlier.

One of the most important areas is the  Plaça de Sant Jaume , where City Hall and the Government of Catalonia are located. Several cultural events occur here throughout the year, such as the  castells , or human towers.

The Gothic Quarter is also home to the remnants of Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter, known as  El Call . One of the oldest synagogues in Europe, the  Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona , can be found here.

You want to take your time exploring this distinct neighborhood. I know the labyrinthine streets can be confusing, so consider this  2-hour walking tour . Afterward, you might enjoy browsing the nearby  Portal de l’Àngel  shopping area.

14. Palace of Catalan Music, one of the most spectacular places to go in Barcelona

The  Palace of Catalan Music  is a modernist Catalan music hall and a  beautiful place in Barcelona . Designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the palace first opened in 1908. Today, it’s a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site and a prime example of the  Renaixen ç a , the Catalan Rebirth.

You can see national and international performers at the concert hall, although the stunning interior decorate might steal the show. The palace’s interior is filled with intricate floral motifs as well as traditional Spanish and Arabic elements.

Perhaps the most impressive feature is the stage, which is surrounded by muses, busts of Anselm Clavé and Beethoven, and a depiction of Wagner’s Valkyries. The circular stained-glass skylight looks like a sun radiating throughout the concert hall.

A visit to the palace is an amazing  experience in Barcelona  and one that you shouldn’t miss. The cheapest seats cost $24-$35, but I recommend spending a bit more so you can really take in the show. If there isn’t a performance you’re interested in seeing, this 45-minute  guided tour  is a great way to explore the luxury of the palace.

15. Visit Plaça d’Espanya, the best free thing to do in Barcelona

Plaça d’Espanya  is one of the most  famous places to visit in Barcelona , as you might guess from its iconic Venetian towers. The square holds historical and cultural significance and is a must-see during your trip.

The plaza’s spectacular architecture was designed for the 1929 International Exhibition, and today, it creates a lovely backdrop for the  Magic Fountain  shows.

This is also where you’ll find  Las Arenas , a former bull-fighting ring that’s now a massive shopping center with some good restaurants. If you go up to the roof terrace, you can view the plaza and its surroundings. You can take the panoramic elevator, but they’ll charge you a fee. I don’t think it’s worth it, so I prefer taking the free elevator or escalator.

The  CaixaFórum  art gallery is also in the square. It’s a cool place to see contemporary art, photography, film, and architecture. If the  Fira de Barcelona  pavilions are open, check those out, too. Throughout the year, this area hosts interesting trade shows covering a variety of subjects like cars, manga, weddings, and more. Nearby is the open-air  Poble Espanyol  museum, which I’ll talk about later.

Getting to the plaza is simple since many bus routes stop here. Or you can take the L1, L3, or L8 subway train to the Espanya station.

16. Joan Miró Foundation, another great museum to visit in Barcelona, Catalonia

Nestled atop Montjuïc Hill is the  Joan Miró Foundation , which doubles as a museum and a contemporary art institution. Miró was an influential Catalan painter, and the collection spans more than 104,000 pieces of his work, so this is a top  museum in Barcelona .

On your way to the foundation, you’ll probably pass through Plaça d’Espanya, which is home to Miró’s  Dona i Ocell  sculpture. At the museum, not only will you find some of the artist’s best work, but the building itself was designed by him, too. He imagined each gallery space and room layout so they could reflect specific artworks, which I think is pretty cool.

Along with his surreal paintings, drawings, and sculptures, the foundation also holds temporary exhibits of 20th and 21st-century artists. Here, you can find works by Rene Magritte, Alexander Calder, Mark Rothko, and lesser-known artists. The Espai 13 gallery is dedicated to young experimental artists.

The museum also offers family activities and workshops, so this could be a fun  place to visit in Barcelona with kids .

17. Ciutadella, a popular place to go in Barcelona, Catalonia

La Ciutadella  is a gorgeous historical garden, although it was once a military fortress. After the 1868 Revolution, the fortress had been demolished, leaving the city to decide what to do with the space. Since the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition was approaching, the plan was to create one of the most  beautiful places in Barcelona .

Without a doubt, La Ciutadella Park is a prominent  site in Barcelona , both for its historical significance and its incredible design. It has a unique five-corner design with the main entrance being near the  Arc de Triomf . The entire area covers over 40 acres, making this the perfect place to hang out, practice sports, have a picnic or sightsee.

Speaking of which, La Ciutadella is a prime spot for  sightseeing in Barcelona . I suggest checking out the  Cascada , a lovely waterfall that mimics the design of Rome’s Trevi Fountain. There is also the modernist  Castle of the Three Dragons , where you’ll find the  Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona .

Be sure to bring your camera because there are lots of cool monuments to see. One of the best is the mammoth sculpture, whose trunk you can climb onto. The General Prim monument and  Als Voluntaris Catalans  statue, which honors fallen Catalan volunteer soldiers, are also popular.

On a typical day, you’ll see couples and families enjoying the fresh air or a rowboat ride on the lake. Even though it’s in the city and close to several attractions, it’s a peaceful haven.

18. Arc de Triomf, an incredible monument to see in Barcelona, Catalonia

The  Arc de Triomf  is a  Barcelona attraction  you can’t miss. Built for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition, the arch is nearly 100 feet tall, although it’s smaller than the Paris arch that inspired it. You can find it near the Ciutadella entrance on the Lluis Companys promenade.

While most arches of triumph are meant to commemorate military victories, Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf is non-combative and instead, welcomes visitors. The inscription on the front-facing side even says  Barcelona rep les nacions , which translates to “Barcelona receives the nations”.

The iconic landmark was a collaborative project among several Catalan architects, and all the elements represent various aspects of the city’s history. For example, there are relief sculptures to mark Barcelona’s agricultural industry and commerce, as well as shields of the 49 Spanish provinces. The carved stone bats are a nod to King Jaume I, who oversaw a period of prosperity over the city.

The Arc de Triomf is a unique  thing to see in Barcelona , plus it’s close to several good restaurants and tourist attractions. The surrounding area near the Lluis Companys promenade is a pleasant hangout spot for locals, so take your time to walk around and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

19. Güell Palace, a breathtaking place to go in Barcelona

Another Gaudí masterpiece you should check out is  Güell Palace . This cultural landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you can find in the El Raval neighborhood, was completed in 1890.

Like all Gaudí’s works, Güell Palace stands out among the other homes on Nou de la Rambla Street. The modernist architecture is something you’ll recognize if you’ve already visited other Gaudí  tourist attractions in Barcelona .

If you pay attention to the house’s front entrance, you’ll notice two iron gates, which were designed to accommodate horse-drawn carriages. There are intricate organic forms forged into the iron, some of which resemble underwater plants.

Part of the mansion is a museum, and you can go inside for a reasonable fee. Your visit starts in the basement stable, through the central room, and up to the roof terrace, the most beautiful part. Here, you’ll find 20 chimneys and a central spire, all covered in decorative ceramics. Walking through the terrace feels like traversing a magical landscape of colorful mosaics and curvaceous forms.

If you plan on visiting other  places of interest in Barcelona , consider  this tour , which guides you through La Rambla, La Boquería, and Güell Palace.

20. Turó de la Rovira, a little-known area to visit in Barcelona, Catalonia

For an interesting yet  unusual thing to do in Barcelona , consider a trip to  Turó de la Rovira . This hill sits 860 feet above sea level, granting you awesome views of the city and sea.

The site dates to the 4th century, although it was most prominent during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s. The famous  Carmel bunkers  you’ll see here were used as an anti-aircraft battery during the war.

In the 1950s, the area became a shantytown, housing thousands of poor families. This ushered in the urban phenomenon of  barraquismo  or informal housing.

Today, Turó de la Rovira is home to a  Barcelona History Museum archaeological site . You can explore the outdoor museum space and exhibitions to learn more about the Spanish Civil War and the post-war period in Catalonia. I’ll mention the Barcelona History Museum in-depth a bit later.

Turó may be off the beaten path, but it’s a great place to go if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Besides, the area is perfect for stargazing, which is one of my favorite  things to do in Barcelona in the summer .

21. Church of Colònia Güell, a secret place to visit in Barcelona

If you loved Park Güell, then you’ll enjoy visiting the  Church of Colònia Güell . Also known as the Gaudí Crypt, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hidden gem in Barcelona.

The church is tucked away in a small forest, its man-made materials blending in seamlessly with the natural surroundings. If you visited La Sagrada Familia, you’ll find the Gaudí Crypt to be a similar structure.

Gaudi built the church with colorful materials and textures, which reflects his focus on natural elements. While the architect started building the structure in 1898, he took a decade-long break only to leave the chapel unfinished in 1914. The crypt portion is the only part that’s complete, although local architects did some work on the church so that visitors can stand on the roof, which Gaudi meant to be the floor.

Fortunately, this magnificent building maintains the asymmetrical charm that the Catalan architect is known for. Plus, compared to Gaudi’s other works, the Church of Colònia Güell is the least touristy. Of course, it’s still a  beautiful place to visit in Barcelona , particularly for its stained-glass windows. You can get early entry to the church and crypt  here .

22. Shop at Agbar Tower & Encants Market, a great activity to do in Barcelona

The  Agbar Tower , now known as the Torre Glòries, is a prominent landmark on the Barcelona coastline. It’s also one of the  famous places to visit in Barcelona . Thanks to its distinct shape, the building has received several funny nicknames such as the cucumber, the bullet, or the dildo.

From afar the building looks a bit silly, but up close, it’s quite a sight. At nearly 475 feet tall, the 34-floor structure is made of shiny glass and aluminum. The inside mostly contains offices, although the architect’s penthouse is at the top. Rather, Torre Glòries is a cool  place to go in Barcelona at night , when its 4,500 LED lights create pretty color and pattern combinations.

Plus,  Encants Market  is right next door. Similar to the Rastro de Madrid, Encants is a one-stop-shop for just about anything you might want. Here, you can browse through stalls selling furniture, clothing, toys, crafts, antiques, and more. There are also several food vendors offering delicious street food.

Arrive here in the afternoon and spend some time perusing the market as well as the  Glòries Shopping Center . Around dusk, you’ll be able to see the Tower lights go on. It’s a  unique thing to do in Barcelona  that I highly recommend.

23. Gràcia, a bohemian neighborhood you must visit in Barcelona, Catalonia

Gràcia  is a quintessential Barcelona neighborhood. It has a fun, bohemian vibe with lots of artistic and cultural characteristics. Without a doubt, it is one of the most  popular places to visit in Barcelona .

Some of my best memories are from my days in Gràcia, so it’s one of the neighborhoods I like the most. If you can, I suggest visiting during the  Fiesta Mayor de Gràcia  in mid-August. Gràcia residents compete for the best street decorations, and visitors come to see all the themed displays, many of them handmade. The event is an awesome  thing to do in Barcelona in the summer , and people line up around the block to see it!

Besides that, Gràcia is a charming district with beautiful squares and architecture. Check out the  Plaza de la Virreina , where you’ll find the  Church of Sant Joan , the  Plaza del Diamante,  the peaceful  Plaza del Norte , or the  Plaza de la Vila de Gràcia , a modern area with bars and coffee shops.

To enjoy some sightseeing, visit the  Mercado de la Libertad , the  Vallcarca Viaduct , Gaudi’s  Casa Vicens , or the  Teatre més petit del món  (The Smallest Theater in the World). You can visit the one-room theater for an intimate performance, but space is limited, so  book ahead .

24. Picasso Museum, one of the top museums in Barcelona, Spain

The  Picasso Museum  is one of the best  museums to visit in Barcelona . Pablo Picasso covered a wide scope of artistic styles throughout his career, and this museum has thousands of his works, the most in the world. If you need something to do on a rainy day, or you just love art, check this place out.

What’s unique about this museum is that Picasso himself established it in 1963. After a friend suggested having the museum in Málaga, Picasso decided it would be in Barcelona, a city he had come to love.

This  Barcelona attraction  occupies several houses along  Montcada Street  as well as a building in nearby  Sabartés Square . These impressive structures are a good example of Catalan civic gothic architecture and seem perfect for containing Picasso’s work. Along with its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibits related to Picasso’s life and artistic style.

The museum is a popular tourist spot, so I suggest booking your ticket in advance. Better yet, this  walking tour  includes museum admission and a walk through Picasso’s old hangouts, such as  Els Quatre Gats  (The Four Cats). If you have time, visit this iconic cafe, which played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s age of  modernisme .

25. Gran Teatro del Liceu, another must-see in Barcelona, Catalonia

Along La Rambla, you’ll come across the  Gran Teatro del Liceo . It first opened in 1847 for the city’s upper class, so seeing a performance there is a  luxurious thing to do in Barcelona . You can find out who is performing at the theater on the  website .

Unlike other opera houses in Europe, private shareholders funded the construction of the Gran Teatro. This fact is reflected in the theater’s design and lack of a royal viewing box. Despite being emblematic of Barcelona’s elite, it became a beloved city icon.

Over the years, a fire and bombing destroyed parts of the theater, but it was rebuilt in the original style. Still, some locals believed that the theater was cursed since it was built on the former site of a convent!

Cursed or not, the Gran Teatro is a  must-see in Barcelona . I was lucky enough to be in town when  Les Misérables  was playing at the theater, and I was blown away by the quality of the acoustics and the Art Nouveau architecture. If you love theater, add this to your  Barcelona to-do list .

26. Plaza de San Felipe Neri, a historical place to go in Barcelona

The  Plaza de San Felipe Neri  is hidden among the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, and it deserves a section of its own. This historical  attraction in Barcelona  is equal parts beautiful and mysterious.

The square has a medieval Baroque style, which you’ll notice in the surrounding buildings, such as a school and church. There is a nearby playground and a lovely octagonal fountain, which many interpret as a symbol of life and hope.

All this Renaissance beauty aside, there is a somber air about this place. You’ll probably notice the damaged walls of the church. While tour guides and locals sometimes say that the pockmarks are the result of an anarchist execution, that’s not true.

The damage occurred on January 30, 1938, during the Spanish Civil War. It was one of General Franco’s planes that dropped bombs on the church in the plaza. The bombings killed 42 people, many of whom were children.

Visiting this square is one of the more  unusual things to do in Barcelona , but it’s a historically significant area that I think is worth seeing.

27. Air-raid shelters, another unusual place to go in Barcelona, Catalonia

The Spanish Civil War was just 80 years ago and had a strong impact on the country and Catalonia in particular. One of the more  unique things to do in Barcelona  is to visit the  air-raid shelters  throughout the city. If you’re interested in diving into this part of Barcelona’s history, I’ll tell you where to find the most significant shelters.

One of the largest is  Refuge 307 de Poble Sec  at the foot of Montjuïc. The Barcelona City History Museum manages it now, but back in the late 1930s, the residents of this neighborhood dug a tunnel over 1,310 feet deep to build the shelter. Today, the refuge is open to public tours, so you can see how the 9,000 residents lived within the walls of these tunnels.

Another shelter, the  Refugio de la Plaza del Diamante , is in the Gràcia neighborhood. It’s smaller, just 40 feet underground, and with a 200-person capacity, but it’s still impressive. I also suggest you visit the  Refugio de la Plaza de la Revolución , which housed 1,400 residents and is also in the Gràcia district. This shelter is lesser-known, and sometimes it’s closed off, but you won’t know until you get there.

Finally, be sure to visit the refuge used by Lluís Companys, president of the Generalitat de Catalunya at that time.  Les Heures  was his secret residence during the Spanish Civil War, and the University of Barcelona organizes tours of the shelter.

28. Go out for tapas, something you must do in Barcelona

Going out for tapas  is one of the  best things to do in Barcelona . Tapas are small dishes that you can enjoy alone or with friends, and I’m sure that the typical Catalan foods will leave you satisfied.

One of the simplest yet most delicious tapas is  pan tumaca . It’s nothing more than crusty bread with tomato, although some people add ham or cheese, too. Other popular dishes include patatas bravas, calamari a la romana, tortilla de patatas, and bombas.

Going out for tapas is common throughout Spain, but some dishes are synonymous with Catalonia. For example,  calçots with romesco sauce , which are a kind of scallions with a tomato and garlic sauce. If you want to taste this dish, I suggest going to El Disbarat in Gràcia. You’ll also find  caracoles  (snails) on the menu. These are very typical in Catalonia and were my grandmother’s signature dish!

If you have a sweet tooth, trying  crema Catalana  is  something you must do in Barcelona . This special egg yolk cream has a layer of caramelized sugar, so it’s crunchy on the outside and gooey inside.

You can try all these delicious dishes on  this food tour  which takes you through the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Barceloneta for tapas.

29. Laberint d’Horta Park, the oldest park in Barcelona

Besides Ciutadella Park,  Laberint d’Horta Park  is one of my favorite parks in Barcelona. It’s the oldest park in the city and it’s quite romantic, so spending a few hours here is a great  thing to do in Barcelona for couples .

This beautiful garden is the perfect blend of nature and architecture. Spanning over 135 acres, the landscaped grounds reflect the neoclassical style, so you’ll see lots of symmetrical columns and buildings. As I said, it’s a romantic place full of lovely plants, including  agapanthus , which is known as the flower of love.

As the name suggests, the park also has a topiary labyrinth, and the maze is a  fun thing to do in Barcelona  for both kids and adults. I must admit that it took me a while to find my way out, but it’s an enjoyable experience. The maze is full of stone benches and beautiful sculptures, so you won’t mind getting lost.

The romantic fountains, the fun labyrinth, the soothing nature; it’s the perfect escape from the busy city. Plus, there is no admission cost on Sundays, so it’s one of the  best free things to do in Barcelona .

30. Santa María del Mar Church, a peaceful place to go in Barcelona, Spain

Santa María del Mar Church , also known as the Ribera Cathedral, is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. In fact, it’s the only church in the pure Catalan Gothic style, so it’s a  must-see in Barcelona .

The church is the work of Berenguer de Montagut, who built it in the 14th century. If you’re a fan of medieval architecture, this cathedral will delight you. One of the first things you’ll notice is the three naves and the massive columns, which create a feeling of expansiveness. A few of the stained-glass windows have remained throughout the centuries, making this a  beautiful place in Barcelona .

The Santa Maria chapel includes a stained-glass window depicting the Ascension. Interestingly, part of the cathedral sits on former burial grounds, adding to the solemnity of the place.

If you go, be sure to check out the rose window. The original was destroyed in the 1428 earthquake, but the replacement is just as stunning. I also suggest going up to the roof, where you can enjoy incredible views of the city.

Avid readers may recognize the Santa Maria del Mar church from the famous novel  Cathedral of the Sea , by Idelfonso Falcones. If you understand Spanish, you can even take this book tour through the cathedral,  something interesting to do in Barcelona .

31. Visit Parc de la Creueta del Coll, a free thing to do in Barcelona, Spain

Another  cool thing to do in Barcelona ‘s Gràcia neighborhood is to visit  La Creueta del Coll Park . The “Park of the Corner of the Hill” was formerly an abandoned quarry, but now it’s a fun place to go, especially in the warmer months.

The best part of this park is its huge public swimming pool. There are lots of trees scattered throughout the park, too, so it’s a popular hangout when the weather gets hot. Not too many tourists know about this place, but visiting it is a great  thing to do in Barcelona in the summer .

Besides the pool, you can also enjoy ping pong tables, playgrounds, and picnic areas. There’s also lots of space to ride a bike, practice sports, or simply relax and people-watch. If you’re looking for something to do for free, this is one of the best  Barcelona areas to visit , and you won’t get crowded out by tourists.

A centerpiece of the park, besides the pool, is the  Praise of Water  sculpture  by Eduardo Chillida. This curious 50-ton artwork hovers above a placid pond and is supported by four steel cables. American sculptor Ellsworth Kelly also has a piece,  Escultura , at the park’s entrance.

32. See the castells , a unique activity to do in Barcelona, Catalonia

The  castells , or human towers, are an essential part of Catalan culture. This tradition dates to the end of the 1700s in the city of Valls. From there, it spread throughout Catalonia, and nowadays,  seeing a castells performance  is one of the most  popular things to do in Barcelona .

There are several  colles castelleres  (teams) in the city, and they usually perform on holidays and some weekends. The best time to see them is from April to November in various plazas around town. You can check  this website  to see if there’s a performance during your stay.

32. See the castells, a unique activity to do in Barcelona, Catalonia

Of course, there is much more to these human towers than simply scrambling on top of each other. The castells have a hierarchical structure, starting with the  pinya  or base. The tiers get progressively smaller until you get to the crown of the castle, which is usually a child.

The towers can vary depending on the number of levels and the number of people in each tier. Even so, each performance is accompanied by music from a  gralla  (similar to a flute) and a timpani drum.

I’ll admit, the first time I saw a performance, I was terrified for the kids at the top of the tower. However, castells are an iconic part of Catalan culture, and they’ve even been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by  UNESCO . Seeing the human towers is a  quirky thing to do in Barcelona , one that you’ll want to tell your friends about!

33. Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, a cool museum in Barcelona

The  Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona , also known as  MACBA , is a modern art museum in the El Raval neighborhood. If you’re looking for  things to do in Barcelona in winter , check out this place.

While there are lots of historical museums and  modernisme  artworks in the city, MACBA is the best  museum to visit in Barcelona  if you want to see contemporary art. Most of the pieces are minimalist or abstract, and the collection spans over 5,000 works.

Some of the prominent artists you’ll find here include Bruce Nauman, Cristina Iglesias, Antoni Muntadas, and Xavier Miserachs. One of the most interesting exhibits is the 1989 graphic poster  Do Women Have to be Naked to Get into the Met. Museum?  It’s a piece by the Guerilla Girls, an anonymous group of feminist artists devoted to gender equality.

MACBA also has a second building in the  Convent dels Àngels  complex, a gothic chapel just a few minutes away. I know contemporary art isn’t for everyone, and for some travelers, this museum isn’t essential. Still, it’s an  interesting place to go in Barcelona if it rains.

34. Carretera de les Aigües, the best hike to do in Barcelona, Catalonia

The  Carretera de les Aigües  or, Road of the Waters, is the perfect  place to visit outside of Barcelona ‘s city center. It gets its name from an old water pipeline running parallel to the route. The pipes aren’t there anymore, but the area is still one of the best sites to hike in Barcelona.

The entire route is just over six miles, and it starts at  Sant Pere de Màrtir  to the west of the city center. From there, it travels northeast to  Rabassada Road  and runs through the  Collserola viewpoint where you can look out over the vast cityscape and enjoy the natural park. The walk itself is pretty easy since it is quite flat. Still, I suggest wearing comfortable shoes!

One of the great things about this city is its proximity to outdoor areas and natural spaces. The Carretera de les Aigües is popular with locals who need a break from city life so you might make some new friends. If you enjoy getting out in nature and away from the hustle and bustle, this hike will be a  relaxing thing to do in Barcelona.

35. Pedralbes Royal Palace gardens, another lovely place to go in Barcelona

The  Pedralbes Royal Palace gardens  are one of the most  beautiful places in Barcelona . The Palace was the home of the Spanish Royal Family when they would visit the city from 1919-1931.

Today, you can visit this lovely area, and it’s a  romantic thing to do in Barcelona  for couples. The lush gardens are protected by a wrought-iron gate, which adds a distinctive air to the place. It’s certainly a calmer and more regal section of the busy city.

The Royal Palace is surrounded by greenery, trees, and vegetation, bringing the entire landscape together. Today, the building houses the  Museum of Ceramics, Museum of Textiles , and the  Museum of Decorative Arts , which are interesting to walk through if you have the time.

Of course, the gardens alone are quite a sight to behold, and the sculptural elements here reflect the style of Antoni Gaudí. Speaking of the arts, if you visit in June, you may catch the  Jardins Pedralbes Festival , a popular music festival. It’s one of the top  things to do in Barcelona in the summer,  as you can see international and national artists like James Blunt, Juanes, and Raphael.

Besides that, the Royal Palace is close to  Cervantes Park , a public garden full of Mediterranean plants, rose bushes, and beautiful modern sculptures.

36. El Born, a neighborhood to visit in Barcelona at night

El Born , also called La Ribera, is the medieval quarter of Barcelona’s “old city”. Not only is it an aesthetically interesting place, but it’s a popular place for nightlife. If you’re wondering  where to go in Barcelona at night , hit this neighborhood first!

The evenings in El Born are lively, as locals gather in cafes and bars for food and fun. Taking it easy with a beer or mojito after a long day is one of the most  relaxing things to do in Barcelona . Fortunately, El Born has plenty of cool places where you can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere.

That said, this is one of the coolest  neighborhoods to visit in Barcelona  during the day, too. Here, you’ll find hip boutiques and shops, although they’re on the expensive side. If you want to do some sightseeing, El Born is home to sites like the  Plaça de Sant Pere  and the church of the same name.

Some of the attractions I mentioned earlier are also in this neighborhood, like  Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral, Picasso Museum , and the  Palace of Catalan Music . Another nice spot is the Santa Caterina Market, which is a great alternative to La Boquería.

37. Monastery of Pedralbes, another calm place to go in Barcelona

The  Monastery of Pedralbes , also known as the Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes, is a must-see  attraction in Barcelona . King James II of Aragon founded this Gothic monastery back in 1326. Originally, it was a community of Poor Clares, a group of Catholic nuns. Today, a handful of nuns still live there, and the monastery is now a national monument.

You should visit this structure to see a prime example of Catalan Gothic architecture. While only a small portion of the original monastery remains, it still exudes the same solemn spirit.

Be sure to walk through the cloister and visit the bedrooms and day cells where the nuns would rest at the end of the day. This part of the monastery is on display for the public, as is the  Chapel of St. Michael . Here, you can see frescos by the Catalan painter Ferrer Bassa, who worked for the 14th-century Count of Barcelona. In one of the cloister’s wings, you can find the alabaster tomb of King James II’s wife, Queen Elisenda.

This is certainly a unique  Barcelona attraction , especially if you’re into medieval history, so don’t miss it!

38. Poble Espanyol, one of the most popular places to go in Barcelona, Spain

I do not doubt that Montjuïc is one of the  Barcelona sites  you’ll visit, so be sure to check out  Poble Espanyol  while you’re there. Literally translated to “Spanish town”, Poble Espanyol is a life-size museum of traditional Spanish villages. It was built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, and it’s still well worth visiting today.

The whole project was meant to promote the architectural and cultural wealth of the country. Visitors can walk through the open-air museum, which has 117 buildings representing different regions of Spain.

What makes Poble Espanyol such a popular  Barcelona tourist attraction  is its ability to transport you to other territories in Spain. In addition to exploring the distinct architecture of each place, there are often cultural events and cuisines to experience. The village hosts concerts, film festivals, flamenco shows, and much more.

The area is also home to the  Museum Fran Daurel,  a private collection of works by Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Chillida, Josep Guinovart, and other prominent artists. While you’re there, I also suggest visiting the  Sculpture Garden , which is full of contemporary works by several artists.

Poble Espanyol is a fun and affordable  thing to do in Barcelona for families , so I recommend booking skip-the-line tickets  here .

39. Visit Port Olímpic, something fun to do in Barcelona, Catalonia

I found it interesting that there wasn’t much of a harbor in Barcelona until the arrival of the Olympic Games in 1992. The city had to prepare to play host to one of the most iconic international sporting events. This led to the creation of the  Olympic Port , one of the most  popular places to visit in Barcelona .

The port was an urban redevelopment project that created one of the top recreational spots in the city. Here, you can rest on the beach, enjoy delicious Mediterranean food, or go to a nightclub. Two of the most famous  places to go in Barcelona at night  are the clubs,  Opium,  and  Shôko .

If you don’t like partying, the Olympic Port is a wonderful place to go in the daytime, too. Take a relaxing stroll along the promenade, eat some good food, or get in a refreshing bike ride or jog.

Also, be sure to snap a photo of  El Peix , the golden fish sculpture by Frank Gehry. This 183-foot-long steel fish glistens in the sun and forms the backdrop for the  Barcelona Casino  and the  Hotel Arts Barcelona .

To get a good view of the Olympic Port area, go to the Moll de Gregal , where you’ll also find some nice restaurants.

40. See Casa Vicens, one of Antoni Gaudí’s first works

As I mentioned earlier,  Casa Vicens  is another beautiful work by Gaudí, and it was one of his first. The mansion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another  must-visit in Barcelona .

Casa Vicens is an example of Gaudí’s signature style. The previous homes in Catalonia looked nothing like this mansion, which adopted a  modernisme  aesthetic.

You’ll get a better idea of it when you see the house in person. This masterpiece has a front door made of cast iron, while ceramic tiles depicting marigolds adorn the facade. Gaudí was mindful of incorporating natural and local elements into his designs, which you can see in the painting, carpentry, and tiles. Bird, vine, and floral motifs repeat themselves throughout the home’s interior as well.

The mansion was a private residence until 2014 when it was purchased and restored. It opened as a public museum in 2017 and is one of the  best places to go in Barcelona  to experience Gaudí’s magic. If you want to go inside, you can purchase a skip-the-line ticket  here . Or you can simply admire the building’s exterior from Carrer de les Carolines in Gràcia.

41. La Roca Village, one of the best places to shop in Barcelona

If you love shopping,  La Roca Village  is one of the best  places to visit in Barcelona . It’s one of the largest outlet complexes in Spain, and the shops here offer discounts of up to 60%. If you’re traveling from out of Europe and you want to take advantage of some name brand items, look no further than La Roca.

You can browse through more than 140 big brand stores such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Bvlgari, Gucci, Montblanc, and many more. To see a directory of all the stores, check out the La Roca Village  website .

Hitting the stores is a fun  activity in Barcelona  you can do on a rainy day. These outlets are open seven days a week, and the complex includes several restaurants so you can make a whole day of it.

This cute luxury village is about 40 minutes from downtown, but it’s a great  place to visit near Barcelona  if you have the time. You can get directions  here  or take this  shopping tour  from Barcelona.

42. Go out partying, another fun thing to do in Barcelona at night

Hitting the town and partying  is one of the  best things to do in Barcelona at night . For the night owls out there, this city has plenty of hotspots where you can dance the night away. If you want to go to some of the most popular clubs in Barcelona, I recommend  this card , which grants you complimentary access to several of them.

Along with the Barcelona Casino, the  Olympic Port  area is home to a few top party places, such as  Opium ,  Shôko ,  Carpe Diem , and  Danzatoria . That last one is frequented by a more adult audience.

The Eixample, in the city center, is where locals and tourists mingle. Here, you’ll find the Arena , Barcelona’s famed gay nightclub, as well as  Teatre Principal  and  Moog. City Hall Nightclub  is perfect for electronic and techno music lovers.

If you’re in the  Zona Alta , some nighttime  Barcelona areas to visit  include the luxurious  Bling Bling  nightclub and  the Sala Bikini , which hosts themed parties.

Finally, you can’t go wrong with  Razzmatazz  in  Poble Nou . At this quintessential club, you can dance the night away and hear some great bands.

If you want to experience the nightlife scene in Barcelona, you have more than enough options. Even if you only go once, it’ll be an unforgettable experience.

43. Hospital de Sant Pau, a lovely modernist building to visit in Barcelona, Spain

Part hospital, part museum, the  Hospital de Sant Pau  is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful modernist  attraction to see in Barcelona . It was a functioning hospital until the summer of 2009 when a new hospital opened next door. Now, the 20th-century building is a cultural center and museum.

The hospital was built by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who also designed the Catalan Palace of Music. While you can visit the hospital on your own, I recommend this  guided tour , which takes you to different areas in the building.

The tour begins at the opposite end of the entrance, where you’ll see the different pavilions, including the  Sant Salvador Pavilion . This was the first area to function as a hospital, and it now includes a historical exhibition about the architect and his design process.

Next, you’ll go through the modernist tunnels to the  Hypostyle Room . This room reflects the Art Nouveau style with Domènech i Montaner’s Catalan twist. The room leads to the  Sant Pau Gardens , one of the most  popular places to visit in Barcelona .

The garden area was meant to be a place where patients could get fresh air, talk a leisurely walk, or simply sit and relax. That calming atmosphere is what attracts tourists and locals to this day.

44. Sant Jordi Festival, the best experience in Barcelona for couples

The  Festival of Sant Jordi , which takes place on April 23rd, is one of the best things to  experience in Barcelona .

This beloved Catalan celebration is a day of love and culture. Traditionally, men present their partners with a rose, while women give their significant others a book. More recently, Catalans have tweaked the tradition, so people give both a flower and a book.

Even if you’re just visiting, the Sant Jordi Festival is something  not to miss in Barcelona . Strolling along La Rambla and the surrounding areas, you’ll see book and flower stalls and lovers holding hands. The aroma of fresh-cut roses fills the air, and there is a joyous atmosphere.

The best part about this day is that you can see local theater performances and other cultural activities throughout the day. You may even run into an author holding a book signing. As you wander the streets, you may notice some city monuments or buildings decorated for the festivities. For example, the owners of Casa Batlló are known to adorn the balconies with fragrant red roses.

The origins of this day are a bit mixed up, but legend says that long ago, a dragon was terrorizing the people of Montblanc. To appease the dragon, the residents would hold a lottery to choose a human sacrifice.

One day, the princess was the unlucky victim, but Sant Jordi the knight came to the rescue and defeated the dragon, and a rose bush grew from the beast’s puddle of blood. Therefore, people give away roses. As for the books, that’s because the day coincides with The Day of the Book, which commemorates the deaths of Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

45. Casa de les Punxes, another luxurious place to visit in Barcelona, Spain

Casa de les Punxes,  or  Casa Terradas , is another beautiful modernist building in Barcelona. Located in the Eixample area, it looks like a medieval castle in the city center.

Casa de les Punxes was the work of Josep Puig i Cadafalch, who was tasked with building a house for each of three royal sisters. The spectacular result was this construction of castles named after the  punxes , or spikes, that crown the towers.

If you’re walking around the Eixample, it’s impossible to miss this Barcelona attraction  because it’s so gorgeous. The pointed towers and the wrought-iron balconies with floral motifs are distinctly Catalan modernist. The ornate decoration on the home’s facade includes ceramic panels, stained-glass windows, and a colorful mural of Sant Jordi.

If you’re going to tour other modernist buildings in Barcelona, such as La Pedrera or Casa Battló, I recommend this  attraction pass . If you go into Casa de les Punxes, go up to the largest tower where you can get stunning views of the city.

46. Drink sangria at Bosc de las Fades, the best thing to do in Barcelona for date night

Bosc de les Fades  is a bar-cafe, but not just any bar-cafe. Translated to “Forest of the Fairies”, this is one of the most  beautiful places in Barcelona  to enjoy a sangria or warm beverage with your sweetie.

This magical cafe is part of the  Wax Museum of Barcelona , so it’s like two attractions in one. Visiting this woodland dream of trees, streams, and fairy lights is one of the best  things to do in Barcelona for couples . The menu includes fondue and crepes, making it a delicious date night venue.

This enchanted forest cafe is also a fun place to go with friends. You can enjoy a variety of typical cafe foods, and the atmosphere is out of this world.

I’ve visited the Bosc de les Fades and loved it. It is the perfect place to have a drink, although it is always quite crowded, so you might have to wait for a table. Still, enjoying a drink here is one of the most  romantic things to do in Barcelona  that I highly recommend.

47. Escape Rooms, something fun to do in Barcelona for families

Escape rooms  have become a popular  activity in Barcelona , so if you’re traveling with family or friends, consider trying one out.

There are over 150 escape rooms in the city, many of them with specific themes. I’m sure you’ll find one that suits your interests! Plus, this attraction is a good backup plan if the weather is bad.

Since escape rooms are so popular here, the newest ones boast the latest technology to challenge participants. Trying to get out of these rooms is quite an experience, as you must solve tough puzzles and interact with interesting characters.

While some rooms can accommodate couples, most of them are for groups of four or more. If you’re looking for  things to do in Barcelona for couples , I recommend this  horror-themed escape room .

For larger groups, I suggest  Escape Barcelona , which hosts all kinds of themed rooms like  Alien: The Origin  and  Tomb Hunter: The Legend of Akasha . I also like  Unreal Room Escape , where you can find attractions like  The Mine  and  Narcos .

No matter the theme, you can’t go wrong. These escape rooms are loads of fun, but they’re also super popular, so you should book in advance. Also, if you’re planning on a specific  neighborhood to visit in Barcelona , check  this website  to find an escape room in that area.

48. Take a trip to Montserrat, the best place to go near Barcelona

Montserrat  is one of the most popular  places to visit near Barcelona . This mountain range is just outside of the city, making it a great day trip for getting out into nature.

Its name comes from the jagged rock formations at the mountain’s peak, which you can see from a distance. The summit is over 4,050 feet above sea level, and Montserrat is one of the most significant mountains in Catalonia. Not only is it a beautiful  place to go near Barcelona , but it’s also the site of a Benedictine sanctuary and monastery.

The sanctuary is dedicated to the  Virgin of Montserrat  and includes a statue of the  Madonna and Child . She is the patron saint of Catalonia and shares an altar with Sant Jordi, whom I mentioned earlier. The statue is one of the  Black Madonnas  of Europe, carved in the 12th century. For this reason, many make the pilgrimage to Montserrat to pay respects to the Virgin.

To get the most out of your time in Montserrat, I recommend  this day trip , which takes you up the mountain by train. You’ll tour the  Royal Basilica , see the Black Madonna, and enjoy a wine tasting hosted by the monks at the sanctuary. If you’re lucky, you’ll also hear the  Escolania  boys’ choir, one of the oldest children’s choirs in Europe.

Without a doubt, Montserrat is one of the most stunning  areas to visit in Barcelona .

49. Montseny Natural Park, one of the most popular hikes to do in Barcelona

Montseny Natural Park  is one of the best places for hiking in and around Barcelona. Nestled in the Catalan countryside, the area features diverse climates as well as a variety of flora and fauna. Along with hiking, mountain biking is another popular activity to do in the park.

Montseny is just over 30 miles from the city, so it’s a great  place to visit around Barcelona . As the oldest natural park in Catalonia, it is also a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Here, you’ll find gorgeous Mediterranean vegetation like holm oaks and pines, as well as Eurosiberian trees like beech and white fir. The alpine meadow area on Montseny has lots of boreal pines. There are also hundreds of species of wildlife, including the  Montseny Brook newt ,  Panoptes Blue Butterfly , and the  Little Egret , among others .

Beyond the natural park, life in the Montseny area is charming and slow-paced. That said, there are beautiful sites to see, including the  Roman ruins in La Garriga  as well as  Montsoriu Castle . So, if you’re wondering  where to go near Barcelona , be sure to check out Montseny!

My favorite part of the natural park is all the hiking trails, so take some time to explore this lovely park around Barcelona.

50. Visit CosmoCaixa, another thing to do in Barcelona with kids

The  CosmoCaixa  science museum is one of the coolest  places to visit in Barcelona with kids . Even if you’re traveling alone, I still recommend CosmoCaixa, as it’s one of my favorite museums in the city.

This interactive science museum has permanent exhibits and temporary displays covering a wide variety of subjects. Through touch-and-play kiosks, you can learn about the Amazon Rainforest, geological structures in Catalonia, Mediterranean flora and fauna, and the Big Bang.

What I like about this museum is that it uses practical and local examples to teach you about complex topics like biology, chaos theory, and astronomy. It’s also affordable, making it a great  thing to do in Barcelona for families .

One of the coolest parts of CosmoCaixa is the  Bubble Planetarium , which has an advanced full-dome projection system, so you feel like you’re stargazing in space. It even has a stereo sound system to create a fully immersive experience. The planetarium regularly hosts special shows to take visitors on an educational and exciting adventure. If it’s this exciting for an adult, imagine what it’s like for a kid!

CosmoCaixa is open seven days a week and is one of the top  museums to visit in Barcelona . Consider it if you have a rainy day in the city or some extra time during your trip.

51. Collserola Natural Park, another beautiful place to hike in Barcelona, Catalonia

Collserola Natural Park , commonly called the city’s “green lung”, covers nearly 20,000 acres and is a  must-see place in Barcelona . If you go to  Tibidabo , you’ll find actually be in the highest part of this park. The area is perfect for hiking and getting away from the busyness of the city center.

The park is the largest green space in Barcelona, and you can find a variety of Mediterranean flora and fauna here, especially white pines and foxes. You might even see a wild boar in the more secluded areas.

Collserola Natural Park is also rich in Catalan culture, particularly architecture. Here, you can stumble across the ancient Iberian town of  Ca n’Oliver , the medieval castle of  Castellciuró , and numerous old churches and hermitages.

Another cool  place to go near Barcelona  is the  Collserola Tower  on Mount Tibidabo. It’s over 960 feet tall and was built by Sir Norman Foster for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Its primary function is as a broadcasting antenna, but there is an observation deck about 500 feet up, granting you incredible views of the surrounding area.

With its hiking trails and scenic refuge from the traffic and noise, a visit to Collserola Natural Park is a  relaxing thing to do in Barcelona .

52. Visit Tamarita Gardens, a romantic thing to do in Barcelona

Tamarita Gardens  is one of the most gorgeous  places to visit in Barcelona . Covering nearly 5 acres, these public gardens once belonged to an aristocratic Belgian family that settled in Barcelona in the 1700s. The manicured lawns are still surrounded by a wrought-iron wall, and when you walk through the gate, you’ll be transported into a world of beauty and grace.

The gardens were designed by landscape artist Nicolau M. Rubió i Tudurí, who divided them into two distinct sections. The more natural and rugged garden features small pools, fountains, decorative vases, vines, a pavilion, and exotic and tropical species. The other section has a more classical look with French flowerbeds, rose bushes, a small square, and a nymphaeum (ancient Greek spring) with waterfalls.

Tamarita Gardens offers peace and quiet, and a visit here is a great  thing to do in Barcelona for couples . It’s located in the Sant Gervasi-Bonanova area, yet it feels like it’s miles away from the city. The natural beauty here is undeniable. You’ll see myrtle, privet, sweet bay, black locust, and jacaranda. Near the  Torrent del Frare stream , there are cypresses, acanthuses, and bamboo trees.

There are more exotic trees, too, including Australian silk oaks and purple-leaf European beechwoods. Keep an eye out for the 100-year-old English oak tree; it’s 75 feet tall! This garden is a little pocket of relaxation, so don’t miss it.

53. PortAventura World, another exciting place to visit around Barcelona

PortAventura World  is a fun  place to visit near Barcelona.  This popular amusement park, which is in Salou, Tarragona, is one of the largest in Spain.

The park is divided into several thematic areas: the Mediterranean, Polynesia, China, Mexico, and the Far West. Each section includes a variety of attractions relating to the particular theme, such as the Imperial Cobra kiddie coaster in China and the 328-foot Hurricane Condor free fall in Mexico.

There is a good mix of kiddie and family rides as well as thrill rides. Some of the best attractions include the Dragon Khan rollercoaster; Furius Basco, which goes from 0 to 83 mph in just three seconds; and the record-breaking Shambhala coaster.

Also, PortAventura acquired two other parks:  Ferrari Land  (named after the luxury Italian sports car), and  Caribe Aquatic Park . There are also several resort hotels on the premises, although the amusement park is less than 1.5 hours from Barcelona, so you probably won’t need to book an overnight trip.

That said, if you want an advance ticket to PortAventura and Ferrari Land, you can book one  here . The reservation includes round-trip transportation by bus from Barcelona.

54. Botanical Garden of Barcelona, the most stunning lookout from Barcelona

The  Botanical Garden of Barcelona  is another  beautiful place to visit in Barcelona . Conveniently located in Montjuïc, the gardens cover nearly 35 acres and create one of the most important plant collections in the city.

The main purpose of the botanical garden is to conserve Mediterranean flora for study. This is why you’ll find all kinds of plants from various regions in the Mediterranean, including olive trees and chaparral shrubs.

There are also non-native species here that can thrive in the garden environment. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll see euphorbia and echium palms from the Canary Islands, acacias, and cedars from Africa, eucalyptus, and kangaroo paw from Australia, redwoods from California, and San Pedro cactus from Chile.

Thanks to its location on Montjuïc hill, visitors to the Botanic Gardens will get magnificent views of the city and coast. If you’re looking for some fresh air and quiet time, a stop at the gardens is a  good thing to do in Barcelona .

55. Sant Llorenç del Munt Natural Park, something you must see in Barcelona, Catalonia

Sant Llorenç del Munt Natural Park  is part of the Catalan pre-coastal mountain range. If you’re into hiking or rock climbing, this is one area in  Barcelona not to miss .

The natural park is a protected area and, as I said, it’s a great place for hikers and climbers. Thanks to its incredible rock formations and caves, you can enjoy a day of adventure across this rugged landscape.

There are over 300 chasms and caverns to explore, as well as some famous lookouts.  La Mola  is over 3,600 feet above sea level, and  Montcau  is only slightly shorter.

The park spans two mountain ranges that are separated by the Les Arenes Stream and dotted with holm oaks, white pines, and other forested areas. It isn’t too far from the city center, but it is secluded and peaceful, making it one of the best  places to go near Barcelona  for some quiet time.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the  Sant Llorenç del Munt Monastery  atop La Mola. This Catalan landmark was rebuilt in the 19th century, but it reflects the original 11th-century building. Inside, there is a small exhibit about the sanctuary and mountain. Attached to the monastery is a farmhouse that serves as an information center.

56. Themed tours, one of the best activities in Barcelona

If you want to discover the capital of Catalonia in a totally original way, a  thematic tour  is the  best thing to do in Barcelona . Since this is such a popular city, there are plenty of guided tours through its distinct neighborhoods and areas. I’m sure you can find a tour that suits your specific tastes.

We’ve done this  mystery tour  through the Gothic Quarter, which recounts the creepy legends of this historic neighborhood. The guide did a great job of sharing interesting information while adding personality to the tour.

If you’re into spooky stuff, I also recommend this  Barcelona ghost tour  through Sant Pere, Santa Caterina, and La Ribera. As you walk past iconic landmarks in the city, you’ll hear stories of spirits and other terrors. It’s definitely a unique  thing to do in Barcelona at night .

For those who don’t like horror, there are lots of other fun thematic tours. The  medieval Barcelona tour  is a cool journey around the city center’s historic cathedrals and monuments. Another option I recommend is the  Forbidden Barcelona tour , where you’ll learn about the city’s brothels and secret erotic activities.

Finally, you can’t go wrong with the  Gaudí & Modernism tour . This is one of the best ways to learn about Catalan modernisme and one of Barcelona’s top artists, Antoni Gaudí. A good number of his works are in the city, so you’ll get to learn the story behind his iconic style.

57. Girona, a beautiful place to visit around Barcelona

If you’re going to have a longer stay in Barcelona, then I highly recommend taking a day trip to  Girona .

After visiting Girona, it became one of my favorite Catalan cities. I love its medieval architecture and the tranquil atmosphere. The city’s old quarter has several ancient, preserved buildings, and the old castles and fortifications are popular with tourists.

If you’re wondering  what to visit around Barcelona , look no further than Girona. The placid river and quaint houses will charm you in an instant. Also, if you visit in May, you’ll be able to catch the  Temps de Flors Festival , when all the streets, plazas, and monuments are adorned with flowers.

That said, any time of year is a great time to visit this city. Girona has some amazing landmarks, including the  Stone Bridge,  the  San Martí Church  in the  Jewish Quarter,  and the  Girona Cathedral , a nearly 150-foot-tall church built in the 11th century.

Girona is such a magical  place to go near Barcelona , so consider spending one or two days here. If you’re short on time, consider a day trip or a guided day tour.  This one  includes Girona as well as Figueres and the Dali Museum, two other awesome places worth visiting. Or, take  this tour  of Girona and Sitges, a beach that I’ll talk about later.

58. Costa Brava, the best summertime spot near Barcelona

Costa Brava  is one of the top  places to visit near Barcelona  in the summer. The deep blue waters, the chill coastal atmosphere, the fresh seafood…there is so much to enjoy at Costa Brava.

If you’re already in Girona, you are not far at all from Costa Brava. However, the town is less than a 2-hour drive from Barcelona, and lots of guided tours offer day trips. This area is a  must-see near Barcelona , so if you have time, I encourage you to go.

A good option is this  half-day tour , which includes bus service to Lloret de Mar, a touristy hotspot in Costa Brava. After spending some time touring the village, you’ll board a boat to Tossa de Mar, a scenic medieval town.

Or you could do this  full-day tour , which takes you to the cliffside beach town of Blanes, where you can enjoy botanical gardens and delicious seafood. This tour also takes you to Tossa de Mar before heading back to Barcelona.

My absolute favorite is  this tour  because it takes you to some of the most gorgeous coastal areas in the region. You’ll see  Calella de Palafrugell,  a cute fishing village, then walk along the beautiful  Camino de Ronda  waterfront path. The tour continues with a visit to  Llafranc , a traditional seaside resort. You’ll then visit the medieval village of Pals, the port city of  L’Estartit , the Greek/Roman settlement of  Ampurias , and finish with a boat ride around the  Medes Islands .

59. Freixenet wineries, another fun thing to do in Barcelona

Less than an hour from the city center, you’ll find  Cavas Freixenet , a  top place to visit near Barcelona . This Catalan winery has been operating since 1861 and is the largest global producer of  cava , a Spanish sparkling wine.

The family business has been passed down from generation to generation, resulting in an award-winning recipe that has even been endorsed by celebrities like Shakira. The cava business really took off in the 1910s, and the iconic winery building was built in 1927 by the modernist architect Josep Ros i Ros.

If you love wine and want a relaxing getaway, consider  this tour  of the Freixenet vineyard. You’ll learn the history behind Freixenet cava, tour the facilities, and enjoy a glass of superb sparkling wine.

To make a whole day of it, book  this day trip  to Cavas Freixenet, Jean Leon Winery, and Torres Winery. At each vineyard, you’ll enjoy wine tastings and light refreshments. If you’re traveling with your partner, it’s a great  couples thing to do around Barcelona , too.

60. Sitges, one of the best beaches near Barcelona

Many locals consider  Sitges  to be one of the most beautiful  places to visit near Barcelona , ​​so I highly recommend adding this beach town to your itinerary.

Sitges is known for its pretty coastline and lively promenade. There is a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere here, and it makes for a pleasant blend of tradition and modernity. During your time here, you might browse some boutiques, enjoy live music at a cafe, or look at the vibrant street art. The town also hosts the  International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia,  also known as the Sitges Film Festival, every year.

Besides, they say the best beaches in Barcelona are in Sitges! If you’re looking for things to do around Barcelona in the summer, check out this  full-day tour  of Sitges and neighboring  Tarragona , a city with a strong Roman heritage. Transportation is included, so you don’t even have to worry about getting there.

Another option is  this day trip  to Sitges and Girona, a charming town that I mentioned earlier. After enjoying the historic Old Quarter of Girona, you can spend the afternoon basking on the beaches of Sitges.

Now that you know  what to do in Barcelona , ​​here is a map of all the  tourist attractions in Barcelona  and the nearby areas I mentioned. You can use this map to better plan and organize your itinerary and make sure you see all the  best places in Barcelona .

I know you’ll love Barcelona as much as I do. If you have any questions about your trip to Barcelona, you can leave me a comment, and I’ll get back to you. Happy travels, or, as they say in Catalonia,  bon viatge !

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Welcome to Barcelona Things To Do . The aim of this site is to refer you to some of the best attractions, tours and activities in the Catalan capital, whatever your tastes and whoever you’re travelling with!

On this page you’ll find a long list of unmissable sights, fun ideas and original inspiration, whether you’re on a romantic holiday , travelling with kids , flying solo or with friends. More about the author here .

Essential Attractions

What to do in Barcelona first? Let’s start our guide with five virtually unmissable things to see in the Catalan capital. Deservedly popular, these should really be on your shortlist if you’re a first time visitor to the city…

1. La Sagrada Familia

Tickets: Buy skip the line tickets via Get Your Guide

2. Gothic Quarter

More Info: Barcelona Life’s guide to the Gothic Quarter

3. Barceloneta Beach

More Info: Rough Guides on Barceloneta

4. Picasso Museum

More Info: Museupicasso.bcn.cat (Nb: the Barcelona Card gets you free entry to this and other museums).

5. The Magic Fountain

More Info & Timetable: Magic Fountain on City Council website

Gaudi & Modernisme

Gaudi left his mark all around the city… and he wasn’t the only one. Let’s take a look at five masterpieces of Catalan Modernisme-style architecture that have helped established Barcelona as one of the best looking cities in the world. (For La Sagrada Familia check the Top Five section at the top of this page!).

6. Casa Mila

Tickets: Buy skip the line tickets (with audio guide)

7. Casa Batllo

Tickets: Buy advance tickets (with video guide)

8. Park Guell

Tickets: Buy skip the line tickets

9. Palau Guell

Tickets: Palauguell.cat

10. Palau de la Musica

More Info: Palau de la Musica on Wikipedia

For more of Gaudi’s sensational creations, as well as works by his similarly talented contemporaries, check our extended list on Antoni Gaudi and Modernista architecture (coming soon!).

Free Things To Do

Travelling on a budget? Here are five activities and attractions you can enjoy without a penny to your name.

11. Placa Reial

12. Museums on first Sunday of the month

13. Las Ramblas

14. Parc de la Ciutadella

15. Street Festivals

Romantic Inspiration

Barcelona is steeped in beauty, glamour and luxury making it one of the world’s most romantic cities. If you’re coming here with your partner here are some ideas on how to evoke an amorous atmosphere…

16. Sunset Sailing

17. Chocolate Massage

18. Private Wine Tasting Tour

19. Rooftop Bars

20. Outdoor Cinema

Travelling With Kids

Barcelona is a crowded city with popular attractions often attracting long queues, which might make it seem unsuitable for kids, but if you plan carefully and buy your tickets in advance you can find plenty of cool things to do with children of all ages. The fantasy architecture, lively bustle and the city’s sweet tooth, mean that most kids love Barcelona as much as their parents…

21. The Aquarium

22. Barcelona Zoo

23. Chocolate Museum

Tickets: Chocolate Museum tickets via Barcelona Tourism Website

24. CosmoCaixa

Tickets: Tickets via Barcelona Tourist website

25. Tibidabo Amusement Park

Guided Tours

There are plenty of different ways of exploring Barcelona, starting with using your own two feet to buckling on a helmet and stepping onto a Segway. Let’s look at some of the possibilities.

26. Walking Tours

27. Bike Tours

More Info: Steel Donkey Bike Tours of Barcelona

28. The Tourist Bus

29. Coach Tours

30. Segway Tours

It’s not just Barcelona that’s beautiful, with picturesque towns, fantastic beaches and several denominacion de origen wine regions on your doorstep, you’d be foolish to restrict your adventures to the city alone. There’s also a sacred mountain and the Dali museum to visit!

31. Montserrat Mountain

33. Tarragona

34. Figueres and Dali

35. Penedes Wine Region

The Barcelona Card

Barcelona’s official tourist card can be a pretty nifty purchase, if you’re keen to visit a lot of the city’s best sights. Prices start at 45 euros for an adult three day pass (only 21 euros for kids aged 4 to 12), and for that price you get free admission and skip the line privileges to a range of museums that include the aforementioned Picasso Museum, Chocolate Museum and CosmoCaixa, plus the Catalan Art Museum (MNAC), Joan Miró Foundation, A. Tàpies Foundation, Contemporary Art Museum (MACBA), the Egyptian Museum and many more . You also get unlimited free travel on public transport (with the exception of the Aerobus and night buses) and a map of the metro network. The card comes with a guidebook in six languages (English, Catalan, Spanish, French, German and Italian) and this includes information about free deals and discounts with their location on the city map.

The cards last for 3, 4 or 5 days and are activated when you use them for the first time. You can buy them from Get Your Guide , or from the official website .

Other Resources

A list of fun things to do by travel experts Hostel Geeks.

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31 Best Things to Do in Barcelona — From Gaudí Landmarks to Cava Bars

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Local experts suggest how to explore the coastal city.

Daniel Gioia/Travel + Leisure

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city with a reputation for its modernist architecture, diverse neighborhoods, Catalan cuisine, and ample opportunities to set your gaze on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. When I add up my many return trips and extended stays here, I've spent nearly two years exploring this heart-stealing city, and I have seen how travelers new to the destination are often overwhelmed by its abundance. From Gaudí's iconic Sagrada Familia to Roman ruins hiding in plain sight, you would need a lifetime to discover all of this city's secrets. And yet, we took on the challenge of determining the best things to do in Barcelona, from cava tastings to historic landmarks. With help from tourism professionals Hannah Pentimaki, ground operations manager of Walk and Devour Tours , and Jaime Estellés, the front of house manager at Grand Hotel Central , here's how we suggest getting to know this incredible city.

Related : The Best Time to Visit Spain for Great Weather and Famous Festivals

Marvel at the Sagrada Familia.

agaliza/Getty Images

This site is well worth queueing up for — or buy your ticket in advance to save time. A work-in-progress, Sagrada Familia has yet to see the completion of its tallest towers, but you can still go inside to experience the Gaudí masterpiece.

Order tapas.

GMVozd/Getty Images

“Barcelona is a foodie paradise,” says Hannah Pentimaki of Devour Tours. “Go to a tapas restaurant so you can try a bit of everything. Order patatas bravas, which are prepared differently in every bar with their own secret recipe. I also recommend you try pan con tomate, or bread with tomato and olive oil, and the bomba, a fried potato croquette with ground beef simmered in a savory sauce. For dessert, get the crema catalana.”

Take a seat at Park Güell.

Gatsi/Getty Images

Looking for those colorful mosaic benches and structures that look like gingerbread houses? That's Park Güell, and it's Pentimaki's top itinerary suggestion, right alongside having tapas. "If you only have one day in Barcelona, I recommend getting up early and starting with a visit to Park Güell. Book the first tickets of the day so you get there before it's too busy and too hot in the summertime."

Visit Casa Batlló at night.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Located in the heart of Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona’s main shopping street, this home is a perfect example of Catalan modernism, which Gaudí was the master of. Designed for the Batlló family, the home is a work of art from the inside and out. The museum can get very crowded during the day, but if you book a Magic Night ticket , you’ll have more space to move about, and you can enjoy live music and a drink on the rooftop.

Go to the rooftop at Casa Milà.

JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images

Just a few blocks from Casa Batlló is Casa Milà , another Gaudí-designed home; this one is also known as La Pedrera, which means “the quarry” in Catalan. The house's undulating façade is a marvel when you see it from the street, but you will need to go inside and climb to the rooftop to get the full effect of Gaudí’s genius.

See Gaudí’s early work at Casa Vicens.

Jamie Ditaranto/Travel + Leisure

Pentimaki also recommends visiting Casa Vicens , one of the best-kept Gaudí secrets in town. “Casa Vicens is a very underrated attraction," says Pentimaki. "This was the first house architect Antoni Gaudí designed, and it jump-started his career. Unlike some of his other houses — like Casa Batlló or La Pedrera, which he designed years later — Casa Vicens remains a bit unknown to tourists.”

Go cava tasting.

Jerker Larsson/Getty Images

This distinct, sparkling wine hails from Spain, specifically the Catalan wine regions surrounding Barcelona. You’ll find it in most restaurants, but Jaime Estellés of Grand Central Hotel recommends guests go to specialists if they want to learn more, including “Agúita in Born District, La Teca de Vila Viniteca , La Vinya del Senyor , and Vinitus .” Pentimaki adds that La Vinya is well-loved among locals. “The bar itself is quite small," Pentimaki says, "but it has a gorgeous outdoor terrace with stunning views of the Gothic church Santa María del Mar.”

Spend time with Picasso.

Reserve your ticket to this museum well in advance if you want to pay your respects to the great Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Set in a series of connected medieval palaces, the museum houses many of the artist’s early works, and exhibits share information about his life in Barcelona.

Walk down the Rambla.

Daniel Gioia/Travel + Leisure

The Rambla is Barcelona's pedestrian superhighway. It may be touristy, but it’s still worth walking at least once to orient yourself in the city. Start at Plaça de Catalunya and go all the way to the Columbus statue; from here, cross over to Rambla de Mar, a boardwalk that goes over the marina, where there is also an aquarium and a shopping mall.

Attend the opera at Gran Teatre del Liceu.

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On a busy night on the Rambla, it's possible you'll pass the Gran Teatre del Liceu when a show is just letting out. Ideally, you'll go inside yourself. No matter the type of show you see, the elaborate decoration of the city’s oldest-running theater is worth enjoying in person.

Admire the Hospital de Sant Pau.

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You don’t need a doctor’s note to check out this modernist masterpiece, built by another one of the city’s prominent architects, Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The unique building completely reimagines what a hospital might look like, using beautiful design, artwork, and natural light to facilitate the healing process.

Tour the Palau de la Música Catalana.

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If you like the Hospital de Sant Pau, enjoy more of Montaner’s style at the Palau de Música Catalana. Concerts are held here throughout the year, but if you’re visiting in the spring you may be able to catch a special show during the Barcelona Obertura , a classical music festival held across the city’s many music venues.

Visit the MNAC.

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Head inside Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) for the best art collection in Barcelona, or take a seat on the stairs and enjoy the views over Plaça d'Espanya. The collection includes pieces from modernists like Picasso and Renaissance painters like El Greco. Gaudí fans should make sure to visit the collection of the architect’s unique furniture pieces.

Ride the cable car to Montjuïc.

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You will find some of the best city views at the top of Montjuïc, plus a historic fortress and venues from the 1992 Olympics that are still in use as entertainment spaces. Skip the climb and hop on the cable car at Parc de Montjuïc to go straight to the castle.

Graze on pintxos in Poble Sec.

If you’re walking down from Montjuïc, you will end up in this charismatic neighborhood. Head down to Blai Street, where you will find a seemingly endless row of pintxo (or small snack) bars and many locals enjoying after-work drinks and tapas al fresco.

Get lost in the Gothic Quarter.

Getting turned around is half the fun of wandering the winding narrow streets of this medieval district. You never know when you will come across a hidden gem of a wine bar or the remains of an ancient Roman temple. There is plenty of shopping to do and many squares as well; find a sunny place to sit down or to order a traditional vermouth drink.

Visit the Barcelona Cathedral.

This cathedral is at the heart of the Gothic Quarter, and its beautiful architecture dates back to the 13th century. After appreciating the inside of the cathedral, get a view of its fantastic exterior from the rooftop of the Hotel Colon , which is just across the way from the cathedral.

Explore El Born.

One of Barcelona's most picturesque neighborhoods, El Born offers history, nightlife, and excellent shopping. If you're here just briefly, climb up the tower at the Catedral de Mar, then stop at the famous Patisserie Hofmann for one of their show-stopping croissants. On the last weekend of the month, there's a pop-up market on Passeig de Born, where you'll find neighborhood shops and vendors selling their wares.

Pose with the Raval Cat.

There’s no denying the charm of this rotund feline who sits on the Rambla de Raval; the sculpture was created by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. In this neighborhood, you can also check out vintage shops and rambunctious skateboarders, who regularly tear up the concrete in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art Barcelona .

See Gaudí’s fountain at Ciutadella Park.

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The scene in Ciutadella is always lively, but the park’s centerpiece is this impressive fountain, also by Gaudí. The Cascada Monumental was one of the architect’s early projects, designed while he was still in university.

Rent a paddleboard in Barceloneta.

There’s plenty of activity on the sand at Barcelona’s busiest beach, but you’ll get better views if you’re on the water. Rent a paddleboard at one of the nearby neighborhood shops; hit the water at the right time, and you can watch the sunset behind the city.

Dance all night.

Barcelona’s nightlife is legendary, and people really do stay out until the sun comes up. Classic spots that keep themselves hip include Apolo and Razzmatazz . In Poble Espanyol, a recreation of a typical Spanish village, you’ll also find the music pumping well into the night on the outdoor dance floor of La Terrazza .

Visit many different markets, not just La Boqueria.

La Boqueria is the most famous market in Barcelona, but you can visit other neighborhood markets for smaller crowds and a more authentic shopping experience. Try the Santa Caterina Market in El Born or the Sant Antoni Market.

Have drinks at an incredible cocktail bar.

Barcelona has been making waves in the international cocktail scene for years, consistently ranking on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars , which is curated by leading industry experts. Paradiso in El Born took the number one spot in the world in 2022, and you’ll probably find a line to match that reputation when you get there. If you don’t want to wait, check out other El Born neighborhood spots with their own specialty cocktail reputations, including Dr Stravinsky and Monk .

Take in the views from Tibidabo.

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The Temple of the Sacred Heart sits at the top of this hill, and the views of the city skyline and the Mediterranean make it a worthwhile trek; you can hike or take the cable car up. You'll also find a theme park on the hilltop. Tibidabo is, of course, yet another great place to watch the sunset.

Get a history lesson on the Spanish Civil War.

In addition to the many great walking tours and food tours available in Barcelona, Spanish Civil War Tours offers history lovers an education in the Spanish Civil War; many significant events happened here in Barcelona. Visit the company website to sign up for a tour with a local historian.

Find the human towers.

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It’s not often that visitors get to experience casteller performances, and when you do, it’s a nail-biting sight you will remember forever. Team members work together to create gravity-defying human structures in this traditional art form. Check the online schedule to see if you might catch them in the act while you’re in town.

Make the pilgrimage to Montserrat.

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The unique geology of this mountain gives it its name, which means “Serrated Mountain,” and the monastery at the top should be on your Barcelona itinerary. Guided tours are available, and note that it’s extremely easy to reach this site by train from Plaza Espanya.

Feast on calçots.

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If you visit Barcelona between January and March, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Catalan barbecue. Many restaurants offer these spring onions and tangy romesco sauce on the menu this time of year, but be forewarned: they can be so messy to eat that they're often served with gloves and a bib.

Take a day trip to Costa Brava.

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You will find the best beaches and the prettiest waters north of the city on the iconic Costa Brava. The easiest day trip is to Tossa de Mar, where you can rent a kayak and explore the nearby caves and coves that define this beautiful stretch of coast.

Related: Best Beaches in Spain

Watch a thrilling race.

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The Formula 1 Aramco Gran Premio de España, better known as the Spanish Gran Prix , will remain in Barcelona only until 2026, when it moves to Madrid. It’s worth noting that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, built as part of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics development program, sits 15 miles north of the city center. Held in late June, the race is often a nail-biter, thanks to the amount of year-round testing done there — meaning the drivers and mechanics are deeply familiar with it. A bit of history: The track enjoyed an incredible debut, with Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna near wheel-to-wheel racing down the straightaway (before Mansell took the victorious lead).

Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 Guide

20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Barcelona

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Catalonia's vibrant capital, Barcelona is a stunning seaside city that flaunts her beauty and sunny lifestyle. Gorgeous scenery, breathtaking architecture, and superb cultural attractions make for an alluring destination. Of course, the balmy Mediterranean climate adds to the charm.

Barcelona has an atmospheric medieval quarter, the Barri Gòtic , with an almost magical old-world ambience, but it's even more famous for its Modernist architecture. Antoni Gaudí left a lasting mark on Barcelona with his avant-garde Surrealist buildings; several are UNESCO-listed.

After all the sightseeing, you'll want to simply relax and soak up the city's joyous vibe. Enjoy strolling down La Rambla, where the locals hang out; sunbathing at the sandy beaches near the harbor ; and lingering over leisurely meals on outdoor terraces.

One of the best ways to discover Barcelona is by wandering aimlessly and stumbling upon hidden side streets with small cafés or stopping to relax at peaceful town squares, where street musicians strum melodies on Spanish guitars. Delightful surprises abound at every turn.

Learn about the best places to visit and things to do with our list of the top attractions in Barcelona.

1. Basílica de la Sagrada Família

2. barri gòtic (gothic quarter), 3. casa milà (la pedrera), 4. la rambla: barcelona's social hub, 5. bogatell beach, 6. palau de la música catalana (palace of catalan music), 7. catedral de la santa cruz y santa eulalia, 8. parc güell: gaudí's surrealist park, 9. casa batlló, 10. museu picasso de barcelona, 11. la barceloneta, 12. plaça del rei, 13. camp nou, 14. magic fountain of montjuïc, 15. scenic views and art museums in montjuïc, 16. reial monestir de santa maria de pedralbes, 17. mercat de la boqueria, 18. fundació joan miró, 19. parc del laberint, 20. quadrat d'or, where to stay in barcelona for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to barcelona.

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família stands in the northern part of the city, dominating its surroundings with its 18 spindly towers soaring high above all the other buildings. One of Europe's most unconventional churches, this amazing monument is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The renowned Catalan architect of modern times, Antoni Gaudí was commissioned in 1883 to design this Basilica as a neo-Gothic church. But instead of following the plans, he created a signature example of his famous surrealistic Art Nouveau architecture. He had no firm ideas in mind, preferring to alter and add to the plans as work progressed.

Although Gaudí had originally forecast between 10 and fifteen years, the church was never completed during his lifetime. Since 1926, several other architects have continued work on the Basilica based on Gaudí's plans. In 2010, the main nave was completed, and the Basilica was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI (although construction is still ongoing and expected to be completed by 2026).

Visitors are first struck by the lavish exterior with its expressive Nativity facade depicting the birth of Jesus, and the evocative Passion facade that illustrates the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Even though the Basilica is unfinished, tourists may visit the interior to admire the awe-inspiring sacred space and its dazzling artworks. The main nave of the sanctuary is an immense space of 90 meters long by 60 meters high. The ceiling sparkles with opulent decorative details, and colorful stained-glass windows allow ethereal light to flow in.

The apse features an unusual Crucifix rendered as a canopy with lanterns. The overall effect is jaw-dropping. Gaudí best captured the essence of his architectural masterpiece when he described it as "a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people."

The Basilica of the Sacred Family is also known in Spanish by its official name: Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família .

Address: 401 Carrer de Mallorca, Barcelona

For 2,000 years, the Gothic Quarter has been the spiritual and secular center of the city. Relics of ancient Roman buildings are still found here, but the Middle Ages are best represented by the historic monuments packed into this quarter.

Mainly built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia is the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Surrounding the cathedral is a maze of cobblestone streets and alleyways.

Tourists will enjoy wandering the narrow pedestrian lanes, and stopping to discover the neighborhood's quaint boutiques and restaurants. By getting lost here, visitors become immersed in the magical ambience of a traffic-free medieval world.

Picturesque squares are enlivened by the sounds of people chatting and laughing or the strumming of Spanish classical guitar. Children often play a pickup game of soccer in the Gothic Quarter's hidden corners, and local residents socialize at the sidewalk terraces of cafés that are tucked away in courtyards.

In the Eixample district off the elegant boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia, the UNESCO-listed Casa Milà is Antoni Gaudí's most famous secular building. Casa Milà is also affectionately known as "La Pedrera," which translates to "The Stone Quarry" because the building resembles an open quarry.

Built between 1906 and 1912, this flamboyant avant-garde dwelling looks more like a sculpture than a functional building. Every line of the natural stone facade is curved, with rounded windows and metal balcony railings twining around in plant-like shapes. Even the roof has an undulating form, complemented by the decorative chimneys.

The entrance to the building is on the Carrer de Provença, through a remarkable wrought-iron gate that leads to an inner courtyard. The building is supported by ribbed arches that were designed for load-bearing purposes, a feature that reveals Gaudí's genius as a structural engineer.

Visitors may walk around the rooftop terrace for an up-close look at the strangely shaped mosaic-adorned chimneys. The roof area also rewards visitors with sensational views across the city, with the outlook extending to the Basílica de la Sagrada Família in the distance.

Casa Milà houses the Fundació Catalunya cultural center that organizes events (such as lectures, dance performances, and art exhibitions) throughout the year. The monument is open to the public daily for self-guided visits, and audio guides are available. Guided tours are available on various themes, including a nighttime experience with a light show, music, and refreshments.

Well designed to welcome tourists, Casa Milà has boutiques and a stylish restaurant on the building's mezzanine, Cafè de la Pedrera , which offers gourmet Catalan cuisine for lunch and dinner. This restaurant also serves brunch and tapas.

Address: 261-265 Carrer de Provença, Barcelona

Official site: https://www.lapedrera.com/en/home

The heart of Barcelona's social life is found on La Rambla, a wide tree-shaded avenue that divides the Old Town into two parts. La Rambla stretches from the Plaça de Catalunya, where the beautiful Romanesque 12th-century Convent of Santa Anna stands, all the way down to the port.

This street features expansive pedestrian sidewalks, lined with shops, restaurants, and outdoor cafés, making it one of the most popular hangouts in the city.

During the day, many locals are found here doing their everyday shopping at the Mercat de la Boqueria . At night, groups of friends and families take their evening paseo (stroll) on La Rambla to enjoy the fresh air and lively ambience. On some days, onlookers might be treated to live music, a mime show, or other impromptu street performances.

On its northeast side, La Rambla borders the Barri Gòtic , and halfway down the avenue is the Plaça Reial , a lovely palm-fringed square enclosed by historic houses. These elegant buildings have arcades filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants. At the center is the Fountain of the Three Graces and a pair of street lamps designed by Antoni Gaudí featuring winged dragons.

Another important monument on La Rambla (number 3-5) is the UNESCO-listed Palau Güell , an ostentatious mansion designed in 1886 by Antoni Gaudí. The owner, Eusebi Güell, was a great patron of the arts, and the building was constructed with a large domed hall intended for poetry readings and private concerts. Open to the public for visits, the building is adorned with sumptuous décor, valuable textiles, and handcrafted furniture created by Gaudí.

Barcelona is home to 4.5 miles of beaches. And one of the best beaches in Spain is found within the city limits of Barcelona. Locals flock to Bogatell Beach to sunbathe, socialize, relax, play volleyball, or go windsurfing. Other things to do include kitesurfing and kayaking.

The 600-meter-long beach features a sandy shoreline and excellent amenities: restrooms, showers, parking, a beachfront promenade, snack bars, and ice cream shops. There are also multiple lifeguard towers to ensure beach safety.

Address: Sant Martí District, Barcelona

Built between 1905 and 1908 as a concert hall for the choral society Orfeó Català, the Palau de la Música Catalana was designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, in the Catalan Modernist style. The UNESCO-listed building exemplifies an ornate Art Nouveau decorative style. The facade is a profusion of intricate mosaics, sculptural elements, and exquisite ironwork.

The interior décor is just as colorful and fanciful within the Concert Auditorium . Adorned with Art Nouveau floral patterns and fruit motifs, this enchanting auditorium provides a marvelous setting for musical performances. The concert hall, which seats about 2,200 people, is the only auditorium in Europe illuminated during daylight hours entirely by natural light.

Eye-catching artworks cover every square inch of the Concert Auditorium's walls and ceiling. The walls on two sides consist primarily of stained-glass panes. The ceiling features an enormous skylight of stained glass designed by Antoni Rigalt whose centerpiece is an inverted dome in shades of gold surrounded by blue that suggests the sun and the sky. Elaborate sculptures of muses frame the concert stage.

A program of evening music performances (including pop music, Spanish guitar, flamenco, jazz, opera, and classical music) is held at the Palau de la Música Catalana throughout the year.

It is possible to see the interior of the Palau de la Música Catalana outside of concert performances by taking a guided tour.

The Palau de la Música Catalana has a gift shop and a café-restaurant, the Cafè Palau, which serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon refreshments in a cozy indoor space or on a pleasant outdoor patio.

Address: 4-6 Calle Palau de la Música, Barcelona

Official site: https://www.palaumusica.cat/en

At the center of the Gothic Quarter on the Monte Tabor is the Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia). This medieval cathedral is a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture with an ornately sculpted facade.

The sanctuary contains magnificent works of art, including the Altarpiece of the Transfiguration by Bernat Martorell, as well as other medieval altarpieces and a remarkable gilded, jewel-encrusted monstrance. The cathedral also has an exquisite Gothic choir and keystones that date to the 14th and 15th centuries.

Surprising many visitors, the cathedral's cloister and garden shelter 13 live geese that symbolize the martyrdom of Saint Eulalia. The cloister's pond provides a habitat for the geese.

The Cathedral Museum displays a collection of medieval paintings. The painting of La Pieta by Bartolomé Bermejo is particularly noteworthy.

Mass is celebrated at the Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia several times daily. Services are held in Spanish or Catalan; there is at least one Spanish-language Mass every day.

Address: Plaça de la Seu, Barcelona

Colorful, cheerful, and full of whimsy, this luxuriant 19-hectare hillside park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created between 1900 and 1914, the Park Güell includes 12 acres of landscaped gardens featuring Surrealist architectural elements created by Antoni Gaudí and eight acres of pristine woodlands (pine forest and olive groves).

Splendid fountains, viaducts, grottoes, a colonnaded hall, winding staircases, and semi-closed conversation seats are scattered throughout the garden space. These creative structures are decorated with vibrant mosaics made of ceramic fragments.

There are picnic areas and a spectacular terrace that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Gaudí himself loved this area of the city (the Gràcia district), and his home was located here.

Within the Park Güell is the Casa Museu Gaudí (Gaudí House Museum) where Gaudí lived for nearly two decades. The museum educates visitors about Gaudí's life and architectural work. The collection includes decorative objects and furniture, designed by Gaudí.

Entrance tickets are required to visit Parc Güell. Because this is one of the most popular tourist sites in Barcelona, it's recommended to arrive early (in the morning if possible) to avoid the crowds. Guided tours are available.

Address: Carrer d'Olot, Barcelona

Yet another amazing Gaudí creation, the UNESCO-listed Casa Batlló is one of the most characteristic Modernist buildings in Barcelona. The fantastical mansion was designed as a private residence for the textile manufacturer Josep Batlló i Casanovas. With its freely swinging shapes and ornamental facade, this dreamlike building looks like a castle from a surreal fairy tale.

Most of the design details depart completely from any architectural precedent. The window frame on the first floor is bordered by swinging shapes that suggest plants, others resemble entrances to caves. On the facade, decorative glazed ceramic tiles in green, blue, and ochre colors add to the flamboyance. The wave-shaped roof, like that of Casa Milà, has numerous richly adorned chimneys.

Gaudí also created the interior decorations, which can be seen in the Casa Museu Gaudí in the Parc Güell.

For those seeking a superb gourmet meal, the elegant Moments Restaurant , with two Michelin stars, is just a few steps away at 38-40 Passeig de Gràcia in the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona . This upscale fine-dining restaurant serves modern gastronomic Catalan cuisine prepared from seasonal ingredients.

Address: 43 Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona

Official site: https://www.casabatllo.es/en/

Inaugurated in 1963, the Picasso Museum occupies five medieval palaces in the Gothic Quarter on the Calle de Montcada, named after an important local family of the 12th century. The Calle de Montcada is listed as a Conjunto Monumental Histórico-Artístico (Historic-Artistic Monument), and the five palaces are remarkable Catalan Gothic landmarks dating to the 13th and 14th centuries. The architecture of each building features a central patio and a grand exterior staircase.

The collection of the museum focuses on works created by Pablo Picasso as a young artist. Containing over 4,000 works, the collection reveals the talents of the artist during his formative years. An exhaustive assortment covers paintings created from 1895 and up until Picasso's Blue Period (1901 - 1904).

Other highlights of the collection are several paintings created in 1917 including Arlequín , featuring a harlequin character (the model was a dancer from a Russian ballet company); El Paseo de Colón , illustrating the Hotel Ranzini at number 22 on the Colón passageway; and Blanquita Suárez , depicting a famous singer of the time. Also not to be missed is the series of paintings titled Las Meninas , which portray the Infanta Margarita María.

Address: 15-23 Calle de Montcada, Barcelona

Official site: http://www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/en/

Adjacent to the cruise port, the old fishing village of La Barceloneta (now a seaside neighborhood of Barcelona) borders the long, wide Sant Sebastià Beach , where locals go to sunbathe, surf, and socialize in the many seafood restaurants and tapas venues that overlook the sea.

Sant Sebastià Beach has a wide range of amenities: lifeguards, public restrooms, showers, recreational sports areas, lounge chair and sun umbrella rentals, ice-cream stands, and snack bars. A long promenade lined with palm trees connects the Sant Sebastià Beach area to marinas filled with yachts.

On summer and fall evenings this area comes alive as people flock to the beach, marina, and promenade around the Port Olympic complex (built for the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympic Games) to watch the spectacular sunsets then head to one of the many cafes and restaurants for tapas and conversations that last late into the evening. You'll also notice many unique sculptures and Modernist buildings in this area.

The popular Barceloneta Beach is also found in La Barceloneta neighborhood. This beach has excellent facilities: lifeguards, public restrooms, changing rooms, showers, lounge chair and sun umbrella rentals, snack bars, ice-cream stands, areas for recreational sports (including beach volleyball and ping pong), and restaurants.

To admire views of La Barceloneta's coastline, marinas, and port area, take a ride on the Port Cable Car , which ascends from here to hilltop Montjuïc.

The Plaça del Rei is a quiet square in the Gothic Quarter lined with imposing medieval buildings. The grand architecture speaks to the importance of the monuments: a palace of Catalan counts (the Palau Reial Major ), a 16th-century lieutenant's palace, and a 14th-century royal chapel.

One of the most impressive historic landmarks on the square is the 16th-century Casa Clariana Padellàs, which houses the Museu d'Història de la Cuitat de Barcelona (Barcelona History Museum). This fascinating museum traces the history of Barcelona over 2,000 years, beginning with the ancient Roman era, continuing through the Renaissance and Baroque periods and up until the Spanish Civil War.

The Plaça del Rei is also used as an outdoor venue for music concerts.

Just as Catalan Modernist buildings are must-see attractions for architecture fans, Camp Nou is a must-see for football (soccer) fans. Camp Nou was one of the venues for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and today is home of the FC Barcelona team. The 99,354-seat stadium is the largest in Europe and second largest in the world.

Camp Nou offers guided tours , led by bilingual Official FC Barcelona Guides. The tours (in English and Spanish) cover highlights of the stadium such as the playing field, the team's changing room, players' tunnel, and the commentators' boxes.

Guided tours also include a visit to the Barça Museum. The Barça Museum presents trophies, photos, and multimedia exhibits, including videos of the FC Barcelona's winning goals.

The Barça Cafe at Camp Nou is a fun place to watch live and recorded games on big-screen televisions. The chefs work in an open kitchen, where guests can watch the action, preparing traditional Catalan dishes such as grilled meat and fish cooked on a wood-fired oven, as well as some of the FC Barcelona players' favorite tapas. The Barça Cafe is open daily from 10am until 7pm.

Address: 12 Calle d'Aristides Maillol, Barcelona

Topping the list of things to do in Barcelona at night is watching the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, near the Plaça d'Espanya in the Montjuïc neighborhood. The large Art Deco fountain was designed by Carles Buigas for the 1929 International Exhibition, which took place in Montjuïc.

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc delights all ages with its choreographed light and fountain shows that are set to music. The shows take place Thursday through Sunday during the summer and Friday and Saturday in the off-season. The evening shows last for a few hours, with music sessions every half hour.

Address: 1 Plaça de Carles Buïgas, Barcelona

This hilltop neighborhood is on the site of an old Jewish cemetery, explaining its name, "Mont Juïc," which translates to "Mountain of the Jews." Standing 213 meters above the sea, the hillside is crowned by a fortress (the Castell de Montjuïc ) on its summit and slopes steeply down to the waterfront. Crowning this scenic area is the Parc de Montjuïc , a beautiful natural park with great views.

One of the top attractions of Montjuïc is the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (National Art Museum of Catalonia). Housed in the Palau Nacional , the museum has an exceptional collection of Catalan Art from the 10th to the 20th centuries, including sculpture, paintings, drawings, engravings, and photography. The museum also displays European Renaissance and Baroque Art, as well as a collection of modern art that includes avant-garde works created after World War Two.

The Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) is another popular place to visit. This charming fabricated village was created for the 1929 World Exhibition.

Montjuïc was a venue for the 1992 Summer Olympics , and tourists can visit the stadium where Olympic competitions were held.

A wonderful example of Catalan Gothic architecture, the Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes is nestled on the gentle slopes of the Sant Pere Màrtir hillside in the outskirts of Barcelona. Queen Elisenda de Montcada founded the convent in 1327 for the Order of Saint Clare.

The monastery has two places of worship: a 14th-century Catalan Gothic church and a small chapel, Saint Michael's Chapel , decorated with magnificent murals. Dating to the early 14th century, the murals were created by Ferrer Bassa in the Italianate Trecento style (influenced by Italian masters such as Giotto). The murals still reveal their original glory, thanks to a careful restoration project.

A distinguishing feature of the monastery is its serene three-story cloister , which is the largest Gothic cloister in the world. The main buildings (chapter house, refectory, dormitory, etc.) of the monastery surround the cloister. At the center of the cloister is a tranquil garden designed to inspire spiritual contemplation and meditation.

The monastery displays an outstanding collection of medieval ecclesiastical art from the 14th century, as well as later religious art created through the 20th century.

The Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes is still managed by the Saint Clare nuns, but the monastery has been converted into a museum that is open to the public year-round (except Mondays) for an admission fee. Entrance is free on the first Sunday of every month. Visitors are expected to respect the quiet ambience of the religious community.

Address: 9 Baixada del Monestir, Barcelona

Colorful displays of fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, glistening candied fruits, savory and sweet pastries, chocolates, whimsical marzipan figures, fresh-mixed smoothies, Spanish almonds, burritos, breads, bins of olives, bright strings of peppers – la Boqueria is a riot of colors and aromas.

Since 1836, this traditional open-air market has been a centerpiece in the heart of the city on La Rambla. Locals frequent the market regularly, and shoppers come from all corners of Catalonia to this truly special gourmet food and produce market.

It feels as if half of Barcelona is here on a busy day as they shop for that night's dinner. Tourists gawk at the abundance of authentic specialty foods and then deliberate about what to choose for a to-go lunch or picnic provisions. Mercat de la Boqueria also has casual tapas bars, where tourists can sample local dishes and mingle with locals.

Address: 91 La Rambla, Barcelona

Anyone who appreciates modern art will want to visit the Fundació Joan Miró within the Parc de Montjuïc . Opened in 1975, the Fundació Joan Miró was created by the artist himself as a center for contemporary art research.

Today, the Fundació is dedicated to the study of Miró's work, as well as the presentation of contemporary art. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions of 20th- and 21st-century artists. Visitors will enjoy the permanent collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures by Joan Miró as well as the thematic exhibitions.

The architecture and design of the museum perfectly suits the avant-garde style of Miró's art. The sleek interior features bright, spacious galleries illuminated by skylights and large windows that look out onto an interior courtyard or gardens. A rooftop terrace affords sweeping views of the Barcelona cityscape.

The museum is open to the public for self-guided visits, as well as guided tours. The guided tours are available in Spanish, Catalan, French, and English.

The Fundació Joan Miró also features a gift shop, bookstore, and restaurant. Special art workshops and educational programs are held at the museum throughout the year.

Address: Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona

Official site: https://www.fmirobcn.org/en/

Nestled behind the Collserola Ridge in the Horta-Guinardó district, this 55-acre park dates to 1792 and is the oldest landscaped green space in Barcelona . The park blends formal gardens with a romantic garden that includes a waterfall and woodland.

Taking a stroll through the Parc del Laberint leads to discoveries of small squares, vibrant flower beds, neoclassical sculptures of mythological characters, and a labyrinth. Another treasure found within the park is the Torre Soberana , a 14th-century manor house restored in the 19th century in Moorish style.

Address: 1 Passeig dels Castanyers, Barcelona

The Quadrat d'Or (Quadrant of Gold) is an area of the Eixample district renowned for its Modernist architecture . The quadrant is found between the Plaça de Catalunya , the Avinguda de la Diagonal , the Passeig de Sant Joan, and the Carrer de Muntaner . The main road through the Quadrat d'Or is the Passeig de Gràcia .

In this area, the exceptional avant-garde buildings were inspired by the work of Antoni Gaudí and constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Different architects made their mark on the neighborhood, and the result is a diversity of Modernist styles.

A veritable open-air museum, the Quadrat d'Or offers delightful surprises every step of the way. Visitors discover interesting details of ceramic art, stained-glass windows, wrought ironwork, decorative reliefs, mosaics, and statues.

(1) Casa Victoriá de la Riva (2) Casa Modest Andreu (3) Cases Joaquim i Antoni Marfà (4) Casa Joaquim Cairó (5) Casa Conrad Roure (6) Cases Pascual i Cia (7/8) Casa Societat Torres Germans (9/10) Cases Manuel Felip (11) Casa Antonia Puget (12) Cases Francesc Borés (13) Cases Antoni Roger (14) Cases Tomás Roger (15) Casa Antónia Borés (16) Casa Francesc de Paula Vallet (17) Casa Jaume Sahis (18/19) Casa Rossend Capellades (20/21) Cases Josep J. Bertrand Carrer (22) Cases Antoni Miquel (23) Casa Jeroni Granell (24) Cases Joan Pons (25) Casa Jaume Larcegui (26) Cases Frederic Vallet Xiró (27) Casa Josep Filella (28) Casa Francesc Fargas (29) Cases Adolf Ruiz (30) Casa Lluis Pérez Samanillo (31) Casa Emilia Carles de (32) Casa Uorenç Camprubí (33) Casa Antoni Salvadó Carrer (34) Casa Calvet (35) Casa Bosch i Alsina (36) Casa Pia Batlló (37) Casa Heribert Pons (38) Casa Jaume Moysi (39) Casa Sebastià Pratjusà (40) Casa Climent Asols (41) Casa Rodolf Juncadella (42) Casa Miquel A. Fargas (43) Casa Dolors Calm (44) Casa Bonaventura Pollés (45) Casa Asunción Belloso de Gabriel (46/47) Casa Evarist Juncosa (48) Casa Francesc Farreras (49) Casa Josep i Ramón Queraltó (50) Casa Pilar i Josefa Albiñana de Regàs (51) Casa Ferran Cortés (52/53) Casa Manuel Verde (55) Cases Godó-Lallana (56) Casa Antónia Costa (57) Casa Lorenç Armengol (58) Casa Serra (59) Casa Antoni Piera (60) Casa Pau Marti (61) Casa Pilar Bassols (62) Palau Baró de Quadras (63) Casa Terrades (Casa de les Punxes) (64) Casa Miquel Sayrach (65) Casa Comalat (66) Casa Josep J. Bertrand (67) Casa Clapés (68) Casa Miquel Ibarz (69) Casa Rupert Garriga Nogués (70) Casa Marcelli Costa (71) Casa Josep Fabra (72) Casa Antoni Pàmies (73) Casa Doménech i Estapà (74) Casa Leandre Bou (75) Casa Anna Salvadó de Guitart

(76) Casa Adolf Ruiz (77) Casa Francesc Cairó (78) Casa Enric Llorens (79) Casa Enric i Voctória de la Riva (80) Casa Antoni Roger (81) Casa Enric Roger (82) Casa Ramon Vilà (83) Casa Jacinta Ruiz (84) Casa Esperança Isern (85) Casa Isabel Pomar (86) Casa Eduardo de Lamadrid (90) Cases Pons i Pasqual (91) Cases Antoni Rocamora (92) Casa Manuel Margarida (93) Casa Lleó Morera (94) Casa Ramon Mulleras (95) Casa Amatller (96) Casa Batlló (97) Cases Alexandre i Josefina (98) Casa Marfà (99) Casa Joan Coma (100) Casa Enric Batll6 (101) Casa Milà (La Pedrera) (102) Casa Josep Codina (103) Casa Ramon Casas (104) Casa Rupert Garriga (105) Casa Bonaventura Ferrer (106) Casa Lluís Ferrer-Vidal (107) Casa Fuster (108) Casa Jeroni Graneli (109) Casa Josep Portabella (110) Casa Camil Mulleras Garrós (111) Casa Ramon Oller (112) Cases Jeroni Granell (113) Casa Gustau Peyra (114) Casa Angel Batlló (115) Casa Marqués de Julià (116) Cases Amadeu Maristany (117) Palau Ramon de Montaner (119) Casa Thomas (120/121) Cases Dolors Xiró de Vallet (122) Casa Carme Carsi de Puig (124) Casa Josep Batlles (125) Casa Teresa Vallhonrat (126) Casa Rafael Barba (127) Cases Leandre Bou (128) Casa Dolors Xiró de Vallet (129) Casa Segarra (130) Casa Francesc Pastor (131) Casa Josep Ferrer-Vidal (132) Casa Francesc Lalanne (133) Cases Joaquim Cabot (134) Casa Pere Salisachs (135) Casa Agustí Anglora (136) Cases Castillo Villanueva (137) Casa Jaume Forn (139) Casa Esteve Recolons (140) Casa Baldomer Rovira (141) Casa Leonor Matas (142) Casa Alexandre Gioan (143) Casa Enric Laplana (144) Casa Eulàlia Artés de Mayolas (145) Casa Macaya (146) Casa Dolors Alesan de Gibert (147) Casa Marti Llorens (148) Casa Domènech i Estapà (149) Casa Pau Ubarri (150) Casa Manuel Llopis

Many of Barcelona's attractions concentrate in the atmospheric, winding streets of the Gothic Quarter and in the adjoining Eixample district , with others scattered more widely in various directions. Fortunately for tourists, there is a wide choice of hotels in all price ranges in the most convenient neighborhoods. Here are some of the highly rated hotels in Barcelona:

Luxury Hotels :

• In the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the Mercer Hotel Barcelona occupies several historic buildings located around the ancient Roman wall. Original architectural elements include 12th-century frescoes and medieval arches. This five-star hotel has a fine-dining restaurant, a casual tapas bar, and a rooftop deck with a swimming pool and snack bar.
• The four-star Casa Camper Hotel Barcelona is a short walk away from the Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla, and the Mercat de la Boqueria. This modern boutique hotel boasts top-notch amenities: a trendy tapas-style and Japanese-inspired Michelin-starred restaurant, a rooftop deck with amazing city views, a gym, and game room. Accommodations include breakfast and complimentary snacks all day.
• In a vintage building at the edge of the Gothic Quarter, the Hotel El Palace Barcelona offers sumptuous five-star accommodations with excellent amenities: parking, a fitness center, a rooftop swimming pool, Mayan-inspired spa, several gourmet restaurants, and a splendid historic hall where traditional afternoon tea is served.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Near La Rambla and at the edge of the Gothic Quarter, the three-star Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel has one of the best rooftop terraces in Barcelona, with sweeping views of the city. This chic, contemporary-style hotel also has a fitness center, a restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, and a rooftop swimming pool.
• The Hotel Europark is surrounded by shops and restaurants in the bustling Eixample district, between the Gothic Quarter and the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. This three-star boutique hotel has a fitness center, tapas bar, and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool.
• Conveniently located near many tourist attractions, the three-star Room Mate Pau is steps away from the Plaça de Catalunya and a short walk to the Gothic Quarter. The renowned interior designer Teresa Sapey spruced up this boutique hotel with eclectic modern decor. Amenities include a concierge, 24-hour front desk, breakfast buffet service, and courtyard patio.
• A few blocks north of the Gothic Quarter in the Eixample district, the Hotel Constanza Barcelona provides sleek contemporary-style guest rooms with updated bathrooms. Many of the rooms have balconies. Solo travelers will appreciate the single rooms. The hotel's cozy modern restaurant serves tapas and Mediterranean cuisine.

Budget Hotels:

• The Hotel Curious is found in the Raval neighborhood, just off La Rambla and near La Boqueria market, an area brimming with shops and restaurants. This affordable hotel has contemporary-style guest rooms with basic amenities. Accommodations include breakfast.
• Although it's a 30-minute walk to the Gothic Quarter, the ibis Barcelona Centro is only a few steps away from the Basílica de la Sagrada Família and is surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops. The metro station is also nearby, with connections to all the city's attractions.

Take a Sightseeing Tour :

• Visit the city's most iconic landmarks on the Best of Barcelona Tour , which provides commentary about the history and art. This guided excursion includes a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter and skip-the-line admission to the Basílica de la Sagrada Família.

Explore the Countryside :

• Picturesque towns dot the countryside around Barcelona. An organized tour is an easy way to explore the area. The Small-Group Medieval Villages Day Trip takes you to the lovely towns of Besalú, Castellfollit de la Roca, and Rupit, where you can explore historic buildings, meander down the cobblestone lanes, and relax at a small outdoor café.

Admire Dalí Artworks :

• For fans of Salvador Dalí, the Costa Brava is not to be missed. This sunny coastline is home to Dalí's birthplace and several museums dedicated to his art. The Salvador Dalí Museum, Port Lligat, and Cadaques Day Trip from Barcelona takes travelers to these fantastic Dalí museums while providing interesting commentary along the way.

Visit Beautiful Villages and Mountains :

• Discover charming historic towns and admire refreshing alpine landscapes on the France, Andorra, Spain from Barcelona One-Day Tour from Barcelona . This full-day tour includes stops at the medieval village of Baga and the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes, plus a scenic drive through the Pyrenees Mountains of Andorra.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Highlights of Spain: To learn about the best places to visit, see our article on the top tourist attractions in Spain . For more in-depth information about each city, read our guides about Madrid , Seville , Granada , Cordoba , and Toledo . To explore some of the regional highlights, turn to our articles on the top attractions of Andalusia and Catalonia .

More on Spain

28 TOP Barcelona Sights & Tourist Attractions (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 11, 2024

Looking for the best things to do in Barcelona, Spain, and feeling overwhelmed? Deciding which of the most popular Barcelona attractions to see is indeed not easy, especially if you are visiting for the first time and your time in the city is limited…

So to help you figure out where to go and what to see in Barcelona, in this guide we share the VERY BEST sights and TOP tourist attractions in Barcelona that are worth your time the most . For each place, we also include our top tips for your visit. We also created a map of Barcelona attractions that should help you plan your sightseeing itinerary. Find out!

Located between the sea and the mountains, the beautiful city of Barcelona is rich in culture and history. Its architecture is stunning, a contrasting mixture of Catalan Gothic and Modernism. The atmosphere is fun and cosmopolitan, with a relaxed and friendly vibe during the day and a vibrant nightlife when the sun goes down.

With so many things to do and interesting places to explore in Barcelona, you may be feeling a little daunted when it comes to planning an itinerary. This guide to Barcelona’s top sights and attractions will give you a good idea of what to expect, and our experience-based tips will help you make the most of your time. At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating all the top sights in Barcelona.

Good to know: In addition to the Barcelona must-sees featured in this guide, there are many more interesting things to do in Barcelona. While not a must on a short first visit, these experiences will make your visit to the city even more special than just ticking off the ‘must-see’ list . So in order to give you a more complete picture of what there is to see and do in Barcelona, we listed some of the coolest attractions and fun, local activities as well.

Good to know: This list of the best sights and attractions in Barcelona is sorted starting with the must-sees first . So if you are really short on time, start with the top of this list and make your way down.

The top 10 sights on this list are not to be missed . If you have more time in the city, be sure to read all the suggestions and choose a few more places that interest you the most.

The top 15-20 are really nice to see and you should be able to cover most of these sights in about 3 days. The rest is well worth it too, and if you have 4-5 days in Barcelona, you should be able to see most of the places mentioned in this guide.

TIP: Be sure to also check our additional recommendations for fun activities and experiences that will make a nice addition to any sightseeing itinerary and will help you plan a much more memorable trip to Barcelona! You can find them at the end of this guide , right before the map of the main sights in Barcelona.

But first – the musts, best places to see and things to do in Barcelona. Take a look!

Top 3 Places Not to Miss in Barcelona:

• Sagrada Familia (Be sure to upgrade to Tower access!) .
• Park Güell .
• Casa Batlló .

These are the main landmarks, best sights, and top tourist attractions in Barcelona:

1. La Sagrada Familia

One of Barcelona’s most famous buildings, the Basilica of La Sagrada Familia (Basilica of the Holy Family) is an architectural masterpiece that should be at the top of any Spain bucket list . If there is one landmark that you absolutely cannot miss in Barcelona, it’s Sagrada Familia. As impressive as it is, seeing the church from the outside isn’t enough – you really have to visit the inside too!

Designed by the genius architect Antoni Gaudí, La Sagrada is truly breathtaking. No words or pictures do it justice – it’s a place you have to experience first-hand.

Filled with rich detail, its interior is bathed in fairytale-like rainbow hues as the light filters through the colorful glass windows. The atmosphere is almost surreal and the view inside the naves – looking up at the tree-like columns surrounding the vaulted ceiling – defies description.

Good to know: Do not confuse La Sagrada Familia with the Cathedral of Barcelona . Whilst the most famous and most visited, Basilica La Sagrada Familia is not a Cathedral . The actual Barcelona Cathedral is also well worth a visit – you’ll find more information about it further below.

Interesting fact: Although the construction started at the end of the 19th century, La Sagrada Familia is still not completely finished. The building has been under construction for over 130 years! Whilst most of the interior is now complete, you’ll notice that work is still being done to the exterior. The aim is to finish it by 2026, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s passing. It’s fun to spot the differences in architectural styles and colors as you walk around.

Good to know: Be sure to get skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid wasting time queuing. Plan 1.5-2 hours for your visit, and – in high season – allow some extra waiting time (even with priority tickets, you’ll have to locate the dedicated entrance, pass the security check, etc).

Best time to visit: If you want to avoid the crowds, visit La Sagrada Familia first thing in the morning. However, mid-morning or mid to late afternoon is the best time light-wise. That’s when the sunlight strikes the windows directly, enhancing the colorful illumination within the church. We visited at around 2 PM and the light was mesmerizing!

TIP: Instead of just getting tickets and going on your own, we highly recommend booking a guided tour which will come with priority access tickets. There is so much symbolism, so many interesting details, and stories about La Sagrada that you would totally miss without a guide. Having a guide will enhance your visit to any of the Gaudi buildings, but especially at La Sagrada Familia!

PRO TIP: If available for your travel date, upgrade your ticket to include tower access. Some guided tours also give this option. It doesn’t matter which tower you choose – Passion Facade Tower or Nativity Facade Tower, the views are just as spectacular, and you get to see the incredible architectural details of the towers and the rooftops from close by. It’s one of the most unique experiences in Barcelona!

We visited La Sagrada Familia as part of this amazing day tour that includes all the main Gaudi landmarks in Barcelona. You can read all about this tour via the link below.

READ ALSO: Best Gaudi Tour in Barcelona

2. Gothic Quarter – Old Town of Barcelona

The Ciutat Vella – Barcelona’s Old Town – is made up of four main areas. The most popular and the most beautiful to see is the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter). No matter how long your trip is, this area is not to be missed in Barcelona!

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is a rather compact area located southeast of Pla ça de Catalunya and perched between the streets of La Rambla to the west and Via Laietana to the east.

It’s a fascinating part of the town, with a network of narrow medieval streets and stunning examples of the Gothic stone architecture that gave it its name.

It’s here that you’ll find many of the oldest churches of Barcelona, including the 13-15th-century Cathedral of Barcelona (more about it below). And be sure to explore the neighborhood’s many squares, including the most famous of them all, Plaça Reial (Royal Square).

TIP: The 19th-century  Plaça Reial is one of the must-sees in Barcelona! It’s a lively city square lined with tall palm trees, a fountain in the middle, and lamps designed by Gaudi. This is a popular meeting place with many restaurants and cafes – ideal to relax, have a drink, and do some people-watching. If you visit on a Sunday morning, you’ll find the coin- and stamp collectors’ market here as well.

But the history of the Gothic Quarter goes back much further, with parts dating back to Roman times. Inside the area’s City History Museum (MUHBA – more info further below), you can even visit a subterranean Roman town. Here you’ll see ancient houses, streets, and workplaces.

Good to know: The Gothic Quarter is packed with bars and restaurants and has a very lively nightlife. It’s also great for shopping, with plenty of little boutiques to explore.

TIP: There are many really nice tours that visit this part of town (often in combination with other popular sights in Barcelona). You can choose from walking tours , bike tours , or food tours – it’s a fun way to get to know the city a bit better.

3. Barcelona Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia – also known as Barcelona Cathedral – is the main attraction in the Old Town. It’s a traditional Gothic cathedral, totally different from La Sagrada Familia, but worth a visit just as much.

Dating back to the 13th to 15th centuries, Barcelona Cathedral is a beautiful building with a spectacular interior that simply must not be missed. Its facade is famous for its gargoyles, along with domestic and mythical animals.

But what many people don’t realize is that its elaborate exterior was actually a 19th-century addition! Its original features were much more simple and can still be seen along the Cathedral’s sides.

Be sure to take a walk in the picturesque garden , filled with tall palms and magnolias. Here you will find the Well of the Geese (Fuente de las Ocas). This is a large, raised pond filled with thirteen white geese. Some say they are there to safeguard the cathedral’s treasures – geese were traditionally kept by the Romans as security guards. Others say they are there to represent the age of Christian martyr Saint Eulàlia when she died.

TIP: It’s also well worth taking the elevator to the Cathedral roof . Here you can get a good view of the Barcelona skyline.

Good to know: You’ll need a ticket to visit the Cathedral. It is now possible to book this ticket online and we highly recommend doing that! The ticket includes fast-track entry to the Cathedral, access to the rooftops, the Chapter Room, and more. For more info about opening times and tickets, see their website .

Also, you should wear appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders covered) for your visit here – shorts and revealing clothes are considered disrespectful.

4. Park Güell

Park Güell is another of the most famous Gaudi attractions and a must-see in Barcelona!

This magical garden was commissioned by the Spanish entrepreneur Eusebi Güell. He wanted a stylish park for Barcelona’s aristocracy to enjoy and this magnificent open space was the result.

You can see beautiful tiling here, along with unique stone structures, detailed mosaics, and a wonderful dragon staircase with a fountain. There is even a small house in which Gaudi lived at one point. This is now a museum and contains interesting pieces of furniture that he designed.

TIP: Be sure to book your tickets ahead of your visit, as they are usually sold out at least a few days in advance. Many of our readers told us that they weren’t able to visit the park because they didn’t think to book in advance, and our local guide confirmed that this is indeed often the case.

PRO TIP: If you didn’t get the tickets in time, try to see if you can still join one of the guided tours that visit the park . They usually prebook some extra tickets to accommodate last-minute bookings.

Good to know: Park Güell is located a bit outside of the city center. The closest metro station to the park is about 15 minutes away, so if you are very short on time you may prefer to take a taxi. Also, wear comfy footwear! Much of the walking is uphill and many of the paths are made from dirt. Sneakers are ideal.

5. Plaça de Catalunya

Located in the very heart of Barcelona, Plaça de Catalunya is a large plaza, the central square of the city. It’s here that the Gothic Quarter, the neighborhoods of El Raval and l’Eixample, and the most prominent streets such as La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia come together. It doesn’t get any more central!

Plaça de Catalunya is a popular meeting place in Barcelona – for locals and tourists alike. Many city tours start here, and – because there’s enough space for big buses to park – quite a lot of tours that go outside the city also start here.

This large city square is a hub of activity, with frequent fiestas and live musical performances. Its perimeter is lined with statues and there are fountains and green verges, giving you somewhere to sit for a while and soak it all up.

Surrounding the square are many great eateries (including the Hard Rock Cafe , for the fans). Shopping is good here too, with – among others – a large branch of El Corte Ingles, Spain’s biggest department store chain.

Good to know: To appreciate the plaza without the crowds (and noise) visit on the weekend in the morning.

TIP: For an impressive, birds-eye view of the plaza and the city beyond, check out the self-service restaurant at the very top level of the El Corte Ingles shopping center. It’s one of the best – and free – viewpoints in Barcelona’s city center.

6. La Rambla

La Rambla (aka Las Ramblas) is probably Barcelona’s most famous street and no trip to the city would be complete without walking through it. Connecting Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront area La Rambla crosses the heart of Barcelona’s old town, with many of Barcelona’s most famous sights just nearby.

This wide tree-lined avenue with a wide pedestrian area in the middle is packed with street musicians, souvenir vendors, and people enjoying drinks on the restaurants’ terraces.

It’s busy – crowded – at La Rambla every day. But visit early in the morning and you’ll find it much quieter. This will give you an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful architecture and other interesting sights here.

Check out the Font de Canaletes , a small drinking fountain where Barcelona football club fans come to celebrate the team’s victories. Drinking from this fountain is said to guarantee your return to the city (I haven’t tried though)…

Other spots worth visiting include Gran Teatre del Liceu and Palau Güell , an impressive mansion designed by Gaudi. Also the earlier mentioned Gothic Quarter with Plaça Reial – beautifully decorated with palm trees – and Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol square with Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi is just nearby.

Casa Bruno Cuadros – a building at the corner of La Rambla and Plaça Boqueria – with Chinese mosaics, umbrellas, and a huge dragon on the facade is also noteworthy.

Good to know: Restaurants and cafes on La Rambla tend to be of quite poor quality. Your best dining option in the area is to head to the Boqueria market instead (see below) or check out the restaurants in the Gothic Quarter just nearby.

Also, La Rambla is so busy and so touristy that it’s one of the places where you really have to watch out for pickpockets!

7. Casa Batlló

Designed by Gaudi, the iconic architecture of Casa Batlló in the city center attracts a million visitors every year. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the building was originally constructed in 1877, at which point it had a very unoriginal appearance. But when local businessman Josep Batlló y Casanovas bought it in 1903, he called in Gaudi to work his magic. It then evolved into the spectacular work of art we see today!

Its exterior and interior – like all of Gaudi’s work – is absolutely unique, from the extravagant facade all the way to the dragon roof. The entrance hall has an underwater feel, whilst the Noble Floor features massive oak doors with stained glass panes. The dining room at its center leads out to a beautiful and tranquil rear courtyard, beautifully paved and dotted with tile and glass-coated flower pots.

Strange as it may sound, make sure you check out the building’s elevator too. Installed in the center of the patio of lights, it still uses its beautiful and original wooden car.

The newest addition is the immersive Casa Batllo 10D Experience with two immersive rooms – the Gaudi Dome and the Gaudi Cube. The art literally comes to life as you approach! Just be sure to choose the right ticket option – depending on what you want to see and how much time you have inside. See more info below as well.

Good to know: Casa Batllo is open daily to visitors and takes around an hour to explore. Be sure to get your tickets in advance and plan to visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it is less crowded.

NEW! There’s now a special, early access available to Casa Batllo with this ‘Be the First’ ticket . If you don’t mind getting up earlier and want to see one of the most special Gaudi buildings in Barcelona without the crowds, check it out!

TIP: We visited here with this tour that also visits La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and allows you to see a few other Gaudi landmarks in about half a day. The guide took us inside Casa Batllo before the building opened to the general public. It was magical!

8. Casa Milà

Casa Milà , also known as La Pedrera (the stone quarry), is another famous Gaudi building and a very popular place to see in Barcelona. Like Casa Battlo, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is equally busy to visit!

Casa Mila is famous for its unusual rough-hewn, wavy appearance. Incredibly, it does not have a single straight line and looks almost organic rather than something manmade.

The most impressive is its rooftop and chimneys that you can see up close if you visit inside.

TIP: If you are looking for an even more special experience, you can visit here in the evening, after dark. The rooftop is lit up and you can experience a spectacular light show. For more info and tickets for the La Pedrera night experience, see here .

Good to know: Just like all the Gaudi sights, Casa Mila is an extremely popular attraction in Barcelona. So if you want to be sure to see the interior, you really should get skip-the-line tickets in advance !

Consider this: Casa Battlo and Casa Mila are both iconic landmarks, among the most visited Barcelona attractions. Even with fast-track access, trying to see both of them can eat up too much of your precious time in Barcelona.

So depending on your overall sightseeing itinerary, you might prefer to visit the inside of only one of these buildings and appreciate the other one from the outside.

Opinions differ on which is best – Casa Mila or Casa Battlo. The majority of visitors seem to agree that the interior of Casa Battlo really shouldn’t be missed, so if you can visit just one of the two, make it Casa Battlo, and then admire Casa Mila from the outside. They’re located very close to each other, just 5 minutes walk between the two.

9. Passeig de Gràcia

One of the city’s most important avenues, Passeig de Gràcia is another place you really have to see in Barcelona. Along this famous street, you’ll find some of Barcelona’s most remarkable architecture, high-end boutiques, plus cafés, bars, and restaurants.

Some of the most impressive buildings in Barcelona can be found on Passeig de Gràcia. The earlier-mentioned Casa Battlo and Casa Mila are located here.

Plus, there are many other buildings by other prominent architects including the most famous mansions such as Casa Amatller (this one can also be visited inside ), Casa Lleó Morera , Casa Mulleras , and Casa Josefina Bonet .

TIP: Note the hexagonal tiles on the pavements ! Designed by Gaudi, they all follow the same pattern with natural elements such as starfish, ammonites, and algae. The design was originally meant for the floors of Casa Batllo but was later used for the service floors inside Casa Mila. Recently, the sidewalks of Passeig de Gracia have been paved with tiles produced using this Gaudi design.

Many people come to Passeig de Gràcia just to shop. Indeed, it’s one of the best places for luxury shopping in Barcelona.

There are plenty of renowned international designer stores to choose from, including Prada, Chanel, and Gucci. Or you can head all the way into Gracia Village, where Passeig de Gràcia ends. Here you’ll find an interesting collection of independent boutiques, organic health-food eateries, and stores selling up-cycled furniture.

And if you want to take a break from sightseeing and shopping, you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars at which to stop and enjoy lunch or dinner.

Good to know: Gracia village has lots of outdoor squares lined with laid-back cafes and bars. And its nightlife is excellent, attracting a young and local crowd.

10. Mercado de La Boqueria

Barcelona has 12 large covered 19th-century markets scattered all over the city.

The best-known and most popular indoor market is the Mercado de La Boqueria , housed in a stunning glass and steel building in the heart of La Rambla.

Boqueria Market is a real foodie’s paradise, with local meats, cheeses, and seafood along with a range of exotic and colorful fruits and vegetables. It’s a great place to go for lunch or a quick snack when sightseeing in Barcelona city center.

Good to know: The marker is open every day from morning through to the evening (except on Sundays)

Market stalls and bars selling food and drinks are dotted throughout the market. You may not always be able to sit down as you eat, but you can certainly enjoy the lively atmosphere and bustle!

TIP: Head to the stalls at the back of the market for the best prices – those at the front pay more rent, so they charge more too! And be sure to try one of the many different kinds of freshly squeezed fruit juice while you’re here. They are yummy!

11. Picasso Museum

Picasso Museum is one of the most visited museums in Barcelona. Containing the world’s largest collection of Picasso’s work, the museum is well worth a visit, but you should know that the majority of art you’ll see here dates from his early years. So it might not be exactly what you expect to see based on Picasso’s most famous works…

Although Picasso was born in Malaga, he spent his formative years in Barcelona. Subsequently, it was the place he most considered home. The Picasso Museum honors that connection and contains an extensive collection of his lesser-known works. There are more than 4,200 pieces to view, all chronologically arranged to show the evolution of his art.

You don’t need to be a Picasso fan to appreciate this museum – indeed, there are very few Cubist paintings at all. This museum mostly showcases how his art developed from a traditional style into the rather more unconventional works that made him famous.

It’s really interesting to see how Picasso evolved as an artist and how his style changed with time!

The museum is located in a magnificent medieval building in the old town – somewhat at odds with the style of its subject. However, this also means that the rooms are quite small and it can get very busy at times.

Good to know: The museum is open daily except for Mondays. Count about 1-1.5 hours for a visit.

You can visit the museum on your own (free entrance is included with Barcelona Card and also with the Top-6 Museums Card ). But if you want to learn more about the artist and get a better understanding of his works, there’s also a very good guided tour of the museum .

TIP: Just like the majority of Barcelona museums, you can visit here free of charge at certain times. At the moment of writing, the entrance is free on the first Sunday of the month and from 4 PM on Thursdays.

12. Sant Pau Recinte Modernista

Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site (also known as Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau or Sant Pau Recinte Modernista ) is a true architectural gem of Barcelona! However, this is one of those places that usually get overlooked in most Barcelona sightseeing itineraries which are mainly focused on the world-famous Gaudi buildings.

But if you have an hour to spare, I highly recommend visiting the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site! For us, it was one of the highlights of Barcelona that we really wouldn’t have wanted to miss.

Designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this is a big architectural complex that housed a hospital for more than eighty years. Restored in 2009, it is now a museum called the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site is just a 10-minute walk from La Sagrada Familia . But it has an entirely different feel to it, with few tourists and no street vendors. So close and yet a world apart!

The atmosphere here is magical and tranquil, with beautiful gardens surrounded by art-nouveau architecture. You can see many of the buildings of the former hospital and visit several of them.

Make sure you check out the interior of the Sant Rafael Pavilion. It has been restored to look exactly as it would have done in the 1920s, with antique radiators and hospital beds. And don’t miss the underground tunnels connecting the former hospital rooms with surgical facilities.

Good to know: Sant Pau Recinte Modernista is open daily, except for some public holidays. Here, you can find more info and book tickets .

TIP: If you can, visit here in the late afternoon when the buildings turn bright orange, colored by the setting sun. It’s absolutely impressive! However, this will depend on the season when you visit – in the summer, the sun sets much later than in the fall when we visited.

Anyway, no matter the time of day or season, don’t miss this stunning landmark in Barcelona. It’s absolutely worth a short detour from La Sagrada Familia!

WINTER TIP: If you are visiting Barcelona during the holiday season (+-end November – mid-January), don’t miss Els Llums de Sant Pau Christmas Garden . The entire site is then lit up with millions of Christmas lights – it’s absolutely magical!

13. Palau de la Música Catalana

The Palau de la Música Catalana is one of the architectural gems of Barcelona! Just as the above-mentioned Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, this beautiful concert hall was also designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

The exterior is very striking, with bright colors and detailed mosaics. Unfortunately, it is a little hard to appreciate because the streets surrounding it are so narrow. But step inside and you cannot help but be mesmerized by the lavish interior, with its ornate glass roof.

This music hall doesn’t appear in many Barcelona travel guides. And maybe that’s a good thing, as it allows you to enjoy the stunning beauty of this building in relative peace. But now that you know about it, be sure to visit!

We stumbled upon it by coincidence when researching something else and decided to check it out. It became one of our favorite places in Barcelona!

Good to know: You can freely visit the entrance hall and cafe, both of which are stunning. Normally, you need to join a guided tour in order to see the main concert hall, but they now have an option for a self-guided tour as well.

Tours take around 45 minutes, so if you visit on your own, count at least half an hour.

Palau de la Música Catalana is a working concert hall, so you can also attend a concert here. The sightseeing visits during the day are usually available every day, year-round. However, during certain events, the music hall might not be open for visits. So if you want to see it inside, be sure to check in advance!

TIP: Whether you want to visit on your own or with their guide, be sure to book the tickets in advance . That way, you’ll also immediately see if some dates aren’t available. Also, while not very widely known, the place is popular enough to fill the available ticket slots, especially during the high season.

14. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Located below the Palau Nacional Art Museum ( MNAC ) on the Montjuïc mountain, The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc (Font Màgica de Montjuïc) is one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions. And it’s FREE!

Every evening, this dancing fountain offers stunning displays of music, light, and water acrobatics. These music- and light shows are very popular with locals and tourists alike and attract big crowds.

Arrive here at least 15-30 minutes before the show in order to secure a good spot close to the fountains. In the high season, people usually start to arrive an hour in advance.

Practical information: The best way to get to Font Màgica de Montjuïc is by taking a metro to Plaça d’Espanya. If you have more time, plan half a day for a visit – take a cable car from the waterfront area, explore the Montjuïc mountain and Miro Museum (see below), and then see the fountains in the evening.

Magic Fountain show times vary per season:

• March: Thursday to Saturday from 8 PM to 9 PM.
• April, May, October : Thursday to Saturday from 9 PM to 10 PM.
• June, July, August, September: Wednesday to Sunday from 9.30 PM to 10.30 PM.
• November, December + the first week of January: Thursday to Saturday from 8 PM to 9 PM.
• Rest of January and February: closed.
• This is general info in ‘normal’ times, but be sure to double-check online for the up-to-date schedule before you go!

Good to know: If you are visiting the city in September, then you can see The ‘Piromusical’ here. This huge firework display with accompanying music and lasers is the closing event for La Mercè – Barcelona’s main festival.

TIP: Be sure to climb the staircase to Palau Nacional on Montjuïc – the views from the top are really nice . However, this is actually something that you’ll appreciate better during the day when it’s light or at sunset – a good reason to arrive earlier and explore the area. You can find more information about other attractions on Montjuïc further below.

15. Montjuïc: Cable Car, Castle, Palau Nacional & City Views

Montjuïc (the Jewish Mountain) is the best-known hill in Barcelona. It houses several parks, botanical gardens, places, pavilions, and museums, many of which were built for the 1929 World Fair that was held in Barcelona.

Nowadays, it’s a popular place to visit in the city and some of the must-see sights mentioned in this guide are located in this area (such as the Magical Fountain, the Museum of National Art of Catalonia , Joan Miro Museum , or an open-air museum Poble Espanyol ).

But the majority of tourists come here for aerial views of the city from the Montjuïc cable car , the Montjuïc Castle, and other viewpoints nearby. Also the earlier-mentioned views from the staircase at Palau Nacional on Montjuïc are not to be missed.

Good to know: While you can walk to the top of the mountain from the city center, the easiest way to get here is by taking a cable car from the waterfront or by hop-on-hop-off bus .

TIP: A nice way to visit Montjuïc is by joining an e-bike tour . Or you can visit with a walking tour that includes a cable car ride .

With a local guide, you don’t have to wonder where exactly to go or what to see and do at Montjuïc (which is a big advantage because the area is really big and it’s quite overwhelming).

16. Joan Miró Foundation

Located on Montjuïc Mountain, Joan Miró Foundation is one of the best contemporary art museums in Barcelona

There are artworks by Joan Miró throughout Barcelona, but this museum is dedicated purely to his art. Well worth a visit and fun for all ages!

Housing more than 10,000 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other pieces, it is located in an innovative building designed by the Spanish architect, Rafael Moneo. There are beautiful gardens to explore and frequent exhibitions of the works of other artists.

TIP: Be sure to visit the rooftop terrace of the museum. Along with a collection of Miró’s colorful sculptures, you can also enjoy some wonderful views across the city.

Good to know: For the opening dates and tickets, see here .

We just got the tickets on the spot and there was no need to book in advance. However, we visited in a rather quiet season.

17. Port Vell

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without a walk along its waterfront at Port Vell .

Port Vell is the Old Harbour of Barcelona, with a wide waterfront promenade leading down to the city’s famous beaches. It’s a bustling area with lots of cafes, restaurants, and also the History Museum of Catalonia .

Check out Rambla De Mar , a modern bridge/walkway that connects the city center to the modern bustling area with Barcelona Aquarium and Maremagnum shopping center.

It’s also nice to just take a stroll around the harbor and admire the yachts and boats moored there.

18. La Barceloneta

Port Vell borders the historic neighborhood called La Barceloneta . This charming local area was an old fishing district .

La Barceloneta is lined with narrow one-way streets towered by high apartment buildings, with laundry hanging out the windows everywhere you look.

Despite its relatively central location in Barcelona, this neighborhood has a very traditional feel, with elderly gentlemen sitting in the streets outside their houses and women calling across to each other over balconies.

Good to know: There are many good restaurants in this area offering fresh seafood options. It is a nice place to come for lunch or dinner.

The restaurants at the waterfront tend to be more touristy, but – despite having pictures on the menu and overly friendly waiters trying to convince you to choose their place – the food is generally very good.

TIP: For a more local feel a bit off the beaten path, check out the restaurants in the narrow side streets of La Barceloneta. There are many great choices and all types of cuisine, not just seafood.

19. Barcelona Beaches & Waterfront

Barcelona Waterfront is a large coastal area stretching between Playa de Llevant Beach on the outskirts of the city center and the Cruise Ship Terminal in the city center. This commercial and recreational area was created in the early 1990s and has some of Barcelona’s best beaches and a beautiful wide pedestrian area where you can walk/bike/skate for miles .

Barcelona has miles of scenic coastline and some beaches are just a 15-minute walk from the city center. There is something very special about being able to spend half a day admiring Barcelona’s incredible architecture and visiting landmarks, and then relaxing in the sunshine on a beautiful beach in the afternoon!

Some beaches are bustling – crowded with tourists, hawkers, and street performers. Others are far more peaceful, perfect for unwinding with a good book and a cold drink.

Closer to the center, there is also a maritime station for ferries and you can watch cruise ships come in to dock. You’ll also find the Maritime Museum here, housed in a large medieval shipyard, plus L’Aquàrium , one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

TIP: Why not get a different perspective on the city by taking a trip in one of the Golondrinas (ferries) moored opposite the Columbus Monument and take in all the sights of the waterfront! Or book one of the amazing sailing cruises – it’s a great way to see the city from another perspective while at the same time relaxing from all the walking and sightseeing.

Good to know: If you’re looking for a party atmosphere and want to connect with like-minded visitors from all over the world, head to Barceloneta Beach. The nightlife in Barceloneta is very vibrant too! For the best family-friendly option, try Nova Icaria Beach. Whilst tranquil, it still has plenty of restaurants and bars, plus some excellent sports facilities.

You might want to avoid cocktails and drinks from vendors walking along the beaches. They are often unrefrigerated for long periods and tend to warm up!

20. Camp Nou – F.C. Barcelona Stadium

Update 2024: At the moment of the last update, Camp Nou Stadium is undergoing a complete renovation. It is still possible to visit the museum .

Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe and the home stadium of the world-famous F.C. Barcelona. This is a must-see for any football fanatics but is actually really interesting even if you are not a fan. Camp Nou is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Barcelona!

We went here mainly because of our kids who live and breathe football, but – despite having zero expectations – I loved it too. After all, it’s not every day that you get to experience such a large stadium with behind-the-scenes access!

Tours include the pitch, the stands, and the players’ bench, along with the changing rooms and press area. Also included is a visit to the museum where you can see the many trophies on display and learn more about the club’s amazing history.

Good to know: The stadium is located a bit outside the city center. You can get here by metro or by hop-on hop-off bus .

TIP: There are various ticket- and tour options for a visit here. The most popular – and the option we chose – is a self-guided stadium- and museum tour. Another option is a guided tour, but I’d only recommend it to those who want to learn even more about the team and its history.

If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, you can also opt for the Players Experience Tour which includes everything the standard tour does, plus access to the actual FC Barcelona players’ locker rooms, an official FC Barcelona gift, and a few other perks.

21. Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is a modernist building dating from the end of the 19th century. It is considered to be Gaudi’s first major project

Unique in style, Casa Vicens looks nothing like the other Gaudi buildings in Barcelona! Its look is distinctly oriental, with dome-shaped finishes and Moorish arches. Its design was influenced by the art of India, Persia, and Japan along with Hispanic Islamic works.

Built in 1883-85 as a family summer house in the former village of Gràcia (now one of the city neighborhoods), the building was expanded by another architect in 1925. By that time, Gaudi was mainly focused on La Sagrada Familia, with little interest in other projects. But the original style was retained.

Casa Vicens has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recently restored to its former glory.

As with all of Gaudi’s buildings, the interior of Casa Vicens does not disappoint either. You can easily spend 1 to 2 hours here admiring the bizarre but beautiful decorative elements of its rooms.

TIP: Casa Vicens is hardly ever mentioned among the best places to see in Barcelona, and so many tourists don’t even know about it. This is mainly due to the fact that it was only opened to the public a few years ago is far less known than Gaudi’s other buildings.

This means that it is much quieter, making it a great place to visit in Barcelona if you prefer to avoid crowds .

Good to know: Casa Vicens is open daily. You can find more information and get the tickets here . Despite being somewhat of a hidden gem, it’s becoming better known as more and more people discover it. So get there before the rest of the world finds out!

22. Palau Güell

Güell Palace – not to be confused with Park Güell – is one of Gaudi’s early works and another popular landmark to see in Barcelona. This magnificent building is located in the Raval district – close to La Rambla shopping street in the heart of the city center. This is the only Gaudi building that is located in the old town .

This modernist mansion was commissioned by the industrial tycoon Eusebi Güell in the late 19th century. He wanted somewhere luxurious to live in an area that was very run down at the time. He certainly got his wish – every part of this incredible palace is decorative and opulent, from the forged iron gates at the front to the roof terrace adorned with mosaics and fourteen chimneys.

Good to know: Palau Güell is open daily except for Mondays. A free audio guide is included with your ticket. For more info and tickets, see here .

TIP: If you are visiting in the summer, check if there are any events planned here during your stay. Frequent concerts are held on the rooftop terrace of Palau Gëull and tickets include a tour around the palace.

23. Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA)

MUHBA – Museum of History of Barcelona – is one the most interesting museums in the city. Here, you can see the archeological site with the actual remains of streets and buildings of Barcelona as it looked like about 2000 years ago.

Located inside the Palau Clarina Padellàs (the Gothic Palace) on Plaça del Rei just behind the Barcelona Cathedral, this fascinating museum is dedicated to researching and preserving Barcelona’s history. It contains more than 35,000 historical and cultural objects.

There are also several other sites managed by the museum around the city. Some contain excavated portions of the Roman city of Barcino, whilst others date back to medieval times.

Good to know: The museum is open daily except for Mondays. Audio guides are included with your ticket, which includes admission to all MUHBA sites in the city. You can find more info on their (rather confusing) website . Or simply walk over there and likely, you’ll be able to just get a ticket on the spot. Despite its central location, many people seem to just pass by here, so it’s usually not too busy.

TIP: Even if you are not interested in visiting the museum, be sure to come and see the impressive medieval architecture of Plaça del Rei .

24. Arco de Triunfo & Ciutadella Park

Built in 1888 as the gateway to the Universal Exhibition, the Arco de Triunfo is located at the Passeig Lluís Companys promenade.

It is one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, with a classic shape and beautiful decorative finishes. At the top, you can see the coat of arms of the city, under which are the shields of the 49 Spanish provinces.

The Passeig Lluís Companys leads to Ciutadella Park , probably Barcelona’s most idyllic spot. It’s a lovely place for a picnic, with palm trees, a fountain designed by Gaudi, and a pretty rowing lake.

There are also numerous attractions on the grounds, including zoology and geology museums, honorary statues, and the Barcelona Zoo . The Parliament of Catalonia and a few other interesting landmarks are located here as well. It’s a really large park with lots to see!

TIP: Be sure to climb to the top of the Cascada del Parc de la Ciutadella fountain for nice views of the park. It’s especially nice late in the afternoon, around sunset.

25. Plaça d’Espanya & Views from Arenas de Barcelona

Plaça d’Espanya is a large square close to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. It’s somewhat of an eclectic mix of sculptures, monuments, and busy traffic with several major avenues coming together here. Just a few minutes walk to the south, you’ll find the earlier-mentioned Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.

On the northern side of Placa d’Espanya, you’ll find Las Arenas de Barcelona . This oval-shaped commercial shopping center was originally a bullfighting arena but was reconstructed in 2011.

There are countless shops here and its top floor is filled with restaurants that go all the way around the perimeter, and there are also cinemas (with all the movies in Spanish, however).

But the main reason to mention a shopping center in this Barcelona sightseeing guide is because of the awesome 360° city views from the large circular platform at the very top of Arenas de Barcelona. And also because it’s so close to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc which you’ll likely want to visit anyway. And if you’re already in the area, it’s just a small effort to check out those views.

We visited here around sunset, before heading to the fountain for the evening show, and the views were really nice. Well worth a small detour.

TIP: There is a glass elevator to the rooftop, but there is a small charge to use it. Unless you specifically want to enjoy views on your way up, then you can also just take the stairs or the escalator, which are free!

26. Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar

The beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is a 14th-century Gothic Church. Together with La Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Cathedral, this is one of the nicest churches to see in the city.

It is located in the El Born neighborhood, a maze of medieval streets lined with trendy boutiques and cafes. Taking 55 years to build – partially paid for and constructed by the parishioners themselves – it is famous as being an example of pure Catalan Gothic architecture. This is rare, as most churches and cathedrals have a mixture of different styles.

TIP: You can see the best of the church in 20 minutes or so. But if you have more time then I recommend taking the guided tour, which includes a visit to the rooftop. The views of the skyline of the Old City are quite beautiful.

Good to know: The Basilica is open daily, in the morning and in the evening (usually closed between 1 and 5 PM).

27. Santa Caterina Market

Mercat de Santa Caterina is a covered food market located close to the Picasso Museum. It is easily spotted because of its brightly colored roof. If you want to visit a few local markets in Barcelona, this is a good option.

Clean, well-organized, and modern, it tends to be far quieter than the famous Mercado de La Boqueria, so it’s easier to sample the wares at all the different stalls and try some local specialties. It also has better prices and it is easier to get a seat if you decide to stop for lunch at one of the restaurants or bars.

The site now occupied by the market was originally home to the convent of Santa Caterina, of the Dominican Order or Order of Preachers. Remains of the cloister are still visible in the basement and can be seen with a ticket to the Barcelona History Museum.

Good to know: Santa Caterina market is open daily except on Sundays, from 7.30 AM to 8 PM. However, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays it closes at 3.30 PM already.

28. Day trip to Montserrat Monastery

No list of the best things to do in Barcelona would be complete without mentioning the most popular day trip near the city – a visit to the Abbey of Montserrat .

The mountain range of Montserrat is located around 50km northwest of Barcelona. Its main attraction is the Benedictine Monastery Santa Maria de Montserrat, one of Catalonia’s most important religious sites.

You can’t actually go inside the monastery, but you can visit the grounds, the church, and see the statue of the Black Madonna, Catalonia’s patron saint. You can also hear daily performances from the world-famous Montserrat boys’ choir. In addition, there are some hiking trails and you can enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

Good to know: There are many ways to visit Montserrat Monastery – on your own by train or by car, or with one of the many tours from the city . Here you can read our Montserrat tour review , and via the link below – find all the info you need for a visit.

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Montserrat from Barcelona

Additional suggestions for what to see and do in Barcelona

We have now covered most of the main sights in Barcelona. However – as you can imagine – a city like Barcelona has so much more to offer than just the main landmarks and top sights mentioned above !

There are just too many attractions in Barcelona than we can mention in one guide (while still keeping it somewhat manageable for tourists just looking to cover the musts…).

So here is a list of some other great activities in Barcelona that are well worth considering too . From local experiences to the best places to visit with kids, fun things to do in Barcelona at night, and more.

TIP: Even if you just add one or two of these activities to your Barcelona sightseeing itinerary, it will make your visit to the city so much more special. Take a look!

Fun experiences and attractions in Barcelona:

• Food tours – one of our favorite ways to explore any city!
• Cooking classes .
• Sailing and catamaran cruises – a relaxing way to see the city from another perspective.
• Bike and e-bike tours .
• Segway- or e-scooter city tours .
• Street art tour by bike .
• Flamenco shows – a must in Spain.
• Hot-air balloon rides .
• Helicopter tours .

Things to do in Barcelona with kids:

• Barcelona Aquarium .
• Barcelona Zoo .
• Family walking tour at the Gothic Quarter (ideal for families with kids aged 4-12 yrs).
• Museum of Illusions (just next to La Rambla and La Boqueria market).
• PortAventura theme park – spend a day at Spain’s largest amusement park and one of the largest theme parks in Europe.
• Caribe Aquatic tour – a water park at PortAventura.

Things to do in Barcelona at night:

• Sunset cruises .
• Flamenco shows .
• Casa Mila (La Pedrera) night experience .
• Ghost tours .
• Magic fountain show .
• Cocktails and tapas .
• Nightclubs and pub crawls .

More museums to visit in Barcelona:

• Poble Espanyol Site – open-air museum at Montjuïc.
• Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) – in the city center.
• Egyptian Museum – close to Gaudi buildings in the center.
• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – at Montjuïc.
• Salvador Dali Museum at Figueres – day trip from Barcelona.
• Olympic & Sports Museum – at Montjuïc.
• History Museum of Catalonia – at the old harbor Port Vell.
• The World of Banksy, Immersive Experience – in the center.
• Big Fun Museum – in the center, right on La Rambla.
• Wax Museum – in the center.

Where to Stay

If you are visiting for the first time and want to explore the main sights and tourist attractions, the very best area to stay for sightseeing in Barcelona is around Catalunya Square.

Here are some of the best-rated hotels in this area for all budgets:

€€€€€ Ohla Barcelona €€€€ Hotel Jazz €€€ El Avenida Palace €€ Mothern by Pillow € Hostal La Palmera

Map of Barcelona Attractions

To help you plan your time in the city, we created this map indicating the main landmarks, sights, and tourist attractions in Barcelona mentioned in this article . It should give you a better idea of where everything is located and help you plan your itinerary.

This map shows the main places to see in Barcelona as described in our list above. To make it somewhat easier to use and keep the focus on the best sights, we didn’t indicate any of the additional suggestions or places that are outside the city (like Montserrat Monastery).

You’ll also see that we use different colors depending on whether the places are must-see (purple), highly recommended (red), or nice-to-see (yellow). They’re ALL worth a visit, but if you are short on time, this might help you decide what to see first.

TIP: Take a look at our suggestions on how to spend one day in Barcelona and also on how to plan a 2-day Barcelona trip . It will give you a better idea of how to see the main sights in just a few days.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to the top sights and attractions in Barcelona. I hope that it helps you plan your trip and enjoy every moment of your visit to this world-class destination and its charming mix of avant-garde and traditional style!

TIP: For more practical information for your visit, be sure to check Barcelona travel tips via the link below.

In this article, you’ll find more information about getting around, where to stay, tipping and haggling etiquette, bizarre dining hours, and more. Take a look!

READ ALSO: Top Tips for Visiting Barcelona for the First Time

More travel inspiration for Spain:

• Best Things to Do in Spain
• 1 Day in Barcelona
• 2-3 Days in Barcelona
• Best Gaudi Tour in Barcelona
• How to Visit Montserrat from Barcelona
• Montserrat Tour
• Toledo Day Trip (from Madrid)
• 1 Day in Seville
• 1 Day in Madrid
• 2 Days in Seville
• Best Flamenco Tour in Seville
• Read also our tips for planning a trip to Europe .

Have a great trip!

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration for European cities:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Siena, Italy
• Sintra, Portugal
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• For more… check our destinations page.

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Visit Barcelona: Top 25 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in barcelona: the 25 best places to visit and highlights.

You’re planning to visit Barcelona during your next trip to Spain?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the best things to do in Barcelona , with all the must-see attractions and points of interest.

From Parc Guell to La Sagrada Familia , you will discover all the best places to visit in the city as well as hidden gems , known only by locals.

And at the end of this article, you will also find itineraries to visit Barcelona in 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days (or even a week!) as well as my suggestions of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Barcelona? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. La Sagrada Familia

2. las ramblas of barcelona, 3. mercado de la boqueria, 4. plaza catalunya, 5. passeig de gracia: shopping in barcelona, 6. casa batlló, 7. casa milà or “la pedrera”, 8. park güell – where to walk in barcelona, 9. güell palace, 10. visit the national art museum of catalonia (mnac), 11. plaça d’espanya and the magic fountain of montjuic, 12. the olympic installations from the 1992 olympic games, 13. montjuic hill, 14. visit camp nou stadium, 15. the basilica of santa maria del mar, 16. barcelona port / barcelona cruises, 17. going to the beach in barcelona, 18. ciutadella park, 19. barcelona’s cathedral of the holy cross, 20. the palau de la música catalana, 21. the recinte modernista de sant pau, 22. the best viewpoints and lookouts in barcelona, 23. horta’s labyrinth park, 24. attending la mercè, 25. exploring barcelona’s gastronomy, the 6 best things to do around barcelona, best things to do in barcelona when it rains, visiting barcelona with kids, how many days to visit barcelona, 1 day in barcelona, 2 days in barcelona, 3 days in barcelona, 4 days in barcelona, 5 days in barcelona, where to stay in barcelona, where to eat in barcelona, my tips for a trip to barcelona, barcelona tourist map, how to get to barcelona, how to get around barcelona, what are the best places to visit in barcelona, when is the best time to visit barcelona, what to do in barcelona at night, you’re traveling in spain these articles will help you, visit barcelona: all must-see attractions.

You simply can’t visit Barcelona without planning a visit to La Sagrada Familia.

La Sagrada Familia is the most famous work of Catalan architect Gaudí , who shaped Barcelona’s architectural landscape until his death in 1926. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site , it’s Spain’s most visited monument and the emblematic symbol of Barcelona.

You’ll immediately understand why upon arriving at the Basilica: the building is impressive , with its details and Catholic references . Its unique architectural style, mixing Gothic and Art Nouveau , will take your breath away!

Under construction for 136 years , La Sagrada Familia is still unfinished and is not expected to be completed until 2027. In the meantime, the entry fees are used to fund the completion of the work. You can boast about having contributed to the construction of this masterpiece!

Practically speaking, La Sagrada Familia is open every day from 9 AM, and until 6 PM, 7 PM, or 8 PM depending on the season.

Of course, you can visit the interior as well as the museum displaying original plans and drawings that trace the evolution of the Basilica.

I highly recommend you book your ticket online before your visit to La Sagrada Familia. At any time of the day, the queue is often endless , and it would be a shame to waste hours waiting in line!

You need to book your skip-the-line ticket for La Sagrada Familia by clicking on the button below:

And if you prefer a guided tour of La Sagrada Familia with an official guide, simply click here to book it!

To visit Barcelona and La Sagrada Familia , you should get the Barcelona Pass.

Here’s what’s included:

• Skip-the-line entry to La Sagrada Familia
• Entry to Park Güell
• Access to the Hop-On Hop-Off bus for 24 hours
• Barcelona audioguide to download
• 10% discount on other entrance tickets to buy online like Casa Batlló.

You need to book your Barcelona City Pass by clicking on the button below:

La Rambla (or Las Ramblas) is another place you don’t wanna miss during your visit to Barcelona.

It’s the pedestrian boulevard that connects the port of Barcelona to Plaza Catalunya (Plaça de Catalunya).

What to see along Las Ramblas of Barcelona:

• La Font de Canaletes: a gathering place for Barcelona residents during major events and football victories!
• Joan Miro’s mosaic, created directly on the pavement
• The Gran Teatre del Liceu, the oldest in the city
• Plaza Reial and its numerous bars
• Palau de la Virreina, which hosts temporary exhibitions.

Along nearly 2 km , you will also find numerous street artists, musicians, shops , and plenty of cafés and restaurants. Also, don’t miss the living statues : men and women dressed as creatures that are truly impressive.

You’ll find them towards the lower part of Las Ramblas , closer to the port.

Did you know?

During your stay in Barcelona, you should really go to the Mercado de La Boqueria.

The market, the oldest in the city, is the main tourist attraction on Las Ramblas . Look for an Art Nouveau portal and a crowd of tourists pouring in: that’s the spot!

This place is perfect for finding all kinds of Catalan products : tapas, Iberian ham, turron, fresh fruit… A true feast for the eyes and the palate. The stalls are beautifully presented, and the atmosphere is warm. You’ll want to try everything!

If you’re interested in Spanish cuisine , I recommend a super fun activity to do in Barcelona.

You can visit La Boqueria with a chef who will choose the best ingredients and then prepare for you a variety of hot and cold tapas as well as a paella . You’ll be able to watch the whole process and, of course, taste everything at the end accompanied by a small glass of sangria!

Book your visit to Mercado de La Boqueria and cooking class right here.

It will be hard to avoid the crowds on Las Ramblas, but if you don’t want to be with all the tourists, go there early in the morning , between 8 AM and 10 AM. You’ll be more at ease to admire the old buildings along the promenade.

To continue your tour of Barcelona, I suggest you then head to Plaza Catalunya (Plaça de Catalunya), located at the end of Las Ramblas.

It’s the heart of the city , at the crossroads of Las Ramblas, Rambla de Catalunya, and Passeig de Gracia.

There, you’ll find several statues , including the statue of Frederic Marès, a few cafés, and an El Corte Inglés . You should have a drink on the roof of the department store , the view is really nice!

Plaza Catalunya is also the starting point of many metro lines and the Barcelona equivalent of the suburban rail, the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC).

So, this is the perfect starting point if you want to visit Barcelona using public transportation.

Continuing from Las Ramblas , past Plaza Catalunya, you will find Passeig de Gracia .

It’s one of the most famous avenues in Barcelona and one of the many places to see.

Originally, Passeig de Gracia was the avenue where wealthy Barcelona families lived . Hence, you will find magnificent villas , including some designed by Gaudí ( Casa Batlló and Casa Milà ), and Puig y Cadafalch , another renowned architect in Barcelona ( Casa Amatller ).

Passeig de Gracia is also the perfect place for shopping among the countless luxury stores that line the promenade (or just window shopping if your budget doesn’t allow), with brands like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Cartier, Hermès, Gucci…

The street lamps of Passeig de Gracia are also signed by Gaudí. It seems that Barcelona’s favorite architect truly left his mark everywhere.

To continue this guide of the best places to visit in Barcelona, let’s head to Casa Batlló.

It’s one of the two villas designed by Gaudí on Passeig de Gracia. Known as La Casa del Ossos (the House of Bones) by the locals, it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I strongly recommend visiting it as it is even more impressive inside than outside!

I suggest, again, that you book your ticket online in advance to avoid the potentially endless queue, even before 11 AM.

A 3D audiovisual guide makes the visit interactive and even more enjoyable:

Plan about 1 hour for the visit.

If you want to experience Casa Batlló differently , I recommend you get the “Magical Nights” ticket .

It includes an animated nighttime tour with live music on the rooftop terrace (at 8 PM), as well as 2 complimentary drinks .

The other Gaudí villa located on Passeig de Gracia is Casa Milà , nicknamed “La Pedrera” (which means “the stone quarry” in Catalan, a nickname given for its unique architecture).

Also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites , the building is recognizable from afar with its wavy white façade . Spanning 5 floors and 4,500 m², you can discover all of Gaudí’s architectural genius and immerse yourself in his world.

The view of Barcelona from the rooftop terrace is also breathtaking.

To book your skip-the-line ticket for Casa Mila, click here:

Should you wish to visit Casa Mila in a unique way , I suggest you book a night tour tickets (click here) with a show.

Starting from 9 PM, audiovisual projections take place in different parts of the building and on the roof. Plus, a glass of champagne is included.

If you wish to visit the three remarkable houses designed by Gaudí while saving money, you should get the Gaudí Houses Pass.

It includes:

• Skip-the-line access to Casa Milà + audio guide
• Entry to Casa Batlló + audio guide
• Skip-the-line ticket for Palau Güell + audio guide

You need to book the pass to visit Gaudí’s houses by clicking this green button:

Let’s continue with Gaudí’s works: Park Güell is another must-see tourist attraction in Barcelona.

Built between 1900 and 1914 by order of Eusebi Güell, a friend and patron of Gaudí, the park was originally intended to be a garden city housing about 60 homes. In the end, only 4 houses were built due to budgetary constraints.

However, Park Güell remains a treasure trove of Modernist architecture and Art Nouveau , showcasing the blend of modernism and nature that characterized Gaudí’s work.

It’s divided into two areas: the “Monumental” zone, which has an entrance fee (this is where the famous curvy benches, the salamander, and the columns are found) and a free area.

You should plan to spend several hours exploring this park.

You can also climb up to the viewpoint (Mirador de Virolai), and even though the climb is a bit tough, it’s worth it. The panoramic view of Barcelona’s landmarks is stunning.

Tickets to visit the park must be reserved well in advance as availability is really limited:

Don’t forget, if you have purchased the Barcelona City Pass , entry to Park Güell is already included!

Güell Palace is yet another commission by Güell for Gaudí , located in the Raval neighborhood, in the historical center of Barcelona. It actually served as the Güell family’s residence .

Do not be deceived by the rather modest facade of the villa: the interior is truly luxurious .

The must-see elements of Palau Güell include the wrought iron gate, the entrance hall , and also the mansion’s bedrooms.

The full price ticket is 12€ but you can visit the palace for free on the first Sunday of every month.

You need to buy your ticket by clicking here.

If you have purchased the Gaudi Pass , entrance to Güell Palace is included!

You’re going to Barcelona?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in the large European cities 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Barcelona on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Barcelona.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Barcelona, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Barcelona!

What are the best things to do in Barcelona if you love art and culture?

Go visit the MNAC!

The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) is famous for having the largest Romanesque art collection in the world. Besides its rich collections spanning all mediums and eras, it’s housed in a majestic palace specially built for the 1929 World Fair.

It’s also one of the largest museums in Spain.

You need to buy your MNAC entrance tickets by clicking here:

It’s possible to visit the MNAC for free , including both permanent and temporary exhibitions, on Saturdays after 3 PM and all first Sundays of the month.

If you plan to visit other museums in Barcelona besides the MNAC, you should buy the Barcelona Museum Pass. It will grant you access to the city’s 6 main museums (skip-the-line tickets):

• National Art Museum of Catalonia
• Barcelona Picasso Museum
• Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
• Fundació Joan Miró
• Contemporary Culture Center of Barcelona
• Fundació Antoni Tàpies.

You need to buy it by clicking on the button below:

Let’s continue this guide of Barcelona’s must-see attractions and head to Plaça d’Espanya.

Located opposite the MNAC, designed by architect Puig i Cadafalch , it was also built for the 1929 World Fair.

It’s recognizable by the former bullring , which is now a shopping center . I definitely recommend heading to the top floor , on the roof terrace: it offers a magnificent view of the square and Montjuic hill.

Don’t miss the Magic Fountain of Montjuic , located between the MNAC and Plaça Espanya.

Every evening, from Wednesday to Sunday , the fountain lights up to music . It’s an unmissable spectacle that both locals and tourists flock to see it: you should thus arrive early to get a good spot!

You may already know that Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games . A lot of sites were built for the occasion, especially in the Olympic port and on Montjuic hill.

Here are the main Olympic facilities to see:

• Montjuic Olympic Park , which includes the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi, the Calatrava Tower, the Barcelona Sports Palace, and the Pavilion of Industrial Spain.
• Parc del Mar , home to the Olympic Port of Barcelona and the Mar Bella Pavilion.

For a hassle-free (and fun!) way to explore the Olympic sites , you should opt for a 1.5 hours guided Segway tour.

Reserve your spot by clicking here!

Aside from the Olympic Park, Montjuic Hill still has many surprises in store. It’s a very peaceful area in Barcelona, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Here are the best places to visit in Montjuic:

• Montjuic Castle , which played a controversial role in the city’s history, notably as a vantage point for bombings during the War of Spanish Succession (18th and 19th centuries). It offers a breathtaking view of Barcelona’s coastline
• Barcelona Botanical Garden , where you can admire plant species from Australia, California, the Mediterranean, and more
• Miramar Gardens with their magnificent panorama over the entire city
• The Greek Theatre Gardens
• Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens , with a Californian theme.

To get to Montjuic , you can take the bus or go on foot, but I highly recommend taking the Montjuic cable car from Barceloneta. The view from the cable car is absolutely worth it!

Round-trip tickets are available right here.

What’s the best place to visit in Barcelona if you’re a sports enthusiast, especially a football fan?

The Camp Nou Stadium, without any hesitation!

The “Camp Nou Experience” combined tour allows you to visit the home of FC Barcelona, which is not only the largest stadium in Spain but also in Europe, as well as the FC Barcelona Museum. You will be completely immersed into the world of Spanish football.

You need to book this experience directly here:

To get there, your best option is to take the subway: line L3 to Palau Reial or Les Corts stations; and line 5 to Badal or Collblanc stations.

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar , located in the historical Born district, is a must-visit for fans of Gothic architecture and religious history.

You’ll surely be impressed by the immensity of the Basilica from the inside. You should ideally visit at night when it’s illuminated – it’s even more beautiful!

You can find opening hours and access information on the official website.

Not many people know, but you can climb right to the top of the basilica. From the Terraces of Santa Maria del Mar , you’ll get an unbeatable view of the Born district and the surrounding areas. However, this privilege comes at a cost (8€).

Port Vell is also worth a visit in Barcelona.

Theren you can find a shopping center ( Mare Magnum ), which might interest you if you’re fond of shopping. To get there, feel free to walk across the pedestrian bridge from La Rambla to the shopping center.

Here are some other attractions you can find at Port Vell:

• Christopher Columbus statue : you can climb to the top for a nice view of La Rambla and the port
• The IMAX cinema
• Barcelona Aquarium: This is a great activity for families visiting Barcelona. Tickets available here .

Port Vell is also where you can embark on Golondrinas cruises .

These boats take you to see Barcelona from the water, offering a different perspective of the city. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy. You need to book your tickets by clicking here.

And if you prefer a more festive cruise,   you should opt for a catamaran ride.

The outing lasts 3 hours and includes a barbecue lunch (with drinks). A DJ is on board to set the mood, and there’s even a planned swimming stop.

Book by clicking the green button below:

You can also combine a cruise in the port with a helicopter flight over the city and a guided tour of the Gothic Quarter.

This 4-hour excursion for the three activities is around 135 euros, which is really a great deal considering the price of helicopter flights!

Book using the green button below:

Where to go to the beach in Barcelona?

Barcelona is also famous for its beaches, and if you’re visiting Barcelona during the summer, it’s the best way to cool off.

There are 10 beaches in Barcelona, spread along the Passeig Maritim.

The beaches closest to the center ( Barceloneta, Sant Miquel, and Sant Sebastià ) are the busiest. For a quieter experience, head to Nova Icària Beach.

Let’s continue this guide with Ciutadella Park , another famous park in Barcelona, built for the 1888 Universal Exposition.

It’s a favorite spot for locals when the weather is nice, and you can even enjoy a boat ride on its lake.

In the park, you will find several tourist attractions such as:

• The Arc de Triomf
• The Museum of Modern Art
• The seat of the Parliament of Catalonia.

If you’re visiting Barcelona with your children, you can also take them to Barcelona Zoo. Tickets on sale here!

And to save money when you’re visiting Barcelona with your family, I recommend 2 packages that include entry to the zoo (click the links to book):

• Barcelona Family Pass : includes zoo entry + one-hour harbor cruise + fast-track entry to the Wax Museum
• The Zoo and Aquarium Pack : includes zoo entry + aquarium ticket + a ride on Barcelona’s port cable car.

Another great way to explore the park and its surroundings is to opt for a 2-hour electric scooter tour.

The tour also includes a visit to the Olympic Port and the beaches.

The same tour is also available on a Segway:

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Barcelona is definitely the first landmark you’ll notice while wandering through the Gothic Quarter.

This impressive cathedral is one of Barcelona’s most majestic religious sights . Built in Gothic style, it is rich in detail and sculpture , both on the exterior and interior.

Admission costs 7€ and gives you access to the cathedral, the cloister, the terraces, the choir, the museum, and the chapel.

To explore other monuments in the Gothic Quarter , you can choose a guided walking tour.

For 2 hours, a professional guide will show you every corner of the neighborhood.

To book, click here:

This Art Nouveau concert hall is surely one of the most beautiful in the world.

This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the early 20th century by Domènech i Montaner, who was a mentor to Gaudí and Puig i Cadafalch.

To visit the Palau de la Música Catalana , a guided tour is mandatory. Lasting 50 minutes, a guide will show you the intermission hall and balcony , the auditorium , and the upper balconies.

The tour is very interesting and full of fascinating anecdotes. It costs 20€ per person and various languages are available depending on the schedule.

Book your palace tour directly here.

The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is another modernist masterpiece by architect Domènech i Montaner whom I just mentioned.

It was once a public hospital , designed as a garden city, and functioned throughout the 20th century.

You can visit several buildings on the premises, some of which host exhibitions, like the Sant Rafael Pavilion which shows what the hospital looked like in its early days.

You need to get your tickets here.

What are the best places to go in Barcelona for a breathtaking view?

The best viewpoint in Barcelona is undoubtedly the Bunkers del Carmel , or Turó de la Rovira.

This site once hosted anti-aircraft bunkers that played a major role in the defense of the city during the Spanish Civil War. Today, not much remains except for a magnificent 360° view of the entire city of Barcelona.

Here’s a summary of the best spots to see Barcelona from above (most of which I have already mentioned)

• Montjuic hill (the castle or the Miramar)
• The Columbus Column
• The rooftop of La Pedrera
• Torre Glòries (tickets available here!) from its 33rd floor, you get a spectacular view of Barcelona!
• The rooftop of the Las Arenas shopping center on Plaça Espanya
• The rooftop of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
• Mount Tibidabo
• Torre de Collserola

Horta’s Labyrinth Park is Barcelona’s oldest park , with a quiet and secretive atmosphere, ideal for a romantic stroll.

Once you’ve explored the labyrinth thoroughly, you can relax in the neoclassical park or even have a picnic.

Admission is 2€, but it’s free on Wednesdays and Sundays.

It’s a pleasant place to visit after seeing Barcelona’s more popular attractions.

La Mercè is THE celebration in Barcelona you can’t miss . This religious festival , also known as “festa major d’estiu” in Catalan, takes place over a week around September 24th.

You’ll experience a full display of Catalan culture: castells and falcons, parades of Catalan giants, correfocs (fire runs), sardine barbecues, concerts, exhibitions, and more.

But the best way to understand what La Mercè is all about is to experience it for yourself!

What would a trip to Barcelona be without trying Catalan gastronomy?

Tapas, paella, arroz negre (black rice) and fideua (a type of paella made with short noodles), calçots (a kind of onion), crema catalana, turron, and coca de San Joan …

You will certainly have plenty to enjoy during your holiday!

If you’re spending several days in Barcelona, don’t hesitate to leave the city and explore its surrounding areas.

Barcelona has the advantage of being located in a region rich in architectural treasures and diverse landscapes. Catalonia will delight lovers of urban art, ancient history, beaches, and mountains alike.

Here are the best places to visit around Barcelona:

• Montserrat Mountain: you should visit Montserrat Abbey and enjoy one (or more!) hikes. There are organized day trips from Barcelona , which is super convenient if you don’t have a car. You need to book your trip here!
• Colonia Güell: An industrial estate designed by Gaudí for the textile workers of Güell, featuring his unconventional church (the Crypt). To visit it, you should take the train from Barcelona. All-inclusive tickets with train journey, Colonia Güell and Crypt visit only cost 15€.
• Sitges: for strolling along the seafront and enjoying the beach in summer. It’s the ideal place to relax near Barcelona. Book your guided tour here!
• Tossa de Mar: on the Costa Brava, a unique village with a very charming medieval town center. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit near Barcelona. To book your day trip, you simply need to click here.
• Girona and Figueres, the 2 most important cities in Northern Catalonia. In Girona, you will visit many medieval monuments and in Figueres, you will discover the world of the famous Salvador Dali! Book your visit here!
• PortAventura Amusement Park: simply the best amusement in Spain and in Southern Europe. As an ultra-touristic attraction near Barcelona, you really need to purchase your skip-the-line tickets in advance . You can also reserve a  day trip to PortAventura with transport included from Barcelona (very convenient if you don’t have a car).

Even though Barcelona is a Mediterranean city renowned for its pleasant climate, it does rain in Barcelona sometimes!

So you’re not caught off-guard, I’ve prepared a list of the best activities to do when it rains in Barcelona:

• Visit museums: in my opinion, Barcelona’s must-see museums are the MNAC, the Picasso Museum, and the Miró Foundation on Montjuic. All of them are included in the Barcelona Museum Pass . But you could also take the opportunity to visit more unusual museums, like the Museum of Eroticism or the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum, dedicated to cannabis.
• Drink a “chocolate a la taza”: this thick hot chocolate, often accompanied by churros, is a tradition in Barcelona. You can enjoy them in the numerous granjas, such as Granja Viader or Granja Pallaresa. One of my favorite spots is La Nena, in the Gracia neighborhood, an authentic café that’s quite popular with locals.
• Watch a Flamenco show: Flamenco is Andalusian, but it’s still very popular in Barcelona. Show evenings are especially organized at Los Tarantos, one of the oldest tablaos in Barcelona. You can book this activity here.
• Shopping: Barcelona has many shopping centers: Las Arenas, Glories (near Torre Agbar), L’illa Diagonal…

What are the best things do in Barcelona with your family?

To plan your trip to Barcelona with family, I have prepared a list of the best activities to do with children:

• Visit CosmoCaixa Science Museum, in Sarria district. Free for kids, it offers plenty of fun learning activities.
• A trip to the Tibidabo Amusement Park: located on Mount Tibidabo, this amusement park is one of the oldest in the world and offers stunning views over the city.
• The Blue Tram of Sarria: a century-old tramway connecting Avinguda Tibidabo with the funicular station. Note that it only runs on weekdays.
• Barcelona Aquarium: You’ll see fish and aquatic creatures from all over the world.
• The Magic Fountain of Montjuic: I mentioned it earlier on, and I can assure you that your children will love this show.
• Poble Espanyol: This “Spanish Village” offers a pretty amazing reconstruction of typical villages from Spain’s regions, from Andalusia to Castile. It’s great because it hosts many events and workshops for kids. It’s the perfect visit for a family stay in Barcelona.

If you’ve decided to visit Barcelona with your family , you can also take them to Barcelona Zoo. Tickets available here!

And to save money on your Barcelona trip with kids, I recommend 2 packs that include a visit to the zoo (click the links to book):

• The Barcelona Family Pass including: zoo entrance + one-hour harbor cruise + skip-the-line entry for the wax museum
• The Zoo and Aquarium Pack with: zoo entrance + aquarium ticket + a trip on the Barcelona Port cable car.

The length of your stay in Barcelona depends a lot on what you want to see and what kind of traveler you are.

It’s perfectly possible to visit Barcelona in a weekend or to spend a week there without getting bored.

To help you plan your stay, I’ve prepared itineraries to visit Barcelona in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days or even a week.

There are 2 discount cards (City Passes) for Barcelona, which will help you save time and money.

1) The best one in my opinion is the Barcelona City Pass . It includes:

• The excellent visit to the Sagrada Familia
• A skip-the-line ticket for Park Güell
• The ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus for 1 or 2 days – Perfect to easily move from a point of interest to another and discover all the best places to visit in the city!

2) If you’re staying more than 3 days in Barcelona, you might also consider the Barcelona Card . Valid for 3, 4, or 5 days, it grants you free public transport and discounts or free entry to city attractions and museums. A city and metro map are also included.

If you’ve only got one day to visit Barcelona , you should focus your sightseeing around the heart of the city: the area that stretches from Ciutat Vella (the historic quarter) to Passeig de Gracia.

Here are the must-see attractions:

• Start your tour with the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and the Gothic Quarter, and take the opportunity to enjoy some tapas in the historic center of Barcelona
• Then, stroll down La Rambla
• Do some shopping at La Boqueria Market
• Taste tapas either at La Boqueria Market or in the upper Gothic Quarter
• Walk up along Passeig de Gracia , including a visit to Casa Batlló
• End your visit at the Sagrada Familia, so you can take your time to explore
• Enjoy a flamenco show in the evening

To optimize your time, you should book your tickets in advance online . You’ll find reservation links at each point in the article.

And if you don’t want to walk, you can also opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city. It’s the best way to make the most of Barcelona in one day.

You need to buy your Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket here.

If you’re staying 2 days in Barcelona, you should follow the previous day’s itinerary, replacing the visit to the Sagrada Familia with a visit to Casa Milà.

Here are some ideas for your second day in Barcelona:

• Start your day with a visit to Park Güell
• Check out the Bunkers del Carmel, just a short distance away
• Pass by the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
• Visit the Sagrada Familia (on the first day you would have visited Casa Mila)
• End your day in the Born district

All the details to organize your weekend in Barcelona are in this article: 2-Day Itinerary in Barcelona.

If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Barcelona , you should do the itinerary mentioned above for the 2 first days and add a day on Montjuic hill.

Here’s how to organize your day:

• Head to Plaça Espanya and enjoy the view from the top of the shopping center
• If you have children, visit Poble Espanyol
• Visit the MNAC
• Have a picnic in one of the many parks on Montjuic (I especially like the Greek Theatre garden)
• Take a tour of the Olympic installations
• Finish your visit at Montjuic Castle
• Return to Plaça Espanya to eat some tapas and watch the Magic Fountain show

For 3 days in Barcelona, I’ve also prepared a detailed guide with all my tips to make the most of your stay in Barcelona.

Here it is: 3 Days in Barcelona , the ultimate guide!

If you have 4 days in Barcelona , I recommend following the 3-day itinerary and adding a day around the beach and Port Vell:

• Take a tour of Port Vell: if it’s raining, go shopping and visit the aquarium, and if it’s sunny, take a Golondrinas boat tour
• Walk along Passeig Maritim to admire Barcelona’s beaches. In summer, you can even spend the afternoon at the beach.
• Visit the Olympic Port
• Return to the old town and rest in Parc de la Ciutadella
• Visit Santa Maria del Mar Basilica and climb to the top to enjoy the view over the city.

All these details and the day-by-day program can be found in my other article: 4 Days in Barcelona: the perfect itinerary.

For 5 days in Barcelona , I recommend adding to the previous itinerary an excursion to visit Barcelona’s surroundings

Here are the best day trips from Barcelona:

• A visit to the Costa Brava from Barcelona: explore Lloret del Mar and Tossa del Mar + boat trip, bus transport, and guide included for only 55€ per person
• From Barcelona: Costa Brava, Kayak and Snorkeling: maximum of 12 people, transfer to the Costa Brava, kayak navigation and snorkeling (equipment provided) + lunch starting from 65€.
• Hot air balloon ride departing from Barcelona: hotel pickup + one-hour hot air balloon flight and picnic included
• Tickets for Montserrat from Barcelona + Museum: round trip – full-day tour with train ride, monastery and museum visit with audio guide included
• In winter, you can go skiing at one of the stations near Barcelona (La Molina, for instance, is very renowned)
• With children or with friends, go to PortAventura and don’t forget to book your skip-the-line tickets here.

To learn more about the best things to do in Barcelona in 5 days , you should read my detailed itinerary right here: 5 Days in Barcelona.

And if you’re planning to stay longer, for example, a week in Barcelona, no worries, there are still plenty of things to see, including the Camp Nou Stadium, Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, the Palace of Catalan Music , and many museums.

You can also simply take your time and soak up the ambiance of the Catalan capital!

I detail the entire program in my dedicated article right here: A Week in Barcelona: the ultimate itinerary.

As you know, finding a good hotel deal in Barcelona isn’t that easy!

That’s why I have selected for you the 5 best hotels in Barcelona , depending on your budget.

If you already know your travel dates and find a hotel that suits you, you should really book now, as the best deals don’t last long!

• Hostel One Ramblas: This hostel is located in the center of Barcelona. Dormitory beds start from €33 with dinner included. Strong points: the atmosphere, the price. A great choice if you’re visiting Barcelona on a budget.
• Hotel Grums Barcelona: Located next to Montjuic hill and 600m from Las Ramblas. Elegant and bright rooms starting from €134. Strong points: the spa with jacuzzi and sauna, room design, great location. It’s one of my favorite hotels in Barcelona for its excellent value for money!
• Ohla Barcelona: Perfectly located luxury hotel in Barcelona, between the Cathedral and the Plaza Catalunya, and 200 meters from the metro. This 5-star hotel offers contemporary and comfortable double rooms starting at €325 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the beauty of the establishment both outside and inside, the rooftop pool with breathtaking views, the 3 gourmet restaurants. This is definitely the perfect choice for a romantic stay in the heart of Barcelona.
• W Barcelona: The iconic Barcelona hotel is located in the Barceloneta district. Luxurious and well-equipped double rooms starting at €363. Strong points: the views, the two swimming pools, the facilities, the restaurants. Undoubtedly the most famous hotel in Barcelona!
• Hotel Arts Barcelona: 5-star hotel located in the Olympic Port district, 250 meters from the beach and 300 meters from Ciutadella Park. Design and ultra-spacious double rooms starting from €670 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the 2-Michelin-star restaurant, the outdoor pool with panoramic views, the design, and the contemporary art collection. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Barcelona!

To get a complete list of the best accommodations in Barcelona , sorted by area and budget, you should read my dedicated guide: Where to Stay in Barcelona?

• For tapas: Taller de Tapas . This restaurant is part of a chain (with 6 locations in Barcelona, mainly in the old city), offering very affordable prices and a good sample of Catalan cuisine such as pan con tomate, paella, seafood tapas, croquetas, crema catalana, and more.
• For a good burger: Bacoa is also a chain, and it’s truly an institution in Barcelona. The burgers are artisanal, made with fresh products, and hearty.
• For a taste of chocolate a la taza: Granja La Pallaresa is one of the most famous and the best place to enjoy churros con chocolate. Moreover, the setting is really cool (in the Gothic Quarter, near the Cathedral of the Holy Cross).

Here are my tips to ensure you have the best time in Barcelona:

• Barcelona is known for its pickpockets . To avoid any unpleasant surprises, be very careful with your belongings in the busiest areas, especially Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, the metro, and the beaches. If possible, try not to look like a tourist (with a city map in hand, camera around your neck).
• Embrace the Spanish schedule. In Barcelona, as in all of Spain, people live life late into the night. You’ll notice that shops and museums rarely open before 10 AM. Meal times are similar: Spaniards have breakfast at 11 AM, lunch between 2 PM and 4 PM, and dinner between 9 PM and 10 PM. Be careful not to fall into tourist traps: restaurants that open before 1 PM or 7 PM are usually targeting tourists.
• Don’t just stay in the tourist areas , like the beaches and the old town. The Gracia and Poblesec districts, for example, are authentic and you should really take a stroll there to discover Catalan life.

To help you get a better sense of the city, I have created a tourist map of Barcelona listing all the places I mentioned in this top 25 things to do in Barcelona.

You can display the map legend by clicking on the button in the top left with a little arrow.

It’s really easy to get to Barcelona.

From the US, you have direct flights to Barcelona from major cities ( New York , Los Angeles ..)

From Europe, you can find cheap flights with Ryanair, or Vueling, the Barcelona-based low-cost airline.

It’s also possible to get to Barcelona by train. For example, the journey takes on average 8h20 to go from Paris to Barcelona. SNCF (the french train operator) offers 5-6 trips per day.

And you, what do you plan to visit during your stay in Barcelona?

If you need any help to plan your trip, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below!

FAQ – I Answer Your Questions About Barcelona

• The Hola Barcelona card (to be purchased by clicking here!) , Barcelona’s public transport card offers unlimited access to buses, metros, and trams for 2 to 5 days. Includes the metro line from Barcelona airport to the city center!
• A ticket for the Hop-On Hop-Off bus from Barcelona Bus Turistic + audio guide
• A ticket for the City Tour Barcelona bus + audio guide
• A ticket for the Aerobus shuttle that runs between the airport and the center of Barcelona
• La Sagrada Familia
• Casa Batlló
• Las Ramblas where the Boqueria Market is located.

In summer , you can enjoy the beaches , and in winter , the city’s rich architecture (and churros con chocolate).

To me, the best time to visit Barcelona is in September : the weather is still nice but not as hot as in mid-summer, the tourists have thinned out, and above all, it’s the time for La Mercè!

In September, you can still enjoy the beaches of Barcelona and the Costa Brava.

Here’s my list of things to do:

• Explore Barcelona’s monuments by night . Casa Batlló and La Pedrera offer night tours with audiovisual projections and complimentary glass of wine.
• Attend a flamenco show (tickets can be booked here!) at one of the best tablaos in Barcelona: los Tarantos.
• A dusk catamaran cruise accompanied by a jazz concert
• Watch the Magic Fountain of Montjuic – Every evening from Wednesday to Sunday.
• Climb up to the Bunkers del Carmel to admire the view of the illuminated city
• Embark on a tapas bar crawl in Barcelona
• Go for a drink on a rooftop bar in Barcelona or join a guided bar tour with free shots!

Discover all my articles about Spain : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Spain are listed there.

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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28 of the Best Places to Visit in Barcelona

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 5, 2023

Barcelona is loved by many and thought of as the best city in Spain to visit. It’s no wonder, there are so many amazing places to visit in Barcelona that will take your breath away. We’ve been to Barcelona many times and realized that we never really shared our list of the best things to do in Barcelona, so we decided it’s about time!

While  Paris  may have the reputation of the “city of love”, many travelers will be pleasantly surprised by the romantic charms of Barcelona. The difference between Barcelona and Paris is that you don’t feel the need to run around and see every famous site. Walking around and enjoying the city’s energy is one of the best things to do in Barcelona.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Barcelona

This post was originally written by Illia and Nastia from crazzzytravel.com who shared their favorite romantic attractions in Barcelona. It has been rewritten by ThePlanetD with updated information and tours.

Looking for where to stay in Barcelona?

• Hotel Mercer : Located in medieval Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) in the heart of Barcelona and the historic district near La Rambla. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
• Majestic Hotel and Spa – Deluxe 5-star traditional hotel in, Eixample Neighborhood steps away from Gaudi monuments and La Rambla. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
• Hotel Bagues – Located in El Reva,l La Rambla neighborhood, close to shopping areas, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house, the Cathedral and more. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
• Read our Complete Guide of Where to Stay in Barcelona

Number 1 Money Saving Tip in Barcelona

Get your Go Barcelona Pass to save 40% on attractions and entrance fees. 2,3 and 5 day passes start at $99. There are so many perks including skip the line fast track entrances, and guided tours, on 30 popular Barcelona Attractions. Buy Now and Activate anytime in the next 24 months!

1. Sagrada Família

You cannot mention Barcelona without including Gaudí’s famous unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. It is usually one of the first places to visit in Barcelona on anyone’s list! La Sagrada Família stands proud above the entire Barcelona skyline. He began construction on the massive cathedral in 1882. It is scheduled for completion in 2026 to commemorate 100 years since Gaudí died.

Antoni Gaudí was an architect who led the Art Nouveau style of the Catalan region of Spain. Gaudí’s works are so prevalent in Barcelona, you will explore many places where his architecture is on display. Seven of his designs have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city. You can read more about it at the complete works of Gaudí here.

• Get your  Skip The Line Tickets for Sagrada Familia in advance. Free/no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Book a   walking tour of Barcelona   to discover Gaudí

If you and your loved one are planning a  romantic European holiday , then you should know that there are many romantic places to see in Barcelona for  couples . But solo travelers will fall in love with Barcelona as well!

2. Park Güell

Our second choice for places to visit in Barcelona is a continuation of Gaudi architecture with a visit to Park Güell. This is a famous park that was also designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí . It’s one of Barcelona’s top attractions and a great place for couples to hide away from the touristic crowds, listen to street musicians, and kiss in the artificial caves. The place not to miss is a terrace with a spectacular view of the city.

• The best way to explore Park Güell is to take a walking tour to learn about the life of Gaudi and of all the houses and architecture on display in the park.
• Reserve now and pay later! – Book your skip the line tour of Park Güell with the guaranteed entrance. While exploring Park Güell be sure to go into the Gaudi House Museum to see how the architect lived his life.

3. Do a night tour of La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

Officially known as Casa Milà but called La Pedrera by the locals, this unique apartment block is another Gaudi design and a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona.

To spice up the romance, we decided to see it at night and had no regrets. The soft lighting at night made the experience much more intimate and the building was truly spectacular. To cap off our romantic evening we finished up with a glass of Pinot Noir on the roof terrace. You can book tours of La Predera ahead of time

4. Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is located along Passeig de Gràcia and this street is worth walking just for the row of houses that make it famous. This is a major thoroughfare of Barcelona and we stayed in the Majestic Hotel and Spa located on this street. There are several shops and restaurants, but it is Casa Batlló that is the star attraction. Another work by Gaudi, this townhouse was designed for the Battló family in the 19th century. If you look closely at the balconies, they look like skeletons. Get your entry ticket to Casa Battlo with an audio guide included.

5. Passeig de Gràcia

Speaking of Passeig de Gràcia , this is a major street in Barcelona that should not be missed. Not only does it contain many of Gaudi’s great works, it is the premier shopping street in Barcelona. The wide pedestrian sidewalk makes it easy to window shop where you’ll find the likes of Gucci, Prada, Dior and Dolce and Gabana. We stayed at Majestic Hotel and Spa on this street and it was amazing to walk out our door and be so close to everything.

6. Palau de La Música Catalana

A tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana is a wonderful experience for its ornate interior. It looks like something that Gaudi would design, but he didn’t. It was in fact designed by architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Built between 1905 and 1908 it has that classic Catalan modernism feel.

Tours can be booked to see the interior of the Palau de la Música Catalana including the concert hall and its ornate glass ceiling, the stained glass windows, and colorful design. It is definitely worth going inside as it is very impressive and this was one of our favourite places to visit in Barcelona indeed.

7. Barcelona Opera House – The Gran Teatre del Liceu

Sticking with our music theme, a visit to the Barcelona Opera House is another interesting place to visit in Barcelona. It is one of the most popular opera houses in all of Europe. It opened in 1847 and has seen some of the greatest performers in history grace its stage. Domingo, Pavarotti, you name it, they’ve played here.

Tours will take you to see the stage and seating area of 2300 patrons, but you will also get to see rehearsal halls and other important rooms.

8. Santa Maria del Mar

Dave and I tend to explore our religious side when visiting cities in Europe, and Barcelona is no different. It is the Gothic Churches that interest us, and Santa Maria del Mar checks all the boxes. Dating back to the 14th century, construction began in 1329 and it was completed in 1350. It is dark and stark on the outside like the usual gothic cathedrals, but inside it is light and open feeling like a lighter basilica. Something of note to see is the tomb of the  Martyr Saint Santa Eulalia . And it is worth spending a couple of euros to go up to the rooftop for a view of the city.

9. Parc de la Ciutadella (Ciutadella Park) – Arc de Triomf

Did you know there is an Arc de Triomf in Barcelona? Well, not exactly the same as Paris, but Barcelona does have its own arch. Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf was built by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas for the 1888 World’s Fair. It is located at the northern end of Passeig de Lluís Companys a promenade in Ciutat Vella (Old City) The giant arch marks the entranceway to the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella. Here you’ll find the Parliament of Catalunya and a lovely lake with a fountain modeled after the Trevi Fountain. Barcelona’s city park, Parc de la Ciutadella houses a zoo, a small lake, and a fountain partially designed by Antoni Gaudí.

10. Cascada Fountain

The Cascada Fountain is a beautiful fountain that is the centerpiece of Ciutadella Park. While working for designer Josep Fontserè Gaudi designed the water tanks and hydraulics. If it looks familiar, you are correct. This fountain was modeled after the Trevi Fountain in Rome .

One of the most romantic activities we did was to rent a rowboat at the lake in Ciutadella park. It cost us only twelve euros for a full hour (a bargain!) and it was a marvelous way to crown what was already a memorable vacation. Moving up and down the lake was a great way to reflect on the charm of Barcelona and get a close view of the beautiful scenery of the park.

11. Gothic Quarter Ciutat Vella

The Ciutat Vella – the old city of Barcelona is a place you will definitely find yourself experiencing a feeling of a bygone era. Built on top of old Roman ruins, the streets of Barcelona are a maze of small alleyways and walkways. Each turn takes you to yet another old church or remains of a Roman Wall. It is worth it just to wander away for an hour or two and stop at a café to have a draught beer at the bar before heading off for a late lunch.

Get lost in the streets, stop in a tapas bar for a glass of sangria or cava (Spanish sparkling wine), and wander the streets admiring the architecture and daily life.

12. La Rambla

Even though it is touristy, a trip to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without strolling along La Rambla. La Rambla is one of the top attractions in Barcelona and with good reason. Also known as Las Ramblas or just Ramblas, La Rambla is Barcelona’s bustling main tourist street.  It is a gorgeous piece of roadway that has a wide pedestrian walkway right down the middle. 

Street performers line the edges posing with tourists for a few coins. The famous human statues are a lot of fun to watch. Vendors sell chickens, guinea pigs, flowers, and vegetables. It is a lively place filled with swarms of people.  It is also the main walkway down to the water and towards many of the cities tourist sites.

This pedestrian boulevard runs for 1.2 km beginning at Plaça de Catalunya and ending at Port Vell. If this is your first time to Barcelona, La Rambla is a good place to start to get your bearings and a feel for the Barcelona tourism scene. Plus, it’s a great place to find a fix price meal, a cheap pitcher of Sangria, and free people watching.

13. Palau Guell

The 1st Count of Güell,” Eusebi Güell kept Gaudi very busy commissioning many of his famous buildings in Barcelona. This was one of his first commissions, beginning construction in 1886. It was the private residence of the Guell family and like many places in Barcelona, you must go inside to appreciate its true splendor. The Parabolic Dome is the showstopper.

Get your Barcelona City Pass offering access to all the top attraction s in Barcelona for one low price. Choose from 2, 3 or 5-day pass to visit as many attractions as you like.

14. Mercato Boqueria

Be sure to pop into La Boqueria to grab some snacks for a picnic. We filled up with meats and cheese, bread, and olives to take with us to the beach for a picnic lunch. Barcelona is known for its food culture and it doesn’t take long to walk around the city to realize how much the Barcelonians value this.

We hit the Boqueria market one morning and were amazed by the huge variety of fruit, vegetables, meats, and countless Spanish delicacies. If you are staying at a holiday apartment like an Airbnb or have access to a kitchen, then you must hit the market.

Going to the market and cooking in our apartment afterward gave us a sense that we were a couple living the romantic dream in a European city rather than just visiting for a short summer.

15. Barcelona Cathedral

I nearly forgot about this beautiful cathedral that we visited on our first trip to Barcelona. Until I was looking through photos. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (aka Gothic Cathedral of Barcelona) may not be as famous as Sagrada Familia but it is much older. It dates back to the 13th century! Its steeple peeks out from the city skyline beckoning you to visit.

Book your Hop on Hop Off bus tour for your visit to Barcelona. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the city, plus tickets can be purchased in advance or last minute with easy and free cancellation within 24 hours of tour.

16. Plaza de España (Plaça d’Espanya)

This gorgeous plaza which sits in will make you want to confess your love to the world. We walked through there in the evening by chance and it was hard not to be blown away by its beauty. The gorgeous Ciutadella fortress and the beautiful Venetian Towers create the atmosphere of a fairy tale.

The long walking street with hundreds of shops starts here as well, making it a perfect place to buy a souvenir to remember about your romantic getaway. Read: Catalunya, Spain in Photos

17. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Even though we aren’t the biggest museum fans, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is a sight to see in its own right. Inside you’ll see Catalan art dating back to the 10th century and you’ll browse, everything from Gothic and Romanesque to Modern and Baroque art. And it is here you’ll find some paintings by El Greco. But it truly is the outside that is beautiful as it looks like a grand palace more than a museum.

18. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc was built in 1929 for the Universal Expo. It’s a beautiful fountain to see, but it is the colorful light show that attracts visitors at night. The show performs 3 to 5 days of the week from 8-9 pm or 9-10 pm depending on the time of the year. It is definitely one of the not to miss attractions in Barcelona.

The light show at Montjuic Fountain is marvelous. Read about all the things to do in Barcelona at night . Check out the  timetables  and note that it is closed from Jan 7 – Feb 28 for annual maintenance.

19. Poble Espanyol

Poble Espanyol is a replica of a Spanish Village that was built for the 1929 World’s Fair. During the day it is a spot to walk through replicas of Spanish buildings, craft workshops and museums honoring Dali to Picasso. When the sun goes down, it is alive with, Flamenco dancing, tapa bars, and night clubs. To really explore it, book skip the line tickets in advance.

20. Port Vell – Barcelona Harbour

The old port of Barcelona is a sight to see. We had never witnessed so many huge yachts and rows of boats lining the harbour. Who owns these multimillion-dollar floating homes? There were so many in port and we marveled at their extravagance and how someone could possibly afford one of these.   And what do we do to get one?

The waterfront is a perfect place to enjoy the afternoon. Port Vell is an enormous entertainment complex complete with Aquarium, Imax, shopping, restaurants, and a giant marina filled with yachts and sailboats.

A popular Barcelona attraction is The Port Vell Arial Tramway. Opened in 1931, it takes you from Montjuïc to Torre Sant Sebastià.  If you want to see it from above, this is a fun option for a bird’s eye view of the city.

21. Hit the beach

One of the things that make Barcelona stand out among the large European cities is the beaches. We were blown away by the pristine Mediterranean waters of Barcelona’s beaches. As a bonus, the coastline is located right in the city center so it’s a great place to take your shoes off and walk after lunch or dinner.

Playa Barceloneta is the city’s most famous beach but there are many beaches you can visit in the city. We took a sailing trip from the harbor to see Barcelona from the sea and it was amazing.

22. Columbus Monument

While walking from Las Ramblas to Port Vell, we stumbled upon the Columbus monument. At 60 meters high (197 feet) it is an impressive monument.

Like a fountain, it was constructed for the Universal Exposition of Barcelona in 1881. It is there to commemorate his first voyage to the Americas and to remind that he reported to Queen Isabella I and Kin Ferdinand V here in Barcelona immediately upon his return.

23. Plaça de Catalunya

Another important square in Barcelona is Plaça de Catalunya. It is the major transportation hub of the city. Close to the university, you’ll see students enjoying the outdoors. If you are like us, we enjoy visiting Hard Rock Cafés and we couldn’t resist popping in for a beer to check out Barcelona’s version of the famous restaurant.

24. Afternoon Dessert at Plaça Sant Felip Neri

This chilled-out square has a violent history as it was bombed during the Spanish Civil War but today it is one of the most romantic hideaways in the city.

We ordered an amazing gelato and dessert at one of the nearby cafes and walked over to the plaza hand in hand to enjoy a nice and much-needed quiet escape from the city. If you are lucky enough as we were you might even catch some Spanish guitar being played by one of the lingering locals. Read: Gelato vs Ice Cream: a Tasty Showdown from Bologna

Fun Barcelona City Tours

25. seat 600 driving tour.

Pretty much one of the coolest tours we’ve ever done was the Seat 600 Classic car tour through the city. These were the popular car from the ’60s and we all followed in a line on this self-drive tour through Barcelona.

Be prepared to drive a stick. If you aren’t comfortable, have someone else drive, the skinny steering wheels, sensitive clutch, and strange shifter made for quite the adventure as we drove around the city tasting tapas. We ended high on a hill overlooking the city and eating an outdoor feast under the stars.

26. Sidecar Tour

We were picked up at the Barcelona waterfront by a pair of motorbikes with a couple of sidecars attached. We put on our helmets, hooked up our microphones and proceeded to enjoy a tour of the city.

We whizzed all through the streets seeing such famous sites as the Columbus monument, Old Port, Palau de la Música Catalana, Sagrada Familia Temple, Casa Milán Casa Battló, Plaza España, El Raval district and Las Ramblas promenade just to name a few!

We got to see the city from all different sides and enjoyed catching a glimpse of Barcelona’s nightlife. If you get the chance to try a sidecar tour in Barcelona, we highly recommend you do it. For more information on the side car, city tour visit  Ride The Brightside

27. Food and Market Tours

When visiting Spain, a lot of your most memorable experiences will be about food. One of our favourite things to do in Barcelona was to join a local chef to visit the city’s two main markets, Mercat Boqueria and Mercat de Santa Caterina. The two oldest markets in the city. Food tours are the best way to learn about the local cuisine and it makes visiting the restaurants of Barcelona more fun because you now know what to order!

Check out these Barcelona Food Tours. Explore Barcelona through your stomach with these tasty tours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours notice plus last-minute bookings.

• Santa Caterina and Boqueria Market Tours with Local Chef – Take a tour through one of the most famous markets in the world plus small local grocery shops. Tastes Spanish delicacies like olive oil, vinegar, olives, Iberian ham, tomatoes, Manchego cheese, pork sausage, and more.
• Paella Cooking Class & Mercato Boqueria – Go shopping for ingredients to make your own Spanish Paella. Sample Catalan hot and cold tapas and learn about Basque Pintxos. Don’t forget the sangria!
• Go off the usual Gaudi Route and instead take a Tapas Tasting tour with a visit to the Picasso Museum – Tour Ciutat Vella with tapas tasting at three different venues.

Day Tour from Barcelona

28. montserrat.

A highlight of any trip to Barcelona is to take a day trip to the Benedictine Monk mountain retreat of Montserrat. It takes an hour to get there by train, or you can rent a car as we did. We actually had a car for most of our visits to Barcelona to give us the freedom to explore Catalunya with ease.

A funicular will take you to the top of the mountain for spectacular views and mountain hikes. And of course, listen to the Montserrat Choir boys perform. They perform daily at 1 pm.

Book Montserrat tours from Barcelona. Free cancellation and last-minute bookings. Monsterrat Cable Care and Easy Hike – Transportation from Barcelona to Montserrat where you’ll take the cable car up the world-famous Monastery. See the Black Madonna and take an easy hike with your guide.

Where to Eat in Barcelona

There are many places to eat in Barcelona and you can easily just walk the streets to find a packed restaurant, but one we wanted to mention was Bar Velodromo. Bar Velodromo where we checked the menu with 3D glasses and enjoyed great meat and cheeses

Barcelona Tourist Attractions Map

• A Local’s Guide to What to do in Barcelona at Night
• The 16 Most Romantic Cities on Earth
• Gaudi in Barcelona – 13 Must-See Architectural Wonders

Author Bio: Illia and Nastia are passionate about each other, traveling around the world and sharing their experiences at  crazzzytravel.com , a blog where you can find plenty of budget travel tips as well as practical information about numerous destinations. They have visited 40+ countries across 5 continents, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Visit their website to learn more about traveling as a couple! Follow them Facebook / Twitter  / Pinterest / Instagram

Going to Spain? Read more about these Spanish Cities

• Toledo, Beautiful Spanish History Awaits
• Cuenca and the Casas Colgadas
• 15 Free Things to do in Seville, Spain
• Andalusia Travel – 5 Reasons to Visit the South of Spain
• Camping in Spain: Everything You Need to Know
• Via Ferrata, Spain – Take your adventure to New Heights

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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17 thoughts on “28 of the Best Places to Visit in Barcelona”

Interesting article. Also romantic places; Casa Batllo (sometimes they have theatrical visits), the magic fountain and make from Park Guell a walk to the Bunkers del Carmel, for an amazing view over Barcelona. In the evening visit the area of Gracia.

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You are veritable inspiration for couples looking for romantic getaways. Barcelona is the must visit place in a life time. Gaudi’s architectural styles are wonderful, I have seen interiors of the Sagrada Familia in many videos and they seem like a surreal. Thanks for sharing the most wonderful post.

Yes to Barceloneta beach! And there was that one restaurant with outdoor seating right by the shore that had the best paella. Brings back memories. Perfect list 🙂

Great blog, Barcelona is one of my favourites as a perfect & dream honeymoon destination too, so romantic and pretty 🙂

Great post on a place that’s still on the bucketlist! I’ve visited most of the South but need to venture up to Barcelona.

Totally agree with the authors 🙂 Barcelona is a great city to visit and it is very affordable even for a budget traveller. Haven’t see La Pedrera by night yet, but walking through the rooftop maze framed by the iconic chimneys also can be romantic, and sharing tiny tiny pintxos 😀

Its a Wonderful Travel Post to visit. Great Beautiful place. I will list this to my next travel. Amazing Post.

Great blog and amazing pics. Will try to go to Barcelona in my next trip. Thanx

Beautiful place. Great blog and I am going to add this into my bucket list.Barcelona is amazing and pictures are great.

What a beautiful market! Love the photos – Barcelona is a romantic city; with so much culture, interesting architecture and good food (not to mention cheap wine) its the perfect romantic destination!

Thank you for featuring us guys! Barcelona is definitely one of our favorite cities in Europe. We now reside in the US and are planning to live elsewhere in future. Barcelona is one of the top places we’d love to move to! ??

Great post! I love Barcelona such unique culture and architecture…. Loved this list though! A few different things that what you normally read – Although single I think they can still be appreciated haha

Hi, nice post on Barcelona. We’re off to Portugal later this year, and had considered including some of Spain in our tour. However, I’ve heard that Barcelona is getting very crowded to the point that the locals aren’t that thrilled about the number of tourists there. How did you feel when you were there? Get any strange vibes? Did you feel crowded or was it OK?

really enjoyed. They are really beautiful places. My dream

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23 Fun Things To Do In Barcelona + Extras

Barcelona has its beach, its mountains, its amazing architecture, and of course plenty of fun things to do. If you are looking for some fun experiences around the city, here we created a list of things you can do to enjoy the Mediterranean pearl.

Additionally, we had a deep research and found more activities such as

• 77 COOL things to Do in Barcelona
• and 59 Free things to do in Barcelona
• 54 romantic activities for couples in BCN

The list here of fun things to do in Barcelona includes some beach and water sports, as well as meet ups for meeting locals and expats.

No worries, if you are a solo-traveler in Barcelona, a couple, or a bunch of friends.

Key Takeaways:

Prebooking is required for some activities

• Sagrada Familia : You need to prebook your tickets for a specific time slot (or wait ±1-2 hours in line)
• Park Güell (“Gaudi Park”) : Prebooking Tickets for a specific time slot is required. You cannot show up and enter. (Tickets are typically sold out 7 days ahead)

• Epic Boat Party – in summer 2024
• Hop on a Private Sailing Boat – Unique and Customized for Couples, Families, and Groups
• Admire the famous Flamenco Show

Book tickets to sights or the activities with GetYourGuide.com or Tiqets.com . these are are the best websites to get your sightseeing tickets. Here is our review of Tiqets.com and how to use it.

• Beach Volleyball
• Private Sailing Boat
• The coolest Bike Tour (with hidden gems)
• Paella Cooking Classes
• Rent a RED VESPA
• Be a Local in Barcelona
• Tour the Costa Brava – by Boat
• Learn Photography – with a pro photographer
• Become a kid again at Montjuic’s hidden parks
• Barcelona Pillow Fight
• Helicopter Ride – Barcelona from above
• Casa Batllo and its video guide
• Celebrate Football at Camp Nou
• City Slide Barcelona
• Portaventura and Ferrari Land
• Cruise around in a Go Car
• Eat, Drink , and repeat
• Wake Boarding and Cable Ski
• Cooking experience
• Picnic Electronic Barcelona
• Move your hips and Swing
• Day Trip to Montserrat Monastery
• The most romantic retreat
• Neighbourhood festivals
• Join the biggest Festivals in Barcelona
• Yoga in Barcelona – the unique way
• Have a romantic Picnic organized
• Flamenco Show
• Hop on a Tapas Tour
• Couchsurfing Meetings
• Segway and its Alternative
• Champagne Sunset Boats
• Montjuic Cinema
• LandSailing , Parasailing and BBQ Boats
• Beach Cinema
• Spanish Guitar Concert
• Paddle Surf
• Enter Gaudi World : Casa Batllo
• Drive a kick-ass Ferrari
• Park Güell and Sagrada Familia

Printed guides for Barcelona

Where to stay in barcelona.

Here are fun and COOL things to do in Barcelona .

1. Beach Volleyball

Do you like beach volleyball? All over the beaches in Barcelona you can find public volleyball nets.

If you wanna even meet some locals and expats, just ask some people already playing. Maybe you can join for a match? Don’t be shy!

The best beaches in Barcelona for volleyball are:

• Playa de la Nova Icària
• Playa de Bogatell Barcelona

In Barceloneta you will find very few public volleyball nets, and it’s quite packed. So not really recommended.

2. Hop on a Private Sailing Boat

Barcelona has the beach and the sea. For me, one of the coolest things I love to do with my friends is hopping on a sailing boat and enjoy the day – or sunset.

In September 2019, my family and I joined the boat tour from Barcelonasailboats.com . BEAUTIFUL!! They still run their tours now in 2024 (I checked!).

Enjoy an amazing private boat trip with your partner, family, or friends.

Appreciate the full skyline of Barcelona from the sea. You can swim or just enjoy the breeze and the sun. Connect your music to the boat speakers and savor the tasty snacks and drinks.

Choose the duration of your private sailing trip: from 2 to 8 hours.

Highlights in a nutshell

• See the amazing views of Barcelona from the sea
• Jump in the water and swim in the Mediterranean sea
• Enjoy the sun and the breeze as you listen to your own music
• Taste delicious snacks and drinks
• Learn to drive the boat if you like (pretty cool!)

So, how does it work in detail?

You can book your private sailing trip directly on their website ( www.Barcelonasailboats.com/en ).

Just select the duration of the trip, the number of people in your group, the date and time of departure.

You will receive a confirmation email with the details and meeting point (Port Olimpic harbour in Barcelona ).

After meeting at the harbour, you and your group will chat with the skipper to decide which route to take.

The boat cruise is super flexible.

Let them know what you would like to see, and to do.

The skipper considers the weather, wind, and sea conditions to choose one of several sailing courses. You then board your beautiful sailboat and sail out into the sparkling open sea.

With the option to play your own music on the boat speakers, along with the many drinks and appetizers on board, you will have everything you could want as you enjoy the Spanish sunshine and, if the weather permits, the cooling waves of the sea.

Escape the crowds on this adventure on board a beautiful sailboat, which can be modified to suit your exact needs.

This is suitable for any type of tour including party, business, family, romantic, fishing, or navigation training.

What is included?

• Boat rental, Skipper, and Fuel
• One drink per person – cava, beer or a soft drink

Not included:

• Additional drinks (you can purchase on board more)

Afterwards I like to go for Tapas in one of the many places in El Born. My tip here? Mi favorite tapas restaurant: La Luna restaurant .

3. EPIC Boat Party

Now, this one is for the party-traveler among us!! Here you get a crazy party with a bar of beer and Sangria, naughty games and naughty people, fun-loving DJ…….do I need to say more?

You can book these tours only with Stoketravel.com

Good to know : There is limited space on this party boat, and they only run on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Make sure you check the schedule and book asap. They fill up really fast.

You will have met new friends and going home ain’t no option, right? Many of the tipsy travelers will move on to a bar downtown. Good times for sure!

Few more cornerstone info for you:

• Operation Period for 2024 – Spring to Autumn – check here the schedule
• Prices start from 45€.

4. The coolest Bike Tour (with hidden gems)

There is actually many different bike tours in Barcelona – from boring to fun and even budget bike tours.

The best bike tour in Barcelona is Steel Donkey Bike Tour .

We tested it and it is the one we recommend to our friends and family. We wrote a more detailed guide comparing the best bike tours in Barcelona .

Instead of hopping on a boring and overfilled sightseeing bike tour, here you can actually experience Barcelona as a real local. Obviously they cover as well sights. But more importantly, they take you the places only locals go.

For me, it was really the perfect mix between sights and looking behind the touristic facade.

For instance?

They bring you to a local food market and a second hand flea market.

• Price : 35€ on a normal city bike, 45€ on an e-bike
• Duration : 4-5 hours
• Regular Departures : Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10.00am (and flexible)

It is a perfect way to get more hints and tips on the city by the guides Edu, Mari and Milos.

The tour is by bike so you obviously need to know to handle a bike.

It is not super physically challenging, more easy-going riding.

Traveling on a shoe-string budget?

There is a small budget bike tours for backpackers for instance, that take you all the way to Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Eixample district, Parc de la Ciutadella – for 22€ only. This one is a more classic sightseeing tour only.

5. Pub Crawl (paaaaaartey!)

This one is for the party people out there.

The nightlife in Barcelona is legendary and so is the Pub Crawl .

Tickets start from only 15€ and covers:

• Free drinks and drink specials during the pub crawl
• Skip the lines at a top club with VIP admission
• an epic night to remember

Compare pub crawls with: Airbnb Experiences | GetYourGuide

Here you can find another full guide to nightlife in Barcelona .

6. Paella Cooking Classes

How about food? Barcelona is a serious foodie-paradise, perfect for some cooking classes. No wonder we recommend joining an awesome cooking class!

The best way to do it is joining a combo of visiting a market and cooking class. It is the best way to impress your friends at home with a delicious Paella or Tapas.

Stoke Travel for a three-hour culinary adventure where you’ll explore renowned food markets like La Boquería or the Santa Caterina Market. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you select fresh, locally sourced ingredients for your traditional Spanish dishes.

You’ll learn to create mouthwatering treats such as paella, tapas, and sangria. Roll up your sleeves, put on an apron, and get ready to cook up a storm while indulging in our delicious sangria.

To top off the experience, why not continue the night with drinks in the lively Gothic Quarter bars or venture into one of Barcelona’s hottest nightclubs?

You can also check cooking classes on GetYourGuide or Helina from PaellaBarcelona.com @paella.BCN Cooking School . It’s really worth it the money.

You visit a local market and learn to cook Paella like a boss!

Here’s what you’ll learn to cook:

• Spanish tortilla
• Seafood Paella, the authentic taste of Spain (vegetarian options available!)
• Crema Catalana (delicious desert)
• Pa amb tomàquet (simple but delicious Catalan way of eating bread)

Prices start from 55€.

Bon profit and Bon appetit!=)

7. Rent a RED VESPA (like in the movies!)

This one is actually an absolute must! Barcelona is the perfect city to discover by scooter.

Read : big guide on scooter rental in Barcelona (safety and companies compared)

A scooter is the best and a Vespa most stylish way to get around the city. You can relax at the beach, drive your way to Sagrada Familia and Park Güell – all that in no time! (More info on Park Güell here )

You can rent the scooters in Barcelona per hour or per day. This is perfect for cool couples, hipster and friends!

Where to rent a red Vespa? You can find deals with Get Your Guide here as well as Airbnb Experiences .

8. Be a Local in Barcelona (5 Secrets)

It always feels good to discover hidden spots in Barcelona, and to feel the local vibes. You can only download our Secret & Local Tips for Barcelona . It’s completely free!

Here we share our absolute best tips and only via this email.

We include:

• 1 best place for paella (besides the cooking class)
• 1 local bar and
• 3 more unique tips for Barcelona – by friends for friends
• + basic tips on how to stay safe and what NOT to miss

This guide is for free and includes secrets we only share with friends! Enjoy 🙂

Not sure if you can trust us? Have a look on what’s included in the guide .

No pressure, but once thing is certain:

You will love our secrets!

Anyhow, keep scrolling!

9. Tour the Costa Brava – by Boat

Just a 1 1/2 hour from Barcelona you have the stunning coastline of Costa Brava with gorgeous small coast villages.

Discover some of the most important villages of the Costa Brava like Tossa de Mar on a half-day tour from Barcelona.

Visit the large tourist resort of Lloret de Mar and the charming village of Tossa de Mar, considered the “ Pearl of the Costa Brava .”

This half-day tour from Barcelona explores the Girona coast, christened as the Costa Brava 100 years ago, due to its rugged coastline of small coves, pine forests, and crystal clear water.

Its superb natural beauty is apparent in several territories and protected areas, such as:

• Cap de Creus,
• the Emporda Marshes, and
• the Marine Reserve of the Medes islands.

The area has also historically been a point of entry and settlement for different civilizations.

Each spot has left a footprint, evidenced by the Greek and Roman sites in Èmpuries.

Read : 33 best day trips from Barcelona

You could also rent a car and visit the Costa Brava on your own.

10. Learn Photography (with a pro photographer!)

Have you ever been disappointed with your travel photos?

Are there features on your camera, or your camera phone, that you have no idea how to use!?

Do you want to come home from Barcelona with sensational shots of its city streets, beaches, graffiti and stunning medieval and modern architecture?

If you answered “ yes ” to any of the above, then don’t hesitate to sign up for a photo tour with Shutter Kings Barcelona .

In the company of one of their international, professional photographers, you’ll explore some of the most scenic places in the city, as your guide explains everything you need to know about the art of photography, whether you’re a beginner or experienced shutterbug.

You’ll be amazed at how much you can improve your photos, in just 3 or 4 hours, thanks to their expert advice.

The tips you learn will stay with you, not just on your Barcelona trip, but for all your future travels.

In other words, this is a great investment of your time.

Check out their website for  more details on Barcelona photo tours or find Photography Sessions on Airbnb Experience .

Prefer to be in front of the camera, than behind it?

Then  sign up for a photo shoot instead !

This time you’ll let the professionals do the hard work behind the lens, while you pose in front of some of Barcelona’s most stylish locations.

This experience is perfect if you need some stunning new portraits of yourself for your Instagram, or dating profiles.

It’s also great for couples celebrating an engagement, recent marriage or a new addition to the family.

11. Become a kid again at Montjuic’s hidden parks

Montjuic offers way more than just its castle and Plaza España with the magic fountains. There are plenty of gardens and parks to discover on the way up or down the castle.

Some parks even have their own “musical games/ instruments” like a human-sized whistle.

A popular and picturesque way to get up the Montjuic Cable Car .

I recommend getting your ticket beforehand, it can be quite busy in summer.

Fun for kids and grown-ups!

12. Barcelona Pillow Fight

How about punching your friends and strangers with a pillow at a public square?

The Barcelona Pillow fight is a flash mob event, attracting thousands of people every year to smash a s

ft pillow in any faces close.

Read about Barcelona Pillow Fight here at pankchophoto.com (plus photos).

13. Helicopter Ride – Barcelona from above

See the spectacular sights of Barcelona from the air!

You can charter a private helicopter ride in Barcelona starting from 79€.

During this 6 minute flight you will explore thousands of details, which you could never see from the ground:

• World Trade Center,
• Statue of Columbus,
• Maremagnum,
• antique quarter of fishers in Barceloneta,
• whole coastline till the Puerto Olimpico,
• beach of Marbella and the Forum of the cultures.

Is it worth it? Yes, it really is!

Flying a helicopter along the Mediterranean coast for 79€ only is a bargain and one of the unusual things to do in Barcelona. We know, 6 Minutes sounds like it’s a short time, but actually it’s all you need for a good experience.

For booking the helicopter ride, we recommend using BCN.Travel , a local travel agency.

They even have an office downtown.

Super helpful, reliable and quick in replying.

14. Casa Batllo and its video guide

The famous Casa Batlló is highly recommended to visit. The art of architecture by Antoni Gaudi is simply remarkable.

A true highlight to experience the genius work from the inside.

Good to know : Get the ticket beforehand to skip the ticket line .

There is no “skip the line” ticket available, but this way you skip the ticket desk at least.

If you don’t wanna buy online, just go to Casa Batllo and queue up.

Best time to visit is in the early morning.

Compare prices at : Get Your Guide | Tiqets.com

15. Celebrate Football at Camp Nou

This is for every football and soccer lovers and fans.

You can visit the world famous Camp Nou , walk through it to see it from the inside, and admire the holy temple of European football.

The museum is included when visiting the Camp Nou Experience. There is not shortage of trophies, history to learn.

There are even the 6 Ballon d’Or Messi won over the years.

Compare rates at : Get Your Guide | Tiqets

16. City Slide Barcelona

Update: City Slide Barcelona wanted to open its slides in 2019….it did not happen.

I could not find any official information for a schedule. I will keep this page up to date to let you know.

17. Portaventura and Ferrari Land

Of course we want to cover as well more things to do for families and couples.

And this is by far the COOLEST thing to do: Portaventura !

The biggest theme park in Spain is located South of Barcelona.

You can come here easily via coach or train.

The park is amazing for:

• families with kids

They have the biggest roller coaster in Spain and a numerous parks for kids-only as well as many shows. For instance, the Ferrari Land.

It’s a small inside park where kids can drive tiny Ferrari-looking cars and more.

Port Aventura features six different zones.

Highlights include:

• Shambhala roller coaster (the fastest and tallest hypercoaster in Europe),
• mirror maze El Secreto de los Mayas,
• and Sea Odyssey 4D.

For the under-5s there’s a Sesame Street section that is also surprisingly enjoyable for adults.

And don’t forget your swimsuit!

There are a ton of rides with water fights, splashes, and general wetness.

Luckily, this is the Costa Dorada and that Spanish sun will have you all dry in no time!

The park opens for Easter until Halloween.

18. Cruise around in a Go Car

For me personally, a scooter is the best option for Barcelona.

However, you can also cruise around in the tiny, fun GoCars .

It feels like racing as Mario Kart through the city. I tried them once – SUPER FUN!

Besides the feeling of Mario Kart, you also have an electronic tour guide with you. You will be lead through the city + get some info on buildings. The GoCar team proposes different kinds of tours and the most popular are the 3 tours of 3 hours, which is 45€ per person.

Important : The driver’s age has to be minimum 21 and you have to bring your driving license.

(Please check always prices directly with Get Your Guide as they can change depending on season.)

19. Eat, Drink, and repeat

This is pure fun and absolutely famous for students and expats.

The Can Paixano La Xampanyeria is a tiny, hidden bar serving delicious and authentic tapas and finger-food.

Important : For every food you are ordering you have to order at least on Cava as well.

My personal tip : come here before 6pm. Order a cava (white or rosé) along with something to eat. I am usually here for max 30 min and move on to El Born.

20. Wake Boarding and Cable Ski

Just outside the city, in Montgat, you can improve (or try for the firs time) your Wakeboarding skills!

A short 15 minutes ride with the train from Plaza Catalunya to Malgrat you can find a nice and cozy beach bar where you can enjoy Cable Ski.

And by the way:  This place is directly located next to the train station Malgrat, and the beach.

It’s worth it to spend your beach day here as well!

Check out Malamar Restaurant & Lounge for more info the wake boarding.

Photo by Ezeof

21. Yummy! Cooking experience

We’ve already covered the cooking classes and the market tour above, but here is even more.

Seriously, cooking and eating is a must-do here. We joined our very first cooking class in the city with Stoke Travel – it was amazing! We cooked Paella, made some handmade Sangria and more.

Here is a list of cooking networks and classes:

• Stoke Travel
• You can book a complete private cooking class
• Helina from PaellaBarcelona.com @paella.BCN Cooking School

22. Picnic Electronic Barcelona

Another great outdoor activity during summer is the Piknik Electronic , as well taken place at Montjuic.

This small festival is a traditional picnic combined with electronic music.

You see, Montjuic is quite busy!

23. Move your hips and Swing!

If you feel like dancing some Swing, head over to Parc de la Ciutadella.

Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 12:00 until 14:30 you can join BCNSwing and its Swing classes .

It is completely for free and they meet up at the Pavillon right in front of the fountain.

Even better: Rooftop Tango Lesson & drinks !

Imagine you could join some local tango lesson on a roof top terrace?

On Airbnb Experience I have found this unique experience in the old town, the Gothic Quarter.

Discover the magic of embraces while you enjoy drinks in a great rooftop in the heart of Gothic Quarter. It is a unique way of meeting locals, having fun and experience a local life-style.

24. Day Trip to Montserrat Monastery

One of the best day trips from Barcelona is visiting the majestic Montserrat .

The Montserrat mountain played and still plays an important role for the Catalan culture.

Here was the only place the Catalan language was allowed during the dictatorship of Franco.

Montserrat always symbolized hope.

Besides the historic side, the Mountain of Montserrat is an incredible experience. You take a super steep cable car up the mountain.

Here you have a restaurant, a museum and monastery to visit.

Inside the monastery, there is the famous black Madonna!

After the museum you can go for hiking.

The views are breathtaking up here.

Every time we went, we came here with the public train from Placa Espanya.

There are tours you can join. This is actually recommended.

The tours start from 55€ and take away the hassle of finding the right train.

Wine Tasting : You can also book the Montserrat tour with a Wine Tasting and Tapas Tours .

These tours are great! We always recommend them to our friends and family!

If you would like to go by your own, check out how to get to Montserrat Mountain .

Read : 31 more day trips from Barcelona .

Photo by jenndfrancis

25. The most romantic retreat

There is a super beautiful Arabic Spa located in the city center.

The spa has several different spa areas like the hot tub, the cold one, the salty one. You can as well book massages, hop into the sauna.

All that in a beautiful medieval-style spa under the ground of the old town. The place is called AIRE SPA and we recommend it for couples as well as friends to unwind.

Find schedules, more info and prices for Aire Spa .

And here’s the kicker: It even opens at spot midnight!

Good to know : There is only 20 people at a time in the 2 hour slot. A super romantic retreat.

Fully booked?

Here is a list of the best spas in Barcelona .

Read : a list of 53 more romantic ideas for couples in the city.

26. Neighbourhood festivals

Barcelona neighbourhoods have their own street festivals throughout the year.

You can have a beer at a street concert in Poble Nou, or get lost in the stunning street decorations of Gracias fest “Fiestas de Gracia”.

Find the full calendar of all the different street festivals in Barcelona on the website here .

27. Join the biggest Festivals in Barcelona

There is not enough space to list all cool festivals, but these two are certainly the most important and biggest once:

• La Merce (end of September)
• Primavera Sound (Summer)
• Cruïlla Festival (Summer)

There is always something going on, whether it is winter, spring, summer or autumn.

keep your eyes open for those special events.

28. Yoga in Barcelona – the unique way

Sunrise & sunset yoga session.

Yoga, Beach, Sunrise (or Sunset), Barcelona – Yes, that sounds about right!

You can enjoy a budget-friendly yoga session on Barcelona beach with Macarena, owner and an experienced yoga instructor and Laia, the other owner.

It is a 60 min multilevel vinyasa flow yoga practice. You will practice on a concrete platform so you won’t get sandy! Yoga mats are provided (but please always check this beforehand as this can change).

There are even more unique experiences such as Sunrise Paddle Surf and Full Moon Live Music. Find more yoga retreats in Barcelona here .

Sunrise Paddle Surf

If you want to add an extra level of fitness to your list of fun things to do in Barcelona, then this is your master piece.

Stand Up Paddle Surf combined with some yoga lessons can be really challenging. For the Yoga-Paddle-Surfer, you can join again Macarena and Laia. Check their website for more information.

You can also join the popular sunrise paddle surf . You do not need to be experienced with paddle surf here!

• You will do a little warm up!
• Laia will teach you how to paddle from the beach.
• You will learn how to stand up!
• You get a few tips to manage the paddle, its super easy! You dont need previous experience at all.
• While you are in the water, Laia will take you some cool pictures with sun rising and Barcelona’s skyline for free, is the best view!

29. Have a romantic Picnic organized

Oh oh ohh, this is one of the unique things to do in Barcelona for families and couples.

Imagine a romantic and fun picnic at sunset with stunning views over the city — with friends, the whole family or as a romantic gesture for your partner.

There was a company that offered those unique experiences.

You could get your picnic basket loaded with local culinary delights and get it delivered to the picnic spot of your choice.

They could even help you pinpoint unique spots, dotted over the city.

This way you discovered a real hidden gem in Barcelona and definitely a unique dinner or lunch.

Now this company does not exist anymore, but you can create the picnic yourself.

Go to the supermarket and pick an “Aperitivo selection”:

And don’t forget to bring cups to drink!

The Picnic Spot?

There are plenty of places where you can do a romantic picnic around the city. One of the best in the city is at “Carmel Bunker ” so you can get a panorama view.

Read : More 54 Romantic things to do in Barcelona

30. Perfect for Families: Aquarium

We covered a lot of fun and party for young adults and adults.

What about awesome things to do in Barcelona with kids and for families?

Here you go:

The Barcelona Aquarium is located in Port Vell, the city’s old harbor area, and is the world’s most important marine leisure and education center dedicated to Mediterranean undersea life.

Most spectacular of all is the immense Oceanarium, 5 meters deep and 36 meters in diameter.

A transparent 80-meter-long tunnel runs through the Oceanarium, making it possible for you to walk among sharks, gilt heads, morays, ocean sunfish, and many other species.

Compare prices at : Tiqets.com | Get Your Guide

31. Admire a Flamenco Show

There are many flamenco shows all around the city. And they are really entertaining.

The one we like is the Tablao Flamenco in Palacio del Flamenco, downtown.

Find prices and schedules right here .

However, there are many around the city.

Update : Tablao del Carmen is the MOST popular show for Flamenco; highly recommended as it is really the best one!

I recommend this to everyone looking for a tranquil night out, enjoying local culture. It is really worth it.

32. Hop on a Tapas Tour

Earlier we mentioned the cooking class. Of course you can also just eat out!

Eating tapas is synonymous with a visit to Barcelona, and a Tapas & Beers food tour will take you to some of the most authentic tapas bars in the hip district of Gracia, to try classic Spanish and Catalan dishes like razor clams, patatas bravas and Iberian ham.

If you are crazy about cerveza they also have a dedicated craft beer tour, where you get to try some of the latest regional beers with a master brewer.

I recommend the guys from www.foodtoursbarcelona.com or this Tapas Hopping Tour from Airbnb Experience.

For Food Tours BCN you can find rates and schedules on their website. Their food tours take you on a journey of local tapas bars (that are actually more for the locals!)

More the party-kind of person? Then hop on the famous pub crawl .

33. Couchsurfing Meetings

Like every other big city in Europe, couchsurfing meetings in Barcelona are quite common.

Just check out all traveler meetings in Barcelona such as:

• Tuesday – Weekly Language & Tapas Meeting
• Monday – Gràcia Meeting with Couchsurfing, just to name a few.

Check out Couchsurfing events in Barcelona .

34. Segway and its Alternative

A Segway Tour is pretty fun, especially next to the beaches in Barceloneta.

Make sure you actually know how to handle the Segway.

The tour guide will give you a prior training obviously, so you are safe.

Prices start from 29€.

Fancy more some skating? Be a local and hit the boardwalk with your skates. You won’t be the only one skating there – promised!

Check out the SkateClub .

35. Champagne Sunset Boats (our recent discovery for summer time 2024)

Oh boy, this one is FUNtastic!

The one and only Champagne Sunset Tour by Stoke Travel.

This is the #1 tip for everyone who wants to experience Barcelona at its best on a classy party cruise.

Get glammed up and treat yourself to an evening of champagne cocktails, delicious Spanish specialties, great company, waitress service and superb views of the Mediterranean.

Oh, and there is live music like chilled, jazz, bossa nova styles.

Pretty epic!

Here’s the info in a nutshell.

• Tour : 2 and a half hour cruise on a double story stunning white catamaran
• Drinks Consumption card : 4 drink stamps per person
• Food : Traditional Spanish Paella, with a side salad
• Views : Stunning coastal views of Barcelona
• Style : glamorous crowd with a great vibe
• After-Party : Free VIP club entry at a top Barcelona beach club

For prices and schedules, check out stoketravel.com/champagnesunset

Prices start from 65€ for this tour.

• Operation Period: Friday 8:30pm (29th May- 7th August)
• Departure times: 29/05 – 07/08 Fridays 8:30pm – 11pm

Good to know : Champagne Sunset VIP Sunset Cruises are running every Friday at 8:30pm from the Port Vell harbour location during the season.

Make sure you check Stoke Travel for their schedule.

36. Montjuic Cinema (summer special!)

Open-Air Film festival under the Barcelona Sky right at the Castle of Montjuic – do we need to say anything more?

Check out Sala Montjuic for specific dates.

This event only takes place from July to August. Also, there is usually live music before the actual movie starts.

Come here beforehand, bring a picnic blanket and some snacks. This is one of my favorite activities with friends in Barcelona!

To secure your ticket, get your ticket directly with Sala Montjuic .

37. LandSailing, Parasailing and BBQ Boats

Do you like GoKarting? Then you will love even more Land Sailing!

A land-sailing mini-yacht is a kart with three wheels and a sail. You can start a race against your friends next to the beach.

There is even an official race, just check out Land Sailing Barcelona .

This is for the Adrenalin-junky around us – obviously! It starts in the harbor and brings you around the coast line.

38. Beach Cinema

There is also a beach-version of the open-air film festival.

Feel the sand on your feet and watch movies from classic to alternative.

Check all the dates of beach cinema Lliure here .

You do NOT need a ticket here, it is free!

Make sure you come early as it is usually very busy here.

This is why I actually prefer the Montjuic Cinema, mentioned before.

39. Spanish Guitar Concert

Once we were wandering around the old town and saw this big sign:

Spanish guitar concert tonight in a former monastery!

We bought the ticket at the entrance, entered, and loved it!

It was simply amazing.

If you are into live music, you will enjoy a beautiful Spanish guitar concert – no doubt about it.

The one we visited was also entertaining as three musicians started to play simultaneously on one single guitar.

40. Are you up for Stand-Up (Paddle Surf)?

Barcelona’s beach is actually perfect for Stand-Up Paddle Surf as the wind is not that strong like in the Atlantic coast, and the sea is calm.

Rent a paddle board and get started.

It will be plenty of fun so more people you are.

41. Enter Gaudi World: Casa Batllo

After the Sagrada Familia, the world famous Casa Batllo is a must-visit.

Visit Casa Batlló , one of Gaudí­’s most impressive works, with an insightful video guide to explain the distinctive features and elements.

You can actually enter the building, located on the prestige Passeig de Gracia.

Inside you will be walking around with a video guide with Augmented Reality in your hand (check the video below).

The colorful windows, the shapes and the stories behind; Casa Batllo is really interesting.

Even for the non-architects lovers.

For children, the playful house is also a curious visit.

The best part, kids under 7 get in free and don’t need a ticket.

You will need to purchase a ticket to enter.

Best recommendation I can give you, get the Skip The Line Ticket!

The queues are really long.

You will notice a long line every time you walk-pass the building.

42. Drive a kick-ass Ferrari (for only 88€!!!)

UPDATE : Since 2019, this is no longer possible.

Have we ever told you about the time we drove a Ferrari through Barcelona?

You can seriously rent a Ferrari. The best part: Prices start from only 88€.

Enjoy the speed of the beast, going from 0-100 in 3.8s.

You can choose to drive it on one of 3 routes, our favorite being the drive up to Montjuic and making a lap of the old Urban F1 circuit.

Sebastian Vettel watch out!

Make sure you bring your own camera, you will want evidence to prove to your friends that you actually did it.

You can also place your own GoPro on the car to get some cool video footage to make your friends even more jealous.

My recommendation : This is a perfect gift for your partner or friend.

If your friend or partner is into fast cars, I recommend this as a surprise gift.

Just make sure she/ he brings the driving license. You need it to rent the car.

UPDATE: Park Güell and Sagrada Familia

As so many asked, we wanted to include this here as well.

There are only 2 things you have to prepare BEFORE coming here:

• Sagrada Familia

1. Visit Park Güell – preo-booking required!

Since 2015 there is an entrance fee for the main part (the beautiful one).

You need to buy a ticket at least 1 day before for the main part of Park Güell .

I highly recommend to buy it as soon as you know your travel plans.

Otherwise you will be stuck with a ticket for 7am in the morning as everything else is sold out.

Check available time slots here. Just enter your travel dates.

You might read Park Güell is free. There is actually one part of the park which is free, but it is not the one you wanna see.

The most beautiful  part, with the salamander, the main monumental area, and the trencadís artwork (famous chopped ceramics) requires a ticket. And it cannot be purchased at the moment.

Again : You HAVE to get your ticket to Park Güell beforehand (to actually enter).

Compare prices : Tiqets.com | Get Your Guide

2. Same goes for Sagrada Familia

Get your tickets as soon as you can! You can skip the line and also go up the tower. If you are queuing up, you cannot enter any tower.

Make sure you purchase your ticket before to skip the line at Sagrada Familia .

I also recommend getting the audio guide. It  will give you an insight of Gaudis intention and what different symbols mean.

It is quite fascinating, especially the different animals on the windows inside.

Smart tip : Go before 10am in the morning, it’s less busy!

Here you can instantly check for free time slots visiting Sagrada Familiy with Fast Track.

Fan of printed city guides?

Have a look as well at Fodor’s insider Guide and Rick Steves Pocket Guide .

Or click directly on the images to get your copy.

Alright, now that you have the coolest activities, you want to know where you get your rest at night.

I found this useful guide to where to stay in Barcelona  – as first time visitors.

Of course, I do also have my top recommendations

I divided them into different traveler types:

Just pick the one you need, I handpicked an accommodation for every traveler type. Easy peasy! 🙂

Alternatively, you could also check out the best Party Hostels in Barcelona .

1) Solo-Traveler and Backpacker

We summed up the 3 best hostels in Barcelona .

The quick overview is:

• The Central House Barcelona Gracia
• Casa Gracia
• YEAH Barcelona

Those are the best options for solo-travelers and they are even recommended for couples. Here you can mingle with more travelers and stay in style.

Seriously, the hostels we cover here are true design treasures. At Hostelz.com you can compare all prices for the hostels in Barcelona . It makes it a convenient way actually to find best rates. Have a look on what hostels you can expect:

2) Families

An apartment is the best option for families. Here we recommend the BAI81 Apartments .

Located in Eixample, you are in walking distance to main modernist Gaudí attractions like Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo.

Their kitchen is well equipped and it’s a safe area The apartments are always clean. If my friends cannot stay with me, this is where I send them when visiting.

For the romantic city break, I recommend Hotel Mercer Barcelona .

Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter (really downtown!), Hotel Mercer Barcelona is set in one of the city’s ancient buildings, next to the Roman walls.

Chic decor, high ceilings with exposed brick walls, and an interior country yard with orange trees.

There is a even a super big roof top terrace with restaurant and bar!

This is my #1 tip for the romantic couple coming over for a few days.

4) Groups of friends

When heading over with a group of friends, you want to have your own space. And it should be a cool one, preferably with a nice terrace.

My best tip : Inside Barcelona Apartments Mercat !

The apartment has everything you need from dish washer to terrace.

They have more than 1 apartment here in Barcelona.

I really like that every apartment has a small terrace. This adds some extra quality time to your Barcelona adventure. Therefore, this is my #1 recommendation.

I mean, everybody loves terraces!

Oh, you are still here?

We thought you would be hitting the road already having some fun in Barcelona!

We keep this article always up to date.

Barcelona is our home and there is always something new and cool coming up.

Do you have any questions?

Then please please bother us and write it in the comments.

We want to keep this article as useful and cool as possible.

Your questions helps us to understand on what things and activities I missed to mention.

Therefore, drop a comment with your question below.

I am looking forward to hear from you!

Looking for more ideas?

No problem! Here you have plenty of ideas for Barcelona:

• 77 COOL things to do in Barcelona by us directly
• 59 FREE things to do in Barcelona (for the ones traveling on a small budget)

Looking for something specific?

54 Activities for Couples

18 Luxury Things To Do

23 Things To Do at Night

How to get around barcelona.

The old town is really walk-able , the rest not that much.

So you need to get some sort of transport.

1. Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus

The easiest way to get to all major tourist sights is without a doubt the Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus .

Buy the ticket with Get Your Guide. It is our go-to wbsite for getting tickets all over Europe. Here is a review of Get Your Guide .

2. Public Transport

However, the Public Transport here is almost perfect.

The bus is well-connected and there is a metro every 2-3 minutes.

We recommend to get the HOLA BCN Ticket .

Choose a 2,3,4 or 5-day pass to use the public transport for a fix price.

Smart tip : NEVER buy a single ticket for the metro in Barcelona. Why? A single ticket will cost you  almost 3€.

The HOLA BCN Ticket is 6,50€ per day .

When using public transport a lot, it really pays off.

Have a look on the offers at the vending machine.

3. Get a Vespa .

We mentioned this in point #3. Get a Red Vespa like in the movies.

Epic Day Trips from Barcelona

There are plenty of trips you can take from Barcelona.

Here is a collection of 33 day trips from Barcelona .

Here is our video of Canyoning we did:

Amsterdam, London and Rome

You liked these recommendations.

Oh, you will love these ones even more!

We also found

• 44 entertaining ideas for London
• as well as 29 fun things to do in Amsterdam
• and 24 entertainment tips for Paris
• 29 fun things to do in Lisbon

If you would love any more info, please drop us an email .

We are super keen about helping you.

As you see, we could talk about BARCELONA all day long 🙂

Don’t forget to download our exclusive guide for Barcelona here .

Over to you: Questions?

Do you have questions, doubts, something not clear? Please please please bother me and drop me a comment.

I want to have this article for you as useful and informative as possible. Your question actually helps me to see what I’ve missed.

Therefore, your questions helps you, me and all the other readers.

Just leave a comment below =)

– – – Pinterest is your friend!

We are 100% Independent: Some links on Hostelgeeks are so-called affiliate links. If you decide to book through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you . Your support allows us to keep producing high-quality, independent content free of influence from hostels or external advertisers. Learn more here . 🙏

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it is helpful and informative blog,i really appreciate the work you have done,you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way. I am also a traveller and blogger since 10 years. I am happy to read this article.

Cool article, thank you! I read it before traveling to Barcelona it helped me a lot 🙂

Great guide for things to do in Barcelona; I didn’t know there was a beach cinema! I would have loved to go. Oh well, that’s an excuse for a second trip 😉

Here’s my guide for more things to do in Barcelona.

Love this list! I am visiting Barcelona in 2 weeks and am still lookingf or acomodations, actiovities etc but just for a weekend. Thanks again!!

Hi Menorca,

thanks a lot, so glad you enjoy our list!

As for accommodation, how about Free Hostels Barcelona? It is a great, upscale hostel in a good neighborhood, great local places like restaurants around. You can get a 5% discount at Free Hostels Barcelona by using the code “thank-you-hostelgeeks”, valid for 2017.

Other than that, the dorms at Teatro Hostel and Tailor Hostels are super cool. A fun, social place to stay at. There you can get as well a discount of 5% discount by using the promo code “thank-you-hostelgeeks”.

What kind of activities are you interested in?

Cheers, Matt

Fantastic to see a list of things to do in Barcelona that isn’t just full of the typical “La Rambla, La Boqueria, etc” suggestions.

You’ve clearly put a LOT of thought into this collection 🙂

Thanks for your kind comment. We are based in Barcelona, so we know one and another thing here 🙂 Great list you made there. Could we add some items to your list from our locals perspective?

All the best and take care, Matt

That’s a great idea 🙂 Send me an email and I’ll add one or two at the bottom of our post, okay?

Thank you for your advice. This is cool to know!!

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97 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

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It’s chaotic. It’s festive. It’s the Barcelona we all know and love so dearly.

Thanks to its warm Mediterranean air, vibrant culture, deep connection to art and history, and capacity to throw a helluva good party, the Catalonian capital has been a mainstay on Eurotrip bucket lists for decades.

From the colorful streets of La Rambla and bohemian vibe of El Raval to world-renowned museums and delectable Spanish eats (did someone say paella?), there’s something for everyone in gorgeous Barcelona. Throw in world-class shopping, stunning architecture, golden beaches, a sporting-mad culture, and a whole host of adventure-focused activities, and you’ve got one jam-packed city teeming with memory-making opportunities for every kind of traveler: backpackers, culture vultures, sports snobs, foodies, beach bums, and everyone in between.

But with so many exciting things to do in Barcelona, and plenty more within arm’s length, planning an itinerary isn’t as easy as it sounds. That’s why we’ve put together a list of fun things to do in Barcelona , to help you make the most of your time in this incredible city.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Barcelona tours

1 – Check out Barcelona’s most iconic monument: La Sagrada Familia

Jutting into the sky, towering above the rest of the city at 170 meters tall, the Sagrada Familia is the posterchild of this thriving city. Designed and created by the esteemed visionary Gaudi, the foreboding has been left unfinished for decades, but don’t let that deter you from visiting!

Despite construction starting back in 1882, the church is still not completed, with an estimated completion date of 2026 – and an estimated finished height of 560 feet.

Known around the world, the imposing basilica has been deemed a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited monuments in Spain, if not Europe. With its intricate details and unique design, both inside and out, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona .

There is an entrance fee to enter, but it’s worth every euro! Once inside, take some time to explore the nave and marvel at Gaudi’s genius before heading up one of the towers for incredible views over the city.

As you’ll discover, every inch of this place oozes wow-factor! From the stained glass windows to the towering spires, the carved stone features, and the three main facades — Glory facade, Nativity Facade, and Passion Facade — this is architecture at its finest, and it’s all best seen on a locally-led guided tour.

• Sagrada Familia tickets & tours

Read more about Sagrada Familia tickets price and the best Sagrada Familia tours .

Sold out? Learn how to book Sagrada Familia last-minute tickets .

2 – Snap a selfie at colorful Park Guell

Park Guell was first intended to be a gated community for the aristocrats in Barcelona; today, the vibrant, colorful locale holds its own as one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world!

The Gaudi House Museum — the first piece of architecture that catapulted Gaudi to fame — is also located close by, with a range of walking tours covering both must-see destinations.

With dazzling mosaics that shimmer in the sunlight, undulating benches that resemble a sea of snakes, and an incredible panoramic view of the cityscape below, Park Guell is one spot in Barcelona you really can’t afford to miss.

Pro tip: arrive early to avoid the crowds (it opens at 09:30), and don’t forget to bring your camera! And don’t forget to snap a selfie in front of the world-famous mosaic lizard at the entrance of the park (it’s become somewhat of an icon).

• Park Güell tours

Read more: 14 Best Walking Tours in Barcelona That Offer a Glimpse into Catalan History

3 – Admire the quirky, modern architecture of Casa Batllo

Speaking of Gaudi, Casa Batllo (designed and created by the great architect, of course) is considered to be one of his best works.

UNESCO declared the building a World Heritage Site in 2005, and it’s not hard to see why.

From the outside, it looks like something out of a fairytale, with its colorful facade and dragon-like roof. But step inside and you’ll find an even more incredible world waiting for you, with Gaudi’s signature style around every corner.

The postcard-worthy building was built between 1904 to 1906 and is considered to be one of the best displays of modernist architecture – over a century later, it remains a regular hit with locals and tourists alike.

For anyone who appreciates architecture, visiting this iconic monument is one of the essential things to do in Barcelona. And while you’re in the area, make sure to check out some of the other incredible modernist buildings dotted around the city, like Casa Mila and Illa de la Discòrdia.

Hot tip: during peak tourist season, a skip-the-line ticket is well worth the extra few bucks.

• Casa Batlló tours

Read more about the Best Barcelona Tours .

4 – Listen to flamenco guitar at the Palau De La Musica Catalana

The Palau De La Musica Catalana is considered to be the center of the Catalan culture movement, now officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (so you know it’s worthy of a visit).

Despite being over 100 years old, it continues to host concerts and orchestras to this day, none more famous than the Orfeo Catala Choir.

Even if you’re not catching a show, a backstage guided tour (be that self-guided with an audio narration or following along with a local guide) is certainly worthwhile for theater lovers.

While you’ll find a slew of performances on the roster – everything from jazz concerts to ballets – the locals recommend you try and catch a traditional flamenco show. Often considered Spain’s national dance, flamenco is a passionate, emotional affair that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

There are plenty of great places to see flamenco in Barcelona (like the Tablao de Carmen), however, this historical theater takes the cake.

• Palau de la Música Catalana tickets

5 – Walk down the atmospheric Las Ramblas pedestrian street

It’s chaotic, it’s busy, it’s full of tourists, and it’s easily the most famous street in the city! Stretching for approximately 1.2km, this colorful pedestrian-only walkway connects Port Vell with Placa Catalunya, with no shortage of sights along the way.

On one side, you have the Liceu opera house; on the other, the Jamboree Jazz & Dance Club; and beyond, a seemingly endless supply of cafes, restaurants, and kiosks.

Always full of life and energy, a stroll down Las Ramblas will reveal human statues, living art exhibitions, fortune tellers, buskers and so much more. It’s all very touristy and cliche, but it would be criminal to come to Barcelona and not take a stroll down Las Ramblas.

With an endless choice of shops, outdoor cafes, restaurants, galleries, markets (make a note of La Boqueria), and museums (step inside the Museu de l’Erotica if you’re feeling frisky), it’s no surprise that this tree-line boulevard is one of the most visited areas in the city, always covered during city tours in Barcelona .

Hot tip: be on the lookout for the Palau Guell, a stunning mansion designed by Antoni Gaudi, located just off Las Ramblas.

6 – Hike (or drive) to the peaceful summit of Montserrat

Get outside of the hustle and bustle of the city and visit the stunning mountain that is Montserrat, located about an hour’s drive inland, when hiking in Barcelona . There, among the countryside, visitors will find a mountaintop sanctuary that offers a welcomed breath of fresh air.

While convenient tours do arrange all the transport, for those looking to stretch their legs, there’s also a range of hiking routes that ascend the mountain.

Towering some 1236 meters above the valley, once at the top – where you’ll find the spectacular monastery – visitors are rewarded with incredible views that extend for miles in every direction. Not surprising, considering it’s the highest point of the Catalan lowlands. At just 45km away from the city, a day trip to Montserrat is the perfect excuse to get out of town.

• Montserrat day trips from Barcelona

Also within the Montserrat Mountains are a slew of wineries and vineyards, one of the must-visit wine regions in Spain . Take advantage of the wine tastings in Barcelona around these parts, visiting old-age cellars, enjoying vino samplings and taking tours of the wineries, for example, at Oller de Mas.

• wine tasting tours from Barcelona

Hot tip: Enjoy a day of elegance and flavor with the best wine tasting tours in Barcelona , where the beauty of the vineyards meets the art of wine.

7 – Ride the cable car up to the historic Montjuic Castle

With an incredible vantage point of the horizon, plus a range of educational exhibits on display, the 17th-century Montjuic Castle is something that every Barcelona tourist should check out.

Perched atop the hill of the same name, this former military fortress provides an excellent opportunity to catch your breath after ticking a few things off your Barcelona bucket list.

While hiking up to the postcard-worthy fortress is an option (albeit a tiring one), it isn’t nearly as fun as taking the cable car , which travels over 752 meters at a relaxing pace, with nonstop panoramic views the whole way through!

Once you arrive at the top, make sure to explore the castle grounds, check out the Montjuïc Lighthouse, and meander down to the Mirador de Montjuic to take in the sweeping city views. And, if you’ve got an hour or two to spare, pop into the Barcelona Botanical Garden next door.

• Montjuïc cable car tickets

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8 – Wander around the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site

Architecture buffs, this one is reserved for you! Discover one of the world’s largest Art Nouveau sites at the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista , a former hospital-turned-cultural center, and now a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

All up, the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site is comprised of nearly 30 buildings, all designed by renowned Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. While some of the structures are still used for medical purposes today, others have been converted into event spaces and museums, and are open to the public.

At nearly a century old, the site is still considered to be a modern masterpiece. While visitors are more than welcome to stroll around the grounds at their own pace, a guided tour is the best way to learn about the facility’s fascinating history.

• Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site tickets

9 – Immerse yourself in modern art at Moco Museum

Step into the heart of modern and contemporary art at the Moco Museum . From Andy Warhol to KAWS, the major artists of the past decades can be appreciated and explored at this museum, cleverly located in a 16th-century palace in Barcelona.

An offshoot of the Moco Museum based in Amsterdam, the Barcelona Moco Museum sees over one million visitors a year. It’s committed to making art accessible, using it to spark conversation and challenge cultural norms. Delve into the groundbreaking work of artists such as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Yayoi Kusama, who have laid the foundations for contemporary artists.

With permanent exhibitions featuring the likes of Damien Hirst, Kehinde Wiley and Takashi Murakami, a day here is sure to stimulate your mind. There is also a permanent exhibition dedicated to the street art of the renowned anonymous artist Banksy.

You can even revel in the immersive art experience developed by teamLab that has spread worldwide. Moco Museum has everything and more to satisfy your cultural tastes!

• Moco Museum tickets and tours

10 – Immerse yourself in the thrill of a Formula One race at the Spanish Grand Prix

Held every June, the Spanish Grand Prix is one of the most awaited events in the F1 calendar, and Barcelona’s high energy makes this sun-kissed city the perfect place to host it.

Over the F1 weekend, visitors can experience the thrilling race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Along with that, concerts and parties are happening around the city, with fireworks, an overhead air show and plenty of live music to keep you entertained.

Grab your Barcelona F1 GP tickets – and join nearly 140,000 fans across 9 unique viewing grandstands – to witness one of the most spectacular events in the motorsport world.

Whether you’re team Red Bull, Mercedes, Alpine, or Aston Martin, this is one show-stopper you won’t want to miss.

11 – Get up close to Banksy’s artworks at the Banksy Museum

Are you a big fan of Banksy? Well, at the Banksy Museum in Barcelona, you can get up close to the artist’s work. Enter the mysterious creative’s mind at this permanent exhibition at Espacio Trafalgar .

See over 100 of Banksy’s artworks, and gain an understanding and appreciation of his unique style and voice. Since becoming active in the 1990s, Banksy has captivated the world with his satirical, emotive pieces and street art. While believed to be from Bristol, Banksy has managed to remain anonymous throughout his career and continues to disrupt the art and graffiti world.

At the Banksy Museum, you have the opportunity to join an informative, guided tour on Mondays. The exhibition is otherwise open every day of the week from 10 AM to 8 PM. Take your time to appreciate some of his most notable works, including Flower Thrower, Girl Frisking Soldier and Kissing Coppers.

• Banksy Museum tickets

12 – Get lost in the beauty of Casa Mila

Ask any local and they’ll agree: Casa Mila (also known as the stone quarry) is something that everyone needs to see at least once in their lifetimes.

Dating back to the early 1900s, the iconic building is most known for its lack of straight lines — instead, in typical Gaudi style, it’s full of vivid decorative shapes and sleek curves.

Guests have the option to go on an audio-guided tour in the daytime, or explore Casa Mila by moonlight — each experience is magnificent in its own unique way.

Most popular with visitors, the night experience includes high-tech visual effects, special lighting, and a dramatic accompanying soundtrack, all combined to deliver a truly unforgettable experience.

Around the corner sits Casa Enric Batlló, another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces that’s definitely worth a visit while you’re in the area.

• Casa Milà tickets and tours

13 – Wander around the charming, cobblestoned Gothic Quarter

A regular crowd favorite, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is made up of narrow medieval streets that twist and turn their way through the heart of the city’s old town. Centuries-old buildings line the cobbled streets, making the area feel like a journey make through time to the Middle Ages.

However, despite the dusty aesthetic, it’s far from ancient — trendy restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, cafes, and art galleries are a dime a dozen, many of which have popped up within the old buildings, creating a beautiful cultural contrast of old and new.

Hot tip: Check it out during the day to admire the architecture, then come back at night for a wild night out on the town.

• Gothic Quarter tours

14 – Unwind and absorb some candlelight concerts

Music is great no matter where you listen to it; but there’s something about hearing it by candlelight that makes the whole experience transcendent. And as the name suggests, the Candlelight Concerts series adopts this idea as a framework – and the results are magical!

Settle into some of the finest venues in town, and enjoy the lush sounds of professional orchestras, with a roomful of candles creating a relaxing atmosphere. But if you think that your options are limited to sedate symphonies, think again!

The series features a diverse catalog of works and projects, spanning the breadth and depth of musical culture. Tribute concerts are extremely popular, with gorgeous reinterpretations of works by such modern artists as Queen, ABBA, Shakira, and Ed Sheeran.

There are also some excellent holiday programs as well, so swing by during the winter season for an extra dose of joy!

• candlelight concerts in Barcelona

Get ready to be swept away by the magic of Sorolla in Barcelona

Experience “Sorolla: A New Dimension” – an exhibition that will transform your view of this master of light. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Sorolla’s passing in a spectacular 11,000 sq ft space. Marvel at his renowned works, now more alive than ever, through immersive 360° projections and virtual reality.

15 – Walk around a mansion at Palau Baró de Quadras

From the wrought-iron entrance to the gothic staircase and intricately decorated walls, this place has many fascinating medieval touches, all the work of the revered modernist architect, Cadafalch.

Since its inception, the building has served as the Music Museum of Barcelona and the main offices of the Institut Ramon Llull. These days, it’s open to the public as a museum, providing visitors with an insight into how the other half lived back in Barcelona’s golden years. Highlights include the stunning stained-glass windows, the imposing fireplace in the dining room, and the beautiful tiled floor in the main hall.

Thanks to its location on the Avinguda Diagonal, after checking out the elegant palace, consider making your way to the popular Passeig de Gracia, home to an array of high-end designer stores.

16 – Take a dip in the azure waters of Costa Brava

Now, that’s what we call vacation living! Looking like something stolen straight out of a postcard, Costa Brava is the coastal region of Catalonia and stretches over 200 miles, with soft sands, warm waters, and plenty of quaint seaside towns on offer.

The pristine blue waters are a treat for those who want to cool down on a hot day (which, in Barcelona, there’s no shortage of), while there are plenty of kayaking tours and snorkeling tours too if you’re on the hunt for something a little more active.

Hot tip: Check out our list of fun things to do in Costa Brava .

If you prefer to stay dry, the winding streets of Girona make for a lovely afternoon stroll, or you can take a drive along the scenic coastal roads before discovering the hidden beauty of the Cap de Creus Natural Park or tucking into some fresh seafood.

Pre-arranged tours provide all the transport equipment; just bring yourself and a can-do attitude!

• Costa Brava day trips from Barcelona

Read more about the best day trips from Barcelona .

17 – Stuff your belly on a food tour to La Boqueria Market

As a nation infamous for its love of food, it would be criminal to visit Spain and not go on a food tour! And Barcelona is no exception — the city offers a chance to team up with local foodies, meander around the markets, and sample some of the tastiest dishes around.

From traditional Catalan cuisine to more modern gastronomic fare, there’s something to tantalize everyone’s taste buds. And what’s more, you’ll get to see the city through the eyes of a local as you explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and markets or when indulging in food-centric tours like cheese tastings in Barcelona .

Established in 1840 as a fresh food hangout, the city’s La Boqueria Market is not only the country’s oldest market (its first selling roots date to the 13th century), but it’s one of the best fresh markets in the world.

Try different treats at La Boqueria Market, enjoy delicious tapas , sip local blends on a wine tasting walk, sample delightful local cheeses, and down a craft beer or two during beer tastings in Barcelona — as you can see, there are plenty of traditional and new foods throughout the city just waiting to be eaten.

• food tours in Barcelona

18 – Learn about the infamous architect Antoni Gaudi at the Gaudi Crypt

This next activity is a must for all fans of Antoni Gaudi! The Gaudi Crypt in Colonia Guell is one of the architect’s earliest works and was actually his first public commission.

Although the building itself is quite small, it packs a mighty punch and contains all the elements that would go on to make Gaudi’s work so distinctive and world-renowned. From the undulating columns to the colorful tiled roof, this is a real treat for the senses.

The crypt was originally designed as a chapel and a meeting place for the former residents of Santa Coloma de Cervelló: The Church of Colonia Guell.

Much like the iconic Sagrada La Familia, the Gaudi Crypt, which is found just outside the city, remains unfinished to this day. The spiraling columns are twisted arches are sights to behold, with plenty to be learned on a guided walking tour of the area.

• Gaudi Crypt tickets

19 – See the main sights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour

Short or time or don’t want to arrange your own transport between attractions? A hop-on hop-off bus tour is the solution!

Ideal for first-time visitors, these types of tours allow you to see all the major landmarks and attractions without having to plan a thing. And, with multiple routes covering different areas of the city , you can tailor your experience to match your interests.

Simply grab a seat on the open-air deck or the air-conditioned lower level, and let the driver take you to landmarks such as Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou, Park Guell, Port Olimpic, the Barcelona Cathedral, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and plenty more!

Plus, with audio commentary the whole way, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of interesting facts and stories about each stop as you go.

• bus tours in Barcelona

Learn more about the best hop-on hop-off bus tours in Barcelona .

Delve into the earth’s beginning in this light show

Journey headfirst into the dawn of time with “Genesis: An Immersive Light Show” in Barcelona. Experience the birth of light, earth, and nature in an awe-inspiring three-part extravaganza. It’s not just a show; it’s a thrilling dive into the very dawn of our planet. Be transported to the genesis of the world in an unforgettable audiovisual feast!

20 – Learn all about the modernist movement at Casa de les Punxes (AKA Casa Terradas)

If you’re looking for things to do in Barcelona that are a little bit different, then a visit to Casa de les Punxes (The House of Spikes) is well worth consideration. A symbol of (and masterful work by) one of the great figures in Catalan modernism (Josep Puig i Cadafalch), this building is a real treat for the eyes.

Inspired by Gothic architecture and shaped like a medieval castle, with a sprinkling of fairy-tale magic thrown in for good measure, the Casa de les Punxes is one of the most original and interesting buildings in Barcelona. The gothic towers, in particular, are marvelous, each one decorated in its own unique theme.

Besides the whimsical decorations, Casa de las Punxes also boasts a rich history (designed by none other than Antoni Gaudí and built between 1904 and 1906), which you can learn all about on a guided tour of the building.

21 – Pop into the whimsical Casa Vicens Gaudí

The inaugural house designed by Gaudí himself, Casa Vicens Gaudi in the Gràcia neighborhood still stands as a Barcalonian icon today.

An unsurprising Unesco World Heritage site, this three-floor colorful creation is one of Gaudi’s earlier works, constructed between 1883 and 1888 as a summer home for a wealthy Vincens family.

Overflowing with picturesque touches, from the stained glass windows to the intricate tile work, and the dozens upon dozens of flora and fauna-inspired paintings (plus, of course, the obviously brilliant facade), it makes perfect sense that it finally opened to the public in 2017 as a museum dedicated to the great architect’s life and work, with its shell restored as much as possible to its original state.

To complement the permanent Gaudi collection on display, the museum also showcases a rotating roster of temporary exhibitions as well, ranging from broad insights into artistic, social, and cultural topics, to peculiar deep dives into themes like smell as an artistic inspiration.

• Casa Vicens Gaudí tickets

22 – Head to Girona on a day trip (featured in Game of Thrones)

While Girona is, undoubtedly, a magical town filled with stunning monuments and exciting places to discover, it’s most famous for its role as the backdrop in Game of Thrones! Recognize it? The picturesque backdrop is featured heavily in several scenes throughout season six (as the setting of Braavos and King’s Landing).

Although it’s just an hour away from Barcelona by train (or car), Girona feels like a world away. With its medieval architecture, labyrinthine streets, and Jewish Quarter (which dates back to the 12th century and is one of the best-preserved in Europe), it’s easy to see why the producers of the hit show chose it as a filming location.

Choose from a range of tours dedicated to the show (which stop at places like the historic cathedral), or a more generic adventure, which dives into the history and culture of this wondrous cobblestoned town. Either way, no trip to Girona is complete without a visit to the famous Arab Baths, or taking in the sweeping views from Pont de Pedra – and be sure to take a walk down La Rambla. You won’t regret it!

• Girona day trips from Barcelona

Hot tip: Don’t miss our selection of fun & unusual things to do in Girona .

23 – Solve puzzles around town with a scavenger game

Slow-paced tours are a dime a dozen — instead, spice things up with a scavenger game, probably the fun way to explore Barcelona!

With challenges that take participants off the beaten track, it’s a great way to discover spots of the buzzing city that most tourists miss out on.

Much like The Amazing Race, the objective of these interactive adventures is to solve clues at different spots around town, cracking codes and learning plenty of fun facts along the way. Not only are they super entertaining, but these scavenger games also double as brilliant team-building exercises.

• scavenger games in Barcelona

24 – Step into the quirky world of Joan Miró at the Fundació Joan Miró

Dedicated to its namesake, the hilltop Fundació Joan Miró museum (AKA the Joan Miró Foundation) not only showcases the works of the highly talented painter, sculptor, and ceramicist, but also gives young artists a platform to showcase their work as well.

Check out the space dedicated to new and upcoming artists — decked out with paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more — and be sure to take a stroll through the nearby Parc de Montjuïc, where the likes of the Catalan Museum of Archaeology and Museu Etnològic de Barcelona (as well as myriad green spaces and walking trails) await.

Camera at the ready: The museum also has an impressive rooftop terrace that offers up stunning panoramic views of the city, as well as a cafe-restaurant.

Hot tip: book online to skip the queues upon arrival.

• Fundació Joan Miró tickets and tours

Laugh like a little kid inside Bubble Planet

Bubble Planet is an immersive virtual reality journey that invites guests to cut loose and laugh like never before. Find yourself playing with bubbles, as you walk deeper into the different rooms, to find yourself surrounded by changing different landscapes, while you fly on a bubble, or splash around in a giant tub of bubbles!

25 – Climb the tower for amazing views at Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi

A Catalan Gothic cathedral located in the old town of Barcelona, this notable landmark is a regular hit for visitors on the hunt for panoramic city views.

It boasts the tallest tower in the old town, scraping the sky at almost 55 meters tall; tourists are welcome to climb to the top where sweeping, breathtaking views over Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter await.

As if that weren’t enough, the architecture is magnificent in its own right, particularly the stained glass rose windows (an exact copy of the 14th-century original), depicting scenes from the life of Christ. Built during the 14th century, it’s as historic as it is beautiful, and deserves a spot on your Barcelona itinerary, especially if you’re already planning a visit to the Cathedral of Barcelona around the corner.

And while you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Spanish guitar concerts! The cathedral’s towering interiors provide ideal acoustics for the gorgeous melodies, as the Maestros de la Guitarra ensemble performs classic hits from some of Spain’s most renowned composers.

Although the performance itself only lasts an hour, you’ll feel utterly transported by the melodies!

26 – Immerse yourself in ancient Spanish heritage at Poble Espanyol

If you’re hoping to dive deep into local traditions and heritage then the peaceful village of Poble Espanyol is the place to do it.

Located right around the corner from the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc and the Barcelona Botanical Garden, this open-air architectural museum is made up of replicas of Spanish buildings and landmarks from all over the country.

You can explore a total of 117 different structures, including an Andalusian courtyard, a Catalan farmhouse, and even a Galician stone house — all set against the stunning backdrop of the Montjuïc mountain. More than just a history lesson, it’s transformed into a modern-day melting pot of architecture, food, culture, and shopping too.

Hot tip: For anyone souvenir shopping, a couple of dozen streetside artisans are usually selling all sorts of hand-made goods.

• Poble Espanyol tickets

27 – See over 11,000 animals at the Barcelona Aquarium

A wonderful option for traveling families, tucked away on the waterfront in the Port Vell area of the city, the Barcelona Aquarium is home to some 11,000 animals (and 450 different species), including sharks, seahorses, penguins, octopus, jellyfish, and sea turtles.

Themed around the world’s different oceans and bio-regions, with a significant focus on the Mediterranean, the aquarium has a total of 66 tanks, each more impressive than the last and teeming with marine life.

But that’s not all; the Barcelona Aquarium also has interactive touch tanks; an 80-foot long tunnel full of sharks, fish, and rays; a shark diving and sleeping with sharks experience, and a range of educational programs for kids (like the Planeta Aqua and Explora! shows) — so it’s no wonder that over 14 million people walk through its doors year after year.

• Barcelona Aquarium tickets

28 – Step back in time at Casa Amatller

For visitors who love architecture above all else, Casa Amatller — a fantastic blend of Romanesque and Baroque styles that was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch — is one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets.

At Casa Amatller, guests can learn all about its history, with plenty of stories about the owners’ chocolate-making and globe-trotting. You’ll find this opulent mansion on the Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, and an area that plays host to some of Gaudi’s most iconic buildings too.

While the facade is rather understated, the inside of Casa Amatller is a real treat for the senses, with beautiful stained glass windows, an ornate staircase, and an incredible collection of art on display. And, since it’s right next to Casa Batlló, the duo serves as the perfect place to visit if you’re interested in learning more about Catalan modernism.

• Casa Amatller tours

29 – Glide around town on a segway tour

As a huge metropolis, there’s no shortage of things to do in Barcelona — so trying to see them all on foot can get tiring very quickly!

Thankfully, a smooth Segway tour is a great way to see all the sights without exhausting yourself.

Led by a friendly local tour guide, you’ll zip past all the major landmarks (and some hidden gems too!) while learning interesting facts and stories along the way.

And, since you don’t have to worry about getting lost, you can just relax and soak up the views as you cruise through Barcelona’s streets on your two-wheeled machine.

While each tour is a little different, lasting anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, expect to marvel at the new buildings, as well as the old; zoom along the coastline, and take a break at picturesque Ciutadella Park !

Looking for something off the beaten track? You’ll also find a handful of off-road adventure tours that glide their way through nature-soaked areas like Can Jalpi Park or Can Catà.

• segway tours in Barcelona

30 – Try out a few new watersports in La Barceloneta

Looking for active ways to have a fun day on the coast? Then why not give water sports a try!

At the popular Sant Sebastia Beach in La Barceloneta (an area definitely worth exploring on foot, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere, lovely views, and abundance of seafood restaurants) you can find a range of beach equipment rentals, from jet skis to parasailing gear. Take your pick from surfing , paddleboarding , flyboarding , windsurfing , scuba diving and parasailing in Barcelona ! Kitesurfing is also mega popular thanks to the wind conditions ensweeping the capital, and kite surfing lessons in Barcelona are available down at the beach.

And if you want to try your hand at something a little more traditional, there are plenty of sailing schools located along the Barcelona coastline where you can learn the ropes (quite literally) under the watchful eye of a seasoned captain.

The best part is that many of these can be enjoyed without any prior experience — all you need is a sense of adventure! There are plenty of reputable companies offering equipment rental and lessons.

31 – Head to the Old Town’s insightful Picasso Museum

With an astonishing collection of over 4000 paintings showcasing Picasso’s earliest and most formative works — ranging from the time he was a student in Barcelona, to his Blue and Rose periods, up until the time he left for Paris in 1904 — this is one of the most important museums in Picasso’s oeuvre.

You’ll see paintings from some of his most famous series on display here, like Science and Charity, The First Communion, and the Blue Period’s La Vie.

Through both artwork and informative exhibits, guests can see how the artist’s style evolved over the years and slowly transformed into the figure we know and love today, peppered with insights into Picasso’s relationship with the city of Barcelona — there is no place more qualified to teach about this incredible artist.

• Picasso Museum tours

32 – Visit the colorful Dali Museum at Figueres

Looking like something out of a Dr. Seuss novel, tucked away in the small town of Figueres (just an hour and a half away from Barcelona by train) is the Dali Museum , which is dedicated to one of Spain’s most famous – and eccentric – painters, Salvador Dali.

A must-see for all art lovers (and those who appreciate quirkiness ), the museum was designed by Josep Azemar and is located in the former municipal theatre, which was destroyed by fire during the Spanish Civil War. Today, it houses the largest collection of works by Dali in the world; over 1500 paintings, drawings, sculptures, films, and more.

From his early artistic endeavors as a teenager, to his later and more famous surrealist masterpieces, the museum (which was officially opened in 1994) spans Dali’s entire career – giving visitors a comprehensive insight into the mind of one of history’s most enigmatic artists.

While you can rent a car, the easiest way to wander the streets of Figueres and see the Dali Museum is with a pre-arranged tour.

• Figueres day trips from Barcelona

33 – Cycle through the city streets on a bike tour

Barcelona is MASSIVE, so if you’re planning to see everything on foot, think again. Instead, why not tick off all the main attractions with a relaxing bike tour?

Not only is the two-wheeled day out a fun way to see all the main sights like the Barcelona Cathedral, Arc De Triomf (the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair), and Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, but it’s a great workout as well!

Most two-wheeled adventures last between two and hour hours, themed around particular areas (like the Old Town, the Alella Wine Region, or the beachfront) and end with a refreshing drink or bite to eat.

Some even offer the opportunity to combine your sightseeing with other activities like kayaking, a cable car ride, a boat cruise, or a Segway session – making for a fun-filled day out that the whole family can enjoy!

And, to all of you foodies out there, a tapas bike tour is exactly what the doctor ordered.

• bike tours in Barcelona

Hot tip: Check our selection of the Best Bike Tours in Barcelona .

34 – Zoom upside-down and loop the loop at PortAventura

PortAventura is Spain’s most popular theme park: it has six uniquely themed worlds, encompassing over 40 different thrill rides!

One of the most popular rides is Shambhala, the highest rollercoaster in all of Europe; an adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster reaching speeds of up to 83 miles per hour and culminating in a 256-foot plunge — it’s not for the faint of heart!

Other top attractions include Furius Baco, Dragon Khan and the Stampida racing wooden coaster.

Throw in over 40 daily live performances, a water park (uniquely themed around the Italian motor racing team), and a host of other family-friendly activities, and it’s easy to see why PortAventura is one of the most popular things to do in Barcelona.

• PortAventura tickets

Make a splash at Caribe Aquatic Park

As part of PortAventura, the Caribe Aquatic Park offers a day full of water-themed fun to complement any trip to the larger theme park next door.

While there are more than enough adrenaline-fueled rides (including a whirlpool; a 31m free fall slide, King Khajuna; and the intense El Tifón water slide), if you’re after something a little more relaxing, there’s also a Jamaican-themed beach that plays reggae music all day long!

Open from late May to early September, the park also has a kids’ play area with shallow pools and water cannons, as well as the Reggae Cafe for when you need to refuel.

• Caribe Aquatic Park tickets

Quench that thirst for speed over at Ferrari Land

Trying to find ways to get your adrenaline pumping? Then slide Ferrari Land to the top of the bucket list! While there are plenty of rides and no shortage of Ferrari memorabilia, the shining beacon of this theme park is undoubtedly “Red Force.”

Officially the fastest and tallest rollercoaster in Europe, Red Force reaches dizzying speeds of 180 km per hour. Strap yourself in for a 39-second ride, taking you from 0 to 112km/h in just five seconds — leaving you feeling like your stomach is somewhere back at the station.

A handful of other park highlights include the “Racing Legends” car simulator, the “Flying Dreams” virtual reality experience, the Acrobatic Show in the Ferrari Land pits, and the “Junior Championship” — a mini VR circuit designed for young petrolheads.

• Ferrari Land tickets

35 – Step inside the historic Barcelona Cathedral

Found smack-bang in the middle of the Gothic Quarter, it should come as no surprise that the beautiful Barcelona Cathedral is a shining beacon of Gothic architecture. Despite being less known than its unfinished (and taller) counterpart, La Sagrada Familia, the cathedral holds its own as a poster child of the Gothic style.

While its spired facade is spectacular, the interior is just as impressive, thanks largely to the 500-year-old stained glass windows. Dating back to the 13th century (and taking about 150 years to actually finish building), a visit here is like taking a step back in time. Inside, you’ll find dramatic vaulted ceilings, an abundance of finely detailed sculptures and carvings, and a presence that can only be described as imposing.

Hot tip: Be sure to take the elevator to the roof for a great city view, and for an extra 4 euros, the audio guide provides excellent historical insights.

36 – Feel like you’ve stepped back in time at Besalu

A wonderful opportunity to discover the medieval heritage of Catalonia, the beautifully preserved small town of Besalu magically transports visitors all the way back to Medieval times.

Camera at the ready, folks; the town dazzles with centuries-old stone bridges, Roman temples, and massive Cathedrals. As you meander through the quaint cobblestone streets, you’ll want to photograph everything in sight – particularly The Monastery of Sant Pere (founded in the 10th century) and the medieval bridge which crosses the sparkling River Fluvia.

Besalu is also home to a number of excellent museums, including the Museum of Miniatures and CIRCUSLAND, the International Circus Palace, both of which are bound to captivate and fascinate visitors of all ages.

With so many pre-organized tours on offer, which include transport to and from Barcelona (as well as lunch and admission to any attractions), it makes for an easy day trip addition!

• Besalú day trips from Barcelona

37 – Sip 100% natural beer at the Estrella Damm Brewery

Do you enjoy a cold beer or two? How about beers with a Mediterranean twist? Then a trip to the Estrella Damm Brewery presents as the perfect day out!

With guided tours and tastings available on-site (which include learning about the production and brewing process, and viewings of the Kettle Room and Historical Archive), it’s both refreshing and educational!

At this family-run business, everything is done in-house to guarantee that the final product is of the highest quality and 100% natural — no artificial ingredients are used whatsoever. The end result is a light, crisp beer with subtle citrus notes that’s perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day.

Tours of Estrella Damm Brewery pop into the Power Generator Room, and the bottling plant (and the bar, of course); typically last around an hour and a half, and are best booked in advance.

• Estrella Damm Brewery tickets

38 – Snap selfies with your heroes at the Wax Museum

The closest thing you’ll get to a star-studded red carpet event in Barcelona, the Wax Museum is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Home to over 200 incredibly lifelike wax figures of some of the world’s most famous faces — think Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Pope Francis, Lionel Messi, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Barack Obama — it’s an A-list affair from start to finish. From royalty to singers, actors, and fictional characters, it’s a chance to get up close and personal with your heroes and learn a little about their lives.

Aside from the obvious selfie ops, there are also a few interactive exhibits (tailormade for selfies with the cast of Money Heist and Star Wars, among others) that make for a fun-filled day out.

After making all your Instagram friends jealous, grab a coffee at the fantasy fairy forest cafe.

• Wax Museum tickets

39 – Admire artful masterpieces at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

An art museum whose Italian-style building is as much of a work of art as the treasure trove of paintings that line its walls, The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya in the heart of Parc de Montjuïc is a must-see locale for all of those out there who live and breathe creative expression.

Offering a wide variety of styles and eras, they house pieces and collections from great artists from Catalonia such as Gaudi and Casas, as well as collections from Renaissance figures like Tiziano and Velazquez.

All up, spread across its three floors and many rooms, the museum has over 290,000 works of art on display — making it the largest and arguably most important in the city — so you could easily spend an entire day here and still not see it all!

Looking to save a pretty penny? Head to the museum on Saturdays after 3pm, or the every first Sunday of the month, when admission’s free.

Hot tip: make sure to download the app to make use of the free audio guide (available in several languages) and learn more about each piece as you go.

• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya tickets

40 – Admire the impressive art collection at Casa Rocamora

Art lovers, take note! For an undisputed great day out, why not visit the home of Manuel Rocamora and indulge in his huge art collection?

Over his lifetime, Rocamora managed to collect over 4000 pieces spanning ancient clothing to sculptures, paintings, scriptures, ceramics, and plenty more — and some of the most exquisite of them are on display here, flanking the walls of this Spanish-Elizabethan building nestled in the uptown district of El Putxet.

Among the expansive collection, there’s an envied collection of Alcora pottery, several Mudejar-style tapestries, as well as a mobile by Picasso, and works by Manolo Hugué, Agapit Vallmitjana, and Ramon Casas, to name just a few.

41 – See the bustling Barcelona street art scene!

Overflowing with color, creativity, and personality, the street art scene in Barcelona is not to be missed, with many local artists adding their flair to the already vibrant streets regularly.

And, whether you’re a long-time fan or are just discovering your love for graffiti and murals, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in all things street art than on an undergrad Barcelona art adventure.

From world-famous pieces by artists like Banksy to lesser-known local treasures, you’ll see it all on this jam-packed tour. Most of the more famous street murals can be found in Poble Nou, an area known as a reminder of the industrial revolution, but the Gothic Quarter, Raval area, and Born district are all worth exploring too.

And, not only will you get to explore some of the coolest neighborhoods in Barcelona while admiring amazing art (on foot or on two wheels), but you’ll also learn about the stories and meanings behind each piece from your passionate and knowledgeable guide.

• street art tours in Barcelona

42 – Let your hair down on a lively boat party

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party the day away on a boat party cruise! With splendid views from departure to docking, dishing up a shiny new perspective of Catalonia, it’s a great way to celebrate being on vacation!

You’ll find a myriad of options available to suit every level or reveler; from BBQ feasts to open bars, and seaside fiestas dedicated to younger travelers (the perfect way to meet fellow party-loving backpackers). Usually lasting around 3 hours, with water sports often included, your catamaran or sailboat party will be one to remember.

Onboard DJs on the decks enhance the vibey mood, and there are all sorts of water toys to play with — or simply chill out on the bow, working on your Spanish tan.

• boat party in Barcelona

43 – Stare in awe at the natural wonders of La Garrotxa

On any trip to the geological wonder that is La Garrotxa, a hidden slice of Catalonian nature between the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava, visitors are blessed with the chance to get to know the volcanoes that shaped the area’s stunning rolling hills and valleys.

With over 40 volcanic cones and more than 20 lava flows throughout the Natural Park, it’s a reminder of the sheer power of Mother Nature. Towering above the picturesque town of Olot, Montsacopa is one of the most popular peaks to climb for those seeking incredible views.

La Garrotxa is also home to some natural hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and even a lava cave! The area’s many hiking trails are the perfect way to explore all of its natural beauty – and, with so many different routes on offer (some even beginning in Olot), there’s something to suit all fitness levels.

For those looking for a truly unique experience, a visit to the Fageda d’en Jorda – a beech forest that was actually created by past volcanic eruptions – is a must. While the medieval villages of Santa Pau, Besalú, Sant Joan les Fonts, and Sant Feliu de Pallerols are priorities.

And even though the national park is surrounded by hikeable lush forest, arguably the best vantage point is from above, with a romantic and exhilarating hot air balloon flight.

• La Garrotxa day trips from Barcelona

44 – Head 10 meters under the sea into the depths of the ocean when scuba diving

Fun fact: Spain boasts some of the most epic diving sites around Europe thanks to its amalgamation of warm and cold waters, and some of the famous dive sites are situated close by to Barcelona.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time diver, there are underwater experiences for all to join!

If you’re PADI-certified, spend 2.5 hours exploring the depths of the Mediterranean Ocean around Costa Brava (a super popular dive site here is Cap de Creus Marine Reserve).

Not to fear if you’ve never gone scuba diving before, there are excursions for total newbies, learning the basics 101 of scuba diving. Before entering the ocean, you’re taught how to breathe, decompress, use the equipment and other techniques.

Have fun swimming in water worlds of magnificent sea creatures and special plant species!

• scuba diving in Barcelona

45 – Lose yourself in the beautiful Parc del Laberint d’Horta

A surefire hit for youngsters and adults alike, this well-manicured labyrinth consists of close to 750 meters of cypress hedge.

But the park is far more than just a hedge maze; the gorgeous 9.1-hectare garden features two small temples dedicated to Artemis and Danae, a range of flora, and a beautiful Moorish castle. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a bygone era.

The Parc del Laberint d’Horta is one of the oldest gardens in Europe (designed in 1792), and, having stood the test of time, it’s as historic as it is enchanting.

It’s off the beaten track in the mountainside Horta-Guinardó District, offering a much-needed slice of relaxation and fresh air (especially compared to Las Ramblas).

46 – Whether young or old, believe in magic at the Big Fun Museum of Illusions

A house belonging to a giant? A museum that happens to be a Guinness World Record breaker? Introducing the Big Fun Museum of Illusions where eight museums — we repeat, eight museums — are all headed up under one exciting roof!

Enter the Records & Wonders museum and investigate universes of all things weird and wonderful like you’ve never seen before, like the world’s smallest car!

Decked out in 3D paintings by local Barcelonians, get lost inside the Museum of Illusions — keeping your camera not far from reach.

Ever wondered what life was like for Jack and his beanstalk? Discover what it’s like to live as a behemoth inside the Giant’s House, furnished in larger-than-life finishings so you really feel extra small!

The other exciting and out-of-the-box museums are the Topsy-Turvy House, the Sweet Museum, the Museum of Madness, the Food Art gallery, Alice Through The Looking Glass world and the Magic Room.

• Museum of Illusions tickets

47 – Explore the city in style… on a Vespa!

While group tours can be fun, some tourists might prefer to explore the city at their own pace — that’s where a Vespa tour (on an e-scooter tour) can come in handy!

A straightforward process, guests don’t even need a map of the streets, since most rental scooters come with a GPS that has the city’s main attractions already saved.

Among the sights you can explore on your own are Park Guell, Tibidabo Mountain, the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, and much more.

Not only is this a unique way to see Barcelona (we can guarantee you’ll stand out from the rest of the tourists!), but it’s also a sustainable way of getting around, which is an added bonus.

• scooter tours in Barcelona

See also: Best city tours in Barcelona

48 – Get a little frisky at the Erotic Museum

A stimulating outing for couples, the distinctive Erotic Museum is home to over 800 unique pieces that showcase how sexuality has been used as a source of imagination and inspiration through the ages.

Spread throughout the 9 rooms and airy courtyard of this one-of-a-kind museum (the first and only in Spain), you’ll find all manner of cheeky relics on display, some diving into the fascinating world of the Kama Sutra, others showcasing the rarely-seen Japanese “shunga”, with several displays details the history of Spanish-Catalan adult content, dating all the way back to the 1920s.

Throw in a couple of Picasso paintings for good measure, and no shortage of nude statues, and you’re left with an eclectic range of pieces that cover a huge spectrum of time periods — all with one naughty thing in common.

Centrally located on the Rambla de Barcelona, it’s an insightful place to visit that seamlessly works into any itinerary.

• Erotic museum tickets

49 – Don the chef’s hat for a cooking class

Do we have any budding restauranteurs in the house? If you want to bring the flavors of Barcelona back home with you, why not learn how to cook a couple of traditional Spanish dishes by taking a cooking class?

Choose from classes designed for large groups, small groups, join a home cook, or sign up for a VIP experience with a professional chef! Either way, you’ll get hands-on experience in the kitchen, learning about different techniques, flavors, and ingredients used in Spanish cuisine.

And of course, you’ll also get to eat what you make — always a bonus. While every experience has its unique dishes, expect to learn (and eat) things like gazpacho, paella, Catalan cream, a host of tapas, and much more in multi-course meals with plenty of wine or sangria along the way.

• cooking classes in Barcelona

Hot tip: Discover the best cooking classes in Barcelona with our expertly curated selection.

50 – Scream and laugh on a banana boat ride

Share an exciting experience with your family and friends aboard an inflatable banana-shaped boat in Barcelona! Hold on tight with each other, as you glide across the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Expect screams of joy and laughter, with an overall sense of adventure, in this thrilling ride as you bounce over the waves. Barcelona’s warm climate and striking coastline provide an ideal setting for this water activity.

Beginning from Marina Badalona’s port, be whizzed along the beaches in the Badalona area, exploring a different side of Barcelona. The Tres Xemeneies (Three Chimneys), the Pont del Petroli and the Forum site are examples of places you’ll pass by.

Rides last 15 minutes, accommodating up to eight passengers at a time.

51 – Get out of town; head to the Pyrenees mountains

Seeking a dose of nature? Fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona for a day or two? Then add a Pyrenees mountain escape to the top of your list!

Boasting towering peaks, pristine forests, and quaint mountain villages, the Pyrenees mountains offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Spain.

One of the most popular destinations is Nuria Valley, a mountain resort (great for winter skiing) and an important historic place of pilgrimage. Once you arrive in the valley, there are plenty of hiking trails to choose from – ranging from easy walks that are suitable for all fitness levels, to more challenging routes that will test your endurance.

And if hiking isn’t your thing, the nearby country towns also offer family-friendly experiences like horse riding or boating.

No trip to the Pyrenees would be complete without a visit to one of its many thermal baths; after all, what could be better than soaking in a natural hot spring while surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in Spain?

Keep in mind : while there are several different ways to explore the mountains, one of the most popular is taking the Little Yellow Train of the Pyrenees. Accessible from Barcelona, and running from Villefranche de Conflent to Latour de Carol near the Spanish town of Puigcerda, this historic and picturesque train journey is an experience in itself.

• Pyrenees day trips from Barcelona

52 – Spend an afternoon aboard a sailboat!

Ditch the road traffic; see the sights from a different perspective with a cruise along the remarkable Barcelona coastline!

As you kick back on the bow of the boat with the Mediterranean sun on your face, you’ll get to enjoy unobstructed views of some of Barcelona’s most impressive architecture from afar, admiring the stark contrasts between the old and new that make this city so unique.

Tours can be arranged for small or large groups at sunset or sunrise, and often include live entertainment, free-flowing cocktails, or a belly-stuffing buffet, depending on which cruise you choose. If you like a little bit of music with your sailing, there are some great jazz cruises available!

As your catamaran navigates the seas, you’ll get treated to a phenomenal performance of live music, courtesy of some of the best performers in town.

Timeless tunes and gorgeous views of the skyline make for an unforgettable afternoon out! And if you’re more of a night owl, try the evening cruise, which comes with an extra benefit: a beautiful sunset!

• boat tours in Barcelona

53 – Saddle up for an outdoor horse-riding adventure!

Catalonia is home to an infinite list of parklands, so why not explore them the way our ancestors did by going horseback riding?

Experienced instructors lead guests through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region, with tours trekking through places like Montserrat, the Natural Park of Montseny, and the Penedes vineyards — each delivering its own unique escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

If you prefer to stay local, Collserola, the largest green space in metropolitan Barcelona, also welcomes its fair share of hoofed visitors. The park is massive, with dozens of kilometers of trails to explore, so it’s best to go with a guide who knows the terrain like the back of their hand. However you choose to do it, horseback riding in Barcelona is an unforgettable way to connect with nature and feel like a true cowboy (or cowgirl!).

Even if you’ve never so much as ridden a pony, no experience is needed, making horseback adventures (particularly when combined with other activities like an authentic Catalan countryside lunch) a perfect day out for families.

• horse riding in Barcelona

54 – Meet the kings of the jungle at the Barcelona Zoo

A constant delight for both kids and adults, the Barcelona Zoo in Ciutadella Park is the perfect place to spend the day learning and admiring exotic animals. Within its walls, you’ll find over 4000 animals including big cats, birds of prey, ancient reptiles, exciting primates, and so much more.

Spread out over 14 hectares and split into some 11 different areas, the zoo is also home to myriad plant species, a restaurant, a picnic area, and a playground (in front of the Cuban flamingo exhibit)— making it the perfect place to spend a day in Barcelona.

And if you want to get even closer to the animals, there are special keeper talks and VIP encounters available where you can meet giraffes, meet penguins, and tigers!

Hot tip: don’t miss the dolphin shows, and after visiting the zoo, Barceloneta Beach is just a stone’s throw away.

• Barcelona Zoo tickets

55 – Feel like a giant at Catalonia in Miniature

La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and Montserrat are all must-dos when visiting Barcelona… but how nice would it be to walk in between them in a matter of minutes?

At Catalonia in Miniature , you can make that dream a reality, and see plenty of other landmarks along the way!

This delightful little park features 48 1:25 and 1:33 scale models of famous Catalonian buildings, from churches and monuments to daring architectural landmarks.

Best of all, the pieces aren’t just limited to Barcelona; you can also see models of the balearic Isles and other parts of the region.

It’s the perfect option for architecture buffs and model fans… and anyone wondering how they’ll fit all the top attractions into one visit!

56 – Soar above the city with a hot air balloon ride

For a photo op unlike any other, a hot air balloon experience — either in a small group or a private booking — dishes up unparalleled views of the rolling valleys, mountain peaks, and shimmering coastline.

With rides typically lasting about an hour, there’s plenty of time to pick the brain of your pilot and learn a little more about the area from a local’s perspective, with a traditional Catalan breakfast afterward for the cherry on top

If you can brave the early pre-dawn alarm, spectacular sunrise flights operate both near and far from the city. Prefer to stay local? Within an hour’s drive is the Natural Park of Montseny (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and the dramatic peaks of Montserrat mountain (with transport included, of course).

Otherwise, a little further from the city are the Pyrenees mountain range, the village of Vic, and the Conca d’Odena – all unique landscapes that you can soar over in a hot air balloon.

• hot air balloon in Barcelona

57 – Get artsy at BMCA (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art)

With the greatest collection of contemporary art in all of Barcelona under its roof, BMCA boasts over 3000 different art pieces from the 1920s through to the modern day.

Spend the day letting your mind unscramble the meanings of works by Tàpies and Fontana; marvel at the fantastic (yet often obscure) collections of Saura and Klee, and wrap up the day at a nearby cafe.

Complementing the diverse permanent collection – which spans across 11 different rooms and takes the viewer on a chronological journey starting from the late 1920s – are the regular temporary exhibitions, which cover a broad range of topics and themes ranging from the avant-garde to post-war pieces, modernism, and much more.

The museum is easily reachable by public transport, so there’s no excuse not to go and explore one of the most important contemporary art collections in Europe! Perfect for a sizzling summer day when you need some reprieve, the artsy institution is open every day except Tuesday, from 11am to 7.30pm most days with the exception of the weekend (19-8 on Saturday, 10-3 on Sunday).

Hot tip: Admission is free Thursday afternoons from 6.00pm to 9.30pm and on the first Sunday of each month.

• Museum of Contemporary Art tickets

58 – Witness the raw passion of Flamenco!

Take a night to revel in some live music, brilliant singing, and energetic dancing — staples of any Flamenco show. Watch as dancers leave their passion on the stage and see the intricacies of Flamenco dancing to light; meanwhile, sit back with a cocktail (or four) and enjoy the tapas!

Entertainment aside, Flamenco is a beloved tradition drenched in history: The music, dance, and fashion have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries, making it one of the more authentic cultural experiences on offer in Barcelona.

Its heritage dates to around the 9th century, and for an even more authentic time, why not watch Flamenco at the oldest tablao (the name for a Flamenco venue) in Barcelona? Los Tarantos is the longest-standing joint, or opt to watch a performance at Tablao Cordobés — dubbed the best dinner Flamenco show in town!

• Flamenco shows in Barcelona

59 – Hold on tight … Explore the outskirts with thrilling jeep tours

Are you tired of city trekking? Or are you on the hunt for something unusual to do for the day? One of the most exciting things to do in Barcelona is epic jeep tours; cruising around countryside scapes, to seaside villages or through abundant vineyards.

Adventurous-loving souls particularly love driving around with an open roof — but when the weather doesn’t call for it, the 4×4’s close up — and it’s especially fun zooting over the uneven terrains (in some parts) … that’s half the excitement of a jeep adventure!

The Penedès region is a popular destination for these tours, littered with vineyards and country scenery, and the expedition is coupled with a pit stop at a local winery — cava tastings included.

Or swap terrains and escape to Garraf, exploring its Parque del Garraf nature reserve in a Jeep Wrangler. There is even a designated driving circuit in San Sadurní de Noya very near to the city.

• jeep tours in Barcelona

60 – Get the best views of Barcelona at hilltop Tibidabo

Offering the highest viewpoint in the city at 512 meters above sea level, the Tibidabo mountain (the highest hill in the Serra de Collserola mountain range) is a photographer’s paradise — thanks to its location on the outskirts of town, it’s one of the best places to get an unobstructed view over Barcelona.

Moreover, at the top, you’ll find the vintage Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo, Spain’s oldest amusement park (built in 1899), and the third oldest in Europe, where you can take a spin on a handful of rides old and new — jump on the vintage carousel, pop into the Automaton Museum to uncover some historic treasure, scream your way through The Big Lever, or simply enjoy the stellar views from the Giradabo Ferris wheel.

Don’t forget to check out the fairytale-esque Sagrat Cor church, and if you’re feeling up for it, walk the whole way up — it takes around an hour.

61 – Cross the border to underrated Andorra!

The independent nation of Andorra — nestled between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains — might be tiny, but with its endless valleys and stunning architecture, it’s as beautiful and as charming as any! Small enough to see in a day but with enough to do to warrant an overnight stay, it’s the perfect place for a quick getaway.

Full of unique beauty and historic charm, there are four main towns in Andorra — Andorra La Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, Encamp, and La Massana — that offer a variety of activities and sights.

In the mountain resort of Andorra La Vella, check out the historic La Casa de la Vall and stroll through the Plaça del Poble. In Escaldes-Engordany, you’ll find the Caldea Spa Complex, where you can enjoy a day of thermal relaxation with great views of the mountains.

In Encamp, visit the Museum of Electricity or Museum of Automobiles for two very different history lessons, or take a cable car up to the top of the Funicamp for incredible views. And in La Massana, go hiking or mountain biking in the nature parks, or visit the Església de Sant Cristòfol d’Anyós Church.

And, during winter, Andorra is transformed into a winter wonderland, making it the perfect place to go skiing or snowboarding!

Since its border is so close to Barcelona, it makes for an easy (and well-worthwhile) detour for travelers. Day trip tours are aplenty, conveniently transporting you to and from the Catalonian capital. Just remember to bring your passport!

• Andorra day trips from Barcelona

62 – Venture into a medieval castle at Torre Bellesguard!

Another famous landmark designed by — yep, you guessed it — Antoni Gaudi, this early-20th-century castle promises some of the best views of Barcelona. Known for its fusion of medieval and modern architecture, the castle was inspired by the former medieval home of the Catalan king, Martin the Humane.

While you’re here, make sure to check out the interior too, where you can learn all about the history and architecture of this intriguing building through an audio guide (available in several languages).

As you step inside, the hall of bricks and the smoking room are stunning, while first-time visitors are encouraged to explore the luscious gardens surrounding it as well.

Situated in the wealthy Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district of Barcelona, getting to Bellesguard is easy — just jump on the metro and get off at Buenas Migas, then it’s just a short 10-to-15-minute walk to the castle.

• Torre Bellesguard tickets

63 – Crack the code in an escape room

Calling any Sherlock Holmes in the making! Escape rooms have become exceedingly popular in recent years, so why not try the exciting escape rooms in Barcelona?

A wide selection of centers offers many different themes, including the monastery escape, murder house who-dun-it, sailing challenge, art heist, and more.

With just 60 minutes in the clock, you’ll need to muster up all of your wit, teamwork, problem-solving, and outside-of-the-box thinking if you want to crack the code before time runs out.

So grab your friends, put your detective skills to the test, and see who can crack the clues the fastest.

• escape rooms in Barcelona

64 – Discover the stories of the Jewish Quarter

Barcelona was once home to one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities and so much of that history — through buildings, synagogues, cemeteries, shops, and restaurants — still stands in the middle of the city, teeming with stories to be told.

The most educational and entertaining way to soak up the area’s atmosphere and history is through walking tours in Barcelona with a knowledgeable guide.

On this tour, you’ll wander around the stunning stress of El Call, the former Jewish ghetto, see the oldest synagogue in Spain (the Sinagoga Mayor Barcelona, which now houses a museum), the Old Synagogue (Shlomo Ben Adret), a medieval Mikve, and hear stories of the Inquisition and how the city’s transformed over bygone centuries.

After ticking off a walking tour, consider a trip out to the Medieval town of Girona, another area with significant Jewish heritage.

• Jewish Quarter tours

65 – Adventure through Montnegre Natural Park on a quad or buggy tours

Just an hour from the bustling city, you’ll find yourself in a natural oasis: Montnegre Natural Park. This splendid land is packed with history, culture, and ecological gems, with human habitation stretching back thousands of years.

Indeed, a trip to this forested oasis is like a walk through the region’s whole history, from Neolithic settlements to religious buildings from the medieval era. Along with some wonderfully preserved ruins, you can also explore the lush terrain, keeping an eye out for birds and other wildlife.

ATV tours are a perfect way to see the space; guide your awesome quad through the off-road trails and wild spaces, all in an eco-friendly manner. There are also plenty of excellent buggy tours across the same terrain, where you can take your off-roading to the next level!

66 – Experience what it’s like to fly in the sky without wings when paragliding

Imagine soaring 850 meters above the ground; the only thing carrying you is a parachute and the forces of gravity. Well, seeing is believing during this Spanish holiday when embarking on a thrill-seeking paragliding ride, soaring over mountain ranges, and crossing a vicissitude of landscapes.

From a flight station in Avià, glide over the Berga region, covering a total range of 1.5 kilometers over hills and close up to mountain peaks. Make a descent from 300 meters in the air as your ten-minute flight draws to a close.

In Igualada, reach heights of 850 meters as you cruise over the Serra de Rubió mountains. Here, choose between a 10 or 25-minute flight, and there is even an acrobatic flight for adrenaline junkies filled with plenty of dives, air twists and swoops.

• paragliding in Barcelona

67 – Take the kids to the Illa Fantasia water park

Found in the wonderful seaside town of Vilassar de Dalt, about 30 minutes outside of Barcelona, Illa Fantasia is the perfect place to cool down on a hot day.

With more than 22 different waterslides, 3 pools (including a wave pool), an aqua tower with slides and chutes, and even activities such as mini-golf and the pirate ship for those wanting to stay dry, not to mention a large picnic area and 9 different kinds of restaurants! there’s something for everyone at this family-adored water park

While a pre-organized tour is the simplest option, you can also hop on the train to Premia de Mar train station where a free shuttle bus service awaits.

Keep in mind: as you might expect, it’s only open in the summer months.

• Illa Fantasia tickets

68 – Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Museum

For anyone with an insatiable appetite for sweets, if you’re looking for things to do in Barcelona then the chocolate museum is an absolute must!

With a block of chocolate in hand, you’ll not only get to stuff your face, but also see how the history of this sweet treat shaped the social and economic growth of Barcelona. The mouth-watering museum is found in the old monastery of Sant Agustí, in the Gothic Quarter, and documents the origins of chocolate all the way back to the Aztecs.

You’ll get to see how it was originally made, as well as how production methods have changed over time, before indulging in a delicious hot chocolate at the cafe. With tastings and workshops (like learning how to make sculptures from chocolate) also on offer, this is one museum that’s sure to leave you with a smile (and some crumbs) on your face.

• Chocolate Museum tickets

69 – Rev the engine on a jet ski

A high-priority activity for the thrillseekers out there, a jet ski ride gives visitors the chance to zoom down the coast of Barcelona at top speed and appreciate the skyline from a new angle.

Most rentals are hourly, all equipment is provided, and even if you’re a total newbie, it’s completely safe (as long as you stick to the rules, of course), with an experienced instructor keeping watch.

You can snag a heart-racing jet ski at the Forum Port, as well as alternative places like the beachside resort town of Calella (45 minutes north of Barcelona), the lively party city of Sitges (30 mins south), or anywhere along the coastline, for that matter.

• jet ski in Barcelona

70 – Pay a visit to the Maritime Museum

Sitting inside the Barcelona Royal Shipyard (which is over 700 years old), the Maritime Museum delivers an astounding amount of information dedicated to shipbuilding between the 13th and 18th centuries.

With interactive displays, ancient ship models, an audio experience, informative videos, and an impressive collection of maritime paintings and drawings (and models), the museum does an excellent job of transporting visitors back in time and providing insight into an essential part of Catalan history.

And, if you’re a fan of boats, be sure to check out the full-size replica of the La Real galley, an enormous vessel that, built in 1568, served as the flagship in the Spanish fleet and was the largest galley of its time.

The Maritime Museum is located in the Barceloneta neighborhood, just a short walk from the Barcelona Aquarium.

71 – Wander around the sprawling Barcelona Egyptian Museum

If you are someone who is fascinated by Egyptian history then it’s a must-see! Why? Because this 2,000-square-meter facility is home to one of the largest private collections of Egyptian artifacts in all of Europe.

With over 1000 relics in the collection, the jewels, amulets, and mummies are guaranteed to excite and intrigue you!

As you walk through the fascinating displays, you’ll discover how Egyptian art and culture have evolved over the changing times. The collection includes pieces from the Pre-Dynastic period all the way through to the Roman era and beyond — making it one of the most complete exhibitions of Egyptian artifacts in Europe.

The Barcelona Egyptian Museum is located just a couple of minutes from the Passeig de Gràci metro, just a short walk from the Gaudi masterpieces Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, making it easy to add on to your itinerary.

• Egyptian Museum ticket

72 – Peer into the paranormal; Explore the darker side of Barcelona with a ghost tour

If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Barcelona that are a little obscure, a little peculiar, or, perhaps a little spooky, then allow us to point you in the direction of a Gothic Quarter ghost tour — made all the more creepy under the moonlight.

Most travelers opt for the eerie walking tour that uncovers the secrets of places like the Pont del Bisbe, Mercat de Santa Caterina, Rocafort Metro Station, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Carrer dels Mirallers (said to have hosted exorcisms), and the Mercat de Sant Antoni (built on a site made for executions).

With tales of demonic spirits, public executions, ghost sightings, and even cursed hotels, these nighttime tours which delve into the city’s more macabre past can leave quite the impression.

Want to dial your fear factor up a notch? To take our ghost tour to the next level, why not consider an interactive scavenger game?

• ghost tours in Barcelona

73 – Feel on top of the world at the Columbus Monument

Whether it’s your first time in Barcelona or your fifth, the undulating panoramic vistas from atop the Columbus Monument are priceless, providing an excellent way to swoon over its interesting buildings and uniquely shaped monuments.

Conveniently located toward the end of buzzing Las Ramblas, catch a lift from ground zero to the top of this 60-meter-tall tower where the observation deck and viewing gallery are.

Directly below, the swarms of tourists appear ant-size, and from every direction, you’re treated to new sights. To the north is the historic Gothic Quarter, to the south is Montjuïc Castle perched on the hill.

Built in 1888 in honor of Christopher Columbus, The Mirador de Colom (as it’s also known) is topped with a gorgeous grand bronze statue of the explorer.

• Columbus Monument tickets

74 – Delve into Catalonia’s outdoor playground on a via ferrata

Immerse yourself in the captivating natural beauty and diverse terrains that surround Barcelona on a via ferrata adventure. What is a via ferrata exactly? The term refers to a dedicated climbing route that has been set out, usually out in wild mountainous terrains.

Steel cables, ladders and sturdy fixtures like railings are added to frontal-facing climbing cliffs. These fixed mountain routes make mountain climbing a touch safer/easier. Via Ferrata Teresina in Montserrat offers thrilling sections and suspended bridges, just an hour away.

Another option is Via Ferrata Les Roques d’Empalomar near Vallcebre, less than 2 hours away. Baumes Corcades via ferrata is Catalonia’s most famous, with vertical slopes, waterfalls, and a 70m Tibetan bridge, providing a thrilling 4-hour adventure.

• via ferrata in Barcelona

75 – Learn a thing or two about science at CosmoCaixa

As one of Europe’s most renowned museums, the CosmoCaixa science center is an essential Barcelona activity — a perfect option for a rainy day that fuses creativity with interactive learning (plus lightning bolts and a fair chunk of slime!).

Check out the Flooded Forest, an intriguing replica of the Amazon Rainforest (frogs, snakes, steam, and all); be hypnotized by the 40-meter-long pendulum; study the Geological Wall to learn what lies beneath the surface; meet the animal residents Mediterranean animals at Touch, Touch!, and so much more.

With every exhibit in Spanish, French, and English, and more than 30,000 square meters of space, plus a planetarium, bookstore, cafe, and a slew of temporary exhibits (to complement the permanent collection) there is plenty to see and do here.

Hot tip: if traveling with kids in tow, make sure to check out the Clik and Flash and Bubble Planetarium exhibits – the former uses games to encourage learning, while the latter teaches about astronomy to kids between 3 and 8.

76 – Explore the oft-taboo at the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum

Situated in a former 15th-century palace near the Gothic Quarter, this unique museum dives into a subject that remains touchy to this day: weed. Since opening in the late 1980s it’s become an iconic attraction, welcoming over two million visitors who walk away having learned about the cultivation, use, and medical benefits of the famous plant.

With exhibits on the cultivation of hemp (a strain of cannabis with negligible THC content), as well as its wide range of uses from food and clothing, to rope and fuel, the museum does an excellent job of Normalizing hemp and educating visitors about a plant that has been controversially maligned for generations.

You’ll find this off-beat attraction just a few minutes from Las Ramblas, and within walking distance of the Barceloneta marina.

Oh, and since you’re probably wondering, the oft-taboo plant is decriminalized in Barcelona: consumption is allowed in the privacy of your home but will incur a fine if used in public.

• Hash Museum tickets

77 – Look up at the dripping mirrors on the roof of Mirador torre Glòries’s observatory

“What’s that shiny bullet in the sky?” Introducing one of Barcelona’s latest viewpoints; the Mirador torre Glòries is a glass-encrusted observatory located on the 30th floor of the glimmering Torre Glòries skyscraper.

Giving the reflective building a breath of fresh air (inside), this observation deck was created to give visitors a new 360-degree outlook above the city from the El Poblenou neighborhood.

Catch the lift 125 meters up to the viewpoint, but not before checking out the intriguing (and trippy) Hyperview Barcelona exhibition.

Initially built as an office block as well, the exterior is what has made one of Barcelona’s tallest buildings such a star attraction. Constructed utilizing 26 different lacquered aluminum sheets, the natural blue, red, green and gray earthy tones reflect from the bouncing sun in the daytime, and light up at night!

• Mirador Torre Glòries tickets

78 – Ride in style! Get behind the wheel of a Ferrari

Imagine this: the roof of your very own red Ferrari California is down, the Mediterranean sun is shining, and the ocean scent is wafting through the air.

Well, dream no longer! In Barcelona, getting behind the wheel of a supercar is possible! Depending on your budget and appetite for speed, the supercars can be hired for anywhere between 20 and 90 minutes (and beyond).

For the ultimate day of adventure, consider some of the combination-style activities that also include a jet ski ride, sailboat trip, or scenic helicopter flight.

Hot tip: once you’ve got the keys, take the coastal southern route, which twists and turns its way through charming villages, secluded coves, and some of the most incredible cliffside views you’ll ever see.

• driving experience in Barcelona

79 – Step inside Barcelona’s football fortress that is Camp Nou

If there’s one non-negotiable for football fans, it’s a visit to the home of FC Barcelona . At Camp Nou, guests can see first-hand the pitch where legends such as Maradona and Ronaldinho once played.

After seeing Lionel Messi in the flesh in a roaring, packed-out 99,000-seat stadium (one of the biggest in Europe), consider taking your experience to the next level with a guided behind-the-scenes tour with access to the places like the dressing rooms and broadcast booth, as well as the high-tech museum.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, these behind-the-scenes tours are a great way to learn more about one of the most popular sports teams in the world – all wrapped up within about 90 minutes.

And, if you do plan on attending a game, make sure to book in advance and wear the team colors (Blaugrana) to show your support!

• Camp Nou tours

80 – Catch an enchanting show at the Liceu Opera Barcelona

As, remarkably, what is the oldest opera house in all of Europe, The Liceu Opera Barcelona still showcases its original decor, an aesthetic that dates all the way back to 1847!

The nearly-3000-seat opera house has seen some of the biggest names in performing grace its stage, but even if you don’t attend a show, the decor itself is worth the visit on its own.

With an expert-led tour, visitors can go backstage and discover the main auditorium, the hall of mirrors, and the private on-site Cercle del Liceu club.

Of course, you’ll find no shortage of talent gracing the stage at the Liceu, with regular opera, Zarzuela (Spanish light opera), and ballet performances. Check the schedule in advance to see what’s on during your stay! Past performances have included opera renditions of plays like Macbeth, Carmen, and La Bohème.

81 – Be amazed by the nighly Montjuic Magic Fountain show

By day, the vibrant streets seldom disappoint with their art and architecture, but at night is when Barcelona really comes alive.

And there’s a reason why people say exactly that — that reason is (at least partially) the captivating Montjuic Magic Fountain night show! A stunning performance of water, light, color, and music that transports viewers to another world, the show is an experience everyone should have at least once.

The original show was constructed for an exhibit way back in 1929 and was only meant to be temporary, however, the people of Barcelona loved it so much that it has now become a permanent feature. And, to this day, it beckons some 2.5 million visitors a year.

The best part? It’s completely free! The 20-minute shows take place on Wednesdays through to Sundays from 9.30pm to 10.30pm throughout the spring and summer months (with extra dates added during special holidays). Just be sure to arrive early for the best vantage point.

• Montjuïc Magic Fountain tours

82 – Race against the elite at the interactive Olympic and Sports Museum

Sitting in the shadow of the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, the popular Olympic and Sports Museum brilliantly showcases the unwavering passion that this city has for competitive sport.

While, of course, the museum displays hundreds of artifacts and stories from the 1992 Olympics, it also offers interactive elements, such as the chance to run against American athlete, Carl Lewis.

Despite only opening in 2007, the exhibition covers thousands of years of sporting history, dating back to 776 BC: the year in which the first Olympic Games took place.

The museum’s permanent exhibit delves into all previous Olympic hosts (not just Barcelona), so there’s plenty to be learned. Sports fanatics, make sure to watch the film about Barcelona as a sports city, and add this one to the bucket list!

Tucked away on the top of Montjuic Park, this is one for those who love to be active and outdoors.

• Olympic & Sports Museum tickets

83 – Get a new perspective with a helicopter tour!

From street level, enchanting Barcelona appears to be a medieval city frozen in time. But take to the skies in a helicopter and you’ll see just how much this place has changed — and continues to change — with modern architecture dotting the landscape as far as the eye can see.

Ascend above some of Europe’s most incredible buildings, including Antoni Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, the towering Agbar Tower, the Olympic Ring, and the array of fishing boats bobbing along the coastline. Then, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the idyllic Catalan countryside as you make your way to the coast for unbeatable views of the Mediterranean Sea.

What sets this locality apart from most is that it portrays a near-perfect study in symmetry, with long avenues and neat rows of identical buildings arranged in a convenient grid system. From above, it’s even more special, looking almost like a piece of abstract art come to life.

Hot tip: To appreciate the city from a range of perspectives, combine the flight with a Ferrari rental or sailing trip (the combination experiences are cheaper than individual bookings). Alternatively, there are airplane tours in Barcelona where you can pretend to be your own pilot for the adventure, ranging from 20-minute to one-hour flights.

• helicopter tours in Barcelona

Read more about the best helicopter tours in Barcelona .

84 – Speed through the city’s landmarks on a jet boat ride

Capture stunning snapshots of Barcelona’s iconic landmarks while embarking on an exhilarating jet boat ride. The routes for jet boat tours in Barcelona usually take you along the city’s scenic coastline, passing famous landmarks such as Barceloneta Beach, Port Vell, and the iconic W Hotel.

You might also get to explore areas like Nova Icaria Beach, Bogatell Beach, and the Olympic Port, depending on the specific tour.

These riveting rides range from 15 to 30 minutes, or there are one or two-hour options if you’d prefer an extended cruise. Thanks to the jet boat speed, though, you cover more ground, or rather, water, than a regular boat tour – so even a shorter stint is satisfying.

• jet boat tours in Barcelona

85 – Party the day away at the elegant W Hotel

Barcelona has a festive reputation that precedes it, so why not embrace its wild side? Listen to the renowned DJs spin the tunes, dig into mouthwatering tapas, take a dip in the pool, and down more cervezas than you can count, all at the W Hotel’s esteemed Wet Deck Beach Club.

A 5-star hotel sitting at the southern end of San Sebastian Beach, the W Hotel is a magnet for luxury-seeking visitors (for its opulent rooms) and voyaging partygoers (for its energetic beach club). So if you’re looking for something lively, trendy, and peppered with plenty of sophistication, with excellent food, beachside views, and pools and cabanas aplenty, then the W is where it’s at.

86 – Head out to the open waters for a fishing trip!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total novice, with an expert captain on board your boat, reeling in a bucketful of fish is all but guaranteed.

Snapper, serrano, and tuna are common in the area and, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a swordfish or imperial needlefish!

Tours take into account motorboat rental, a private guide/captain, equipment, and food (for the fish, and a proper meal for you), making for an enjoyable, hassle-free day on the water.

Adventures typically depart from Sant Adrià de Besòs and last anywhere between 4 and 8 hours, with shorter trips better suited for those with less experience.

• fishing in Barcelona

87 – Go on a discounted shopping spree at Roca Village

Shopaholics, listen up! Over 100 luxury brand name stores, as well as plenty of restaurants, line this ever-popular shopping complex, so it’s no wonder that it’s popular with both the tourists and the locals.

With big name brands like Nike, Michael Kors, Gucci, and Calvin Klein all in one charming open-air shopping mall. Plus, with several favorites like Mango, Zara, and Desigual discounted up to 60% of RRP, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for (and then some).

Because it’s such a large complex, promotions and live entertainment are regular occurrences — the best way to scope it all out, of course, is with a locally-led shopping tour with your very own chauffeur!

Roca Village is located just outside of Barcelona in the town of Santa Agnès de Malanyanes, and can be easily reached by car or bus. If you’d rather not battle with the Barcelona traffic, there are also plenty of tour options that will whisk you out here from your Barcelona hotel for a day of maxing out the credit card.

• Roca Village shopping tours

88 – Make an out-of-town stop at the Món Sant Benet Monastery

For visitors who seek to learn a little bit about monastery life, the 10th-century Món Sant Benet is the place to do it.

On insightful tours of the medieval monastery (which dates back to over 1000 years ago), you can see firsthand how its residents once lived, checking out the cellars, church, and cells, and walking in the footsteps of the monks who called it home.

The monastery is located in a stunning location — an oasis of calm in the Catalan countryside, just an hour outside of Barcelona. With its rolling hills, winding rivers, and peaceful forests, it’s the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Once the day’s said and done, you’ll walk away having learned all about Catalan history and the area’s cultural evolution, and, depending on the day, experience one of the several gastronomy, art, and leisure activities on offer.

• Monastery Món Sant Benet tickets

89 – Make your way to the scenic seaside town of Sitges (for a hike)

If you’re after a break from the busy Barca streets, look no further. The seafront city of Sitges is a traditional fisherman’s town blessed with a modern, bohemian charm. About 35 kilometers outside of Barcelona, this hidden gem is famous for its 17th-century architecture, quaint Mediterranean streets, and bubbling nightlife scene.

The best way to see it all is by foot; strolling through the narrow alleys you’ll find hidden plazas, colorful murals, and secret staircases that lead to breathtaking panoramic views from the rocky cliffs with the crashing waves below, with local boutiques, live music, and street artists popping up around many a corner.

Make your way to the seafront promenade for a cooling swim, or stop by one of the many beach bars lining the shore (i.e. Crol Beach Bar). In the evening, grab a table at one of Sitges’ outdoor restaurants (Restaurante Costa Dorada and Vivero are both top choices) and enjoy the sunset.

Whether you join a hassle-free tour that transports you to and from Barcelona, or prefer to venture solo, as a city renowned for its artistic community, the Cau Ferrat Museum and Maricel Museum should be high on the list.

Some day trips also mention Tarragona .

• Sitges day trips from Barcelona

90 – Get classy at the best rooftop bars

Great weather, marvleous scenery, and memorable drinks and bites… Barcelona was made for rooftop bars! And while there are no wrong choices when it comes to wear you post up for the evening, there are some spots that are particularly excellent.

From the pool and sunbeds to the marvelous cocktail selection, Sky Bar at Grand Central Hotel offers charm in spades. And if variety is your style, head to Arenas de Barcelona Shopping Center ’s top floor, where you have seven restaurants to choose from, all offering spectacular views.

Eleven BCN Bar & Terrace is perfect for drink aficionados, with its unique selections and renowned gin lineup. And Azimuth Rooftop Bar offers another chance to swim in style, with a beautiful pool that perfectly complements the lounge atmosphere.

91 – Stop for a cold drink at Icebar Barcelona

Looking for ways to cool down after a hot day at the beach? Then the Icebar is just what the doctor ordered! True to its name, Icebar offers guests a completely new drinking experience, with the temperature inside a bone-chilling -5 degrees celsius.

Besides the ice bar, ice sculptures made by local artists line the room — it’s a great way to grab a drink and try something new.

This chilly watering hole is located smack-bang on the sands of Barceloneta beach, just a short walk from some of the beachside suburb’s most popular restaurants and bars, making for a great way to break up any sizzling summer’s day.

• Icebar Barcelona tickets

92 – Take a dramatic bungee leap of faith!

Adreniline junkies, take note. Is bungee jumping on your bucket list? Then why not do it in beautiful Barcelona!

At the Sant Sadurní d’Anoia bridge, located about 50km out of Barcelona, a 25-meter death-defying drop awaits. After you’re securely harnessed, it’s time to take the plunge into the unknown.

But don’t worry, you’re in good hands — the team behind this operation has been running successful bungee jumping excursions for years and will make sure you’re kitted out with all the right gear.

And if you’re not feeling so brave, you can always watch from the sidelines as your friends and family take the plunge.

Craving more thrills? The highest bungee jump in Spain (70m) is in Lloret de Mar, in Costa Brava (an hour’s drive north), where a 5-second freefall awaits.

Warning: this is only for travelers with nerves of steel.

• bungee jumping in Barcelona

93 – Feel like a completely new person after a healing Thai Massage

There’s no need to travel to Thailand to lap up one of the country’s famous therapies, and if your body is in dire need of a serious manipulation, a Thai massage could be just the trick you need to sort out any nagging aches and pains.

Over the next 60 minutes, a professional Thai massage therapist will bend, stretch and maneuver your limbs into all sorts of interesting poses, each working on deep stretching and compression.

Involving the entire body, your therapist works out knots and aches using their hands, elbows, feet and knees — so don’t be surprised when you feel someone walking over the back of your legs — and typically involves more than one therapist working their healing magic.

Sessions are 30 minutes or one hour, and there are also just Thai foot and leg massages if you’re not keen on a full-body experience.

• massages in Barcelona

94 – Stand in awe, then feast on classic American-style burgers at Hard Rock Cafe

How many Hard Rock Cafes have you visited around the world? Some people have a global Bucket List just for these iconic musically-themed restaurant bars — now found in most major cities worldwide, there are over 200!

Calling all rock ‘n roll die-hards or metalheads in Barcelona, dance on over to Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona in the heart of the tourist area (on Las Ramblas). The very first cafe opened in London circa 1971, and this one established itself in Spain in 1997.

Serving quintessential American chow, this is fused with classic Spanish flavors, for example, the famous Messi Chicken Sandwich!

There’s something quite special about seeing your favorite icons’ real-life memorabilia on the walls, like MJ’s glittering shirt or Kerry King’s original guitar when he played for Slayer (both of which decorate this Barcelona cafe).

• Hard Rock Cafe experience

95 – Step back in time with a Requesens Palace Medieval show dinner

Thought to date back to the 14th century (making it the oldest historical building in the city), with its historic touches and medieval architecture still firmly on display, The Requesens Palace is one of the largest Medieval palaces in all of Europe.

And what better way to experience the grandeur of this historic building than with a dinner and show ?

Set in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and open to the public, the Requesens Palace is now home to a range of cultural events, including this one-of-a-kind Medieval Show. Guests can sit and indulge in a 4-course feast inspired by meals of the era, take a tour of the castle, and enjoy an entertaining medieval show — all combined, it’s an unbeatable night out.

96 – Tantalize your tastebuds with new Spanish flavors when enjoying tapas

If you had to ask a local, they would lay claim that tapas originated from their city in Spain … Some say tapas originated in Andalucia, others swear from other regions. One thing is certain though, these small plates of food (ideal for sharing) do hail from Spain!

Every city, or region still has its own rendition, and while you’re in Barcelona, there are special tapas renowned to the capital you simply can’t miss tasting — heck, there are even dedicated tapas tours if you want a local to lead the way.

Enjoyed best from a traditional tapas bar, must-try Barcelona tapas typical to the Catalonia region include bomba Barceloneta (deep-fried potato balls stuffed with a spicy meat filling), esqueixada (a classic fresh cod salad), pa amb tomàquet (tomato toast) and grilled Pimientos de Padrón, i.e., a Herbón pepper.

• tapas in Barcelona

97 – Let your hair down with a boozy pub crawl

An undisputed great way to break the ice, mingle with the locals, and discover all the local hotspots, the best nightlife in Barcelona is on offer with a locally-guided pub crawl.

If you’re traveling solo or with a couple of friends who like to party, and you’re on the hunt for fun things to do in Barcelona that involve plenty of sangria or cava, then a pub crawl is a night of debauchery you won’t (or might) forget.

While each crawl has its own flair and list of hit-up bars, you can generally expect a group of around 15 people, free shots, occasional open bars, icebreaker games, the chance to mingle with fellow thirsty out-of-towners, and entrance fees to some of the most popular clubs in Barcelona.

• pub crawls in Barcelona

How to get to Barcelona?

After just getting off a plane, cramped in a middle seat, there’s nothing worse than trying to find your way to the bus or train station. While it might cost an extra couple of euros, a pre-arranged airport transfer takes all of the stress and worry out of arrival.

There are three airports near the city; however, the Barcelona-El Prat Airport (officially Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport) is the closest to Barcelona. When booking airport transfers in Barcelona , your private driver will be waiting for you at the exit gates, holding a sign with your name. The friendly driver will take you straight to your hotel and even give you some recommendations along the way!

Day-tripping to the city and you’re arriving by boat or ferry? Consider easy and convenient shore excursions in Barcelona , and there is even a shore-to-airport transfer.

Where to stay in Barcelona?

Whether you plan on staying in Barri Gòtic (the heart of the action), surrounded by the small-town atmosphere in Gràcia, or by the water at one of many revered resorts, there’s ample choice when it comes to accommodation.

For the best deals (sometimes discounted up to 40% off), check out the best hotels in Barcelona.

Fans of Gaudi will adore Ohla Eixample , which is walking distance from Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, and features a Michelin-starred restaurant and a stunning outdoor pool that can be savored in every season.

And at Hotel Casa Elliot , you can head straight out the door to the Metro station, then come back after a day of adventures to enjoy the lounge and library.

Olivia Plaza Hotel is perfect for people seeking everything; it’s right near La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, offering easy access to shops, scenery, and street performances.

And at Praktik Vinoteca , you can enjoy cozy, contemporary surroundings and easy access to hotspots like Paseo de Garcia.

• best hotels in Barcelona

Visiting Barcelona on a budget?

By far the more affordable option if you plan on visiting a few of Barcelona’s world-class museums, the Museum Pass grants skip-the-line entry to six different attractions, all for one low price.

Choose any or all of the National Art Museum of Catalonia, Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, Fundació Joan Miró, Fundacio Antoni Tapies, Picasso Museum, and the CCCB Museum.

The Barcelona Pass is another excellent option for combining several activities, while the Transport Pass offers great discounts for getting around. Still undecided? Check out our City Passes Comparison .

Free walking tours are another wonderful way to see the area, with enthusiastic guides and unique perspectives. Take a look at the best free walking tours for some inspiration!

Where to go next?

After checking off all of the mandatory attractions from your Barcelona bucket list, you might be wondering what’s next. Consider either multi-day trips from Barcelona or move on to your next destination elsewhere in Spain.

Only a 3-hour drive from Barcelona, you will find the folklorish things to do in Zaragoza , situated in the heart of Spain’s Aragon region. From awe-inspiring architectural wonders to delectable culinary experiences, it is a fun destination to explore.

Just a short drive or train ride away is the beautiful, bustling city of Madrid, where you can explore more of Spain’s world-renowned art, architecture, and cuisine. Its creative flea markets, Prado Museum, Sweet Space and El Retiro Park, are a touch of the fun things to do in Madrid .

Or, if you’re looking to stay closer to the beach, consider heading to one of Barcelona’s nearby coastal towns like Sitges or Tossa de Mar.

Both make for a great day trip from Barcelona and offer a completely different vibe than the big city. Less than three hours away by train, the coastal city of Valencia is famous for its quirky festivals, golden sandy beaches, and delectable paella, with plenty of coastal-inspired things to do in Valencia .

Bordering Spain from the French side, there are amazing things to do in Toulouse (about two hours from the border) and exciting things to do in Montpellier (three hours from the border).

If you wish to get a taste of France, Toulouse is a great destination for foodies. Savour the city’s gastronomic delights, from the classic cassoulet to local wines, while strolling through its bustling markets and quaint bistros. Or venture to Montpellier and explore the beautiful architecture, bustling markets and sunny squares of this young city.

Want to really party? Ibiza is just a short boat ride away (there are more things to do in Ibiza other than just clubbing), while Porto and Lisbon (less than 1 hour by plane) each provide a fascinating insight into Portugal’s unique culture and stunningly well-preserved architecture.

Spend hours navigating cobbled streets and passing colorful houses as you discover the things to do in Lisbon , or move from the capital to another coast where the things to do in Porto comprise a fascinating mix of river-centric and historical antics.

Final thoughts

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Barcelona getaway today! There’s so much to see and do in this amazing city. We hope you’ve enjoyed our selection of things to do in Barcelona!

If you have any other must-see suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments!

As always, happy travels!

25 Hidden Gems and Fun Unusual Things to Do in Barcelona

If you’re a hidden gem lover like me, you’ll love these unusual things to do in Barcelona.

This Catalan city is one of the most visited places in Spain , but how could it not be? It is home to exceptional architecture, medieval fairytale streets, and exquisite food, and that’s the tip of the iceberg!

It is also a great base for a Spanish road trip , an amazing girls’ trip destination , and a city rich with activities that fill up your 4-5 day or weekend itinerary , leaving you wishing for just ‘one more day.’

There are so many touristy things to do in Barcelona, but I think that what makes a trip epic, are the unique experiences most people skip out on.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Planning a last-minute trip to Barcelona? Check out: Top alternative tours: – FREE Gaudi and modernism tour – Ghosts and legends tour in the Gothic Quarter or dark history tour in El Born and La Ribera – La Pedrera (an iconic Gaudi building) by night – The Shadow of the Wind tour – Medieval Barcelona tour – Estrella Damm Brewery tour with tasting – Jewish heritage tour

Top day tours from Barcelona: – Girona and Figueres full-day tour : Visit the historic city of Girona and be amazed by the Dalí Museum in Figueres, designed by the artist himself. – Medieval villages of Catalunya day tour : Step back in time in the villages of Besalú, Rupit, and Tavertet. – Montserrat Abbey day tour with lunch – Hot air balloon flight

Top activities in Barcelona: – FREE walking tour of Barcelona – Sagrada Familia ticket – Tapas and wine tour – Park Güell ticket (you can even take a free walking tour of the park ) – Camp Nou and FC Barcelona Museum ticket

Highly-rated, central accommodations: – Rodamon Barcelona Hostel (budget) – Hotel BESTPRICE Diagonal (mid-range – I had a great stay there) – Eco Boutique Hostal Grau (mid-range+).

Table of Contents

Alternative, Unique, and Unusual Things to Do in Barcelona

Visit gaudi’s casa vicens.

Antoni Gaudi is probably Spain’s most famous architect as he is the genius behind Barcelona’s most beautiful, quirky, and artistic buildings.

Although most people usually only visit  Park Güell , La Pedrera (Casa Mila), and the Sagrada Familia, he designed more than ten buildings in the city.

One of my favorites is Casa Vicens, the first house ever designed by him .

Gaudi was a master in combining different materials and architectural styles, and Casa Vicens is an excellent example of that.

The astonishing artistic details along with the color combination make it a work of art in Barcelona you cannot miss!

Address:  Carrer de les Carolines, 20. Opening hours: Every day, 10 AM-8 PM.

Book your ticket to Casa Vicens here.

For another unique experience, also check out this FREE Gaudi and modernism tour !

Visit Gaudi’s ‘La Pedrera’ by Night

Speaking of La Pedrera (also called Casa Mila) – it is one of Gaudi’s most astonishing creations and one of the best places to visit in Barcelona.

Unfortunately, people usually appreciate it only on the outside, so my recommendation for you is to take the tour of ‘La Pedrera by Night.’

It is a wonderful evening tour combining historical facts, architectural discoveries, and an unforgettable audiovisual on the roof terrace, and I can guarantee that it will take your visit to La Pedrera to a whole new level.

Address: Provença, 261-265. Opening hours: Every day, 10 AM-8:30 PM and 9 PM-11 PM.

To skip the lines , my biggest Barcelona travel tip would be to purchase attraction tickets in advance . You can read more reviews and book your ticket to ‘La Pedrera by Night’ here .

You can also learn more about La Pedreda on this FREE Gaudi and modernism tour !

Take Some off the Beaten Path Barcelona Tours

If you are looking for alternative things to do in Barcelona, why not take an alternative tour?

Sure, the usual walking tours are fun, but you’re surely looking for some unique experiences to add to your Barcelona itinerary .

Here are a few highly-rated tours (that are still on my bucket list) you might find interesting:

Ghosts and Legends Tour / Dark History Tour

If you’re like me and you love hearing local myths and legends, and if you want to get to know the darker side of Barcelona, these tours might be right up your alley.

Check out this ghost and legends tour taking place in the Gothic Quarter or this dark history tour taking place in the El Born and La Ribera districts.

‘The Shadow of the Wind’ Literary Walking Tour

If you haven’t read the AMAZING novel ‘ The Shadow of the Wind ,’ please do it now!

I’m sure that after reading this compelling book you’ll want to take this themed tour that explores the locations mentioned in it. Read reviews and book the tour here .

Estrella Damm Brewery Tour

Located near Barcelona’s airport, this family-owned brewery was established in the 19th century.

On this guided tour , you’ll get to visit the brewery, learn about its beer-making process, and have a few tastings.

Jewish Heritage Tour

I love exploring my Jewish heritage when I’m traveling, so I wish this tour was available during my trip to Barcelona. Read more about it here.

Medieval Barcelona Tour

Taking you through some of the city’s undiscovered streets, squares, and sites, this tour seems like a great way to learn about the medieval history of Barcelona. Read more about it and book it here.

Grab a Drink in a Magical Forest

Maybe it’s not the most authentic cultural experience (far from it), but it is undoubtedly one of the most off-the-beaten-path things to do in Barcelona.

The bar ‘Bosc de las Fades’ brings you to a magical world of fairies, gnomes, and quirky trees, thanks to a unique design.

If you want to feel like a kid for a while, grab a drink or a cup of coffee and soak up the vibe of ‘The Fairies’ Forest.’

Address: Passatge de la Banca, 7.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM-1 AM. Saturday-Sunday 11 AM-1 AM.

Take a Unique Tour of El Raval

By Wendy of Empty Nesters Hit the Road | Facebook | Instagram

The city of Barcelona is full of historic and beautiful sites as well as amazing restaurants and markets , most of which are well-publicized in guidebooks and included in every tour.

After several days in this charming Spanish city, we were eager to experience something a bit different and get off the usual tourist path.

We chose to explore the El Raval neighborhood with the help of an audio tour from the Detour app. El Raval, or the Raval, used to be the “red-light” district of Barcelona famous for brothels and bars.

It was also a common destination for immigrants who were unwanted in more well-off parts of the city. However, because this was the least expensive section of town, it was also popular with artists and authors.

In fact, creatives as well known as Hemingway, Picasso, and Gaudi were regulars at the Raval’s Bar Marsella, the oldest bar in Barcelona. One of Gaudi’s first commissions, Palau Guell is located here.

In recent years, the city has tried to clean up the Raval, and slowly, it’s becoming more attractive to new residents and tourists alike. It’s even considered one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona .

Explore Some Lesser-Known Gardens and Parks

There’s no shortage of green spaces in Barcelona, so if you only have a few days in the city, it’s easy to miss out on beautiful spots that don’t always get their deserved recognition.

These include Jardins de la Tamarita, the small yet enchanting Muñoz Ramonet gardens, and Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, which are actually one of Europe’s most incredible cacti and succulent gardens.

Visit Casa de Les Punxes

By Teresa from Brogan Abroad

Barcelona is a paradise for architecture lovers, particularly for fans of modernist architecture.

Everyone knows the works of Gaudi, but there are a few other  modernist buildings in Barcelona  that are definitely worth visiting.

Casa de les Punxes, translated as the House of Spikes, is one of the most underrated buildings to visit in the city. Commissioned by famous modernist architect Puig i Cadafalch, it resembles a medieval fortress.

Once inside, you won’t only enjoy the architectural side of things, but you will find a multi-sensory interactive exhibition dedicated to the patron saint of Catalunya – St George.

Make sure you visit the terrace, from where you can appreciate the punxes (spikes) that give the building its name, and from where you can enjoy a great view of the city.

In the summer, the terrace is open to the public every Friday night with drinks and live music.

Photograph the City’s Quirkiest Sculptures

Scattered around the city, you’ll find quite a few unusual sculptures you might enjoy photographing.

From La Cara de Barcelona (its English title is The Head) to La Gamba de Mariscal (The Shrimp) to El Gat de Botero (The Cat) to Dona i Ocell, there are more than enough quirky photo spots in Barcelona.

Create Your Own Craft Beer Crawl

By Amber from Best Spain Food Tours

There’s always been a lot of great food to  eat in Barcelona , but there’s also a burgeoning craft beer scene too. It’s a lot of fun to organize your own craft beer crawl to try as many craft beers in one day.

Start with BlackLab Brewhouse, which brews all its own beers. They have plenty of outdoor seating in Barceloneta to enjoy an afternoon of people-watching.

Then head to Kælderkold or Ølgod for a great collection of Spanish and international beers in the Barrio Gòtic at a Danish-inspired bar.

After, head to Abirradero in Poble Sec, which also brews all its own beers and even offers to make your own beer sessions on a regular basis. There are also locations of international craft beer bars like BrewDog and Mikkeller.

This only scratches the surface of all of the craft beer in the city, but it’s a great way to drink beer and explore the different neighborhoods in Barcelona.

Visit the Monestir de Pedralbes (Monastery of Pedralbes)

Away from the city center, you’ll find the stunning 14th-century Monastery of Pedralbes, founded by King Jaime II of Aragón and Queen Elisenda de Montcada.

The royal monastery is especially known for its astonishing cloister, but there’s a lot more to discover in this amazing Gothic-style historic building.

At the moment, it’s recommended to book your ticket in advance (you’ll see that admission is free at certain times, but you should still reserve your spot).

Discover an Enchanting Flower Shop

By Jyoti from Story at Every Corner

We stayed in the fascinating L’ Eixample neighborhood, and there was a massive flower shop on our block called Floristerías Navarro.

As we got off the cab, it immediately caught my attention because it was absolutely enormous and exploding with colors. It was larger than any flower shop I’d seen.

It turns out that Barcelona has a strong culture for locally owned and operated shops, as we learned in our  food tours of Barcelona .

Floristerías Navarro is a beautiful example of a thriving shop owned and operated by the original owners for over 65 years. It’s absolutely beautiful, and it’s open 24/7.

It has flowers and arrangements of every kind and for every occasion. Judging by the traffic at all times of the day and night, it seems quite popular. It was lovely to see that patrons care for the quality and keep coming back.

Learn How to Make Paella With Two Local Sisters

By Alice of Teacake Travels

Do you want to experience a slice of local life in Barcelona? What better way to do this than to book yourself a cookery class with Foodie Experience Barcelona?

Taking place in the apartment of two warm and welcoming Spanish sisters, they will show you how to rustle up a classic seafood paella, a Catalan dessert, and other delicious local specialties

This setting, together with some refreshing sangria (generously included!), creates a relaxing atmosphere in which to chat with and get to know the true people of Barcelona up close.

The love of good food truly does bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together. Enjoy!

Update: Foodie Experience Barcelona is currently not operating, so for more options, browse other cooking classes in Barcelona .

Check out Alice’s Mediterranean cruise itinerary!

Visit a Unique Shopping Center

By Laura from Travelers Universe

Las Arenas in Barcelona is the first and the only bullring converted into a shopping center.

It was designed by British architect Richard Rogers, known also for the Pompidou Center in Paris and the third tower of the New York World Trade.

Las Arenas, a closed building for more than 10 years and in progressive deterioration, has been transformed into a new urban icon.

The Central Square symbolizes the heart of the building. It is where all the shows are concentrated. With more than 200 square meters, this space hosts artistic, cultural, and social manifestations.

Thanks to its perfect location, it is the reference point where all eyes are focused, which makes it ideal to include in your  Barcelona itinerary .

This unique area has welcomed leisure, gastronomic activities, product presentations, corporate events, filming, and exhibitions.

The Exterior Viewpoint offers a 360º view overlooking the city of Barcelona. It’s perfect for taking Instagram shots of Barcelona.

The Dome offers a multipurpose space, 27m high, and with 2,600m² for events in the heart of Barcelona. It is the largest wooden dome in Europe.

Its unique circular shape and all its attached services, together with its strategic location, make it an exceptional venue.

Visit the City Museum of Barcelona

By Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

The City Museum is a fascinating place for anyone interested in the history of Barcelona, which actually dates back to Roman times more than 2,000 years ago.

In fact, many of the artifacts displayed here were discovered accidentally, right on the very site where the museum is located.

The Palau Padellàs palace that houses the museum was relocated stone by stone to make way for a road construction project.

When it was being reassembled at its current location, ancient Roman remains were discovered underneath the foundation.

Visit in the late morning or early afternoon to admire the ruins of Barcino, as the city was known in Roman times, and then enjoy lunch at nearby Cat Bar, one of the  best vegan restaurants in Barcelona .

See the Torre Bellesguard

Another lesser-known building by Gaudi is the Bellesguard.

The grounds were originally home to a royal residence of King Martin of Aragon back at the beginning of the 15th century, and Gaudi’s creation was erected half a millennium later.

With a mix of neogothic and modernist elements and the architect’s unmatched creativity, this offbeat landmark should not be missed (even though it’s quite modest compared to other Gaudi buildings).

To visit the magnificent Bellesguard, you need to  book a guided tour  (operated in either Catalan, Spanish, or English).

Fun fact: Gaudi also designed a few buildings in northern Spain , including El Capricho de Gaudi in Comillas and the Bishops’ Palace in Astorga.

Stroll Around Parc Del Laberint D’Horta

By Vicki from Vicki Viaja

Did you know that there is a labyrinth in the middle of Barcelona?

One of the lesser-known sights in Barcelona is the Parc del Laberint d’Horta. At the center of this unique park, you can find a maze, which consists of two-meter-high hedges.

Make sure to walk around inside of it and get lost. As soon as you reach the middle of the labyrinth, you can rest a bit and enjoy the Greek-oriented style of this section of the park.

However, the rest of the park is also beautiful and well worth a visit. The romantic garden was created in the 18th century to expand the labyrinth and covers around 54 hectares today.

For us, this park is one of the most beautiful places in the city if you are looking for a little bit of green and want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Its location outside the center in the  Barcelona neighborhood  of Horta-Guinardó is therefore perfect.

Go Street Art Hunting

Whether it’s a big colorful mural or a tiny hidden figure, I love discovering any city’s street art scene.

And while Barcelona is not as known for its street art as other European destinations like Budapest or Lisbon , it’s still fun to explore this side of the Catalan city.

Here are a few famous spots you should check out  on your own, but you can also  book a free guided walking tour .

Watch Castellers at a Local Festival

By Claire of This Travel Lover

One of my favorite quirky things to do in Barcelona is to watch the Castellers build human towers.

Castellers are teams of people of all sizes and ages who come together to create huge human towers, starting with a strong, supportive base & gradually decreasing in size as they grow taller.

The Castellers all work together to make sure the tower is strong and safe before they quickly and carefully add another level.

A young child (wearing protective headgear!) is the last to climb up to the top of the tower before they all descend and deconstruct the tower.

Castellers usually perform at every festival in Barcelona, and regularly at various events throughout the year and they are absolutely mesmerizing to watch!

At major festivals, teams from different areas of Barcelona and Catalunya compete to create the highest and most complex towers. At other times, you may find one group practicing in front of the Cathedral.

Popular festivals where you can see Castellers include the Gracia Festival in August, La Merced in September, and Santa Eulalia in February, and you can go to see them practicing throughout the year.

Visit Some Unusual Museums

Traveling off the beaten path can mean discovering enchanting hidden gems that most people just don’t know, as well as finding unconventional spots that don’t appeal to the average traveler.

Bizarre museums are those kinds of spots, and if you’re looking for weird things to do in Barcelona, you can visit the Perfume Museum, the Hemp Museum, and even the Museum of Funeral Carriages.

Visit an Old Synagogue

Visiting a synagogue is definitely one of the best ways to experience Barcelona off the beaten track.

With many cathedrals around, it’s easy to forget that Spain has long been home to an active Jewish community. A reminder of that is ‘Sinagoga Major,’ one of the oldest synagogues in Europe.

After centuries of being used for other purposes, it’s now functioning as a museum and a synagogue (during festive occasions).

Even though not much has remained of it, I’m always happy and excited to find a connection to my Jewish heritage.

Address: Carrer de Marlet, 5.

Opening hours: Sunday-Friday, 10:30 AM-6:30 PM.

For a unique experience in Barcelona, check out this Jewish heritage tour .

Visit an Ancient Roman Temple

By Mar of Once in a Lifetime Journey

One of the best non touristy things to do in Barcelona is to visit the ancient Roman temple built in honor of Emperor Augustus.

The ruins of the ancient temple date back to the first century BC and all that remains today are several 9m high Corinthian columns.

Unlike other Roman buildings that were torn down and built on top of, these columns remained intact and were incorporated into other medieval buildings.

After being purchased by the “Centre Excursionista de Catalunya” (Hiking Club of Catalonia), Catalan architect Lluís Domènech restored the columns and built a courtyard around them for public perusal.

The columns are located at 10 Carrer Paradis in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter near the Catedral de Barcelona. They are maintained and managed by the Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA) which is also a brief 1-minute walk away.

Check out Mar’s one-day guide to Barcelona!

Enjoy the View of Bunkers Del Carmel

By Greta of Greta’s Travels

If you’re looking for the best views and photo spots in Barcelona you have to visit Bunkers del Carmel. Bunkers del Carmel is a park located just a short metro ride out of the center, with stunning views over Barcelona.

The closest metro stations to Bunkers del Carmel are El Carmel and Alfons X. From there you have to either take a short bus or walk up a hill for 20-30 minutes.

Bunkers del Carmel is still off the main tourist radar, mostly because it’s pretty far from all the main tourist attractions and if you are only visiting Barcelona on a brief trip, most people don’t want to take away too much time from their sightseeing.

Bunkers del Carmel is therefore still a local secret.

If you go there on a weekend you will find all the locals sitting on the edge of the rocks with bottles of wine and picnic baskets in hand, eating and drinking while enjoying the view.

So if you’re looking to get away from the tourist crowds and do something unique and alternative in Barcelona you have to add Bunkers del Carmel to your Barcelona bucket list.

Eat a 30-Course Meal

By Efia of Effy Talks Life

Without a doubt, one of the most memorable experiences I had, when I visited Barcelona, was my trip to the two-Michelin-star restaurant Disfrutar.

While the experience is not cheap, it is something you’ll be talking about for years to come. The 30-course tasting menu we chose saw us spending over four hours marveling over dish after dish.

I don’t want to give too much away, but prepare to forget everything you thought you knew about food.

Whether it’s your first trip to Barcelona or you’re an old-timer looking for a day to remember you’d be crazy to pass this one by.

Reservations:  We got lucky and our hotel receptionist got us a same-day cancellation! But I’d recommend booking in advance. You can find out more details on the restaurant’s official website .

Need more help planning your trip? Check out this Barcelona cost guide and my 55 Spain travel tips !

Bonus: Unique Things to Do Near Barcelona

Attend a music festival.

By Lauren from Faramagan

If you are searching for unique things to do near Barcelona, we’re going to share an epic idea for music lovers.

Hop on a train to the sleepy seaside town of Benicassim – the journey takes around 2-3 hours depending on the ticket you choose and around the same by car, so it is perfect for a day trip.

Book your train ticket on Omio (formerly GoEuro)!

This picturesque seaside town welcomes visitors all year round. However, for a handful of days, each July, the town transforms into a music lover’s haven thanks to the Benicassim music festival   (also known as FIB).

Renowned as one of the best music festivals in Europe, headline acts of recent years have included Muse, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Arctic Monkeys, and The Killers.

The festival takes place just 15 minutes from the beach so you can sunbathe on the shore all day and dance from sunset until sunrise all night.

The train station is also a short walk from the festival, so you can easily purchase a day ticket instead of the full weekend and enjoy your favorite act in the sunshine!

Take a Day Trip to Sant Cugat

By Denny from Lazy Road Trips

Sant Cugat del Vallès, simply called Sant Cugat, is a small, delightful town nestled just 40 minutes away from Barcelona’s city center. If you want to spend some quality time outside the big city, this is a great one-day escape.

Strolling down the narrow, paved streets, surrounded by beautifully decorated buildings, numerous small shops, charming cafes, and restaurants, you can dive into the captivating and easy-going Sant Cugat.

One of the highlights and symbols of the little town is the medieval Monastery of Sant Cugat. It dates back to the 9th century and you can visit its museum, cloister, or church.

Another interesting thing to do in Sant Cugat is to visit the only museum of Merilyn Monroe in Europe. You can see a variety of her personal belongings or witness some recreations of her most popular films.

If you happen to be in Sant Cugat on a weekend, I would suggest visiting the vibrant Mercantic market. It is spread over 15,000m2 and is full of vintage treasures and unique decorations.

You can also visit the biggest second-hand bookshop in Spain (El Siglo) or enjoy some art performances or live music concerts.

You might also like:

• Virtual tours of Spain
• Spain themed gifts
• Spain travel quotes
• Hidden gems of Spain
• Famous landmarks of Spain
• Novels set in Spain
• Long weekend breaks in Spain

Were you inspired by these unique things to do in Barcelona? Related posts:

• Hidden gems in Madrid
• Hidden gems in Valencia
• Hidden gems in Mallorca
• Hidden gems in Portugal
• Hidden gems in Budapest
• Hidden gems in southern Italy
• Hidden gems in northern Italy
• Hidden gems in Turin
• Hidden gems in Milan
• Hidden gems in Puglia

Do you know other hidden gems in Barcelona? Tell me in the comments 🙂

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

8 thoughts on “25 Hidden Gems and Fun Unusual Things to Do in Barcelona”

Hi! What a lovely list. What is the name of the second-hand bookshop in Sant Cugat that you mention?

Thanks! The bookshop is called El Siglo 🙂

All of Gaudi’s works are incredible. Casa Vincens definitely has its own unique style, with its more geometric patterns (compared to most of his buildings which have more organic, flowing lines). It also has some touches which seem to have a Moorish influence. But it is certainly worth a visit!

Amazing post!! I would add to rent a boat and sail along Barcelona coast. We did it with rentaboatbarcelona and it was amazing. Best wishes!! Johanne

Thanks for the recommendation 🙂

Enjoyed getting fresh inspiration! Thank you!

Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

20 free things to do in Barcelona from parks to public art

Jun 24, 2023 • 10 min read

Experience Barcelona on the cheap with these top tips of free things to do © Jordi Salas / Getty Images

Barcelona has enough to keep the most voracious of culture vultures and self-indulgent of gourmets happy for weeks, but all those entry fees and tapas bills can mount up.

Luckily, with this list of free things to do in Barcelona , you can enjoy the best of this wonderful city without spending a fortune.

1. Check when museums have free admission times

Some city-run museums, including the Museu Picasso   and MNAC , have a late afternoon or evening each week when entry is free. Others are also free on the first Sunday of the month; check individual websites for details.  Moco Museum doesn't offer free entry (except for children under 9) but is cheaper early or late in the day. 

There are also two excellent galleries nearby La Rambla that host changing exhibitions with free entry: the Centre de la Imatge in the Palau de la Virreina near the top of the boulevard, and the Centre d’Art Santa Mònica  toward the bottom.

Planning tip:  Wherever possible, book tickets online (including free tickets) to guarantee entry especially during the high season. 

2. Visit during one of Barcelona's many festivals

There’s almost always some type of festival going on in Barcelona, so finding a fun week or weekend to visit won't be challenging. 

Carnival  in February or March, begins on a Thursday (Fat Thursday) and ends on the following Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) and sees Barcelona partying with costumes, masks, music, and parades before the city's Christian inhabitants get ready for Lent. 

You can catch free cinema at a festival on the beach in summer (June to September) with  Cinema Lliure .

In August, the Festa Major de Gràcia , which is best known for extravagantly decorated streets, brings a packed program of free outdoor concerts to soak up Barcelona culture. 

If you’re in town in September, don’t miss the 5-day  Festes de la Mercè , which brings the city to life with free concerts, dancing, fireworks, acrobatic feats and lively  correfocs  (colorful parades of drums, devils and firecrackers).

Local tip: As well as free cinema at the beach,  Cinema Lliure  shows documentaries at their library for free year-round. 

3. Saunter La Rambla first thing in the morning

Yes, it is popular with visitors, but ambling along this 1km-long (about half a mile) walkway is a quintessential Barcelona experience. Lined with regal historical buildings, La Rambla is always a great place to stroll, particularly if you time it right. Early morning is best for a more local vibe. 

Local tip: In 2015, 228 stores across Barcelona were given a special preservation status, which essentially means that their original facades and interiors can't be altered; 32 of these now can't be changed in any way at all. 

4. Admire Modernisme architecture from the outside

While many of Barcelona’s architectural gems charge admission fees to enter but their impressive façades can be admired for free. Three stunning examples of Catalonian Modernisme sit side by side on the Passeig de Gràcia: the Casa Lleó Morera , the Casa Amatller  and Gaudí’s Casa Batlló .

Elsewhere, be dazzled by the mind-blowing workmanship of Gaudí’s magnum opus,  La Sagrada Família ; a short walk away is the world’s largest art nouveau complex, the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau .

Detour: An extensive, ever-growing network of bike lanes has been laid out across Barcelona. A waterfront path runs northeast from the Port Olímpic towards Riu Besòs; scenic itineraries weave through the Collserola hills; and the 72km Ronda Verda cycling route loops around the city's outskirts. You can also cycle a well-signed 22km loop (part of the Ronda Verda) by following the seaside bike path northeast of Barceloneta.

5. Bask (and people watch) on a city beach

Barcelona has some wonderful beaches perfect for resting feet that ache after days of sightseeing. Barceloneta is the most popular, with its lovely sweep of golden sand and promenade backed with restaurants; for something less crowded, walk further north towards the Fòrum area.

Local tip:  Beach lovers can swap always-busy Barceloneta to bask in the beauty of beaches further out of town, such as those along the Costa del Garraf or the Costa Maresme, both easily accessible by public transport.

6. Browse the independent shops and galleries of El Born

The charming area of El Born is packed with an exciting array of small independent art galleries and boutiques. Get lost in the narrow alleyways and see what gems you can find, from traditional paintings to cutting-edge artwork.

Detour : El Born is next to Barcelona’s largest and most popular park,  La Ciutadella . Read on further below on why you'll want to visit.

7. See some of the best street art and public sculpture in Europe

Barcelona’s graffiti artists are a proud bunch, and you’ll find some great examples of their work around town, particularly in El Raval and Poblenou . The city also has a long tradition of street art and sculpture.

Some better-known examples include Peix , a giant fish sculpture designed by Frank Gehry overlooking the beach; Roy Lichtenstein’s 15m-(50ft-) high Barcelona Head at the Port Vell; Catalan artist Antoni Tàpies’ Monument Homage to Picasso on the Passeig de Picasso; and Fernando Botero’s enormous cat on the Rambla del Raval.

8. Enjoy the best view of the city from the Bunkers del Carmel (before sunset)

They might take some leg power to get to, but the Bunkers del Carmel offer the best view in the whole of Barcelona, a 360-degree vista with the city and all its iconic monuments on one side and hills and the town of Sant Cugat on the other. You can also climb down into the bunkers, where you’ll find a free small museum telling you about the role they played as an anti-aircraft battery during the Civil War and later as a shantytown housing over 3000 people during the 1940s to 1960s.

Local tip:  The site's popularity as a sunset-gazing spot skyrocketed over the last few years leading to complaints about noise, partying and other antisocial behavior. As a result local authorities have now restricted access to daylight hours only. 

9. Gaze at public art by Barcelona native Joan Miró

The definitive collection of Barcelona’s favorite homegrown artist at Fundació Joan Miró is worth forking out for – but you’ll also spot fantastic Miró sculptures around the city, all free for the viewing.

Parc de Joan Miró is home to his epic 22m-tall (72ft)  Woman and Bird sculpture , covered in primary-colored glazed tiles and rising dramatically from a sparkling pool. There’s also a Miró mosaic in the central walkway of La Rambla and another displayed unexpectedly on the outside wall of Terminal 2 at the airport.

Local tip:  English signage is available at most museums (though not all). Many restaurants have English-language menus, though more local places are only in Spanish and Catalan.

10. Visit the cradle of Catalan independence

The Born Centre Cultural  is a dazzlingly converted former market building that has as its centerpiece the remains of some of the hundreds of buildings razed to the ground by the forces of Castilian King Philip V after the siege of 1714. For most Catalans, the event marks the starting point of the desire for separation. It remains an emotionally charged place.

11. Feel the Gothic splendor of La Catedral

In the heart of Barri Gòtic , the colossal  Catedral is as impressive on the outside as it is within. Take in its soaring domed ceilings and pillars, as well as the cloister with its courtyard of palms, orange trees and resident gaggle of white geese. Note that the church is open for worship in the mornings and evenings; if you visit in the afternoon, you will need to pay an entry fee.

Local tip:  It is considered disrespectful to visit churches as a tourist during Mass and other worship services. Taking photos at such times is a definite no-no, as is visiting without dressing appropriately. 

12. Browse the less touristy food markets 

The most famous indoor market hall is the Mercat de la Boqueria , filled with an explosion of fruit, vegetables, seafood, rows and rows of cured ham and some mind-boggling butchers’ displays. It can also get extremely crowded and touristy, with more stalls selling fancy sweets and tropical juices than local products.

If you want a less hectic market experience, head to  Mercat de Santa Caterina , under a colorful, undulating roof, or Mercat de la Llibertat in Gràcia. Here you can peruse the foodie treats without the crowds and pick up some provisions on a budget. 

13. Get wonderfully lost in Barri Gòtic

A warren of cobblestone alleyways lined with bars and quirky shops and dotted with quiet little plaças, the atmospheric medieval quarter of Barri Gòtic makes it a treat to get lost. Eventually, you’ll almost certainly surface either on La Rambla or the Via Laietana, which flanks the area on the other side.

Local tip:  Do show your support for small traditional businesses that make Barcelona what it is by buying something, no matter how small, at long-established, much-loved icons such as La Rambla's Escribà bakery, hat-maker Sombrerería Obach and candle-producer Cerería Subirà in the Barri Gòtic.

14. Wander through Plaça Reial

Reminiscent of a more modest version of St Mark’s Square in Venice, this arcaded plaça  has fixtures that stand out. Don’t miss Gaudí’s first commissioned work for the city: lamp posts featuring coiled dragon-headed serpents leading up to a winged helmet.

15. Keep it real in El Raval

It might lack the historical impact (and tourists) of neighboring Barri Gòtic, yet the lively streets around El Raval are home to an eclectic cast of characters, including artists, backpackers, students and more. You’ll find plenty of cool bars and vintage clothing stores, not to mention the colossal MACBA (Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona), as impressive outside as in and free every Saturday from 4pm with support from Uniqlo. There is a handful of other free days published on their website. 

16. Cool down in Parc de la Ciutadella

Saunter down Passeig Lluís Companys, underneath the Arc de Triomf to the city’s best park,  Parc de la Ciutadella . A giant playground for visitors of all ages, with people-watching opportunities from tap dancers in the bandstand and aspiring circus performers practicing on the grass to West African drummers bringing the atmosphere. If the human tableau isn’t enough, you’ll also find a monumental waterfall, a boating lake, the grand Catalan Parliament building and the lovely pink-hued Parroquia Castrense de la Ciutadella church.

18. Embrace the kitsch of the Font Màgica

Built for Barcelona’s 1929 World Exposition, this water-, sound- and light show has been drawing tourists ever since. Sure, the Magic Fountain borders on tacky – but what’s not to love about jets of multi-colored water rising in sync to cheesy 1980s numbers and show tunes?

18. Get inspired by free music, dancing and art

There’s always some sort of free cultural event going on around town, whether jazz in the park, a poetry reading or a kids’ workshop. Check with the tourist office  for a rundown of what’s on while you’re in town.

Local tip:  Spain is one of southern Europe's most LGBTQI-friendly countries. Despite fierce opposition from the Catholic Church, Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005, becoming the fourth country in the world to do so and with strong support. Married same-sex couples in Spain can also adopt children. 

19. Explore the gardens and galleries of Montjuïc

The lush green hill of Montjuïc rises up from the port and is home to countless museums, gardens and important sights, as well as incredible city views. You might have to pay for the museums, but much of the rest is free. Wander around gardens such as the Moorish-inspired Jardins de Laribal with their elegant fountains, sculptures and steep tiled walkways; then take a jaunt around the grand Olympic Stadium, which played host to the 1992 Summer Olympic Games.

When you’re done exploring the lower slopes of the hill, take the bus (or hike if you’re feeling fit) right to the top, where you’ll find the Castell de Montjuïc . You have to pay a fee to enter, but you can still wander around its walls and gardens for free while admiring the astounding views.

20. Seek out treasures at the Encants flea market

The  Mercat dels Encants  offers an intriguing mix of trash and treasures. While not without its fair share of odd shoes and outdated electronic devices, there are enough random oddities to make a browse among the many vendors worthwhile. There’s also a surprisingly gourmet food court on the first floor.

Local tip: This is one of Europe's oldest markets, with its roots going back to medieval times. Back in the 1300s, the market stood at the gates to Barcelona's city wall. 

This article was first published June 2019 and updated June 2023

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Tapas and Sun - The Places to Visit in Spain

S pain is home to so many beautiful places. While most people immediately assume it’s only about gloriously golden sandy beaches offering fun, sunny holidays, Spain is more diverse. In some parts of the country, you will feel like you have stumbled upon the desert landscapes of the Middle East, while others look more like Scotland, with its majestic mountains and lovely villages.

From bustling cities like Barcelona and Madrid to coastal destinations like Mallorca and Gran Canaria, here are the top places to visit in Spain.

Barcelona is a fascinating city luring all kinds of travellers, and it’s easy to see why. It boasts many unique architecture, vibrant cultural scenery, and easy access to the sea. In addition, if you’re into food and nightlife, Barcelona will not disappoint. 

Among the top reasons to visit Barcelona is its beautiful and unique architecture – many of these are designed by celebrated artists like Jean Nouvel and Antoni Gaudi. When you stroll around the city, such as in the Gothic Quarter and Eixample District, you’ll come across some of the city’s most beautiful buildings. While Gaudi’s masterpieces are among the most popular, the city has many other architectural pieces, from Gothic to Renaissance and Art Nouveau.

Thanks to its rich religious history, the churches in Barcelona are incredibly stunning, and that’s another reason to visit. The Sagrada Familia is unlike anything else, with its intricate facades, tall spires, and colourful stained-glass windows. 

If you love to explore gardens and parks, you’ll love Barcelona even more. It has some of Spain’s most impressive parks, from the sprawling Ciutadella to the iconic Parc Guell. Despite it being a busy metropolis, you will find many green spaces to relax and soak up the relaxing views of nature.

• Mallorca 

Mallorca has a long-standing reputation for being one of the world’s top destinations for a beach holiday, home to many stunning beaches. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxing getaway and those who crave adventure, delicious food, and history. In addition, you’ll find plenty of luxury accommodation options in Mallorca , perfect for those visiting the island to relax or have a good time.

One of the main reasons for visiting Mallorca is to enjoy its incredible beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Some are tucked away in quiet corners, perfect for those who want privacy, while the more popular ones have a vibrant atmosphere and are more suited for enjoying water sports. The best beaches in Mallorca are Cala Varques, Cala Deia, and Cala Formentor.

Mallorca is also renowned for its great diversity of landscapes, from impressive cliffs to breathtaking coasts. During your visit, you should take the time to explore Serra de Tramuntana, a majestic mountain range in the northwest corner of the island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should also check out the Mondragó Natural Park and the Albufeira Natural Park.

• San Sebastian

San Sebastian is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations . It is home to beautiful churches, historic buildings, wide sandy beaches, and delectable cuisines. In fact, the food is often the main reason people come here. It’s renowned for its mouth-watering Basque cuisine and has the world’s second most Michelin stars per capita. 

When exploring San Sebastian, check out the San Sebastian Cathedral, the city’s most impressive church. Constructed around the late 19th Century, it’s in the city’s Centro district, serving as the seat of the Diocese of San Sebastian. Next, visit the San Telmo Museum, one of the oldest museums in Basque County, featuring fascinating exhibits on the region’s history from prehistoric to modern times.

Visit the beautiful San Sebastian City Hall and admire its charming facade. It lies at the north end of Alderdi Eder Gardens, south of the Old Town. If you are fond of aquariums, you should see San Sebastian Aquarium. Admire its exhibit of over 200 species of marine animals, from jellyfish to stingrays, turtles and sharks.

• Madrid 

As the capital city, Madrid is one of Spain’s top places to visit on your holiday. When planning your trip, you may want to consider joining a tour. There are some excellent premier tours around Madrid, ideal for anyone looking to try the local cuisine and discover the city’s highlights. Regardless of the type of traveller that you are, you will find something to love in Madrid. 

Spain is all about food, and Madrid is the best place to hunt for the best tapas and other authentic Spanish delicacies. Visit Mercado San Miguel to sample the tastiest gourmet local specialities. The historic covered market is not your typical farmer’s market. It has over thirty vendors selling a variety of fresh tapas and other regional delicacies.

Shopping is another good reason to visit Madrid. It’s a trendy city offering many options to suit everyone’s taste. There are cosy boutiques in the backstreets and chic streets featuring a mix of luxury and designer labels. 

Madrid is also a city rich in history, which is evident as you walk around. There are impressive monuments on almost every corner, from Plaza de Cibeles with its stunning fountain to the gorgeous Plaza Mayor and charming Almudena Cathedral.

• Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of the picturesque islands that make up the Canary Islands . It’s a must-visit on your trip to Spain, especially if you want to enjoy the beach, nature, and delectable cuisine. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy many outdoor sports and experience its vast cultural offerings. 

Whether travelling alone, with the family, or with a loved one, Gran Canaria is a perfect destination. It’s incredibly diverse, offering everything from beautiful beaches to stunning mountains and picturesque villages. Visit Maspalomas, where you will find a desert that makes you feel like you’re in the Middle East, or climb to Pico de las Nieves, the island’s highest point. 

The cultural offerings of Gran Canaria are another reason to visit the island on your holiday to Spain. There are numerous cultural attractions offerings, from the Centre Atlantic of Modern Art to the Canarian Museum and the Castillo House Museum.

The post Tapas and Sun – The Places to Visit in Spain  appeared first on Sunny Sweet Days .