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The 51 best attractions and places to visit in Barcelona

From massive museums and picture-perfect parks to modernista buildings and beaches galore, these are the best things to see and do in Barcelona

This epicentre of Catalan culture has enough must-see attractions to fill a lifetime. Barcelona is simply packed with excellent museums , restaurants and beautiful sights. No matter your tastes, you’ll easily find something to love here, you just have to find it.

Helpfully, we've whittled it down to the bucket list items for those short on time. From the world-famous to the decidedly local, our pick of the best attractions and places to visit in Barcelona covers a lot of ground. You’ll be pushed to do all of them in one trip, but there's no harm in trying – or you'll just have to come back again, and again, and again…

RECOMMENDED:  Barcelona's best Airbnbs RECOMMENDED:  The best hotels in Barcelona

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Time Out Market Barcelona

Time Out Market Barcelona sees 14 award-winning chefs bring local cuisine to the city all under one roof  – find it  at Port Vell, on the terrace-viewpoint of Maremagnum. 

Best Barcelona attractions

1.  sagrada família.

• Attractions
• Religious buildings and sites
• Sagrada Família

Soaring above Barcelona’s cityscape, the Sagrada Família will be the world’s tallest church upon completion (estimated, finally, for 2026). This 130-year labour of love, dreamt up by Antoni Gaudí, is one of the world’s most controversial basilicas, but also one of the most visited. Three million tourists flock here each year to gawk at the architectural achievement that has brought nature, light and religion together into one stunning ensemble. The interior is like a giant jigsaw puzzle, with each new style blending into the rest of Gaudí’s visionary design.

Time Out tip: Don't forget to explore the basement. Admission also gives visitors access to the subterranean museum, which provides the chance to watch sculptors working at plaster-cast models IRL through a large window.

2.  Park Güell

• Historic buildings and sites
• price 1 of 4

Up in Barcelona’s Horta-Guinardó neighbourhood, is this maze of walls and walkways consisting of gardens, little architectural displays and more, all boasting breathtaking hillside views of the whole city. Highlights include the Hall of One Hundred Columns (though it actually has 86), the mosaic serpent bench and the salamander on the main steps. 

Time Out tip: Entry to the park is free, but if you have €10 to spare, enter the Monumental Zone, where you'll see the iconic mosaic bench and dragon (and more).

3.  Montjuïc Magic Fountain

• Sants - Montjuïc

Most locals will only see this light, music and water show when they are little kids or have to act as tour guides for visitors. But whether you’ve got your own offspring in tow or not, the show brings out childlike wonder in us all. After all, it is magic . Designed by Carles Buïgas, it is one of the last remaining attractions made for the 1929 International Exposition.

Time Out tip: For that little extra je ne sais quoi, go down on New Year's Eve for Festa de Cap d'Any. It's one of the biggest party nights in town and the fountain display is even more spectacular than usual.

4.  La Rambla

This is undoubtedly the most famous street in Barcelona. Stretching from Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya in the centre, La Rambla offers a bevvy of shops, flower stands, artworks and attractions. Don’t miss the ornate Canaletes fountain, Boqueria market, Liceu opera house and Teatre Principal.

Time Out tip: Think the opera is for fancy people? Think again. A night at Gran Teatre del Liceu can cost less than tickets to see the ‘in’ band of the moment. Plus, it's not just opera, they host ballet and concerts too.

5.  Barcelona Cathedral

• Ciutat Vella

It’s always worth checking out an inner-city cathedral and Barcelona is no exception. Its cathedral is an impressive example of Gothic architecture that’s now a Cultural Heritage Site and, since 1929, a National Historic Monument. It’s dedicated to the Holy Cross and to Saint Eulalia, patron saint of Barcelona, who was martyred by the Romans and whose remains lie in the crypt. Aside from the artistic and architectural riches of the interior, you should also visit the cloister with its 13 white geese (one for each year of Saint Eulalia’s life) and the well-worn engravings on the floor detailing which guild paid for each part of the chapel.

Time Out tip: If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you may get to witness the Catalan tradition known as the Sardana dance, performed in the square in front of the cathedral.

6.  Picasso Museum

If the quality of a museum is measured by the number of people queuing to get in, the Picasso Museum takes first place. The museum was created by the cubist painter and his friend and secretary Jaime Sabartès, who donated his collection to the cause. More than 3,800 works make up the permanent collection, and it also hosts an array of temporary exhibitions. 

Time Out tip: Queues can be punishingly long. Visit at lunch or shortly before the last entry in an attempt to avoid them (or book ahead of time online).

7.  La Boqueria Market

• Markets and fairs

Its stallholders have had to learn languages and indulge in public relations because as well as being the main food market in Barcelona, La Boqueria is now a major tourist destination. Just off La Rambla, this is the biggest market in Catalonia, with more than 300 stalls and a surface area of 2,583 square metres. That is a lot of bits to buy. Think of some obscure delicacy, and you’re almost guaranteed to find it here. Artisanal produce is, naturally, in abundance.

Time Out tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid heaving crowds. Your aptitude will be rewarded by the best produce – but remember to shop around, as prices vary hugely.

8.  Barceloneta

Barcelona has miles of beaches, from Sant Sebastià to Llevant. Many can be found in Barceloneta, the famous maritime and workers’ neighbourhood that sprung up on the island of Maians in the 17th century. It’s worth wandering through the streets of Barceloneta to admire its modest yet charming two-storey houses. Another draw is the area’s excellent and varied cuisine, ranging from tapas and vermouth to paella and seafood. You can also spend a few hours checking out the glitzy yachts lining the marinas, such as the Port Olympic complex. 

Time Out tip: Stop in at Can Solé. Founded in 1903, it's one of the city’s classic seafood restaurants, with possibly the most extensive selection of rice and fideuà dishes in the neighbourhood.

9.  Casa Milà

• Sightseeing
• Dreta de l'Eixample

It has been described as looking like rising dough, molten lava or a stone lung. Let's just say you can make up your own description of this weird and wonderful bit of modernism. Casa Milà is a daring example of Gaudí’s use of stone. When La Pedrera, his last civic project, was first commissioned in 1906, the building became a laughing stock for its undulating façade, wrought-iron balconies and vast windows. Today, of course, it is viewed quite differently and Gaudí’s innovative self-supporting stone exterior has won it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. 

Time Out tip: Make a beeline for the roof. Its mosaic-tiled ventilation shafts are topped with what looks like the helmets of medieval knights, which led the poet Pere Gimferrer to dub the spot 'the garden of warriors'.

10.  Botanical Garden

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through 14 hectares of beautiful greenery from around the globe without leaving Barcelona. This botanical garden is split into five areas, with Australian, Californian, Mediterranean, South African and Chilean plants grouped neatly into each. Plus, if you look past the fauna, you’ll get a cracking view of the city. There are about 1500 species in the Jardí Botànic, so start ticking them off.

Time Out tip: On the other side of the park you’ll find a typical farmhouse, where volunteers help to organise public activities.

11.  Olympic Ring

In 1992, Barcelona captivated the world with the Olympic Games and the Olympic Ring was built on Montjuïc hill. Covering more than 400 hectares, it includes the Calatrava communications tower,  Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium ,  Palau Sant Jordi  sports hall, Picornell swimming pools, and the head office of the Catalan Institute for Physical Education, as well as the Joan Antoni Samaranch Olympic and Sports Museum, which opened in 2007. The ring looks more like a sewing needle to us, but that's fine too. 

Time Out tip: When you book your vaycay, check bookings for Palau Sant Jordi and its adjoining Club. They host major sporting and music events, with anyone from the Back Street Boys and Lenny Kravitz to the basketball world championships held here.

12.  CaixaForum

• Art and design
• La Font de la Guatlla

Another example of a brilliantly restored building. Puig i Cadafalch built this former textile factory at the foot of Montjuïc for the entrepreneur Casimir Casaramona. After being abandoned for years, the Fundació La Caixa bought it and turned it into a cultural, social and educational centre. As well as permanent collections of contemporary art, there are three spaces for temporary exhibitions and a programme that includes concerts, lectures, screenings, guided tours and child-friendly activities. So yes, it might sound like a pharma company, but it is a wonderful place to visit, with scenery like no other. And the art is pretty good too.

Time Out tip: Scale one (or both) of its two towers. The 'water tower' culminates in a wonderful conical pinnacle covered in blue mosaic. The other is the 'clock tower' and, although it's clockless, it contains beautiful ironwork.

13.  Plaça de Sant Felip Neri

For many in Barcelona, Sant Felip Neri is the prettiest square in the city – perhaps because of its sheer simplicity. The square is built over the old medieval cemetery of Montjuïc del Bisbe and features a church and school of the same name, some Renaissance buildings and the former head offices of the tinker and shoemaker guilds. If you look closely at the façade of the Sant Felip Neri church, you might notice shrapnel from a bomb thrown by Franco’s forces during the Civil War, tragically killing 42 people, most of them children.

Time Out tip: You'll find the Museu del Calçat (Shoe Museum) here, which is a delightfully quirky place detailing the cobbler’s craft, from Roman sandals to ’70s platform boots.

14.  Maritime Museum

Barcelona’s dockyards (declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1976) look better than ever. The Maritime Museum is responsible for preserving, studying and publicising one of the most important collections of maritime heritage in the Mediterranean. They are worth a look simply for their architecture, the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, and the garden and café make for a thoroughly pleasant pit stop.

Time Out tip: Your ticket also allows you aboard the beautiful 1917 'Santa Eulàlia' schooner docked nearby in the Moll de la Fusta. The old ship was one of the last sail-driven boats to transport goods across the Mediterranean.

15.  Illa de la Discòrdia

In just one block in Barcelona, the section of Passeig de Gràcia between C/Aragó and C/Consell de Cent, there are five major buildings from the Catalan modernist era:  Casa Lleó Morera  by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Casa Mulleras by Enric Sagnier, Casa Bonet by Marcel·lià Coquillat,  Casa Amatller  by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and  Casa Batlló  by Antoni Gaudí. It was named the Block of Discord because of the rivalries between the five architects, and who doesn't love some good juicy architecture drama? Go with some mates, and battle it out for your faves. 

Time Out tip: Venture inside the Dutch-inspired Casa Amatller to see the vast photographic collection that once belonged to the chocolate baron for after whom the building is named.

16.  Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site

Not far from the Sagrada Família is another modernista gem, the spectacular hospital by Domènech i Montaner. The architect was inspired by hygiene ideals and state-of-the-art hospitals in Europe at the time, so he designed a centre with isolation wards (each for a particular speciality), surrounded by gardens and connected by underground passages. Montaner believed that aesthetic harmony and a welcoming atmosphere were good for health. After more than 80 years of service, the hospital moved to a more modern building and renovation of the old building began. You can now visit with or without a tour guide to discover the history of one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. It is, and was, a city within a city.

Time Out tip: Visit over the Christmas period to see the spectacular light show projected onto the exterior of Sant Pau. It usually kicks off on the winter solstice for a few weeks.

17.  The Carmel Bunkers

The Carmel Bunkers never feature on the standard city tours, which is a shame because if you don’t visit them, you’ll miss some of the  best views of Barcelona . The anti-aircraft guns were built in 1937, during the Civil War, when Barcelona was hit by almost 200 bombings a day. From the 1950s, with the boom in immigration, people moved in. A shantytown sprung up and the residents fought for improvements (electricity, water, bins) and were later rehoused in buildings with better conditions. When Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games in 1992, the city demolished the shacks and abandoned the space. Locals later fought for its recognition as a place of historical importance.

Time Out tip: Get there just before sunset to catch some stellar lighting for your photos.

18.  Estació de França

The ‘French Station’ is a product of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition and is the second largest station in Barcelona ​​after Sants. Comparable in elegance and grandeur to Paris’s former Orsay station, its vast metal arches are a fine example of cast-iron architecture.

Time Out tip: The lobby, designed by Duran i Reynals in the Noucentisme style, today hosts events, including vintage fairs.

19.  Bellesguard Tower

• Sant Gervasi - La Bonanova

In September 2013, the Bellesguard Tower, one of the lesser-known works by Gaudí, opened its doors to the public. The architect was commissioned by Jaume Figueras, and the building is influenced by Gothic and Modernisme styles. Five centuries earlier, in 1409, Martin the Humane, the last king of the House of Barcelona, built his residence in the same spot at the foot of Tibidabo. 

Time Out tip: Join one of the guided tours of the attic area, which also allows access to the roof. Here you can take in stunning views of the city and peep Gaudí's cross, as well as an eye-catching face of a dragon.

20.  Born Centre of Culture and Remembrance

• Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

After years of excavations, renovations and more than one dispute with the neighbours, the El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria finally opened in 2013 as a multipurpose cultural centre in the former El Born marketplace. The iron-and-glass structure was designed by Josep Fontserè in 1876 and was the city’s first market to be built in a Parisian style. Today visitors can see the archaeological remains of the Vilanova de Mar neighbourhood from 1700 and better understand the siege the city suffered in 1714. Huge walkways now criss-cross this impressive cultural centre, which also features exhibition spaces, a bookshop and a food hall. 

Time Out tip: Come for the history, stay for the copious amounts of food, drink, things to buy and things to see in the area.

21.  Colònia Güell

Jump on the train or car and head to Santa Coloma de Cervelló, in the Baix Llobregat area, to visit the Colonia Güell. The textile industrialist Eusebi Güell moved his facilities from the Sants neighbourhood to this small town to escape social unrest. Gaudí and his team were commissioned for the project, which included a hospital, food hall, school, theatre, shops, co-operative and chapel, plus factories and housing for the workers. Gaudí built the church crypt after Güell’s death and the project was abandoned halfway through.

Time Out tip: Go on a Saturday morning for the Colònia Güell farmers' market.

22.  Botero’s Cat

This is the most famous cat in the Raval – in fact, in Barcelona. Since the Council bought it from Colombian artist Fernando Botero in 1987, the poor cat has been moved several times. First, it was in Parc de la Ciutadella, near the zoo; then, to coincide with the 1992 Olympic Games, it was moved to the Olympic Stadium; several years later, it was moved again to a square behind Drassanes. Now it seems very happy in its home in the Rambla del Raval, and the neighbours love it.

Time Out tip: While you're here, head ten minutes west to La Rambla de les Flors, which has maintained the spirit of the 19th century. You’ll find 100-year-old stands, like Flors María, as well as other colourful shops.

23.  Parc del Laberint d’Horta

• Horta - Guinardó

This vast and incredibly well-manicured maze sits within the oldest park in the city. You’ll find it in the Horta neighbourhood, where, if you ever make it out of the labyrinth, you can mooch around a Neoclassical 18th-century garden and a 19th-century romantic one, plus the Desvalls mansion and an array of fountains and sculptures of mythical Greek characters.

Time Out tip: Bring a picnic. There are stone tables that make for the perfect pit-stop spot.

24.  Cemeteries

Cemetery visits help cultivate an appreciation for those who came before us. Graveyards don’t have to be gloomy – instead, consider their artistic value. In Poblenou and Montjuïc, the largest cemeteries in Barcelona, you can find examples of a marvellous array of architectural styles, funerary art and permanent works by renowned artists. Plus, they are generally free, surrounded by nature, and full of benches.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the popular nighttime excursions ( Montjuïc  in March and  Poblenou  in October).

25.  Museu Nacional (MNAC)

Catalonia’s national art museum offers a complete overview of Catalan art from the 12th to the 20th centuries. The highlight is its Romanesque collection, featuring one of the oldest and biggest collections of paintings on wood in Europe. The museum’s modern art floor boasts pieces from an array of media up to the 1950s, including sculpture, painting, photography, posters, cinema, architecture and decorative arts.

Time Out tip: The climb from Plaça d’Espanya up to the museum is just as worthwhile as the museum.

26.  Palau de la Música Catalana

• Music venues

When you visit the Palau de la Música, all your senses sit up and take notice because every inch tells a story of modernisme, music and Catalonia. It was built in 1908 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Muses watch over the main concert hall, and on the façade, you’ll find busts of Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven and Wagner. The programme, predictably, is stellar.

Time Out tip: If you take a guided tour, be sure to ask questions, as they tend to concentrate mainly on the triumphs of the renovation.

27.  Camp Nou

• Sport and fitness

FC Barcelona’s home ground, or Lionel Messi’s former stomping ground as it is now (un)officially known. Camp Nou is one of the most visited places in the city and is high up on the bucket list of any big football fan (or fan of stadiums), but it is still incredibly impressive to laypeople. And tall. Standing at the top and looking down is something else. 

Time Out tip: Die-hard fans must check out the Camp Nou Experience, which offers a peek inside various players-only areas. 

28.  Tibidabo Funfair

• Theme parks
• Vallvidrera, el Tibidabo i les Planes

This is possibly the coolest location for a theme park – on top of a mountain. It’s the only one in the city and you take the steep funicular to get there. There’s a good mix of classic and modern rides, with many suitable for all ages.

Time Out tip: If you don't mind heights, climb Sagrat Cor next door. You can reach the feet of the massive Jesus that sits up top – almost 600 metres from the base of the mountain.

29.  Casa Planells

In the middle of Avinguda Diagonal stands Casa Planells, a building by Josep Maria Jujol – another of the great Catalan modernists, but more discreet than his contemporaries. In a tiny area, he managed to design an impressive building without overdoing the embellishments and with a rounded façade. Inside, the most striking aspects are the staircase and wrought iron railing. It doesn't look boring from the outside, either. It's small and quirky, unlike La Sagrada Família (just up the road), which is massive (and quirky).

Time Out tip: Get your fill of Catalan modernism with a trip to nearby Casa Vicens. It was the first major architectural assignment Antoni Gaudí got and it only opened its doors to the public for the first time in 2017.

30.  Montjuïc

It’s hard to imagine a hill with more things to see and do. If you fancy a day’s walk through parks and gardens, Montjuïc is a good option. You can visit the  castle  (originally a fortress and, after the Civil War, a military museum) , and then explore some of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in Europe. Among the very best are the  Gardens of Laribal  (with a lovely waterfall), the  Albéniz Mansion , the Gardens of  Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer  (dedicated to bulbs, rhizomes and aquatic plants), and the  Gardens of Joan Brossa  (a brilliant example of land restoration; for more than 30 years this was the Montjuïc amusement park).

Time Out tip: Hungry? Eat al fresco at Caseta del Migdia with Barcelona at your feet. Their BBQ combination plate is a particular highlight.

31.  Joan Miró Foundation

The Miró Foundation has it all. First, the collection of more than 104,000 Miró works, including paintings, sculptures and tapestries, plus almost all of his drawings. Second, the setting, with its spectacular gardens and views of Barcelona from the top of Montjuïc. Third, the building was designed by Josep Lluís Sert, architect, co-founder of GATCPAC (Catalan Architects and Technicians for Progress in Contemporary Architecture) and a great friend of Miró. Fourth, the events they put on, many of which are for families. You can’t afford to miss it!

Time Out tip:  Photography fan? The foundation also houses the Joaquim Gomis Archive, which is a collection of 70,000 photos and documents.

32.  Barcelona University

The most important building in Plaça de la Universitat is, obviously, the historic home of Barcelona University. It became a centre for education in 1871 and housed Barcelona’s main faculties and departments for an entire century, divided into arts and science quadrangles. It now houses the maths and philology departments. 

Time Out tip: Want to nosey inside? Join a guided tour. You'll get to see the most impressive areas of the building: main lobby, assembly hall, staircase of honour and the cloisters.

33.  Mercat de les Flors / Teatre Lliure

• El Poble-sec

British theatre director Peter Brook is credited with transforming this former flower market into a venue for the performing arts in 1985 when he was looking for a place to stage his legendary production of The Mahabharata. After decades of relatively diffuse programming, the Mercat has finally focused on national and international contemporary dance and offers a strong programme that experiments with unusual formats and mixes in new technologies and live music.

Time Out tip: No hablo Español? No problem. Many of the productions in the main space have English surtitles on Saturday evenings.

34.  Ciutadella Park

• Parks and gardens

Ciutadella Park is close to the city centre and is the green space most frequented by locals. There’s much to see across its 17 hectares; the  zoo , the  Catalan Parliament  buildings, the church, lake, bandstand and more. 

Time Out tip: Before you go, check their available activities, which regularly include markets and fairs, sporting events, concerts, DJ sessions, children’s parties, charity events and much more.

35.  Palau Güell

Palau Güell may not be Gaudí’s most well-known work, but it was his first major project for the Catalan capital. A perfect combination of old-fashioned opulence and stylised modernism, this UNESCO World Heritage mansion will have you picturing yourself rolling up in a horse-drawn carriage. Tucked down a narrow street in the Raval, Palau Güell, designed by Gaudí for his patron Count Güell, stands today as a symbol of Catalan nationalism. 

Time Out tip: As you explore the house, notice how the rising levels (from the modest basement to the ostentatiously colourful roof with 20 mosaic chimneys) reflect the motif of wealth.

36.  Santa Maria del Mar

One of the best surviving examples of the Catalan Gothic style, this graceful basilica stands out for its characteristic horizontal lines, plain surfaces, square buttresses and flat-topped octagonal towers. Its superb unity of style is down to the fact that it was built relatively quickly, with construction taking just 55 years (1329 to 1384). There’s also some stunning stained glass, especially the great 15th-century rose window above the main door. The original window fell down during an earthquake, killing 25. The incongruous modern window at the other end was a 1997 addition, belatedly celebrating the Olympics.

Time Out tip: Santa Maria del Mar is a traditional venue for concerts: look out for a Requiem Mass at Easter and Handel's Messiah at Christmas.

37.  The Jewish Quarter (El Call)

The  ancient synagogue  of Barcelona – the oldest in Europe – can be found in the Old Jewish Quarter between C/ del Call, Plaça Sant Jaume, C/ Banys Nous and C/ Sant Sever. The narrow streets are a joy to wander and contain an array of Jewish cultural institutions. 

Time Out tip: Head to MUHBA El Call to see ritual lamps, headstones and some great temporary exhibitions.

38.  Plaça de la Virreina

Gràcia is full of beautiful squares and great bars; this  plaça , however, has the most appeal for us. For its friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere, for the church that overlooks it, for being a meeting place for locals and the rest of Barcelona, and for the healthy rivalry between the three main bars. Try them all!

Time Out tip: If you have the kids with you, head to Bateau Lune at number 7 – one of the most loveable toy shops in the city, thanks to the warmth of the owners and their incredible inventory.

39.  CCCB

Spain’s largest cultural centre was opened in 1994 at the Casa de la Caritat, a former almshouse constructed on the site of a medieval monastery. The massive façade and part of the courtyard remain from the original building; the rest was rebuilt in dramatic contrast, all tilting glass and steel, by architects Piñón and Viaplana, known for the Maremagnum shopping centre at the Barcelona port. Most of the building is given over to exhibitions, but it also hosts music festivals, films, lectures and debates. 

Time Out tip: Want to save some cash? Visit on a Sunday (3-8pm) for free entry or, alterntively, International Museum Day, Museums Night and La Mercè Holidays, when entry is also nada.

40.  Plaça Reial

• Ships and boats

If you head towards the ocean, you’ll probably stumble through Plaça Reial. It contains a handful of palm trees and has a fountain in the middle known as Three Graces. This Neoclassical water feature was designed by Antoni Rovira i Trias, while the chunky lampposts are Gaudí’s. Restaurants and bars surround the square, making for a lively evening hub. And yes, it’s worth keeping a keen eye on your belongings as you pass through.

Time Out tip: Music lovers should step into Jamboree. This long-serving jazz club has been putting on live blues, jazz, hip-hop and dance music twice a day since the 1960s.

41.  Sant Antoni Market

After almost a decade of renovations, the traders of the provisional market of Sant Antoni returned to the impressive Rovira i Trias building in 2018. The octagonal dome is the crown that structures the market’s cross-shaped corridors. In those closest to the market façade, you’ll find the Encants market. Each part can be visited since they have different schedules. 

Time Out tip: On Sundays, stop by the book market just outside the market on Urgell Street.

42.  Plaça dels Àngels and MACBA

Slowly the skaters are taking over this square, but they cannot take away from the imposing Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona ( MACBA) . It’s an impressive building, designed by the American architect Richard Meier, with a large glass façade and a combination of straight lines and cylindrical shapes. Since its opening in 1995, the MACBA has become the city’s top institution for contemporary art in all its forms.

Time Out tip: La Capella, a former medieval convent on the other side of the square, is free to enter and provides a project space for specially commissioned works.

43.  Plaça de Sant Jaume

This square is the administrative centre of Barcelona, housing the Catalan Autonomous Government and City Hall. It’s named after the church that once stood here in medieval times and was the site of the main crossroads in the Roman settlement of Barcino. The Roman Forum and Temple of Augustus were also located here, and four columns can still be seen in C/Paradís. Today, most major protests and demonstrations pass through the square.

Time Out tip: Check out the nativity scene at Christmas – it's mightily impressive.

44.  Monestir de Sant Pere de les Puel·les

Sant Pere de les Puel·les may not be one of the better-known churches in Barcelona, though it should be. It was formerly a Benedictine monastery, but only the church remains from the original building, which was rebuilt after a fire in 1909. Along with its pretty square, packed with restaurants and terraces, this little-known gem is more than worth a visit.

Time Out tip: For a nice lunch spot after the monastery, walk ten minutes over to Parc de Joan Reventós – named for the former president of the Parliament of Catalonia – where there are tree-lined walks and a kids' play area.

45.  Santa Maria del Pi

The main façade of this Catalan Gothic-style church in Plaça del Pi features a large rosette of 12 branches from the 14th century. It was destroyed in the fire of 1936 and rebuilt between 1939 and 1943 by architect Josep Maria Jujol. As well as admiring the two octagonal towers that flank it, the enormous bell tower and the image of the Virgin Mary with a child on the tympanum, visitors can catch classical guitar concerts and exhibitions here.

Time Out tip: Visiting in August? Try and time it with the Festes de Sant Roc. This festa major (street festival) in the Gothic Quarter is the oldest in Barcelona, dating back to 1589. There will be dancing, singing, puppets, DJs and more.

46.  Temple of Augustus

Four stunning fluted Corinthian columns dating from the first century BC soar out of their podium in the most unlikely of places: a back patio of the Mountaineering Centre of Catalonia. Part of the rear corner is devoted to the Roman emperor Augustus, and the columns were discovered and isolated from the structure of a medieval building in 1835. The current layout is a slight fudging of the original, as the right-hand column resided separately in  Plaça del Rei  until it was slotted next to the other three in 1956.

Time Out tip: Got the kids in tow? Take them on a tour, Time Machine: From the Romans to the Middle Ages. Exploring the historic quarters at street level and underground, the guide will reveal secrets of the ancient architecture and what the Temple of Augustus must have been like.

47.  Plaça de Prim

Poblenou’s most emblematic square is also home to some of its oldest residences. The humble, white 19th-century buildings that line the square were home to fishermen when Poblenou was a fishing village. Plaça de Prim doesn’t need a lot of frills to seduce passers-by. Three fantastic ombú trees, a less-than-spectacular fountain, a few benches and a single restaurant – but what a restaurant!  Els Pescadors  has the privilege of exclusive terrace rights.

Time Out tip: If you do eat at the Mediterranean joint Els Pescadors, you must get stuck into a selection of their fresh seafood dishes.

48.  Torre Glòries

All around Plaça de las Glòries, you’ll find quite a few of Barcelona’s architectural and cultural landmarks. On one side, you’ve got the  Torre Glòries  (formerly Torre Agbar), the work of architect Jean Nouvel that changed the city’s skyline. On the other is the  Mercat de Bellcaire  (aka ‘Encants’) flea market with its impressive wavy roof designed by Fermín Vázquez. But there’s also the  Disseny Hub Barcelona , home to the city’s design museum; the  Teatre Nacional de Catalunya , by Ricardo Bofill; and  L’Auditori , by Rafael Moneo.

Time Out tip: Get a great view of Barcelona from the 125-metre high observation deck of Mirador torre Glòries. Designed by Jean Nouvel in 2005, it looks somewhat like an irridescent version of London's 'Gherkin'.

49.  Santa Caterina Market

Opened in 1846, the Mercat de Santa Caterina is the city’s second oldest market. The renovation project was carried out by a team of architects led by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, its most distinctive feature probably being the gorgeous mosaic roof made with 325,000 pieces whose colours echo the fruit and vegetable stands beneath.

Time Out tip: If wandering among so much fresh produce makes you hungry, you can eat at Cuines de Santa Caterina, a bustling restaurant with international dishes available from its various bars.

50.  Parc de Cervantes

You can explore Cervantes Park by walking up from Avinguda Diagonal, where the main entrance is, or down from the Ronda de Dalt for a more relaxed stroll. This vast green space is much appreciated by walkers and athletes for its wide paths and (both) sunny and shady spots. But if anything, it’s known for its rose garden. From the beginning of spring through autumn, more than 10,000 roses fill four hectares of just one small part of the park.

Time Out tip: Since 2001, the garden has been hosting Barcelona’s International New Rose Competition, which takes place in early May and often features never-before-seen hybrid species of roses.

51.  Street art in the Gothic Quarter and surrounding areas

Barcelona has tons of great graffiti and mural spots, but sniffing them out isn't easy if you don't know oyur way around. Thankfully, they have guides for things like that and you can enlist one to take you round the best areas to see unique, contemporary graffiti. Head round Raval, Gótico and Born, where urban art abounds.

Time Out tip : Want tosee some artists in action? Head to the Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies in Poble-sec, where spray artists tend to meet up.

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Barcelona

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 22, 2023

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.

Basílica de la Sagrada Família

Barri gòtic (gothic quarter), casa milà (la pedrera), la rambla: barcelona's social hub, bogatell beach, palau de la música catalana (palace of catalan music), catedral de la santa cruz y santa eulalia, parc güell: gaudí's surrealist park, casa batlló, museu picasso de barcelona, la barceloneta, plaça del rei, magic fountain of montjuïc, scenic views and art museums in montjuïc, reial monestir de santa maria de pedralbes, mercat de la boqueria, fundació joan miró, parc del laberint, quadrat d'or.

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

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 .

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How to Plan the Perfect Visit to Barcelona in Any Season

The beautiful city of Barcelona is perfect for visiting any time of year.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

The name of this storied Catalan city, Barcelona, is almost as beautiful as the coastal metropolis itself. Nicknamed Ciudad Condol (once upon a time, the city was the seat of the Count of Barcelona) the destination sticks with anyone who wanders among the remarkable architecture and through the airy plaças. Nestled along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Spain, Barcelona is a colorful melting pot of culture, full of world-renowned cuisine, legendary art, music, and more. Book a trip to this sunny city and you'll spend your days exploring the dynamic barrios , wandering along the beach, strolling through verdant green spaces, and discovering gem after gem — some well known, like Park Güell or Camp Nou, and some hidden, like Santa Caterina.

The architecture alone is worth planning your trip around — from Gothic structures to Gaudí's modern wonders, design lovers could fill weeks exploring the stunning buildings, monuments, and sculptures throughout the city. Ultimately, Barcelona's unwavering energy and cultural elements result in a distinct immensity of spirit unlike any other destination. The temperate climate, too, makes the weather quite pleasant for most of the year.

When vacationing in a new place — especially an historic city — it's easy to get caught up in the I-must-see-everything-as-quickly-as-possible mentality. And while Barça has no shortage of things to see and do, the city imparts a distinct sense of relaxation on those who pass through. Be sure to reserve time to experience life like the locals do, enjoying leisurely lunches followed by siesta, vermuteria hopping on Sundays, and frequenting your neighborhood bar for tapas and wine with friends.

Central European Standard Time

Early summer or autumn are the best times to visit Barcelona, as late summer tends to get hot and humid. Book your trip in May, June, September, or October for the most idyllic weather — you'll encounter plenty of sun and nice temperatures for swimming and walking about the city's stunning streets, parks, and markets.

Barcelona is the capital and largest city of Catalonia, where both Spanish and Catalan are the predominant languages spoken. The city is a transportation hub and one of southwestern Europe's economic centers — also known as Spain's leading biotech city.

Meal times are all generally on the late side in Barcelona. Restaurants are typically open from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for lunch, and from 8:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. for dinner. Many stores close for lunchtime siesta (2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), as well as on Sundays and public holidays.

Europe's largest stadium is Camp Nou in Barcelona with a capacity of over 99,000 occupants, and is home to FC Barcelona (one of the most supported fútbol teams in the world).

Metro: The Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) is the main transport system in Barcelona, operating both the metro line and select bus routes. Riders can purchase tickets at metro stations across the city. Single tickets cost €2.40 or you can buy a T-Casual ticket for multi-trip use.

Trains: The main railway station in Barcelona is the Barcelona Sants. The FGC is a network of trains in Barcelona and the surrounding suburbs which connects the city to other towns in Catalonia. The Renfe is an international high-speed railway line that connects Spain and France, allowing travelers to get to cities like Paris, Marseille, and Madrid quickly.

Buses: The TMB operates all throughout the city and travelers can purchase tickets both at stops and on the bus, although you're only able to purchase single rides on the bus. There's also the Aerobús BCN, which connects Barcelona Airport with the city center.

Taxis: Typically affordable, accessible, and all over the city day and night.

Car service: While Uber operates throughout Spain, it is not currently available in Barcelona. Cabify is a favored alternative for ride sharing.

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700, Barcelona 08010, Spain Phone: +34 93 545 80 70

Casa Bonay's bread and butter is creating simple, sustainable spaces that impart a sense of local culture and community onto guests. With ample greenery and a simplistic, chic interior decor (made in partnership with local designers), this 19th-century house-turned-hotel's light and airy atmosphere matches that of the city itself. Be sure to grab tapas at the property's rooftop restaurant (open to the public) and sunbathe on the neighboring rooftop terrace, exclusive to guest use.

Cotton House Hotel (Eixample)

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 670, Barcelona 08010, Spain Phone: +34 934 505 045

Cotton House Hotel, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is housed in the former headquarters of the Association of Cotton Manufacturers, giving the property's spaces a neoclassical foundation accented by soft, sophisticated designs. In addition to 83 comfortable rooms, the hotel features an elegant library, a restaurant and cocktail bar, a terrace, and a rooftop pool. Be sure to check out the property's unique spiral staircase, built in 1957 — it's the only one of its kind in Europe.

El Palauet Barcelona

Address: Passeig de Gracia, 113, Barcelona 08008, Spain Phone: +34 932 180 050

These six luxurious suites (each two-bedroom) epitomize Spanish elegance in hotel form. Located centrally along the famous tourism and shopping hub of Passeig de Gracia, El Palauet is housed in Casa Bonaventura Ferrer, the iconic modernist building built by Pere Falqués i Urpí in 1906.

Address: La Rambla, 109, Barcelona 08001, Spain Phone: +34 935 529 552

Located right along the tree-lined pedestrian stretch of La Rambla, as hinted in its name, Hotel 1898 has a long history. Originally the headquarters of General Philippines Tobacco Company, elements of the property's origins can be seen in the architecture and classical decor style. The comfortable rooms range from classic to deluxe, with two levels of beautifully-appointed suite options available.

Hotel Arts Barcelona (La Barceloneta)

Address: Marina 19-21, Barcelona 08005, Spain Phone: +34 932 211 000

Come for the striking glass design and amazing views, and stay for the property's two-star Michelin restaurant and breathtaking pool. Hotel Arts Barcelona offers five-star accommodations (rooms, suites, and penthouses) in elevated, modern interiors high above the Mediterranean and the city — so the views are as superb as the service and luxury amenities. Designed by architect Bruce Graham, the exterior's steel-and-glass build is one of the most distinct modern buildings in the city.

Hotel Brummell (Poble Sec)

Address: Nou de la Rambla,174, Barcelona 08004, Spain Phone: +34 931 258 622

A stone's throw from the legendary site Montjuïc, Hotel Brummell offers 20 comfortable rooms in the trendy Poble Sec neighborhood. Considered slightly off-the-beaten-path, this property is low-key and intimate with an imaginative, modern design, beautifully mirroring Barcelona's culture of cool. Features include a sunny terrace, an outdoor pool, an on-site sauna, and a restaurant and bar.

Hotel Neri (Gothic Quarter)

Address: Sant Sever Street, 5, Barcelona 08002, Spain Phone: +34 93 304 06 55

This Relais & Châteaux property is located in two historic buildings — one of which is a restored 12th-century palace — in Barcelona's storied Gothic Quarter. The hotel's moody, chic atmosphere matches the neighborhood it calls home, and proximity to attractions like La Rambla and the Picasso Museum make it an ideal home for those exploring the city for the first time. The 22 hotels and suites feature luxury amenities, some featuring balconies and terraces, others with sweeping views or gilded murals.

Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

Address: Passeig de Gracia 68 - 70, Barcelona 08007, Spain Phone: +34 934 881 717

Located in the heart of the Passeig de Gracia, Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona is a Neo Classical icon dating back to 1918. Known for an exceptionally detail-oriented staff, the property epitomizes timeless elegance, with light and warm tones accenting the 271 rooms, suites, penthouses, and apartments. Guests will enjoy proximity to many attractions, including Gaudí's architecture, upscale shopping, myriad restaurants, and Gran Teatre del Liceu, and more.

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40, Barcelona 08007, Spain Phone: +34 93 151 88 88

This beloved hotel, situated on the bustling Passeig de Gràcia, is one of the city's most popular luxury hotels. Accommodations feature striking views of the property's immaculate gardens and the nearby Casa Batlló. Guests can expect five-star service, timeless room and suite design, and delicious meals at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant.

Mercer Hotel Barcelona (Gothic Quarter)

Address: Calle dels Lledó, 7, Barcelona 08002, Spain Phone: +34 933 107 480

A stay at the Mercer Hotel is unlike any other in Barcelona, as the boutique property was built atop a wall of Barcino, the ancient Roman city, in what is now the Gothic Quarter. After a day of exploring the city, the elegant accommodations offer a refuge from the urban bustle, and travelers can look forward to lounging on the property's private terrace or taking a dip in the on-site plunge pool. Modern design enthusiasts and history buffs can anticipate medieval arches, 12th-century frescoes, 18th-century wooden ceilings, sleek furniture, and expressionist art by Agustí Puig.

W Barcelona (La Barceloneta)

Address: Plaça Rosa del Vents, 1, Final Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Barcelona 08039, Spain Phone: +34 932 95 28 00

One of the most iconic buildings in the city, the W Hotel's distinct, curved silhouette sits right where the sand meets the sea. The interiors are just as modern and sleek as the exterior, which was designed by legendary architect Ricardo Bofill. Guests can expect panoramic views of the Mediterannean from each of the 473 five-star rooms and suites.

Bar Cañete (Seafood, Tapas)

Address: Carrer de la Unió, 17, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 703 458

Don't be fooled by this restaurant's low-key exterior — the menu's seafood from local Catalan fish markets and seasonal produce yields some of the freshest tapas in the city. Reservations can be made by phone, required only for parties of 12 or more.

Caelis (Contemporary)

Address: Via Laietana, 49 (Hotel Ohla Barcelona), Barcelona 08003, Spain Phone: +34 935 101 205

Chef Romain Fornell and his team serve up daring and inspired contemporary dishes on three different tasting menus at this Michelin-starred restaurant inside Hotel Ohla. Reservations are recommended (online or via phone), seating is indoors, and guests must adhere to a smart dress code.

Disfrutar (Contemporary)

Address: Carrer de Villarroel, 163, barcelona 08036, Spain Phone: +34 933 486 896

This Eixample-based restaurant serves up creative Mediterranean cuisine in an intimate space, decorated with ceramics and light hues to honor the city — and was founded by the famous trio of chefs that used to helm El Bullu. Reservations are available online or via phone.

Dos Palillos (Tapas, fusion)

Address: Carrer d'Elisabets, 9, Barcelona 08001, Spain Phone: +34 93 304 05 13

Based on Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines, the fusion tapas at Dos Palillos are divine, so the tasting menu comes highly recommended (you'll want to make a reservation online or by phone). If you prefer to eat a la carte and try a cocktail, you can sit at the bar, no reservation required.

El Falafel de Shani (Falafel, Kosher, Vegan)

Address: La Rambla, 91 Mercat de la Boqueria, 133-134, 08011 Barcelona Phone: + 34 692 967 297

It might be easy to miss this no-nonsense vegan and kosher falafel stand in La Boqueria, but it's worth seeking out — many consider it to be the best falafel in the city (and very affordable).

El Nacional (Iberian)

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 24 bis 08007 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +(34) 93 518 50 53

This spacious eatery has dynamic menu offerings that are just as impressive as the venue's eye-catching, glass-and-steel architecture. Guests can choose from four different cuisines or four different bars throughout the venue.

Llambar (Tapas)

Address: Carrer de la Fusina 5, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 933 19 62 50

Nestled in El Born, Llambar's menu is meant to be shared, complete with signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, and artisanal Spanish tapas. Reservations (not required but recommended, since the atmospheric spot is so popular) can be made online or via phone.

Suculent (Tapas, Mediterranean)

Address: Rambla del Raval, 45, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 443 65 79

Helmed by El Bulli alum Toni Romero, Suculent has become a trendy Raval staple, known for reliably delicious tapas and a lively atmosphere. The culinary team serves up classics and reinvented Spanish and Mediterannean dishes with an emphasis on flavorful broths and sauces.

Basilica of the Sagrada Familia

Address: Carrer Mallorca, 401 Barcelona 08013 Phone: +34 932 080 414

Known worldwide as a symbol of the historic city, the Sagrada Familia is Gaudí's most celebrated work of art and architecture. Design and construction of the church began in 1882 and is ongoing to this day. It's recommended to book tickets online in advance to save time in lines when visiting.

Address: Carrer d'Arístides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 902 1899 00

Barcelona is home to one of the most beloved futbol teams in the entire world: FC Barcelona. So it is only fitting that Camp Nou is one of the most magnificent sports stadiums in Europe, boasting a seating capacity of 99,354. Do your best to book tickets to a game (bookable via the stadium's website or TicketMaster).

Casa Batlló

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 216 03 06

With it's distinct marine-inspired façade, Gaudí's famous Casa Batlló (a UNESCO World Heritage site) looms high over Passeig de Gracia. It's one of Europe's best examples of modernist architecture and worth exploring inside and out.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 142 576

Nicknamed "La Pedrera" (stone quarry), Casa Milà in Eixample was completed by Gaudí in 1912, and is known as his final civic work. It's striking appearance takes inspiration from nature, and was the famed architect's most advanced approach to a building.

Castell de Montjuïc

Address: Carretera de Montjuïc 66, 08038 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 564 440

Many flock to the Montjuïc barrio to explore the 17th-century Castell de Montjuïc or to catch the Magic Fountain light show from the steps of the stately National Museum of Art. Pro tip: don't miss out on the lesser-known but equally striking Jardí Botànic, located on the hillside. The spacious, verdant gardens offer a tranquil outdoor oasis as well as lovely views of the city.

La Boqueria

Address: Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 318 20 17

Arguably the best open market in the word, La Boqueria is a European icon. Though it gets very crowded (especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m) it features incredibly fresh produce, meats, cheeses, sweets, cafes, bars, and more. Pro tip: bring your camera.

Mount Tibidabo

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Address: Tibidabo Square, 08035 Barcelona, Spain

Take the historic funicular up to Barcelona's highest peak, Mount Tibidabo, where in addition to a charming amusement park (the second-oldest in Europe) and Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón, you'll find panoramic views of the entire city, the Mediterranean, and surrounding mountains.

Palau de la Música Catalana

Address: Carrer Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 295 7200

Designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner and completed in 1908, Palau de la Música Catalana features one of the most opulent interiors in Spain. Make purchasing tickets for any musical performance a priority while in Barcelona so that you can experience the grande Palau in person.

Address: 08024 Barcelona, Spain

Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, this whimsical masterpiece created by Antoni Gaudí is one of the most iconic parks in the world. It's full of color, dynamic shapes, split ceramics, innovative architecture, and lush gardens — and overlooks a vast swath of the beautiful city.

Picasso Museum

Address: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 256 30 00

One of the primary art attractions in the whole city, the Picasso Museum helps viewers understand the formative years of Pablo Picasso. The permanent collection, made up of 4,251 works from a variety of time periods, helps to convey the artist's early career and special relationship with Barcelona.

Colette Barcelona (Jewelry)

Address: Carrer de les Panses 5, 08003-Barcelona, Spain Phone: +0034.93.170.81.23

You'll find sweet, feminine jewelry at Colette Barcelona, a design house and showroom in El Born that does all the brand's designing, dyeing, mounting, and ironing locally. The pieces have a distinct style, as the jewelry is crafted with mixed materials and textiles.

El Corte Inglés Plaça Catalunya (Department store)

Address: Plaça de Catalunya, 14, Barcelona 08002, Spain Phone: +34 933 06 38 00

This iconic and centrally-located department store at the edge of Plaça Catalunya has everything from clothing and cosmetics to homeware, local delicacies, electronics, and much more — including a food court and supermarket.

Entre Latas (Specialty food)

Address: Torrijos, 16, 08012 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 930 154 725

This gourmet shop is the place to go for canned and preserved foods. Entre Latas carries everything from local delicacies to imported products — think specialty vermouth, rare spices, tinned fish, paté, and preserves. You can even create your own personalized gourmet pack.

Iriarte Iriarte​ (Handbags)

Address: Carrer dels Cotoners 12, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 933 198 175

Anyone who adores handbags must visit Iriarte Iriarte. The brand uses traditional techniques and hand-dying to create stylish leather bags, handcrafted in Barcelona since 2009.

La Manual Alpargatera (Espadrilles)

Address: Carrer de Avinyó 7, 08002, Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 933 01 01 72

Since 1940, the design team at La Manual Alpargatera has produced sustainably-crafted, timeless espadrilles, entirely handmade in Barcelona. La Manual is a staple for locals and travelers — in fact, the brand's storefront design is so iconic that it's said a customer addressed a letter to the company using a drawing of the store (rather than the physical address), and it arrived via the post just fine.

Llibreria Altaïr (Books)

Address: Gran Via, 616, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 342 71 71

This vast bookstore is one of the very best in the city, known for a specialization in books about travel, language, culture, and exploring the world. A meeting point and lively cultural space, you'll want to spend a good chunk of time exploring the many titles — and be sure to grab a bite at the store's sweet cafe, too.

Santa Eulalia (Designer fashion)

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 93, Barcelona 08008, Spain Phone: +34 932 15 06 74

Founded in 1843, this historic and design-forward clothing store features a myriad of high-end labels such as Tom Ford, Dior, Lanvin, and the like. It also boasts its own ready-to-wear collection for women and a bespoke shirt-making service for men.

Zara Flagship (Fashion)

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 16, Barcelona 08007, Spain Phone: +34 933 18 76 75

Spanish-based fashion empire Zara, a wardrobe staple for many across the globe, is housed in a stately flagship store flanked by columns on bustling Passeig de Gràcia. Pop inside to find the latest ready-to-wear, couture-inspired clothing, with styles for men, women, and children ranging from timeless to trendy and everywhere in between.

Eixample: Broad boulevards, courtyards, ample trees, and excellent shopping and dining options make Eixample a wonderful home base when visiting BCN. You'll find Gaudí's classics like Casa Battló, Casa Milà, and the Sagrada Familia in this neighborhood, alongside other great works of both traditional and modern architecture.

El Born: Like the neighboring Gothic Quarter, El Born is known for the narrow, meandering medieval streets, but it's slightly less busy. Here, travelers will discover especially good shopping (think stylish boutiques), artsy vibes, wonderful restaurants and bars, and close proximity to the beach.

El Raval: Located about a 10-minute walk from Plaça Catalunya, El Raval is a vibrant neighborhood known for its character, authentic restaurants and bars, and the impressive Museum of Contemporary Art. Two streets in particular, Carrer dels Tallers and Carrer de La Riera Baixa, are especially good for vintage and second-hand shopping. Those in search of an authentic taste of Barcelona life will enjoy exploring this barrio, but be mindful of your surroundings, as parts of Raval can be a bit shifty (avoid unlit alleys or walking alone at night).

Gothic Quarter: Known by locals as Barri Gòtic, this charming old town neighborhood is full of legendary Gothic architecture nestled along narrow, medieval-era streets. In addition to checking out the trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques, see remains of the old Roman city at the Museu d'Història de Barcelona.

Gràcia: Vila de Gràcia is the epitome of authentic, leisurely life in Barcelona. The neighborhood is a bit quieter than its more centrally-located counterparts, and you'll find it's chock full of beautiful plaças, atmospheric restaurants and bars, eclectic galleries, and independent boutiques. You can easily spend all day in this uncrowded, village-like neighborhood.

La Barceloneta: Nestled right by the sea, La Barceloneta is an energetic and historic beachside neighborhood that offers more than a touristy stretch of sand if you know what to look for. Come for the seafood (ahem, paella ) and stay for the hopping bar scene.

Poble Sec: Bordering scenic Montjuïc, Poble Sec is one of the most lively neighborhoods in Barcelona, adored by locals and thus slightly less touristy. Boasting dozens of small bars, restaurants, and boutiques, this upbeat area has wonderful dancing and theater options, too.

True to the Mediterranean, Barcelona sees mild temperatures for the majority of the year. August is the city's hottest and most humid month, with temperatures averaging 77 °F, and January is the coldest month, with averages around 49 °F. Precipitation hovers around 25 inches annually, with October being the wettest month.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January 41 - 57 February 42 - 58 March 46 - 51 April 50 - 65 May 57 - 71 June 63 - 77 July 69 - 83 August 69 - 84 September 64 - 79 October 58 - 72 November 48 - 64 December 43 - 58

TMB: Maps and access to Barcelona's metro, buses, trains, and more.

Renfe Cercanias: Regional and country-wide train maps, tickets, timetables, and more.

Google Translate: Quick and downloadable language translation service.

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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

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 !

Ascen Aynat

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• Travel Destinations

The Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide

Published: October 13, 2023

Modified: January 3, 2024

by Jayne Carpio

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to Barcelona, the vibrant and captivating cosmopolitan city that captures the hearts of millions of visitors each year. Located on the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene. From the famous landmarks designed by architect Antoni Gaudí to the bustling streets filled with charming shops and cafes, Barcelona offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Steeped in history, Barcelona boasts an impressive array of architectural treasures dating back centuries. From the Gothic Quarter with its narrow medieval streets to the modernist wonders of the Eixample district, the city is a living museum of architectural brilliance. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the UNESCO-listed Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s masterpiece that continues to be a work in progress.

But Barcelona is not just about its buildings; it’s a city that knows how to have a good time. Whether you’re strolling along the famous Las Ramblas promenade, exploring the vibrant nightlife scene, or feasting on tapas in a bustling market, Barcelona offers endless opportunities to indulge in the good life.

Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate makes it an attractive destination year-round. With mild winters and long, sunny summers, it’s no wonder that outdoor activities are an integral part of the Barcelona experience. From sprawling parks and gorgeous beaches to breathtaking viewpoints, there’s always something new to discover in this sunny city.

This ultimate Barcelona travel guide is your passport to exploring all that this remarkable city has to offer. From information on the best time to visit and top attractions, to tips on dining, shopping, and transportation, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the intoxicating charm of Barcelona and create unforgettable memories in one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.

Getting to Barcelona

Barcelona is a major transportation hub with excellent connectivity to both domestic and international destinations. Whether you’re arriving by air, train, or bus, getting to Barcelona is a breeze.

If you’re traveling from abroad, the easiest way to reach Barcelona is by flying into Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). As the second busiest airport in Spain, it serves as a hub for numerous international airlines and offers direct flights from major cities all around the world. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by taking a taxi, airport shuttle bus, or using the efficient public transportation system.

If you’re already in Europe, you have the option of traveling to Barcelona by train. Barcelona Sants is the city’s main train station, well-connected to major European cities like Paris, Madrid, and Milan. Renfe, the Spanish national railway company, operates high-speed trains (AVE) that offer a comfortable and convenient way to reach Barcelona from neighboring countries.

For those looking for a more affordable travel option, buses are a popular choice. Barcelona has a well-developed bus network that connects it to various cities in Spain and other European countries. Companies like Alsa and Eurolines offer comfortable bus services with multiple departures throughout the day.

Once you’ve made it to Barcelona, getting around the city is easy thanks to its efficient public transportation system. The metro, trams, and buses cover every corner of the city and are a convenient and affordable way to navigate through Barcelona’s neighborhoods and attractions. You can purchase single tickets or opt for unlimited travel with a Barcelona Card, which also offers discounts on various attractions and museums.

If you prefer to explore the city on foot, Barcelona is a pedestrian-friendly place with many attractions within walking distance of each other. You can also rent a bicycle or join a guided bike tour to explore the city at a leisurely pace.

Getting to Barcelona is just the first step in a memorable journey. The city’s excellent transportation options make it easy to explore not only the vibrant streets of Barcelona but also the stunning coastal towns and picturesque countryside that surround it.

Best Time to Visit

Barcelona is a city that can be enjoyed year-round, but choosing the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences and interests. Each season offers unique experiences and advantages, so it’s important to consider what you want to see and do during your trip.

The summer months of June to August are the peak tourist season in Barcelona. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor concerts, and beach activities. However, it’s worth noting that the temperatures can soar, reaching highs of 30°C (86°F), and the city can get crowded with tourists. If you don’t mind the heat and the bustling atmosphere, summer is a great time to enjoy the vibrant energy of Barcelona.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered shoulder seasons in Barcelona. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). These seasons offer a good balance between fewer crowds and enjoyable weather. It’s an ideal time to explore the city’s attractions, stroll along the streets, and indulge in outdoor activities.

Winter (December to February) is the low season in Barcelona. The temperatures can drop to around 10°C (50°F), and you might experience some rain. However, the advantage of visiting during this time is that you’ll encounter fewer tourists, enjoy lower hotel rates, and have the opportunity to experience Barcelona’s festive atmosphere during the holiday season. Additionally, winter is a great time to explore Barcelona’s museums and indoor attractions without the crowds.

Another important factor to consider is the cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year in Barcelona. One of the most famous is the Festa Major de Gràcia, which occurs in August and features stunning street decorations in the Gràcia neighborhood. The La Mercè festival in September is another major event, with parades, concerts, and fireworks celebrating the city’s patron saint.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Barcelona depends on your personal preferences, desired activities, and tolerance for crowds and weather. Whether you’re seeking the vibrant atmosphere of summer, the mild temperatures of spring and autumn, or the quiet charm of winter, Barcelona has something to offer throughout the year.

Neighborhoods of Barcelona

Barcelona is a city made up of diverse and distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Exploring these neighborhoods is a great way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and discover hidden gems. Here are some of the most notable neighborhoods in Barcelona:

• Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): As the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. It’s home to iconic landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral and the Plaça Reial, as well as a myriad of trendy shops, restaurants, and bars.
• Eixample: This neighborhood is known for its wide, grid-like streets and iconic modernist architecture. It’s here that you’ll find the famous Passeig de Gràcia boulevard, lined with luxurious shops and Gaudí’s architectural marvels like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. The Eixample is also a residential area with a vibrant nightlife scene.
• El Born: Situated next to the Gothic Quarter, El Born is a trendy and bohemian neighborhood. Its narrow streets are filled with boutiques, art galleries, and quaint cafes. El Born is also home to the impressive Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar and the Picasso Museum.
• Gràcia: Known for its laid-back atmosphere and local feel, Gràcia offers a welcome escape from the bustling city center. This vibrant neighborhood is filled with charming squares, independent boutiques, and lively bars and cafes. It’s especially lively during the Festa Major de Gràcia, when the streets are adorned with stunning decorations.
• Barceloneta: Located right by the beach, Barceloneta is a lively waterfront neighborhood. Its sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, and vibrant beach bars make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Stroll along the promenade, soak up the sun, and indulge in delicious seafood dishes.

These are just a few of the many neighborhoods that make up the vibrant tapestry of Barcelona. Each neighborhood has its own distinctive atmosphere, attractions, and hidden corners waiting to be explored. Whether you’re seeking history, architecture, shopping, or a leisurely stroll, Barcelona’s diverse neighborhoods have something to offer to every visitor.

Top Attractions in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city brimming with incredible attractions that showcase its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply in search of unforgettable experiences, Barcelona has something for everyone. Here are some of the top attractions not to be missed:

• Sagrada Família: Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and an iconic symbol of Barcelona, the Sagrada Família is a must-visit attraction. This architectural marvel features intricate facades, towering spires, and breathtaking stained glass windows. Take a guided tour to appreciate its unique design and learn about Gaudí’s vision.
• Park Güell: Another Gaudí gem, Park Güell is a whimsical park filled with colorful tile work, intricate stone structures, and stunning views of the city. Explore the park’s gardens, mosaic-covered terraces, and the iconic dragon fountain while marveling at the artistic genius of Gaudí.
• Casa Batlló: Step inside one of Gaudí’s most famous residential buildings, Casa Batlló, and be transported to a world of fantasy and creativity. The facade resembles a dragon’s back, while the interior features curved lines, vibrant colors, and playful details. Take a guided tour to discover the secrets behind its design.
• La Rambla: Barcelona’s most famous street, La Rambla, is a bustling promenade lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. Take a leisurely stroll down this vibrant avenue, soak in the atmosphere, and don’t forget to visit the colorful Boqueria Market along the way.
• Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter): Immerse yourself in Barcelona’s history by exploring the Gothic Quarter. This medieval neighborhood is home to historic landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial, and narrow winding streets that exude charm. Get lost in its enchanting alleys and discover hidden gems at every turn.
• Picasso Museum: Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Picasso Museum, home to an extensive collection of works by the legendary artist. The museum is housed in a series of medieval palaces in the El Born neighborhood and provides a fascinating insight into Picasso’s early years and artistic development.
• Montjuïc: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting Montjuïc, a hill overlooking Barcelona. Explore the Montjuïc Castle, take a cable car ride for panoramic views, visit the Olympic Stadium, or wander through the lush gardens of the Montjuïc Park.
• Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: Located at the base of Montjuïc hill, the Magic Fountain is a captivating sight to behold. The fountain dazzles with a mesmerizing display of water, lights, and music in the evening. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this enchanting spectacle.
• Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Another remarkable Gaudí creation, Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is a striking modernist building with a wave-like facade. Take a guided tour to explore the extraordinary roof terrace and discover the innovative architectural features that make this building a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Barcelona Beaches: Barcelona’s coastline is home to several beautiful beaches where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icaria Beach, and Bogatell Beach are popular choices, offering a mix of amenities and watersports activities.

These are just a few of the top attractions that Barcelona has to offer. The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture make it a truly remarkable destination for travelers from around the world.

Museums and Galleries

Barcelona is a haven for art and culture enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of museums and galleries that showcase both local and international masterpieces. From classical art to contemporary installations, there is something to suit every artistic taste. Here are some of the top museums and galleries in Barcelona:

• Museu Picasso: Dedicated to the works of Pablo Picasso, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers. Housed in five adjoining medieval palaces in the El Born neighborhood, the Museu Picasso boasts an extensive collection of Picasso’s early works, providing insight into his artistic evolution.
• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: Located in the breathtaking Palau Nacional on Montjuïc hill, this museum showcases Catalan art from the Romanesque period to the early 20th century. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, offering a comprehensive overview of Catalan artistic heritage.
• MACBA: The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) is a hub for contemporary art enthusiasts. Located in the lively El Raval neighborhood, the museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary artworks by Spanish and international artists. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, film screenings, and performances.
• Museu d’Història de Barcelona: Also known as the MUHBA, this museum explores the history of Barcelona from its origins to the present day. The museum incorporates archaeological ruins, historical artifacts, and multimedia displays to provide an immersive experience into the city’s past.
• CosmoCaixa Barcelona: This interactive science museum is a perfect destination for families and science enthusiasts. With engaging exhibitions, hands-on experiments, and a planetarium, CosmoCaixa allows visitors to explore and learn about various scientific phenomena in a fun and educational way.
• CaixaForum Barcelona: Housed in a former textile factory, CaixaForum is a cultural center that hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, photography, and design. In addition to its art displays, the center also offers a varied program of cultural and educational activities.
• Museu Frederic Marès: This unique museum is dedicated to the collection of Frederic Marès, a sculptor and art collector. Located in the Gothic Quarter, it showcases an assortment of sculptures, religious art, and everyday objects from different historical periods, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
• Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB): As a multidisciplinary cultural center, the CCCB hosts exhibitions, lectures, debates, and film screenings. It focuses on contemporary culture and offers insights into various artistic expressions, including visual arts, music, literature, and architecture.
• Fundació Joan Miró: Situated on Montjuïc hill, this museum is dedicated to the works of the renowned Catalan artist Joan Miró. It houses a vast collection of his paintings, sculptures, and graphic works, providing a comprehensive journey through his artistic career.
• Museu del Disseny de Barcelona: For design enthusiasts, this museum is a treasure trove of creativity. It showcases a wide range of design disciplines such as fashion, furniture, graphics, and decorative arts. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary design.

These are just a few of the exceptional museums and galleries that Barcelona has to offer. Whether you’re interested in classical art, contemporary creations, history, or design, the city’s cultural institutions will leave you inspired and enriched.

Parks and Green Spaces

Despite being a bustling city, Barcelona is blessed with an abundance of parks and green spaces where locals and visitors can escape the urban clamor and immerse themselves in nature. From sprawling parks with lush gardens to scenic viewpoints and tranquil retreats, Barcelona offers plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some of the top parks and green spaces worth exploring:

• Park Güell: Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell combines nature with architectural wonders. The park features vibrant mosaic-covered structures, winding paths, and stunning views of the city. Take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and soak in the unique ambiance.
• Parc de la Ciutadella: Located in the heart of the city, Parc de la Ciutadella is a sprawling green oasis filled with beautiful gardens, a boating lake, and iconic landmarks like the Cascada Monumental and the Barcelona Zoo. It’s a popular spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor activities.
• Montjuïc Park: Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Montjuïc Park offers a retreat from the urban hustle. Explore the park’s lush gardens, visit the Montjuïc Castle, and enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona. The park is also home to numerous attractions like the Olympic Stadium, the Magic Fountain, and the Montjuïc Botanical Garden.
• Park de la Barceloneta: Located near the beach, Park de la Barceloneta is a charming waterfront park where you can escape the sun and relax under the shade of palm trees. Take a stroll along the picturesque promenade, enjoy the sea breeze, or have a picnic with a view of the Mediterranean.
• Laberint d’Horta: Tucked away in the Horta-Guinardó district, the Laberint d’Horta is the oldest park in Barcelona. It features beautifully landscaped gardens, picturesque pavilions, and, as the name suggests, a labyrinth. Lose yourself in the maze, enjoy serene walks, and marvel at the park’s romantic charm.
• Parc de Collserola: For those seeking a natural escape, Parc de Collserola is a vast natural park that surrounds Barcelona. It offers numerous hiking and biking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy stunning views of the city below while immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature.
• Parc del Laberint d’Horta: Situated in the Gràcia district, this hidden gem is Barcelona’s oldest garden. It features a beautifully manicured labyrinth, picturesque ponds, and enchanting sculptures. Take a peaceful stroll through the gardens and lose yourself in the maze.
• Parc de Joan Miró: Located near the bustling Plaça d’Espanya, Parc de Joan Miró is a vibrant and urban park dedicated to the renowned Catalan artist. It features large sculptures, colorful tiles, and a central plaza where locals gather to relax and socialize.
• Parc de Diagonal Mar: Situated near the coastline, Parc de Diagonal Mar offers a peaceful retreat with its spacious green areas, palm trees, and playgrounds. It’s a great spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply enjoying the fresh air by the sea.
• Parc de la Creueta del Coll: Located in the Gràcia district, this park is known for its iconic swimming pool built into a former quarry. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the surrounding greenery.

From iconic parks with architectural wonders to hidden green spaces nestled throughout the city, Barcelona offers a wealth of options to enjoy nature, relax, and rejuvenate. Soak in the beauty of these parks and let them provide a welcome respite from the urban energy of Barcelona.

Architectural Marvels

Barcelona is renowned for its architectural marvels, with a rich collection of buildings that showcase the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. From the breathtaking works of Antoni Gaudí to stunning examples of modernist and Gothic architecture, Barcelona offers a visual feast for architecture enthusiasts. Here are some of the top architectural marvels not to be missed:

• Sagrada Família: The Sagrada Família is perhaps the most famous landmark in Barcelona, in large part due to its unique and awe-inspiring design. This unfinished masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí combines Gothic and modernist elements, and its towering spires, intricate facades, and stained glass windows leave visitors in awe of its beauty and grandeur.
• Casa Batlló: Located on the upscale Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló is one of Gaudí’s most iconic residential buildings. Its colorful facade and organic design make it stand out among the other buildings on the street. Step inside to discover the remarkable interior with its undulating walls, mosaic tiles, and light-filled spaces.
• Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Another Gaudí masterpiece, Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is a modernist building with a distinctive undulating facade. It is characterized by its rooftop chimneys and its unconventional interior layout. Take a guided tour to experience the unique architectural features and enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona from the rooftop terrace.
• Park Güell: Designed by Gaudí, Park Güell is not just a park but a splendid work of art. It is known for its colorful mosaic-covered structures, winding pathways, and stunning views of the city. The park showcases Gaudí’s creative genius and is a testament to his innovative architectural style.
• Palau de la Música Catalana: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palau de la Música Catalana is an extraordinary concert hall that exemplifies modernist architecture. Its facade features intricate mosaic work and sculptural details, while the interior is adorned with stained glass, mosaics, and ornate furnishings.
• Hospital de Sant Pau: Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the Hospital de Sant Pau is a modernist gem. This former hospital complex boasts stunning architecture with its vibrant tile work, colorful facades, and intricate details. Today, it functions as a cultural center and is open for guided tours.
• Barcelona Cathedral: The Barcelona Cathedral, or the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, is a magnificent Gothic-style cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline. Its impressive facade, stunning interior, and beautiful cloister make it a must-visit for architecture and history enthusiasts.
• Park de la Ciutadella: One of Barcelona’s most cherished parks, the Park de la Ciutadella is not only a green oasis but also home to several architectural gems. The park features the stunning Cascada Monumental, designed by Josep Fontserè, as well as the iconic Mammoth Sculpture, designed by Frederic Marès.
• Montjuïc Communications Tower: Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Montjuïc Communications Tower is a futuristic structure that serves as a telecommunications tower for the city. Its sleek, white design and towering height make it a standout architectural landmark on Montjuïc hill.
• Telefónica Building: Located on the corner of Avinguda Diagonal and Carrer de Balmes, the Telefónica Building is an influential symbol of Barcelona’s modernist architecture. The building features a facade adorned with intricate ironwork and colorful ceramic tiles, representing the esteemed work of architect Francesc de Paula Nebot.

These are just a few of the many architectural marvels that grace the streets of Barcelona. The city’s varied architectural styles and visionary designs make it a true paradise for those who appreciate the artistry and creativity found in its buildings.

Shopping in Barcelona

Barcelona is a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide array of shopping options that cater to all tastes and budgets. From chic boutiques and high-end designer stores to bustling markets and unique specialty shops, Barcelona has it all. Whether you’re in search of fashionable clothing, local crafts, or gourmet delicacies, you’re sure to find something to take home as a memento of your visit. Here are some of the top shopping destinations in Barcelona:

• Passeig de Gràcia: Known as Barcelona’s luxury shopping street, Passeig de Gràcia is lined with high-end designer stores, including renowned brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada. It’s the place to be for fashionistas looking for the latest trends and upscale shopping experiences.
• El Born: This trendy neighborhood is home to independent boutiques, local designer shops, and unique concept stores. Explore the narrow streets of El Born to discover fashion-forward clothing, stylish accessories, and one-of-a-kind designs.
• La Rambla: Barcelona’s most famous street, La Rambla, offers a shopping experience like no other. Along this bustling promenade, you’ll find a mix of souvenir shops, local vendors selling flowers, street performers, and bustling markets like the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, where you can indulge in a variety of fresh produce, meats, and local delicacies.
• El Corte Inglés: Spain’s largest department store, El Corte Inglés, has multiple locations in Barcelona. Here, you’ll find a wide range of products, from fashion and beauty to home goods and electronics. It’s a one-stop shop for all your shopping needs.
• Gràcia: The neighborhood of Gràcia is known for its bohemian vibe and its unique independent shops. Browse through the charming streets to discover vintage clothing stores, handmade jewelry, local artisan crafts, and eco-friendly products.
• Diagonal Avenue: Spanning across the city, Diagonal Avenue is a shopper’s dream, offering a mix of high-street stores, fashion boutiques, and shopping centers like L’Illa Diagonal and El Corte Inglés. It’s a great spot for a shopping spree with a variety of options to suit different budgets.
• Sant Antoni Market: Located in the Sant Antoni neighborhood, this historic food market recently underwent a renovation and has become a popular spot for food lovers. Here, you can find fresh produce, local products, and a wide variety of gourmet delicacies.
• Portal de l’Àngel: Portal de l’Àngel is a pedestrian shopping street in the heart of Barcelona, offering a mix of popular Spanish and international brands. You’ll find stores like Zara, Mango, H&M, and many others, making it a popular destination for fashion-conscious shoppers.
• The Gothic Quarter: While exploring the Gothic Quarter, don’t miss the opportunity to visit its charming boutiques and artisan workshops. Here, you can find unique clothing, accessories, and handmade crafts created by local artisans.
• Antique Markets: Barcelona is home to several antique markets, such as the Mercantic in Sant Cugat and the Mercat Gòtic in the Gothic Quarter. These markets are a treasure trove of vintage furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, and unique finds.

Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends, unique souvenirs, gourmet delights, or vintage treasures, Barcelona’s diverse shopping scene is sure to delight. So, put on your walking shoes and explore the city’s vibrant shopping districts for a memorable retail therapy experience.

Dining and Cuisine

Barcelona is a gastronomic paradise that offers a diverse culinary scene influenced by Catalan traditions and international flavors. From authentic tapas and traditional Catalan dishes to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants and vibrant food markets, Barcelona offers a tantalizing array of dining options for every palate. Here’s a taste of what the city has to offer:

Catalan Cuisine: Sample the flavors of Catalonia with dishes like pa amb tomàquet (bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled with olive oil), escalivada (roasted vegetables), and botifarra amb mongetes (Catalan sausages with white beans). Don’t forget to try the iconic Catalan cream dessert, crema catalana.

Tapas: Indulge in the vibrant tapas culture of Barcelona, where small plates of savory bites are meant to be shared. Feast on patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and a variety of flavorful montaditos (bite-sized sandwiches).

Seafood: Barcelona’s coastal location means it’s a seafood lover’s dream. Feast on fresh Mediterranean seafood like grilled octopus, marinated anchovies, suquet de peix (fish stew), and fideuà (a paella-style dish made with noodles instead of rice).

Markets and Food Halls: Experience the local food scene by exploring Barcelona’s vibrant food markets. The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, located off La Rambla, is a must-visit, offering a vibrant array of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local delicacies. For a trendy food hall experience, head to El Nacional, where you can sample a variety of cuisines under one roof.

Mediterranean Flavors: Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with dishes that showcase fresh ingredients and simple yet elegant preparations. Try traditional Catalan dishes like suquet de peix (fisherman’s stew) and grilled fideuà (noodle paella), as well as dishes inspired by the wider Mediterranean region, such as Greek moussaka and Italian pasta dishes.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants: Barcelona is home to numerous Michelin-starred establishments, offering exquisite dining experiences for the discerning palate. From the innovative creations of chef Ferran Adrià at Tickets to the culinary artistry of chef Carme Ruscalleda at her eponymous restaurant, Barcelona’s Michelin-starred scene is sure to impress.

Street Food: For a quick and tasty bite on the go, explore the city’s street food scene. Grab a cone of crispy churros with chocolate sauce, a traditional bocadillo (sandwich) filled with jamón ibérico, or a refreshing horchata (tiger nut milk) to beat the summer heat.

Wine and Cava: Barcelona and the surrounding region of Catalonia are known for their excellent wines and cava (Spanish sparkling wine). Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a glass of local wine or cava to complement your culinary adventures.

Barcelona’s dining scene is a feast for the senses, offering a delightful marriage of traditional Catalan flavors, international influences, and innovative culinary creations. Whether you’re savoring the cuisine at a high-end restaurant or indulging in tapas at a lively bar, Barcelona’s dining experience is sure to leave you craving for more.

Nightlife in Barcelona

Barcelona comes alive after dark with a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From bustling bars and trendy nightclubs to cozy jazz clubs and cultural performances, the city offers a diverse range of options for those looking to enjoy the night. Here’s a glimpse into Barcelona’s exciting nightlife:

Bar Hopping: Explore the lively bar scene in neighborhoods like El Raval, El Born, and Gràcia. Start the evening with a stroll along the narrow streets of El Raval, where you’ll find a mix of traditional bars and trendy cocktail spots. Head to El Born for stylish bars serving craft cocktails, or venture to Gràcia, known for its bohemian vibe and lively bar scene.

Nightclubs: Barcelona is renowned for its world-class nightclubs that attract international DJs and partygoers. Experience the legendary nightlife at clubs like Pacha Barcelona, Opium Barcelona, and Razzmatazz, where you can dance the night away to a variety of music genres, from electronic and techno to reggaeton and hip-hop.

Live Music: Barcelona boasts a thriving live music scene, with venues ranging from intimate jazz clubs to large concert halls. Catch a live jazz performance at Jamboree or Harlem Jazz Club, enjoy flamenco at Tablao Cordobés, or attend a concert at the iconic Palau de la Música Catalana.

Flamenco Shows: Immerse yourself in the passionate world of flamenco with a traditional flamenco show. Several venues in Barcelona showcase this captivating art form, where you can witness the intricate footwork, soulful singing, and emotive guitar playing that define flamenco.

Beach Bars: Enjoy a laid-back evening at one of Barcelona’s beach bars, known as chiringuitos. Sip on a refreshing cocktail or indulge in a beachside seafood feast while enjoying the sound of the waves and the cool sea breeze. Some popular beach bars include Xiringuito Escribà and Bestial.

Cultural Performances: Barcelona offers a variety of cultural performances, from theatrical shows to live dance performances. Visit venues like Teatre Lliure or Teatre Nacional de Catalunya for cutting-edge theater productions, or catch a traditional Catalan dance performance at Palau de la Música Catalana.

Rooftop Bars: Take in breathtaking views of the Barcelona skyline while sipping on a cocktail at one of the city’s rooftop bars. From the trendy terrace of Hotel Pulitzer to the panoramic views at Mirablau, these rooftop venues offer a stylish and elevated nightlife experience.

Nighttime Tours: Experience Barcelona from a different perspective with a nighttime tour. Take a guided bike tour through the illuminated streets, join a ghost tour to discover the city’s haunted tales, or simply wander through the vibrant neighborhoods to soak up the charming ambiance.

Barcelona’s nightlife is dynamic and diverse, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a wild night of dancing until dawn, a laid-back evening at a beachside bar, or a cultural performance that resonates with the city’s artistic heritage, Barcelona promises a memorable and vibrant nightlife experience.

Day Trips from Barcelona

While Barcelona offers a plethora of attractions and experiences, it’s also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region, which is filled with picturesque towns, stunning landscapes, and cultural treasures. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Barcelona:

Montserrat: Just an hour’s drive from Barcelona, Montserrat is a majestic mountain range with a stunning monastery perched atop its peaks. Visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, home to the famous Black Madonna, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Sitges: Located along the coastline, Sitges is a picturesque town known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and colorful Modernist architecture. Stroll along the promenade, visit the Cau Ferrat and Maricel Museums, and soak up the Mediterranean charm.

Girona: Explore the medieval city of Girona, with its well-preserved old town, ancient walls, and charming cobblestone streets. Visit the breathtaking Girona Cathedral, walk along the Onyar River, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture.

Tarragona: Delve into the ancient Roman past of Tarragona, a coastal city that houses well-preserved Roman ruins. Explore the Roman amphitheater, visit the Archaeological Museum, and wander through the charming old town with its narrow streets and historic buildings.

Costa Brava: Embark on a scenic drive along the stunning Costa Brava, renowned for its rugged coastline, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. Visit charming coastal towns like Cadaqués, Tossa de Mar, and Begur, and bask in the beauty of this Mediterranean paradise.

Vic: Experience traditional Catalan culture in the town of Vic, known for its lively market, historic buildings, and charming cobblestone streets. Explore the Romanesque-style Vic Cathedral, visit the medieval town square, and savor traditional Catalan cuisine.

Wine Regions: Barcelona is surrounded by renowned wine regions, such as Penedès and Priorat. Take a guided tour of vineyards and wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and indulge in wine tastings to savor the flavors of Catalonia’s wines.

Figueres and Dalí Museum: Journey into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí in the town of Figueres. Visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself, and explore the extensive collection of his works. Admire the mind-bending art and be captivated by Dalí’s unique vision.

Cadaqués and Portlligat: Visit the idyllic coastal village of Cadaqués, known for its white-washed houses, narrow streets, and connection to Salvador Dalí. Explore the nearby village of Portlligat, where Dalí’s former house has been converted into the Dalí House-Museum.

These day trips from Barcelona offer a chance to discover the diverse beauty and culture of the surrounding regions. Whether you’re exploring ancient cities, enjoying coastal scenery, or diving into artistic heritage, these destinations provide enriching experiences that complement your Barcelona adventure.

Transportation in Barcelona

Getting around Barcelona is a breeze thanks to its well-developed transportation system that offers a variety of options for residents and visitors alike. Whether you prefer public transportation or exploring on foot, Barcelona provides convenient and efficient ways to navigate the city. Here are the key transportation options available in Barcelona:

Metro: Barcelona’s metro system is an extensive and efficient way to travel throughout the city and beyond. With numerous lines and stations, it provides easy access to major attractions, neighborhoods, and transportation hubs. The metro operates from around 5:00 am until midnight, with extended hours on weekends and public holidays.

Bus: Barcelona has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city, making it a convenient option for reaching destinations not served by the metro. Buses operate from early morning until midnight, and some lines offer night bus services, providing transportation even after the metro has closed for the night.

Tram: The tram system in Barcelona is a great option for exploring certain neighborhoods and reaching coastal areas. It operates from early morning until midnight and offers a comfortable and scenic way to travel.

Renfe Trains: The Renfe train system connects Barcelona with neighboring towns and other destinations in Spain. It provides a convenient option for day trips to places like Montserrat, Sitges, and Girona. The frequency and availability of trains vary depending on the specific route.

Bicing: For eco-conscious travelers, Barcelona offers a bike-sharing program called Bicing. With stations located throughout the city, you can rent a bike for short trips and return it to any other station in the network. It’s a great way to explore Barcelona at your own pace and enjoy the city’s bike lanes and waterfront paths.

Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Barcelona, and they offer a convenient way to travel, especially during late-night hours or when carrying heavy luggage. Taxis can be hailed on the street, found at designated taxi ranks, or booked through ride-sharing apps.

Walking: Barcelona is a pedestrian-friendly city, and many of its top attractions, neighborhoods, and shopping districts are within walking distance of each other. Exploring on foot allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and stumble upon hidden gems along the way.

Useful Tips: It’s recommended to purchase a T-10 multi-journey ticket or a Barcelona Card for unlimited travel on public transportation. These cards provide cost-effective options for frequent travelers. Additionally, ensure that you validate your ticket before boarding a train or bus to avoid any fines.

With its excellent transportation infrastructure, Barcelona offers a variety of options to explore the city and its surroundings. Whether you choose the metro, bus, tram, or a combination of different modes, you’ll find that getting around Barcelona is both convenient and enjoyable, allowing you to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.

Useful Tips and Information

As you plan your visit to Barcelona, here are some useful tips and information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

• Language: The official language in Barcelona is Catalan, but Spanish is widely spoken. English is also spoken and understood in many tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
• Currency: The official currency in Barcelona is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments.
• Safety: Barcelona is generally a safe city, but like any major city, it’s important to remain vigilant. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and be wary of pickpockets.
• Opening Hours: Shops and businesses in Barcelona typically open from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, and then reopen from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Supermarkets and some larger stores may have extended hours, and many establishments close on Sundays.
• Dining Etiquette: In restaurants, it is customary to leave a small tip, usually around 10% of the total bill. However, check the bill as some places may include a service charge. It’s also common to round up the bill or leave small change at bars and cafes.
• Water: Tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink, but if you prefer bottled water, it is widely available for purchase.
• Weather: Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summers can be quite hot, so it is advisable to pack sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing. Winters are generally mild, but it can get chilly, so bring layers and a light jacket.
• Reserving Tickets: Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, so it’s advisable to book tickets for popular attractions, museums, and events in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Etiquette: Barcelona has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, but it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of noise levels, especially in residential areas.
• Public Holidays: Barcelona celebrates a number of public holidays throughout the year, during which some shops and attractions may have reduced hours or be closed. It’s worth checking the local holiday calendar to plan your visit accordingly.

By keeping these useful tips and information in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your time in Barcelona and ensure an enjoyable and memorable visit to this vibrant and culturally-rich city.

Barcelona, with its rich history, remarkable architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, is a city that truly captivates all who visit. From strolling through the enchanting streets of the Gothic Quarter to marveling at the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí, every corner of Barcelona offers an extraordinary experience. Whether you’re exploring the city’s renowned museums and galleries, indulging in delectable tapas and local delicacies, or immersing yourself in the lively nightlife scene, Barcelona never fails to leave a lasting impression.

With its efficient transportation system and diverse neighborhoods, Barcelona invites you to venture beyond its city limits and explore the surrounding region. From the mystical mountain of Montserrat to the picturesque coastal towns of Sitges and Tarragona, there are countless day trip opportunities that offer a change of scenery and a deeper understanding of Catalan culture.

As you plan your visit to Barcelona, keep in mind the useful tips and information provided to make the most of your time. Whether it’s reserving tickets in advance, exploring the city on foot, or enjoying the local cuisine, these insights will help you navigate the city and create lasting memories.

Barcelona is a city that embraces both tradition and modernity, offering a blend of history, art, and vibrant energy. Its unique allure is irresistible to travelers who appreciate the diversity and charm found within its streets. So, pack your bags, embark on an exploration of Barcelona, and discover the magic that awaits in this captivating cosmopolitan gem.

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Barcelona Travel Guide

The proud capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is a city of immense spirit and cultural pride. At its core, a labyrinth of medieval alleyways harbor a glut of Roman relics, while the vivid modernist architecture, world-class museums and thriving gastronomy scene make it a seductively alluring destination for culturally-curious travelers and the gastronomically inclined. Bolstered by pine-blanketed mountains and a sun-struck coastline, it delivers what many hail as the epitome of Mediterranean living. — Ben Holbrook

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Barcelona   Travel Guide

Why Go To Barcelona

Barcelona contains both the authentically historic and the wildly bizarre. From the scenic trails of the colorful  Park Güell  to the romantic narrow alleys of the Barri Gòtic , this city by the sea seems to attract all types – the adventurer, the romantic, the partier, the culture lover – with an almost overwhelming variety of things to do. You could stay for a few days exploring its architectural marvels, but chances are you'll need a whole week to explore.

And while the beach lures locals and visitors in droves, it’s the cosmopolitan city that really dazzles. Much of the activity revolves around the Ciutat Vella (or Old City), a series of narrow streets and alleys packed with restaurants, cafes and nightclubs, and the home of Las Ramblas – the wide, tree-lined thoroughfare that’s long been the hub of the city.

Just as unmissable are Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces; the architect, famous for his distinctive Catalan art nouveau style was the brains behind the city’s wavy, whimsical creations, from Casa Milà and Casa Batlló to La Sagrada Família . Beyond Gaudí’s influential mark, you’ll find an eclectic shopping scene, a slew of museums, plenty of parks and exquisite food and wine. You see why we suggest a week vacation? To get a lay of the land, consider signing up for one of the city's best guided tours .

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• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in March
• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in Spain
• # 6 in Best Places to Visit in Europe

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• # 1 in Hotel Arts Barcelona
• # 2 in Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection
• # 3 in Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

Best Things to Do in Barcelona

• # 1 in La Sagrada Família (Church of the Sacred Family)
• # 2 in Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
• # 3 in Casa Batlló

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Barcelona Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Barcelona is from May to June, when balmy temperatures in the low to mid-70s mesh with a flurry of festivals that trumpet the advent of summer. The actual summertime is sticky with humidity – locals leave their beloved city in droves to catch a breeze somewhere else. They come back for the fall when the average highs drop back in to the 70s. Winter is mild compared to other Spanish destinations, with highs in the high 50s. And while coming during the spring may seem like smart idea for avoiding crowds, April sees frequent showers, which may put a literal damper on sightseeing plans (most of Barcelona's top attractions are experienced outside). Keep in mind that no matter what time of the year you'll visit, there will be other tourists: Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain.

Weather in Barcelona

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Don't visit in August Swarms of locals leave the city in August to catch some relief from the sweltering humidity, which means some of the smaller restaurants and shops are closed until September.

Spanish vs. Catalan Most residents who grew up in the region consider themselves Catalan and speak the Catalan language to each other, instead of Spanish. But don't worry – Barcelona is an incredibly international city and most residents are bilingual. Many are also trilingual, especially in the tourist areas.

Cover up at church Religious sites, such as Barcelona Cathedral and La Sagrada Família, ask that visitors cover up knees and shoulders when entering. If you don't have the proper attire on hand, you won't be admitted (although shawls are for sale at the cathedral).

Take a tour According to visitors, one of the best ways to acquaint yourself with the city is to take a guided tour .

How to Save Money in Barcelona

Go big on lunch Eat a big meal at lunch and you can cash in on the menú del día (menu of the day), which is usually an affordable and tasty three-course meal (they’re normally served on weekdays, although some restaurants offer them on weekends too). A similar meal in the evening costs much more.

Don't eat in touristy areas The more-visited parts of the city like Las Ramblas are known to serve mediocre food at exorbitant prices. Instead, venture away from the crowded areas and you’ll find something better for much less.

Stay in an apartment Cut down on food costs by renting an apartment (rather than staying in a hotel), where you can buy groceries and cook your own Catalan feasts.

Culture & Customs

Barcelona is part of the Spanish province of Catalonia, making its culture a little different from what you'd experience in Madrid , Seville  or Granada . The most noticeable difference is the language. In Barcelona, both Spanish and Catalan are official languages; Catalan is not a dialect of Spanish. The language was derived from Latin during the occupation of the Romans several thousands of years ago. While in Barcelona, you'll see street and roadway signs in both Catalan and Spanish as well as some restaurant menus. However, considering Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, you will likely find English speaking residents in hotels and tourist areas.

Barcelona's official currency is the euro (EUR). Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. Like the rest of Spain, tipping is not common in Barcelona. Depending on where you dine, a service charge may be added to your bill. However, if you do want to tip, 10% is more than sufficient. Also similar to the rest of Spain, Catalans eat late and party even later. Restaurants are typically open for lunch between 1 and 4 p.m. and for dinner from 8 to 11 p.m. For locals, dinner usually starts at 9 p.m. at the earliest, going out starts at 12 a.m. and clubs stay open until 5 or 6 a.m. 

What to Eat

In Barcelona, expect to find a mix of traditional Spanish dishes along with Mediterranean-infused Catalonian classics. While here, make sure to sample Spanish staples including jamón ibérico, manchego cheese , tortilla española (potato omelet), gazpacho (cold soup), and patatas bravas (sautéed potatoes typically served with a spicy aioli). And considering the city borders the Mediterranean Sea, you should indulge in paella accordingly. But when in Catalonia, try the Catalan versions of paella. There's arròs a la catalana , which features much of the same ingredients of paella except the dish doesn't use saffron, a key ingredient in Spanish paella. Fideuà is another paella-like dish with a Catalan spin, only instead of rice you get noodles.

Catalonian cuisine is big on meat and fish. And while that may not sound too far off from the rustic, meat-heavy fare found throughout the rest of Spain, the difference here is that the Catalans like to mix both of them together in one dish. Mar i muntanya is the name of the phenomenon ,  so don't be alarmed if while in a restaurant, you notice a dish coming out with chicken and shrimp together on a plate. If that sounds too heavy for your liking, there are plenty of lighter options that are quintessentially Catalan. Grilled vegetables are surprisingly big for a place that loves pork. (Sausage is another staple here. Instead of focusing on chorizo, go for the regional botifarras sausage). One of the most traditional Catalan dishes available is escalivada , which is grilled eggplant and red peppers mixed with olive oil and garlic (sometimes with anchovies) served on top of bread. There's also the vegetarian-friendly, and favored pa amb tomàquet snack, or bread spread with a mix of olive oil, garlic and crushed tomatoes. And if you're visiting from December to early May, seek out a calçot cookout. Calçots are a type of spring onions native to the province, and it's a Catalan pastime to char them on a grill and dip them in romesco sauce. Also part of the pastime? Wearing bibs (often emblazoned with calçots) and eating outside, where the grilled calçots are spread among newspaper. (If that sounds familiar, it's the same way crab and lobster is consumed in the USA.)

Whatever you decide to eat while in Barcelona, make sure to leave room for dessert. Crema catalana is the Catalan version of creme brulee. Cheese is also dessert here. Mel i mató is a goat cheese drizzled with warm honey and accompanied by walnuts. Cava, or Catalan sparkling wine, goes great with these too.

Barcelona is a major tourism hotspot and pickpockets know it. Be mindful of your surroundings especially while touring Barcelona's major attractions. The city sees a moderate rate of conventional crime and principal tourist areas and metros are often the most targeted spots. Men should keep their wallets in their front pockets and carry backpacks in front when traveling on the metro and women should make sure their purses are zipped or secured as best as possible.

Getting Around Barcelona

The best way to get around Barcelona is by metro. A handful of numbered and color-coded lines weave throughout the city, making stops near many of the city's most popular attractions as well as the Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). City buses are also an option for getting around the city, but be aware that ever-present traffic jams make commuting this way rather time-consuming. You could hail taxis on the street, but if you want to burn a few calories, conduct your tour on foot or by bike. Driving is not recommended.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A passport is required for entry into Spain. The passport must be valid for three months beyond your departure date. Tourists from the United States can stay for up to 90 days without a tourist visa. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State's website .

Park Güell is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona, thanks to its excellent views and colorful atmosphere.

Explore More of Barcelona

Things To Do

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Home » Europe » Spain » Barcelona

EPIC BARCELONA Itinerary! (2024)

Jam-packed outdoor markets, restaurants, museums, and cathedrals, the Spanish-Catalan city of Barcelona is an incredible travel destination!

Come to Barca to visit Gaudi’s vibrant masterpieces and enjoy the Catalonian and Spanish traditions! These include a long-standing love for good chocolate, chorizo and the seductive art of Flamenco.

There’s so much to see and do in the beautiful, busy city of Barcelona so we’ve put together a 3 day Barcelona itinerary consisting of all the very best attractions to help you out! So if you’re spending 3 days in Barcelona, or much longer, here’s all the things you should be sure to tick off the list. As well as tips on how and when to do it!

The best way to experience the city is by staying at one of the affordable hostels in Barcelona . That way you can spend your money on some really cool attractions!

A Little Bit About This 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary

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This awesome 3-day Barcelona itinerary has been designed to help you maximise your time in this awesome city. So whether you’re backpacking around Spain or you’re on a short city break, you can be sure to see the best of this incredible city.

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3 Day Barcelona Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Barcelona: Casa Batllo, Barcelona History Museum, Taperia Princesa, Picasso Museum, La Boqueria Market, Flamenco Dance Show
• Day 2 in Barcelona: Park Güell, Palau de la Musica, Las Ramblas, Barceloneta Beach,
• Day 3 in Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, Gothic Quarter, Camp Nou, Parc de la Ciutadella
• More Places to See in Barcelona: City Sights Highlight Bike Tour , Montjuïc Cable Car , Paella Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Tour

Barcelona, like most modern cities in Europe, has a great variety of neighbourhoods. Choosing where to stay in Barcelona is a question of working out what you want. From bohemian to ancient, and even super-chic, you can find an environment that suits you perfectly, or get totally out of your comfort zone.

Stay in the charming Gothic Quarter, with narrow medieval streets filled with food-and-flower vendors, unusual bars, clubs, and exciting restaurants. The neighbourhood’s Gothic church is really impressive and hosts a weekend art market. There’s so much to see in this old-town area, you’ll always enjoy the walk back to your hostel every evening.

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For something a little different, look for Barcelona hostels in the neighbourhood of Gràcia on Carrer de Les Carolines. The first house designed by Antoni Gaudi, Casa Vicens Gaudí, can be found here. It is a great example of Art Nouveau, which Barcelona embraced, and is super cool! There are lots of trees and old buildings in the neighbourhood – a beautiful combination.

Barcelona is in a great location along the coast to explore other places from. You can back up your car (or jump on a bus) and head to some pretty epic spots. These are my favourite day trips from Barcelona .

There are also loads of top-quality Airbnbs in Barcelona in case you fancy living like a local.

Onefam Paralelo – Best Hostel in Barcelona

This is a lovely place to stay and get to know the locals! The staff are experienced and multilingual and love to chat. It’s a perfect place for chilled-out travellers, with a great atmosphere. It’s a bit out of the way, but the dorm room rates are some of the lowest prices you can find, and it’s well worth the easy trip!

Your Romantic Beach Getaway – Best Airbnb in Barcelona

This is one of the best places to stay in Barcelona for backpackers or couples on a budget. Perfectly situated for exploration—so much so that you won’t need to spend much time inside. This charming apartment is located in the heart of Barceloneta right by the beach and gives you easy, walkable access to most of Barcelona’s major sites. With a double room and sofa bed, modern amenities, it’s perfect for two to three guests. 

Hotel Pelayo – Best Budget Hotel in Barcelona

Just a two-minute walk from the famous La Rambla, this value-for-money hotel is a great stay! It’s vibrant and clean. The rooms have great views, and there’s a snack bar! It’s right in the middle of everything. With clean, comfortable rooms, you’ll find you have everything you need!

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

9:00 AM – Casa Batllo

This brightly coloured fairytale building is an absolute must-see for your first time in Barcelona. A modernist masterpiece by the UNESCO respected Antoni Gaudi , you’ll find no straight lines here. Multicoloured mosaics and organic shapes make it really unique and super vibrant.

Marvel at the details and the building’s utter rejection of traditional architecture. This house is more of a sculpture than a building. The morning sun does wonders with the colourful glass.

Inside, you can go on an augmented reality tour. It brings the experience to life in weird and wonderful ways and is a really exciting innovation in tourism. Totally different to anything else you’ll see, you will be really glad you didn’t miss it, trust us.

• Cost –  $28, $44 for an early tour or $42 for a theatrical tour
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  1 hr
• Getting There –  It’s centrally located. Walk or take the bus from your base.

10:30 AM – Museum of the History of Barcelona

This is a Barcelona city highlight. The medieval museum conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the historical heritage of the city of Barcelona. From the city’s origins in Roman times until the present day, it has everything!

The coolest part of the museum tour is the excavations of the Roman ruins beneath the museum. Here you can see that there is a whole city beneath the streets of modern Barcelona.

It is the best opportunity to really see the way Barcelona has developed over the millennia. You’ll see an ancient launderette, factory, dyers, and winery! Pretty cool!

The audio tour is excellent and allows you to go through the museum at your own pace, with all the information you need to understand and appreciate what you’re seeing.

Also, go check out the close-by Montjuic that has an amazing mirador overlooking the sea and the city. Check the Magic Fountain lighting times to watch the amazing light show that happens a few times a week.

• Cost –  $10
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  1 – 1.5 hr
• Getting There –  It’s a 3 minute walk from the History Museum

12:00 AM – Lunch at Taperia Princesa

By this point, you may well be feeling a bit hungry. This delightful Taperia is located a mere 1-minute walk from the Picasso museum (your next stop) and despite its being near a major tourist attraction, it actually serves good quality food! They do good quality tapas and Catalan food served with great wine.

• Cost –  $15 per person will be enough
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  60 minutes
• Getting There –  Walk from Picasso museum

1:00 PM – Picasso Museum

This incredible museum houses one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. 

Before he died the artist himself began the project, and now a massive 4,251 works are exhibited here. The fact that one artist could have painted so many pieces blows our minds, never mind the fact that most of these are his early works.

If you’re interested in art, the museum is a key reference for understanding the artist’s formative years. Picasso spent his apprenticeship as an artist in Barcelona and returned to live here later.

The museum is well set out and highly informative. A lovely touch is that the story of Picasso’s life is overlaid with the paintings  – the way you can see the important transitions in his style  reflected in key life events  is fascinating! No matter how well you know the artist and his work, you’ll come away knowing more about him than before.

• Cost –  $15
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  90 minutes
• Getting There –  It’s a 12 minute walk from Casa Batllo

3.00 PM – La Boqueria Market

This huge public market has been around since the 13th century. It’s amazing to stroll through it and think about everything that must have changed, and everything that has stayed the same!

Locals sell fresh produce and haggle at all the stalls. You can find fresh fruits, fish, vegetables, and seafood, among other things. We recommend you try the fruit smoothies, they are seriously phenomenal.

Full of different colours and smells, the market is a sensory cornucopia. There’s so much to experience, you will want to dedicate at least 2 hours to it. The stall-holders and merchants are very fast and friendly.

You can really find a lot of interesting products. Buy some local handmade chocolates for the folks back home, and some exotic fruits to eat while you walk. It’s a foodie’s heaven – and those chocolates are famously good… Actually… Forget the folks back home, buy a bunch for yourself!

Worried about going in the afternoon? Don’t be, other than the early morning the late afternoon is ideal as the tourist crowds have subsided and the locals are back to pick up some ingredients for dinner. The market is open until 8 pm so you’ll still have plenty of time to explore.

If you’re spending less than 2-3 days in Barcelona be sure to tick this one-off. It’s an integral part of the city.

• Cost –  Whatever you buy
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  1 – 1.5 hrs
• Getting There –  It’s a 10 minute walk from the Taperia

5.30 PM – Refresh Time

By now, you’re probably gonna be in need of a sit-down and a shower. Hopefully, your accommodation offers both. I suggest you go back to your digs for a power nap and a shower before tonight’s Flamenco show!

7.30 PM – Flamenco Dance Show at the City Hall Theatre

This traditional Flamenco show is a must-see. Appreciate the artistry of the talented performers and experience the vibrant spirit of this authentic form of Spanish dance and expression. Flamenco includes music, singing and dancing arranged together in a beautifully seductive atmosphere.

Some of the most talented artists in Spain perform at the City Hall Theatre. Watching the show, you can participate in the Jaleo , the hand-clapping, foot-stomping, and shouts of encouragement of traditional Flamenco. It is a lot of fun. You’ll also enjoy the lovely traditional features of the City Hall.

• Cost –  $20
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 hr
• Getting There –  Take Metro lines L1 and L2 to “Universitat” station, lines L1 and L3 to “Catalunya” station, lines L3, L4 and L2 to “Passeig de Gràcia” station

9.30 PM – Dinner

The Spanish are a truly debauched bunch and eat pretty late compared to most wholesome, righteous, God-fearing people. By 9.30 pm, the squares and tapas joints will be rammed with locals and tourists alike. Find a place you like the look of, dive in, and Bon appetite!

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

10:00 AM – Park Güell

This huge public park system is composed of gardens and architectural elements designed by Gaudi. It’s a playful urban park, with plenty of winding paths and peaceful greens, as well as Gaudi’s many sculptures and mosaics. It gets really busy because of the park’s status as a primary landmark, so it’s good to get there early.

Enjoy the tranquillity of the early morning. You could even have a picnic in the park, with stunning views of Gaudi’s creations while you snack. The exceptional park is a beautiful mix of nature and art.

Since you don’t want to be one of the tourists waiting in line to get their tickets (which can be up to 1200 at a time and takes up hours of your day), you can make everything a lot easier by booking ahead of time. Click here and you can skip the line and get an expert guide for a tour around the park.

The staff ensures that the park does not get over-crowded by limiting the number of people in at one time – another reason to go early! With more than 17 hectares, it is one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona.

Gaudi’s structures and unique, colourful fantasies are present throughout the park. The highest point in the park also gives you a great view over much of the Barcelona sights.

• Cost –  $12
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   2 hrs
• Getting There –  Take the L4 metro to Urquinaona.

12:30 PM – Palau de la Música Catalana

The concert hall itself is really something to see. If you’re lucky, you can even enjoy a performance here. The musical offerings range from symphonic orchestras and opera to jazz and Cançó, traditional Catalan songs.

Built-in 1908, the architectural style has been described as a ‘riot of ornament’. You will immediately see why, with the vibrant colours and patterns, and the decorative flourishes. Still, the function is prized over form here. Every seat in the house has a perfect view of the stage, and the sound is exquisite. It’s quite an experience just to see how function and beauty work together so beautifully.

If you plan ahead you can catch a show here in the evenings. However, for our Barcelona itinerary in 3 days we are only coming for a tour of the buildings as there are no concerts during the day. 

• Cost –  $12 for a self guided tour
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   60
• Getting There –  Its a 6 minute walk from the Cathedral

Save more and experience more. Get a city pass before you travel.

1.30 PM – Las Ramblas & Port Vell

Las Ramblas is just a street! But it’s one of Barcelona’s top tourist destinations. This tree-shaded boulevard runs through the heart of the city and is an interesting but possibly overrated place to visit!

Take in the beautiful buildings on either side. Enjoy the street performances and artists. Some really great performers can be found here, and many go on to perform at live venues, but do be aware of scams and pickpockets.

This is also a great place to people watch, and just soak in the sunshine, but don’t spend too much time here.

Ok, so it’s a bit touristy and it can be pretty crowded. We don’t recommend having any food around here as it can be a bit overpriced and underwhelming, but the street is somewhere you just have to tick off when you come to Barca. We recommend having a stroll down to the bottom where the Statue of Christopher Columbus lives, it’s next to the Port area where you can see the historic Port Cable Car/ aerial tramway and the redeveloped area around Port Vell which includes some great shops and restaurants.

• Cost – It’s free
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 – 1.5 hrs including the port
• Getting There –  Walk here from the concert hall. Takes 13 minutes

3:00 PM – Barceloneta Beach

Continuing the relaxing portion of your day, take a trip to Barcelona’s best beach . The white-sand beach stretches farther than you’d think for a city beach! If you’re inclined, you can walk the length of it and enjoy watching locals and tourists enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Otherwise, join them!

You can rent a beach lounger, or lay a towel on the sand and catch a late-afternoon tan. Wash off the sweat of the day in the calm blue ocean. Barcelona is a Mediterranean city, and its beach attests to that. It’s also a top place to surf and you can easily rent a board if you’re into that!

The water is reasonably warm, and it’s really lovely to swim in Summer. If you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time in Winter, you may not want to swim but the beach is still worth a visit. All-year-round you’ll see a beautiful coastline whether you explore it from the boardwalk or the sands!

The beach can get quite crowded in Barceloneta, but this should be late enough in the day that it’s emptied out nicely. Either way, you’re sure to find a spot to lay down your towel and to swim. The brightly coloured towels and happy people only add to the scene and atmosphere here.

Stay here and give your feet a break for the rest of the evening, whatever time of year it is it’s a great spot for sunset.

• Cost –  Free
• Getting There –  Take the 59 bus from La Ramblas until Pg Marítim – Pepe Rubianes

7.30 PM – Dinner

stick around the area of Barceloneta for the evening, it’s home to a whole host of incredible restaurants serving some of the best seafood in the city. You can either enjoy the sunset from the comfort of the beach or retire earlier to a beachside restaurant and watch the sun go down over a glass of sangria and a plate of paella.

Bear in mind sunset varies a lot depending on the time of year.

In the winter months, it can be as early as 5:20 pm and in summer as late as 9:30 pm. So plan accordingly.

9:00 AM – La Sagrada Família

Start off your adventures with a stop at the Antoni Gaudi masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia! The cathedral is like no other. Combining several architectural styles and ignoring the rules of all of them, this impressive and intricately decorated church is something to see!

It is still under construction, 140 years on. But that doesn’t stop it from dominating its surroundings and changing your mind about what a church should look like. Of all the many things to do in Barcelona , this one tops most lists.

The early morning sun shining through the coloured glass windows will leave you in awe. It also shows Gaudi’s love for organic shapes and nature in all their complexity and beauty. Even if you’re not religious, the architecture here is something you just cannot miss.

Arriving early will also miss out some of the crowds that develop during the day. Either way, you should pre-book tickets to avoid queueing.

• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   2 hours including the museum
• Getting There –  Take the L4 metro from Jaume 1 to Verdaguer.

11:30 AM – Cathedral of Barcelona

This Gothic cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The cathedral was constructed from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, and has been one of the most important structures in Barcelona since then!

The views from the exterior are amazing as you stand on the street in the sunshine. It’s easy to appreciate the magnitude of the architecture from any angle. The interior is equally beautiful and very gothic.

Throughout there are beautiful religiously themed paintings and sculptures. You can spend a long time wandering through the cathedral and admiring all it has to offer.

• Cost –  $8
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 hrs
• Getting There –  Take the L4 metro to Jaume 1

1:00 PM – Gothic Quarter & Lunch

After exploring Barcelona Cathedral, the heart of the Gothic Quarter, it’s time to wander around the area as a whole.

Spend a few hours exploring the narrow streets and maze-like alleyways that make up one of the most historic areas in the city. The architecture will blow you away and despite it being quite touristy, it’s easy to find a quiet corner of this vast area.

The labyrinth of passages and squares will keep you easily occupied for a good few hours. There are heaps of cafes, bars and restaurants too if you get a bit peckish. Why not tour the area stopping by every now and then for a few small places of tapas as you go!

The cobblestone streets around here are pretty much all as enchanting as each other and you can’t take a wrong turn! But some of the highlights of the area include the Bishop’s Bridge on Carrer del Bisbe, the tragic history of Plaça Sant Felip Neri, the stunning palm treelined Plaça Reial and the lively Plaça de la Generalitat.

• Cost –  Pay for what you drink or eat
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 -2 Hrs
• Getting There –  Walk from the Cathedral, Take the L4 metro to Jaume 1 from elsewhere.

3:30 PM – Camp Nou

Despite Spain being a Catholic country… it’s not the main religion here! Nah, that instead would be football and in Catalunya, their passion for the beautiful game is even more intense and with such a talented team as FC Barcelona, it’s no wonder. You just can’t visit this region and in fact, this city, without exploring this side of the local culture. Not only is visiting the Calderon like stadium of the Camp Nou a fascinating experience, but it’s also bloody impressive!

Holding over 99,000 people and playing host to some of the most talented footballers ever to play the game, the stadium is steeped in atmosphere and history. Walking up the terraces you’ll get a feeling of grandeur that could only be beaten on the day of a game!

On a stadium tour, you’ll not only get to sit in the seats of this famous stadium, but you’ll get to explore behind the scenes and see places like the dressing rooms and media areas. There’s also an extensive museum where you can see the myriad of silverware this team has brought home over the years alongside an incredible array of memorabilia… including some belonging to Messi!

Cost –  $30 How Long Should I Stay Here? –   2 hours including the museum Getting There –  Line 3: Metro stop Palau Reial or Les Corts / Line 5: Metro stop Collblanc or Badal

5:00 PM – Parc de la Ciutadella

Take an evening stroll around this beautiful and historic park to round off your last evening in this wonderful city. There’s quite a bit to see here including the Catalan Parliament buildings, but the star attraction is the fountain. Unsurprisingly, it’s another one of Gaudi’s creations, this one is an early piece whilst he was a student and is an interesting look into the beginnings of this master.

Other highlights include the lake where you can rent out a little boat for an idyllic and relaxing evening before heading onwards. There are also many historic buildings including the Umbracle, a tropical greenhouse, the Geological Museum dating back to 1882 and the Hivernacle which was built in 1888 for the World Exposition.

Technically not in the park but linked to it, the Arc de Triomf, built for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair is a must-see landmark too.

Cost –  Free How Long Should I Stay Here? –   As long as you like Getting There –  Take the L4 metro to Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica or Arc de Triomf.

Looking at what to do in Barcelona for 3 days? There’s so much. Take your pick of these exciting classes, activities, and tours. They really round out the Barcelona experience!

City Sights Highlight Bike Tour

Get your day started right with this awesome bike tour. You join a fun and knowledgeable local guide and ride around the streets of Barcelona on a 3-hour tour. Explore the unique era of Spanish Art Nouveau amidst the modern city.

You will be able to see so much in this activity. That’s why we love cycle tours. It’s faster than by foot, but so much more engaged than by car.

On the tour, you’ll see ancient aqueducts, Barcelona’s first World Fair, parks, memorials, and plazas. 17th-century factories which epitomise the Industrial Revolution and a lovely ride along the beach promenade are two highlights of the tour.

It’s a brilliant combination of historic and contemporary Spain. And you’ll hear interesting facts and details about all of it.

This is a great tour for groups of friends or families. But if you’re alone, don’t worry! You’ll meet others in the group. The tours are conducted in English, French, and German. Local guides will show you the hidden corners of this exciting city and tell you their secrets.

The tour starts at 10:30 am and ends at the same place it starts. There are only two tours daily and it’s a popular one, so we suggest you book your ticket early. You can also request a private tour for something a little more intimate or personalised.

Catch the Montjuïc Cable Car 

This hill above the city is one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona. Surrounded by woodlands, the historic castle is a sight to see. The original fortress dates back to 1640! Some of this structure remains, but it’s been bombed and resurrected multiple times since.

From the cable car, the castle is just a short walk up the slope. It’s steep, so pack some water and prepare to lean against a wall and breath heavily. It’s a classic pose in tourism and must be accomplished at least once on a trip. Here’s your chance.

The gardens are beautiful and exotic, carefully curated by the castle groundskeepers. You’ll be able to see all the other stops on your itinerary up here.  Get some photos  pointing to a few of your favourites. The views over the port and city are unbeatable.

For centuries the hill overlooking the harbour played a strategic role in Barcelona’s defence. The castle served as a political prison for some time and was a bit of a sinister symbol all-around. Now, however, its positive associations override the negative.

It’s a popular place to visit both for locals and tourists. You can learn its long history and appreciate the artefacts collected here on a self-guided tour.

The cable car was recently upgraded and refurbished. Now the 8-man cabins are super cosy, and the best way to get up to the castle! You can also take the bus – a handy option for those who are staying in Barcelona for a longer period and have a bus pass!

If you’re spending 3 days in Barcelona, this is a really worthwhile activity.

Paella Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Tour

You must have had a few great paellas in Barcelona by now. Here’s your chance to learn to make it yourself. Bring home a bit of Barcelona with you! There’s nothing that reminds us of a great trip like cooking the traditional food. And eating it.

This is a really great experience for those of you looking for an authentic Spanish activity. Explore the world-famous La Boqueria market, which dates back to the 13th century. You’ll have strolled through it on Day 1, but this is a totally different way to experience the market.

Here you’ll find fresh seafood, herbs, and vegetables for your paella, guided by the chef. You also tour the beautiful old town on your way from the market.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Barcelona gets very hot in summer and is pretty mild in winter. Spring and Autumn are generally very pleasant with temperatures being ideal for walking around.

The summer months are the most popular and the city can and does get quite busy, prices go up and the pickpockets are in peak hunting season. However, the atmosphere is pretty electric. If you’re looking for cheaper prices and a quieter vibe, the winter months offer a much different vibe.

There’s no bad time to visit, it just really only depends on your preferences.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Barcelona:

Barrio gotico.

Barrio Gotico is the heart and soul of Barcelona. The oldest neighborhood in the city, it’s filled with charming narrow streets, picturesque boroughs, and quaint terraces and plazas, making it the best area to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors.

• Wander along Las Ramblas, a pedestrian street packed with shops, restaurants, entertainment, and stunning historic attractions.
• Explore the Palça del Rei, a Gothic style city square where royal receptions were held.
• Browse the stalls off fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and sweets at Mercat de la Boqueria on Las Ramblas.

There are rather a lot of places to visit in Barcelona but thankfully, it is super easy to get around with all the public transport options available. The trains and trams are completely safe and well-priced. You can even get a public transport ticket .

The great thing about Barcelona is that almost everything is within walking distance. If you’re a healthy walker, you won’t even need public transport.

If you’re feeling a little daring, rent a scooter for the day. So many locals get around with scooters, you’ll see them everywhere. They are lots of fun, and a great way to see the city. This is, of course, only for those with licenses. Often, rental places will accept a non-Spanish license, but they won’t let you drive if you have none at all.

However you’re getting around, this city is a great place to explore. Pack your walking shoes and sunscreen, this is going to be memorable.

Now let’s get into what to do in Barcelona for 3 days and more!

As with all cities, there are some valuable safety precautions in Barcelona. This will ensure that you leave the city with as much or more than you came with!

Violent crime is really uncommon in Barcelona. It’s considered safe to walk around and take public transport during the day and night! Still, we suggest never walking around alone at night, particularly for women. Walk in groups and stick to the well-lit areas and apply common sense.

There are pickpockets in the busier areas, so keep your bag closed and close to you. It’s always better to stay alert and aware. So don’t walk while looking at your phone. That makes it clear you’re a tourist and not a very aware one at that.

Criminals choose easy victims – so if you make it clear you’re not going to be taken unawares, you’ll be just fine.

A popular scam in Barcelona is the distraction/theft scam. So if anyone asks you for directions or assistance in a public place, and you feel a little suspicious, trust your gut! It’s usually right.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Barcelona

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Barcelona itinerary.

Are 3 days in Barcelona enough?

A Barcelona 3 day itinerary will give you enough time to see all of the top sights. However, having an extra day is ideal if you don’t want to rush.

What can you do in one day in Barcelona?

You can do a lot in a day, but you’ll need to wear some comfortable shoes ! Start off in Park Güell, then make your way down to the Gothic Quarter via Casa Gatllo and the Cathedral of Barcelona for some top sightseeing experiences.

Where should you stay for a weekend in Barcelona?

The Gothic Quarter is ideal for a quick trip, putting you close to many of Barcelona’s top attractions. If nightlife is what you’re after, check out El Born.

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

September and October are the best months to visit to enjoy warm weather without huge tourist crowds.

Now you know all the best things to do in and around Barcelona . It’s a really magical city, with so much to offer.

So whether you’re doing Barcelona in 3 days or more, this is the best way to see Barcelona. Barcelona has lots of exciting stops and a good range of things to do.

If you’re working with a shoe-string budget, don’t worry! Budget travel is more possible than ever. So save up, book your tickets and get pumped! Exploring Barcelona will be one of the best trips of your life.

Also, whatever you end up doing in Barcelona, make sure to take travel insurance ! 🙂 Better be safe than sorry.

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The hotels were fabulous and we were greeted and treated with care. The itinerary proved outstanding. The drivers were wonderful. He was always on time, ma...

Barcelona – Spain’s second city, and the self-confident capital of Catalunya – vibrates with life, and there’s certainly not another city in the country to touch it for sheer style, looks or energy. It’s long had the reputation of being the avant-garde capital of Spain, its art museums are world-class, its football team sublime, while its designer restaurants, bars, galleries and shops lead from the front.

What to see in Barcelona

Best time to go to barcelona, where to go in barcelona, along the ramblas, barri gòtic, barceloneta, port olímpic, diagonal mar, museu nacional d’art de catalunya (mnac), the eixample, les corts and pedralbes, tibidabo and parc de collserola, festivals in barcelona, accommodation in barcelona, eating in barcelona, barcelona drinking and nightlife, shopping in barcelona, arts, culture and entertainment in barcelona, things to do, #01 la pedrera, #02 the city beaches, #03 a tapas tour, #04 camp nou, #05 fundació miró, #07 museu del modernisme català, #08 tibidabo, #09 casa batlló, #10 la boqueria, #11 museu nacional d’art de catalunya (mnac), #12 the ramblas, #13 parc güell, #14 museu picasso, #15 sagrada família, #16 museu d’art contemporani de barcelona (macba).

In terms of things to do in Barcelona, in Antoni Gaudí’s extraordinary church of the Sagrada Família, the winding alleys and ageing mansions of the picture-postcard Gothic Quarter, and the world-famous boulevard that is the Ramblas, you have three sights that are high up any Spanish sightseeing list. There's also great things to do for free in Barcelona such as the magic fountains or creating your own modernist house hop.

As a thriving port, prosperous commercial centre and buzzing cultural capital of three million people, the city is almost impossible to exhaust – even in a lengthy visit you will likely only scrape the surface.

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Everyone starts with the Ramblas, and then dives straight into the medieval nucleus of the city, the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), but there are plenty of other central old-town neighbourhoods to explore, from La Ribera – home to the celebrated Museu Picasso – to funky El Raval, where cool bars, restaurants and boutiques have mushroomed in the wake of the striking contemporary art museum, MACBA. Even if you think you know these heavily touristed neighbourhoods well, there’s always something else to discover – tapas bars hidden down alleys little changed for a century or two, designer boutiques in gentrified old-town quarters, bargain lunches in workers’ taverns, unmarked gourmet restaurants, craft outlets and workshops, fin-de-siècle cafés, restored medieval palaces and neighbourhood markets.

But endlessly fascinating as these districts are, Barcelona is so much more than just its old-town areas. The fortress-topped hill of Montjuïc, for example, contains the Olympic stadium used for the 1992 Games as well as some of the city’s best art museums, notably MNAC, ie the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – note the word “nacional”, which tells you all you need to know about Catalunya’s strong sense of identity. Other museums too explore the work of internationally famous Catalan artists, from Joan Miró to Antoni Tàpies, while in the nineteenth-century, uptown extension of the city – the Eixample – are found most of Barcelona’s celebrated modernista architectural wonders, from private houses to Gaudí’s peerless church.

If Barcelona sounds a bit too much like hard cultural work, then simply look instead for entertainment to the city’s harbour, parks, gardens and beaches. Indeed, it’s remarkably easy to forget you’re in a big city at all some times – just to take one example, walking from the Port Vell harbour takes you along the marina, through the old fishing and restaurant quarter of Barceloneta, past the leafy Parc de la Ciutadella , and out along the beachside promenade to the bar-and-restaurant zone that is the Port Olímpic.

Other easy city jaunts include a trip out to the Diagonal Mar conference and exhibition district for the new natural science museum, or up to the distinctive neighbourhood of Gràcia, with its small squares, lively bars and Gaudí’s amazing Parc Güell. If you’re saving yourself for just one aerial view of Barcelona, wait for a clear day and head for Tibidabo, a mountain-top amusement park backed by the Collserola hills, while beyond the city limits the one day-trip everyone should make is to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat , 40km northwest.

If you're planning a trip to Spain, don't miss our Spain itineraries and information on how to get there . 

Barcelona is an established city-break destination with a year-round tourist, business and convention trade. Different seasons have different attractions, from summer music festivals to Christmas markets, but there’s always something going on.

Weather in Barcelona

As far as the weather is concerned, the best time to visit Barcelona is late spring or early autumn, when the weather is still comfortably warm (around 21–25°C) and walking the streets isn’t a chore. There might be a chill in the air in the evening, but Barcelona in these seasons is sometimes nigh on perfect.

However, in summer the city can be unbearably hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 28°C (but often a lot more). August, especially, is a month to be avoided, since the climate is at its most unwelcoming and many shops, bars and restaurants close as local inhabitants head out of the city in droves. It’s worth considering a winter break, as long as you don’t mind the prospect of occasional rain. It’s generally still warm enough to sit out at a café, even in December, when the temperature hovers around 13°C.

As with most Catholic countries, Carnival is celebrated before lent. Taking place between Febuary and March, Barcelona's main streets see a parade of fancy dress, floats and fireworks as a means of going wild before forty days of abstinence.

September 11th sees Diada Nacional de Catalunya, or Catalonia Day. Thousands take to the streets proudly wearing the Catalonian flag to celebrate culture. In recent years, the day has been used for independence demonstrations, making the day more lively and with a buzzing atmosphere.

Places around Barcelona

Out of Barcelona, the weather varies enormously from region to region. On the coast it’s best – naturally enough – in summer, though from June to September tourist resorts like Sitges are packed. Tarragona, too, can be extremely hot and busy in summer, though it’s worth knowing that Girona is considered to have a much more equable summer climate, and escaping from the coast for a few cool days is easy.

Heading to Spain anytime soon? Don't miss our important planning tips .

Despite being one of the largest cities on the Mediterranean (population 1.6 million, with a further 3.4 million in its metropolitan area), Barcelona is a pretty easy place to find your way around. In effect, it’s a series of self-contained quarters or neighbourhoods (known as barris) stretching out from the harbour, flanked by parks, hills and woodland.

Many of the best places to visit in Barcelona are in the city centre – the Gothic cathedral, Picasso museum, markets, Gaudí buildings and art galleries – can be reached on foot, while a fast, cheap, integrated public transport system takes you directly to the peripheral attractions and suburbs.

Start, as nearly everyone does, with the Ramblas, a kilometre-long, tree-lined avenue of pavement cafés, performance artists and kiosks that splits the old town in two. On the eastern side of the Ramblas is the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), the medieval nucleus of the city – a labyrinth of twisting streets and historic buildings, including La Seu (the cathedral) and the palaces and museums around Plaça del Rei.

Further east lies Sant Pere, set around its terrific market, which adjoins the fashionable boutique-and-bar quarter of La Ribera to the south, home to the Picasso museum. Over on the western side of the Ramblas is the edgier, artier neighbourhood of El Raval, containing both the flagship museum of contemporary art (MACBA) and the pick of the city’s coolest bars and restaurants.

At the bottom of the Ramblas is the waterfront, whose spruced-up harbour area is known as Port Vell (Old Port). Walking east from here takes you past the aquarium and marina, through the old fishing and restaurant quarter of Barceloneta, past the Parc de la Ciutadella and out along the promenade to the cafés and restaurants of the Port Olímpic. This whole area is where Barcelona is most like a resort, with city beaches all along the waterfront from Barceloneta as far as the conference and leisure zone of Parc del Fòrum.

Art- and garden-lovers, meanwhile, aim for the fortress-topped hill of Montjuïc to the southwest, where Catalunya’s national art gallery (MNAC), the Miró museum, botanic garden and main Olympic stadium are sited, among a host of other cultural attractions.

At the top of the Ramblas, Plaça de Catalunya marks the start of the gridded nineteenth-century extension of the city, known as the Eixample, a symbol of the thrusting expansionism of Barcelona’s early industrial age. This is where some of Europe’s most extraordinary architecture – including Gaudí’s Sagrada Família – is located.

Beyond the Eixample lie the northern suburbs, notably Gràcia, with its small squares and lively bars, and the nearby Parc Güell, while you’ll also come out this way to see the famous Camp Nou FC Barcelona stadium. It’s worth making for the hills, too, where you can join the crowds at Barcelona’s famous Tibidabo amusement park – or escape them with a walk through the woods in the peaceful Parc de Collserola.

The good public transport links also make it easy to head further out of the city. The most obvious place to visit is the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat , not least for the extraordinary ride up to the monastic eyrie by cable car or mountain railway. Sitges is the local beach town par excellence, while with more time you can follow various trails around the local wine country, head south to the Roman town of Tarragona or north to medieval Girona or the Dalí museum in Figueres.

It is a telling comment on Barcelona’s character that one can recommend a single street – the Ramblas – as a highlight. No day in the city seems complete without a stroll down at least part of what, for Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, was “the only street in the world which I wish would never end”. Lined with cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, flower stalls and newspaper kiosks, it’s at the heart of Barcelona’s life and self-image.

The Ramblas splits the old-town areas of Barcelona in half, with the Barri Gòtic on the east flank of the avenue and El Raval on the west. It also actually comprises five separate sections strung head to tail – from north to south, Rambla Canaletes, Estudis, Sant Josep, Caputxins and Santa Mònica – though you’ll rarely hear them referred to as such. Here, under the plane trees, you’ll find pet canaries, tropical fish, flowers, plants, postcards and books. You can buy jewellery, have your palm read and your portrait painted, play cards with a man on an upturned cardboard box (not a good idea), or while away time with the buskers and human statues.

Mercat de la Boqueria

Beyond the Palau de la Virreina lies the city’s most famous market, known locally as La Boqueria, though officially the Mercat Sant Josep. While others might protest, the market really can claim to be the best in Spain. Built between 1836 and 1840, it’s a riot of noise and colour, with great piles of fruit and vegetables, dried herbs, exotic mushrooms, cured meats and an amazing variety of fish and seafood. If you’re going to buy, do some browsing first, as the flagship fruit and veg stalls by the entrance tend to have higher prices than those farther inside. There are some excellent stand-up snack bars in here, open from dawn onwards for the traders – Pinotxo near the Ramblas entrance is the most famous.

The Ramblas statues

You can’t move for human statues on the Ramblas, standing on their little home-made plinths. Classical figures and movie characters have always formed part of the parade, but there’s also some real wit and invention on display, like “Fruit Lady”, a one-woman mobile market stall, or the twin “Bicycling Skeletons”. Then there’s just the plain weird, like “Lady Under Rock”, crushed under a boulder, issuing plaintive shrieks at passers-by. And quite what demons drive “Man Sitting on Toilet”, only he can say.

On the Miró trail

Halfway down the Ramblas, just past La Boqueria, look down at the pavement – that’s right, the large circular mural under your feet is by Joan Miró. The famous Catalan artist was born just a couple of minutes’ walk off the Ramblas in the Barri Gòtic (there’s a plaque to mark the building on Passatge del Crèdit, off c/de Ferran) – and when you’ve seen one Miró in Barcelona, well, you start to see them everywhere, whether it’s T-shirts for tourists or branding for businesses. There’s another large ceramic mural at the airport, for a start, while Miró designed the starfish logo for the Caixa de Pensions savings bank (there’s one splashed across the Caixa Forum arts centre on Montjuïc). And this is all on top of the Montjuïc museum devoted to his life’s work. In many ways, it’s a Miró city, whatever Picasso fans might think.

The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, forms the very heart of the old town in Barcelona, spreading out from the east side of the Ramblas. It’s a remarkable concentration of medieval buildings principally dating from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, when Barcelona reached the height of its commercial prosperity before being absorbed into the burgeoning kingdom of Castile.

Things to do in Barri Gòtic

It takes the best part of a day to see everything here, with the cathedral – La Seu – a particular highlight, and you certainly won’t want to miss the archaeological remains at the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat or the eclectic collections of the Museu Frederic Marès. That said, sauntering through the atmospheric alleys or simply sitting at a café table in one of the lovely squares is just as much an attraction.

A good way to see the Gothic Quarter, and to learn about the stories and legends that make up the history here, is to partake in a walking tour. Typical routes walk you through August's Temple, the Cloister Cathedral and the Palatine Chapel of Santa Agata (Place del Rei).

The picture-postcard images of the Barri Gòtic are largely based on the streets north of c/de Ferran and c/de Jaume I, where tourists throng the boutiques, bars, restaurants, museums and galleries. South of here – from Plaça Reial and c/d’Avinyó to the harbour – the Barri Gòtic is rather more traditional (or sometimes just plain run-down).

Boho Barcelona and the Four Cats

There’s not much to see in the shopping zone north of the cathedral, but a century or so ago a tavern called Els Quatre Gats (The Four Cats; c/Montsió 3, wwww.4gats.com) burned brightly as the epicentre of Barcelona’s bohemian in-crowd. It was opened in 1897 as a gathering place for artists and literary types, with the building gloriously decorated in exuberant Catalan Art Nouveau style. Els Quatre Gats soon thrived as the scene of poetry readings and the venue for cultural debate, while a young Picasso designed the menu. Today, a modern restoration displays something of its former glory, with the bar-restaurant overseen by a copy of Ramon Casas’ famous wall-painting of himself and café founder Pere Romeu on a tandem bicycle (the original is in MNAC).

A tour of Jewish Barcelona

Barcelona’s medieval Jewish quarter lay nestled in the shadow of the cathedral – under the Church’s careful scrutiny. It was centred on c/Sant Domènec del Call, where you’ll find the most notable surviving landmark, the Antiga Sinagoga (c/Marlet 5, corner with c/Sant Domènec del Call; Mon–Fri 10.30am–5.30pm, Sat & Sun 10.30am–3pm, sometimes closed Sat for ceremonies; €2.50; t933 170 790, w calldebarcelona.org ; mLiceu) – not many people stop by, and if you do, you’ll get a personalized tour of the small room by a member of the local Jewish community. The prosperous settlement persisted until the pogrom and forced conversion of 1391, after which most of the buildings used by the Jews were torn down. However, a plaque further down c/Marlet (junction with c/Arc Sant Ramon del Call) marks the site of the former rabbi’s house, while in nearby Plaçeta Manuel Ribé another house – originally belonging to a veil-maker – now serves as a small museum, the Centre d’Interpretació del Call (Pl. Manuel Ribé; Wed–Fri 11am–2pm, Sat 11am–6pm, Sun & hols 11am–2pm; free; t932 562 100, w museuhistoria.bcn.cat ; mLiceu).

Perhaps the greatest recent transformation in the city has been along the waterfront, where harbour and Mediterranean have once again been placed at the heart of Barcelona. The glistening harbourside merges seamlessly with the old town, with the tourist attractions of Port Vell (ie, Old Port) just steps from the bottom of the Ramblas. Meanwhile, the pleasant walk around the harbour along the waterfront to Barceloneta takes you past the marina, where a boat has been converted into a floating bar, the Luz de Gas, which is a particularly good place for a sundowner.

The old-town area west of the Ramblas is known as El Raval (from the Arabic word for “suburb”). In medieval times, it was the site of hospitals, churches and monasteries, but by the twentieth century, it had acquired a reputation as the city’s main red-light district, known to all as the Barri Xinès – China Town. Even today in the backstreets around c/de Sant Pau and c/Nou de la Rambla are found pockets of sleaze, while a handful of old bars trade on their former reputations as bohemian hangouts. Over the last two decades, however, El Raval has changed markedly, particularly in the “upper Raval” around Barcelona’s contemporary art museum, MACBA. Cutting-edge galleries, designer restaurants and fashionable bars are all part of the scene these days, although you’d hesitate to call El Raval gentrified, as it clearly still has its rough edges.

Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)

Anchoring the upper Raval is the huge, luminous Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona , known as MACBA. Once inside, a series of swooping ramps from the ground floor to the fourth floor afford continuous views of the square below – usually full of careering skateboarders. The collection represents the main movements in contemporary art since 1945, mainly in Catalunya and Spain but with a good smattering of foreign artists as well. The pieces are shown in rotating exhibitions, so you may catch works by Joan Miró, Antoni Tàpies, Eduardo Chillida, Alexander Calder, Robert Rauschenberg or Paul Klee. Joan Brossa, leading light of the Catalan avant-garde “Dau al Set” group, has work here, too, as do contemporary Catalan conceptual and abstract artists.

The Barri Gòtic is bordered on its eastern side by Via Laietana, which was cut through the old town at the beginning of the twentieth century. Across it to the east stretches the quiet neighbourhood of Sant Pere, home to two remarkable buildings, the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall and the restored neighbourhood market, Mercat Santa Caterina.

There’s no finer place for lunch on a sunny day than Barceloneta, an eighteenth-century neighbourhood of tightly packed streets with the harbour on one side and a beach on the other. It was laid out in 1755 – a classic eighteenth-century grid of streets where previously there had been mudflats – and the long, narrow streets are still very much as they were planned, broken at intervals by small squares and lined with multi-windowed houses. The local market, Mercat de la Barceloneta, was stylishly refurbished in 2007, while at Barceloneta’s famous seafood restaurants – most characteristically lined along the harbourside Passeig Joan de Borbó – for most of the year you can sit outside and enjoy your meal.

The cross-harbour cable Car

The most thrilling ride in the city centre of Barcelona is across the inner harbour on the cable car . The Trasbordador Aeri, which sweeps from the Torre Sant Sebastià, at the foot of Barceloneta, to the Torre Miramar in Montjuïc, with a stop in the middle at Torre de Jaume I (though this middle stop is currently closed for long-term repairs).

Departures are every fifteen minutes (daily 10.30am–6pm, June–Sept until 8pm), though in summer and at weekends you may have to wait for a while at the top of the towers for a ride, as the cars only carry about twenty people at a time. Tickets cost €10 one way or €15 return.

Approaching the Port Olímpic along the Passeig Marítim, the shimmering golden mirage above the promenade slowly reveals itself to be a huge copper fish (courtesy of Frank O. Gehry, architect of the Bilbao Guggenheim). It’s the emblem of the huge seafront development constructed for the 1992 Olympics, and is backed by the city’s two tallest buildings – the Torre Mapfre and the steel-framed Hotel Arts Barcelona – while the surrounding area has filled up with restaurants, cafés and bars. The whole zone turns into a full-on resort in summer, backed by a series of class-conscious clubs along Passeig Marítim that appeal to the local rich kids and A-list celebs.

Beyond the Port Olímpic, the city beaches are split into separate named sections (Nova Icària, Bogatell, Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella and Llevant), each with showers, playgrounds and open-air café-bars. It’s a pretty extraordinary leisure facility to find so close to a city centre – the sands are regularly swept and replenished, while joggers, cyclists and bladers have one of the Med’s best views for company.

The waterfront convention-and-business district of Diagonal Mar was developed in the wake of the Universal Forum of Cultures Expo, held here in 2004. Everything is on a grand scale, starting with Jacques Herzog’s dazzling blue biscuit-tin of a building hovering – seemingly unsupported – above the ground. This houses the main exhibitions of the Natural Science Museum (the Museu Blau), while the vast, landscaped area beyond is one of the city’s showpiece urban leisure projects, the Parc del Fòrum.

You’ll need to reserve at least a day to see Montjuïc , the steep hill and park rising over the city to the southwest. There’s been a castle on the heights since the mid-seventeenth century, but since it was chosen as the site of the International Exhibition of 1929 Montjuïc has been firmly positioned as a cultural leisure park, anchored around the heavyweight art collections in the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). This unsurpassed national collection of Catalan art is supplemented by works in two other superb galleries, namely international contemporary art in the CaixaForum and that of the famous Catalan artist Joan Miró in the Fundació Joan Miró . In addition, there are several other minor museums, quite apart from the buildings and stadiums associated with the 1992 Olympics, which was centred on the heights of Montjuïc.

The towering Palau Nacional, centrepiece of Barcelona’s 1929 International Exhibition, is home to one of Spain’s great museums, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) , showcasing a thousand years of Catalan art in stupendous surroundings. Its scope is such that it can be difficult to know where to start, but if time is limited it’s recommended you concentrate on the medieval collection, which you’ll be able to see in an afternoon. This is split into two main sections, one dedicated to Romanesque art and the other to Gothic – periods in which Catalunya’s artists were pre-eminent in Spain. The collection of Romanesque frescoes in particular is the museum’s pride and joy, while MNAC also has impressive holdings of European Renaissance and Baroque art, as well as an unsurpassed collection of “modern” (ie nineteenth- and twentieth-century) Catalan art up until the 1940s – everything from the 1950s and later is covered by MACBA. In addition, temporary blockbuster exhibitions (separate admission charge) change every two to four months.

Romanesque collection

The Romanesque collection is the best of its kind in the world. From the eleventh century, the Catalan villagers of the high Pyrenees built sturdy stone churches, which were then lavishly painted in vibrantly coloured frescoes. To save them from degradation, the frescoes were moved to the museum and now are imaginatively presented in reconstructions of their original church settings. Still luminescent after eight hundred years, the frescoes have a vibrant, raw quality, best exemplified by those taken from churches in the Boí valley in the Catalan Pyrenees – such as the work of the anonymous “Master of Taüll” in the church of Sant Climent; look out for details such as the leper, to the left of the Sant Climent altar, patiently suffering a dog to lick his sores.

Gothic collection

The evolution from the Romanesque to the Gothic period was marked by a move from murals to painting on wood, and by the depiction of more naturalistic figures in scenes of the lives of saints and royalty. By the time of fifteenth-century Catalan artists like Jaume Huguet and Lluís Dalmau, works showed the strong influence of contemporary Flemish painting, in the use of denser colours, the depiction of crowd scenes and a concern for perspective. The last Catalan Gothic-era artist of note is the so-called Master of La Seu d’Urgell, responsible for a fine series of six paintings (Christ, the Virgin Mary, Saints Peter, Paul and Sebastian, and Mary Magdalene) that once formed the covers of an organ.

Renaissance and Baroque collections

Major European artists displayed include Rubens, Goya, El Greco, Zurbarán and Velázquez, though the museum is keen to play up Catalan works of the period, which largely absorbed the prevailing European influences – thus Barcelona artist Antoni Viladomat (1678–1755), whose twenty paintings of St Francis, executed for a monastery, are shown here in their entirety. However, more familiar to most will be the masterpieces of the Spanish Golden Age, notably Velázquez’s Saint Paul.

Modern art collection

MNAC ends on a high note with its modern Catalan art collection, which is particularly good on modernista and noucentista painting and sculpture, the two dominant schools of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Rooms highlight individual artists and genres, shedding light on the development of art in an exciting period of Catalunya’s history, while there are fascinating diversions into modernista interior design (with some pieces by Gaudí), avant-garde sculpture and historical photography.

Fundació Joan Miró

Montjuïc’s highlight for many is the Fundació Joan Miró, Barcelona’s most adventurous art museum, opened in 1975 and set among gardens overlooking the city. Joan Miró (1893–1983) was one of the greatest of Catalan artists, establishing an international reputation while never severing his links with his homeland. He showed a childlike delight in colours and shapes and developed a free, highly decorative style – the paintings and drawings, in particular, are instantly recognizable, among the chief links between Surrealism and abstract art. Miró had his first exhibition in 1918, and after that spent his summers in Catalunya (and the rest of the time in France) before moving to Mallorca in 1956, where he died.

Inside the museum

Miró’s friend, the architect Josep Lluís Sert, designed the beautiful building that now houses the museum, a permanent collection of paintings, graphics, tapestries and sculptures donated by Miró himself and covering the period from 1914 to 1978. For a rapid appraisal of Miró’s entire oeuvre, look in on the museum’s Sala K, whose 23 works are on long-term loan from a Japanese collector. Here, in a kind of potted retrospective, you can trace Miró’s development as an artist, from his early Impressionist landscapes (1914) to the minimal renderings of the 1970s. Other exhibits include his enormous bright tapestries (he donated nine to the museum), pencil drawings and sculpture outside in the gardens. Young experimental artists have their own space in the Espai 13 gallery. There’s also a bookshop, and a café-restaurant (lunch 1.30–3pm, otherwise drinks, pastries and sandwiches) with outdoor tables on a sunny patio – you don’t have to pay to get into the museum to use this.

The Olympics on Montjuïc

The main road through Montjuïc climbs around the hill and up to the city’s principal Olympic area, centred on the Estadi Olímpic. Built originally for the 1929 exhibition, the stadium was completely refitted to accommodate the 1992 opening and closing ceremonies, while to one side a vast terrace provides one of the finest vantage points in the city. Long water-fed troughs break the concrete and marble expanse, while the confident, space-age curve of Santiago Calatrava’s communications tower dominates the skyline. Around the other side, just across the road from the stadium, the history of the Games themselves – and Barcelona’s successful hosting – are covered in the Museu Olímpic i de l’Esport, Avgda. de l’Estadi 60 (Tues–Sat 10am–6pm April–Sept until 8pm, Sun & hols 10am–2.30pm; €4.50; t932 925 379, museuolimpicbcn.com ; m Espanya then 25min walk, or bus #193 or #50 from Avgda. de la Reina María Cristina).

The 1992 Olympics were the second planned for Montjuïc’s stadium. The first, in 1936 – the so-called “People’s Olympics” – were organized as an alternative to the Nazis’ infamous Berlin Games of that year, but the day before the official opening Franco’s army revolt triggered the Civil War and scuppered the Barcelona Games. Some of the 25,000 athletes and spectators who had turned up stayed on to join the Republican forces.

Teatre Grec and the Barcelona Festival

Montjuïc takes centre-stage each year during Barcelona’s annual summer cultural festival ( barcelonafestival.com ), known locally as the Grec, when arias soar from the open-air stage of the Teatre Grec, a Greek theatre cut into a former quarry on the Poble Sec side of the hill. Starting in late June (and running throughout July and August), the festival incorporates drama, music and dance, with the opening sessions and some of the most atmospheric events staged in the theatre, from Shakespearean productions to shows by avant-garde performance artists. These can be magical nights – a true Barcelona experience – though you’ll need to be quick off the mark for tickets (which usually go on sale in May).

The vast nineteenth-century street grid north of Plaça de Catalunya is the city’s main shopping and business district. It was designed as part of a revolutionary urban plan – the Eixample in Catalan (pronounced aye-sham-pla, the “Extension” or “Widening”) – that divided districts into regular blocks, whose characteristic wide streets and shaved corners survive today. It’s not a neighbourhood as such – and, in fact, is further split into two distinct sections, namely the Dreta de l’Eixample (ie, the right-hand side) and Esquerra de l’Eixample (left-hand side), which fall either side of the two central parallel avenues, Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya. It’s on and around Passeig de Gràcia, above all, that the bulk of the city’s show-stopping modernista (Catalan Art Nouveau) buildings are found, along with an array of classy galleries and some of the city’s most fashionable hotels, shops and boutiques.

Building a designer city

As Barcelona grew more prosperous throughout the nineteenth century, it was clear that the city had to expand beyond the Barri Gòtic. A contest was held to design the city’s new quarters and the winning plan was that of utopian engineer and urban planner Ildefons Cerdà i Sunyer, who drew up a grid-shaped town marching off to the north, intersected by long, straight streets and cut by broad, angled avenues. Work started in 1859 and the Eixample immediately became the fashionable area in which to live, as the moneyed classes moved into luxurious apartments on the wide new avenues. As the money in the city moved north, so did a new class of architects who began to pepper the Eixample with ever more striking examples of their work, inspired by modernisme, the Catalan offshoot of Art Nouveau. Three architects in particular came to prominence in Barcelona and, in doing so, introduced a building style that has given the city a look like no other.

Antoni Gaudí i Cornet Born in Reus, near Tarragona, to a family of artisans, the work of Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (1852–1926) was never strictly modernista in style, but the imaginative impetus he provided was incalculable. Fantasy, spiritual symbolism and Catalan pride are evident in every building he designed, while his architectural influences were Moorish and Gothic, embellished with elements from the natural world. Gaudí rarely wrote a word about the theory of his art, preferring the buildings to demand reaction – no one stands mute in front of an Antoni Gaudí masterpiece.

Lluís Domènech i Montaner With Gaudí in a class of his own, it was Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1850–1923) who was perhaps the greatest pure modernista architect. Drawing on the rich Catalan Romanesque and Gothic traditions, his work combined traditional craft methods with modern technological experiments, seen to triumphant effect in his masterpiece, the Palau de la Música Catalana.

Josep Puig i Cadafalch Like other modernista architects, the work of Josep Puig i Cadafalch (1867–1957) also contains a wildly inventive use of ceramic tiles, ironwork, stained glass and stone carving. His first commission, the Casa Martí, housed the famous Els Quatre Gats tavern for the city’s avant-garde artists and hangers-on, while in various Eixample mansions Puig i Cadafalch brought to bear distinct Gothic and medieval influences.

Other modernista craftsmen Modernisme was often a true collaborative effort between the architects and their artisans. Antoni Gaudí, for example, always worked with skilled craftsmen, including his longtime collaborator – and a master of mosaic decoration – Josep María Jujol i Gilbert (1879–1949). The other significant name is that of Eusebi Arnau i Mascort (1864–1933), who provided meticulous carvings for all the main modernista architects – much loved is his tour-de-force carved fireplace in the Raval’s Hotel Espanya. Some projects brought together the cream of craft talent, so at Domènech i Montaner’s Palau de la Música Catalana, for example, the glorious stained glass by Antoni Rigalt and elaborate facade sculpture by Miquel Blay form an integral part of the whole.

Treasure-hunting at Els Encants Vells

At the city’s traditional open-air flea market, Els Encants Vells (c/del Dos de Maig; Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat 7am–3pm, plus same times Sun & hols from Dec 1–Jan 5; encantsbcn.com ; mEncants/Glòries), you name it, you can buy it: old sewing machines, cheese graters, photograph albums, cutlery, lawnmowers, clothes, shoes, CDs, antiques, furniture and out-and-out junk. It’s best in the early morning, and haggling for any “old charms” (encants vells) you might fancy is de rigueur, but you’re up against experts. The market is due a new home with the completion of the Glòries renovations, so access, hours and location are subject to change over the next few years.

Gràcia – the closest neighbourhood to the Eixample – was a village for much of its early existence before being annexed as a city suburb in the late nineteenth century. There’s still a genuine small-town atmosphere here, very distinct from the old-town neighbourhoods, while Gràcia’s vibrant cultural scene and nightlife counters the notion that Barcelona begins and ends on the Ramblas. That said, there’s not that much to see, but wander the narrow, gridded streets, catch a film or hit one of the excellent local bars or restaurants, and you’ll soon get the feel of a neighbourhood that – unlike some in Barcelona – still has a soul. Most of the boutiques, galleries, cinemas and cafés are near pretty Plaça de la Virreina, with c/Verdi in particular always worth a stroll. A short walk to the southwest, Plaça del Sol is the beating heart of much of the district’s nightlife, while Plaça Rius i Taulet, the “clock-tower square”, a couple of minutes to the south, is another popular place to meet for brunch. However, the one unmissable attraction is just on the neighbourhood fringe, namely the surreal Parc Güell, by architectural genius Antoni Gaudí.

Parc Güell , Antoni Gaudí’s extraordinary urban park on the outskirts of Gràcia, was originally planned as a private housing estate of sixty dwellings, furnished with ornamental paths, recreational areas and decorative monuments. Gaudí worked on the project between 1900 and 1914 but in the end only two houses were actually built, and the park was officially opened to the public instead in 1922.

Laid out on a hill, which provides fabulous views back across the city, the park is an almost hallucinatory expression of the imagination. Pavilions of contorted stone, giant decorative lizards, a vast Hall of Columns (intended to be the estate’s market), the meanderings of a huge ceramic bench – all combine in one manic swirl of ideas and excesses.

Casa Museu Gaudí

One of Gaudí’s collaborators, Francesc Berenguer, designed and built a turreted house within the park for the architect. In the Casa Museu Gaudí, his ascetic study and bedroom have been kept much as they were in his day, while other rooms display a diverting collection of furniture he designed for other projects – a typical mixture of wild originality and brilliant engineering.

Entrance to Parc Güell

Although you can freely enter and explore Parc Güell, if you wish to access the Monumental Core, you will need to purchase a ticket, as with the Gaudi House Museum. Tickets can be purchased on site, although there is also an option to buy online up to three months before your visit.

To the northwest of the city centre, what was once the village of Les Corts is now largely indistinguishable from the rest of the modern city, save for the hallowed precincts of Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s stupendous football stadium. Nearby, across Avinguda Diagonal, the Palau Reial de Pedralbes combines the city’s applied art collections (of clothes and textiles, decorative arts and ceramics), while a half-day’s excursion can be made by walking from the palace, past the Gaudí dragon gate at Pavellons Güell to the calm cloister at the Gothic monastery of Pedralbes.

Camp Nou and FC Barcelona

It’s no exaggeration to say that football in Barcelona is a genuine obsession, with support for the local giants FC (Futbol Club) Barcelona raised to an art form. “More than just a club” is the proud boast, and certainly during the dictatorship years the club stood as a Catalan symbol around which people could rally. Arch-rivals, Real Madrid, on the other hand, were always seen as Franco’s club. The swashbuckling players in the famous “blaugrana” (claret and blue) shirts have transcended national barriers to become every football fan’s second favourite team; indeed, the four-times European champions (most recently in 2011) – mercurial masters of the elegant tiki-taka, pass-and-move style – are often hailed as the world’s best team.

Museum and stadium tour

Together, the 98,000-seat stadium and museum – billed as the “ Camp Nou Experience ” – provide a magnificent celebration of Spain’s national sport. The self-guided tour, complete with audio-guide, winds through the changing rooms and players’ tunnel onto the pitch and up to the press gallery and directors’ box for stunning views. The museum is jammed full of silverware and memorabilia, including the six cups won in 2009 alone, Barcelona’s annus mirabilis, while a cracking multimedia zone profiles historic games and famous players and relives the match-day atmosphere. Finally, you’re directed into the FC Botiga megastore, where you can buy anything from a replica shirt down to a branded bottle of wine.

The views from the heights of Tibidabo (550m), the peak that signals the northwestern boundary of the city, are legendary. On a clear day you can see across to the Pyrenees and out to sea even as far as Mallorca. However, while many make the tram and funicular ride up to Tibidabo’s wonderfully old-fashioned amusement park, few realize that beyond stretches the Parc de Collserola, an area of peaks, wooded river valleys and hiking paths – one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets. Meanwhile, don’t miss CosmoCaixa, the city’s excellent science museum, which can easily be seen on the way to or from Tibidabo.

Festes de Santa Eulàlia A week’s worth of music, dances, parades of gegants (giants), castellers (human castle-builders) and fireworks in honour of one of Barcelona’s patron saints – the saint’s day falls on February 12.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) There’s a procession from the church of Sant Agustí on c/de l’Hospital (El Raval) to La Seu, starting at 4pm on Good Friday, while Palm Sunday sees the blessing of the palms at La Seu.

23: Día de Sant Jordi St George’s Day, dedicated to Catalunya’s dragon-slaying patron saint – the city fills with roses and books, exchanged by sweethearts as gifts.

Last week: Primavera Sound The city’s hottest music festival heralds a massive three-day bash, attracting top names in rock, indie and electronica.

Last week: Festival de Flamenco de Ciutat Vella Five days of guitar recitals, singing and dancing, plus DJ sessions and chill-out zone.

Usually 2nd or 3rd week: Sónar Europe’s most cutting-edge electronic music, multimedia and urban art festival attracts up to 100,000 visitors for three days of brilliant noise and spectacle. By day, the focus is on events at MACBA/CCCB; by night, the action shifts to out-of-town L’Hospitalet, with all-night buses running from the city to the Sónar bars and clubs.23/24: Verbena/Día de Sant Joan The “eve” and “day” of St John is the city’s wildest annual celebration, with bonfires and fireworks (particularly on Montjuïc), drinking and dancing, and watching the sun come up on the beach. The day itself (24th) is a public holiday.

End June to August: Festival de Barcelona Grec The summer’s foremost arts and music festival, with main performances at Montjuïc’s open-air Greek theatre.

First week: Montjuïc de Nit Once a year, Montjuïc’s galleries throw open their doors for the night, while parks, spaces and buildings across the whole hillside throb with free gigs, dance, theatre, films, street art and family events.

Mid-month: Festa Major de Gràcia Music, dancing, fireworks and castellers in the neighbourhood’s streets and squares.

11: Diada Nacional The Catalan national day is a public holiday in Barcelona.

24: Festes de la Mercè The city’s biggest traditional festival lasts for a week around the 24th – the 24th itself is a public holiday (and there’s free entry that day to city museums). Highlights include costumed giants, breathtaking firework displays and competing teams of castellers.

October/November

Third week: Festival de Tardor Ribermúsica Wide-ranging four-day music festival held in the Born, with free concerts in historic and picturesque locations.

End October to November: Festival de Jazz The biggest annual jazz festival in town highlights big-name solo artists and bands.

1–22: Fira de Santa Llúcia A Christmas market and crafts fair outside La Seu.

Finding a hotel vacancy in Barcelona can be very difficult, so it’s always best to book in advance, especially at Easter, in summer and during festivals or trade fairs. Prices are high for Spain – absolute cheapest rooms in a simple family-run hotel, sharing a bathroom, cost around €50 (singles from €30), though for private facilities €70–80 a night is more realistic. Places with a bit of boutique styling start at around €100, while for Barcelona’s most fashionable hotels, count on €250 to €400 a night. In youth hostels, or cheap hotels with dorms, a bed goes for between €15 and €30 a night, depending on the season. You can reserve hotel accommodation online with the city tourist board or make same-day bookings in person only at their tourist offices.

You’ll probably do most of your eating where you do most of your sightseeing. However, if you venture no farther than the Ramblas, or the streets around La Seu, you are not going to experience the best of the city’s cuisine – in the main tourist areas, food and service can be indifferent and prices high. Instead, explore the backstreets of neighbourhoods like Sant Pere, La Ribera , El Raval and Poble Sec, where you’ll find excellent restaurants, some little more than hole-in-the-wall taverns, others surprisingly funky and chic. Most of the big-ticket, destination-dining restaurants are found in the Eixample, while Gràcia is a pleasant place to spend the evening, with plenty of good mid-range restaurants. For fish and seafood, you’re best off in the harbourside Barceloneta district or at the Port Olímpic.

Most cafés are open from 7 or 8am until midnight, or much later – so whether it’s coffee first thing or a late-night nibble, you’ll find somewhere to cater for you. Restaurants generally open 1 to 4pm and 8.30 to 11pm, though in tourist zones like the Ramblas and Port Olímpic, restaurants tend to stay open all day.

Whatever you’re looking for from a night out, you’ll find it somewhere in Barcelona – bohemian boozer, underground club, cocktail bar, summer dance palace, techno temple, Irish pub or designer bar, you name it. Best known of the city’s nightlife haunts are its hip designer bars, while there’s a stylish club and music scene that goes from strength to strength fuelled by a potent mix of resident and guest DJs, local bands and visiting superstars.

Local listings magazines Guía del Ocio ( guiadelociobcn.com ) and Time Out Barcelona ( timeout.cat ) cover current openings, hours and club nights, and most bars, cafés and music stores carry flyers and free magazines containing news and reviews. For the Barcelona music scene, check out the websites watiza.com and wbarcelonarocks.com.

Opening hours and closing days Most bars stay open until 2am, or 3am at weekends, while clubs tend not to open much before midnight and stay open until 5am, or even later at weekends – fair enough, as they’ve often barely got started by 3am. Unlike restaurants, bars and clubs generally stay open throughout August.

Admission charges Some clubs are free before a certain time, usually around midnight. Otherwise, expect to pay €10–20, though this usually includes your first drink (if there is free entry, don’t be surprised to find that there’s a minimum drinks’ charge of anything up to €10). Tickets for gigs run from €20 to €50, depending on the act though there are cheaper gigs (€5–20) almost every night of the year at a variety of smaller clubs and bars.

While not on a par with Paris or the world’s other style capitals, Barcelona still leads the way in Spain when it comes to shopping. It’s the country’s fashion and publishing capital, and there’s a long tradition of innovative disseny (design), from clothes and accessories to crafts and household goods. The annual sales follow the main fashion seasons – mid-January until the end of February, and throughout July and August.

As you would expect from a city of its size, Barcelona has a busy entertainment calendar – throughout the year there’ll be something worth catching, whether it’s a contemporary dance performance, cabaret show or night at the opera. Classical and contemporary music, in particular, gets an airing in some stunning auditoriums, while the city boasts a long tradition of street and performance art, right down to the human statues plying their trade on the Ramblas. A useful first stop for tickets and information is the Palau de la Virreina, Ramblas 99 (daily 10am–8.30pm; 933 161 000; Liceu). ServiCaixa (902 332 211, servicaixa.com ) and TelEntrada (902 101 212, telentrada.com ) are the main advance booking agencies.

The city council’s Institute of Culture website, bcn.cat/cultura , covers every aspect of art and culture in the city. Otherwise, the best listings magazines are the weekly Guía del Ocio ( guiadelociobcn.com ) and Time Out Barcelona ( timeout.cat ), online or from any newspaper stand.

Celebrating Catalan-style

Catalunya’s national folk dance, the sardana, is danced every week in front of La Seu, in Plaça de la Seu (every Sunday at noon, plus every Saturday at 6pm from Easter until the end of November). Mocked in the rest of Spain, the Catalans claim theirs is a very democratic dance. Participants (there’s no limit on numbers) all hold hands in a circle, each puts something in the middle as a sign of community and sharing, and since it is not overly energetic (hence the jibes), old and young can join in equally.

The main event in a traditional Catalan festival is usually a parade, either promenading behind a revered holy image (as on saints’ days or at Easter) or a more celebratory costumed affair that’s the centrepiece of a neighbourhood festival. At the main Eulàlia (Feb), Gràcia (Aug) and Mercè (Sept) festivals, and others, you’ll encounter parades of gegants, five-metre-high giants with papier-mâché heads based on historical or traditional figures. Also typically Catalan is the correfoc (“fire-running”), where brigades of drummers, dragons and devils with spark-shooting flares fitted to pitchforks cavort in the streets. Perhaps most peculiar of all are the castellers, the human tower-builders who draw crowds at every traditional festival, piling person upon person, feet on shoulders, to see who can construct the highest, most aesthetically pleasing tower (ten human storeys is the record).

Is it an apartment building or a work of art? Both, when the building in question – the undulating Pedrera , or “Stone Quarry” – is designed by Antoni Gaudí.

© Loredana Bitculescu/Shutterstock

Barcelona has a golden seafront, with 5km of sandy beaches stretching from Barceloneta to Diagonal Mar.

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Hopping from bar to bar, sampling the specialities , is the best way to experience some of Barcelona’s finest food.

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The magnificent Camp Nou stadium is the home of FC Barcelona, one of the world’s premier sides, with a cabinet full of trophies to prove it.

© Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock

The adventurous Fundació Joan Miró celebrates the work of one of the greatest Catalan artists.

Marvel at the soaring spaces in one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in Spain.

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Explore the art, sculpture and furniture of modernista Barcelona in this wonderful collection of paintings and artefacts .

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Scale the heights of Mount Tibidabo for fantastic views and a wonderful amusement park.

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The “ House of Bones ” is another modernista masterwork by Antoni Gaudí.

© Dunaeva Natalia/Shutterstock

The city’s best-known market presents an extraordinary range of fresh produce.

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The National Museum of Art celebrates the grandeur of Romanesque and Gothic art, two periods in which Catalan artists were pre-eminent in Spain.

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A stroll down Barcelona’s famous thoroughfare is a must for both tourists and locals alike.

The city’s most extraordinary park is a fantasy land born of Antoni Gaudí’s fertile imagination.

© VLADYSLAV DANILIN/Shutterstock

Trace the genesis of the artist’s genius in the city that Picasso liked to call home .

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The temple dedicated to the Sacred Family is the essential pilgrimage for Gaudí fans .

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Cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions are at home in El Raval’s signature building .

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updated 05.06.2024

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