20 Best Things to Do in Barcelona (Spain)
Located between the mountains and the sea, this vibrant city is the capital of Catalonia. Tourists flock from all over the world to famous landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia amongst others designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. From Gaudi to Messi, beaches to churches, fine art to iconic parks, siestas to delicious tapas; Barcelona has something to offer everyone. So to help you navigate your way through one of Europe’s finest cities, I’ve put together a guide to the top 20 best things to do in Barcelona.
My first thoughts when I landed in Barcelona; it was loud, crowded, and full of life and I was so attracted to all of that. It reminded me a lot of New York City. It’s one of Spain’s (and Europe’s) most iconic cities. It’s such a great place to experience Catalan culture and some of the most beautiful architecture, culture, and gastronomy. One of the best ways to experience Barcelona is to wander aimlessly as you stumble upon cute streets with tapas bars and cafes or small little squares that have an abundance of lively performers. There’s indeed a surprise at every corner.
So, what are the top Barcelona attractions and places to visit in Barcelona? Stick around to find out. I’ve curated a list of the 20 best things to do in Barcelona to help you plan your perfect trip and make the most of your time exploring this vibrant city.
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Know Before You Go
- Barcelona is a great city but pickpocketing and bag snatching are an issue here. So, stay alert when you are walking through the city, especially when on public transport. It’s easy to get lost in a moment of being wowed by a tourist attraction but try to be cautious at all times.
- Catalán is the main language spoken in Barcelona however most people know Spanish too.
- Spanish mealtimes are a bit different. Lunch is available anytime between 2 pm and 3.30 pm (anything before that is too early for the Spaniards). In fact, a lot of restaurants only open between 1 and 1.30 pm which means they’ll only start serving you much after that.
- Dinner is usually any time after 8.30/9 pm which is when most of the restaurants start to open. In fact, the later the better. Spaniards are not known to be early eaters. If you are looking for a snack prior to dinner, you’ll find a few cafes and pastelarias that are open in the evenings where you can have a snack before dinner.
- The climate in Barcelona is lovely. The best time to visit is between May and October, but bear in mind summer is also the peak tourist season. So, you can expect crowds everywhere. If you aren’t a fan of huge crowds and high temperatures, I’d suggest you look to visit at a different time of the year.
Getting Around Barcelona
Barcelona has a great public transportation network. You can get to any of the destinations listed below using the metro, buses, or trams. Taxis can be expensive but if you find you need to get to some of the out-of-the-city destinations like Park Güell, it may be well worth it. Otherwise, walking is the best way to get around the city center.
Metro is a convenient way to get to some of those out-of-the-way attractions. You can buy individual journeys or a multi-person ticket. Click here to find out more
Best Neighbourhoods in Barcelona
Barcelona is separated into a number of neighborhoods each offering its own unique charm. The best place to stay in Barcelona if you want to be in the heart of the city is Barri Gòtic or Eixample. However, with the efficient metro system, even if you are a bit further away, getting into the city wouldn’t be much of a problem at all.
Eixample: This neighborhood is a bit more modern and upscale. You’ll find high-end stores and luxury hotels here along with Gaudi’s famous landmarks such as Casa Mila, Casa Batlló and Sagrada Familia. This is one of the best areas in Barcelona to stay.
Barri Gòtic: This area is the heart of Barcelona also known as the Gothic Quarter. This is the oldest part of the city where you’ll find the famous Las Ramblas Street, La Boqueria, and Barcelona Cathedral. It is considered one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona.
Gràcia: This quiet neighborhood is largely residential with young families and locals. You’ll find the famous Park Güell located here.
Montjuic: One of the quieter neighborhoods in Barcelona, this gives you a great insight into the way the locals live. You can take a cable car up to the top of the mountain where you’ll find amazing views of the city.
Read more on where to stay in Barcelona here.
How long do you need in Barcelona?
With so much to see and do in Barcelona, you’ll need at least 3 or 4 days. Of course, you could see the highlights of the city in less than that, but Barcelona is one of those places you definitely want to spend a good amount of time in. With some of the best things to do in Barcelona, from Sagrada Familia to Park Güell, you’ll do yourself a disservice if you don’t allow enough time to explore what the city has to offer.
Whether you are visiting for one day or 5, this guide will give you a list of top attractions to choose from. And if you are short on time and only visiting for a few days, then read my guide on 3 days in Barcelona to see how you can fit some of the best things to do in Barcelona into a short trip.
20 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
This Barcelona travel guide highlights the best things to do in Barcelona starting with some of the city’s unmissable attractions. If you have a limited number of days and want to ensure you cover the main attractions, then check out my guide to 3 days in Barcelona. It covers the city’s main highlights.
1. Sagrada Familia
This is the city’s main tourist attraction and in my opinion one of the best things to do in Barcelona. The magnificent work of famous architect Antoni Gaudi will leave you speechless and is an attraction you must see in Barcelona.
The construction of this beautiful church began in 1882 and is yet to be completed. It is anticipated that the completion of this church will take place in 2026 (which will mark the 100-year death anniversary of Antoni Gaudi). Because Gaudi was a huge fan of nature, he designed the interior as though it were a huge forest. The columns look like trees with branches supporting the ceiling.
The outside of the church looks somewhat like a sandcastle but when you walk in, you’ll be mesmerized by the color and grandeur of this masterpiece. Natural light plays such an important part in showcasing the interior of the cathedral. A good time to visit is late in the afternoon or closer to sunset (check sunset times before booking tickets) as you’ll see the light flowing in through the stained-glass windows. This is when the basilica is at its finest.
Sagrada Família is the most unique church I have visited and if you are into architecture or Gaudi’s work, then you shouldn’t miss this Barcelona attraction. I would highly recommend you do not leave this off your list as it’s one of the best places to visit in Barcelona.
“The work of man should never surpass that of God.” – Hence the height of the basilica at 172.5m is just short of Mount Montjuic
TIP: Given the popularity of Sagrada Familia, I would highly recommend booking tickets online well in advance of your arrival in Barcelona. You can pick a time slot and it’s a bit cheaper to purchase tickets online. If you choose to buy tickets on the day, be prepared to stand in long lines. There is a possibility you could be disappointed when you get to the counter as the tickets sell out pretty quickly. Pay a bit more and get the audio guide, especially if you are not joining a tour. It is so worth it and takes you through all the elements of the basilica. With prebooked tickets, a visit here could last about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how much you want to take it.
If you are short on time and want the hassle of buying tickets and waiting in line taken away from you, you can book a combined tour for La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell which allows you to fast-track and skip the lines..
2. Plaza De Cataluna
This large square in the center of Barcelona is a good starting point to visit the city’s sites. There are thousands of pigeons in this square, so best to stay clear of them if you don’t want to get pooped on!
3. Las Ramblas
This pedestrian-only street is the most famous in Barcelona and is filled with tourists, shops, street vendors, restaurants, and cafes. It gets pretty packed but it’s one of those touristy things you must do when visiting Barcelona. If you continue down Las Ramblas, you’ll hit the Columbus monument.
Tip: You’ll have waiters waiving menus in your face as you walk down the street, don’t get tricked into eating here. The food can often be overpriced and not all that authentic given they cater to so many tourists. Las Ramblas is a popular place for pickpocketing so just take extra caution and be sure to keep your belongings close to you.
4. La Boqueria Market
This large indoor market is located on Las Ramblas Street. It is filled with colorful displays of fruit and vegetables, chocolates, pastries, and cheeses amongst many other things. Shoppers visit this market from all across Catalonia for its special produce. This bustling market is the perfect place to grab some lunch while you are on the go. You can grab a drink and some tapas at one of the many tapas restaurants located in the market. Check out some of the local Spanish produce that you can purchase to snack on later.
You can also book this tour that takes you around the market and takes you to the most authentic tapas bars where you can appreciate the best culinary tapas that this city has to offer.
5. Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia also known as Barcelona Cathedral is well worth the trip. The architecture inside and the views from the top are quite something. The roof of this Gothic structure is notable for its gargoyles. You’ll find thousands of tourists waiting to take a picture outside this beautiful cathedral. If you are looking for things to do in Barcelona at night, walk past the Cathedral to see it all lit up. Tickets to the Cathedral including access to the rooftop can be found here.
6. Park Güell
This colorful and whimsical park is one of Gaudi’s most imaginative works of art and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is full of gardens, mosaics, gingerbread houses, and other intricate elements that make it so fascinating. Most of the park is free to enter and walk around, however, if you want to see some of Gaudi’s creative work, be sure to buy tickets to see the Monumental Core. The famous terrace provides spectacular views of the city. Walking around this park is one of the best free things to do in Barcelona.
There are many picnic areas around the park, so pack some snacks for when you need to take a break. Within the park, you’ll also find Casa Museu Gaudi (Gaudi’s House Museum), where Gaudi lived for almost two decades. You’ll see exactly why this park is filled with so many tourists making it one of the best things to do in Barcelona.
Tip: Like all the other Gaudi sites in Barcelona, it’s best to buy tickets in advance to avoid standing in long lines. You can pick a specific time slot and you have to be present for entry to the monumental core at the time specified on your ticket. You can walk around the rest of the park before or after. Carry plenty of snacks and water as there aren’t a lot of food options within the park itself. Be mindful of pickpockets around the park and also street vendors trying to sell you souvenirs. This Park is a bit of a trek from the city but you’ll find it so rewarding. You can walk around Gracía’s neighborhood after exploring the park.
Note
La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are two of Barcelona’s top tourist attractions, so you’ll spend quite a bit of time moving through crowds and marveling at the beauty they have to offer.
7. Casa Mila
La Pedrera, also known as Casa Mila, is located within a few minutes of Casa Batlló. The building has a unique limestone façade and a constant curve. It is famous for its rooftop terrace so if you do go inside be sure to get up there. Not as popular as Casa Batlló and you could skip the visit inside.
8. Casa Batlló
Another one of Gaudi’s amazing creations, Casa Batló, is located in the center of Barcelona. The colorful building has a variety of shapes along with irregular oval windows. Much of it is decorated with colorful mosaics made of broken ceramic tiles. Great to have a look from the outside but if you have spare time and are not on a budget, it’s worth paying to enter the house. Tickets with an audioguide can be found here.
9. Barri Gothic
Barri Gothic also known as the Gothic Quarter, is Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood. It takes you back in time with its winding alleyways and cobblestone streets. You almost forget you are walking through a big city. It’s easy to spend hours getting lost amongst the small boutiques or cafes in this area. There are two beautiful churches you can visit in this area, Barcelona Cathedral and Santa Maria Del Mar.
10. La Barceloneta
Right next to the port, you’ll find the old fishing village of La Barceloneta. You’ll find many of the locals and tourists come here to sunbathe, surf, and even grab a meal at one of the local restaurants.
The famous Barceloneta Beach is found in this neighborhood. The beach has great facilities including restrooms, showers, change rooms, chair, and umbrella rentals, and snack stations, and makes for the perfect place to spend the day. This is one of the best things to do in Barcelona for families.
Lunch
If you are looking for somewhere close and local to grab a bite, check out Montolio Can Maño. It’s a small family-run restaurant and there’s often a queue to get it, but it’s so worthwhile if you are looking for some fresh seafood.
11. Montjuic Hill
You could easily spend a few hours at Montjuic Hill. Here you’ll find the famous Montjuic Castle, once a fortress and prison, this is now a municipal building providing spectacular views of the city. You can ride the cable car up which takes you directly to the castle. Alternatively, you can take the regular bus up there too. You’ll also find the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (National Art Museum of Catalonia) which has an exceptional collection of Catalan Art.
The Montjuic Fountain Show takes place several nights a week. With its choreographed light and fountain shows, it’s one of the top things to do in Barcelona and a great way to finish your trip to this amazing city. Click here for a schedule of the show.
12. Camp Nou
There’s no better way to experience Camp Nou than being able to buy tickets and watch a game while you are in Barcelona. But if your travel dates don’t align with any games, then you can still do an amazing tour around the stadium. The Camp Nou Experience provides access to the largest stadium in Europe, the museum, and the multimedia audio guide. You can experience the greatest moments of FC Barcelona. This is one of the top attractions in Barcelona, so book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
13. Tapas
Tapas are small plates of food usually had as a snack with drinks. There are plenty of tapas restaurants in Barcelona. Head to a local favorite for a bite of some delicious bite-sized goodness; chorizo, squid, peppers, olives, and patatas bravas amongst many others.
14. Parc De La Ciutadella
Within walking distance to La Barceloneta, you’ll find Parc de la Ciutadella. It’s best to start day 3 at Parc de la Ciutadella. Here you’ll find beautiful fountains, animals, lush palm trees an art museum, a greenhouse, and the Catalan Parliament. While you are here, don’t miss Barcelona’s own Arc de Triomf. This giant arch was the main gate access for the 1888 World’s Fair.
15. Spend a Day at the Beachside Town of Sitges
This small quaint town is within easy reach of Barcelona. You can leave your car in the parking lot for the day and walk through the town or simply spend the day on the beach. Sitges is renowned for its LGBT-friendly atmosphere as well as its world-famous horror film festival. Thanks to its glitzy beach crowd and lively nightlife, Sitges has been described as the Saint-Tropez of Spain.
Note: Parking Garages are very expensive in Sitges.
16. Enjoy an Authentic Paella
It’s no secret when you visit Spain, you’ll also probably eat your way through the country. Farmers and laborers would originally enjoy this humble dish. Traditional paella recipes are made with Valencian rice, saffron, green beans, and a mixture of chicken and rabbit (not seafood as you find these days)
Find a restaurant that’s not touristy. It’s more likely you’ll have an authentic paella experience. Restaurant Cheriff serves some delicious seafood Paella.
17. A Day in Montserrat
Montserrat translates to ‘saw mountain’ which is an accurate description for the jagged saw-like, multi-peak mountain range. Visiting Montserrat is one of the popular day trips from Barcelona. It’s easy to get to and the views from the monastery are spectacular. Read more in this guide on a day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat. You can also find day tours from Barcelona to Montserrat.
18. Placa D’Espanya
At this lovely square, you’ll find many of the main streets in Barcelona, such as Gran Via and Paral.lel intersecting. This is one of the biggest squares and while you won’t spend a lot of time in the square itself, you’ll pass by to visit many of the attractions including Montjuic and Palau Nacional Art de Catalunya, (MNAC).
19. Take a Day Trip to Girona
If you are a history buff and are looking for gorgeous architecture, then you’ll love Girona. Girona has centuries of history to offer. With medieval walls and narrow winding streets, Girona is a beautiful place to visit. In recent times it has become very popular due to the filming of The Game of Thrones Season 6. It’s easy to get from Barcelona to Girona via train, alternatively, you can take one of these tours for a hassle-free experience. A number of the tours will include Girona and Costa Brava as part of the day trip experience.
20. Tibidabo
This mountain overlooks the beautiful city of Barcelona and is home to Sagrat Cor church and an amusement park. It’s an expedition to get up to Mount Tibidabo but truly one of the best places to visit in Barcelona. Once you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Barcelona city. Make sure you stop by the amusement park especially if you are traveling with kids.
You can get to Tibidabo by a funicular railway, by bus, and by car. You can find details on how to get to Tibidabo here.
If you are only in Barcelona for a few days and are looking to optimize your time in the city, you can book one of these tours which will take you around the city.
Final Thoughts
This guide highlights the 20 best things to do in Barcelona including the top places to visit in Barcelona. These Barcelona attractions shouldn’t be missed when visiting this amazing city. Best of all this Barcelona guide is suited to everyone, whether you are traveling solo, traveling as a couple, or if you are looking for things to do in Barcelona with kids. So start planning your trip because you’ll be awe-struck once you visit some of these attractions.
Happy Travels!
Where to stay in Barcelona?
You can read our guide on the best neighborhoods in Barcelona to find an area that suits your holiday.
- H10 Madison 4* Sup (Gothic Quarter)
- Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal
- Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel
- W Barcelona (La Barcelonetta)
- Sofitel Barcelona Skipper
- Ohla Barcelona
- Catalonia Ramblas
- Hotel Arts Barcelona (La Barcelonetta)
20 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
- SAGRADA FAMILIA
- PLAZA DE CATALUNA
- LAS RAMBLAS
- LA BOQUERIA MARKET
- BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
- PARK GÜELL
- CASA MILA
- CASA BALLTO
- BARRI GOTHIC
- LA BARCELONETA
- MONTJUIC HILL
- CAMP NOU
- TAPAS
- PARC DE LA CIUTADELLA
- SPEND A DAY AT THE BEACHSIDE TOWN OF SITGES
- ENJOY AN AUTHENTIC PAELLA
- A DAY IN MONTSERRAT
- PLAÇA D’ESPANYA
- TAKE A DAY TRIP TO GIRONA
- TIBIDABO
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before your trip as things tend to change from time to time.
Planning a trip to Spain? We’d love to help!
Here are our some of our other Spain travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip.
- Top 26 Tourist Attractions in Spain
- Where To Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona
- A Day Trip from Barcelona to Montserrat
- 3 Days in Barcelona: The Ultimate Itinerary
