15 Best Things to Do in Barcelona (Spain)
Capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second city, Barcelona is utterly incomparable. It’s one of a few must-see cities with its own identity. This is partly down to a generation of early-20th-century artists and architects, like Antoni Gaudí, whose unforgettable buildings are like nothing you’ll see anywhere else.
Tip – Get the Hola BCN Transport Card for unlimited access to the transportation network – A great way to meet like-minded travelers is the Backpacker Pub Crawl
There’s something to delight everyone in Barcelona. If you’re a food lover then the city has a total of 20 Michelin stars, and if you want culture you’ve got an inexhaustible choice of beautiful buildings and events. Add to this clean urban beaches, world-class nightlife and so much great shopping you won’t know where to begin.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Barcelona:
1. Las Ramblas
Source: V_E / shutterstockLas Ramblas
Never mind that a lot of locals shun this sequence of promenades that runs from Plaça de Catalunya down to the Columbus Monument at the waterfront.
If you’re a tourist it’s one of those things that you have to do.
In summer you’ll be under the shade of the tall plane trees and shuffling through the crowds that pass living statues, street performers, bird-sellers and flower stands.
Occasionally you’ll catch the whiff of waffles (gofres) being baked.
Once you get to the water you can keep going along the boards to visit the Maremagnum mall or Barcelona’s Aquarium.
2. Sagrada Família
Source: Valerie2000 / shutterstockSagrada Família
This is where to begin your adventure through Barcelona and the dreamlike works of Antoni Gaudí.
His minor basilica is a project of incredible scale and ambition that is still only around three quarters complete more than a 140 years after Gaudí first became involved.
When its spires are finished it will be the tallest church building in the world, and hardly resembles any religious structure you’ll have seen in your life.
The Sagrada Família combines several architectural styles including Catalan Modernism, Art Nouveau and Spanish Late-Gothic, but Gaudí’s masterpiece defies these kinds of definitions when you look up open-mouthed at the ceiling of the nave.
Get a Skip-the-Line ticket for fast track entrance: Sagrada Familia Skip-the-Line
3. Casa Batlló
Source: Luciano Mortula – LGM / shutterstockCasa Batlló
Another of Antoni Gaudí’s most postcard-friendly creations, this apartment block wasn’t created from scratch but was a remodel undertaken at the turn of the 20th century.
You won’t need to have visited Barcelona to recognise the building’s roof, the tiles of which are the scales of a great dragon.
Like all of his work the inside and outside of Casa Batlló has that sinuous quality, with few straight lines, and dazzling attention to detail.
Take the mushroom-shaped fireplace on the noble floor, which like a cosy grotto was designed for couples to warm up in winter.
Available tour: Casa Batlló Ticket and Video Guide
4. Casa Milà
Source: Distinctive Shots / shutterstockCasa Milà
Also known as La Pedrera, as the front of the building looks a bit like the face of a quarry, Casa Milà was completed in 1912 and is another emblematic Gaudí building.
It’s one of several of Catalan modernist works to be UNESCO listed and was the fourth and final Gaudí building on Passeig de Gràcia.
Architects will appreciate the contemporary innovations here, including the self-supporting stone facade and underground car park.
It was designed for the industrialist Pere Milà i Camps to be his family home, with apartments for rent on the upper floors.
The coherence between the design of the building and Casa Milà’s furnishings is a real joy to see, and it’s all from a time when Gaudí was at the top of his game.
Available tour: Casa Milà Skip-The Line Audio Guide Tour
5. City Beaches
Source: Kert / shutterstockBarcelona Beach
Barcelona’s beachfront boardwalk stretches for miles. It will take a good hour to get from Barceloneta to Diagonal Mar on foot, but it’s a walk that really helps you understand the city.
The westernmost beaches like Sant Sebastià are busier and more touristy, but are backed by Barceloneta’s tight lattice of trendy shops and bars with terraces and outdoor seating.
As you move along the waterfront after the Olympic Port you’ll find a bit more room and more Barcelona locals.
Finally, just up from Platja de Llevant is the massive and new Diagonal Mar mall, revitalising a former industrial part of the city.
6. La Boqueria
Source: John Gress Media Inc / shutterstockLa Boqueria
This is an iconic sight and educational experience in one. There’s been a Boqueria market in Barcelona since medieval times, though this exact spot has only witnessed trade for about 200 years.
That elegant and distinctive iron and glass roof you’ll see was put up in 1914.
Whether you want to do some food shopping or just take in the sights and sounds of a bustling urban market it’s a real eye-opener.
It’s a grid of permanent stalls selling fruits, vegetables, cold meats, cheese as well as olive products.
The whole market converges on an oval plan of fishmongers in the centre.
Cool off with a beer and a tapa at one of the market’s bars.
7. Camp Nou
Source: BearFotos / shutterstockCamp Nou
In the western Les Corts neighbourhood is the 99,000-seater stadium that has been the home ground of FC Barcelona since 1957.
It’s one of Europe’s football cathedrals and even if you have no affinity for the team you have to visit Camp Nou to appreciate the dizzying scale of the arena.
And if you are a fan you’ll be in heaven, touring the stadium and browsing the memorabilia of one of the world’s most prestigious teams at the museum.
The stadium tour is unavailable on or just before match days so keep an eye on the calendar.
Available tour: Camp Nou Experience: F.C. Barcelona Museum and Tour
8. Park Güell
Source: Georgios Tsichlis / shutterstockPark Güell
Round off your Gaudí experience with a trip to this garden complex on Carmel Hill.
Many make the trip to this part of Gràcia for those gorgeous panoramas over Barcelona from the park’s main terrace.
You’ll have seen these serpentine benches and their mosaics on postcards and in movies.
Elsewhere there are colonnades, fountains and sculptures, all in the architect’s distinctive style.
If you still haven’t had enough Gaudí you can enter his House-Museum, where he lived from 1906 to 1926, with furniture and decorative items designed by him on display.
9. Barcelona City History Museum
Source: puyalroyo / shutterstockBarcelona City History Museum
The History Museum preserves a few Roman sites across the Gothic Quarter, such as the temple of Augustus and the Funeral Way on Plaça de la Vila de Madrid. But Plaça del Rei is where you can see Barcelona’s ancient history in detailed layers.
You’ll take a lift down to where the remnants of a garum factory, laundries, dyeing shops and parts of ancient Barcino’s walls are all visible.
The site is large, covering 4,000 square metres, which you’ll explore via elevated walkways.
As you rise through the museum building you’ll step forward through time and enter the vaults of the Palau Reial Major, seat of the medieval Dukes of Barcelona.
10. Montjuïc
Source: Neirfy / shutterstockMontjuïc
This city district was developed for the 1929 International Exhibition and features several high-profile museums including the National Museum of Catalan Art, the Museum of Archaeology and the Ethnology Museum.
Of those the art museum is particularly recommended, and the views of the city from its steps are stunning.
Below this, and also built for the exhibition was the Magic Fountain, which puts on light and music shows ever half-hour on the weekends. This is best seen at night of course.
At the very top of the hill is the 17th-century fortress, which saw action in the Catalan Revolt in the 1600s as well as during the Civil War in the late-1930s, after which it was a prison.
11. Fundació Joan Miró
Source: alionabirukova / shutterstockFundació Joan Miró
Just like Gaudí, Joan Miró was a quintessentially Catalonian artist, and a visit to his museum will give you a more vivid picture of Barcelona’s spirit and style.
The Fundació Joan Miró was set up by the artist in the 60s to encourage contemporary art in Barcelona, and Miró worked closely with the architect Josep Lluís Sert on the museum building’s design.
This means there’s a harmony between the venue and the work inside it that you won’t find very often.
Within there’s a large collection of the artist’s work, including sculptures, drawing and paintings.
There are also temporary exhibitions of 20th and 21st century art, and all sorts of collaborative and educational projects going on.
12. Gràcia
Source: BearFotos / shutterstockGràcia
If you wonder what life is like in the small towns of Catalonia then a visit to Gràcia is a way to find out.
This area wasn’t even part of Barcelona until the 20th century, and thanks to its layout of tapered streets and little squares, feels like a different place.
It’s a young, stylish and cosmopolitan area with students and artists, so there’s a multitude of bars, cafes and independent shops to be found.
If you come to Gràcia during the Festa Major in August the area is transformed as the residents come together to decorate individual streets in imaginative ways to be the best in the neighbourhood.
13. Palau de la Música Catalana
Source: Christian Bertrand / shutterstockPalau de la Música Catalana
This turn-of-the-century concert hall is yet another piece of Barcelona’s UNESCO-listed heritage.
It was built by Gaudí’s contemporary, Lluís Domènech i Montaner for the Orfeó Català, a Barcelona choral society.
This was at a time when investment and commissions by wealthy Catalan industrialists were helping a generation of artists and designers to create a new sense of Catalan identity.
The hall is a sublime venue for opera, symphonies and folk music, so have a look at the schedule when you plan your trip.
14. Plaça de Catalunya
Source: Marianna Ianovska / shutterstockPlaça de Catalunya
This is the best meeting point in the city. It’s right at the bottom of the posh Passeig de Gràcia and at the top of Las Ramblas.
If you’re waiting for friends in the evening for a meal or getting ready for a shopping expedition by day nowhere in the Ciutat Vella or Eixample will be more than a few minutes on foot from this grand square.
Barcelona’s flagship branch of El Corte Inglés is right here, and if you’re new to the city and want to get oriented you could go inside to pick up a map.
15. Eating in Barcelona
Source: Mariano Grinovero ph / shutterstockPintxos
International food is superb in Barcelona, especially when it comes to Japaese-style noodle bars, which have become popular in the last 10 years.
Another trend is pintxos, Basque-style bar snacks in which delicious things like croquettes and fish are served on a piece of bread held together with a toothpick (pincho).
For a typically Catalan snack there’s Pa amb tomàquet, rustic bread covered in a mix of tomato pulp and oil. This often serves as a base for sandwiches or bocatas.
For a main course here on the coast nothing beats arròs negre, rice simmered with cuttlefish or squid, followed by rich crema catalana for dessert.
Have a look at the available food tours in Barcelona.
Tip: Have a look at the tours offered by Barcelona City Tellers, they even offer a free walking tour! A great way to start off your visit as you’ll learn more about the city and will get lots of tips on which things to do and avoid during your stay.
Top 20 Things To Do in Barcelona in 2023
Think you know everything there is to do in Barcelona? Think again. The city has a lot of well-known stuff going for it: Great food, lots of sunshine, happy locals, and fabulous beaches. That’s why so many people visit the city each year. But there are loads more things to do waiting to be discovered. Put together by our local guides, here are the top things to do in Barcelona.
Pro Tip: Planning your trip to Barcelona? It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our Barcelona Guide for more planning resources, our top Barcelona tours for a memorable trip, and how to see Barcelona in a day.
20 Best Things To See and Do While Visiting Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the top most visited cities in Europe and it’s not hard to see why. This multifaceted city combines the best of a warm seaside destination on the Mediterranean with a metropolitan city bursting with history and contemporary culture.
You may already know to see the city’s iconic megamonument, La Sagrada Familia, but what else is there to do? In this guide discover the top things to do in Barcelona, from more of Gaudí’s work to ancient Roman architecture, a Gothic cathedral, a mountain-top monastery, a historic food market, and iconic green spaces.
Barcelona in a Day: Hidden Gems & Top Attractions
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20. Enjoy Some Culture at Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Art lovers, this is for you. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is by far the most comprehensive museum in Barcelona with art from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, all the way up to the Modern.
There’s even photography. Your museum ticket not only gains you entry to the museum, but also the rooftop viewpoint.
The museum is located on Montjuïc, which is a large hilltop green space and viewpoint in Barcelona in the historic Palau Nacional. This makes the visit all the better because you can explore the whole area, including the Montjuïc Castle and Botanical Gardens.
Address: Palau Nacional | Admission Cost: €12
19. Eat a Local Delicacy—Calçots
A very popular local dish you’ll find all over Barcelona is pà amb tomàquet. It’s tomato rubbed on bread with olive oil. In my opinion, it’s not very exciting and Italian bruschetta puts it to shame. Calçots, on the other hand, are very good and that’s what I recommend you try.
Calçots (specially grown long white onions) are a seasonal crop harvested only from the late fall to early springtime. For this reason, you can’t get them year-round. This typical Catalonian dish is one of the most enjoyable culinary experiences—partly because you can get messy when you eat them!
Grilled directly over flames, the outsides of the onions are charred almost completely black and to eat them you must pull this crusty layer of the carbonized onion off.
Then, you get to the smokey soft tasty onion beneath and smother it in a lovely special Romesco-like sauce. For other local delicacies, check out the top foods to try in Barcelona.
18. Explore More of the City by e-Bike
Barcelona is quite a large city, but it’s generally flat, which makes it perfect for a bike tour. There’s nothing quite like getting up close and personal with this multifaceted city on an electric bike.
You’ll get to enjoy top sights like La Sagrada Familia and architectural gems like Gaudi’s Casa Batlló along with the vibrant street life, historic neighborhoods, and beachfront views.
It’s a cool way to see Barcelona and get some exercise. That said, we’ve partnered with locals who run electric bike tours so you don’t need to be a regular cyclist to enjoy these tours.
Book your Barcelona Bike Tour
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Barcelona tours to take and why.
17. Take a Selfie with El Gato de Botero
El Gato de Botero is a very fun and cute statue of a cat by an artist named Fernando Botero.
The larger-than-life statue is located in the El Raval neighborhood of Barcelona and is a local icon.
If you had to choose between this cat and Park Güell, I would recommend Park Güell. That said, it’s a cool piece of local art and something you should definitely pass by if you’re in El Raval.
Address: Rambla del Raval
16. Pour One Out for Hemmingway at Bar Marsella
Every historic city has a historic bar and in Barcelona, it’s Bar Marsella. Now, historic bars all have one thing in common—Ernest Hemingway drank there. Bar Marsella does a little better than just Hemingway, Picasso drank there too.
Located in the El Raval district just a few blocks south of la Rambla, it’s a pretty unassuming bar which is likely why Hemingway frequented it. It may not be Barcelona’s top attraction, but it’s a good excuse to stop for a drink. This bar is also known for absinthe if you’re feeling wild.
Address: Carrer de Sant Pau, 65
15.
Tantalise Your Tastebuds with Escalivada
Something that’s often taken for granted in many countries is roasted vegetables. They can be incredibly flavorful and ordering them should be mandatory at every meal, which brings me to escalivada.
Escalivada is a typical Catalonian dish that locals often agree on while ordering tapas. Carefully roasted peppers, eggplant, and onions are sliced finely and placed on a large plate. There’s plenty of fresh olive oil and, in some cases, a touch of fresh garlic for kick.
Vegetarians will love this dish because it combines rich flavors and smoky hints from roasting them over coal. All the peels are carefully removed so that you don’t have to eat bits of charred vegetable skins. Check out the best places to get tapas in Barcelona.
14. Go Winetasting in Catalonian Vineyards
Spain is known for its wine and Barcelona is not far from Spain’s most beautiful vineyard. I highly recommend setting a day aside to venture off into the countryside to visit a vineyard.
Some of the most popular varietals from the area are Alella, Conca de Barberà, Montsant, Penedès, and Priorat.
13. Find the Roman Funeral Way in the Middle of the City
If you don’t stop and look over the glass railings, you could walk right past the ancient Roman funeral way right in the middle of the city. The MUHBA Via Sepulcral Romana is a short stretch of preserved Roman road with a number of funeral monuments and grave markers running on either side of it.
According to the official website, the site was in use from the first to the third centuries A.D. You won’t be here long, but it’s an interesting detour on your way to explore the Gothic Quarter. It’s also a cool reminder of the city’s ancient roots.
Address: Pl. de la Vila de Madrid
Hidden Gems of Barcelona: Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
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12. Get Lost in the Maze at Parc del Laberint d’Horta
This park has a real labyrinth, which I personally think is mega-cool.
It’s also not easy to complete even though there appear to be no dead-ends. Eventually, you will get out, but you’ll have a good time getting lost for a bit in a beautiful place. Unlike many mazes, the shrub walls are above head height, which makes it a cool experience.
This is perfect for anyone visiting Barcelona for the second time or anyone looking to do something out of the ordinary. It’s a lovely area and easily accessible via Barcelona’s metro system. It’s one of the coolest and most different things to do in Barcelona.
Address: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1
11. Try the Famous Jamón Iberico
Cured Iberian ham is well known around the world and for good reason. In my humble opinion, it is one of the tastiest things you can eat on the entire planet. There are many grades of Spanish cured ham, which can be confusing even for locals.
A general rule is that the more expensive it is the better the quality. I recommend that you head to one of the local markets like the famous Boqueria market to try jamón.
Buy it directly from cured ham and cheese stands.
More comfortable enjoying it in a nice restaurant or tapas bar? Check out the best restaurants in the Gothic Quarter. Then don’t forget to order a plate of the famous Catalan bread with tomato along with it!
10. Make the Pilgrimage To the Top of Tibidabo
Religious or not, any massive structure on top of a mountain is pretty cool. If you stand on the beach of Barcelona, get in a car, and drive west you will leave the city and abruptly be met by a beautiful green mountain. That mountain is known as Tibidabo, which is Spanish for a really big green mountain (that isn’t true at all).
What is true is that at the very top of Tibidabo is the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This impressive structure is a minor basilica and beautiful regardless of your religious background. The best way to visit is to take the funicular to the top. It’s really scenic and a cool experience you won’t soon forget
Fun Tip: There’s a Ferris wheel at the top—as if you needed to get even higher up.
If you’re not afraid of heights, enjoy the view. It’s definitely something to mentally prepare yourself to do. While not by any means the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, I have yet to see another at a higher altitude.
Address: Tibidabo Funicular
9. Enter Foodie Heaven at La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria is Barcelona’s premier covered market. It’s a massive place with tons of options inside and sure to impress any hungry traveler. You can go there to get high-quality jamón to go or go to try some seriously delicious street food.
If you’re looking for a fantastic foodie experience, it doesn’t get better than a Barcelona food tour. Join a local guide for an exploration of the city and the best local food and wine.
Address: La Rambla, 91
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Barcelona tours to take and why.
8. Visit the Green Heart of the City
Parc de la Ciutadella aka Citadel Park is Barcelona’s most central large green space and quite impressive as far as parks go.
It is located in Ciutat Vella north of the Barri Gotic.
The park, which is now a peaceful green space, has some rather violent origins. When Phillip V of Spain took over Barcelona and Catalonia in 1714, he built a fortress in its center and named it the Citadel.
The fortress was built to maintain control over the city of Barcelona and did so for some time. Today, it is mostly a peaceful green space, but in 2018 and 2019 it had to be closed for certain periods to stop riots.
Riots!? Yes, for the same reason it was built. Catalonia has been fighting for independence since its succession in 1714 and when there are protests they normally happen in this very park. Enjoy a walk in a beautiful place with a strong local history.
Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21
7. See Barcelona from the Mediterranean Sea
It would be a shame to come to Barcelona and not see it from the water. Seafood, sun, and sand are part of the experience, but there’s something special about taking a boat cruise in Barcelona.
After all, the city has many ports and the drinks flow!
When traveling to a warm seaside destination I tend to book some sort of boat excursion. Finding the best ones can be tough though, which is why we took the time to find the best captains with the highest-rated boat and sailboat tours. Check out our Barcelona boat cruises.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Barcelona tours to take and why.
6. Enter the Wacky World of Casa Batllò
From the outside, it looks like a massive iguana is trying to hide on a perfectly normal apartment building. From the rainbow colors to the textures of the roof, it is a work of art…and possibly hallucinogens. That is Casa Batllò in a nutshell.
It’s another architectural wonder by Antonio Gaudí. He renovated this structure that he and his family lived in until 1954, and it’s incredibly innovative in almost every way imaginable.
Inside, the vibrant colors and unique style make Casa Battlò one of Barcelona’s unique attractions for kids and adults to explore the museum inside.
It’s an interesting and sometimes wacky world to visit filled with unique details straight from the mind of Gaudí.
Address: Passeig de Gracia, 43
5. Eat Seafood Paella at Restaurante Barceloneta
As a well-known destination for foodies, Barcelona offers up some of the best paellas you can find in Spain. While Valencia is definitely the capital of Spanish paella, Barcelona is no slouch in the rice department.
The dish is prepared with the special bomba rice in Barcelona, which gives a local flair to a national treasure. It’s a combination of shellfish and seafood cooked together with a tomato sauce base. Those who aren’t fans of seafood need not despair—most restaurants specialize in meat and vegetable paella as well.
I highly recommend heading to Restaurante Barceloneta for the best paella in Barcelona. They offer an upscale dining experience and specialize in this delicious dish.
Address: Moll dels Pescador, Port Vell, Carrer de l’Escar, 22
Barcelona in a Day: Hidden Gems & Top Attractions
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4.
Relax in Gaudi’s Whimsical Park Güell
Park Güell, like much of Barcelona, is a colorful compilation of architecture and green spaces in the La Salut neighborhood of Barcelona. The park, one of Gaudi’s early works, is as colorful as it is architecturally rich. And, the views aren’t bad either.
The area was originally an unsuccessful housing complex brought to the city by Count Eusebi Güell. There were two houses built. The first was for Count Güell and the second was to be a model home of sorts. After no buyers made offers, Güell suggested Gaudi purchase it and he did in 1906.
There’s a lot to see in the area and it’s well worth the visit. Hopefully, you’ll get to meet the local flock of bright green Monk Parakeets. They’re loud, brightly colored, and friendly, not unlike Gaudi’s work.
Address: Park Guell
Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit Park Güell.
3. Plan Your Day Trip to Montserrat
Montserrat is an incredible mountain-top town just under an hour’s drive from Barcelona, which makes it one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona.
The area is a popular attraction for many reasons.
First, it’s on the side of a mountain with stunning views. Second, the Benedictine Monastery is almost 1,000 years old, which makes it a significant historical site. There’s quite a bit to see here and even some great trails for hikers. Check out what to see and do at Montserrat.
Location: Montserrat
Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to do a Montserrat day trip from Barcelona.
2. Marvel at The Barcelona Cathedral From Inside And Out
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, aka Barcelona Cathedral, is the principal Roman Catholic church of Barcelona. The cathedral was completed in 1448 after over 200 years of construction.
That said, the facade you see today was not built until the 19th century. The facade was relatively plain up until then but now is clearly neo-Gothic, which fits in nicely with the Barri Gotic neighborhood.
Like Paris, you’ll find many gargoyles on the roof of the cathedral as well as animals, including a unicorn! The structure is ornate and magnificent both inside and out, so definitely head inside if you have the time.
While you’re in the area, check out the beautiful Pont del Bisbe and other Gothic and ancient Roman architectural sights on Calle del Bisbe.
Address: Pla de la Seu
1. Tour La Sagrada Familia for the Best Experience
It may sound and feel a bit anti-climatic to finish with La Sagrada Familia but it is undoubtedly the number one attraction in Barcelona. Antonio Gaudi had his work cut out for him with this unique and iconic church. Definitely, this exquisite work of art is something to have on your radar when traveling to Barcelona.
If you’re going to visit Sagrada Familia, consider taking a guided small-group tour. The history behind this structure goes far beyond the surface. Passionate local guides will explain the many layers of meaning to this monument and why it has taken so long to construct. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a single detail in Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia.
Address: Carrer del Mallorca, 401
Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit La Sagrada Familia.
Where to buy clothes in Barcelona
Barcelona is a striking city that will appeal to art and history buffs as well as shopaholics. Already a few years ago, tourists have chosen this city as the best destination where you can combine business with pleasure. Travel agencies even organize special shopping tours for those who want to purposefully make the most profitable clothes purchases. If the purpose of your visit to the capital of Catalonia is not only to visit cultural and historical places, but also to buy brand new clothes, then you can combine 2 in 1 and go to one of the addresses listed below.
Everyone has a sober desire to make bargains, so there is nothing reprehensible in the fact that many people are looking for places with cheap branded clothing. Of course, finding cheap luxury brand items even in Barcelona will not be easy. But after all, many people prefer more “mundane” brands for every day like H&M, Mango, Zara, etc.
Then you should pay attention to these shopping centers:
- Shopping center “Maremagnum” – clothes in the middle price category from H&M, Mango are sold here.
- Shopping center “El Corte Ingles” – here you can find many shops with bright, original clothes for every day from Spanish manufacturers (locals prefer to buy here)
- Shopping center “Diagonal Mar” presents more famous and expensive brands.
Where are the lowest prices?
If you want to save as much as possible on your shopping, then the outlets with the lowest prices are for you. Namely, for the sake of visiting these outlets, most tourists come to Barcelona. They hold discounts all year round and can reach 60-70%, the range is more than wide, they are located quite well.
The only drawback is that you will have to spend a lot of time on high-quality shopping in order to go around all the shops and try on all the things you like.
La Roca Village
30-40 km from the city is the most famous outlet – La Roca Village, which opens its doors from 10 am to 9 pm. Such a village with hundreds of boutiques of a wide variety of brands.
You can get to it from Plaza Catalunya by bus for 12 euros.
Heron City Barcelona commercial center (pictured above) has brand outlets:
- Bershka
- Diesel
- Mango
- Funky Fish
- Levis
- Pull&Bear and many more.
In addition to outlets and shopping centers, cheap shopping is also possible on Portal de L’angel. Here you can find lesser-known brands (Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, Calzedonia), which, nevertheless, are not inferior in quality to more recognizable ones.
Best places to go for branded items
Shopping in Barcelona is quite convenient. Tourists do not have to wander around the city in search of certain boutiques, because right in the center of the city there is a shopping street, the so-called Barcelona Shopping Line, along which buses run. It starts from Las Ramblas and ends at La Diagonal. Its length is about 5 km.
Here you can buy clothes of various brands.
The Rambla de Catalunya is lined with iconic Spanish brands such as Custo and Desigual. The 100-meter Pelai street will delight young people, because it has many budget shops with youth brands.
If you are the type of person for whom a difference of a few tens of euros does not matter, then on Passeig de Gracia you can find a large selection of boutiques with items from the latest collections of brands such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Woman’s secret, Cartier, Luis Vuitton, Miss Sixty, etc.
In addition to the Passage de Gracia, La Diagonal street offers no less high-quality shopping from Versace, Gucci, Calvin Klein. One of the most prominent shopping centers is L’Illa, which houses famous brand stores. Even the most demanding shopaholic will be able to make an exclusive purchase in it. It should be borne in mind that the prices here will be noticeably higher than those in the outlets.
Shopping tips for tourists
Don’t forget about tax-free! Shop from 90 euros, leave Global Refund checks that will be issued to you in the store, do not unpack your purchases and return 15% at customs control.
If you are going to devote yourself to shopping, plan your day correctly. On Sunday it is better to relax with all the Spaniards. And on a weekday, you can go shopping from 9-30 in the morning. At lunch, again, together with all the Spaniards, arrange a rest for yourself until 17-00, and then you can shop with renewed vigor until late in the evening.
If you’re on the hunt for discounts, keep in mind that the winter sales run from January to March and the summer sales run from July to August. But you should not count on August, because the Spaniards are also people and they tend to relax, which they do in August. Therefore, most of the shops you will find closed.
Shopping in Barcelona – Best Places and My Outlet Tips
Do you want to do shopping in Barcelona and look for the best places? It is true that in terms of shopping Barcelona has become as attractive as Paris , London ou New York .
So, it’s nice to take advantage of the weekend visit Barcelona in 1 day be able to dedicate 1 full day of shopping !
Yes, but Barcelona is huge and has many shopping areas, many department stores, malls, small shops… That’s why it’s better to be well organized so as not to waste time looking for where to go to avoid the tourist traps. and not be in the wrong area.
So I will show you the best places to shop in Barcelona according to your tastes and your budget. Then I will share the addresses to find exceptional clothes. at low prices etc. good plans outlet in Barcelona !
To help you out, I took a short walking tour of the best places to shop in Barcelona . With google map you can follow with walker gps to save time!!!
Where to shop in Barcelona?
Before I give you my advice, here are the streets and areas that are known as commercial outlets in Barcelona:
- Avenue Portal de l’Angel,
- Passeig de Gracia,
- Rambla de Catalunya,
- Avinguda Diagonal,
- Plaza Catalunya,
- Carrer de Pelai,
- Plaza de la Reina Maria Cristina,
- Francesc Macia Square.
But knowing his websites is not enough to know where to go shopping in Barcelona according to your tastes and budget.
So, here are the best places in the city, depending on the type of shopping:
Where to go for luxury shopping in Barcelona?
Most of Barcelona’s luxury boutiques are located at Paseo de Gracia and all around at Carré d’Or ( the most beautiful area of Barcelona ). It is in this area that the largest fashion brands are concentrated (Chanel, Prada, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Marc Jacobs, etc.). But there are also clothing chains for any audience, such as Zara, Mango, Benetton or H&M.
It is in this beautiful area that the boutiques of great Spanish designers such as Antonio Miro, Toton Comella or Purificacion Garcia are located.
Barcelona shopping essentials
If you like big chains and stylish department stores, I took a walking tour of Barcelona’s iconic outlets .
These boutiques or department stores are emblematic of their popularity with shopaholics but also their selection, their size (often huge), their architecture and their aesthetics.
For example, among all the dozens of ZARA stores throughout Barcelona, I have listed you on my map. is the most beautiful of all . It is located in a magnificent building on Paseo de Gracia. Like Corte Inglès, let me point you to the biggest store in Barcelona, which is located in a historical monument in Plaza Catalunya (Portal de l’Angel)!
Also note that since 2016 the biggest Zara in the world is located in Barcelona. Indeed, this huge store of 3 square meters is located on Plaça Catalunya , in a majestic XNUMXs building.
Map of shopping streets on foot
In which subway should I shop?
The best way to make your shopping tour in Barcelona is to take metro and get off at LICEU .
So all you have to do is walk down Las Ramblas to Plaça Catalunya and follow my route on foot!
Where to go for cheap shopping in Barcelona?
If, like me, you don’t have a big budget but want to indulge in brands, here are my Barcelona tips.
Outlet Barcelona
Among the many outlets in the center of Barcelona, you will find below the ones that I recommend because they are the most interesting:
After all, even outside the sales period, you can find designer clothes at -40 or -50%!
In which subway to shop in the outlet?
To tour the best outlets in Barcelona, I advise you to take metro and get off at DIAGONAL . Indeed, there are several good outlets on Diagonal Avenue. You will then turn around on the Rambla de Catalunya to follow my route on foot!
Outlet near Barcelona
Here are two of my favorite shopping addresses a few kilometers from Barcelona, but they are easy to reach:
Viladecans The Style Outlets
Viladecans The Style Outlets is 20 minutes from Barcelona, 10 minutes from El Prat airport.
From Barcelona by public transport:
- Rodalies Renfe train: lines R2 and R2 Sud from Sants Estació
- By bus:
- or from the Spanish Steps: L80, L81, L86 and L87
- or from Piazza Reina M. Cristina: L97
Up to -70% discount throughout the year on major Spanish and international brands. See the list of brands represented in this outlet center: https://viladecans.thestyleoutlets.es/es/marcas
In addition, tourists can take advantage of an additional 15% discount (see their information point).
La Roca Village
Here I offer you a luxurious outlet village with prestigious and luxury brands just 45 minutes from Barcelona. This mall with over 100 stores offers clothing, cosmetics, leather goods and jewelry, as well as restaurants and bars.
In Roca Village, well-known fashion brands offer significant discounts all year round, in particular:
- Armani,
- Versace,
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Hilfiger,
- Polo Ralph Lauren Quenel. .. 0010
.. 0010 In addition, foreign tourists can request a tax refund, resulting in an even better price. The mall has clothing, cosmetics, footwear and jewelry stores, as well as restaurants, bars and a playground for the little ones.
How to get to Roca Village from Barcelona?
From Barcelona you can get to Roca Village by bus from Passeig de Gràcia (10 turns a day), Barcelona World Trade Center (2 times a day), Port de Barcelona (2 times a day). The return ticket costs 20 €.
To book tickets: Shopping Express Roca Village
Where is Primark located in Barcelona?
In Barcelona 2 Primark:
- Centro comercial L’IllaCalle
- Plaça Catalunya, 23
The one in the Plaza de la Catalogue, appeared recently. It is huge because it takes up 4 levels. Large selection at very low prices!
Hotel close to shops in Barcelona
It is not easy to choose a good hotel well located in the center of Barcelona for sightseeing and shopping on foot.