Place to visit barcelona: The 50 Best Attractions in Barcelona

28 of the Best Places to Visit in Barcelona

Barcelona is loved by many and thought of as the best city in Spain to visit. It’s no wonder, there are so many amazing places to visit in Barcelona that will take your breath away. We’ve been to Barcelona many times and realized that we never really shared our list of the best things to do in Barcelona, so we decided it’s about time!

While Paris may have the reputation of the “city of love”, many travelers will be pleasantly surprised by the romantic charms of Barcelona. The difference between Barcelona and Paris is that you don’t feel the need to run around and see every famous site. Walking around and enjoying the city’s energy is one of the best things to do in Barcelona.

Best Places to Visit in Barcelona

Table of Contents

This post was originally written by Illia and Nastia from crazzzytravel.com who shared their favorite romantic attractions in Barcelona. It has been rewritten by ThePlanetD with updated information and tours.

Looking for where to stay in Barcelona?

  • Hotel Mercer: Located in medieval Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) in the heart of Barcelona and the historic district near La Rambla. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
  • Majestic Hotel and Spa – Deluxe 5-star traditional hotel in, Eixample Neighborhood steps away from Gaudi monuments and La Rambla. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
  • Hotel Bagues – Located in El Reva,l La Rambla neighborhood, close to shopping areas, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house, the Cathedral and more. Booking.com / TripAdvisor
  • Read our Complete Guide of Where to Stay in Barcelona
Number 1 Money Saving Tip in Barcelona

Get your Go Barcelona Pass to save 40% on attractions and entrance fees. 2,3 and 5 day passes start at $99. There are so many perks including skip the line fast track entrances, and guided tours, on 30 popular Barcelona Attractions. Buy Now and Activate anytime in the next 24 months!

1. Sagrada Família

UNESCO World Heritage Site – Sagrada Família

You cannot mention Barcelona without including Gaudí’s famous unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. It is usually one of the first places to visit in Barcelona on anyone’s list! La Sagrada Família stands proud above the entire Barcelona skyline. He began construction on the massive cathedral in 1882. It is scheduled for completion in 2026 to commemorate 100 years since Gaudí died.

Antoni Gaudí was an architect who led the Art Nouveau style of the Catalan region of Spain. Gaudí’s works are so prevalent in Barcelona, you will explore many places where his architecture is on display. Seven of his designs have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city. You can read more about it at the complete works of Gaudí here.

  • Get your Skip The Line Tickets for Sagrada Familia in advance. Free/no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Book a walking tour of Barcelona to discover Gaudí

If you and your loved one are planning a romantic European holiday, then you should know that there are many romantic places to see in Barcelona for couples. But solo travelers will fall in love with Barcelona as well!

2. Park Güell

Our second choice for places to visit in Barcelona is a continuation of Gaudi architecture with a visit to Park Güell. This is a famous park that was also designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí. It’s one of Barcelona’s top attractions and a great place for couples to hide away from the touristic crowds, listen to street musicians, and kiss in the artificial caves. The place not to miss is a terrace with a spectacular view of the city.

  • The best way to explore Park Güell is to take a walking tour to learn about the life of Gaudi and of all the houses and architecture on display in the park.
  • Reserve now and pay later! – Book your skip the line tour of Park Güell with the guaranteed entrance. While exploring Park Güell be sure to go into the Gaudi House Museum to see how the architect lived his life.

3. Do a night tour of La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

Officially known as Casa Milà but called La Pedrera by the locals, this unique apartment block is another Gaudi design and a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona.

To spice up the romance, we decided to see it at night and had no regrets. The soft lighting at night made the experience much more intimate and the building was truly spectacular. To cap off our romantic evening we finished up with a glass of Pinot Noir on the roof terrace. You can book tours of La Predera ahead of time

4. Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is located along Passeig de Gràcia and this street is worth walking just for the row of houses that make it famous. This is a major thoroughfare of Barcelona and we stayed in the Majestic Hotel and Spa located on this street. There are several shops and restaurants, but it is Casa Batlló that is the star attraction. Another work by Gaudi, this townhouse was designed for the Battló family in the 19th century. If you look closely at the balconies, they look like skeletons. Get your entry ticket to Casa Battlo with an audio guide included.

5. Passeig de Gràcia

Speaking of Passeig de Gràcia, this is a major street in Barcelona that should not be missed. Not only does it contain many of Gaudi’s great works, it is the premier shopping street in Barcelona. The wide pedestrian sidewalk makes it easy to window shop where you’ll find the likes of Gucci, Prada, Dior and Dolce and Gabana. We stayed at Majestic Hotel and Spa on this street and it was amazing to walk out our door and be so close to everything.

6. Palau de La Música Catalana

Interior of Palau de la Música Catalana.

A tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana is a wonderful experience for its ornate interior. It looks like something that Gaudi would design, but he didn’t. It was in fact designed by architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Built between 1905 and 1908 it has that classic Catalan modernism feel.

Tours can be booked to see the interior of the Palau de la Música Catalana including the concert hall and its ornate glass ceiling, the stained glass windows, and colorful design. It is definitely worth going inside as it is very impressive and this was one of our favourite places to visit in Barcelona indeed.

7. Barcelona Opera House – The Gran Teatre del Liceu

Sticking with our music theme, a visit to the Barcelona Opera House is another interesting place to visit in Barcelona. It is one of the most popular opera houses in all of Europe. It opened in 1847 and has seen some of the greatest performers in history grace its stage. Domingo, Pavarotti, you name it, they’ve played here.

Tours will take you to see the stage and seating area of 2300 patrons, but you will also get to see rehearsal halls and other important rooms.

8. Santa Maria del Mar

Dave and I tend to explore our religious side when visiting cities in Europe, and Barcelona is no different. It is the Gothic Churches that interest us, and Santa Maria del Mar checks all the boxes. Dating back to the 14th century, construction began in 1329 and it was completed in 1350. It is dark and stark on the outside like the usual gothic cathedrals, but inside it is light and open feeling like a lighter basilica. Something of note to see is the tomb of the Martyr Saint Santa Eulalia. And it is worth spending a couple of euros to go up to the rooftop for a view of the city.

9. Parc de la Ciutadella (Ciutadella Park) – Arc de Triomf

Did you know there is an Arc de Triomf in Barcelona? Well, not exactly the same as Paris, but Barcelona does have its own arch. Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf was built by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas for the 1888 World’s Fair. It is located at the northern end of Passeig de Lluís Companys a promenade in Ciutat Vella (Old City) The giant arch marks the entranceway to the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella. Here you’ll find the Parliament of Catalunya and a lovely lake with a fountain modeled after the Trevi Fountain. Barcelona’s city park, Parc de la Ciutadella houses a zoo, a small lake, and a fountain partially designed by Antoni Gaudí.

10. Cascada Fountain

The Cascada Fountain is a beautiful fountain that is the centerpiece of Ciutadella Park. While working for designer Josep Fontserè Gaudi designed the water tanks and hydraulics. If it looks familiar, you are correct. This fountain was modeled after the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

One of the most romantic activities we did was to rent a rowboat at the lake in Ciutadella park. It cost us only twelve euros for a full hour (a bargain!) and it was a marvelous way to crown what was already a memorable vacation. Moving up and down the lake was a great way to reflect on the charm of Barcelona and get a close view of the beautiful scenery of the park.

11. Gothic Quarter Ciutat Vella

The Ciutat Vella – the old city of Barcelona is a place you will definitely find yourself experiencing a feeling of a bygone era. Built on top of old Roman ruins, the streets of Barcelona are a maze of small alleyways and walkways. Each turn takes you to yet another old church or remains of a Roman Wall. It is worth it just to wander away for an hour or two and stop at a café to have a draught beer at the bar before heading off for a late lunch.

Get lost in the streets, stop in a tapas bar for a glass of sangria or cava (Spanish sparkling wine), and wander the streets admiring the architecture and daily life.

12. La Rambla

Busy walking Street La Rambal

Even though it is touristy, a trip to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without strolling along La Rambla. La Rambla is one of the top attractions in Barcelona and with good reason. Also known as Las Ramblas or just Ramblas, La Rambla is Barcelona’s bustling main tourist street.  It is a gorgeous piece of roadway that has a wide pedestrian walkway right down the middle. 

Street performers line the edges posing with tourists for a few coins. The famous human statues are a lot of fun to watch. Vendors sell chickens, guinea pigs, flowers, and vegetables. It is a lively place filled with swarms of people.  It is also the main walkway down to the water and towards many of the cities tourist sites.

This pedestrian boulevard runs for 1.2 km beginning at Plaça de Catalunya and ending at Port Vell. If this is your first time to Barcelona, La Rambla is a good place to start to get your bearings and a feel for the Barcelona tourism scene. Plus, it’s a great place to find a fix price meal, a cheap pitcher of Sangria, and free people watching.

13. Palau Guell

The 1st Count of Güell,” Eusebi Güell kept Gaudi very busy commissioning many of his famous buildings in Barcelona. This was one of his first commissions, beginning construction in 1886. It was the private residence of the Guell family and like many places in Barcelona, you must go inside to appreciate its true splendor. The Parabolic Dome is the showstopper.

Get your Barcelona City Pass offering access to all the top attractions in Barcelona for one low price. Choose from 2, 3 or 5-day pass to visit as many attractions as you like.

14. Mercato Boqueria

Be sure to pop into La Boqueria to grab some snacks for a picnic. We filled up with meats and cheese, bread, and olives to take with us to the beach for a picnic lunch. Barcelona is known for its food culture and it doesn’t take long to walk around the city to realize how much the Barcelonians value this.

We hit the Boqueria market one morning and were amazed by the huge variety of fruit, vegetables, meats, and countless Spanish delicacies. If you are staying at a holiday apartment like an Airbnb or have access to a kitchen, then you must hit the market.

Going to the market and cooking in our apartment afterward gave us a sense that we were a couple living the romantic dream in a European city rather than just visiting for a short summer.

15. Barcelona Cathedral

I nearly forgot about this beautiful cathedral that we visited on our first trip to Barcelona. Until I was looking through photos. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (aka Gothic Cathedral of Barcelona) may not be as famous as Sagrada Familia but it is much older. It dates back to the 13th century! Its steeple peeks out from the city skyline beckoning you to visit.

Book your Hop on Hop Off bus tour for your visit to Barcelona. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the city, plus tickets can be purchased in advance or last minute with easy and free cancellation within 24 hours of tour.

16. Plaza de España (Plaça d’Espanya)

This gorgeous plaza which sits in will make you want to confess your love to the world. We walked through there in the evening by chance and it was hard not to be blown away by its beauty. The gorgeous Ciutadella fortress and the beautiful Venetian Towers create the atmosphere of a fairy tale.

The long walking street with hundreds of shops starts here as well, making it a perfect place to buy a souvenir to remember about your romantic getaway. Read: Catalunya, Spain in Photos

17. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Even though we aren’t the biggest museum fans, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is a sight to see in its own right. Inside you’ll see Catalan art dating back to the 10th century and you’ll browse, everything from Gothic and Romanesque to Modern and Baroque art. And it is here you’ll find some paintings by El Greco. But it truly is the outside that is beautiful as it looks like a grand palace more than a museum.

18. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc was built in 1929 for the Universal Expo. It’s a beautiful fountain to see, but it is the colorful light show that attracts visitors at night. The show performs 3 to 5 days of the week from 8-9 pm or 9-10 pm depending on the time of the year. It is definitely one of the not to miss attractions in Barcelona.

The light show at Montjuic Fountain is marvelous. Read about all the things to do in Barcelona at night. Check out the timetables and note that it is closed from Jan 7 – Feb 28 for annual maintenance.

19. Poble Espanyol

Poble Espanyol is a replica of a Spanish Village that was built for the 1929 World’s Fair. During the day it is a spot to walk through replicas of Spanish buildings, craft workshops and museums honoring Dali to Picasso. When the sun goes down, it is alive with, Flamenco dancing, tapa bars, and night clubs. To really explore it, book skip the line tickets in advance.

20. Port Vell – Barcelona Harbour

The old port of Barcelona is a sight to see. We had never witnessed so many huge yachts and rows of boats lining the harbour. Who owns these multimillion-dollar floating homes? There were so many in port and we marveled at their extravagance and how someone could possibly afford one of these.  And what do we do to get one?

The waterfront is a perfect place to enjoy the afternoon. Port Vell is an enormous entertainment complex complete with Aquarium, Imax, shopping, restaurants, and a giant marina filled with yachts and sailboats.

A popular Barcelona attraction is The Port Vell Arial Tramway. Opened in 1931, it takes you from Montjuïc to Torre Sant Sebastià.  If you want to see it from above, this is a fun option for a bird’s eye view of the city.

21. Hit the beach

One of the things that make Barcelona stand out among the large European cities is the beaches. We were blown away by the pristine Mediterranean waters of Barcelona’s beaches. As a bonus, the coastline is located right in the city center so it’s a great place to take your shoes off and walk after lunch or dinner.

Playa Barceloneta is the city’s most famous beach but there are many beaches you can visit in the city. We took a sailing trip from the harbor to see Barcelona from the sea and it was amazing.

22. Columbus Monument

While walking from Las Ramblas to Port Vell, we stumbled upon the Columbus monument. At 60 meters high (197 feet) it is an impressive monument.

Like a fountain, it was constructed for the Universal Exposition of Barcelona in 1881. It is there to commemorate his first voyage to the Americas and to remind that he reported to Queen Isabella I and Kin Ferdinand V here in Barcelona immediately upon his return.

23. Plaça de Catalunya

Another important square in Barcelona is Plaça de Catalunya. It is the major transportation hub of the city. Close to the university, you’ll see students enjoying the outdoors. If you are like us, we enjoy visiting Hard Rock Cafés and we couldn’t resist popping in for a beer to check out Barcelona’s version of the famous restaurant.

24. Afternoon Dessert at Plaça Sant Felip Neri

This chilled-out square has a violent history as it was bombed during the Spanish Civil War but today it is one of the most romantic hideaways in the city.

We ordered an amazing gelato and dessert at one of the nearby cafes and walked over to the plaza hand in hand to enjoy a nice and much-needed quiet escape from the city. If you are lucky enough as we were you might even catch some Spanish guitar being played by one of the lingering locals. Read: Gelato vs Ice Cream: a Tasty Showdown from Bologna

Fun Barcelona City Tours

25. SEAT 600 Driving Tour

Pretty much one of the coolest tours we’ve ever done was the Seat 600 Classic car tour through the city. These were the popular car from the ’60s and we all followed in a line on this self-drive tour through Barcelona.

Be prepared to drive a stick. If you aren’t comfortable, have someone else drive, the skinny steering wheels, sensitive clutch, and strange shifter made for quite the adventure as we drove around the city tasting tapas. We ended high on a hill overlooking the city and eating an outdoor feast under the stars.

26. Sidecar Tour

We were picked up at the Barcelona waterfront by a pair of motorbikes with a couple of sidecars attached. We put on our helmets, hooked up our microphones and proceeded to enjoy a tour of the city.

We whizzed all through the streets seeing such famous sites as the Columbus monument, Old Port, Palau de la Música Catalana, Sagrada Familia Temple, Casa Milán Casa Battló, Plaza España, El Raval district and Las Ramblas promenade just to name a few!

We got to see the city from all different sides and enjoyed catching a glimpse of Barcelona’s nightlife. If you get the chance to try a sidecar tour in Barcelona, we highly recommend you do it. For more information on the side car, city tour visit Ride The Brightside

27. Food and Market Tours

When visiting Spain, a lot of your most memorable experiences will be about food. One of our favourite things to do in Barcelona was to join a local chef to visit the city’s two main markets, Mercat Boqueria and Mercat de Santa Caterina. The two oldest markets in the city. Food tours are the best way to learn about the local cuisine and it makes visiting the restaurants of Barcelona more fun because you now know what to order!

Check out these Barcelona Food Tours. Explore Barcelona through your stomach with these tasty tours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours notice plus last-minute bookings.

  • Santa Caterina and Boqueria Market Tours with Local Chef – Take a tour through one of the most famous markets in the world plus small local grocery shops. Tastes Spanish delicacies like olive oil, vinegar, olives, Iberian ham, tomatoes, Manchego cheese, pork sausage, and more.
  • Paella Cooking Class & Mercato Boqueria – Go shopping for ingredients to make your own Spanish Paella. Sample Catalan hot and cold tapas and learn about Basque Pintxos. Don’t forget the sangria!
  • Go off the usual Gaudi Route and instead take a Tapas Tasting tour with a visit to the Picasso Museum – Tour Ciutat Vella with tapas tasting at three different venues.

Day Tour from Barcelona

28. Montserrat

A highlight of any trip to Barcelona is to take a day trip to the Benedictine Monk mountain retreat of Montserrat. It takes an hour to get there by train, or you can rent a car as we did. We actually had a car for most of our visits to Barcelona to give us the freedom to explore Catalunya with ease.

A funicular will take you to the top of the mountain for spectacular views and mountain hikes. And of course, listen to the Montserrat Choir boys perform. They perform daily at 1 pm.

Book Montserrat tours from Barcelona. Free cancellation and last-minute bookings. Monsterrat Cable Care and Easy Hike – Transportation from Barcelona to Montserrat where you’ll take the cable car up the world-famous Monastery. See the Black Madonna and take an easy hike with your guide.

Where to Eat in Barcelona

There are many places to eat in Barcelona and you can easily just walk the streets to find a packed restaurant, but one we wanted to mention was Bar Velodromo. Bar Velodromo where we checked the menu with 3D glasses and enjoyed great meat and cheeses

Barcelona Tourist Attractions Map

Get your map here of the top Attractions in Barcelona

  • Read More about Barcelona
    • A Local’s Guide to What to do in Barcelona at Night
    • The 16 Most Romantic Cities on Earth
    • Gaudi in Barcelona – 13 Must-See Architectural Wonders

Author Bio: Illia and Nastia are passionate about each other, traveling around the world and sharing their experiences at crazzzytravel. com, a blog where you can find plenty of budget travel tips as well as practical information about numerous destinations. They have visited 40+ countries across 5 continents, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Visit their website to learn more about traveling as a couple! Follow them Facebook /Twitter / Pinterest/ Instagram

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Barcelona Travel Guide – The #1 Guide To Spain

 

The Church of  La Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia Church

By far the city’s most famous landmark is the Sagrada Familia church, and for good reason, this is Gaudi’s most well-known masterpiece in the heart of the Catalan capital. It is by far Spain’s most visited tourist attraction with over four million visitors each year.

The compelling structure mesmerises its visitors with its sheer beauty and highly unique architecture, which is a combination of Gothic and modern.  Visitors are able to access different parts of the church including the museum, shop, nave, crypt, and towers.

Opening hours for public visits are between 9 am to 6 pm during the winter months and until 8 pm in the summer months. Various guided and unguided tours are available along with audio-guided tours, discounts are available for groups and school parties.

The structure of the building is immense and ongoing and respected by architects around the world. It was started in 1882 and with the accelerated works now in full swing it is now hoped that the masterpiece will be finished by 2026.

Park Guell

Parc Guell

Park Guell is another one of Gaudi’s unusual creations and is located in the northern part of the city. Sculptures, mosaics, and tiling are all on show in this picturesque and leafy park. The park was cleverly built on land high above Barcelona which gives visitors superb views over the city.

Official website: https://parkguell.barcelona/

Las Ramblas

Barcelona Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is one of the most famous streets in the city at just over one kilometer in length. The famous walkway is lined with trees and has all kinds of shops, bars, restaurants, street performers and colorful local characters. For a nice stroll in the heart of the city, this is the place to go to.

Placa de Catalunya

Barcelona Skyline

The Placa de Cataluyna  is one of the most emblematic plazas in Barcelona and is regarded as the central point of the city.  For all lovers of local architecture, sculptures and pretty fountains, it is also a favourite spot for chilling out in the heart of the city.

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo Barcelona

This was designed by Gaudi for a wealthy aristocrat and is often overlooked by travelers who are visiting the nearby La Pedrera ( another Gaudi treasure ).

Much of the house used to be rented out but is now thankfully a museum and is well worth a visit if you are in the area. What made Gaudi such an impressionable artist, well visiting some of his most famous works around the city may help you to understand this unusual and brilliant artist.

» Discover Casa Batllo

Montjüic

Montjuic Park

Montjuïc is located high on a hill overlooking Barcelona, it is home to several popular tourist attractions, including the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Magic Fountain, and the Montjuïc Castle.

The attraction is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, and there are several parks and gardens to explore.

A great way to get there is via a cable car or funicular.

For a special day out for all the family, head off to Montjuic, you won’t be disappointed.

Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is located in a series of quaint Gothic-style palaces in the historic El Born neighborhood of the city.

This impressive museum is dedicated to the works of the famous artist Pablo Picasso and includes a large selection of his paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

There are a number of guided tours that you can book in advance. This is a must-visit destination for art lovers and fans of Picasso alike.

Barcelona Football Club

Barcelona Football Club

For all footy lovers, this really is a must-visit. A regular home crowd of around 100.000 noisy fans makes this one of the biggest football stadiums in the world.

»  Book tours of Camp Nou.

Palau de la Música Catalana

The Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona is one of the most impressive concert halls in the world.

This historic building was designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner in the modernist style and opened its doors in 1908.

The Palau is known for its stunning stained glass ceiling and ornate façade. The hall is home to a variety of musical performances, from classical to jazz, and has hosted some of the world’s most famous musicians.

Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history of the building and see the impressive interior firsthand. It’s a must-see attraction for music lovers visiting Barcelona.

The Gothic Quarter

Gothic Quarter

Located in the old quarter of Barcelona, on the right-hand side of the Las Ramblas area, it is well known for its cobbled streets and high old buildings. Picasso lived and worked in this area from 1895 to 1904 and famous local artist Joan Miro was born here and where he spent much of his youth.

Barceloneta Beach

Barcelona Promenade

Is the nearest beach to the city’s centre and around 15 minutes walk from the Ramblas area. For seafood lovers, this is the place to enjoy some of the freshest fish and seafood dishes anywhere in Spain. ( Take the Yellow Line on the Metro )

Barcelona Festivals and Fiestas

La Merce Festival

Filled with dozens of tourist attractions, Barcelona holidays are perfect at any time of the year as you will always find something worth seeing or doing.

If you wish to immerse yourself in Spain’s culture, try taking part in one of the many incredible festivals in Barcelona.

La Boqueria Market

The Boqueria Market in Barcelona is a foodie’s paradise and is now one of the go-to places to visit when in Barcelona.

This vibrant and historic market has been in operation since the 13th century and is now home to over 300 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to seafood, meat, cheese, and sweets.

This a perfect place to enjoy a whole range of traditional Catalan goodies such as Iberian cured ham, coca de vidre (a type of pastry), and botifarra (Catalan sausage).

The market is also a great place to grab a bite to eat on the go, with plenty of stalls selling delicious street food like empanados, churros, and freshly squeezed juices. You can even buy produce and get it cooked for you directly on-site, you can`t get any fresher than that.

Parc Ciutadella

Parc Ciutadella

Ciutadella Park is the city’s only green space and is a great place to head to if you are looking to unwind away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life in Barcelona.

As well as being an inviting area to chill out the Parc de la Ciutadella is home to several attractions including a zoo, the Catalan Parliament, the Museu d’Art Modern, the Zoological Museum, and the Museu de Geologia are all well worth visiting.

The Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium

( Estadi Olimpic ) This was the main stadium used for the 1992 Olympics and is now open to the public who have access to all areas where the games took place. ( Use the Green Line on the Metro )

 

Dining Out in Barcelona

Lasarte Restaurant

Dining options in Barcelona are second to none as you will find just about every type of food you can imagine from budget burgers to luxury seafood. The city boasts around 20 Michelin-starred restaurants run by some of the most revered chefs in Europe.

Head down to the port area if you’re looking for the freshest of fish and seafood dishes, tapas are always a firm favourite, they are delicious bite-sized selections of different types of food and the perfect way to try out a variety of food in one go. For some of the best tapas in Barcelona try the Bar Pinotxo at the famous indoor Boqueria food market.

For mid-priced dining try the highly regarded Restaurant Can Sole and the Restaurant Set Portes located close to the port. For lovers of some of the best tapas in Catalonia try the Bar Pinotxo at the Boqueria Market.

If you are thinking of splashing the cash here are our top 10 Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona:
»  Lasarte – Chef Martín Berasategui.
»  Abac – Chef Jordi Cruz
»  Dos Cielos – Chefs Javier and Sergio Torres.
»  Moments – Chef Raul Balam
»  Enoteca Paco Perez – Chef Paco Perez
»  Enigma – Chef Albert Adrio
»  Celeri – Chef Xavier Pellicer
»  Xerta – Chef Fran Lopez
»  Alkimia – Chefs Jordi Vilà and Sonia Profitós
»  Caelis – Chef Romain Fornell

Click HERE to see the locations of each of the above restaurants.

Getting around Barcelona

Although a busy city, Barcelona is easy to navigate, so getting around is never an issue as you will always be close to a Metro station, bus service, or even one of Barcelona`s famous black and yellow taxis.

The Barcelona metro system is an efficient, and affordable way to get around the city. The Metro has 8 lines running through 165 stations. It connects all the city’s major attractions and neighborhoods.

The metro service runs from 5 am to midnight on weekdays and until 2 am on weekends.  There is also a funicular service which runs from the city centre to Montjuic which is located high above the city. Here you will have access to the Olympic Stadium, large parks, gardens and stunning views.

Getting around using the local bus services is a great option, especially for shorter distances. There are numerous bus lines that run throughout the city, and they’re a great way to see the sights and neighborhoods that are off the beaten track.

Barcelona places free to visit. Spain in Russian

Amazing Barcelona gives unforgettable emotions that later become the best memories. In this city, every building is special, every park is unique, every corner has its own history. There is an unusual energy here, which is why Barcelona is on the list of must-see cities.

There are no frosts in Catalonia, it is flooded with sunshine almost all year round, and at any time of the year you can walk around the city, enjoy the surrounding beauty and feel inspired for new achievements.

Places in Barcelona that you can visit without paying a cent are presented in our review.

1. Sagrada Familia

It is impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, Moscow without the Kremlin, and Barcelona without the Sagrada Familia. The pearl of the creation of the world-famous architect Antonio Gaudi impresses with its grandeur. The Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world. The foundation stone was laid in 1882, and only presumably in the first third of the 21st century the construction of the temple will be completely completed.

This place in Barcelona impresses with perfect thoughtfulness: literally every centimeter of the surface has been worked out in a huge building, the temple consists of thousands of tiny details, which can be viewed endlessly. At any time of the year, the attraction is surrounded by numerous tourists with cameras.

The temple is located near the city center, you can get there by metro.

2. Tibidabo

“I give to you,” the devil said to Jesus, pointing to a mountain from which one can see all the beauty of the world. These words from the Gospel served as the name for this place.

Tibidabo is not just a recommended place in Barcelona, ​​it is impossible not to visit it while in the eastern capital of Spain. The view from the top of the mountain is amazing and mesmerizing at the same time.

You can come to Tibidabo during the day and admire the light-filled Barcelona from the highest point of the city, almost from a bird’s eye view. Incredibly beautiful here at sunset, when the last rays of the sun, bending around the tops of the nearest mountains, illuminate the city. And, of course, if you happened to visit here at night, you will not be indifferent to the view of Barcelona, ​​illuminated by thousands of lights and inhaling the nighttime mountain freshness.

The Temple of the Sacred Heart adorns the top of Tibidabo, and on the slopes there is the Botanical Garden and an amusement park – a place in Barcelona that is popular among tourists. It was here that the famous scenes of Woody Allen’s film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” were filmed.

This Barcelona location can be reached by bus from the Plaza Cataluna metro station.

3. Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gotico)

One of the most interesting places in Barcelona is formed by many winding and narrow streets. Walking through the Gothic Quarter is like visiting several museums in one day. Most of the buildings date back to the 14th-15th centuries, and the spirit of the Middle Ages has been preserved here to this day.

The list of sights of the Gothic Quarter can be long: Royal Square, St. James Square, Cathedral of the Holy Cross, the ruins of the palace of Octavian Augustus, the remains of the Roman wall … Of course, it is better to see once than hear a hundred times. And preferably on Sunday – on this day, locals gather in St. James Square to dance the national Catalan dance of the sardana. However, you can visit the Gothic Quarter more than once, take a walk, drink something refreshing on one of the many terraces located here, or look into a souvenir shop, which are also presented in abundance in this place in Barcelona.

4. Montserrat Monastery (Monestir Santa Maria de Montserrat)

A huge number of rocks of unusual shape form the mountainous area of ​​Montserrat. The shape of the rocks is so bizarre that some of them got their own names, such as the Bishop’s Belly, the Mummy, or the Elephant’s Trunk.

You will never forget the view from the top of the mountain, located at an altitude of 725 meters above sea level. In order to visit this interesting place in the suburbs of Barcelona, ​​70 kilometers from the city center, it is not necessary to contact the services of guides, you can get to the mountain on your own by train that departs from the Espana station (Metro Plaza Espana).

This stunning location houses a Benedictine monastery, a monastery cathedral, a museum that hosts exhibitions of monks’ works and, of course, the most famous sight of Montserrat, the national shrine of Catalonia – the Black Virgin of Montserrat, or, in Spanish, Morenet.

Visiting this place in Barcelona, ​​you will remember the incredible beauty of the cliffs, the park rich in various plant species and the green valley that opens before your eyes from a breathtaking height.

5. Plaza of Spain and Mount Montjuic (Plaza Espana and Montjuic)

Rising into the city from the metro station of the same name, the first thing you will see is the Arenas shopping center. In the past, hot bullfights took place here, then the building was turned into a large shopping center, but its facade remained unchanged.

Entering the center, take the elevator or escalator to the highest floor and you will find yourself on an observation deck with a panoramic view of all of Barcelona, ​​Montjuic and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

From the observation deck next to the National Museum – no less stunning view. In the late afternoon, a show of singing fountains takes place here every weekend for half an hour. Every year, about 2.5 million tourists visit Montjuic to enjoy a unique, mesmerizing performance, the dance of water, illuminated with all sorts of colors and magical music.

It is worth visiting this place in Barcelona once and seeing the Magic Fountains show to fall in love with Montjuic and the capital of Catalonia forever.

6. Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella)

The first Citadel park to appear in the city is located in the northeastern part of the Old City. For several decades, this park was the only green island in the city.

Amazing picturesque place in Barcelona! Fountains, statues, monuments, palm trees, a lake, birds… Very green and very peaceful. Here you can spend the whole day. Take a walk from the Arc de Triomphe to the park, walk along the alleys (there are three of them: Lime, Poplar and Elm), sit on a bench with a book, take a photo near the brick Castle of the Three Dragons. ..

For a fee, you can visit the zoo, museums, or, for example, have a romantic date by taking a boat trip on the lake.

7. Park Labyrinth Horta (Parс del Laberint d’Horta)

Another place in Barcelona that you can visit for free on Wednesdays and Sundays (on other days the entrance costs 2.23 euros).

This unusual park has attracted director Tom Tykwer, who filmed scenes from the film Perfumer: The Story of a Murderer, as well as the monarchs of Spain who visited the Labyrinth three times, and, of course, many tourists. The park is located on the slope of one of the mountains of the Collserola ridge. Rare plant species such as African lilies, strawberry trees, irises, camellias and much more are collected here. But the most amazing thing in the park is a real labyrinth of cypresses, which is not so easy to go through. This is a wonderful feeling, as if you are returning to childhood – to wander through the labyrinth, feel the excitement and . .. uh – find a way out!

In addition to the stunning landscape of this place in Barcelona, ​​neo-Arab buildings, numerous sculptures and towers await you.

8. Cervantes Park and Greek Theater (Pars de Cervantes and Teatre Grec)

This place in Barcelona is also called the park of roses, because in this amazing place there are about two thousand varieties of beautiful flowers. We recommend going here between May and July to fully enjoy the riot of color and aroma of roses. The vast territory of Cervantes Park, almost 8 hectares, is thought out to the smallest detail and, in addition to flower arrangements, is filled with sculptural works, gazebos, alleys imitating medieval Spanish gardens, hedges and various outlandish trees like olives, wild apple trees and persimmons. Roses are grouped and located on the territory of the garden not randomly, but depending on the parent country. Walking through the park, you will alternately find yourself in America, then in Asia, then in the Middle East …

Whether it’s a romantic date, a quiet conversation with friends or a secluded walk – be sure to visit this park to breathe in the wonderful aroma of roses and take a break from the bustle of the city.

9. Pedralbes Palace (Palacio Real de Pedralbes)

Between the Tibidabo and Montjuïc mountains, at the end of Diagonal Avenue, lies the prestigious urban area of ​​Pedralbes. It is in this area that one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona is located – the garden of the same name with the majestic Pedralbes Palace. The facade of the building is made in the Catalan style with columns of the Tuscan order, the interior inside combines many styles. Previously, the palace served as the residence of the royal family of Spain.

To admire this place in Barcelona, ​​you must pass through the garden. It’s a very pleasant walk! Ponds, sculptures, a waterfall, alleys with orange trees, palm trees, cedars and other exotic plants, bamboo benches and fountains. One of them, the Hercules Fountain, designed by Antonio Gaudí, has a very interesting history. It was built in 1884, and was discovered only a hundred years later by gardeners who were cleaning the park and stumbled upon a bust of Hercules, hidden in the thick of lush green vegetation.

But if you visit the beautiful Pedralbes Park now, you will find Hercules and other sights much faster…

10. Turo de la Rovira Lookout

Back in 1937, a bunker was built on top of Turo de la Rovira. The military (there was a civil war in Spain in those years) had a full view of Barcelona from this place, so the bunker was considered the best and main in the city. Now, in a happy peaceful time, we can admire Barcelona with a 360-degree view from this very point. Absolutely free of charge, you will get an unforgettable experience from visiting the observation deck, as well as light fitness, if you climb up the mountain on foot from the El Carmel metro station.

Climbing to the highest point of the mountain, you will most likely find tourists and locals just sitting, chatting, strolling around the site, relaxing and enjoying the unique view that opens from this place of Barcelona.

Join now!

Of course, this is not all the beautiful places in Barcelona. There are many more, and each of them is unique. After spending a week or two in this majestic city, you are literally imbued with aesthetics and beauty. So that later, on some frosty winter evening, wrapped in a blanket and drinking cocoa, share with your loved ones your best photos taken in Barcelona and relive these beautiful, bright and so happy moments again.


If you are going to Barcelona and need help and organization of your trip, the Center for Business and Living in Spain “Spain in Russian” can make your trip unforgettable. We will not only help with obtaining a visa and finding apartments for the duration of your stay in Spain, but we will also offer an individual excursion program in Barcelona and other cities, arrange a transfer, provide a guide, select a car or helicopter for you to fly over the city of your dreams. Call us at the numbers listed on the site, we speak Russian!

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Center for services for life and business “Spain in Russian” is your guide in the world of individual tourism. Organization of tours, routes, trips, tickets for various events, excursions with the best guides, organization of holidays. Services for demanding clients.

+7 495 236 98 99 or +34 93 272 64 90, [email protected]

Top 10 places to go in Barcelona , his interests, the presence or absence of children with him.

Of course, the city has attractions that make up the category of the most popular. They will be discussed further. Timely collection of information about objects and deciding where to go in the first place save time directly on vacation.

Barcelona is a city with a lot of beauties, but to form a complete picture of it, you should evaluate the objects below. The material will help solve the problem of where to go for tourists, but to save money while walking and traveling around the capital of Catalonia, the Barcelona City Pass card is perfect.

1Where to go in Barcelona to see the marvels of architecture? To the Sagrada Familia!

A masterpiece located in the Eixample district. An obligatory point where to go for those who are in the city for the first time. Antonio Gaudí began work on the Temple of Barcelona, ​​funded solely by donations, in 1883, but failed to complete the project during his lifetime. He wanted to give Barcelona a religious building of unprecedented proportions. Fortunately, the result turned out to be unique in its status. It is from the temple that the selection of the best ideas of where to go in Barcelona begins.

Sagrada Familia is one of the main reference points when deciding where to go on an excursion.

The Barcelona authorities hope to complete the project by the centenary of the death of Antonio Gaudi, but the construction of the temple will not be rushed. The fact is that stone blocks for the Sagrada Familia delivered to Barcelona must be processed in a special way, and the slightest mistake will lead to an imbalance in the concept.

If you want to find a place to go to enjoy Barcelona from above, the Sagrada Familia is worth a visit. Once at the top with the help of a spiral staircase, you can feel the unique Catalan energy. An excellent choice of where to go in Barcelona to start exploring the city. From the inside, the attraction is no less impressive than from the outside. To avoid queues, tickets must be booked in advance.

Where to go in Barcelona to discover the city’s leading attraction? Everyone interested will like the look of the Sagrada Familia. In addition, the history of the object is very curious, there was a place for tragic events in it. When choosing where to go in Barcelona, ​​it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the historical information about each of the objects of interest. Certain facts shock travelers.

Important information about the Expiatory Church of the Holy Family

Opening hours : April-September – 09:00-20:00; other months – 09:00-18:00.
Ticket price : the pass costs from 20€. For students and pensioners – 18 €.

It is recommended to book ticket online using the link , as it saves a lot of time to explore the other beauties of Barcelona.

With special editions, there are more options for where to go to immerse yourself in the facility’s atmosphere, as you can climb the towers. Exploring the unspoken symbol of Barcelona is a real pleasure.

Metro : Sagrada Familia (lines 2 and 5).

A detailed description of the features of the Sagrada Familia is in the material.

2Where to go in Barcelona during the hot summer? To Park Guell!

Where to go in Barcelona to immerse yourself in a fairy tale world? With the magnificent Parc Güell, created by Antoni Gaudí, few people can compete in terms of atmosphere. Detailed information about the attraction is available in the material “Park Güell in Barcelona”.

Ticket price : adults €13.50, children and over 65s €9.33.
Metro : Lesseps (Green Line, L3).

We advise you to buy tickets for Park Güell in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance. You can do this online at the link on the official ticket platform.

3Where to go for a natural wonder: Montjuic

Montjuïc is one of the most fun places to visit in Barcelona.

Here you can visit:

  • Castle and tower of Montjuic
  • Olympic Stadium
  • National Art Museum of Catalonia
  • Magic Fountain
  • Joan Miro Museum
  • German Pavilion in Barcelona
  • Spanish Village
  • Parks of Montjuïc (the place where cyclists and skaters of Barcelona go)

Montjuic will surprise you with a variety of activities and excellent views of Barcelona. The visitor simply has a huge choice of where to go, how to organize a vacation. The best end of the day will be enjoying the Singing Fountains. This music and light show is truly unique. Not far from the sights of Barcelona are restaurants and cafes where to go for a light snack or a set lunch.

Metro : from Parallel station take the funicular to Passeig de Miramar. You can be at the right height thanks to another Barcelona funicular at the Teleferico station.
Buses : numbers 50 or 55 that lead to the Teleferico base.

4Mount Tibidabo – if you don’t know where to go in Barcelona with children

Not far from Montjuic is another mountain and one of the main symbols of Barcelona – Tibidabo. At its top is a church with a spiral staircase that leads straight to the statue of Christ. This is exactly where to go when looking for breathtaking angles. Here, many vacationers admire the view of Barcelona.

Where to go with the kids to have fun to the fullest? The amusement park on Tibidabo is one of the best holiday destinations in Barcelona, ​​leaving an exceptionally pleasant experience. Tibidabo has:

  • Mechanical Toy Museum
  • playgrounds
  • other recreational facilities

A great place to visit in Barcelona with the whole family.

Road to Tibidabo

Funicular station – the last stop before enjoying Tibidabo mountain. The Barcelona cable car is over 100 years old, but it still does the job and makes it easy to get to the top.

Once at the bottom station of the Plaça Doctor Andreu funicular, you can take the tourist funicular that takes you directly to the park.

5Where to go if you want to appreciate the plastic vision of architecture: Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló in Barcelona is considered the project that started a new creative phase in Gaudí’s career. Initially, a textile manufacturer turned to the master with a request to remake an apartment building. Josep Batllo y Casanovas planned to demolish the building so that Antonio could create from scratch, but the architect decided to take a different path.

Where did the flight of fantasy take the creator? The idea was to abandon the standard forms and straight lines. The muse of the architect throughout his career was the nature of Barcelona, ​​​​which prompted some decisions in planning, arranging the facade. There are also religious overtones. Where without them in the work of Gaudí? More information about this attraction is in the material. A great option to go to those who find the architecture of residential buildings boring. However, is it really possible for someone to get bored in Barcelona?

Important information

  1. You can get inside Casa Batlló from Monday to Sunday (09:00-21:00).
  2. The last visitors are allowed in at 20:20.
  3. Barcelona landmark is closed on holidays. Fortunately, there is no shortage of options for where to go on the days of celebrations. But this is a separate issue.

Ticket for adults costs 25€. For students and pensioners, the price is lower – 22 €. Admission is free for children under 7 years of age. When pricing, audio guide services are taken into account. If the question of where to go in Barcelona is decided in advance in favor of Casa Batlló, it is recommended to purchase a ticket via the Internet.

Address : Passeig de Gracia 43.
Metro : Passeig de Gracia (line L 3).

6Where to go to study an important step in the work of Gaudí: Casa Mila

Roof of the House of Mila

Casa Mila was the last work of the architect before the design of the Sagrada Familia. This project is a great place to go for people who appreciate not only the exterior of the building, but also the original interior layout. A description of the attraction is presented in the material “House Mila in Barcelona”.

Important information

House Mila welcomes visitors in the summer from 09:00 to 20:00. At other times of the year, you can go sightseeing until 18:30.

Tickets : adult price €25, student €19.00. Children under 7 years old are admitted free of charge, and from 7 to 12 years old – for 13.00€. You can order tickets here .
Address : Carrer Provença, 261, 08008.
Barcelona metro : Diagonal (lines 3 and 5).
Buses : 7, 16, 17, 22, 24, 28.

7Beach holidays in Barcelona

Where to go in Barcelona on a hot summer day? You should look for a hint near the exit to the sea.

  1. The Catalan capital has 4.5 kilometers of coastline, so vacationers have a huge choice of what to do and where to go.
  2. Relax on the golden sand and enjoy the breath of the sea breeze – a large part of the holidaymakers head to Barcelona for this very reason.
  3. City beaches have a range of amenities.
  4. Here you can do some sports.

Where to go in Barcelona for positive emotions, if not to the beach?

In addition, there are service departments during the day. Everyone can rent umbrellas and sunbeds, you can use the showers and toilets, the services of a first-aid post, go to the beach cafes in Barcelona, ​​contact the services of lifeguards and policemen. Where to go and how to make a holiday program is a matter of taste. A large number of hotels on the coast is one of the fruits of the development of tourist infrastructure in Barcelona. Where to settle depends on the desired area and financial capabilities.

The average cost of a sunbed for one person is 6 €, an umbrella is 5.

Some of the most popular beaches in Barcelona include:

  • Barceloneta
  • Mar Bella
  • Nova Mar Bella
  • Levant
  • Nova Ikaria
  • Sant Miquel
  • Bogatell
  • Zone Banus Forum
  • Somorrosto
  • A huge choice for those who are still thinking where to go swimming.

    8Where to go to experience the Catalan spirit: Gothic Quarter

    The delights of the region are fully revealed in the Gothic Quarter. The best option where to go in Barcelona in order to feel the atmosphere of the city. There are a huge number of buildings of the Gothic style, which adds a pinch of mysticism. No city in Europe can boast such diversity as Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter is the answer to the question of where to go to study the style of the mature and late Middle Ages.

    The center of the unique place is decorated with the Cathedral and the chapel. Narrow streets, where it is impossible to travel by car, look like the scenery of a fantasy movie. If there are fans of this direction among the readers, it is undoubtedly worth a visit here. Fortunately, all the beauty is real and located in Barcelona. Many choose the Gothic Quarter as the place to go for romantic evening walks.

    Address : Avda Placa de la Catedral, Gothic Quarter, 08002.
    Metro : Jaume I.

    If you want to learn about Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter from professional guides, book a guided tour. The guide will tell you where to go first, how to organize the route without a hitch. The streets are very winding, at first sight it is easy to go astray.

    However, a blind walk through the Gothic Quarter promises indescribable emotions. In such conditions, tourists do not have exact information on where to go in Barcelona, ​​because the heart sets the direction. It is only important to turn on the navigator before dark and pave the way to the landmark. To be fair, the Gothic Quarter is a good choice for those who choose where to go in Barcelona for a night out. However, they require some experience.

    9Aquarium

    Where to go in Barcelona: City Aquarium

    Barcelona’s unique underwater tunnel, which is about 80 m long. An excellent option for those who like to contemplate the beauties of the depths. Giant aquariums contain representatives of 450 species, which can be observed all day long. Aquarium – the answer to the question of where to go in Barcelona to explore the exotic underwater world. He definitely deserves attention.

    Important information

    The aquarium is open on weekdays from 09:30 to 21:00. On weekends and holidays, as well as in June and September – from 09:30 to 21:30. In July and August, visitors can go see the sea creatures until 23:00.

    Children under three years old enter free of charge. The ticket price for adults is 21€. You can make a purchase here.

    Children under 4 years old can enter for free.

    Visitors will be assisted by a free guide that will tell you where to go first and how best to plan an itinerary for Barcelona attractions. It can be obtained from the reception.

    Address : Moll d’Espanya, 7.
    Metro : Drassanes (line L3) or Barceloneta (line L4).

    • How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell skip the line.
    • How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers.