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BARCELONA CITY GUIDE

Acommodation

Barcelona, one of the most popular cities of Spain among tourists, has to have a wide variety of accommodation to cover all needs.
For that reason, we know that looking for a hotel to stay in the city can be a difficult task, but that’s why we are here, to help you.

Sightseeing

Barcelona is a city that invites to get lost to discover the lively streets and squares, to enjoy some wonderful views of the city and, of course, to contemplate all kinds of architectural styles. From of Santa Maria del Mar’s gothic to the modern skyscrapers of Glòries, including de modernist Pedrera.

What to do

Check out the amount of activities, visits and things that you can do in Barcelona. Discover its magic, essence, people and culture.
Enjoy the Catalan capital with us!

Gastronomy

Michelin starred restaurants, historic premises, bars on trend… Barcelona has all kinds of establishments.
There you will find local products and traditional Catalan recipes, but also the latest trends in haute cuisine and dishes from all over the world.

Nightlife

Rock, salsa, jazz, electronic music, bachata, revival or the most fashionable commercial songs. The Barcelonian night sounds to the rhythm you want thanks to its wide range of music bars, nightclubs, clubs and party halls, in addition to a wide range of concerts.

Shopping

At Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya you will find luxury brands and international fashion chains, as well as in Portal de l’Àngel and Pelai street. On the other hand, Gràcia and El Born are full of boutiques, but you can also opt for the big shopping centres scattered all over the city.

Magazine SeeBarcelona

Welcome to Barcelona!

With this brief practical guide you will learn about the most important historical episodes, many of which you can relive while walking around the city, and you will be able to clear up any doubts about how to get around the city, opening hours, safety, etc. , so that you can enjoy the Catalan capital to the full.

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You can also discover family activities, cultural events and a selection of the best restaurants and hotels in the city.

And you will find suggestions and reports according to the season of the year, to make your visit as perfect as possible.

SIGHTSEEING

Barcelona is a city that invites to get lost to discover the lively streets and squares of Gràcia and Poblenou, to enjoy some wonderful views of the city…and, of course, to contemplate all kinds of architectural styles, from of Santa Maria del Mar’s gothic to the most modern skyscrapers of Diagonal Mar and Glòries, including the modernist Pedrera.

SIGHTSEEING

Ciutat Vella

Barcelona lived within its walls until the middle of the 19th century. For this reason, its historical nucleus, accumulates 2,000 years of history.

SIGHTSEEING

Eixample / Gràcia

This area became the main artery of the city as soon as it began to be built, turning it into an outdoor modernism museum.

SIGHTSEEING

Eixample / Sant Martí

This area stands out for its architectural variety, and for the innovative companies, universities and other research centres that coexist.

SIGHTSEEING

Sants / Montjuïc

Montjuïc, the magic mountain of Barcelona, has been witness and protagonist of transcendental events in the city.

SIGHTSEEING

Waterfront

This neighbourhood preserves its sailor’s spirit despite the profound transformation of the 1992 Olympic Games.

WHAT TO DO

Check out the amount of activities, visits and things that you can do in Barcelona. Discover its magic, essence, people and culture.

NIGHTLIFE

Accommodation

Barcelona, one of the most popular cities of Spain among tourists, has to have a wide variety of accommodation to cover all needs. For that reason, we know that looking for a hotel to stay in the city can be a difficult task, but that’s why we are here, to help you.

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Where To Stay In Barcelona

Here you will find a selection of hotels where to stay during your visit to Barcelona.

GASTRONOMY

Michelin starred restaurants, historic premises, bars on trend… Barcelona has all kinds of establishments. There you will find local products and traditional Catalan recipes, but also the latest trends in haute cuisine and dishes from all over the world.

Craft beer

Gastronomy

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Among tapas and laughs

Gastronomy

Calçots, fun and tradition around a table

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Top 31 Things to Do in Barcelona – Fodor’s Travel Guide

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Looking for the best things to do in Barcelona? With its stunning coastal location, unparalleled architecture, and world-class art, it’s easy to see why many fall for city. Here’s what to do and see in the Catalan capital.

Barcelona appeals to every type of traveler, whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, a beach lover, or a culture fanatic—it has it all. The ancient and avant-garde intermingle in the Catalan capital, where you can find ancient Roman ruins, trendy bars, and fascinating architectural attractions all within a few blocks of each other. With so many sites to explore, centuries of history to discover, and mazes of narrow streets to get lost in, sightseeing in Barcelona can seem a little overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’re here to help you out by highlighting all the best things to do and see.

Follow this list of the best things to see and do in Barcelona—from marveling at the Modernista architecture to exploring the city’s historic food markets and visiting its fascinating museums, this list will ensure you don’t miss out on anything. Need a place to stay? Check out the Best Hotels in Barcelona.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BARCELONA?Summertime is hot and sweaty, as well as peak tourist season. May-June and September-October are the best weather months to visit, but summer is great for beaches and festivals.

Please note that the COVID pandemic is ongoing and restrictions may be in place in Barcelona. Visit the U.S. State Department website, to get the latest advice and information.

1 OF 31

Browse Barcelona’s Historic Food Markets

Barcelona’s covered markets are both historic spaces and used by locals every day. The most famous of these is La Boqueria, the oldest of the city’s markets dating back to 1863. You can still see many of the traditional stalls, selling a range of local cheeses, cold cuts, olives, and seafood. However, La Boqueria has also become overrun with tourists and many stalls have moved away from traditional produce to selling fruit shakes and novelty chocolates instead. For something a little more authentic, head to the Mercat de Santa Caterina in El Born with its colorful undulating roof, Mercat de Sant Antoni, or the Mercat de la Concepció in Eixample with its vast flower market.

Related: 10 (Mostly) Free Things to Do in Barcelona

2 OF 31

Marvel at the Iconic La Sagrada Família

You can’t come to Barcelona without seeing Spain’s most-visited site, La Sagrada Família. Antoni Gaudí’s outlandish church has been in construction for more than a century and is a sight to behold. Despite some controversy around whether the design plans have strayed too far from Gaudí’s original vision, it’s still Spain’s most popular site. It’s not hard to get caught up in the magic of this place, which is said to (finally) be completed in 2026 after 150 years of construction. Fusing Gothic and Art Nouveau styles in unprecedented ways, the basilica also draws on nature as a central inspiration. Inside, the surprises continue with grand tree-like pillars and incredible stained glass.

INSIDER TIPLines here are notoriously long, so it’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance.

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Discover the Santa Maria del Mar

To gain some perspective on the antiquity of Santa María del Mar—and the resilience of Barcelona’s architectonic tradition—consider that each boulder used in the church’s construction was hauled from surrounding mountains and shorelines by ordinary civilians. When the project was finally complete in 1383, 54 years after the first stone was laid, the citizens marveled at what they’d created: a soaring Gothic temple accented with vivid stained-glass panels, illuminated by natural light, and buttressed by sparse, improbably slender columns. Much of the original structure remains today, despite damages to the interior from an 11-day fire that broke out during the Spanish Civil War in 1936.

Related: How to Skip the Crowds and Still See Barcelona’s Top Attractions

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Appreciate the Beauty of El Palau de la Música Catalana

Gaudí may be the most recognizable face of Catalan Modernism, but many of his contemporaries also left their mark on Barcelona. One of them was Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the Barcelona-born architect behind the Palau de la Música Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music), completed in 1908. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the auditorium’s interior bursts with color, pattern, and texture, all of which culminate in a skylight so vast that during daylight hours, performances take place without the flick of a single light switch. Choral, orchestral, and opera music reign supreme here, but that’s not to say Palau’s program hasn’t featured its share of mainstream artists: Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones, and Paco de Lucía have all walked across its stage.

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Stroll Down Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is Barcelona’s most famous street—a wide and shady boulevard that runs through the city’s heart from Plaça de Catalunya down to Port Vell. It’s busy, crowded, most bars and restaurants are overpriced and inauthentic, and it’s pickpocket central–despite all this, it’s still worth a stroll. Mostly it’s to see some of the incredible architecture along the way, from the Palau de la Virreina, now housing a contemporary art gallery, to the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house dating back to 1847, and the gorgeous Umbrella House, covered in Oriental umbrellas and a large Chinese-style dragon. To get a bird’s-eye view of all the action finish your Ramblas route at the 18th-story mirador at Columbus Monument for panoramic views of the city and sea.

Related: 10 Stunning Day Trips to Take From Barcelona

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6 OF 31

Raise a Glass at Vermouth Hour

On sunny weekend afternoons, neighborhood bars fill up with locals out to fer el vermut, the Catalan ritual of catching up with friends over a few dainty glasses of this garnet-red aperitif, customarily garnished with an orange slice and an olive. La hora del vermut (vermouth hour) typically takes place just before lunch from around 12-1 pm, and these aperitifs are often accompanied by salty or fishy snacks from chips to plump anchovies or pickled mussels and cockles from a tin. Some of Barcelona’s best vermouth bars, like Morro Fi, blend their own vermouths by infusing fortified wine with any range of botanicals, but there are plenty of great bottled brands.

Related: 20 Things to Eat and Drink in Barcelona

7 OF 31

Get Lost in the Barri Gòtic

No place on earth can hold a candle to Barri Gòtic when it comes to the concentration and breadth of Gothic architecture. The neighborhood’s arcaded, labyrinthine streets empty onto medieval squares such as the historic Plaça del Rei, the atmospheric Plaça Reial, and the Plaça del Pi with its open-air market and artists selling their work. The best way to explore it is to start strolling and get lost trying to navigate its tiny streets. As you wander, look out for century-old stores still selling the same products, such as espadrilles at La Manual Alpagatera, beautiful candles at Cereria Subirà, and delicious pastries at Pastissería La Colmena.

Related: Barcelona’s Neighborhood Guide

8 OF 31

Check out the Fundació Joan Miró

Perched on Montjuïc hill that rises behind the southwest of the city center, the Fundació Joan Miró was founded in 1975 by the Catalan artist himself to make his art more accessible to the public. Today more than 10,000 of his whimsical masterpieces, from the early Surrealist paintings to the Dada-inspired later works, are on display. Whether you’re inside for half an hour or an entire afternoon, don’t miss the hilarious Man and Woman in Front of a Pile of Excrement. Yes, you read that right.

9 OF 31

Explore Park Güell

Park Güell is Gaudí’s greatest triumph in urban planning and shows the architect at his most organic. Using the Collserola foothills as his canvas, Gaudí designed an architectural park whose structures (houses, fountains, pillars, walkways) often appear to be extensions of nature. Columns shoot up like tree trunks, arches are jagged like cave openings, and a giant lizard guards its fountain with scales fashioned out of mosaic tiles. As you leave the monumental area and follow the uphill path, let the sweeping views awaiting you at the top be your motivation. As with many Barcelona attractions, you should buy tickets ahead of time.

10 OF 31

Discover Masterpieces at the Museu Nacional d’Art

Sure, there are plenty of Baroque and Renaissance masterpieces on display at the Museu Nacional D’Art de Catalunya (National Museum of Catalan Art). It’s even home to one of Diego Velázquez’s most famous portraits, San Pablo. But what sets this museum apart is the scope of its Romanesque collection, which is one of the most exhaustive in the world and chronicles the pre-Gothic beginnings of religious art in Catalonia. Be sure to seek out the biblical fresco titled Apse of Sant Climent de Taüll, the crown jewel of the collection.

11 OF 31

Admire the Talent of Pablo Picasso at the Picasso Museum

Pablo Picasso may have hailed from Málaga in the south of Spain, but it was Barcelona where he moved at age 14 and apprenticed as a young artist. Housing 4,251 of Picasso’s early works in sculpture, paint, and engraving, it’s a virtually complete representation of his portfolio all the way up to the Blue Period. Picasso’s art isn’t the only draw at the Museu Picasso; the five adjoining 13th- and 14th-century residences that comprise the museum are precious in their own right.

12 OF 31

Walk Along the Elegant Passeig de Gràcia

Besides Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s other most famous street is Passeig de Gràcia, the elegant boulevard that runs all the way up from Plaça de Catalunya to the neighborhood of Gràcia. Here, you’ll find some of the best examples of Catalan Modernista architecture, including Gaudí’s rainbow-colored Casa Batlló and the rippling façade of his La Pedrera. One of the best sections is the Manzana de la Discòrdia, a city block featuring buildings designed by Barcelona’s four most renowned Modernista architects: Antoni Gaudí, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Enric Sagnier. The “discord,” of course, refers to the rivalry among these architects, each of whom was trying to forge his reputation at the time as a leader of Modernism. By most counts, Gaudí eclipsed his competition with Casa Batlló, whose undulating façade and kaleidoscopic mosaics make it one of the city’s most emblematic and visited sites. Those with deep pockets will find that Passeig de Gràcia is also one of the city’s best shopping streets.

13 OF 31

Explore the Neighborhood of El Born

The neighborhood of El Born lies in between Parc de la Ciutadella and Via Laietana within the Ciutat Vella or Old Town. One of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, it perfectly blends history and tradition with hip hangouts. Centered around the Santa Maria del Mar church and the Passeig del Born are a collection of cool tapas joints, cocktail bars, and popular restaurants. Down its maze of narrow alleyways are several upmarket boutiques and quirky galleries. Dine on tasty tapas bites at Bormuth, sip on innovative cocktails at Dr. Stravinsky or speakeasy-style El Paradis, and get a takeaway coffee from the city’s best coffee shop—Cafés El Magnifico. Don’t forget to check out the Born Cultural and Memorial Center, housed in the old neighborhood market and now a type of history museum showcasing the ruins of the ancient medieval city below.

14 OF 31

Relax on the Beaches of Barceloneta

Barcelona’s beaches are popular fun spaces where locals come to hang out on weekends. Barceloneta and El Somorrostro beaches are very popular with visitors, while Nova Icària and Bogatell are more favored by locals. For a bit of privacy, choose Mar Bella—the city’s nudist beach, where the LGBTQIA+ community like to hang out. After lounging on the beach for a few hours, head to the old fisherman’s district of Barceloneta for excellent paellas at the traditional Can Solé or seafood tapas at La Cova Fumada.

15 OF 31

Cheer on Barça at Camp Nou

Millions of soccer fans make the pilgrimage to Barcelona each year to cheer on Barcelona’s home team, Futbol Club Barcelona (“Barça” for short). That level of enthusiasm commands a stadium to match, and Camp Nou delivers. The stadium boasts the highest capacity in Europe and can seat nearly 100,000 spectators. Although nothing compares to attending a live game, Barcelonistas can get a taste of the Barça experience on the guided tour, which brings the game-day rush to life in the “players’ tunnel” that simulates what it’s like to walk into a roaring, full-to-capacity stadium

16 OF 31

See the Works at the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona

There’s so much art history to digest in Barcelona that one might forget to consider the present. Thankfully, the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), a luminous hall designed by American architect Richard Meier, serves as a reminder. With a collection spanning from the mid-20th century to today, the MACBA is the ideal place to get acquainted with some of Catalonia’s most celebrated contemporary artists and its emerging talent. The square it sits on is also a great spot for people-watching, where the city’s best skateboarders come to perfect their stunts.

17 OF 31

Visit Catedral de la Seu

Predating La Sagrada Família by six centuries, the Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia (known informally as Catedral de la Seu) was built as a monument to Santa Eulalia, the co-patron saint of the city. Gargoyles, flying buttresses, and barrel vaults accent this classically Gothic structure, and you can enjoy them from above on a rooftop tour. See if you can spot all 13 geese, said to represent each year of Eulalia’s life before she was martyred.

18 OF 31

Chill Out in Parc de la Ciutadella

Barcelona’s best city park, the Parc de la Ciutadella, is a lush 19th-century park built over the previous site of a military citadel. Today, it has become a meeting point for bohemians to gather, musicians to strum their guitars, groups to congregate in the bandstand, locals to dance Lindy Hop by the fountain, and the city’s Senegalese residents’ to play music. It’s a place for everyone, whether you want to have a picnic with the kids, sit under a tree and read a book, or practice yoga. Visit for a stroll under the trees or a relaxing rowboat ride on the lake, then take a moment to admire the handiwork of the central fountain, a Neoclassical work designed by Josep Fontserè. It’s also home to the impressive crimson-hued Catalan Parliament building.

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Go Hiking in the Collserola and the Carretera de les Aigues

Not many cities have a natural park within the city limits, but one thing that sets Barcelona apart is that nature lies within easy reach of the city center. The Collserola Natural Park sits in the hills that wrap all the way around the back of the city. On one side sits Mount Tibidabo and its amusement park, while on the other, the castle-like Torre Baró. Between the two lies the wide Carretera de les Aigues offering incredible views. The whole area is filled with many different hiking and biking routes, which crisscross through the park. You can access the hills from many parts of the city, but one of the easiest is to take the FGC train from Plaça Catalunya to Peu de Funicular to the stop named Carretera de les Aigues.

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20 OF 31

Experience Barcelona’s Nightlife

In Barcelona, there’s a party going on at every hour of the night. You could begin the evening in one of the city’s xampanyerias, such as El Xampanyet or Can Paixano, which are raucous cava bars where locals gather to sip sparkling wine and munch on simple tapas. Next, stop for a cocktail in the many bars hidden around El Born before heading to the buzzing nightclubs. There’s Jamboree for jazz enthusiasts, Sala Apolo for indie and electronic live music shows, or Razzmatazz, which has five venues in one playing everything from electronica and techno to indie and classic pop. Marula Café is also a great option for funk and disco jams. Remember that most clubs in the city don’t get going until around 2 am and blast the beats until 6 am.

21 OF 31

Get THE View of Barcelona from Atop Mount Tibidabo

Imposing Mount Tibidabo stands overlooking Barcelona and can be seen from many different parts of the city. The highest peak in the Collserola, at over 500 meters, is topped by the magnificent Sagrat Cor church, which shines like a beacon over the city at night. There are several ways to reach the top of Tibidabo, from hikes through the natural park and bus rides, to funiculars and the classic Tramvia Blau, a historic blue tram. The rewards from the top are well worth it and offer one of the best views over the Barcelona cityscape against the backdrop of the cobalt-blue Mediterranean. But it’s not just the incredible views you’ll come here for; there’s also a vintage amusement park.

22 OF 31

Eat Your Fill of Tapas

Barcelona is known as a great foodie city where you can sample traditional Catalan fare, traditional tapas, and authentic international bites. But the city is also very “hit or miss” when it comes to finding good food. It’s well worth researching places ahead of time. In El Born, there’s old-timey Cal-Pep with its fresh seafood plates or the industrial-style Bodega La Puntual. In Gracia, there’s the traditional Bar Bodega Quimet packed with tables and surrounded by old wine barrels and vines hanging from the ceiling, while in Sant Antoni there’s cool Bar Calders with its modern bites and excellent wine. In Eixample, you can’t go wrong with El Nacional—a huge 1920s-style elegant hall home to four different tapas restaurants, each specializing in a unique ingredient. If you want to experience the famous Basque tapas alternative of pintxos (small pieces of bread topped with all kinds of ingredients), then Barcelona has a whole street dedicated to pintxos bars on Carrer Blai.

23 OF 31

Discover Montjuïc Hill

Montjuïc is a large hill that rises to the west of the city center. It’s home to the city’s Olympic park when it hosted the games in 1992. There are many ways to reach it, but one of the most impressive is climbing up the huge monumental staircase and fountain display from Placa d’Espanya to the magnificent Neo-Baroque palace housing the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, a temple to Catalan art and design. Another way is to take a cable car ride from the port area all the way up. The hill is dotted with beautiful gardens, including the city’s Botanical Gardens. There are several interesting museums, including the Olympic Museum, the Fundació Joan Miró, and the Catalan Museum of Archaeology. There’s also the fascinating Montjuïc Cemetery, the final resting place of several famous former Barcelona residents, including Joan Miró and Catalan President Lluís Companys. At the top of it all stands Montjuïc Castle, a 17th-century fortress home to a military museum and incredible city views.

24 OF 31

Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

Just a 14-minute walk from the celebrated Sagrada Familia church is another of Barcelona’s most awe-inspiring sites—the Hospital de Sant Pau. This UNESCO World Heritage Art Nouveau masterpiece is the largest of its kind in the world and was a working hospital up until 2009. Built between 1905 and 1930, it was designed by Barcelona’s other famous architect–Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who also designed the Palau de la Música Catalana. The site is made up of several different pavilions interconnected via underground tunnels, each richly decorated with colorful tiles and mosaics, floral motifs, embellished arches and turrets, and bright stained-glass windows.

25 OF 31

Admire the Stunning Facades in L’Eixample

The Eixample District is one of the most elegant parts of the city. It sits either side of the grand Passeig de Gràcia and is split into Dreta de L’Eixample (right side) and L’Esquerra de L’Eixample (left side). The neighborhood is an architecture lover’s dream. Simply look up, and you’ll be treated to views of some of Catalan Modernism’s best examples. Developed in the 19th-century, the Modernista style is characterized by colorful tiles and mosaics, picturesque facades, and floral motifs. Besides the famous buildings on Passeig de Gràcia, some of the best Modernista masterpieces found in this district include the Casa de les Punxes, Palau Baró de Quadras, and Palau Macaya. But it’s not all about these grand palaces and public buildings; many of the private residential buildings in Eixample are also gorgeous examples of Modernista architecture.

26 OF 31

Explore the Neighborhood of Gracia

As you leave the wide boulevards of Eixample and head north, you’ll enter the hip barrio of Gracia, a series of atmospheric squares surrounded by bars and restaurants and interconnected by small narrow streets. It’s trendy, bohemian, and yet retains its traditional charm. Old family-run tapas bars sit next to Japanese supermarkets and independent cinemas. Whether you’re hankering after delicious Indian dishes, traditional ramen, or Syrian pastries, Gracia doesn’t disappoint. It’s also known for its excellent nightlife options, including everything from Cuban salsa bars to funky cocktail joints. It’s also a great neighborhood for shopping, with its wealth of small independent stores. Beyond food and drinks, visit the first-ever house that Gaudí designed, Casa Vicens, with its sunflower motifs and emerald green tiles.

27 OF 31

Explore the Barrio of Poblenou

Poblenou may not be the first of Barcelona’s neighborhoods on your list, as it doesn’t have many major sights, but it’s a lovely local barrio to explore anyway. The neighborhood is split in two: the first part consists of old warehouses transformed into trendy hangouts such as coffee roasters, craft beer halls, and design hubs. The second part is the more traditional section with its own rambla (promenade) reaching towards the beach and lined with attractive Modernista buildings and a great selection of bars and restaurants.

28 OF 31

Wander Around Palau Güell

The opulent Palau Güell sits down a narrow street hidden off the side of Las Ramblas. Another of Gaudi’s visions, the Palau Güell, was built in 1888 as the family home for the architect’s patron Eusebi Güell. One of Gaudi’s early works, the palace was considered one of the pioneering buildings of the Art Nouveau movement. From the grand parabolic entranceway and the sleek basement horse stables to the theatrical music room upstairs and the quirky multicolored tiled chimneys on the rooftop, this house delivers in style and wonder.

29 OF 31

Visit the Monestir de Pedralbes

For another of the city’s Gothic masterpieces, leave the city’s center and head to the district of Pedralbes in the northwest corner of the city. Built in the early 14th-century, the monastery is an elegant example of Gothic architecture and is set around a serene three-tiered cloister. Today, it offers a peek into life in a convent, enabling you to tour the old refectory, kitchen, stables, infirmary, and grand hall, complete with sleeping quarters. Both guided tours are available, or you can tour at your own leisure, and entry is free on Sundays after 3 p.m. The monastery also houses several excellent temporary changing exhibitions.

30 OF 31

Take the Kiddos to the CosmoCaixa Science Museum

A great option for a rainy afternoon or when the heat becomes too unbearable is the CosmoCaixa science museum. Situated in the very north of the city, close to the foothills of the Collserola Natural Park, this vast center features hands-on exhibits covering everything from space and the human body to Antarctica and ancient fossils. There’s also a large section that has been turned into a living Amazon rainforest, complete with live crocodiles and piranha fish, and where it actually rains every 15 minutes.

31 OF 31

Experience the City’s Many Festivals

Barcelona plays host to so many different festivals that it’s pretty much guaranteed one will coincide with your trip. Come in April to witness St Jordi Day, a celebration of Catalonia’s patron saint. In June, take part in the fiery Festival of Sant Joan, where fireworks can be seen popping off across the city throughout the night. And in September, it’s time for La Mercè Festival, featuring concerts, street theater, and dance performances. Catalan festivals are unlike the somber religious festivals you’ll find in southern Spain, here, festivals are always vibrant and high energy. Typical traditions that are part of most festivities in Barcelona include dancing giants, castellers (human tower builders), and correfocs (meaning fire runs involving people dressed as devils, spraying giant sparklers through the streets).

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things to see in Barcelona, routes

Home > Spain > Catalonia > Costa Brava > Barcelona

Top attractions in Barcelona:

What to see in Barcelona:

The main attractions of Barcelona are concentrated in Old Town , along street a La Rambla descending to the sea from Plaza Catalunya and along the most beautiful boulevards Eixample .

Central Square – Plaza Catalunya (Plaça Catalunya) , located between Old Town (Gothic Quarter) and the modern districts of Barcelona. Rambla runs from Plaza Catalunya to the sea, on opposite sides of which lie the quarter Raval and Gothic quarter (with a cathedral and narrow streets). Behind the Gothic Quarter is Ribera quarter .

North of Plaza Catalunya is the modern area Eixample with houses of the late 19th century, built according to the “square” scheme (a network of perpendicular streets with a regular layout). In the Eixample are the main masterpieces of the Art Nouveau ( Gaudí architecture ) and the famous Sagrada Familia .

In the south of Barcelona, by the sea near the port is located hill Montjuïc . In the north of the city is Mount Tibidabo .

Divided according to quarters and attractions in Barcelona .

If you are in the city for the first time, then it makes sense to first take a sightseeing tour on a tourist bus (Hop off / Hop on series) in order to orient yourself in different quarters (and it is quite difficult to get around all the sights on foot, at least in one day), and then it’s already easy to walk, imagining better what and where is located.

It’s better to look around quarters – to get a holistic view and have time to relax. You will be helped tourist routes in Barcelona with maps and descriptions.

Barcelona Quarters and Attractions:

Barcelona Old Town and Gothic Quarter

Attractions in the Gothic Quarter Barcelona:

Cathedral

Palau de la Generalitat

Ajuntament (city hall)

Palau Real

Frederic Mares Museum

Historical Museum

Tour Center of Catalonia

Gothic Quarter Tourist Route:

Barcelona Gothic Quarter Tourist Route

Barcelona Old Town Tourist Route

La Rambla

Attractions along La Rambla:

Fountain Kanalet

Royal Academy of Science and Art

Palau de la Virreina

Palau Moja

St. Jose

Placa de la Boqueria
Grand Theater (Gran Teatre del Liceu)

Palace Güell

Wax Museum Sulfur

Placa Reial (Royal Square)

Tourist routes:

Tourist route along the Rambla

Eixample, Barcelona Art Nouveau and Gaudí:

Casa Batlló is one of Gaudí’s creations in the Eixample 9 quarter0002

Landmarks in Eixample:

Gaudí Architecture:

Sagrada Familia

Park Güell

Casa Batlló

House Calvet (cat. Casa Calvet)

House Mila

Other attractions in Eixample:

Boulevard Gracia

Palace of Baro de Cuadros (Palau del Baro de Quadros

Cases Rocamora

“Quarter of Disagreement”

House Leo Morera

House Amalie

La Pedrera

University

House Serra

Antoni Tapies Foundation

Spire House

Palace Robert

House Fuster

Montaner Palace

Palace of Catalan Music

Hospital of the Holy Cross and St. Paul

Tourist routes in Eixample:

Barcelona Art Nouveau in Eixample

Golden Square

Barceloneta Coastal Barcelona

Barcelona Coastal Attractions:

Ciutadella Park

Arc de Triomphe

Castle of the Three Dragons

Geological Museum and Conservatory

Old Arsenal

Zoo

Picasso Monument

Church of Santa Maria del Mar

Barcelona Artisan Quarters

Carrér de Montcada

Palace of Catalan Music

Old Port of Barcelona

Barceloneta

Tourist routes:

Coastal Barcelona route

Montjuic Hill in Barcelona 8 Castell de Montjuic

Fundació Joan Miró

Ancient Greek Theater (Teatre Grec)

Ethnological and Archaeological Museums

National Art Museum of Catalonia

Spanish village – Spain in miniature

Pabellón Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion

Plaza d’Espanua

Joan Miró Park – Parc de Joan Miró

Neighborhood hiking trails:

Montjuic hill route

Route – Montjuic Hill

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Home > Spain > Catalonia > Costa Brava > Barcelona

What to see in Barcelona? Top 30 Tourist Places!

Barcelona is a corner of the globe, having visited it once, you leave your heart and soul forever. Probably, there is not even one person in the world whom a trip to Barcelona would leave indifferent. Magnificent architecture, incredibly light and positive atmosphere of an eternal holiday, mild, pleasant climate – one visit is enough to fall in love with Barcelona forever!

A trip to Barcelona is ideal for couples with children, as well as for single travelers who want to enjoy the delights of youth holidays to the fullest. Everyone can find something to their liking here.

The main feature of Barcelona is the abundance of attractions. Unique architectural monuments are famous all over the world! Further in the article, we offer an answer to the question of what to see in Barcelona on your own, having examined the most interesting sights of the city!

Contents

1. Sagrada Familia

“Sagrada Familia” or Sagrada Familia is one of the main attractions of the capital of Catalonia, which is a must-see for a tourist. The unique cathedral is the creation of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. The construction of the temple began at the end of the 19th century and has not ended to this day. The reason for this is unique. The construction of the cathedral is carried out exclusively at the expense of the parishioners.

The Sagrada Familia is located in the city center on a street called Carrer de Mallorca. You can get here from any part of the public transport. Excursions are regularly held, which, remarkably, are distinguished by a very adequate price.

2. Park Güell

Another masterpiece of the talented Antoni Gaudí, which a tourist should see in Barcelona. Here, park areas and residential areas are harmoniously intertwined. The area of the park exceeds 17 hectares, so a walk here can take a whole day. Keep this in mind when going here.

The most famous place in the park is the central entrance, no matter how strange it may seem. The entrance group is marked by two unusual architectural structures that are very similar to real gingerbread houses.

3. La Rambla

Be sure to visit the heart of Barcelona’s tourist life! The boulevard can be compared with the Arbat, which is located in Moscow, or New York Broadway. Located in the city center and popular with tourists from all over the world. Life here boils day and night.

Barcelona’s La Rambla regularly hosts parades and festive processions, as well as performances by street musicians and dancers. There are restaurants and cafes along the boulevard.

4. Gothic Quarter

Walking across La Rambla from the metro station of the same name, you can walk straight to the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of Barcelona. Here, ancient buildings, trendy boutiques and cozy restaurants are surprisingly intertwined. By the way, it was here that the scenes of the film based on the book “Perfumer” were filmed.

Some of the buildings in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter were built between the 14th and 15th centuries. There really is an amazing atmosphere that must be experienced personally.

The central part of the Gothic Quarter is the cathedral, which was built according to the design of Faberge. The highest spire of the building is 93 meters!

5. Casa Mila

Casa Mila in Barcelona is a monumental house that can be seen in the central part of the city. It’s hard not to notice him. The second name of the monument is “The Quarry”. The house is distinguished by a rather massive architectural and intricately curved facades. The balconies of the apartments are decorated with artistic forging.

On the first floor of the Mila House there is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Antonio Gaudí. There is an opportunity to climb to the roof, to appreciate not only the architecture, but also the interior decoration of the residential monument.

6. Casa Batlló

Another “residential” attraction in Barcelona that is a must-see! Previously, it was an ordinary house, which was transformed under the strict guidance of Antonio Gaudi. Included in the list of objects protected by UNESCO.

First of all, this building has an amazing facade, which has an original and bizarre shape. The different sizes of windows, the decor in the form of mosaics, whalebone, tiles, stained glass colored glass, etc. are surprising.

The big plus is that visiting the attraction is absolutely free. A big plus for budget tourists who have an organic budget.

7. Montjuic

Montjuic is a mountain located in the southwestern part of Barcelona. It is here that the complex of facilities that were built specifically for the Olympics in 1992 is located. In addition, Montjuic is famous for its abundance of parks and gardens, which means it is an ideal place for walking and relaxing.

An excursion here can take a whole day. It is worth considering this fact when going here. At the top of the hill there is a castle with an observation deck, from where a beautiful panoramic view of the city panorama opens.

Montjuïc can be reached on foot, by tourist bus or by cable car, which originates in the Old Port.

8. Singing fountains in Barcelona

Every tourist wants to see the singing fountains in Barcelona – this is a spectacle! They begin their work in the evening, when it is already getting dark outside. The grandiosity and magnificence of the fountains is emphasized by the musical and light accompaniment. Powerful cascades of water change their shape to the beat of the melodies of Bach, Mozart, Chopin.

This Barcelona landmark can be attributed to another place recommended for visiting budget tourists. Visiting the fountains is absolutely free, but the emotions that you can get from the personal contemplation of this object are really worth it!

9. Barcelona Cathedral

An incredibly beautiful architectural landmark is an example of the best traditions of the Gothic style, which captivates with its sophistication and majesty. The cathedral at the same time conquers with the luxury of its exterior, but, at the same time, evokes gloomy thoughts about the difficult life in the Middle Ages.

The place is truly unique. An amazing atmosphere reigns here, which must be experienced personally! By the way, the importance of the Cathedral is not limited to the visual component. Inside the temple there is a figure of Christ, and from the dome there are simply incredibly beautiful views of the city.

10. Picasso Museum

Pablo Picasso is a famous Spanish artist whose work conquered and continues to conquer the whole world. His works – paintings, sculptures, graphics – are unique masterpieces that cannot be repeated! If you are a true fan of creativity, then visiting the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is a must.

The museum is located in central Barcelona, on Montcada street 19-23. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and on Sunday and Monday the museum is closed. Entrance tickets can be bought on the spot at the box office.

11. Palace of Catalan Music

The main concert hall of Barcelona is another iconic city attraction that is definitely recommended for visiting. It can be safely considered one of the most important symbols of the capital of Catalonia. Having been here, you will be smitten on the spot not only by the luxurious architectural solution, but also by the rich interior decoration.

Excursions inside are held every 30 minutes, so when you come here you can easily join any tourist group. It is noteworthy that excursions are inexpensive.

In addition to the usual sightseeing tour, you can also go to a concert here. The schedule is best specified on the official website of the palace.

12. Church of Santa Maria del Mar

Incredibly beautiful church with Gothic architecture. The property is located in the Born Ribera area. You can get here with an organized tourist group or on your own by public transport.

Not only the outer decoration of the cathedral, but also its interior deserves attention. Inside is an altar decorated with various sculptures. The grandiosity of the design is captivating. Entrance inside is absolutely free – what is not a reason to look?

13. Boquería Market

Do you want to enjoy the color of Spain in full? Then head to the Boqueria market, which is located in the La Rambla area. It is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, on Sunday the market is closed!

Boqueria is one of the oldest markets. The first mention of it dates back to the 12th century. There is simply an indescribable atmosphere of old Catalonia. A visit here is also a great opportunity to buy fresh produce at affordable prices! Be sure to get jamon, sweet local melon and sangria – the combination of these products will lead you to absolute delight!

14. Plaza Catalunya

Central Plaza Catalunya is one of the most popular places in Barcelona for tourists to relax. It is located between the Boqueria market area and the old town. You can combine a visit to this city attraction with the premises of the market itself, the Gothic Quarter, etc. It is from Plaza Catalunya that the Passeig de Gracia street originates, which is a kind of showcase of modern architecture in Barcelona.

In the center of the square there is a large fountain, which is very popular with tourists and locals, as it gives coolness even on the hottest summer days.

Of course, a very pleasant plus is the fact that visiting the square is absolutely free.

15. Tibidabo

Tibidabo is a famous mountain in Spain. Here you will have a stunning panoramic view of Barcelona and its surroundings. This place is ideal for outdoor walks, a mini-journey here can take a whole day.

Tibidabo has a famous museum called “CosmoCaixa”. The main part of its exposition is devoted to natural sciences. The main attraction of the mountain is the Temple of the Sacred Heart, on top of which there is a statue of Christ.

The most convenient way to get to the top of Tibidabo is with an organized tour group, however, you can get here on your own using public transport or rent a car.

16. Aquarium

Barcelona Aquarium immediately attracts attention, it is worth walking along the promenade. The Barcelona Aquarium is one of the largest in Europe. Here is a magnificent collection of fish, plants, animals collected from all over the world. But most of all, tourists like the escalator path that runs right through the water column, 80 meters long. The visitor finds himself inside the depths of the sea, surrounded by the inhabitants of the underwater world. Huge sharks seem to fly overhead, bright fish scurry about, exotic vegetation sways, as if in the wind.

The exposition also includes small aquariums imitating various habitats of sea creatures – underwater caves, coral reefs, sandbars.

17. Gaudí House Museum

The Gaudí House Museum is located in Parc Güell. This is not the most conspicuous building in the entire territory. Gaudi was a modest man. He lived in this house for twenty years, almost until his death.

Interesting things to see in the house are the personal belongings of the great architect, furniture made according to his designs. The appearance of the house with an elegant turret and pinkish walls is also made according to his drawings.

Park Guell, conceived as a residential complex, unfortunately, was never completed. There was no money for the project. Gaudi worked hard. Here, in the museum, you can get acquainted with the layouts and conceived works of the master. The museum exists not so long ago, it was opened on September 28, 1963 thanks to the charitable organization Friends of Gaudí.

18. Bellesguard Tower

This landmark of Barcelona was opened for inspection not so long ago, in 2013. The house with the tower belongs to a private person. The architect is again the great Antonio Gaudi.

The house is interesting because it is located on the site of the ruins of the castle of the legendary king Marti, who founded Barcelona. Perhaps that is why the house has straight walls, which, in principle, is not characteristic of the master. Gaudi left part of the ruins in the courtyard of the house as decoration and decoration of the interior space. The turret rises above the foothills of Tibidabo like church bell towers. In fact, this is a small castle with all the attributes of a medieval way of life. True, the architect brought his innovative ideas to the project. A house was built for the wealthy widow Maria Sages at 1909 year.

19. Ciutadella Park

Situated between the Old Town and the Barceloneta area, the park has an impressive history. It was on this place that the defensive fortress stood, as the name of the park speaks of.

The blue expanse of a large lake, the silvery jets of fountains are a real decoration of the urban landscape. In 1888, the first World Exhibition was held in Barcelona, which gave impetus to the development of the entire urban economy in general, and the creation of the park in particular. The project of Giusepe Fontser gave the sights the features of an English park and a French garden at the same time. The most beautiful Cascada fountain is located in the northern part of the green zone.

20. National Art Museum of Catalonia

The location of the museum is unusually good. It crowns the Montjuic hill, and from the terraces near the building there are magnificent views of Barcelona and its sights. You can get here from Plaza de España, and then take the funiculars up. Or take a bus ride along the entire serpentine of the road between the green spaces of parks and monumental buildings built for the 1992 Olympics.

The museum itself was opened relatively recently, at 1992 year. Here are collected works of art, sculptures, frescoes. The museum’s collection of frescoes is priceless. It was collected from small dilapidated churches in remote areas of Spain. Now they are safe and stored in a special department. Such masters as El Greco, Velasquez are represented, there is an extensive collection of paintings by early Netherlandish artists.

21. Spanish Village

This is a unique place in Barcelona, where you can see 117 houses and streets from different parts of Spain. More often this place is called the Village of Masters.

The project was created for the 1929 World’s Fair and was very popular. Here you can see real Andalusian houses, a small copy of the gates of Avila, the streets of Toledo. Only pedestrian traffic is allowed on the streets. Craftsmen work in hundreds of workshops: they weave lace, blow glass, the potter creates a vase, the artist paints it. Nearby you can try handmade chocolate, see how original jewelry is born. The fruits of labor of local craftsmen can be purchased right there, in pretty shops and shops.

22. Palau Güell

Not far from bustling La Rambla stands Gaudí’s beautiful masterpiece, built by him for a wealthy industrialist, politician, art patron and friend Güell. This palace is an interweaving of the master’s fantasy with traditional Spanish architectural motifs. This is one of the first creations of the great Gaudi.

Here, on a small plot of land, he managed to build a truly magnificent palace. He managed to create both a private part and spacious rooms for receptions and exhibitions.

The most impressive thing about the castle is the glass dome through which the hot Spanish sun peeps into the house. The place for such an odious building was chosen by the owner because of childhood memories. At that time (1885-1890) this street was not considered prestigious.

23. Arc de Triomphe in Barcelona

This arch is not a monument to military victories, but a symbol of the hospitality of Catalonia and Barcelona, built specifically for the opening of the World Exhibition in 1888. It was from here that guests from all over the world began their acquaintance with the pavilions.

The words “Barcelona welcomes the nation” are carved on the pediment. The architect of the arch, José Vilaseca y Casanovas, painted his creation in the terracotta colors so often found on the old streets of Spain.

Prominent Spanish artists such as Antonio Vilanova, Torquato Tasso, Josep Llimona and others took part in making ornaments and sculptures of the arches.

24. Casa Vicens

If you want to see all the architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, do not miss Casa Vicens. The charming building was built by Antoni Gaudi immediately after receiving his diploma in architecture. This brightly colored mansion was commissioned by ceramic tile manufacturer Manuel Vicens. By mutual desire, the building was created on the basis of the Mudéjar style, which was very popular at that time. The Mudéjar style came along with the Arabic script, intertwined with the Spanish flavor and remained forever on the Spanish streets.

The customer asked for attention to the garden, as the residence was intended for summer living. Gaudi took into account everything – floral motifs on the walls, walls made of raw stone, bright colors of architectural decorations, elegant balconies. The residence turned out to be joyful and bright in a summery way. The entire house was built in 1888.

25. Montserrat

This is a completely unique place in Barcelona, located at an altitude of about 700 m above sea level, surrounded by huge mountains, like giant fingers. The shape of the mountains is so bizarre and unusual that a tourist who comes to Montserrat for the first time rubs his eyes and cannot hold back his sighs of delight. You can get to Montserrat by cable car, or by special gear rails – kremallero, along which an unusual funicular runs. You can also go by car, but in this case you will have to overcome a rather steep serpentine.

The monastery, located directly under the mountain range, belongs to the Benedictine order, the oldest spiritual community in Catalonia. The monastery was first mentioned in manuscripts in 880. From the primary buildings, the cloister of the cathedral and the portal in the Romanesque style have been preserved. The most famous shrine of the monastery is the Black Virgin of Montserrat. She is under a glass dome, holding out her hand to all who pass by her. It was hardly saved from destruction during the capture of the monastery by Napoleon.

The cathedral is famous for its boys’ choir. To hear it, you need to arrive at a certain time. The choir consists of 50 children and is one of the oldest children’s singing choirs in Europe. Mentions of child singers at the monastery are found in the XIV century.

26. Museum of Modern Art

In the El Raval student area, there is a glass and concrete building. Looking at it, one can easily understand that this is a museum of modern art. It opened in 1995 and contains collections of works by artists and sculptors from the post-war period to the present. Mostly Spanish art is presented here, but there is also a work of foreign authors. The museum building also houses the largest library in Barcelona.

27. Amalle House

Another architectural creation that will be interesting for a tourist to see in Barcelona. The house is located on one of the central streets of Passeig de Gracia, in the so-called Quarter of Discord. The quarter received a funny name due to the heterogeneity of buildings built literally side by side with each other.

The Art Nouveau House of Amalie is sandwiched on both sides by the Casa Batlló and the Morren House. Every rich person who settled on this street wanted to make his home the most visible, bright, and stand out from the others. Thus, architectural masterpieces standing close to each other are presented here.

The Amallet House was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalca and commissioned by the famous confectioner Antonio Amalle. The pink-cream color of the facade with chocolate splashes hints at the owner’s profession, Amalie himself is allegorically depicted above the entrance.

28. Barcelona Maritime Museum

This museum, like many things in Barcelona, was part of the 1929 World’s Fair. The purpose of the opening of the museum was to show the proud pages of the history of maritime and shipbuilding in Spain. Numerous rare documents, ancient navigation instruments, a collection of models of ships, caravels and galleys are presented here.

The greatest pride of the museum is a copy of a sailing galley that fought against the Turks in 1571. This is not just a ship, but a work of art and a rare masterpiece of the masters of Seville. The museum also exhibits interesting specimens of the figureheads of ancient ships. It will be very interesting to visit this place in Barcelona!

29. Science Museum CosmoCaixa

A collection of human knowledge – this is the name of this most interesting museum. It is located at the foot of Mount Tibidabo and covers an area of 45 thousand square meters. Modern displays with visual effects, the use of computer technology make this museum an extremely popular attraction in Barcelona.

Huge Planetarium, Hall of Matter, Science Square, Rainforest – all presented in living pictures. So, for example, the selva of the Amazon River with plants, insects and temperature conditions was recreated. Visitors literally move into the jungle, experiencing the temperature changes and humidity of the tropical climate.

The museum is quite young, opened in 1981, but has already gained popularity among both tourists and locals.