30 Top Attractions in Barcelona 2023
1. La Sagrada Familia
Religious | Architecture
Visitors to the Catalan capital must view the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, which many locals consider to be the monument that best represents Barcelona. The church, which was first intended to be a straightforward Roman Catholic building honoring Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, developed into the most renowned example of Catalan Modernism. The basilica, created by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, is a physical representation of Gaudi’s belief that God created the world.
Interesting Fact: Gaudi made an effort to combine complex scientific metaphors with Christian terminology and biblical allegories.
Location: C/ de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
From €34
2. Park Guell
Sightseeing | Architecture
Both visitors and residents like visiting Park Güell. The city’s favorite location has a swaying balcony, the vibrant Guard’s House, and a stunning view of the sea and the city of Barcelona in the distance. It serves as a good representation of Barcelona, a vibrant, diverse city with a Mediterranean feel. Antoni Gaudi created the architectural gem Park Güell, which features undulating designs that perfectly complement each other and columns in the shape of trees.
Why Visit: An unmatched Gaudi technique that brings the elements of Gaudi to life is the colors of the broken tile mosaics that cover the surface of the pieces.
Location: 08024 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €10
3. Casa Batllo
Historic | Sightseeing
One of the most peculiar residences in all of Europe is Casa Batlló, built in 1904–1906. Gaudi is at his most fantastical here. With its humorous exterior and marine-themed influences as well as its groundbreaking experiments with light and architectural form, this apartment tower is among the most recognizable buildings in a city where the stakes for good design are quite high (straight lines are rare and far between).
Interesting Fact: Gaudi went all out inside and out when he was hired to redesign this building. Deep-sea blue tiles shine in internal light wells. The fundamental foundation of the building exudes a very modern and distinctive vibe.
Location: Pg. de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €35
4. Camp Nou
Entertainment | Sports
Camp Nou was built between 1954 and 1957, and a match involving FC Barcelona and a team from Warsaw served as its formal debut. Camp Nou has been used for a number of purposes besides sports, such as presenting sizable concerts. Pope John Paul II was named an honorary citizen of Barcelona on November 17, 1982, and he conducted mass at Camp Nou in front of some 121,500 people. Bruce Springsteen and Julio Iglesias both performed at Camp Nou.
Tip: If you can get a ticket to an FC Barcelona game at Camp Nou, do not miss that opportunity to experience Camp Nou at its best.
Location: C. d’Arístides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €20
5. Barcelona Cathedral
Religious | Historic
It’s beautiful to see Barcelona’s main center of worship. Its elaborate main front, which is embellished with gargoyles and intricate stone carvings typical of northern European Gothic, sets it apart from other Barcelona churches. The interior is a vast, towering expanse divided into a central nave and two aisles by rows of elegant, thin pillars. The cathedral’s austere decoration has persisted since it was one of the few Barcelona churches that anarchists spared during the civil war.
Interesting Fact: The facade was built between 1887 and 1890. The rest of the structure dates from 1298 to 1460.
Location: Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €9
6. Barcelona Aquarium
Leisure | Family-Friendly
Even though it’s difficult to remain calm when a shark swims over you flashing its incisor-studded, gaping smile, this 80-meter shark tunnel is the centerpiece of one of Europe’s biggest aquariums.
The best Mediterranean collection in the world is housed in Barcelona’s aquarium, which juts out into the port. It also has a wide variety of vibrant species from the Red Sea, the Caribbean, and the Great Barrier Reef. 11,000 creatures from 450 distinct species are present here.
Why Visit: If you are a shark enthusiast, then this is one of the best places to witness the white tip, sand tiger, black tip, and sandbar.
Location: del Port Vell, Moll d’Espanya, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €24
7. Barcelona Zoo
Kid-Friendly | Leisure
Around 2000 animals, including gorillas, lions, elephants, and Iberian wolves, as well as pony rides, picnic areas, and an adventure playground, can be found in the zoo in Barcelona. Officials in Barcelona imposed limitations on animal reproduction in 2019 until they were released into the wild; many animals are probably being moved to nature reserves. If you are traveling to Barcelona with children, it is among the greatest places to go.
Tip: Visit the zoo on a cool day so that you can see most of the animals out and about.
Location: Parc de la, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €21.40
8. Poble Espanyol
Sightseeing | Architecture
This “Spanish Village” was built for the local crafts section of the 1929 World Exhibition and is a great photo album of Spanish architecture. You can travel from Andalusia to Galicia in a few hours while making stops at surprisingly authentic miniature representations of well-known Spanish locations. Among the 117 buildings are eateries, cafes, restaurants, clubs, craft stores, workshops for glass artists and other artisans, as well as gift shops.
Tip: The two-hour Joc del Sarró, in which children search the village for answers to numerous puzzles, is open to children’s groups.
Location: Av. Francesc Ferrer I Guàrdia, 13, 08038 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €11.20
9.
Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona
Museum
Explore both the temporary and permanent exhibits at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) and let your creativity run wild. The museum, which is renowned for being at the center of Barcelona’s contemporary art scene, has 3,000 pieces in its permanent collection that date from the middle of the 20th century onward. Find here beautiful and thought-provoking works from the 1940s through the 1960s, the 1960s through the 1970s, and modern periods.
Why Visit: Numerous well-known artists, including Keith Haring, Vito Acconci, Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Antoni Tapies, Donald Judd, and others, have pieces in the collection of the MACBA.
Location: Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €10
10. KBr Photography Center
Museum
Fundación MAPFRE Barcelona is starting a new chapter in its long-standing dedication to artistic photography with the establishment of the KBr Photography Center.
With two exhibition areas, a bookstore, a location for educational programs, and a multipurpose auditorium, KBr becomes a recognized national and international authority in the field of photography. One of the most important patrons of photography is Fundación MAPFRE, the company that runs the KBr Photography Center.
Tip: You can visit the Librera KBr by Juan Naranjo, a library devoted to the study of photography, while you’re at the KBr Photography Center.
Location: Av. del Litoral, 30, 08005 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €5
11. Big Fun Museum
Kid-friendly | Museum
A time-out area, seven separate museums with wacky themes, and an interactive space are all housed under the same roof at the Big Fun Museum, which first opened in 2018. The attraction, which is situated on La Rambla, the hub of the city, combines themed rooms, wacky constructions, 3D exhibits, ball pits, and a myriad of other fascinating oddities. Don’t forget to bring your camera because the eccentric displays located within the museum make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Tip: If you purchase a combo ticket, you first had to go to the Big Fun Museum to get a coupon for the Museum of Illusions.
Location: Big Fun Museum, Rambla de Sant Josep, 88-94, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €20
12. Museu Picasso de Barcelona
Museum
The Pablo Picasso Museum is devoted to one of the greatest artists in history and is situated along the majestic, ancient Carrer de Montcada. Picasso, who was born in Málaga, Andalusia, in 1881, moved with his family to Barcelona when he was 14 years old, where he spent his formative years as a child, teenager, and youth. The museum is housed within five medieval palaces, giving guests a vast environment in which to view the over 4,000 original pieces on show. It also exhibits some of the painter’s earlier works.
Why Visit: The “Picasso Museum,” which was established in 1963, tries to demonstrate the close emotional connection Picasso had with the city, which was essential in helping him find, develop, and shape his artistic abilities.
Location: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
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13. La Rambla
Thoroughfare
La Rambla is a street lined with trees that is home to a broad variety of architectural marvels, exquisitely decorated flower stands, and especially gifted (and officially recognized) human statues. The tapas bars in Mercat de la Boqueria, which many people consider to be the best gourmet food market in Europe, will undoubtedly appeal to foodies. When in Barcelona, everyone should take the time to stroll La Rambla or ramblejar, and take in the impressive facades.
Tip: Be careful about your belongings and avoid going to eateries when you are at La Rambla as both of these a major tourist traps.
Location: La Rambla, 75, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
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14. Plaça de Catalunya
Leisure
At the intersection of the old city and L’Eixample, Plaça de Catalunya serves as both a convenient meeting place and the city’s primary transportation hub for buses and trains.
It’s a large area with lovely statues and fountains, and it’s crowded with tourists, street vendors, and people feeding pigeons. Plaça de Catalunya is the spot to go if you’re visiting the city to get to know it inside and out. The square is particularly crowded and alive in the late hours of the day.
Tip: Be careful about your belongings here as Plaça de Catalunya is quite popular with tourists and therefore is a favorite hunting ground for pickpockets and other miscreants.
Location: Plaça de Catalunya, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
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15. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Museum | Architecture
From any location in Barcelona, one can see the beautiful neo-baroque silhouette of the Palau Nacional on the hills of Montjuic. It was created for the 1929 World Exhibition and contains a substantial collection of primarily Catalan art from the early Middle Ages to the early 20th century. A group of beautiful Romanesque frescoes is the focus.
Because it was constructed under the centralist dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera, it has become one of the city’s most recognizable symbols of the region’s distinctive Catalan identity.
Tip: Don’t miss the Romanesque art collection of the museum, which is considered to be the finest collection of medieval art.
Location: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
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16. Tibidabo Amusement Park
Amusement Park
The majority of Barcelona inhabitants climb Tibidabo’s peak on foot to enjoy the thrills of this vintage amusement park. Here, along with modern attractions like a 4D cinema and whirling high-speed coasters, there are also more traditional ones like a steam train and the Museu D’Autmats, which exhibit motorized puppets that date back to 1880. Due to its elevation of 512 meters above sea level, it offers the greatest view of the city. With friends and family, it’s a great place to unwind and relax.
Tip: Avail direct buses or trains from Plaça de Catalunya to the park during the high seasons of tourism.
Location: Plaça del Tibidabo, 3, 4, 08035 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
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17. Mercat de la Boqueria
Market
Barcelona’s most famous fresh-produce market is one of the best sound, smell, and color sensations in all of Europe. It is housed in a jam-packed Modernista-inspired structure that was constructed between 1840 and 1914 on the site of the former Sant Josep monastery by architect Josep Mas I Vila. La Boqueria is still renowned for its abounding fruit and vegetables, as well as its seemingly endless supply of sea creatures, cheeses, and meats, despite the fact that it has recently taken on a touristy vibe.
Tip: Don’t forget to haggle if you shop at the Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona. This is one of the very few places in Barcelona where you put your haggling skills to the test.
Location: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
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18.
Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar
Religious | Architecture
On the southern end of Passeig del Born, Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona’s best Catalan Gothic church, is situated. The church is renowned for its architectural harmony and simplicity. It was started in 1329 under the direction of architects Berenguer de Montagut and Ramon Despuig. The parishioners notoriously donated their time to assist in building the chapel, especially the stevedores from the nearby port. The church was built in a mere 54 years, which is responsible for its beautiful unity of design and symmetry.
Interesting Fact: The church has been the victim of vandalism many times. In 1936, the church was set on fire and burnt for 11 days straight.
Location: Plaça de Santa Maria, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
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19. Museu Egipci de Barcelona
Museum
The hotel tycoon Jordi Clos has devoted most of his life to collecting artifacts from ancient Egypt.
He has assembled them in this exclusive museum that is divided into themed parts (the pharaoh, religion, funerary practices, mummification, crafts, eroticism, etc). A bed made of wood and leather dating to around 2800 BCE is among the items found there. Other items include funerary utensils and containers, statues, jewelry, masonry, and ceramics.
Interesting Fact: If you feel famished, head to the rooftop and enjoy a bite while witnessing the skyline of Barcelona.
Location: C/ de València, 284, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
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20. FC Barcelona Museum
Sports | Museum
The FC Barcelona stadium, Camp Nou, is a must-visit location for fans from all around the world. This tour, which may be self-guided or guided, will give you an in-depth look into the team. It begins at a museum with multimedia exhibitions, awards, and historical displays and ends with a trip to the stadium. Ideally, allow 90 minutes. The journey starts in the high-tech museum of FC Barcelona, where visitors may explore specialized facets of the renowned squad using enormous touch-screens.
Tip: If you want an immersive tour of the stadium, opt for the Player Experience tickets that take you to the home team dressing room.
Location: C. d’Arístides Maillol, s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €20
21. Casa Vicens
Architecture
For stock and currency dealer Manuel Vicens I Montaner, Gaudi’s first commission, finished in 1885 and included on the Unesco World Heritage List, was an angular, turreted private mansion. The intricately crafted facade, which is nestled away west of Gràcia’s main thoroughfare, was shown to the public in 2017. It is awash with ceramic color and shape, including distinctive marigold tiling. As was his habit, Gaudi derived his inspiration for Casa Vicens from the rich history of brick architecture in the Mudéjar style.
Tip: This is one of the places in Barcelona where you can really use the guided tour to delve deeper into its history and antiquity.
Location: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, 08012 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €18
22.
Portaventura Park
Family-Friendly | Leisure
With its heart-pounding thrill coasters, PortAventura Park makes for the perfect getaway. The amusement park offers dramatic volcano eruptions in addition to dizzyingly fast catapults. Both children and adults may have a fantastic time at PortAventura Theme Park. One of Barcelona’s most well-known amusement parks, PortAventura Park, features a Ferrari area in addition to water rides. A unique theme park is PortAventura Park.
Tip: The ideal time to visit Port Aventura is from August to October because of the Mediterranean climate.
Location: Av. Pere Molas, Tarragona, Spain Find on map
from €20
23. Wax Museum Barcelona
Museum | Family-Friendly
Over 200 wax replicas of famous people and other people are housed in the Wax Museum, also known as the Museo de Cera de Barcelona, a regal building constructed for Barcelona Bank. During the lockdowns, the Wax Museum Barcelona underwent renovations and new technology was employed to create wax figures that were ever more realistic.
There are 28 halls at the Barcelona Wax Figure Museum, each with a different theme.
Tip: This is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona, so make sure you reach the venue early in the day so that your experience isn’t marred by the crowd.
Location: Passatge de la Banca, 7, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €20
24. World of Banksy Barcelona
Art Gallery
The art world has taken notice of Banksy’s work as one of the greatest street artists ever. Due to its potential to challenge authorities, the work of the serial provocateur touches on cultural, economical, and political themes. Graffiti, movies, installations, and other forms of media are some of the ways that the British artist, who broke onto the international art scene in the late 1990s, engages his audience. To explore the artist’s concepts, purchase tickets to the Banksy: The World exhibition in Barcelona.
Tip: This is a limited period exhibition and it is better not to keep this visit for a later date as this may be a rare opportunity to see the artist’s works.
Location: Carrer de Trafalgar, 34, 08010 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €12
25. Palau de La Musica Catalana
Museum
Lluis Domenech, I Montaner created the Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona, which is a well-liked tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming concert venue is a wonderful representation of Catalan culture and social life. Between 1905 and 1908 saw the modernist construction of the Palau de la Musica Catalana, which has since hosted musical performances for almost a century. One of the most amazing objects is the multi-stringed Venetian archlute from 1641.
Tip: Book your tickets and slots early if you want to visit the museum on the day and time of your choosing.
Location: C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €18
26. MACBA Barcelona
Art Center
The MACBA is the city’s premier modern art center and was built entirely out of white and glass by American architect Richard Meier.
It was opened in 1995 and features intriguing shows for serious art enthusiast. The permanent collection features pieces by Antoni Tàpies, Joan Brossa, Miquel Barceló, and Joan Rabascall and is devoted to Spanish and Catalan art from the second half of the 20th century. The short visiting exhibitions are typically thought-provoking and captivating.
Tip: The library and auditorium host many performances, lectures, and events that are either inexpensive or free.
Location: Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
27. Casa Mila
Historic
This outrageous Unesco-listed masterpiece, which ranks among Gaudi’s greatest works, was constructed in 1905–1910 as an apartment and office building. It has 33 balconies. Its official name was Casa Milà, after the industrialist who commissioned it, but because of its uneven grey stone facade that ripples around the corner of Carrer de Provença, it is more commonly referred to as La Pedrera (the Quarry).
Tip: Never leave without taking a look at the Patio of the Flowers and the Patio of the Butterflies, which accurately depict Gaud’s connection to Nature, the inspiration for all of his works.
Location: Pg. de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
from €25
28. Casa Amatller
Architecture
Casa Amatller, one of Puig I Cadafalch’s most stunning examples of Modernista fantasy, mixes Dutch urban architecture’s stepped gable with Gothic window frames and Romanesque flourishes. The busts and reliefs of dragons, knights, and other figures protruding from the main façade, however, are purely arbitrary. The elegantly tiled, pillared lobby and staircase, which are lit by stained glass, give off the impression that they are within a magnificent castle.
Why Visit: Every visit concludes with a sample of Amatller chocolate. You are welcome to roam into the foyer and take in the old lift and stairs.
Location: Pg.
de Gràcia, 41, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
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29. Museu Maritim
Museum
The impressive Gothic Reials Drassanes (Royal Shipyards), a magnificent artifact from Barcelona’s past as the capital of a maritime empire, house the city’s nautical museum. Highlights include fishing boats, old navigational charts, and dioramas of the Barcelona waterfront, as well as a full-scale recreation of Don Juan de Austria’s 16th-century flagship made in the 1970s. A life-size copy of the Ictneo I, one of the first submarines ever built and designed by Catalan genius Narcs Monturiol, is shown in the courtyard.
Tip: A visit to the Pailebot Santa Eulàlia on Moll de la Fusta is also included in the entrance cost. The Jardins del Baluard is available to tourists on the first, third, and fourth Sundays of each month.
Location: Av. de les Drassanes, s/n, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
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30. Carrer de Montcada
City Landmark
This medieval high roadway, which today runs between the Romanesque Capella d’en Marcs and Passeig del Born, was driven toward the sea from the road that headed northeast from the city walls in the 12th century.
The enormous mansions that are still standing today are primarily from the 14th and 15th centuries, and they became the merchant classes’ most sought-after address in Barcelona. The commercial hub of medieval Barcelona was located here.
Why Visit: The Capella d’en Marcs, a Romanesque chapel, is located at the intersection of Carrer dels Carders and the northern end of the street, past the 19th-century Carrer de la Princesa.
Location: 08003 Barcelona, Spain Find on map
Barcelona 2023 – Top 10 Tourist Attractions Barcelona 2023
2023 Barcelona top ten sights and things to do. Maps & Tips.
Updated April 2023
Welcome to Barcelona and to our local, up-to-date list of Barcelona’s Top 10 essential tourist attractions. Find Top 10 tips, map and advice for planning. Visit also our 3 day Barcelona guide, and our useful where to stay page and our good to know tips.
Top Ten tourist attractions Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia – famous unfinished church by Antoni Gaudí
Number 1.
La Sagrada Familia temple. This is the ‘must-see‘ for Barcelona visitors. The fabulous and unfinished temple of La Sagrada Familia (The Holy family) is always at the top of any list of Barcelona tourist attractions. This unique and unusual church is Barcelona’s most famous attraction and also Spain’s most visited attraction. This unfinished temple was designed by the renowned Catalan/Spanish architecht Antoni Gaudi. Construction began in 1882 and will be completed in 2026.
How to visit. You can see the exterior free from the street, but the interior is definately worth seeing. Around 3 million annual visitors wait patiently in lines that sometimes circle the church to visit the spectacular interior so skip-the-line tickets are recommended, especially in peak vacation periods. Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours to see the interior.
History of Sagrada Familia.
The foundation stone was laid in the year 1882 when the area around the basilica church was mostly fields. It has taken a long time to build because it has always been privately funded and construction has slowed or stopped at various turbelnt times in Barcelona’s history.
The spectacular interior was finished in 2012. It’s a quite different experience from typical medieval Spanish cathedrals especially to experience the stunning sight of sunlight blasting through the colourful stained glass windows. The exterior is still under construction and currently around 80% completion. The goal to finish in the year 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death in 1926 after he was tragically hit by a tram and died a few days later. When Gaudi died, only the nativity facade had been completed. Gaudi was fully aware that it would take decades to finish the temple and he famously once said, ‘My client is not in a hurry,‘ implying that God was his client.
See how the finished Sagrada Familia will look.
To get to the Sagrada familia you can take a hop-on-hop-off bus – or take the metro to station Sagrada Familia. See map and try the virtual tour to get a sneak peak.
How long does it take to visit Sagrada Familia? From the outside only 15 to 30 minutes to walk all around which is free. To visit inside the Sagrada Familia church plan on 1 to 2 hours inside depending on which ticket you buy.
Ticket prices:
Free to see from outside. Various prices starting at €15 for interior.
Top Visitor tip:
Buy the skip-the-line Sagrada Familia tickets in advance. Ticket options include tickets with audioguide, guided tours and access to towers.
Visitor Tip:
Dress respectfully by covering shoulders inside. See full dress code in visitor rules on links below.
Opening times:
Open all year, but closed for some services and special religious events.
November through February:
Open 9 am to 6 pm.
March and October:
Open 9 am to 7 pm.
April through September:
Open 9 am to 8 pm.
25 and 26 December, 1 and 6 January:
Open 9 am to 2 pm.
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Top Ten attractions in Barcelona
The Magic Fountain of Montjuic – music and light show.
Number 2. The Font Mágica Fountain. We think that the Magic Fountain is a ‘must see’ Barcelona attraction. It really does feel magic to experience such a beautiful show of water, light and music. It’s best in the warmer months.
The Magic fountain was built in 1929 as a main attraction of the 1929 Barcelona World Fair. To this day it’s still one of the most famous sights in Barcelona attracting an estimated 2.
5 million visitors annually.
In the winter the fountain only has evening shows on Friday and Saturdays. In the summer the evening light and music show are from Thursday to Sunday.
Admission is free all year. See show times below. Please note that due to trade exhibitions and events, access can sometimes be limited.
Get to the Magic Fountain by metro to station Espanya on Red L1. See map.
2023 opening times & ticket prices
FREE to visit
Magic Fountain show times with music and light
Thursday to Saturday
9 pm to 10 pm
Magic Fountain without music and light
Tuesday to Saturday:
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday:
from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Google maps location
Address Magic Fountain
Photos Magic Fountain
Top Ten attractions in Barcelona
Picasso Museum.
Permanent collection of Picasso’s early works and life in Barcelona
Number 3. Picasso Musuem. Barcelona’s most famous museums is located in the Born area of Barcelona’s old city near the areas where Pablo Picasso lived in Barcelona in his youth. Picasso was born on October 25th, 1881 in Malaga in the south of Spain. In 1895, when he was 14 years old, the Picasso family moved to Barcelona. Picasso lived in Barcelona until 1904 when he emigrated to France when he was 23.
Picasso’s father was an art teacher and Pablo Picasso studied art from an early age. It was in Barcelona that he spent his most formative years and where he first exhibited. Picasso’s most famous paintings are not in the Picasso museum in Barcelona, but here you can see a unique collection of 4000 works of early Picasso sketches and canvases, which showcase his incredible development from a young art student to the world´s most famous artist.
The museum is housed in several adjoining gothic mansions in the Born part of Barcelona’s medieval city.
The nearest metro station Jaume I and then 10 mins walk. See map
Visitor Tip 1: Book a skip-the-line Guided Tour of Picasso Museum.
Visitor Tip 2: Buy skip-the-line Picasso museum tickets.
Visitor Tip 3: Free admission on first Sunday of month all day and free every Thursday after 6pm.
Opening times & ticket prices
Closed Mondays, except public holidays
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Address Picasso Museum
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Top Ten attractions in Barcelona
Las Ramblas – Barcelona’s most famous street
Number 4.
La Rambla street. Free attraction. La Rambla is Barcelona’s main tourist street and the most famous street in Barcelona. This street is also called Las Ramblas (plural of La Rambla) because it actually has different street sections, each with its own name. The Rambla connects the central square Plaza Catalunya to the Port Vell marina and Mediterranean sea.
Some visitors call La Rambla a ‘tourist trap!’ It is very touristy, but still charming and a ‘must-see’. The Spanish poet Federico García Lorca said of La Rambla in the 1930s, ‘It is the only street in the world which I wish would never end’. We agree. It’s nice to stroll on the Rambla and feel the human heartbeat of the city.
Is it safe. La Rambla is safe to visit, but pickpockets are omnipresent, so keep an eye of your things. In the very early hours from 2 – 6 a.m. La Rambla is a little less safe, so be careful on La Rambla during those times and in particular avoiding the lower part of La Rambla near the harbour.
See map.
Visitor tip 1: Lookout for pickpockets on La Rambla at all times.
Visitor tip 2: Always ask about prices and portion sizes on La Rambla before ordering.
Opening times and ticket prices
La Rambla is always open and FREE to visit
Google maps location
Address La Rambla
Pictures La Rambla
Top Ten attractions in Barcelona
FC Barcelona Camp Nou stadium and Barça football museum
Number 5. Camp Nou stadium. The Camp Nou stadium and FCB museum are among the most popular attractions in Barcelona attracting millions of visitors a year.
Camp Nou is the home stadium of the legendary FC Barcelona football team. Many of the world’s greatest football legends have played here, including Johan Cruyff, Leo Messi and Maradonna to name just a few. The FC Barcelona team nickname is Barça (pronounced “barsa”) and the fans are called culés.
Camp Nou football tickets. Buy official tickets for Barcelona football mathces at Camp Nou stadium at FC Barcelona’s website to avoid ticket scams. If you go to a game, then learn the words to sing along to the Barça anthem Cant del Barça.
Camp Nou tour tickets. Book official tickets to visit the Barcelona stadium and museum. This visitor tour is called the Camp Nou Experience.
Camp Nou also welcomes fans to one of the largest Nike stores in Europe. It’s packed with Barça merchandise. If you go to a game, then sing along to the Cant del Barça – Barça anthem.
Visitor tip 1. You can buy cheaper FCB shirts and scarves at market stalls outside stadium on match days but they might not be official merchandise.
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TICKETS Tour & Museum
FC Barcelona calender
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Address Nou Camp Stadium
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Top Ten attractions in Barcelona
Barrio Gotico – Gothic quarter which is part of Barcelona’s medieval city
Number 6. The Barrio Gotico. The gothic quarter is in the medieval city of Barcelona. Some people confuse the names and think that all the medieval area is called the Gothic area but there are other areas in the medieval area too. Book a Gothic quarter walking tour
The Gothic area is the most central and oldest. It grew around the ancient Roman town called Barcino which is Barcelona’s original area as a Roman city.
The gothic part of the city has many beautiful churches, plazas, markets and museums and you can see parts of the old Roman walls. If you visit the Barcelona history musuem Museu d’Història de la Ciutat you can see remains of Roman Barcino houses and streets under the museum.
The gothic quarter is free to visit and best seen on foot because tour buses cannot drive through the narrow streets. There are no dangerous areas in the Gothic quarter, but be aware of Barcelona pickpockets. Also worth visiting is the neighbouring medieval areas of Barcelona’s old city called El Born, Barceloneta and Raval.
Opening times & Ticket prices
The gothic area is always open and FREE to visit
PIctures Gothic Barcelona
Walking tour Gothic area
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Top Ten attractions in Barcelona
Park Guell – Gaudi’s modernist park on Carmel hill
Number 7.
Park Guell. Parc Guell i is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to one of Gaudi’s most artistic works. Parc Guell is a Barcelona top attraction and must-see. The park is on Carmel hill so seeing this attraction involves a 900m uphill walk if you take the hop-on-hop-off bus or arrive from metro station Vallcarca.
If you prefer not to walk, then take a taxi to the Park Guell front gate. The original idea of by Josep Guell was to develop a private and exclusive residential garden village with 60 houses. It didn’t work and after Guell’s death in 1923 the park was donated by the Guell family to Barcelona as a public park.
See map
Opening times & Ticket prices
Parc Guell is open daily all year
Google maps location
TICKETS skip-the-line Park Guell
Address Parc Guell
Pictures Parc Guell
About Antoni Gaudi
Top Ten attractions in Barcelona
Modernist buildings in Barcelona
Number 8.
Modernist buildings. Modernisme was a Catalan cultural movement centred in Barcelona and Catalonia from 1888 to 1911. It is most famous for its architectural expression in particular the many works of Antoni Gaudí. There are a handful of famous modernist buildings in Barcelona and three of them are in the same Barcelona city block on street Passeig de Gracia.
The block is nicknamed ‘Illa de la Discòrdia’ – the ‘Block of Discord’ because the buildings are so distinct. The most famous are Casa Amatller designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, the magical Casa Batlló by Gaudi and the Casa Lleó-Morera. A little further up the street Passeig de Gracia is one of Gaudi’s most famous buildings – Casa Mila – nicknamed ‘La Pedrera’ (the Quarry) because of its design.
In the summer months there are weekly concerts on the rooftop terrace of the building La Pedrera and Casa Batllo
Another modernist treasure is the beautiful Palau Guell town house near Las Ramblas, also by Gaudi.
For modernist art and furniture visit Barcelona’s Modernist museum.
Opening times & ticket prices
TICKETS La Pedrera DAY
TICKETS Casa Batllo
TICKETS Casa Amatller
TICKETS Palau Guell
Address Casa Battlo
Twitter Casa Batllo
Address Casa Amatller
Address Casa Mila
Twitter Casa Mila
Address Palau Guell
Biography Antoni Gaudi
Modernist architecture
Top Ten attractions in Barcelona
Montjuic hill and El Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village)
Number 9. Montjuic hill and Poble Espanyol Spanish Village. Montjuic hill is a lovely place to spend an afternoon or day. It has many parks and attractions. There is a military former fort on the summit called Montjuic Castle, which has a rich and dark history and fantastic views of Barcelona.
The other main attraction on Montjuic hill is the Spanish village Poble Espanyol, which is a unique celebration of Spain and Spanish culture and architecture.
Poble Espanyol was originally built for the Barcelona 1929 World Fair as a showcase village of Spain’s different regional architectural styles, which means that you can see all of Spain in one village.
It became so popular with visitors and locals alike that the city kept it as an attraction after the world exhibition ended
Now it houses a wide variety of cafés, night clubs, restaurants and over 40 artisan craft shops and workshops.
It is also home to the popular El Tablao de Carmen flamenco show and a “Fiesta” multimedia show highlighting Spain’s most popular and famous cultural festivals, celebrations and landscapes.
Visitor tip. The flamenco show includes 1 hours free entrance to Poble Espanyol. See map. This attraction is on hop-on-hop-off bus routes or take metro L1 or L3 to nearest metro station Espanya and then it is a 20 minute walk to Poble Espanyol.
Opening times & Ticket prices
Montjuic castle is open daily all year
Tickets Montjuic Castle
TICKETS Montjuic cable car
Address directions Montjuic Castle
Poble Espanyol village is open daily all year
TICKETS Poble Espanyol
Address Poble Espanyol
Top Ten attractions in Barcelona
Tibadabo hill, Sagrat Cor church & Tibidabo amusement park
Number 10.
Tibidabo. A visit to Tibadabo hill is a fun thing to do in Barcelona and perfect for families with children. The views of Barcelona from Tibidabo hill are fantastic. The Sagrat Cor church on Tibidabo hill is open all day all year and is free to visit. Below the summit, Tibidabo also has a vintage amusement park, also called Tibidabo, which is open in from March to September and during some festive seasons. Check the opening times when planning a visit. The Tibidabo skywalk area with views of Barcelona is free and open all year except a few weeks in February for annual maintenance.
You can reach the Tibadabo hilltop by bus and mountain railway. When the amusement park is open, there’s bus from the Plaza Catalunya directly to Tibidabo.
See map and how to get to Tibidabo
Useful Tibidabo pages
Google maps location
TIckets Tibidabo funfair
Address Tibadabo
Pictures Tibadabo
While you visit Barcelona why not read a fun, interesting, exciting book about Barcelona or set in Barcelona.
Find them on our Barcelona book list
Top books to read in Barcelona
Top attractions near Barcelona that can be visited in one day or half a day.
Montserrat Mountains & monastery
Open all year. Free to visit. 1 hour from Barcelona. Montserrat mountains, monastery and basilica is one of Barcelona and Spain’s biggest tourist attractions. You can see and touch the famous 12th century Black Virgin of Montserrat, enjoy breathtaking scenery of amazing rock formations and panoramic views.
Montserrat mountain is just one hour from Barcelona and is visited by 3 million travellers and pilgrims every year making it a tour attractions outside Barcelona.
Montserrat Monastery address, map and visitor information
Photos Montserrat mountain
Girona – City of Sieges & Game of Thrones
Girona is a historic jewel located just over an hour north of Barcelona by tour, bus or train. It’s a city full of legend and beauty and recently also became a location for new episodes of TV show ‘Games of Thrones‘.
Girona is famous for its colourful hanging houses over the River Onyar, for the well preserved medieval Jewish quarter and the historic walled Old Quarter (Barri Vell) that dates back to Roman times.
About Girona
Photos Girona
Andorra, France & Pyrenees Mountains
Andorra and the Pyrenees mountains. The Principality of Andorra is a tiny country nestled entirely in the Pyrenees mountain range and bordered by Spain and France. It’s the 16th smallest country in the world. There is no direct train connecton or air connection to Andorra from France or Spain. Andorra is only accessible by road.
There are daily bus connections from Barcelona to Andorra but they are not suitable for a 1 day tour. For a day tour to Andorra from Barcelona you can rent a car or book a day tour from Barcelona.
There are a few companies that offer great day tours to Andorra. We can recommend an excellent tour called the Three Countries tour, which starts from Barcelona, makes a quick stop in France, then travels all through Andorra with stops in the beautiful Pyrenees mountain scenery of Andorra.
This tour is a long day – 12 hours – but is unique because you are in 3 countries in one day and get to visit one of the smallest countries in the world, Andorra.
Pictures Andorra & Pyrenees
3 countries Tour to Andorra from Barcelona
Snow experience Day tour to Andorra
Open Fullscreen Top Ten Google Barcelona
Other Top 10 Day Tours from Barcelona
Best day tours from Barcelona
This pages also answers the questions:
What are top attractions in barcelona?
What is the most visited site in Barcelona?
What is the main tourist street in Barcelona?
What are must see sights in Barcelona?
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Barcelona: sights, things to see
- Must-sees in Barcelona
- Where to go from Barcelona
- Barcelona Attractions
- Map of attractions
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia.
Those who decide to go to Spain definitely try to visit Barcelona. The vibrant Spanish city offers tourists a range of entertainment and attractions that can only be seen here. Barcelona is a developed tourist center, not inferior in its beauty to the capital of Spain, Madrid and other European capitals.
Sagrada Familia
To fully understand and experience the beauty of the Catalan capital, it is important to study in advance what to see in Barcelona. If you have a whole week or a month, you will still find something new and amazing here every day. But even if your trip is short, then make a plan for yourself what to see in Barcelona in one day or what attractions you should definitely visit in Barcelona during the time you spend in the capital of Catalonia.
Catalonia – birthplace of Antonio Gaudi, Salvador Dali, Montserrat Caballe. These names are known all over the world, and you have the opportunity to get directly acquainted with the history and life of these people.
Must see in Barcelona
When you come to Barcelona, be sure to visit the Sagrada Familia. The Sagrada Familia has been under construction for more than a century, and you can see the colossal temple, which Gaudi himself began to build and devoted the last 40 years of his life to working on it.
In Barcelona, it is worth getting acquainted with other architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí. The singularity and extravagance of Casa Batlló, Casa Mila, Palau Güell will definitely not leave you indifferent.
The roof of the Palau Güell
Barcelona is not only a storehouse of architectural gems, many of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, but also a comfortable city for recreation and entertainment. Here is the largest aquarium in Europe.
Well, before leaving, be sure to take a walk along the main tourist center – La Rambla, walk along the endless beach of Barceloneta, ride the cable car and admire the panorama of the city from Montjuic.
And be sure to visit the Hospital of Sant Pau, the huge Park Güell and the fortress on Montjuic.
Park Güell
In Barcelona, on certain days, a number of museums can be visited completely free of charge, and for many attractions, even a cursory outside view is enough to get a vivid impression.
And don’t forget to try the national Catalan cuisine. Spanish wines, jamon, cheeses and seafood are must-try in Barcelona.
Port of Barcelona
Where to go from Barcelona
If you come to Spain for a few days, then from Barcelona it is convenient to get to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali and visit the theater-museum of this extraordinary artist. There are many objects associated with his name in the city: the toy museum, Dali’s parental home, the Gala fortress and much more. But Figueres is not only Dali. Here on the hill is the largest fortress in Europe San Ferran Castle, which will soon turn 300 years old.
You can also travel from Barcelona to Girona.
It is only 85 km to the northeast of Spain. In Girona, the filming of the film “Perfumer” and one of the seasons of “Game of Thrones” took place. If you are a fan of this series, you can personally walk the roads of the characters through the ancient city with ancient temples and narrow streets, which are over 1000 years old.
Barcelona Attractions
Sagrada Familia
Palau Güell
Casa Batlló
Park Güell
House Mila
Antoni Gaudí
Sant Pau Hospital
La Rambla
Fortress on Montjuic
Plaza de España
Gothic Quarter
Cableway
Barceloneta Beach
Barcelona Maritime Museum
How to get to Barcelona museums for free
Arc de Triomphe
Barcelona districts and hotels
Excursions in Barcelona
Transport in Barcelona
What to try in Barcelona
What to bring from Barcelona
Attractions Card
Barcelona Card + Gaudí Pack
This package gives you access to two of Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic attractions, Parc Güell and the Sagrada Familia, as well as a number of privileges around Barcelona.
Think free metro, bus, train and tram travel, as well as free entry to museums including the Picasso Museum, plus discounts on a huge selection of cultural and entertainment…
This package gives you access to two of Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic attractions, Parc Güell and Sagrada Familia, as well as a range of privileges around Barcelona.
Think free metro, bus, train and tram travel, as well as free entry to museums including the Picasso Museum, plus discounts on a huge selection of cultural and entertainment events throughout the city. Combine this with some informative audio guides and you’ll be ready for your Barcelona adventure.
Sagrada Familia
Perhaps the most iconic building in the city, this towering basilica symbolizes Gaudí’s influence on the city. Enjoy fast track entry and get ready to be blown away by the building’s gorgeous interior.
Park Güell
Park Güell is a testament to Gaudí’s creative imagination.
You’ll see dragons, Greek columns, sparkling mosaics and nature motifs all over the world, as well as stunning views of Barcelona.
Park Güell self-guided tour: audio guide app
You will receive a detailed audio guide of Parc Güell with 11 attractions. While the sights alone are sure to impress you, more information on some of the park’s most important attractions will make you even more charming.
Barcelona Card (72 or 120 hours)
The Barcelona Card makes getting around easier than ever with unlimited free travel for 72 or 120 hours on the TMB metro and buses. You’ll also receive a guidebook, a map of Barcelona, free entry to over 20 museums and discounts on even more.
Visit the Fundació Joan Miró, the Picasso Museum, the MNAC National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Barcelona Botanical Gardens and the Museo Olimpico – all free of charge – and get discounted entry to Casa Batlló, Casa Mila and Casa Vicens.
The card can be picked up at any Barcelona tourist office (open from 08:30 to 20:30) in Plaça Catalunya (ground floor 17) or even at the airport (lobby T1, T2 and metro line L9).