Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second largest city, is one of the most thrilling cities in Europe to visit as a tourist. Barcelona has a unique identity that cannot be replicated anywhere else, thanks in part to the influx of artists from the early 20th century who made their mark on the city, especially Antoni Gaudí. His designs, mainly seen on the exteriors of buildings, are mesmerizing and a major attraction for visitors to the city. The city is also a mecca for food lovers, with endless options depending on your budget. If you’re planning a visit to Barcelona, here are some of the must-do things to do in Barcelona.
Post updated in November 2021.
things to do in barcelona
house
Sparkling with every interpretation of blue, green, and turquoise, Casa Batlló is one of the most famous Gaudi buildings in the city of Barcelona and a personal favorite of mine. The exterior is inspired by nature and has no straight lines (as Gaudi himself said there are no straight lines in nature). Despite the grandeur of the building, the details are intricate and can leave you awe-struck and confused.
sacred family
There aren’t many masterpieces left unfinished in Europe, but visitors flock to the Sagrada Familia every day to see this stunning basilica, one of Barcelona’s most visited attractions. you can buy yours Sagrada Familia entrance ticket Make your visit safe online. Barcelona gets very busy during the summer months and this is no exception, so we highly recommend booking in advance for the main attractions.
Park Guell
Park Guell feels like a fairy tale you step into. Due to the popularity of Park Güell, visitors must book in advance and will be assigned a visiting time slot, especially if you book a time for sunrise or sunset (yes, you need to book in advance!). One of the least popular times when I booked was at sunrise. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as this time of day is one of the most attractive times of the day to enjoy the park and scenery.
Boqueria
If there’s only one market you should visit while in Barcelona, it’s La Boqueria Market. This market is one of the oldest in Barcelona, dating back to 1217 and has never moved from its location on the busy Las Ramblas. Be prepared for sensory overload. They sell everything, from stallholders beckoning for your attention to the smell of seafood, fruit, baked goods, and everything fresh.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
Which city can you visit a theme park on the top of a mountain and get a panoramic view of the city? Yes, please! Tibidabo is a great place to spend the night as it is open until 9pm and is a great place to watch the sunset.
Enjoy the best views of Barcelona
Barcelona is even more beautiful from above, especially from a bird’s eye view as you watch the golden sunset illuminate the colors of the terracotta rooftops. Perhaps the best view is from a helicopter, but if your budget allows, you can also enjoy stunning views from the observation deck at Bunkers of Carmel, a local favorite.
milan house
Built in the early 20th century and the last private residence designed by Antoni Gaudí, La Pedrera is an impressive display of modernist architecture and another fan favorite when visiting Barcelona. Due to its functionality, it has been hailed as Gaudí’s most iconic piece of civil engineering art.
The National
The city of Barcelona is a gastronomy lover’s dream, and this is where it can most realistically come true. The National Located in the center of Barcelona. I only heard about this restaurant from a local friend, David, who recommended I give it a go and I’ve been back three times since then.
Las Ramblas
When you come to Barcelona, you can’t help but visit Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is a tree-lined street filled with different sights and sounds every time you walk. Be sure to keep your belongings close together. This is also the most popular spot for pickpockets in Barcelona.
Barcelona city beach
Another highlight of Barcelona’s seaside location is that much of the city’s lifestyle takes place around Barcelona’s City Beach. Although this beach is a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, it has its own flair and identity, making it feel like a world away.
Take a day trip to Montserrat
If you’re staying in Barcelona for more than a few days, consider taking a day trip from the city to nearby Montserrat. This stunning mountain range is just a short train ride from Barcelona and has quickly become one of the most popular day trips from the city. You don’t need to take a tour to visit. Easy access via public trains.
Rooftop bars in Barcelona
In cities with beautiful architecture at street level, the view from above is even better. Barcelona has some great rooftop bars, but many are hard to find or you’ve probably never heard of them. One of my favorite places is the casual restaurant upstairs at the Mandarin Oriental. roof A restaurant that focuses on small portions of delicious Peruvian food. The drinks pack a punch and the views are next level!
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is a must-see for Pablo Picasso fans, as it houses one of the most extensive collections of his works.
Take a Tapas and Wine Tour in Barcelona
A city that prides itself on its local cuisine, Barcelona never disappoints. Every evening, a gastronomic tour of the city is held, and a gastronomic feast begins in various parts of the city. This was one of my favorite memories from my first trip to Barcelona. It satisfied my taste buds and also served as a guide’s record of the city’s history.
El Borne trip
If you’d rather go on your own rather than join an organized tour, check out the lively neighborhood of El Born. Here, locals and tourists mingle bar-hopping, each moving from one bar to the next. There is no particular bar that you should frequent. Try all the bars. From taquerias specializing in tequila to hearty Catalan cuisine, there’s something for everyone.