What to visit in Barcelona?
Looking for best things to do in Barcelona? We found 20 most beautiful places to visit in Barcelona. Discover main tourist attractions you can visit in Barcelona.
With a stunning seaside, famous for its industry, its large port, as well as for its magnificent sights, Barcelona is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities of Europe.
Barcelona has many beautiful Modernist buildings, Gothic alleyways and Mediterranean beaches surrounded by majestic green hills. It has enough to fill a lifetime.
Here you can find our top containing the 20 Best Things To Do in Catalonia’s vibrant capital.
Best Places to Visit in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Família (‘Basilica of the Holy Family’) is a church in the Eixample district of Barcelona and the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church. Places to stay in the area
It is by far one of the most popular landmarks in Barcelona. Sagrada Família was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926).
Basilica was famous for championing the architectural style known as Catalan Modernism. It has been under construction for over 100 years and isn’t expected to be completed until 2026. So far, the originality and grandeur of its design attract millions of visitors each year.
An interesting fact about this sacred space is that Gaudí built a school on the site for the children of construction workers to attend while their fathers spent their days and nights building one of the most magnificent structures in all of Europe.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is the historic centre of the old city of Barcelona and it is a part of Ciutat Vella district. Places to stay in the area
The quarter encompasses the oldest parts of the city of Barcelona, and includes several notable medieval landmarks
Therefore, there is a lot to do in this bustling neighborhood. Here visitors can find iconic, old-Europe streets and alleys, artisan shops and authentic culinary experiences.
Visit Picasso Museum
Picasso Museum is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces on Montcada Street in the La Ribera neighborhood in the Old City of Barcelona. Places to stay in the area
The museum is considered to possess the world’s most important collection of Picasso’s early works.
Highlights of the museum’s collection include the Cubist paintings, the enormous painting of Ciencia y Caridad (Science and Charity); Los Pichones (The Doves); El Passeig de Colom (depicting the balcony of a street in Barcelona); and Las Meninas (Infanta Margarita María), an interesting portrait of the five-year-old heir to the Spanish throne.
Explore La Rambla street
La Rambla, known also as Ramblas or Las Ramblas is a large boulevard which runs through the heart of the city centre. It is one of the most visited areas in Barcelona.
La Rambla is always lively, packed with tourists, locals and street artists who pose like living statues. Also, there are plenty of terraces and restaurants, located on both sides of the street. Places to stay in the area
Boqueria Market
La Boqueria is a famous market located in El Raval with an entrance to the market from La Rambla.
It provides a wide variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds, sweets as well as meat, fish, cheese and dairy.
However, even if you’re not looking to buy anything at the market it is well worth a visit just to soak up the atmosphere.
Relax on Barceloneta Beach
Located in the traditional fishing district, this is one of Barcelona’s oldest and famous beaches. It is known for its sandy beaches and numerous restaurants and bars. Places to stay in the area
La Barceloneta comprises of four main beaches: Sant Sebastia, the main beach of Barceloneta, Sant Miquel and Somorrostro. La Barceloneta also attracts many cruise ships to dock.
Among the attractions on Barceloneta’s beach are German artist Rebecca Horn’s “Homenatge a la Barceloneta” monument, and, where the beach gives way to the Port Olimpic, Frank Gehry’s modern “Peix d’Or” sculpture.
Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo (officially Museo modernista de Antoni Gaudi) is one of the most important attractions in the modernist architectural style. It was designed by Antoni Gaudi and is considered one of his masterpieces.
A common theory about the building is that the rounded feature to the left of centre, terminating at the top in a turret and cross, represents the lance of Saint George (patron saint of Catalonia, Gaudi’s home), which has been plunged into the back of the dragon.
In 2005, Casa Batllo became an UNESCO World Heritage and is visited by people from around the world.
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Casa Mila
Casa Mila – known locally as La Pedrera – represents Gaudi at the top of his game.
It is a Modernista building in Barcelona, and the last private residence designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. Places to stay in the area
Casa Mila is characterized by its self-supporting stone facade, meaning that it is free of load-bearing walls.
The facade connects to the internal structure of each floor by means of curved iron beams surrounding the perimeter of each floor.
In 1984, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Park Güell
Park Güell is a municipal garden designed by Antoni Gaudi, located on Carmel Hill.
The park represents a reflection of Gaudi’s artistic creativity and is one of the most visited attractions in Barcelona. Places to stay in the area
With architectural elements inspired by nature, this attraction is a colorful escape from the busy city. Park Güell is made up of the Monumental Zone and the Free Zone. The Free Zone is more of a backyard garden.
Within the Monumental Zone one can explore popular attractions such as The Dragon Staircase, the Hypostyle Room, the Viaducts and more.
The focal point of the park is the main terrace, surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. Gaudi incorporated in the Park many motifs of Catalan nationalism, and elements from mysticism and ancient poetry.
Don’t miss the White House, on the top of the hill, the view from there is amazing!
Enjoy Tibidabo Mountain’s attractions
Tibidabo is the highest hill in the Serra de Collserola mountain chain.
The hill is located on the outskirts of Barcelona and is very popular because of the unique views of the city and the green surroundings. This spot is offering splendid 360 degree views over the sea. Places to stay in the area
Atop the mountain there is a large theme park, the amusement park “Parque de Atracciones del Tibidabo”, and a number of buildings, including the church ‘Iglesia del Sagrat Cor’.
Tibidabo is Spain’s oldest amusement park, the second oldest in Europe and one of the first ever built in the world. Here visitors will find more than 25 rides and attractions for all ages: the Plane; the new roller coaster; the Sky Walk; the Miramirall hall of mirrors; and, of course, the Giradabo, the large ferris wheel.
Located right at the peak of Mount Tibidabo, the church of The Sacred Heart offers exceptional panoramic views. Built between 1902 and 1961, and topped by a giant statue of Jesus, the church is an iconic feature of Barcelona’s skyline and can be seen from most parts of the city.
The architectural style of Tibidabo Cathedral can be described as a mixture of modernista and neogothic. To many people it shows similarity to the basilica de Sacre-Coeur in Paris or the Sacro Cuore di Gesu in Rome.
What to Do in Barcelona
Don’t miss Placa d’Espanya
Placa d’Espanya is one of Barcelona’s most important squares. It is a strikingly beautiful sight and nearby there are many important attractions. Places to stay in the area
Plaza de Espana was built for the Universal Exposition of 1929 and since then has been one of the main landmarks in Barcelona.
It’s also well connected, featuring several metro lines, train lines, and bus lines. It is the largest square in Barcelona and the second largest in Spain after the square of the same name in Madrid.
It’s a starting point to climb the mountain of Montjuic. In the same square, there are two Venetian towers which are the gateway to the mountain.
Montjuïc Park
Montjuic is the most famous hill in Barcelona and a place that hosts lots of artistic, cultural, sports and tourist spaces.
In Montjuic Park you will find places for all ages and all tastes. Visitors will find many cultural venues such as museums, exhibition halls, theaters, many parks or sports facilities and also spectacular places like Montjuic Castle. Places to stay in the area
Situated on gently sloping terrain in Montjuic Park, Jardi Botanic de Barcelona (Botanical Garden of Barcelona) offers visitors a different walk in each season of the year as they observe vegetation from the five regions in the world with a Mediterranean-type climate.
The wonderful Magic Fountain is the largest fountain of Barcelona and one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions.
Montjuic is also home to museums, such as the Fundacio Miro, the Museu d’Arqueologia, the Museu Etnologic i de Cultures del Mon and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya-MNAC.
The Montserrat Monastery
Montserrat Monastery is one of the most popular places to visit near Barcelona.
Every year this abbey (dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat) and mountain attracts many tourists. Places to stay in the area
The statue kept in the monastery is considered the most valuable exhibit. Girls and women come to the Madonna to ask for offspring. The fame of miracles spread all over the world.
The basilica houses a museum with works of art by many prominent painters. In the Montserrat Monastery Museum you can see works by important artists such as Dali, El Greco, Monet and Giordano. You will also find archaeological and liturgical exhibits.
The neighbourhood of Gràcia (Barrio de Gràcia)
Gracia is perhaps Barcelona’s most popular neighborhood. It is known for being fiercely Catalan in its identity, for its progressive values, and for having some of the nicest plazas and coolest bars in the city. Places to stay in the area
The main attraction is of course Park Güell , but a lot of other attraction can be found here: Plaça de la Vila de Gracia – a thriving center of local life; Plaça de la Virreina – home to the historic Sant Joan church and plenty of great bars; Plaça del Sol – perfect for visitors seeking out Barcelona’s iconic nightlife.
If you are in love with shopping, you can’t go wrong with Carrer Verdi. In addition to being one of Gracia’s most picturesque pedestrian streets, it’s also home to some of Barcelona’s quirkiest shops and top independent boutiques. Another great shopping street in Gracia is Carrer Torrijos.
Visit the Camp Nou Stadium
Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Spain and Europe, and the fourth largest association football stadium in the world. Places to stay in the area
During the stadium tour, visitors will learn more about the club’s unique story and how it represents a city, the Catalan region, and even their Catalan language.
Tourists will see everything on this tour: the dressing rooms, the player tunnel, the press room, commentator boxes, and of course the Camp Nou museum with all the major awards FC Barcelona has one.
After the Sagrada Familia, the Camp Nou is the other temple of the city.
Placa Catalunya (Catalonia Square)
Plaça Catalunya is located in the city center and is one of the most interesting places to visit.
Is one of the starting points of Barcelona’s main arteries, such as La Rambla, Passeig de Gracia, or the pedestrian street Portal de l’Angel. Places to stay in the area
It stands as one of Barcelona’s most bustling places due to the endless restaurants, hotels, shops, cafes and entertainment venues. Placa de Catalunya is also known for its fountains and statues. The statues include works by Josep Clara, Pablo Gargallo, Josep Llimona and Enrique Casanovas.
Placa Catalunya Barcelona is the perfect spot in Barcelona to stop by and immerse oneself in the throbbing hum of vibrant city life.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
The Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a historical garden in the Horta-Guinardó district in Barcelona and the oldest of its kind in the city. Places to stay in the area
The park gardens are surrounded by a large area of Mediterranean forest. The park, which extends over a surface of 90000 square meters, is divided into two parts: the neoclassical garden and the romantic garden.
All around the park there are numerous sculptures, some depicting motives of Greek mythology and others with folk motives, as well as a number of fountains, springs, and pools.
The cypress tree maze in the centre of the park is an iconic spot, where visitors can find the famous statue of Eros, and nearby, at the exit, the grotto of Echo and Narcissus.
Considered to be a garden-museum, the Laberint d’Horta has also been used as the setting for a number of films that wanted to capture its charm.
Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera
Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens is a botanical garden in the center of Barcelona, situated at the foot of Montjuic facing the sea.
This are one Europe’s biggest gardens specializing in cacti and succulent plants.
A total of 800 different types of cacti and succulent plants populate the gardens. The plants originate from all over the world, but mostly from African, American, and Australian desert areas.
Besides the gardens offer a wide variety of trees that are typical of the Mediterranean climates as well as other subtropical trees. One can find up to 12 different species of palm trees, olive and fig trees, and the like.
The Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens offer a spectacular panoramic view of the city’s coastline and port.
The old port of Barcelona
Port Vell, the ‘Old harbour’, is the oldest part of Barcelona’s port.
It is an important tourist attraction, containing the Maremàgnum (a mall containing shops, a multiplex cinema, bars and restaurants), IMAX Port Vell and Europe’s largest aquarium with 8000 fish and 11 sharks. Places to stay in the area
A pedestrian bridge called the Rambla de Mar connects the busy Rambla street to the port.
There is also a striking cable car from the port to Montjuic hill. These red gondolas of the Transbordador Aeri del Port will offer you a magnificent view of the port.
Learn about the history of chocolate at the Chocolate Museum
The chocolate museum (Museu de la Xocolata) is one of the smaller museums in Barcelona.
The museum itself is located in the old monastery of Sant Agustí. In the 18th century, this building was used as barracks for a while, and the soldiers were deeply connected to chocolate – every soldier received chocolate for breakfast. So the King’s personal guard was known as the “Chocolateros” due to the amount of chocolate they ate.
Chocolate Museum shows the history of chocolate in Europe and the manufacturing of chocolate, from the cocoa bean up to industrial production processes.
The museum also features sculptures made of chocolate. The sculptures include some famous cultural icons such as Minnie Mouse and Louis Armstrong. However, the bulk of work focuses on Spanish architecture, proudly featuring Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudi’s famous houses, and creatures from Parc Guell.
Best Things to Do Barcelona
- Best Places to Visit in Barcelona
- Sagrada Familia
- Gothic Quarter
- Visit Picasso Museum
- Explore La Rambla street
- Boqueria Market
- Relax on Barceloneta Beach
- Casa Batllo
- Casa Mila
- Park Güell
- Enjoy Tibidabo Mountain’s attractions
- Don’t miss Placa d’Espanya
- Montjuïc Park
- The Montserrat Monastery
- The neighbourhood of Gràcia (Barrio de Gràcia)
- Visit the Camp Nou Stadium
- Placa Catalunya (Catalonia Square)
- Parc del Laberint d’Horta
- Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera
- The old port of Barcelona
- Learn about the history of chocolate at the Chocolate Museum