You won’t lack for things to do in Barcelona. It’s one of the most fabled cities in Spain and draws millions of visitors every year to its unique architecture, delicious food and Catalan culture.
What are the best things to do in Barcelona?
Barcelona is the city of Antoni Gaudí. The Catalan architect’s influence can be felt everywhere, from its most spectacular buildings to simplest street lights.
Many of his works have been listed as World Heritage sites, so much so they now have their own UNESCO listing as the “Works of Antoni Gaudí”. Some of Barcelona’s most spectacular attractions, all worth visiting.
There’s a lot more to Barcelona than Gaudí, though. It’s one of the world’s most vibrant cities (and by far my favourite city, bar none), teeming with life 24 hours a day.
From the grand esplanades of Eixample to the tangle of ancient corridors that make up the Gothic Quarter, the castellated hilltop of MontJuïc to the golden sands of Barceloneta beach, Barcelona has something for everyone.
This guide lays out 25 of our favourite Barcelona attractions. To get the full lowdown on how best to plan, book and visit this extraordinary city, read our complete Barcelona Travel Guide.
- Sagrada Familia
- Cathedral of Barcelona
- Park Güell
- Barcelona beaches
- La Rambla
- La Boquería
- Casa Milà
- Gothic Quarter
- Montjuïc Castle
- Poble Espanyol
- La Caseta
- Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta
- Can Paixano
- Antic Teatre
- Carrer de Blai
- Mount Tibidabo
- Museo Picasso
- Parking Pizza
- Camp Nou
- Barcelona’s nightlife
- Sala Apolo
- Catalan fine dining
- Moco Museum Barcelona
- Modernista masterclass
- La Vermuteria del Tano
1. Stare in disbelief at the wonder of the Sagrada Família
The first thing on almost everyone’s list of the best things to do in Barcelona is a visit to the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família. It’s doubtless the most famous piece of architecture in the city, if not in all of Spain.
Gaudí’s crowning masterpiece, the Sagrada Família has been under construction for more than 140 years and still isn’t finished – but don’t let that put you off. The city is dotted with examples of his unusual Modernist style, but this basilica is the finest, with its organic shapes, sculpted columns and strange towers almost verging on surrealism.
Crowds are lightest first thing in the morning but my favourite time to go is late afternoon, when the low sun casts a mesmerising light show through the multi-coloured stained windows.
2. Step into history at the Cathedral of Barcelona
Another celebrated piece of local architecture that marks Barcelona’s place in history dates back much further than the Sagrada Família. The elaborate Catalan Gothic Cathedral of Barcelona has soared above the city since the 13th century.
Taking more than 600 years to build, its features, from high ornate vaults to the extraordinary golden fleece choir stalls, are a timeline of the city’s history and influences over the centuries.
Head down into the crypt to see the remains of 13-year-old martyr Eulàlia, to whom the cathedral is dedicated. Then clear your head with a trip to the roof (accessible by lift) for sweeping views across the Barcelona skyline.
3. Take in the views from Park Güell
Like something from the pages of a fairytale, Park Güell is another surreal and colourful Gaudí creation in the Modernist style. Over 17 hectares of rolling parkland, Gaudí brought his bonkers ideas to life in ever stranger ways, free for you to explore at your own pace.
Take a seat on the mosaic serpentine bench, the longest in the world, before climbing to the park’s peak for views that stretch over Barcelona and beyond to the Mediterranean.
If you want to know more about the man, drop into the Gaudí House Museum in the park (you’ll need to buy an extra ticket).
4. Escape the city on a Barcelona beach
Three miles of golden sand spread across nine beaches separate Barcelona’s city from the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Home to water sports centres, events and festivals, family get-togethers and more; they are as much a part of Barcelona life as its streets and buildings.
Surfers should head to Barceloneta Beach; waves are best between October and March but are often fickle. For more reliable water and beach sports, make for Nova Icària beach.
Most beaches have lively bars, known as chiringuitos, where you can munch on tapas and sip on cocktails. Once the sun sets, many turn into party spots – just follow the lights and music.
5. Stroll La Rambla
It’s inevitable you’ll find yourself on Barcelona’s most famous street at some point. La Rambla runs for just over a kilometre from Plaça de Catalunya to the famed statue of Christopher Columbus at its port end. Lined with shops, bars and restaurants, it’s great to wander along but comes with tourist prices and is a scammer hotspot.
Instead of shopping, take it slow and enjoy the sensory spectacle – local hawkers, street performers, flower stalls all jostling for your attention.
In the Pla de l’Os look out for the wonderful Joan Miró mural and a sobering monument to the 2017 terrorist attack where 14 people lost their lives. Both are engraved in the street so easy to miss in the crowds.
6. Get fed at La Boquería (but don’t miss the other markets)
A grand distraction on a walk along La Rambla, La Boquería is Barcelona’s best-known market and is a showcase of fresh produce and Catalan flamboyance.
And although its authenticity is wilting under the weight of tourism, it’s still a wonderful place to snack on locally sourced foods. Bar Pinotxo is one of the best for fresh tasty snacks to fuel your Barcelona sightseeing.
The city has more than its fair share of lively markets. Less touristy than La Boquería but just as compelling is Mercat de Santa Caterina in nearby Sant Pere with its colourful wavy roof and wonderful array of local food stalls and bars. The wines are especially good, so walking there and back is a good idea.
7. Top up your Gaudí at Casa Milà
AKA La Pedrera, Gaudí’s extraordinary, dragon-like apartment block is one of the city’s most significant examples of Modernist architecture. Today it’s home to a cultural centre hosting exhibitions and activities and is the best place to learn about how Gaudí conceived and built his many masterpieces.
Tours allow you to explore its sculptural interiors and surreal Warrior rooftop. For something really special try the night experience, where projections and soundtracks bring the entire building to life.
8. Get lost in the Gothic Quarter
The Barri Gòtic lies to the east of La Rambla, a chaotic labyrinth of ancient alleyways and hidden plazas. Getting lost in its charm and history is one of the best things to do in Barcelona.
Follow your feet and nose to explore its boutiques, graze its many tapas bars and explore its historic buildings. Grander plazas like Plaça Reial and Plaça Sant Jaume are home to spectacular buildings but don’t miss the more intimate local side.
In the southern area between Plaça Reial and the harbour, a thriving local pub culture carries into the early hours. For a more international, multicultural scene, make for the immigrant neighbourhood of Raval.
9. Take a cable car to Montjuïc Castle
From the Parc de Montjuïc, take the cable car or funicular up to Castell de Montjuïc for spectacular views. An iconic Barcelona attraction, Montjuïc hill was home to the 1929 World Fair and still has many of the pavilions, palaces and botanical gardens built for it.
There too are the sports stadiums from the 1992 Summer Olympics, including the epic municipal pool, still open for a swim.
Walk its attractions, picnic in its parks and in the evening watch the lights of the Magic Fountain illuminate the area. In the summer, there are few better places to watch a film than under warm Spanish skies in the moat of Montjüic castle.
10. Visit all of Spain at Poble Espanyol
Of the many museums and other sites of historical importance on Montjuïc, one of the most fascinating is Poble Espanyol. An expansive museum complex built for the World Fair, it features almost 120 historic buildings. Mixing Spanish and Moorish architecture, it showcases the styles and culture of all of Spain’s 15 autonomous regions.
11. Watch the sunset from La Caseta
While you’re up Montjuïc, don’t miss out on an evening at La Caseta in Mirador del Migdia. A cottage-come-café with extensive grounds, it offers astounding views alongside a simple menu and relaxed atmosphere. It’s one of the best places in Barcelona to see the sunset in all its glory.
Live music accompanies the views, but it’s only open on weekends and space is limited, so it’s wise to book a table in advance.
12. Take a dip in Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta
This historic swimming club has a waiting list for members but welcomes daily visitors to its indoor and outdoor pools and spa. Located next to the beach, with private access to the sand. Its heated outdoor pool and loungers have lovely views of the beach and Sant Sebastià iron lattice tower making it a great place to hang out and lose a day.
13. Sip Spanish bubbles at Can Paixano
My favourite thing to do in Barcelona, Can Paixano is an always-heaving bar in the style of the old taverns of Barceloneta. Opened in 1969, it has become a local institution famed for its fantastic cava and rich, indulgent tapas.
A truly Barcelona experience, prepare to be jostled, embraced and sung at as you try not to spill your Brut Berenguer or drop your montadito on the reveller next to you. Just brilliant.
14. Embrace Catalan independence at Antic Teatre
Independent social and cultural centre Antic Teatre showcases modern performances in a historic building dating back to 1650. You’ll find it between the twin wonders of the Mercat de Santa Caterina and the Palau de la Música, a stone’s throw from the Gothic Quarter.
There’s a packed programme of events running year round but its crowning glory has to be its atmospheric outdoor bar and garden.
Serving great drinks and simple snacks in wonderful surroundings, it’s Antic Teatre’s main income source. So every drink you buy goes towards supporting the local community – ¡Salud! to that!
15. Eat your way along Carrer de Blai, the best tapas street in Barcelona
Carrer de Blai in the lovely Poble-sec neighbourhood is awash with superb tapas and pintxos restaurants and bars. The great thing about them is that you can graze – wander from one to the next sampling the best of each. In many, tapas and pintxos cost as little as one euro each.
You should let your eyes and stomach guide your culinary tour but don’t miss Blai 9 with its modern fine-dining interpretations of traditional tapas. La Esquinita de Blai offers superb traditional tapas dishes, and Blai Tonight is a paradise for croquetas. If you are a fan of natural wine, Denassus is a must. Restaurants are small and can get busy, so go early.
16. Ride the Avió at the top of Mount Tibidabo
Walk or ride the funicular to the top of Mount Tibidabo and you’ll find a charming fairground dating back to 1889. Although modern adrenaline-fuelled rides have been added in recent years, it’s the vintage attractions that are the most fun.
The best of the lot is the Avió, built in 1928 as the world’s first flight simulator. Climb into the propeller plane model and take to the skies over Tibidabo’s edge. It’s a great day out for families but the opening hours are complex and random so check carefully before you make the trip.
17. Get free tickets to Museo Picasso
One of Spain’s most iconic artists, Pablo Picasso is celebrated in all his creative glory at the Museo Picasso in El Born. The Collection is vast – around 4,000 of his works from rough sketches to cubist masterpieces. The influence of Barcelona from his time living in the city is clear in much of his work.
Closed on Mondays, tickets are inexpensive and it’s free to enter Thursday afternoons between 16:00 and 19:00 and on the first Sunday of each month.
KAYAK top tip: need some caffeine before your museum trip? The nearby Nomad Coffee Lab & Shop is a must for anyone with a penchant for fine coffee.
18. Park up for pizza
Overdone the tapas? We don’t blame you. For a change of culinary scene, book a table at Parking Pizza for the best (and hippest) pizza in Barcelona. Now with three locations across the city, the original on Carrer de Londres in Eixample is still the pick. And yes, it is in a car park.
Pizzas are simple, wood-fired and delicious. Service is fast and the whole place has a buzz of controlled mania about it. Turnover is high and it’s very popular, so get there early unless you want to queue (you can’t book).
19. Catch a game at Camp Nou
Of all Barcelona’s attractions, Camp Nou will appeal most to football fans. Home to FC Barcelona and the pride of Catalonia, the team holds a special place in Catalan hearts. And you can tell as much by the volume and energy that pulsates through the stadium on match days.
Tickets obviously sell out well in advance, so it’s one you’ll need to plan for. If not, watching a game in one of the city’s passionate bars is also quite an experience.
For a taste of what it’s like to play at Camp Nou, take the new interactive Barça Immersive Tour and step from the locker rooms onto the hallowed turf yourself, virtually.
20. Dive into the best of Barcelona’s nightlife
As busy as it gets in the day, Barcelona really comes to life after dark and doesn’t stop until the sun rises. When you’ve done your Barcelona sightseeing for the day, go for sundowners on a rooftop bar at one of the Eixample’s plush hotels or hidden open-air bars. For standout views, visit the expensive but spectacular La Dolce Vitae at Majestic Hotel.
Around midnight, people teem onto the streets, spilling from bars and cafes. Head for the Gothic Quarter and follow the buzz. Crowds thin in the early hours when the weary head home and the hardiest head to the city’s many pulsating clubs like Sala Apolo.
21. Party until dawn at Sala Apolo
Part nightclub, part live music venue, Sala Apolo is one of the oldest dance halls in Europe and a hell of a night out. Located in Poble-sec, it’s seen the biggest bands and DJs play its rooms and has a lively calendar of events and concerts. Few musical stones are left unturned, from rock to pop to electronic to reggae, so there’s something for everyone.
22. Try Catalan fine dining
Catalan cuisine is distinct from that of the rest of Spain, and it would be a shame to visit Barcelona without becoming better acquainted with it. Many of the renowned fine dining restaurants have closed since the pandemic but there are always more popping up.
Among the best is Ca l’Estevet, which has been cooking Catalan classics for Barcelonans since 1890. Here you can taste everything from the traditional canelons to butifarra amb mongetes, sausage with white beans. And no meal is complete of course without a crema catalana for dessert.
23. Moco Museum Barcelona
Moco Museum is shaking up the art scene with its fresh presentations of modern, contemporary and street art. Featured artists range from established stars like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring to up-and-coming creators and collectors in the NFT space, like 33NFT.
Found in the lovely El Born district it’s conveniently close to the Parc de la Ciutadella, perfect for a stroll after to clear your head.
24. Get a Modernista masterclass
Gaudí may have been the forerunner, but there are many other amazing examples of Modernist architecture worth visiting in Barcelona. In their trademark brightly coloured tiles, free-flowing shapes and botanical motifs, they bring many city streets to life.
Beyond Gaudí’s many masterpieces, be sure to explore the works of other fine architects. In particular, Palay de la Música Catalana, Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, Casa Planells and Casa Thomas are all extraordinary.
25. Join vermouth hour at La Vermuteria del Tano
A long-held Spanish tradition, ‘vermouth hour’ (terrifyingly) starts at midday. It sees groups of friends gathering in bodegas to sup their first drink of the day, a vermuteo, before lunch. Seeing something of a resurgence in popularity among younger people, vermouth bars are springing up all over Barcelona.
As with many things, however, the originals are the best. And few in Barcelona beat La Vermuteria del Tano, which has been specialising in vermouth from the Emporadà region for half a century. Walls lined with barrels, regulars as old as the furniture and excellent tapas all make for compelling reasons to visit.
Convinced you should book a trip to Barcelona? Then you may want to dive deeper into certain parts of the city, especially its culinary scene.
Our ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Barcelona should take care of your appetite, while our selection of the top rooftop bars in Barcelona is not to be missed. And Our guide to the best LGBTQ spots in the city lays out the best of Barcelona’s gay scene.
How did we choose what goes in our guide to the 25 best things to do in Barcelona?
For as long as I can remember, Barcelona has been my favourite city in the world. Since my first visit 20 years ago I’ve returned several times each year and was living in Sant Pere before the pandemic got in the way (and have plans to move back there again soon).
This guide is the culmination of my favourite Barcelona experiences, combined with personal recommendations from friends and KAYAK colleagues who live and have lived there. Alongside the big Barcelona attractions, I’ve included the places I hope will give you an authentic local experience and make you fall in love with this amazing city, just as I did.
Visiting Barcelona: FAQs
Do I need a car in Barcelona?
No, the best parts of Barcelona were built long before cars were invented, which makes it an ideal walking city. Even the beach is only a few minutes walk from the city centre.
Public transport is also excellent – the Barcelona Metro is far-reaching, clean, punctual and inexpensive. Bus networks are also reliable and a night bus service takes care of late revellers. Cable cars and funiculars give spectacular access to the twin mountains of Montjuïc and Tibidabo.
Hop-on hop-off guided tour buses follow three routes through the city taking in most of the major attractions. And if you want to head out of the city to take in nearby towns like Sitges, the train network is easy to use.
When is a nice time to visit Barcelona?
Barcelona’s southern location means it stays reasonably warm all year round. The best times to visit are spring and autumn. Temperatures don’t quite reach their uncomfortable summer peaks but it stays warm enough to make use of the beaches and sit outside into the early hours.
How long should I spend in Barcelona?
A long weekend is enough time to take in the major Barcelona attractions or dedicate a trip to discovering the wonder of Gaudí. Head there in the warmer months and thanks to those fantastic beaches, it’s a complete holiday destination you could easily dedicate a few weeks to.
Is Barcelona safe?
Yes, Barcelona is mostly a very safe city. Hugely popular with tourists, locals can easily get annoyed with badly behaved visitors so it’s important to be respectful, especially when visiting its many historic buildings.
Major tourist areas are hot spots for pickpockets and scammers, nowhere more so than La Rambla, so keep your belongings close.
Does Barcelona have tourist passes?
The Barcelona Card is the official city tourist pass. It gives you free unlimited use of public transport (including the airport train), free entry to the city’s best museums and exclusive deals and discounts. Buy a card online in advance with a discount or at full price from any tourist office in the city.
