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The capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second most prominent city Barcelona will definitely not leave you wanting.
From pristine beaches to incredible museums, Michelin star restaurants (20 to be precise!), and the best party hotspots – Barcelona can serve up unlimited fun to both culture enthusiasts as well as those who simply want to kick back and relax.
Here’s a list of the 15 best things you can do on your trip to Barcelona
1. Plaça de Catalunya
Start exploring Barcelona by making your way to Plaça de Catalunya, the lively square at the heart of Barcelona. Before you begin your breezy walk through Las Ramblas, explore the various high street stores and duck in for a bit of tapas at one of the trendy bars.
2. Las Ramblas
Locals dismiss this series of promenades as too touristy. But on your first trip to Barcelona you can’t miss this bustling 1.2 km stretch that runs from Plaça de Catalunya to the Columbus Monument at the waterfront.
Las Ramblas has a lot to offer – from cool pavement cafes to the inviting aroma of freshly baked waffles and quirky street performances. Don’t forget to duck into a souvenir shop and pick up a thing or two!
Oh and when you reach the lower end of La Ramblas, checkout the Columbus monument – a 197 ft tall monument featuring a bronze statue of Christopher Columbus (the original wanderluster, ha!) atop a Corinthian pillar.
2. Sagrada Família
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s works are famous for their dreamlike quality. And, Sagrada Família, an unfinished Roman Catholic church, is the most famous of them all.
Sagrada Família is an amalgamation of several architectural styles, including Catalan Modernism, Spanish Late-Gothic, and Art Nouveau, and is distinct from any religious building you have seen.
The visiting hours vary according to seasons, typically between 9 AM to 7 PM. Our recommendation? Book in advance and get skip the line tickets before you arrive in Barcelona.
3. Casa Batlló
Yet another Art Nouveau creation by Gaudi, this remodeled apartment block will take your breath away.
Did you know that the tiles on the roof look like dragon scales? Come on, King’s Landing!
You can visit Casa Batlló any day between 9 AM to 9 PM. Expect to spend at least an hour there to take it all in.
4. Casa Milà
Casa Milà was the last residential building designed by Gaudi, and yes, its facade does look like a stone quarry!
In fact, it’s one of several Gaudi buildings to be listed as a heritage site by UNESCO.
5. Park Güell
Park Guell is representative of Gaudi’s naturalist phase and features incredible architectonic sights.
You can also visit the House-Museum where Gaudi stayed between 1906 and 1926 and enjoy the display of furniture and other decorative objects designed by him.
6. Barcelona City Beaches
Need a break from the Gothic lanes and astounding architecture? Hit the beaches!
Barcelona’s board walk is quite a long stretch, but not without variation.
The western most beaches Sant Sebastià are certainly more touristy (and thus crowded) but they do have a lot to offer, for example, some of the trendiest bars with outdoor and terrace seating are here.
Beaches near the Olympic waterfront are typically preferred by locals because they’re less crowded.
6. La Boqueria
Did you know the La Boqueria market has been at the exact spot since medieval times?
If you’re an organic food, meat and spice enthusiast, La Boqueria is a must visit! The colorful rows of fruits and veggies paint a pretty picture of a bustling urban market place with incredible variety.
The market is actually on the La Ramblas, so just wander in and be amazed!
8. Camp Nou
Football fans, don’t miss your visit to Camp Nou, the home ground of FC Barcelona. It’s the largest football stadium in Europe, with a seating capacity of 99,354, giving Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium real competition.
Fans of the sport love visiting the galleries, the panoramic view of the stadium, and the memorabilia in the museum retracing the careers of football legends such as Maradona and Ronaldinho.
Expect to spend at least an hour and a half here.
10. Barcelona City History Museum or Museo de Historia de Barcelona
Located in the Gothic Quarter of the city, Museo de Historia de Barcelona is an institution that takes you on a journey of Barcelona’s history from the medieval times to the present day.
Museo de Historia de Barcelona is not your typical museum experience – prepare to walk around and explore Roman ruins as well as a grand display of early architecture that uphold’s the essence of Barcelona’s transitional culture.
11. Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is about 2000 years old and contains important bits and pieces of Spain’s incredible history. The mysterious narrow lanes feature dozens of authentic Catalan restaurants and cocktail bars, including Barcelona’s oldest restaurant Can Culleretes – which dates back to 1786!
When you can tear yourself away from your cocktail, wander around and explore this historic neighborhood. Visit the Gothic cathedral and the Roman temple, see Gaudi’s first creations (the streetlamps in Plaça Reial), and learn about the city’s Jewish past.
Needless to say, your Instagram feed will be bursting with the flavor Barcelona after you end up here.
12. Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial or the royal square is teeming with trendy outdoor restaurants and bars. If you’re visiting in summer, you may just catch a concert or two here. If you’re a winter visitor, witness Barcelona’s grand New Year celebrations here.
12. Museu Picasso
Get a taste of the master’s formative works here, although there’s a substantive collection of the artist’s later works too. You can also check out Velasquez’s masterpiece Las meninas in rooms 12 through 14.
The museum is open 9 AM to 7 PM on Tuesday and till 9:30 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday , Sunday.
13. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Fancy a regal light and sound show featuring sound tracks from The God Father, Gladiator, and the Lord of the Rings? Visit the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, a herculean effort of 3000 workers who made architect Carles Buïgas vision of an illuminated fountain come to life.
14. L’Aquarium de Barcelona or Barcelona Aquarium
L’Aquarium de Barcelona is fascinating! Explore the 21 ginormous aquariums that are a home to over 11,000 marine creatures (over 450 species).The museum includes tanks for sharks, sting rays, jelly fish, as well as a variety of other small and large sea creatures from the Mediterranean and tropical waters.
The aquarium is open every day from 10 AM to 7 PM (entry free with the Barcelona Pass) and is a wonderful sensory and educational experience.
15. Barcelona zoo
Travelling with a little one?
Head over to Barcelona zoo which, though founded in 1872, is one of the most modern of its kind. The zoo has open enclosures which allows you to almost get up, close, and personal with the animals!
And, did we mention it has a dolphin exhibit?
What to eat in Barcelona
Don’t miss out on a paella feast when you’re in Barcelona! Apart from delectable seafood paella, get your hands on some pintxos (Basque-style finger food) and Pa amb tomàquet – a delicious rustic dish of bread topped with olive oil, herbs, and fresh tomato pulp (quite a bit like pizza bianca!). Lastly, you can also stop by one of the Japanese-style noodle-bars that have become quite popular in the last decade.
Fancy some dessert? Go for Mató (an unsalted dollop of goat cheese served with honey and walnuts) or Crema Catalana, Spain’s own creme brûlée.
The Wrap: The best time to visit Barcelona
Should you visit Barcelona in the summer? Well, the good news is, Barcelona doesn’t get too hot in summer since it’s near the sea. So if your primary holiday goal is to hit the beach, plan your Barcelona trip in the summer months (be prepared to pay higher flight fares and hotel rates though).
Our advice? Visit Barcelona in May and September – the temperature is breezy and you’ll get to enjoy a number of interesting open-air festivals with a traditional flair (Festes Majors, La Mercè, castellers, correfocs, etc.)
Happy planning!
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