What must you have seen and done in Barcelona? I have collected the most beautiful highlights, fun places, my personal favorites, tours and activities in this top 20.
1. Visit the Sagrada Família
The Sagrada Família is the masterpiece of modernist architect Antoni Gaudí and Barcelona’s busiest attraction. Thus, rightfully a must-see. Definitely enter this beautiful building as well: it is a church like you have never seen before and you will be blown away by all its peculiarities. So book your tickets quickly, to avoid that your desired time slot is full.
2. Fan out at Park Güell
Here is another landmark of the famous architect Gaudí. The architect planned to create a beautiful urban garden here, where the people of the neighborhood could spend their time pleasantly. By now the park has been taken over by tourists and hardly any local residents come, but that doesn’t make Park Güell any less impressive. It often happens that time slots are no longer available, so I really recommend buying your tickets online in time to avoid disappointment.
3. Experience Camp Nou
Soccer fans should definitely not skip Camp Nou, but even if you are not glued to the television every game, a visit to Camp Nou is an experience! Walk from the players’ tunnel onto the field, take a look at the dressing rooms and admire all the cups in the club museum. Of course, you can also choose to attend a soccer game and experience the stadium in full action.
4. Do a bicycle tour
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city, in my opinion, is definitely by bicycle. Discover the hidden places, cycle through the most beautiful streets and pass the big hightlights. Also, ask your guide about his or her favorite spots and learn all about life in Barcelona. You can book a personal and customized private bike tour at my family business El Ciclo for €31.50 per person. Prefer to go out by yourself? We also rent bikes.
5. Eating tapas
Foodies are in the right place in Barcelona. Whether you like authentic places or modern tapas bars, the city is a walhalla of good tapas restaurants. The idea of eating tapas is that you order small dishes from the menu and share them with each other. A wonderful activity to do in good company. Definitely recommend it!
6. Wander through the Gothic Quarter (& the Ramblas)
Well, la Rambla is Spain’s most famous street, so it cannot be missed. It was once a beautiful promenade where the ladies and gentlemen of the city could parade quietly, have love letters written or buy flowers for their homes. Nowadays a chaos of loads of tourists. Check it out to tick it off your list, but don’t spend too much time there. Rather, dive into the Gothic Quarter, also touristy but insanely beautiful. Wander the medieval streets and old Jewish neighborhood here. My favorite is Plaça de Sant Felip Neri. Our bike store El Ciclo is also nearby this area by the way.
7. Head to the beach and La Barceloneta neighborhood
Barcelona is one of the few cities in the world where the beach is so close to the city center, so that’s worth a visit. Again, you won’t be the only one in summer, but it is definitely a special experience to throw out your beach towel in the middle of the city and, during a day of strolling, take a dip in the sea, walk along the sea, play beach volleyball, cycle along the promenade or settle down at one of the cozy chiringuitos (beach bars). Also visit the cozy and authentic fishing district of La Barceloneta by the sea.
8. Visit Casa Milà & Casa Batlló (Passeig de Gràcia)
The old road from Barcelona to the former village of Gràcia (now a district in the city) is now Spain’s most expensive street and ideal for shopping. Even if you do not want a new bag, coat or shoes from Dior/Chanel/Gucci, it is very nice to have a look around here. Moreover, there are the two most famous houses of – there he is again – Antoni Gaudí, the Casa Batllò and Casa Milà. Of course I wrote extensive articles about them as well.
9. Climb the Montserrat
One of the most spectacular sights is not in the city, but just outside it. Montserrat is fantastic for a day trip. Highly recommended for both culture and nature lovers. The rock formation is unique and on a hike there is a good chance you will encounter goats! More of culture? Then visit the special monastery and listen to the boys’ choir that sings here several times a week.
10. Magical fountain show (currently closed)
The magical fountain at the foot of Montjuïc is a spectacle of water, lights and music and a must-see at night. Especially children will love the show. This activity is completely free, but keep in mind that it can be crowded.
Notice!
Due to drought, this fountain is closed. So there will be no shows and it is not yet known when the fountain will be turned on again. As soon as it does, I will announce it on my Instagram account.11. Explore the coast of Barcelona with a boat
From the sea you have a beautiful view of the coast and the city. You can see Barcelona’s skyline with all the popular sights. You are away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. There are several options for tours and boat trips, private or shared, or you can rent a boat yourself. You choose, whether you want a luxury sailboat or a sustainable catamaran, at sunset or with music.
12. Discover the green city hill de Montjuïc
If you’ve only seen the neighborhoods in Barcelona’s old town, I can imagine you find the city particularly crowded. But fortunately, there are opportunities to get some fresh air while viewing the city from a distance. Take the cable car up to Montjuïc. This green city hill is a great place to stroll in one of the many gardens, but also has plenty of interesting sights. My personal favorite: the Fundació Joan Miró. And be sure to make a coffee stop at Bar Salts!
13. Join a treasure hunt in the city center
I love games! In this cool treasure hunt in Barcelona you will not only be involved in a Gold Robbery, but you will also discover Barcelona in the meantime. So are you looking for a fun challenge right in the center of Barcelona? This adventure game is perfect for the whole family or for example with a group of friends. You also get €10 discount on a reservation!
With a group in Barcelona and want to do a treasure hunt? Then book the larger treasure hunts with a guide. I may give you a discount there too!
14. Rent a bicycle + self-guided bike route
Barcelona is increasingly becoming a bike-friendly city. For those who want to discover the city by bike at their own pace, I made a super handy self-guided route, which you can just put on your phone. You can rent a bike for as little as €7. Feel like touring around on a scooter?
15. Climb to one of Barcelona’s viewpoints
I am in love with the views of Barcelona! There are several beautiful spots in the city for a fantastic view. From the Bunkers del Carmel you have 360º views of the city and surroundings. Or go up the Tibidabo and climb the basilica that stands here, an insane experience. Montjuïc also offers great views and in addition, there are plenty of nice rooftops to be found in the city.
16. Relax in the Parc de la Ciutadella
This is THE place where locals spend free time, play sports, celebrate birthdays, hang out and picnic. Moreover, the Parc de la Ciutadella is a sight in itself and is also right in the center. One of my personal favorites.
17. Have a night out
Barcelona is the perfect city for a night out. Whether you want to have a nice cocktail somewhere, go out in a club or attend a special concert. One of the most famous concert halls in Barcelona is the Palau de la Música Catalana, but the Liceu opera theater is also fantastic.
18. Visit the Boquería or another fresh produce market
Spain’s largest fresh produce market, La Boquería, should not be missed on a first visit a Barcelona. You’ll feast your eyes on all the goodies: fruit, nuts, chocolate and fish straight from the Mediterranean. The main entrance is on the well-known Rambla, but of course it is always crowded here. You can also enter through Palau de la Virreina on the side: just a bit quieter. For the real local experience, visit one of the fresh markets where less tourists come, for example the Mercat de Santa Catarina or the Mercat de Sant Antoni.
19. Visit one of the art museums in Barcelona
Picasso lived part of his life in Barcelona and left behind a large number of works to the city. They hang in a number of old palaces in the cozy El Born neighborhood, which were converted into the Picasso Museum. Highly recommended. But you can also see fantastic art in the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, in the Miró Museum or in CaixaForum, just to name a few. On this website I have listed all the museums in Barcelona, including my favorites. You’ll also find an overview of when you can visit museums for free, handy!
20. Discover Barcelona off the beaten track
Been to Barcelona before? Just curious about the lesser-known places in the city? I admit, Barcelona has no real secrets anymore, but that does not mean that there are no places to find where you hardly encounter tourists. How about a labyrinth or a very special cemetery?
