Planning a trip to Barcelona and wondering what you absolutely must see and do? Look no further! I’ve gathered the city’s most beautiful highlights, fun spots, personal favorites, and top tours and activities into this comprehensive top 20 list. Get ready to explore Barcelona like never before!
1. Visit the Sagrada Família: Gaudí’s masterpiece
The Sagrada Família is the masterpiece of modernist architect Antoni Gaudí and the most visited attraction in Barcelona. It’s truly a must-see. Be sure to explore the interior of this magnificent church—it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and the details will leave you in awe. Book your tickets early to ensure you get your preferred time slot before it sells out.
2. Unwind in Park Güell
Enjoy stunning sea views in Park Güell, another masterpiece by the famous architect Gaudí. Originally intended as a beautiful garden city for locals to enjoy, the park has now become a popular tourist attraction, though it remains no less impressive. Due to its popularity, time slots often fill up quickly. I highly recommend booking your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.
3. Experience Camp Nou
Football fans should not miss Camp Nou, but even if you’re not glued to the screen for every match, a visit to Camp Nou is a must! Walk onto the field from the players’ tunnel, check out the locker rooms, and admire all the trophies in the club museum. You can also choose to attend a football match and experience the stadium in full action.
4. Explore the Gothic Quarter (& La Rambla)
Las Rambla is Spain’s most famous street, so it can’t be missed. Once a beautiful promenade where the city’s elite strolled, wrote love letters, or bought flowers, it’s now a bustling tourist hotspot. Take a quick look to check it off your list, but don’t spend too much time there. Instead, dive into the Gothic Quarter, also popular with tourists, but stunningly beautiful. Wander through the medieval streets and the old Jewish quarter, and feel Barcelona’s history coming alive. My favorite spot is Plaça de Sant Felip Neri. Our bike shop, El Ciclo, is also nearby.
5. Have fantastic tapas
Food lovers will find Barcelona a true paradise. Whether you prefer authentic eateries or modern tapas bars, the city is filled with excellent tapas restaurants. The concept of tapas is to order small dishes from the menu and share them with your companions. It’s a delightful activity to enjoy with good company. Definitely a must-try!
6. Enjoy the beach and La Barceloneta
Barcelona is one of the few cities in the world where the beach is so close to the city center, making it a must-visit. Although it can be crowded in the summer, it’s a unique experience to lay out your towel in the middle of the city, take a dip in the sea, stroll along the shore, play beach volleyball, cycle along the boulevard, or relax at one of the charming chiringuitos (beach bars). Don’t forget to explore the lively and authentic fishing district of La Barceloneta by the sea.
Read our ultimate guide on Barcelona’s premier beaches.
7. Visit Casa Milà & Casa Batlló (Passeig de Gràcia)
Passeig de Gràcia, once the old road from Barcelona to the former village of Gràcia (now a city district), is now Spain’s most expensive street and a prime shopping destination. Even if you’re not looking to buy a new bag, coat, or shoes from Dior, Chanel, or Gucci, it’s still worth a visit. Additionally, the street is home to two of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous houses: Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera).
8. Climb Montserrat
One of the most spectacular sights lies outside the city—Montserrat. This stunning destination is perfect for a day trip and highly recommended for both culture and nature enthusiasts. The unique rock formation is a hiker’s dream, with a good chance of spotting goats along the way! If you’re more into culture, visit the remarkable monastery and enjoy performances by the boys’ choir that sings here several times a week.
9. Visit La Boquería (or another fresh market)
Spain’s largest fresh market, La Boquería, is a must-see on your first visit to Barcelona. You’ll be amazed by the array of goodies: fresh fruits, nuts, chocolates, and Mediterranean fish. The main entrance is on the bustling La Rambla, which can be quite crowded. For a quieter experience, enter through the side entrance at Palau de la Virreina. For an authentic local touch, explore less touristy markets like Mercat de Santa Catarina or Mercat de Sant Antoni.
10. Explore Barcelona’s coastline by boat
Discover Barcelona’s stunning coastline with a 1-hour sailboat tour. Enjoy this unique experience on a modern sailboat, accompanied by a small group and your personal skipper. From the water, you’ll get breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and major landmarks, all while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
11. Rent a bicycle
Barcelona is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with its relatively flat terrain, close proximity of major attractions, and frequent pleasant weather. Cycling allows you to see so much more of the city. Plus, bike rentals are affordable, starting at just €7.
12. Climb to one of Barcelona’s viewpoints
We’re absolutely in love with the breathtaking views over Barcelona! The city offers several fantastic spots for panoramic vistas. From the Bunkers del Carmel, we can enjoy a 360º view of the city and its surroundings. Or, we can head up to Tibidabo and climb the basilica for an unforgettable experience. Montjuïc also provides incredible views, and there are plenty of charming rooftops around the city to explore as well.
13. Enjoy a night out
Barcelona is the perfect city for an evening out. Whether you want to sip a delicious cocktail, dance the night away at a club, or attend a special concert, there’s something for everyone. One of the most famous concert venues in Barcelona is the Palau de la Música Catalana, but the Liceu opera house is also an incredible experience.
14. Explore the green city hill of Montjuïc
The neighborhoods in Barcelona’s old city center, are usually bustling and crowded. But luckily, there are places where we can breathe in some fresh air and take in the city from a distance. Take the cable car up to Montjuïc, a green city hill perfect for a relaxing walk through its many gardens. There are also plenty of interesting sights to discover. Our personal favorite is the Fundació Joan Miró. And don’t forget to stop for coffee at Bar Salts!
15. 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.16. Visit one of the art museums in Barcelona
Picasso spent part of his life in Barcelona and left the city a remarkable collection of his works. These pieces are displayed in several old palaces in the charming El Born neighborhood, now transformed into the Picasso Museum—a must-visit. But that’s not all; we can also enjoy fantastic art at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, the Miró Museum, and CaixaForum.
Are you a museum lover? Read our Top 10 Museums in Barcelona.
17. Join a treasure hunt in the city center
We love games, and this exciting treasure hunt in Barcelona lets you dive into a thrilling Gold Heist while discovering the city at the same time. Looking for a fun challenge right in the heart of Barcelona? This adventurous game is perfect for the whole family or a group of friends. Click here for more information.
18. Relax in Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is the go-to spot for locals to relax, exercise, celebrate birthdays, stroll, and enjoy picnics. This park is not only a sight in itself but also conveniently located right in the city center. It’s one of our personal favorites. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle, lay back on the grass, and play a game or two.
19. 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?
Explore Barcelona on a bike or walking tour
We believe one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Barcelona is definitely by bike. Discover hidden gems, pedal through charming streets, and pass by the major highlights. Ask your guide about their favorite spots and learn all about life in Barcelona. For a personalized experience, you can book a private bike tour with our family business, El Ciclo, starting at just €31.50 per person. We also offer private walking tours.
Visiting with teenagers? Check out what to do with teens in Barcelona
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My name is Annebeth, I’m originally from The Netherlands and I have been home in Barcelona for 22 years. As an online guide, journalist, author of many travel guides about the city and co-owner of bicycle tour company El Ciclo, Barcelona is my great inspiration and I am happy to share everything I know (and learn) with you. You will also find personal tips and recommendations so you can experience that authentic, local and unique Barcelona feeling once you’re here.
