Things to do in Barcelona Spain

1. Top attraction: Sagrada Familia

The absolute number 1 attraction in Barcelona Spain is the Sagrada Familia; the holy cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí. The unfinished church will probably be completed in 2026 and has to be part of your city break. You can even ascend the towers for an amazing view. Important: Be sure that you always book your tickets for the Sagrada Familia at least several days in advance! (check availability of tickets)

Barcelona Pass: Do you want to visit the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell? Save time and money with the 'Barcelona Pass', so you don't have to worry about the main attractions anymore.

2. Visit Park Güell

Park Guell is the famous park with mosaic benches and the salamander. This Park Guell is a sightseeing must-see when visiting Barcelona. However, only a limited number of visitors are admitted every hour. Warning: The park used to be free, but now you have to book your tickets in advance. Buy this well in advance during the high season, because tickets sell out quickly (check availability of tickets)

3. Camp Nou Stadium of FC Barcelona

Visit the FC Barcelona Camp Nou stadium. Book this Camp Nou Experience tour and see the dressing rooms, trophies and all the parts of the stadium, or attend one of Barca's matches. The Camp Nou stadium is a must see for every football lover. Until 2026, Camp Nou will undergo a massive renovation and will play matches in the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc. However, the FC Barcelona museum can still be visited.

4. Casa Batlló, must see of Gaudì

Casa Batlló is a building with apartments designed by Antoni Gaudí, completely in the style of Catalan Modernism. The shapes of the house are based on the legend of George and the dragon. You will be amazed at the many beautiful details, colors and mosaics. In this article an overview of all buildings of Gaudi in Barcelona city, but for me personally Casa Batlló is the most beautiful house of Antoni Gaudí. More info how to visit 'Casa Batlló'.

Barcelona Attraction Tickets

5. Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Another beautiful building and a striking example of modernist architecture designed by Antoni Gaudí is Casa Milà, also known as 'La Pedrera'. Translated, this means the 'quarry', named after the rugged appearance of the complex. La Pedrera is celebrated for its undulating stone facade, wrought iron balconies resembling seaweed, surreal rooftop sculptures and the view at the roof terrace. More info 'Casa Milà (La Pedrera)'.

6. Picasso Museum

The museum of Pablo Picasso is located in the district El Born. The Museu Picasso has over 4,000 works of art (paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and sketches) by the painter Pablo Picasso who spent an important part of his life in this city. Among the museum's highlights are iconic pieces like "Harlequin" and "Woman with Raised Arms," as well as lesser-known gems that offer glimpses into Picasso's personal and artistic journey. More info how to visit the 'Picasso Museum'.

7. Sights of the Gothic quarter

The Barri Gòtic is the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona's historical city centre, with the Barcelona cathedral and famous squares such as Plaça Reial and Plaça Sant Jaume. Wander the small, picturesque streets in the historical city centre near the Rambas. A fun activity in the Gothic Quarter is this Tapas Walking Tour with local tapas and wines, combined with fascinating stories. Read more about what to do in Barcelona's 'Barri Gòtic'?

8. Parc de Montjuïc & Magic Fountain

The Montjuïc is the most famous hill of the city with dozens of sights, including Palau Nacional, Foundation Joan Miró, Poble Espanyol, the Olympic Stadium, the Montjuïc cable car, and the magical fountain 'Font Magica' with its fountain show of water and light. Read more about all tourist attractions on the Montjuïc hill.

9. Palau de la Música Catalana

The Palau de la Música in the style of Catalan Modernism is one of the most beautiful concert buildings in the world. Visit a concert or book this tour through this amazing Modernist palace of music. It's a masterpiece of modernist architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The concert hall, is breathtaking with its stained glass windows and colorful columns. Designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, it was built between 1905 and 1908. More info about how to visit 'Palau de la Música'.

10. Tourist spot: Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is the busiest street in Barcelona Spain with its flower stalls, plane trees, street musicians and living statues. Las Ramblas is the most touristy place in the city and the spot to get souvenirs. One of the most crowded places to visit in Barcelona and notorious for its pickpockets. If you like more authentic places, this is probably on your list of things not to do in Barcelona.

11. Highlights: Boqueria Market

Mercat de la Boqueria, or the Mercat de Sant Josep, is the colourful produce market on the Ramblas. The Boqueria market is the perfect place to start the day by tasting and experiencing Catalan flavours and smells. More info for visiting the Barcelona highlight of 'Mercat de la Boqueria'.

Fun activity: Last time I visited the market with this amazing market tour where a chef will take you to the market, you will get a paella workshop and also taste different tapas.

12. Unique landmark: Hospital de Sant Pau

The 'Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau' is the former hospital of Barcelona and was beautifully designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montane and is one of the prime examples of Catalan modernist architecture. With its main building and many colorful and richly decorated pavilions, the former complex of Hospital de Sant Pau is one of my favorite (less touristy) spots in Barcelona Spain. More info 'Hospital de Sant Pau'.

13. Barcelona sightseeing by bike

One of the best things to do in Barcelona is to discover the tourist attractions by bike. Barcelona city has an extensive network of cycle paths, certainly also along the beach. Rent a bike yourself or even better, join this bike tour with an inspiring guide and discover the best parts of the city (Tip: do the bike tour on the first day of your city trip so that you get to know the city). Find out more about bike tours: 'more info & bike tour bookings'.

14. Cable Car to Montjuïc Castle

At the top of Montjuïc mountain is the Castell de Montjuïc, the 18th century fortress with a brutal history. The best way to reach the top is with the Telefèric de Montjuïc, the funicular to the castle where you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city.

Best deal: Barcelona City Pass

Warning: Unfortunately, a number of attractions in Barcelona are so popular that you must purchase tickets well in advance to ensure you can visit them (in high season sometimes even two weeks in advance!). These are the two highlights: Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. You can buy individual Sagrada Familia tickets or Park Güell tickets, but with the popular Barcelona Pass you have all the tickets in one purchase. In your Barcelona Pass you can also choose between Casa Batlló, Casa Milà (La Pedrera) or the hop on hop off bus (compare all Barcelona tourist cards).

15. Parc de la Ciutadella

Free things to do in Barcelona: Next to the El Born district, in the center of Barcelona, is the beautiful city park of the World Exhibition of 1888. In the Ciutadella Park you will find tourist attractions like the Font de Cascada (photo), the Barcelona Zoo, the Castell dels Tres Dragons and via a beautiful boulevard you reach the Arc de Triomf, the old entrance gate to the park.

16. Port Vell, port of Barcelona city

At the end of the Ramblas, near the statue of Columbus, you will arrive at the port of Barcelona. In this area you will find highlights like the marina, where you can take a boat tour (for example check this sunset cruise with live music), or you will find the large shopping center Mare Magnum and the largest aquarium in Europe, l'Aquarium. For great views you take the funicular over the harbor. Read all about the places to visit in Barcelona's Port Vell.

17. Tibidabo Mountain

Tibidabo is the 512 meter high mountain on the outskirts of Barcelona. You can reach the top with a cogwheel train, after which you can do three things on top of the mountain. You can visit the amusement park 'Parque de Atracciones del Tibidabo', visit the church 'Iglesia del Sagrat Cor', and the main reason is the phenomenal view from Tibidabo.

18. Visit more museums in Barcelona

The Catalan city is full of fine museums, including a number of appealing art museums. Besides the Picasso museum the most popular museums are the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in the Palau Nacional, the Fundacio Joan Miró and the science museum Cosmo Caixa. This article provides an overview of all Museums in Barcelona.

19. Santa Maria del Mar

The 14th century Basilica di Santa María del Mar is located in the district of La Ribera. It was built in the heyday of Catalonia as a trading and maritime nation. It is possible to visit the beautiful basilica, crypts and towers. The surrounding district of La Ribera is also a nice area to discover with many art galleries, boutiques and bars.

20. Things to do: Barrio de Gracia

What to do in Barcelona's Barrio de Gracia? This neighborhood is one of the nicest areas of Barcelona city and is popular with the locals, is still authentic and not very touristy. In the district you will find lively squares and original shops. Highlights include the festive week in August and the building of Casa Vicens, one of Gaudí's masterpieces.

21. Visit a Flamenco show

Flamenco is the music, song and dance of Spain, especially the southern provinces of Spain. Are you looking for a fun activity in the evening? In the center of Barcelona you can enjoy several beautiful flamenco shows in the evening. Learn more about visiting flamenco shows, like my favourite place Tablao Flamenco Cordobes or for the best price visit Los Tarantos Flamenco Show located at the central Plaça Reial.

22. Day trip to Montserrat

One of the most beautiful day trips you can make from Barcelona is this day trip to Montserrat. Montserrat is a majestic mountain located approximately 56 kilometers away from the city. This mountain is not only known for its breathtaking natural beauty, but also for the Montserrat Monastery. Read more about 'visiting Montserrat' from Barcelona.

Read more about the 12 best day trips from Barcelona in this article, such as visiting the Dalí museum in Figueres and medieval Girona.