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Barcelona, Spain, is a top destination in Europe. The popular Spanish city in the Catalonia region is home to top chefs and thriving restaurants, an electric nightlife, art museums, unlimited sightseeing opportunities and Gothic 19th-century architecture.
The list of fun and rewarding activities for visitors to Barcelona is long, so we’ve put together a list of the top 10 things to do in Barcelona.
Also, we have linked to tickets for each of these experiences. Purchasing tickets ahead of time will save you time and money. It’s quick and simple to line up everything you need for your visit with GetYourGuide, our trusted travel partner. (Please note, we make a small commission if you make a purchase.)
What to See and Do in Barcelona
1. Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia, or the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, is an architectural marvel constructed in the style of Gothic or Art Nouveau and was designed by famed architect Antoni Gaudí. This large Roman Catholic minor basilica in Barcelona’s Eixample District is worth the visit and booking a guided tour ahead of time.
2. Picasso Museum Barcelona
The Picasso Museum Barcelona is an art museum featuring works by famed artist Pablo Picasso. This museum features over 4,200 works of art of this 20th-century Spanish painter. Picasso’s major works are part of this permanent exhibit.
3. Park Güell
The Park Güell was designed by Antoni Gaudi in Catalan modernism. This public park opened in 1926 after being built between 1900 and 1914.
4. Strolling Barcelona Harbour
Take in the beauty of Barcelona’s skyline at the Barcelona Harbor, constructed for the 1992 Olympic games to host Olympic sailing events and provide spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea Today the marina is home to over 730 berths and numerous hotels, restaurants (tapas) and bars, and stretches from Drassanes Wharf to the Olympic marina.
5. Montjuïc’s Magic Fountain
Montjuïc has several art museums, such as the National Museum of Catalan Art, with a breathtaking view of Barcelona’s city center from its steps. However, Montjuïc is better known for the Magic Fountain, which comes to life in the evening (on weekends) thanks to an impressive light and sound show.
6. Barceloneta’s Charm
Barceloneta has some of the best beaches in Spain and straddles Port Vell and its sandy shores. Barceloneta’s narrow streets and corridors create a charming feeling in this Ciutat Vella district dating to the 18th century.
7. Casa Batlló Shines
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s style and work is stamped throughout Barcelona City, and Casa Batlló is no exception. Casa Batllo’s unusual facade sparkles, thanks to its jeweled exterior. Originally built in 1877 by Antoni Gaudi, it was redesigned in 1904 by the same architect and it continues to evolve. But its beauty has staying power and is worth visiting.
8. Camp Nou Stadium
It’s no secret that Spain’s most popular sport is football (known as soccer in the U.S.). Camp Nou is the fourth-largest football stadium in the world and the largest in Spain and Europe, with a seating capacity of 99,354. Home to FC Barcelona, Camp Nou is worth visiting even if you are not a fan of football or if there is no game.
With GetYourGuide, you can take a behind the scenes tour of F.C. Barcelona at Camp Nou with a journalist. You’ll get to walk out onto the pitch, visit the visitor changing rooms, and find out why Barça is more than a club with a sports journalist.
9. Shopping at La Boqueria
La Boqueria is a large public market located in the center of Las Ramblas, a tree-lined pedestrian street in Barcelona. This foodie’s paradise is well-stocked with fresh fruits, veggies and meats and dates to the early-1200s.
10. Casa Milà
Casa Milà or La Pedrera, also designed by Antoni Gaudi, was completed in 1912 on Passeig de Gràcia and is considered a modernist Catalan design under the designated UNESCO list.
Other noted sights that are not-to-be-missed while visiting Barcelona include Palau de la Musica Catalana, Barri Gotic, Gothic Quarter, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Montserrat and Parc de la Ciutadella.
Author Bio: Angie Cavallari is a lifestyle and pop culture expert and author of “Trailer Trash: an ‘80s Memoir.”Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, The Reset and, Go World Travel, among others. When she is not traveling, she enjoys spending time with her kids and her precocious pug, JJ.
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Start your Barcelona adventure with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece. The breathtaking basilica is known for its intricate architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although Barcelona is full of all kinds of sights, in fact, those that are really worthwhile are very few. One of them is definitely the most famous – Sagrada Familia.
Unlike other landmarks with similar status and fame, which often turn out to be overrated, this one fully justifies its fame. A majestic place – both outside and inside, and the view of the city from one of its towers.
one of the best destination to visit.
Nice article, but that picture of the “boat tour” is actually nowhere near “Barcelona harbour” (I’m assuming you mean one of the ports, like Port Vell or Port Olimpic – still, that spot is nowhere in Barcelona). Just letting you know as I have lived in Barcelona for years.
Barcelona is one of my favorite destinations to visit in Europe. Enjoyed a lot in Park Guell. Thanks for the guide..