If you’re looking to plan your time in Barcelona, this guide on the best things to do is a great place to start. From walking the Gothic Quarter to touring Gaudí’s masterpieces, Barcelona is one place you can’t get enough of.
I enjoyed Barcelona so much the first time I visited with a friend, I decided to move there for the summer with my husband the year after. I am often asked what I think the best things to do in Barcelona are — it’s hard to decide. Whether it’s people watching from my favourite coffee shops or wandering the streets of the Gothic Quarter, the options in the Catalan capital are endless.
Because Barcelona has a way of drawing you in. The golden light on Gaudí’s whimsical buildings, the hum of late-night tapas bars in El Born, the sea breeze rolling in from Barceloneta Beach, and those endless viewpoints. All of this makes Barcelona the special city it is.
It’s a city that blends old and new effortlessly. You can wander through the medieval alleys of the Gothic Quarter in the morning, marvel at surreal modernist masterpieces like La Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló in the afternoon, and then take a cooking class to learn how to recreate those delicious Catalan dishes when you get home.
History lingers in every square, yet the culinary scene is as cutting-edge as any in Europe. Whether you’re climbing to Montjuic Castle by cable car or strolling through Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona is a city I have returned to time and again.
This guide covers some of the best things to do in Barcelona, including a mix of world-famous icons, cultural gems, and local experiences that go beyond the usual checklist.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Barcelona:
Hotels
- Cotton House Hotel ($$$), for the best design luxury hotel (my personal favorite)
- Hotel Casa Bonay ($$), for the best design for dollar hotel
- Praktik Rambla ($), for a favorite budget hotel
Airbnbs
- 1 Bedroom Stylish Central Apartment with Balcony & Bathtub, for the best elevated city-centre comfort and classic Barcelona character
- 1 Bedroom Eixample Apartment near Plaza Catalunya, for the best walk-everywhere base steps from top sites
- 2 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Terrace in Eixample, for the best stylish, walkable city stay near shops and cafés
Things to Do
- Tour La Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudi’s greatest masterpieces
- Take in the views from Barcelona Cathedral
- Wander the grounds of Park Güell
- Try delicious regional cuisine at La Boqueria
- Admire the stunning Casa Batlló
- Take the cable car to Montjuïc Castle
- Join a Guided Tour of the Gothic Quarter
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
To make planning your Barcelona trip easier, check out my Barcelona travel guide, Barcelona itinerary, where to stay guide, and guides to the best hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, Gaudí sights, and day trips. Looking to explore more of Spain? My 10-Day Spain itinerary is all the inspiration you need!
15 Essential Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain
Top Tips For Visiting Barcelona
Best Time to Visit Barcelona
Barcelona is at its absolute best during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). Daytime temperatures are comfortable for exploring the city’s top attractions, and from May until October, it’s warm enough to enjoy the beach too. There are also fewer crowds than during the summer peak, and accommodation prices are more affordable in the shoulder seasons.
Book Tickets in Advance
Barcelona is a popular city full of popular attractions. So naturally, tickets for sites including the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Picasso Museum require ticketed entry. And their popularity means that tickets often sell out in advance. Don’t miss out, so ensure you plan and buy your tickets beforehand. You can book tickets online, so it’s easy to arrange before you arrive, and don’t skip the audio guides!
Beware of Pickpockets
Barcelona is unfortunately one of the European cities where pickpockets target tourists. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close, and don’t leave anything within temptation for thieves. I recommend carrying a cross-body bag that zips up and avoiding backpacks if you can. The metro and busy tourist attractions are the most targeted places.
Don’t Forget About the Siesta
A mid-afternoon nap, known as siesta, is much less common in big cities these days, but you might still run into some shops and restaurants that maintain this cultural norm. So what do you need to know about siesta while in Barcelona? Some shops, restaurants, and cafes close around lunchtime and throughout the afternoon for a period. Major stores and attractions don’t usually observe siesta anymore, but it’s good to check ahead.
1. Visit the Iconic La Sagrada Familia
The work of Antoni Gaudí is synonymous with Barcelona, but none is more iconic than La Sagrada Familia. The UNESCO-listed church is my number one recommendation in Barcelona for its sheer magnitude. Walking through the church’s interior felt like I was walking under towering trees. The building of La Sagrada Familia began in 1882, and it remains unfinished to this day, as it is only being completed using money from ticket sales and private donations. As one of the most-visited attractions in Spain, it is essential to book your tickets a few weeks in advance.
2. Explore the Gothic Quarter and Admire the Views from Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter feels as if it is frozen in time, blending Roman and medieval history. Wander through winding alleyways, hidden plazas, and don’t miss visiting Barcelona Cathedral, where you can enjoy spectacular views over this photogenic part of the city. This historic pocket of the Catalan capital provides a sensory journey that transports you back to medieval times. A guided walking tour in the Barri Gòtic will give you rich insight into Catalonia’s evolution and is a great way to familiarize yourself with the area.
Travel Tip: The Gothic Quarter is one of the best neighborhoods to base yourself if you want to be in the heart of the action. Read my guide to the best boutique hotels in the Gothic Quarter for my favorite stays!
3. Take a Stroll Down La Rambla
The lively La Rambla is one of Barcelona’s best-known hotspots, stretching from Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya. The leafy, pedestrian boulevard is around 1.2 kilometres long, dividing El Raval and the Gothic Quarter. The bustling promenade is teeming with flower stalls, street performers, and historic cafés, making it a hive of activity. Perfect for a stroll, La Rambla also serves as a launchpad for many of Barcelona’s cultural activities, including food markets, flamenco shows, and guided city tours.
Travel Tip: When we lived in Barcelona, we’d often pass through La Rambla on our way to La Boqueria Market for our favorite breakfast in the city: The baby squid and eggs dish at El Quim de la Boqueria. It still stands as one of my favorite dishes I’ve had anywhere.
4. Wander the Grounds of Park Güell
Located on Carmel Hill, this public park once had one of the houses that the famous architect, Gaudí, lived in. Now, Park Güell‘s terraced gardens and unique architectural details are perfect for strolling for an afternoon. With panoramic views across Barcelona, the garden is filled with mosaicked benches, playful sculptures, and is a fusion between natural elements and refined architectural elements that perfectly represent Gaudí’s work. Park Güell is just a 25-minute walk from La Sagrada Familia, and this combo tour is convenient and great value for money, so you can see both must-see Gaudí sights on the same day.
5. Eat Your Way Through La Boqueria Market
You can’t skip a visit to La Boqueria Market while you’re in Barcelona. First opening in 1836, more than 200 traders operate daily, selling local produce, seafood, artisanal cheeses, and local specialties like jamón ibérico and fruit juices. Located in the Ciutat Vella district, I recommend having breakfast at El Quim de la Boqueria. This is my absolute favorite breakfast in Barcelona, and I love their iconic breakfast of baby squids and two fried eggs.
6. Get Arty With a Visit to the Picasso Museum
Art lovers and culture vultures will love gazing at more than 4,000 works that document the renowned artist Pablo Picasso’s artistic journey. Housed in medieval palaces, the beautifully restored museum is a great way to escape midday heat or hide from the rain on a wet day. The exhibition focuses on Picasso’s relationship with Barcelona, with intimate insight into his formative years. The Picasso Museum is one of the most popular sites in Barcelona, so you will need to book your tickets in advance.
7. Enjoy Tapas in El Born
El Born is my favorite neighborhood in Barcelona. It’s a known hotspot for tapas, with plenty of tapas bars and restaurants to choose from, but my go-to in El Born is El Xampyanet. Be sure to order the pan con tomate and“lard pillows”. Don’t skip wandering around the area as well, as the neighborhood has a reputation for artisan workshops and medieval charm. A cultural epicenter of the city, there is a collection of museums, Santa Maria del Mar church, and Mercat de Santa Caterina, which are all worth dedicating your time to.
Travel Tip: El Born is also home to some of my favorite coffee shops in Barcelona.
8. Spend an Afternoon Unwinding at Barceloneta Beach
You can’t visit Barcelona without spending time at the beach, especially if you’re visiting in summer. And Barceloneta Beach is the perfect spot. Offering a classic Mediterranean escape steps from the city, there is a breezy boardwalk lined by seafood chiringuitos (beach bar), which is an essential experience. Watersports are also on offer, and you can rent paddleboards, or book sailing excursions, or just relax on the sun loungers with a book. We lived in the Barceloneta neighborhood during our time there, and would often stroll down to the beach to take in sunset at the end of the day or walk further and grab dinner at Pez Vela.
9. Immerse Yourself at Palau De La Música Catalana
Beautiful music and sensational architecture collide at Palau de la Música Catalana. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Catalan Modernista masterpiece, with details including a stained-glass skylight, ornate mosaics, and curved balconies. This is an experience that is missed by too many travelers to Barcelona. You can opt to tour the interior or attend a live concert, both offering unique atmospheric experiences.
10. Enjoy More of Gaudí’s Architectural Mastery at Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is a dreamlike residence by Antoni Gaudí, and is considered one of his best-known designs. The UNESCO-listed site captivates visitors with its whimsical details, surrealist lighting, and touches of fantasy and innovation. A visit to Casa Batlló is immersive. Art and design enthusiasts will be charmed by the structure’s storytelling, vibrant colors, and creative genius in the fluid nature of the building. Make sure to pre-book your tickets as they do sell out.
Travel Tip: If you love Gaudí’s work, also consider checking out Casa Vicens. It’s slightly less prominent, but I adored our visit.
11. Tour Camp Nou and the FC Barcelona Museum
Football fans will be eager to tour Camp Nou, the home ground of Barcelona FC. Camp Nou is legendary, and if you can’t plan your trip around a game, you’ll be pleased that stadium tours give you a behind-the-scenes look. You can visit the players’ tunnel, locker rooms, and pitch, and then stop by the expansive FC Barcelona Museum. Football enthusiasts will love the museums’ tribute to sporting triumphs, with numerous trophies and immersive displays. Barcelona is a city with a passion for football, so definitely pre-plan this and book your tickets early.
12. Take a Cable Car to Montjuïc Castle
Looking for a scenic way to explore Barcelona? Take the Montjuïc Cable Car up Montjuïc Hill for sprawling views over the city. The funicular whisks you over lush gardens and historic sites on the 750-meter ride to Montjuïc Castle. This ride gives you a unique perspective of the city, with aerial views of iconic landmarks like Sagrada Família and the harbor. Pair your ride with a castle visit or a cultural combo tour for a premium experience.
13. Ride the Tibidabo Funicular and Visit the Amusement Park
Evoke a sense of nostalgia with an amusement park visit coupled with spectacular views across the city. The historic Tibidabo Funicular railway, modernized to the “Cuca de Llum” system, carries you from Plaça del Doctor Andreu up to Tibidabo Amusement Park. At the top, you’ll also find the Gothic-inspired Temple of the Sacred Heart. Dating back to 1899, it’s among Europe’s oldest operating amusement parks, mixing classic carousels with modern attractions. The funicular journey itself is part of the adventure, and it’s a great activity to do with kids.
14. Watch a Flamenco Show with Dinner at a Tablao
Flamenco originated in Andalusia in southern Spain; however, if you can’t make it down to Seville, Barcelona hosts some excellent flamenco shows. Many of the tablao (traditional venues) have storied histories and make for a fun evening activity. Book a tapas dinner and performance package to immerse yourself in this traditional dance and musical performance.
15. Visit Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is Barcelona’s central park and a lovely green space. Created to be an urban oasis in the 19th century, it was built on the site of a former military citadel. If you want to feel like a local, this is a great place to do it. Whether you grab a coffee and stroll along the shaded paths, picnic on the sprawling lawns, or admire the cultural landmarks, it’s a great way to break up visits between museums and cultural sites. You’ll find yet another of Gaudí’s works here, the Cascada Monumental, as well as the Catalan Parliament building, small museums, and the city zoo. On a sunny day, it’s lovely to rent a rowboat on the lake.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
