Top 30 things to do and see around Barcelona top attractions (updated 2023)

Barcelona attractions are endless with Gaudi inspiration, gorgeous Mediterranean gardens at Montjuic, historic sites and fabulous walking promenades like Las Ramblas, fun outdoor markets and food venues, there’s so much to do and see in this magnificent city that is fun to explore from daytime to late at night. If you love to see the best viewpoints of Barcelona, check out the Free things to do in Barcelona or enjoy some delicious Catalan food, visiting this dynamic and vibrant city will be a fantastic experience for you to enjoy.

Barcelona is such an overwhelming city because there’s so much to see and do around the metropolis. But don’t worry, this short guide will highlight all the best attractions and must visit locations to make your visit complete. We even share the most delicious traditional Catalan foods here for you to enjoy and try when you visit this amazing city.

Located in the region of Catalyuna in a sunny area between sea and mountains, Barcelona is rich in historic treasures, cultural presence and lifestyle, architectural gems and amazing food from the region to sample. It’s a very comfortable and casual place to explore and the atmosphere walking around the streets of the city is always colorful and a fun vibe everywhere you explore. You’ll enjoy these top places to photograph Barcelona and explore around this fabulous city.

This guide will help you with a check list of everything worth visiting to make your visit to this magical city complete.

 

Explore Gaudi’s amazing architecture

Visit some of Gaudi’s impressive architecture and you’ll see why he is the most admired architect in the city with these magnificent buildings.

 

 

1. Visit to Sagrada Familia

The most popular Barcelona attraction is this the basiiica of Sagrada Familia that is still in progress to completion and one of Gaudi’s masterpieces that dominates the skyline. You can sign up to visit this basilica and come early because it is busy all day and tickets have to be booked in advanced to see the wonderful interiors and details to the church.

Tip – the lines are very long to enter Sagrada Familia so why not skip the line here to save time and effort and you’ll get right in!

The Sagrada Familia is truly spectacular to view both the inside and outside including views from various angles and from some of the towers.

** For fast track entry, check out this Sagrada Familia details here for booking and not wasting time waiting in line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Park Guell

One of the signature parks Gaudi created with the waving mosaic benches, the signature salamander and all the engineering work done underneath with the columns and the purpose to creating this amazing park. It’s fun to explore the entire park, watch the views and capture it from above and visit the beautiful fairy tale like buildings on the park grounds to give you an idea about what was planned in this area before it became a public garden.

Tip – getting into the gardens is time consuming so make sure to book your reservations here to get into the gardens and have more time enjoying all the vistas and attractions here.

Park Guell was one of Gaudi’s development masterplanned communities for a developer that didn’t quite work out, but converting it into a public park for all to enjoy turned out to be a great inspiration for all that gets to visit the park and the various monuments here.

** Get your tickets in advanced for Park Guell here so you don’t have to wait on those long entry lines at the front gate.

 

Check out this inspiring walking tour around Park Guell below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Casa Mila 

Catalan Modernismo architecture comes alive with Gaudi’s Casa inspired apartment buildings here that you can visit as living museums to these gorgeous structures that are converted into museums and one that is still used as apartments with places you can visit inside. A fantastic tour of the building from top to bottom with the undulating roof and chimney pots into some of the private apartments that are now part of this living museum for you to explore along with the public spaces and visitors center located inside.

 

Check out our post to visiting Casa Mila here for more inspiration and images to visiting.

** You can get your tickets in advanced to visiting Casa Mila here so you don’t waste time waiting in line and book in advanced.

 

Also, here’s a fun video and education experience to visiting Casa Mila below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Casa Battlo

This classic building located on Passeig de Graca is considered one of Gaudi’s masterpieces with a stunning front facade completed in colorful mosaic tiles, Stunning large stained glass windows, surreal roofing tiles and beautiful portals and balconies that are out of this world. The building and apartment units you can visit are done with the best artisans of the era creating the best of this Modernismo style that Gaudi is known for.

You can visit the site by making advanced reservations here, or if you don’t have time, you can just explore and enjoy it from the street views on the Passeig de Graca.

Check out this tour of Casa Battlo below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous Montjuic on the hill

The large hill dominating the city at Montjuic commands impressive views of Barcelona from above and hosts some of the most magnificent museums and gardens in the area. It is worth spending even a whole day if you love views, Mediterranean gardens and really wonderful Barcelona inspired museums worth visiting in the area and even at night time, the fantastic water ballet dances at the Magic fountain is just that truly magical. You’ll also find some inspiring panoramic views of Barcelona to enjoy at the Montjuic hill.

Check out our post on visiting the gardens of Montjuic hill here for more information and images.

** You can get your tickets in advanced to visiting Montjuic by teleferic cable ride here so you don’t waste time waiting in line and book in advanced.

 

Check out the views from Montjuic and the castelo below

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Montjuic Castle

Right at the top of Montjuic sits the historic Castle that is wonderful to explore and enjoy the amazing views of the city from above. Built in the 17^th century as a military fortress, it later served as a prison, military base and now is a living museum for the public to explore and check out the collections and displays inside.

Here’s our post on Montjuic castle for more inspiration and images to visiting this historic site in Barcelona.

Check out this tour and visit along with views of Montjuic castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. The Magic Fountain at Montjuic

The night comes alive at the Magic Fountain where you can view the fountains from above at the National Museum of Art of Catalunya MNAC or on the lower levels. It is a fantastic and free show that really captures the essence of the park and city and fun to do at night time. Come early to the viewing areas so you can enjoy sunset from above and the first night show that happens daily.

 

Check out our post about the Magic Fountains here for more information and images to visiting the fountains at night time.

 

 

Check out the magic fountain show below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Visit the Mossen Costa i Llobera Garden

One of the most underrated gardens to visit in Montjuic but dramatic and with gorgeous views of the city and water views is at the Mossen Costa i Llobera garden on the side of this famous mountain. Not as easy to get to, you can take public transportation or an Uber ride directly to the park entrance. Once inside, you’ll be fascinated with the gorgeous displays of this arid garden that showcases the plants that survive in many different parts of Catalunya and Spain. The garden is beautful and gorgeous to explore and rarely crowded with tourists visiting the other parts of the mountain’s many attractions here.

 

Check out this visit to the Mossen I Llobera garden here for more information and images.

 

 

Here’s a quick visit to Mossen i Llobera garden below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Laribal Gardens

Located close to the Joan Miro museum and the spectacular artwork of Barcelona’s famous artist, you can visit the gorgeous gardens at the Laribal  gardens close by. A semi-formal garden with mediterranean plantings and beautiful annuals, this garden is a delightful mix of boxed terraced beds, topiary mixed in with a variety of roses, covered pergolas, shaded walkways and colorful annuals.

The scenic views overlooking the downtown areas of Barcelona are attractive with roses framing the views, making it a perfect photo opportunity. It’s easy to find some quiet time and shade in this garden from the intense mid-day sun while enjoying the attractive views below.

Check out our post on visiting the gardens of Montjuic hill here for more information and images.

Here’s a quick tour of the gardens below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit to the historic central district of Barcelona or Bari District

 

9. Gothic Quarter of Barcelona

The historic district or Gothic Quarter of Barcelona has all the impressive plaza’s, cathedral and significant Roman and Medieval architecture that is fun to walk through and see what ancient Barcelona was really like in the historic parts of the original city.  It’s fun to explore the famous squares of Placa Reial and Placa San Jaume and then wander through the picturesque streets in the historic district near the Ramblas.

Explore the highlights visiting the Gothic quarter here.

Here’s a video tour of the Gothic district below

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. The Cathedral of Barcelona

Sitting majestically in the historic district, the gothic cathedral is imposing, dark and filled with menacing gargolyes and a beautiful little cloister to walk around. It is an impressive structure built during the 13th century and receive updates and more impressive detail work in the early 19th century. and creating more of a Neo Gothic appearance than the Gothic architecture that it was created as originally.

It took two centuries to complete the cathedral and you can visit the interiors by making a reservation on their website here for more details.

 

Here’s a quick look at the interiors of the cathedral below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Placa Reial

A gorgeous square located in the Gothic district, this stately square is surrounding with beautiful architecture with elegant fountains in the center, beautiful palm trees and street lights add to the formal details around the square along with restaurants that spill out into the main parts of the square at night. This area is very popular with visitors looking for a bite to eat or place to hang out and enjoy the beautiful views, people and activity around this lively square.

Make sure to check out the lamp posts throughout the square, these are the first public installments created by Gaudi before any of this masterpieces made his mark in the architecture throughout the city.

 

12. Placa del Pi

One of the most beloved squares in the Gothic District with artists and creatives that love to hang out in the cool shops, bars and restaurants in the area and named for a large pine tree that is located in the center and the elegant Santa María del Pi church located on the square. It’s a nice square that comes alive at night and is a more popular local hang out spot.

 

 

 

 

13. Barcelona’s Roman Temple

Hidden on a narrow street behind the Cathedral is the Temple D’August which is almost hidden from view. Located on Carrer Paradís in a small courtyard  are the remains of four columns of the temple dedicated to August.  You’ll also find some fragments and artifacts around the tempe It is open most days to 8pm to visit.

 

Explore the Ramblas area of Barcelona

The grand thoroughfare of Barcelona is the Ramblas with a median area that is mostly for pedestrian walking, souvenir stands and shops along with occasional popups and entertainment that happens spontaneously on the Ramblas. You’ll find these attractions on or around the Ramblas to explore and worth visiting.

 

 

13. Palau de la Musica Catalana

Close to the Gothic Quarter, the Palau de la Musica is one of the most stunning concert halls of Europe and is worth visiting inside and out.  Designed by Lluis Domenech I Montaner, who was one of the founders of the Catalan Modernism period. Construction begain in 1905 to 1908 and this magnificen hall is declared as a World Heritage Site.

Check out the details and a visit to Palau de la Musica Catalana here.

** You can do a nice tour of the interiors and exterior of the Palau de la Musica here for more details and booking a tour.

Here’s a grand walking tour of Palau de la Musica

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. Mercat de La Boqueria

La Boqueria is the famous outdoor public market of Barcelona and is truly a beautiful market with beautifully presented produce, prepared foods and finished products and even some delicious local cafes that you can stop and try some of the local tapas and favorite local foods of the area.

A fun place to explore, take some lovely photographs and be amazed with the quality and gorgeous displays of how Barcelona food and products should be seen and why eating is a favorite pastime in the city.

 

 

Check out our post to visiting Mercat de la Boqueria here for more inspiration and images to visiting.

 

 

 

Check out this video tour exploring Mercat de la Boqueria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15. Las Ramblas

Barcelona’s most famous street is a wide boulevard with a walking promenade in the center of the boulevard that hosts daily markets, street art and performances and exploring the shops and other venues that line this large thoroughfare that cuts through the biggests sections of the city to keep exploring.

A visit to the popular strolling boulevard at las Ramblas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. Watch a performance at the Gran Teatre del Liceu

Created in 1847, this is Barcelona’s most famous theater that is well known for classical programs like the Opera. The Liceu also offers a variety of performances throughout the year and you can check out their calendar here for more information.

Here’s a visit to the Gran Teatre del Liceu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17. Check out the Columbus Monument

At the end of the Ramblas is the circular roundabout with the impressive Columbus Monument located on the waterfront area. The monument is dedicated to the world famous explorer and you can actually climb the interiors to the top for a fantastic view of the area and landmarks surrounding the monument.

 

Museums of Barcelona

Barcelona has some of the most dynamic and impressive museums to visit around the city covering the gamut of local Catalan art, historic treasures and collections and even living museums to famous buildings to explore. Some of the most popular to visit in the city includes the following below.

 

 

18. Picasso Museum

The museum has arranged all of Picasso’s impressive works into time periods of when he painted and presented his work in chronological order so that you can also follow the time frame and inspiration to his thinking and the periods of his work and development

** to save time, you can book entry to the Picasso Museum here for more details and information on booking a timed entry.

 

 

19. National Museum of Art of Catalunya MNAC

This impressive regional art museum sits at the top of Montjuic and commands impressive views from above and down into the city. Hosting all of the most impressive artist, sculptors and other arts inspired collections from the Catalan regions, this is a wonderful museum to get acquainted and absorb the major influences of regional art in the area.

** You can book tickets in advanced to visiting the National Museum of Art Catalunya here for more information and details.

 

20, Miro Museum

Also located in the Montjuic area, Miro Museum is a delight, light and color inspiration and Miro’s large graphic works, paintings, sculptures, taspestry and even his early drawings to explore and enjoy at this beautiful museum. This museum is a must for art lovers especially modern art created by master artist Miro.

** Check out this skip the line entry to the Miro Museum here for more details and information to visiting this fabulous museum.

 

 

 

21. MACBA: Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona

The Modern art museum is a beautiful art space that is designed by American architect Richard Meier and hosts some of the most impressive modern art collections of the 20 to 21^st century along with fantastic rotating art shows to enjoy when you visit the museum.

 

 

 

22. Sant Pau Hospital

Another stunning architecture and a Unesco World Heritage site on it’s own, the Sant Pau Hospital is unique and also built by master architect, Domènech i Montaner. The Sant Pau Hospital opened in the 1930s as an impressive structure to serve Barcelona citizens and was a fully functioning hospital until 2009 when a new structure was constructed to replace it. The building used today as as a cultural centre and museum that is open for the public to visit.

** Check out this fabulous tour of the  Sant Pau Hospital here for more details and information to visiting this amazing architectural treasure created by one of the modern masters of architecture in Barcelona.

 

 

 

Historic public areas and waterfront of Barcelona

Along the waterfront plazas and walking promenades of Barcelona, the newer areas fronting the ocean are fun to explore with large plazas, gardens and other public areas and monuments in this part of the city. The new section of Barcelonita is also very popular with beach goers and locals wanting to do a quick getaway from the city to the beach areas of town.

 

23. Visit Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf

Built in 1888 as the gateway to the Universal Exhibition and fair, the arc has become of the city’s main emblems and iconic landmarks. Classical in shape and proportions, the arc sits on a small hill overlooking the exhibition grounds which is now the Parc de la Ciutadella, a gorgeous public park located in the waterfront area.

Built of brick and done in the neo-Mudejar style which was very popular during that timeframe. The top of the arch showcases the shields of the 49 Spanish provinces and the coat of arms of the city of Barcelona.

 

Here’s a quick view of the Arc de Triomf at Parc de la Ciutadella area

 

 

 

 

 

24. Parc De La Ciutadella

Originally the grounds of the Universal Exhibition, the area was converted into a beautiful park afterwards with lovely fountains, glass houses, a boating pond and the stately Arc de Triomf take center stage overlooking the entire park area. The lush gardens are fun to explore or just hang and take a relaxing break from touring all the attractions around the Ramblas and Gothic district close by.

Let’s explore the Parc de la Ciutadella grounds below

 

 

 

 

 

25. Visit Barceloneta

This quiet neighborhood is not really on the tourist map but if you go to the beach area and get off on Barceloneta, you’ll come across the narrow streets and low key neighborhood of Barceloneta. Once the old fishing village area of Barcelona the place is still very local with nice seafood restaurants around the many narrow streets and offering a real taste and better prices compared to the waterfront and beach areas close by. It’s fun to walk around this less touristy part of the city and enjoy the real vibe and experience of one of Barcelona’s old historic neighborhoods

 

 

 

26. Barcelona Waterfront and the beach scene

The beaches around Barceloneta is where the locals go to escape the heat and crowds of Barcelona and enjoy the outdoors and ocean along with seafood restaurants. The large promenade area along the beach is long and fun to explore people watch and find a cool bar or restaurant to hang out and enjoy the views and later sunset in the area.

There’s also all the cool sculpture, modern buildings and constantly changing venues that makes Barceloneta the fun and hip hang out spot on the waterfront of the city.

If you are into a fun beach day, check out our extensive guide to Barcelona’s beaches here for more inspiration and images.

 

Let’s visit the beach area of Barcelona below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27. Port Viel and Cable Car ride to Montjuic

Port Viel is the old Harbor area of Barcelona but turned into new promenades, shopping arcade called Maremagnum shopping center, a world class aquarium and many other restaurants and bars around the beautiful harbor area. You can catch the fantastic cable car ride up to Montjuic with spectacular views of the waterfront area that covers the entire coastline.

Make advanced reservations for the cable car roundtrip here for these gorgeous views to the top of Montjuic

Check out the cable car ride to Montjuic below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other cool places and districts around Barcelona

 

 

 

28.Tibidabo Panoramic Area

Located above Barcelona at Tibidado is the amusement park area with gorgeous panoramic views of Barcelona below is free to enter and is the 2nd oldest amusement park in Europe. With a wonderful viewing platform, you can ride all the rides for one set price, visit the Sagart Cor Church with even more spectacular views and a cool museum to explore.

To get to Tibidabo you can catch a public bus (T2A shuttle) or take the Tibidabo funicular to the top of the skywalk area.

Here’s a cool view of Tibidabo and the amusement park area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29. Camp Nou – F.C. Barcelona

Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe hosts the home town of the world famous F.C Barcelona football team and a visit to the olympic stadium is a must for die hard fans or those curious about this much hyped up place. This is one of the most popular attractions to visit in Barcelona and watching a game or event here would be a highlight to visiting the city.

You can book a genera tour of the stadium here to visit the cool lockers, stands, pitch area, players bench and other cool spots including a small museum that showcases the trophies and other collections of the team and stadium.

** Check out this basic tour of Camp Nou here for more information and booking a tour.

 

 

 

30. Mercat de Santa Caterina 

Located close to the Picasso museum, this colorful market with a wavy rooftop and beautiful mosaic tiles is lively and fun to explore inside. This local market is where everyday Barcelona shops for fresh produce and artisanal products along with getting a snack or bite at the many eateries on site. A more modern design and layout, it is easier to shop here and sample all the delicious local specialties from the area.

Open daily except for Sunday, the market hours are from 7:30am to 8pm

Check out the Mercat de Santa Caterina below

 

More details to visiting Barcelona

To visit many of these attractions, consider using the Barcelona Pass here which covers many of these places for you to visit including the Hop on Hop Off bus system in Barcelona.

Transportation to Barcelona Central is easy with the Aerobus airport bus here, check the site for more details.

If you love Gaudi architecture, consider this Gaudi bundle here to save time and money to visiting all these amazing sites.

Getting around Barcelona, consider the Barcelona transport card covering public transport including the airport.

If you plan on visiting Montserrat Mountain, consider all these different tour options here to make your visit easier.

 

Check out these fantastic posts to visiting Barcelona

Traditional Catalan food you should try

Free things to do in Barcelona

15 best viewpoints of Barcelona

Visit to Casa Mila

Enjoy the Mossen I Llobera garden at Montjuic

Top places to photograph Barcelona

Montjuic parks and gardens

Mercat de La Boqueria

Exploring the Gothic District of Barcelona

 

Where to stay in Barcelona

With so many fantastic places to enjoy and explore around the city, there are so many wonderful options for accommodations. Check out these top reviewed paces to stay here for reviews and updated prices

Alexandra Barcelona Hotel – a 19th century hotel with modern aesthetics and amenities with easy walks to Gracia and Las Ramblas, centrally located, good sized rooms, good breakfast and attentive staff.

Serras Barcelona – a luxury boutique hotel with award winning Michelin star restaurant, cool and trendy hotel with comfortable, with world class amenities and service

Majestic Hotel and Spa – a luxury traditional hotel centrally located and close walk to Ramblas with excellent service, amenities, rooftop terrace and outdoor pool

Enjoyed it – pin it!

 

 

Conclusion to Barcelona Attractions

There are so many fabulous places to visit around this amazing city and all the Barcelona attractions here will delight you in all the places that you visit. Enjoy your visit to the city and hope that these Barcelona attractions inspired you to visit all of these wonderful places to visit around the city.

 

Did we miss anything?

Any other inspiring places we missed on the post above, please share in the comment section below. Thanks for checking out this post on Barcelona Attractions. Hope the post was informative and a must read article.

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