Looking for cool, bucket-list-worthy things to do in Barcelona, Spain? Look no further!
If you’re heading on a trip to Barcelona, you’re in for an amazing time! With fascinating history, incredible food, and architecture you won’t find anywhere else in the world, this beautiful city is an incredible place to visit!
From drool-worthy food markets and tapas bars to wonders like the Sagrada Familia and enchanting neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter, the Catalan capital has so much to offer, you may never want to leave!
Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a new adventure, this incredible city has so much to offer. Get ready for this list of mus-do things in Barcelona!
One of the best things you can do is to book a Barcelona food tour! Not only do you get to taste the best products curated by knowledgeable locals, it’s also a fun way to learn about Barcelona’s history and meet fellow travelers.
After all, could there be a better way to bond than over sangria or mouthwatering tapas?!
While it can be more expensive than visiting tapas bars on your own, this tour gives you the full Spanish foodie experience and is perfect for anyone wanting to make the most of a short trip.
1. La Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia may be one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks and is certainly one of the most fascinating monuments in the city, if not the whole country. (It’s actually the most visited tourist attraction in the world!) Art lovers will be blown away by the beauty and grandeur of this multi-century project still in the works.
Sagrada Familia is said to be a unique and different experience at every minute of the day given the nature of its stained glass windows and the way the light, color and shadows change as the day goes on. I was truly moved by the cross-generational efforts that came together to bring this church to life. Even if you only have one day in Barcelona, Sagrada Familia should be at the top of your list.
I highly recommend booking a guided tour of Sagrada Familia. There are too many cool details and stories you won’t learn by visiting on your own!
PS: Want more stunning architecture? Check out this list of the most beautiful palaces in Spain!
2. Park Guell
A unique experience perfect for fans of architecture, a trip to Barcelona must include a stop at the infamous Park Guell. Originally designed to be part of a larger community that never came to fruition, this park is, of course, another creation of Barcelona’s most well-known Modernist architect, Anton Gaudi.
Though smaller than I expected, and generally a quick visit, Park Guell is certainly a spot I’d return to. Skip the tour and purchase your timed entry tickets here.
3. Bunkers del Carmel
One of the most scenic viewpoints in Barcelona, Bunkers del Carmel is located near Park Guell. Originally built as anti-aircraft fortifications in 1938, during the Spanish Civil War, these bunkers were built to protect and defend the city from further bombing. Renovated in the early 2000s, they offer an incredible bird’s-eye view of this great city.
Is Barcelona safe?
Barcelona is a great place to visit, even for inexperienced travelers! It’s a safe city with low rates of violent crime. Use common sense and keep your credit card and passport somewhere safe and you’ll have nothing to worry about. Plus, the city’s reliable public transportation makes exploring at your own pace easy and convenient.
4. Houses of Gaudi
Get ready for plenty of Gaudi. You are in Barcelona, after all! There are three main Antoni Gaudi buildings that visitors flock to. Perhaps the most popular is Casa Battló in Gracia. With a small visitable interior and recently added immersive (but in my opinion unrelated) art experiences, I ultimately decided to skip this spot in favor of Gaudi’s first building Casa Vicens, a colorful, Moorish-inspired marvel.
As a fan of both styles of architecture, I was eager to see the way modernist and Moorish blended together. Last but certainly not least is Casa Mila or La Pedrera, a still-occupied apartment building in Gracia. Here, you can visit an apartment and see how it was styled many decades ago.
- Purchase skip-the-line tickets to Casa Mila.
- Check out Casa Mila’s evening rooftop experience.
- If you’re short on time, you can visit Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Battlo on one tour.
5. Palace of Catalan Music
Another architectural gem, this concert venue, Palau de la Música Catalana, was built in the Catalonian Art Nouveau fashion. A stunning place to see a performance, it’s still worth the visit if only to walk around. Be sure to visit the patios for a look at their Instagram famous columns. Grab your tickets or book a tour.
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6. Arc de Triomf
Like many European marvels, Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf was constructed with a global fair in mind. The Arc de Triomf was built in 1888 as the gateway to Parc de la Ciutadella which would host the Universal Exhibition. This beautiful arch was constructed with the neo-Muj style in mind.
Look out for the various symbols the monument is adorned with like the shields of the 49 Spanish provinces which are presided over by Barcelona’s coat of arms.
7. Park de la Ciutadella
The only park in the city of Barcelona, Park de la Ciutadella is the perfect oasis for a quick escape from the bustling city. Here you can visit the Barcelona Zoo or admire the many sculptures nestled among its old trees.
It’s also known for La Cascada, a gorgeous fountain surrounded by a lake. Built by Josep Fontsére, many associate this marvel with Gaudi since he was the architect’s apprentice at the time. See if you can spot the resemblance to Rome’s Trevi Fountain, the inspiration for La Cascada!
8. Explore the Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter cannot be missed. A beautiful labyrinth of narrow streets, old buildings, and Catalan restaurants, this is the historic center of the city. It’s the perfect place to try some famed Barcelona vermouth before dining nearby.
Make sure to check out the Barcelona Cathedral and Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi. (Psst: Just a few steps away from the Cathedral is where you’ll find the photography hotspot Pont del Bisbe.)
Want a thorough tour of the area? Check out this Gothic Quarter walking tour where you’ll see all the hotspots, including the famous Boqueria market.
Want to see more of Spain?
With so many incredible places to see in Spain, it’d be a shame not to include a few days in a nearby region! You can get to any of the destinations below in less than 3 hours by train.
- Madrid: A Madrid solo travel adventure is the perfect place for foodies. As the country’s capital, you’ll find food from every region of Spain here.
- Seville: A gorgeous Southern gem, a solo trip to Seville is the perfect way to experience amazing attractions like the Royal Alcazar.
- Cordoba: With the enchanting Mezquita, a Cordoba day trip is a great way to see more of Andalusia. Visit in the spring to see the world-famous patios covered in flowers.
9. Gaudi Architectural Tour
I booked this renowned Gaudi architectural tour for my second visit to Barcelona. I fell in love with the city and the work of its most cherished architect on my first trip and knew I had to take this tour. Barcelona was where I was first introduced to the concept of city planning (I’d never stopped to think about how our cities come to be!) and was amazed at the thought put into each street and city square. Coming from America’s somewhat bland architectural approach, Barcelona and Gaudi blew me away.
10. Las Ramblas
If you exit the Gothic Quarter, heading westward, you’ll stumble upon Las Ramblas, a boulevard that runs through the city center. This is where you can really feel the multicultural, cosmopolitan nature of Barcelona.
I remember walking along this street, hearing different languages spoken in every direction I turned. While here, you’ll want to visit Mercat de la Boqueria, a large covered market filled with foodie treasures. (More on that below!)
READ NEXT: 12 Incredible Places To Visit In Spain
11. Shop the Spanish Food Markets
Spain is known for its authentic food markets where locals and tourists alike can purchase fresh, quality food and ingredients. In Barcelona, there are 38 of these markets so you can’t miss them!
The most famous market is La Boqueria, but since it’s usually packed with tourists, you should also check out Santa Caterina Market just north of El Born for a more local feel.
12. Barcelona Food Tour
I could never write about Spain without practically begging you to take a food tour or tapas crawl. (Or even better, do both!) Spanish food is seriously some of the best food out there, and their social culture surrounding it makes it twice as enjoyable.
Spain’s culinary scene is like none other! It’s not just that their food is crafted from high-quality local ingredients and their dishes are magnificently simple yet still bold and delicious. There’s something unique about the experience of sharing a meal with others in Spain. You never walk away as strangers.
My favorite Barcelona food tour has to be the Tastes and Traditions of Barcelona Food Tour where I learned all about navigating a Spanish market, tried yummy treats like cava and paella, and got the lowdown on a little Catalonian history.
PS: Can’t get enough jamon and patatas bravas? Add a visit to Madrid’s best tapas bars to your intinerary!
13. Carrer Blai Tapas Crawl
After some great recs from my tour guide, I decided to do a Carrer Blai Tapas Crawl on my last night in Barcelona, and omg was it a good idea. I even gave this special street the attention it deserves in its very own guide.
14. See the Sardana Dance
An important Catalonian tradition, the Sardana is simply beautiful to watch. Like the Catalan language, this dance was outlawed by Franco which ultimately led it to become a symbol of Catalan unity and pride. Made of people who have joined hands, they will proceed to dance in circles with small, precise steps.
Slowly, the circle goes around while others join. When one circle gets too big, they split off and form a new circle. The best time to see a Sardana is in the early evening of summer. Your best bets are Plaza Jaume I on Sunday evenings and near the Barcelona Cathedral on Saturday evenings.
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15. Flamenco Show
Flamenco is a Spanish art form made up of three parts: guitar playing, singing, and dancing. Flamenco dancers express their deepest emotions by using body movements and facial expressions. Even though flamenco originally began in Andalusia, many extraordinary artists perform in Barcelona.
Couples and groups who only want a one-hour show can grab tickets to a performance at Barcelona’s iconic City Hall Theater.
If you’re traveling solo, a small group tour is perfect for making friends over tapas before enjoying a performance together.
16. Picasso Museum
Art fans will want to spend an afternoon admiring the large Picasso collection here. With over 4,000 works and photographs from the artist’s early life, the Picasso Museum offers an in-depth look at the artist and his work.
Explore the intense relationship Picasso had with Barcelona and see how this thriving Catalonian metropolis became his muse. Book a tour here or combine your museum visit with tapas and a walking tour.
17. Visit Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta used to be a fisherman’s village, but today it is a gorgeous seaside neighborhood filled with beautiful spots where you can enjoy authentic paella, vermouth and Catalan cuisine. This lively neighborhood comes alive in the early evenings. Soak in the sights and sounds of Barcelona along Placa de la Barceloneta and Carrer de la Maquinista.
Comprised of four different beaches, it’s impossible to miss the sailboat-shaped W hotel that presides over the skyline. Come to Barceloneta for a beach day, admire yachts at Port Vell or stroll the promenade before you grab a cable car to Montjuic.
18. Discover Montjuic
Start your experience off with a unique aerial view of Barcelona as you take the cable car up this scenic hill. There’s so much to see up here. You could spend a whole day exploring the National Museum of Catalan Art and the Poble Espanyol, a mock-Spanish village built to showcase the many different regional architectural styles.
Don’t forget to admire the magic fountain’s water show complete with music.
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19. Day Trip to Montserrat
A trip to the Montserrat mountains and monastery is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona. Montserrat is a rocky mountain range in Catalonia with a unique and beautiful jagged, sawtooth appearance where the stone mixes with lush greenery. Many come to visit the Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery that houses a statute of one of the few Black Madonnas of Europe.
Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to the top of Montserrat, take short hikes through the mountain peaks, and take a funicular even higher up the mountain for incredible views of Catalonia.
Make the most out of your trip by combining your Montserrat visit with a Cava winery tour and lunch, all with comfortable, air-conditioned travel.
20. Day Trip to Medieval Catalan Villages
There are dozens of small, medieval Catalan villages where visitors can learn more about the customs, traditions and history of this storied region. A cluster of picturesque villages can be found nestled in the hills west of Figueres about an hour and a half from Barcelona. The best way to see these villages is on a day trip with a tour company.
There are so many amazing places to see near Barcelona. Be sure to check out the best day trips from Barcelona to plan your excursions.
21. Take a Paella Cooking Class
While in Barcelona, eating in paella is an absolute must. But why stop at just eating? Joining a paella cooking class is the perfect way to experience a piece of local culture and recreate the yummy flavors back home.
In this cooking class, you’ll explore the bustling Mercat de la Boqueria, nibble on scrumptious tapas, and spend the evening cooking, laughing, and sipping Sangria with newfound friends.
PS: Saffron makes the perfect souvenir from Spain! It’s an essential paella ingredient and much cheaper here so be sure to grab some at the market.
22. Bar Crawl
Barcelona nightlife is pretty epic. A hostel-organized bar crawl is a safe, social way to get to experience the famed bars and clubs.
You’ll get to taste their famously potent absinthe, partake in quirky drinking games, and enjoy the exciting atmosphere of Barcelona at night. If you stick around until the end, the night usually culminates in a visit to one of the city’s top clubs, where you can dance the night away.
23. Discover Barcelona’s Roman Ruins
Did you know that Barcelona’s origins trace back when it was the Roman city of Barcino? In the Gothic Quarter, you’ll stumble upon remnants of this ancient civilization nearly everywhere.
One hidden gem worth visiting is the Temple of Augustus. Nestled in a quiet alley, this spot features impressive Corinthian columns that offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient times. These majestic columns are all that remain of a once towering structure that dominated the Barcino skyline. The best part? It’s totally free to explore.
24. Explore El Born
Tucked between the Gothic Quarter and Ciutadella Park, El Born is one of the most interesting and lively spots in Barcelona. It’s a fun, safe area to explore.
Wander the maze of medieval streets where trendy cafes and chic boutiques await, or let the nightlife sweep you away with its irresistible samba rhythms and delightful cocktails. Home to some of the oldest architecture in the city, El Born offers a fascinating blend of old-world charm and bohemian flair.
25. Street Art Tour
Exploring Barcelona’s street art scene on a tour led by noteworthy street artists themselves where you’ll get an insider’s look at the city’s underground art world. You’ll explore a mix of street art and galleries to uncover a lesser-known side of Barcelona.
The guides share personal stories, techniques, and insights behind their captivating creations, making it an engaging and educational experience. As you wander through the vibrant Raval neighborhood, known as the “barrio Xino,” you’ll encounter colorful murals and graffiti that adorn the walls. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to check out local culture and creativity, and meet some new people while you’re at it.
26. Discover Poble-Sec
Located between the slopes of Montjuïc and the bustling port, the Poble-sec neighborhood stands out as one of Barcelona’s oldest yet most dynamic neighborhoods. Full of Bohemian charm, you’ll find tons of quirky tapas bars and lively pubs.
Once a relatively underprivileged area, Poble-sec has seen significant transformation and now hosts a melting pot of cultures. This up-and-coming district has a can’t-miss culinary scene, with everything from upscale dining spots to traditional bodegas and tapas bars.
Explore the vibrant theater scene along Avinguda Paral·lel, where vintage playhouses feature musicals and cabaret shows. Or, take a moment to visit the artistic CaixaForum for some cultural inspiration.
27. Penedés Wine & Cava Vineyard Tour
Southwest of Barcelona is the Penedès wine appellation which straddles two coastal provinces: Barcelona and Tarragona. The vineyards and wine caves here are excellent places to explore both still wines and Spain’s sparkling wine: Cava!
While over 200 producers sell Cava, 75% of that juice originated in Penedès. Spanish bubbly is gaining traction as an affordable international jewel, with over half of Spain’s production exported to other European nations. (Belgians in particular love Cava!)
The best way to experience Cava culture is on a tour of the Penedès vineyards where the beautiful rolling hills stretch out to the edge of the coast where the cliffs meet the sea. Trust me, it’s one hell of a view!
Can’t make it out of the city? Not to worry. Barcelona has tons of great places to grab a bubbly glass of Cava!
28. Rooftop Bar
Visiting a rooftop bar in Barcelona is a must, especially one with a view of the Sagrada Familia. Imagine sipping your favorite cocktail while gazing at Gaudí’s masterpiece, all lit up against the night sky!
Head to Bar-Terrassa Sercotel Rosselló or the Hotel Colon rooftop bar to snap some incredible photos and enjoy the stunning cityscape.
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