20 Best Things to Do in Barcelona

15 Jul, 2022

20 Best Things to Do in Barcelona

Jul 15, 2022

Barcelona is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Europe. From its stunning architecture to its delicious food, there’s no shortage of things to do in Barcelona. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, here are some of the best things to do in Barcelona!

1- Sagrada Familia

Barcelona’s most iconic building is the massive and still unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia. 

Construction started in 1882, designed by Antoni Gaudi, and it’s still not done! Gaudi worked on the church for 43 years until his death in 1926, and since then various architects have continued working on it. 

It’s expected to be finally completed sometime in the 2030s. When it is done, the Sagrada Familia will be the tallest church in Europe.

The church is certainly an impressive sight, both inside and out. The exterior is decorated with numerous intricate sculptures and carvings, while the interior is flooded with light thanks to the many large stained glass windows.

 It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Barcelona!

2- Barcelona cathedral

Barcelona cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona. It is a Gothic cathedral that was built in the 14th century. 

The cathedral is located on the site of an ancient Roman temple. It has a nave with a length of 115 meters and a width of 55 meters. 

The façade of the cathedral has two large towers. One of the towers is 85 meters high and the other is 70 meters high. 

The interior of the cathedral is very ornate. It has many stained glass windows and carved stone pillars. The cathedral also has a choir, an altarpiece, and a crypt.

Things to Do in Barcelona: Barcelona Cathedral

3- Park Guell

Park Guell is an unusual public park located in Barcelona, Spain. Designed by famed architect Antoni Gaudi, the park features a unique blend of natural and artificial elements. 

It is home to a variety of plant life, including cacti, palms, and cypress trees. The park also features a number of whimsical man-made features, such as a mosaic-tiled bench in the shape of a dragon and a gate guarded by two giant lizard sculptures. 

Visitors to Park Guell can wander along winding pathways, relax on the colorful mosaic benches, or take in breathtaking views of the city from the hilltop terrace. 

Whether you’re an architecture lover or just looking for a place to relax, Park Guell is sure to impress.

4- Casa Milà

Casa Mila, also known as “La Pedrera”, is a world-famous building in Barcelona, Spain. 

Designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, it was built between 1906 and 1912. Its unusual facade, with its curves and undulations, is composed of stone, brick, and ceramic tiles. 

The building has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona. 

Visitors can tour the interior of the building, which includes an art museum, or simply enjoy the view from the street. Either way, Casa Mila is sure to impress.

5- Casa Batlló 

Casa Batlló is a landmark building in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and built in 1904. 

The building’s most distinctive features are its wavy facade and roof, which resemble the scales of a dragon or the back of a stegosaurus. 

The interior of the building is also notable for its use of light and color. Casa Batlló is open to the public and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona.

Things to do in Barcelona: Casa Batllo

6- Picasso Museum

Barcelona is home to many world-renowned museums, but one that often gets overlooked is the Picasso Museum. 

Located in the heart of the city, the museum houses an extensive collection of works by the famous artist. 

Visitors can seePicasso’s early work, which was heavily influenced by traditional Spanish painting, as well as his later Cubist phase. 

The museum is also home to a number of personal belongings and letters, giving visitors a glimpse into the artist’s private life. 

Whether you’re a fan of Picasso or simply interested in art history, the Picasso Museum is definitely worth a visit.

7- La Boqueria

La Boqueria is one of the most popular markets in Barcelona, and for good reason. 

Located in the city’s La Ribera district, it is packed with stalls selling all kinds of fresh produce, from fruits and vegetables to seafood and meat. 

There is also a wide selection of ready-to-eat food, making it the perfect place to grab a quick bite. 

The market is open every day except Sunday, and it is definitely worth a visit if you are in Barcelona. Just be sure to come early, as it gets very crowded later in the day!

8- Barri Gòtic

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is one of the most atmospheric and charming areas of the city. 

With its labyrinth of narrow streets, hidden squares and towering cathedrals, it feels like a step back in time. 

The Quarter is home to some of Barcelona’s most important landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia and the Palau de la Generalitat. 

It’s also a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll, do some people-watching in one of the many cafes, or simply take in the atmospheric surroundings. 

Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a week, be sure to add the Gothic Quarter to your list of must-see sights in Barcelona.

Things to do in Barcelona: Gothic Quarter

9- El Call

El Call, which is the city’s old Jewish Quarter, is another fascinating part of Barcelona. This neighborhood has a long and rich history, dating back to the 14th century. 

Today, it is a lively and vibrant area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. If you’re looking for a taste of the past, you can find it in El Call. 

But you can also find plenty of modern amenities as well. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s history or just enjoy a good meal or drink, El Call is the perfect place to be.

In addition, the old Synagogue in El Call is one of the oldest in Europe.

10- Encants Markets

The Encants markets in Barcelona are one of the city’s best-kept secrets. If you’re looking for a truly unique shopping experience, you’ll want to check out the Encants markets in Barcelona.

Tucked away in a corner of Plaça de les Glòries, the markets are a treasure trove of antique and vintage finds. 

These markets date back to the 14th century, and they offer a wide variety of goods, from antiques to new items. 

Fermin Vazquez, the architect of the famous Encants roof, designed the current roof of the market in the mid-twentieth century. 

Today, the markets are home to over 300 stalls, selling everything from furniture to fashion. 

And with new stallholders setting up shop all the time, there’s always something new to discover. 

You can find just about anything at the Encants markets, and it’s a great place to bargain for souvenirs. 

The markets are open every day except Sunday, so be sure to add them to your itinerary when you’re visiting Barcelona!

11- Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is a tree-lined pedestrian mall in the center of Barcelona that stretches for 1.2 kilometers. 

It is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and is full of stalls selling souvenirs, flowers, and street food. 

Las Ramblas is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Christopher Columbus Monument and the Palau Güell. 

The mall originally served as a drainage ditch for the city, but it was converted into a promenade in the 19th century. 

Today, it is a thriving gathering place for locals and tourists alike. 

Whether you’re looking to do some shopping or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of Barcelona, Las Ramblas is sure to delight.

Things to Do in Barcelona: Las Ramblas

12- Barcelona beaches

Barcelona’s beaches are some of the best in the world. With over two miles of coastline, there’s plenty of space to enjoy the sun and the waves. 

The water is clean and clear, and the sand is soft and white. There are also a variety of activities to keep you busy, from swimming and sunbathing to windsurfing and kayaking. 

And when you’re ready for a break, there’s no shortage of restaurants and bars to relax in. 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach to enjoy a book or a bustling boardwalk to people-watch, Barcelona has a beach that’s perfect for you.

13- Barcelona City History Museum

Barcelona has a rich and vibrant history, dating back thousands of years. The city’s history museum is the perfect place to learn about this complex past. 

The museum is located in the heart of the city, and it houses an impressive collection of artifacts. 

Visitors can see Roman mosaics, Gothic furniture, and Moorish pottery. The museum also has a section devoted to the city’s famous Modernista movement. 

This artistic style thrived in Barcelona during the early 20th century, and it helped to put the city on the map. 

Today, the history museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona. It is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the city’s fascinating past.

14- Montjuïc

Barcelona’s Montjuïc is a hill with a rich history. First inhabited by the Romans, it was later the site of a fortress that guarded the city from invaders. 

In more recent times, it has played host to the 1929 World Exposition and the 1992 Summer Olympics. 

Today, it is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the Joan Miró Foundation, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. 

There are also several parks on the hill, providing visitors with stunning views of Barcelona. 

Whether you’re interested in history or simply looking for a great place to spend a day outdoors, Montjuïc is definitely worth a visit.

15- Gracia

Gràcia is one of Barcelona’s most popular neighbourhoods. Situated just north of the city centre, it is known for its bohemian atmosphere and lively nightlife. 

Visitors will find a number of small, independent shops selling everything from vintage clothes to artisanal goods. 

The neighbourhood is also home to a number of bars and restaurants, as well as several theatre and music venues. 

Despite its popularity with tourists, Gràcia retains a distinctly local feel. It is the perfect place to explore if you are looking for a true taste of Catalan culture.

16- Palau de la Música Catalana

The Palau de la Música Catalana is a concert hall in Barcelona, designed in the Catalan Art Nouveau style by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. 

The building is constructed of red brick, with sculptural decoration in mosaic, glass and stone. It was built between 1905 and 1908 for the Orfeó Català, a choral society founded in 1891. 

The Palau de la Música is one of the most emblematic buildings of Catalan Art Nouveau, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. 

It continues to be used as a concert hall, and is also one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions.

17- Fundació Joan Miró

The Fundació Joan Miró, located in Barcelona, is a museum dedicated to the work of Joan Miró, a 20th-century Catalan artist. 

The museum was founded in 1975, and its collection includes more than 14,000 works by Miró. 

The museum also has a library with more than 30,000 books and magazines, as well as an auditorium and classrooms. 

In addition to its permanent collection, the Fundació Joan Miró also hosts temporary exhibitions of both Miró’s work and the work of other artists. 

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is free for students and children under the age of 16.

18- Camp Nou

Camp Nou is the home stadium of FC Barcelona. It has a capacity of 99,354, making it the largest stadium in Spain and Europe. 

Camp Nou was built between 1954 and 1957, and it officially opened on September 24, 1957. 

The stadium was originally named Estadi del FC Barcelona, but it was later renamed to Camp Nou. 

The name “Camp Nou” means “new field” in Catalan. Camp Nou is located in the district of Les Corts, which is in the northwestern part of Barcelona. 

The stadium is accessible by metro, bus, and car. There are also a number of hotels located near the stadium.

19- Catalonia National Art Museum 

The Catalonia National Art Museum (MNAC) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona. 

The museum is home to a large collection of Romanesque art, as well as Gothic and Renaissance paintings. 

Visitors can also view works by Modernist artists such as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro. 

One of the highlights of the museum is the 14th century Altarpiece of Saint George, which is considered to be one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic art. 

With its stunning architecture and wealth of world-class art, it is no wonder that the Catalonia National Art Museum MNAC is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Barcelona.

20- Food and drink

Barcelona is known for its vibrant food scene, and there are plenty of delicious dishes to try while visiting the city. 

For a traditional Spanish experience, head to one of the many tapas bars and order a few small plates to share. 

If you’re looking for something hearty, order a plate of paella – a classic rice dish that’s packed with seafood, chicken, or chorizo. 

And no trip to Barcelona would be complete without trying a freshly made ensaimada – a fluffy pastry that’s often topped with sugar or chocolate. 

Of course, no meal is complete without a drink, and Barcelona has plenty to offer in that department as well. 

Local wines are always worth sampling, and you can find some great options at any of the city’s many wine bars. 

Or if you’re in the mood for something refreshing, order a portion of sangria – a popular punch made with red wine, fruit juice, and brandy. 

No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find it in Barcelona.

Things to do in Barcelona: Paella

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