Things To Do In Barcelona
Things To Do In Barcelona
Barcelona's impressive range of sights caters to all tastes – whether you're an architect, a designer, a football fan, a historian, or even a city planner – there is something for everyone in the most self-assured city on the Mediterranean. You can start your day by losing yourself in the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, then take a stroll on La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia, and why not enjoy the Meditteranean sun in one of the city's many stunning beaches? Just be sure to visit some of Gaudí's masterpieces, including La Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and the mesmerizing Park Güell.
Kemal Taner/Shutterstock.comCamp Nou
FC Barcelona is much more than just a football club. Sometimes it feels as if it carries the whole nation's pride on its shoulders. Even those not interested in football will enjoy a visit to the grandiose Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe, with a seating capacity of 99,354 spectators. Follow in the footsteps of football legends from past and present by taking a tour of the stadium and then visiting the FC Barcelona Museum to learn all about the club's history, see its trophy collection, the press room, the presidential box, and the locker room.
Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.comPicasso Museum
One of the most popular and visited museums in Barcelona, the Picasso Museum offers valuable insight into the formative years of the renowned 20th-century Spanish artist. The museum houses a permanent collection of over 4,000 pieces, showcasing Picasso's connection to Barcelona and its impact on his artistic development.
gary718/Shutterstock.comLa Rambla
Barcelona's most well-known street is unofficially not just one uninterrupted stretch but five – hence the name "Las Ramblas" – each containing attractions of its own. A tree-lined, pedestrian-only walkway running through the street's central section, with street artists, souvenir vendors, bars and restaurants competing for visitors' attention.
LALS STOCK/Shutterstock.comBarcelona City Tour Hop-On Hop-Off
Hop on the Barcelona City Tour Bus and diskover all the highlights that make this Mediterranean city so special. From the modernist buildings and the great cuisine to the Olympic city and the Mediterranean sea: it's all Barcelona! The air-conditioned double-decker open coaches travel all around the city, stopping at the most famous attractions including the Sagrada Familia and the Arc du Triomf. There is a multilingual audio guide system and individual headphones as well as free Wi-Fi onboard. Hop on or off wherever you choose from one route to another. Because it can be very busy at the ticket offices, buy your ticket online now and hop on at the location of your choice!
Daxiao Productions / Shutterstock.comCiutadella Park
Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona's "green lung", is not only the most central park in the city but also a park that includes a zoo, a lake, a large fountain, and a couple of museums. In the center of the park, you will even find the building where the Catalan Parliament is seated. So take a walk, have a picnic, and enjoy this very lusciously green and well-maintained park.
lornet/Shutterstock.comNational Art Museum of Catalonia
The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) hosts many temporary exhibits throughout the year, but it is also known for its Romanesque collection of mural paintings. Here you can also find pieces like Gaudi's furniture or illustration from Casas and other artists of Catalan Modernism.
Suradech Singhanat/Shutterstock.comBeaches: Barceloneta, Mar Bella & Bogatell
Two of Barcelona's most popular beaches, Mar Bella & Bogatell are just a few minutes apart. Mar Bella is a naturist and gay-friendly beach, while Bogatell is known for volleyball and sunbathing. Both are located within walking distance of trendy bars and restaurants. However, the most popular beach in Barcelona is Barceloneta, mainly for its proximity to the city centre. Visited by tourists and locals, particularly as an after-work spot, Barceloneta Beach stretches from the Hotel Vela on the harbor-side for around 2 kilometers up to the Hotel Arts on the Puerto Olimpíco. Between these two landmarks, the fine sands and the beach promenade are particularly inviting for cyclists, joggers, and inline skaters.
chan lee/UnsplashInteractive Spanish Cooking Experience
When in Spain, why not take the opportunity to learn how to cook authentic Spanish food in a relaxd and fun atmosphere? Join this cooking class where you'll learn how to make Spanish tapas, traditional paella, and sangria with a Barcelona chef, while you get the chance to meet new friends from around the world.
Will Freeland/Shutterstock.comMagic Fountain of Montjuïc
Montjuїc, the so-called mountain of the Jews, has an elevation of 173 meters, and it is higher than any other building in the city. The stairs of Palau Nacional face west towards Fontana Magica (Magic Fountain), which is the main feature of the collection of waterfalls and ponds on Avinguda Maria Cristina. Built in 1929 for the Universal Exposition, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is a popular attraction in Barcelona, attracting both visitors and locals who come here to watch the magical show of jets of water blasting into the sky while dancing to the rhythm of lights and music.
Neirfy/Shutterstock.comAquarium de Barcelona
The sharks are the stars at this Mediterranean-themed aquarium, but you'll be able to see almost all different kinds of marine species here. The aquarium is situated at the end of Las Ramblas and is very close to the city centre. When here, make sure not to miss the tunnel where you can spot stingrays, sharks and many kinds of fish swimming around and above you.
Fotokon/Shutterstock.comView — The Bunkers
The Bunker, located at the top of Rovira in the Carmel neighborhood is one of the few “secret” places in Barcelona, not overtaken by tourists yet. The place consists of the remains of an old air raid civil war bunker built in 1937. It gives you a beautiful 360-degree view of the city and is really nice to visit just before sunset and watch the city come to life at night as the lights turn on.
Kenneth Dedeu/Shutterstock.comHorta's Labyrinth Park
Designed in 1792, this park surrounds Torre Soberana, a 14th-century country house redecorated in the Arabesque style. Wander the garden's lavish maze and romantic gardens to discover sculptures of mythological figures and a hidden waterfall.
Oh Barcelona/FlickrSitges
This town, only 35 km south of Barcelona, is a popular day-trip destination for visitors to the city. Come here to have a lazy day on the beach or stroll through the cozy town. You will find trendy shops, beautiful sights, and delightful restaurants. If you choose to stay overnight, do not miss the well-reputed Sitges nightlife.
M.V. Photography/Shutterstock.comPortAventura Park & Ferrari Land
PortAventura is an amusement park situated in Tarragona – less than two hours by car from Barcelona – featuring lots of thrilling attractions for all tastes and ages. The park is composed of six different worlds where you will enjoy all kinds of rides, attend shows, or go to various restaurants and shops. Ferrari Land is another park, which was built around the theme of the famous Ferrari car brand, and where you will find many rides and a new kids' area in tribute to the genius Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the brand, and his passion for innovation. Here, you can also ride Europe's tallest and fastest vertical accelerator and experience F1 racing on eight virtual reality rides.
Olia Nayda/UnsplashBarcelona Segway Tour
Are you ready for an adventure to remember for a lifetime? Go on a private Segway tour of Barcelona and explore the beautiful city in style. Never tried a Segway? Don't worry, it is as safe and easy as walking!
mariait/Shutterstock.comTibidabo Amusement Park
The Tibidabo Amusement Park is a magical place and a true Barcelona landmark. Located on top of Mount Tibidabo, 512 m above sea level, it is the highest point on Collserola Ridge, a magnificent natural park with ten million trees, and all this with the city of Barcelona as an exceptional backdrop. The Tibidabo Amusement Park dates back more than 100 years and is one of the oldest in the world.
Bart Dunweg/UnsplashBarcelona Museum of Contemporary Art – MACBA
Escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona and check out the fascinating MACBA - a museum of contemporary art featuring Spanish and Catalonian art from the 20th century. It's a must-see for anyone interested in local art and culture, as well as international works on display in rotating exhibitions.
Teo Stuivenberg/Shutterstock.comBarcelona Zoo
In the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella, you'll find this well-maintained zoo with over 7,000 animals representing 400 different species. Spend a perfect day here with your family and see up close lions, leopards, hippopotami, red pandas, and gorillas – just to mention a few.
MARIOLA GROBELSKA/UnsplashCardona Castle
Cardona is a medieval village just one hour away from Barcelona. Come and see Cardona, go inside its Salt Mountain, a unique place in the world, and visit the castle that was once the residence of the wealthiest lineage of Catalonia, the Cardonas. Also, visit the Medieval Centre and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the town.
Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.comGaudí Experiència
The Gaudí Experiència is an interactive museum that offers visitors a chance to travel inside the creative mind of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and understand what inspired him in a fun and magical way. There is a 4-D movie, exhibits, and interactive walls with several languages that put the life and works of the genius architect at your fingertips.
FastMotion/Shutterstock.comEl Born Cultural & Memorial Centre
11 September 1714 marks a crucial chapter in the history of Catalonia: the fierce siege of the Bourbonic troops of King Philip V, which ended in the capitulation of Barcelona and the loss of Catalan liberties. El Born Cultural Centre shows the vivacious, dynamic Barcelona of 1700 and the events of 1714 in the context of the War of the Spanish Succession. The archeological site also contains the remains of the neighborhood demolished by King Philip V of Spain.
Marc Canela Fotografia/Shutterstock.comCosmoCaixa Barcelona
CosmoCaixa, a science museum that attracts both kids and grown-ups, is one of the most thrilling museums in Barcelona and all of Spain. This hands-on museum offers physical, technical, geological, chemical, and mathematical experiments and with its permanent exhibitions such as "Flooded Forest," "Geological Wall," "Room of Matter", and Planetarium, can keep nearly anyone busy for hours. It is easy to spend some hours here but make sure not to miss "The Amazon Jungle" with 30m tall trees and animals from tropical regions.
Jerzy Kociatkiewicz/FlickrSant Pau Art Nouveau Site
Sant Pau–the former Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau–is Barcelona’s latest wonder. The world’s largest Art Nouveau site has been restored and invites you to enjoy one of the most emblematic works of architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Built between 1901 and 1930 and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, Sant Pau is a city within a city, with 12 buildings of great architectural value surrounded by gardens where history and architecture coexist side by side.
Brian Kinney/Shutterstock.comOlympic Park Montjuïc
Barcelona’s Park Montjuïc was the location for the 1992 Olympic Games, and all the facilities are still there for you to see. The biggest structure is the Olympic Stadium, but you can also see the Swimming Complex, the Olympic Spire structure, and an array of landscaped walkways.
Tupungato/Shutterstock.com