20 Essential Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

Planning a trip to Barcelona? This article provides a list of 20 essential things to do in Barcelona, Spain. You can visit famous museums like the Picasso Museum and the MACBA, or maybe you would prefer to take a walk through one of the beautiful parks like Parc Guell or Montjuic. And, of course, you can’t forget about the beach!

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Hello 👋 I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger living near London in England. I have lost count of the number of times I have visited Spain, mainly due to the cheap and easy flights from London to Spain! The thing I love the most about Spain is the weather and the food. I hope this article helps you to plan your trip your Barcelona.

What is it like in Barcelona?

For those who love art and architecture, the famous artist Antoni Gaudí’s flair can be seen all around the city.

The foodie scene is hugely celebrated, and the different neighbourhoods all have their own culinary styles (I have sampled food and drinks in the Gothic Quarter, El Born and Gràcia, but of course there are many more areas to visit).

Sports fans will be interested in FC Barcelona stadium nearby offering tours, plus the sports museums and Olympic Port, which was built to host the 1992 Olympic Games.

Essential things to do in Barcelona, Spain.

Below is my list of things to do in Barcelona, with FAQs and a map at the bottom of the post.

1. Marvel at the Sagrada Familia.

Any list of essential things to do in Barcelona must surely start with Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished basilica.

This impressive building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and undoubtedly the most famous and iconic structure in the Catalan capital. It has been under construction for 135 years and is not likely to be finished until the 2030s.

Why is construction still not finished?

Construction began in 1882 with a different plan in mind. Antoni Gaudí was commissioned one year later, and he completely redesigned the whole building, to include 18 towers.

Gaudi only had one of his towers built when he passed away in 1926, leaving the iconic monument unfinished and in the hands of Barcelona City.

Luckily Gaudí’s detailed plans and drafts have mostly survived the decades (although some were destroyed in fires during the Spanish Civil War) and these have enabled architects to continue Gaudí’s work. Construction is funded by the thousands of daily visitors descending on the site.

Gaudí wanted the interior to represent nature, so the pillars were designed to look like intricate tree trunks with leaves dancing in the incredible light. Gaudí himself is buried in the crypt beneath the basilica.

The queues can get very long, so I highly recommend a skip-the-line ticket (although this also has long queues, they are just not as long!)

2. Take the cable car to Castle Montjuïc.

Visiting Castell de Montjuïc is one of the best things to do in Barcelona.

A 17th-century military fortress sitting on top of Montjuïc hill, the castle affords a wonderful view of the whole city. The castle dates back to 1640 and now functions as Barcelona municipal facility.

Several events are hosted here – you can check out the website for more details.

Montjuïc Castle is reached by cable car, which itself is an experience, with panoramic views extending out over the city and beyond.

You can also take a tour of the castle which allows access to the dungeons below. There is handwriting on the cell walls from prisoners held here centuries ago. I really enjoyed my visit.

3. Relax on Barceloneta Beach.

Barceloneta beach is a well-served 1.1km stretch of golden sandy beach with lots of facilities, bars, sports, shops, cafes and public artworks.

The name ‘Barceloneta’ is actually the name of the former fishing quarter which sits just behind the beach. There are some iconic buildings to be seen here, such as the W Hotel, Torre Mapfre and Hotel Arts skyscrapers.

When looking for free things to do in Barcelona, a beach day is an obvious choice!

4. Take an e-Bike tour of the City.

I wholeheartedly recommend taking an e-bike tour of the city, it’s a great way to get around easily and see all the sights, especially in a large sprawling city like Barcelona.

I booked a tour on Viator which included the bike hire, a personal guide, photography services and even tapas and drinks at the end!

In total I cycled about 11km, but since the bike has an electric motor I didn’t get too worn out. My guide took me all along the beaches and we made several stops to see the artworks and buildings. It was an excellent day out sightseeing.

This is the exact tour I took, but there are many more available.

5. Gorge on Spanish tapas and paella.

My favourite of all the things to do in Barcelona! I will never get bored of eating tapas and paella.

I have visited some excellent bars and restaurants which I will share with you, but of course I have barely scratched the surface and there are hundreds more places to eat in Barcelona.

There are many tapas tours available in Barcelona, and these can be really helpful to identify authentic local dishes, rather than tourist-trap versions of tapas. There are lots of inauthentic offerings around, so it is good to have a local guide who knows their stuff.

Here are some links to the best tapas bars I ate in, all 100% recommended by me:

Below are the top 5 tapas tours as voted for by Viator travellers:

1. Paella cooking class overviewing Las Ramblas
2. Lunchtime Tapas Tour in the Eixample with The Barcelona Taste
3. Family friendly traditions & food tour: tailored tapas & games!
4. Private Paella Class with Full Dinner Menu
5. Sangria masterclass in Barcelona.

I recommend the tour with The Barcelona Taste (not sponsored – I just had a really great experience with them).

6. See the sights at Barcelona Port.

With a history of being a significant port for trade into and out of Catalonia, the Port of Barcelona is now more essential for cruise liners and ferries.

It is currently being extended and will eventually be twice the size and capacity, allowing it to serve even larger cruise itineraries and stopovers.

Here you will see the Christopher Columbus statue, complete with an extra-long finger so you can see the statue is pointing out to sea. However, if the statue is supposed to be pointing in the direction of America, it is actually pointing in the wrong direction!

The historic Port Vell is just next door to the ferry port, housing fleets of fishing boats.

There are shops, bars, restaurants and a marina. There is also a very high cable-car over the water which transports visitors to the museums, aquarium, IMAX cinema and Olympic stadium.

7. Stroll down the famous Las Ramblas.

No list of things to do in Barcelona would be complete without Las Ramblas. This is the largest and most famous street in Barcelona.

Also spelled ‘La Rambla’, it is just shy of one mile and stretches from the Placa de Catalunya in the west to the port.

Las Ramblas is ‘touristy’ and usually very crowded. There are shops and restaurants on both sides, with street entertainers and stalls. Walking down this street can be quite overwhelming at peak times.

Three pieces of advice from me:

1. Beware of pickpockets.

Barcelona is one of the pickpocketing capitals of the world, and Las Ramblas is where most of it happens. Keep your belongings close to you at all times, in a zip pocket close to your body. Avoid holding your phone in your hand. Try an anti-theft sling bag or an anti-theft backpack.

2. Avoid buying drinks from street sellers.

Firstly the drinks are overpriced, but also you don’t know what’s in them (this advice was given to me by a local tour guide).

3. Avoid eating at restaurants on Las Ramblas.

The food is perhaps not the best representation of authentic Spanish cuisine – most locals I spoke to were very keen for me to not eat anywhere near Las Ramblas. Even my hotel manager told me not to eat there. Unfortunately I had already made that mistake on my first night, and can confirm it was disappointing and overpriced.

8. Visit Gaudí’s gingerbread house at Park Güell.

A fairytale gingerbread-house park in an Art-Nouveau style, this concept took 15 years of Antoni Gaudí’s life to design and build. There are mosaics everywhere inside, ornate structures, beautiful fountains and cute picture-postcard buildings dotted all around.

Park Güell has some strange ticketing procedures. There are standard ticket prices, and also free slots for some areas of the park, but also free slots for some of the ticketed areas too. There are free times for Barcelona residents, and times when tourists aren’t allowed. I think these rules change randomly, so I advise visiting the Park Güell website (you can change the language to English) to view the current process.

There are tours for Park Güell available but bear in mind you don’t need a tour and you can just walk around on your own.

9. Go for a stroll in the Gothic Quarter.

The Gothic quarter (Barri Goti) is in the centre of the old town, in the district of Ciutat Vella, and contains some remarkable architecture. There are narrow and twisting mediaeval streets as well as some Roman remains too.

The area contains lots of shops and bars, and gets lively in the evenings.

There are three major cathedrals in this area, and it feels worlds away from the likes of Las Ramblas. Both locals and tourists can be seen here, socialising and going about their days.

Here are some places of note which can be found in Barcelona’s gothic district:

Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de Barcelona): This is not the same as the gigantic Sagrada Familia. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and is a stunning example of Gothic architecture.

Plaça Sant Jaume: This historic square is home to the Ajuntament (City Hall) and the Palau de la Generalitat (the seat of the Catalan government).

Plaça Reial: A neoclassical square just off La Rambla, known for its palm trees, lively atmosphere, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s one of the most popular plazas in the city centre.

Plaça del Rei: Also known as King’s Square, this historic square is surrounded by medieval buildings and houses the Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA). There are also underground Roman ruins.

Portal de l’Àngel: A big pedestrian street famous for shopping, featuring a mix of international brands and local stores. It’s one of the main shopping avenues in the Gothic Quarter.

Plaça Nova: This square is near the Barcelona Cathedral and is flanked by remnants of the Roman wall, including two well-preserved towers.

Museu Frederic Marès: A unique museum dedicated to the sculpture collection of Frederic Marès, also showcasing other curiosities and everyday objects from different eras.

Jewish Quarter (El Call): The remains of Barcelona’s medieval Jewish neighbourhood, featuring narrow streets and historical sites such as the Sinagoga Major, one of the oldest synagogues in Europe.

10. Dance with the Magic Fountains.

This is one of my all time favourite things to do in Barcelona. The Magic Fountain is unique, has a family party atmosphere and is completely free of charge to visit.

The fountains ‘dance’ to a soundtrack of pop music mixed with classical pieces too. It’s great for kids and adults alike.  Beware – if you get too close, you will get wet!

The fountain was built in 1929 for the World Exhibition in Barcelona, and is set against the scenery of the Montjuïc Palace.

A word of advice – sort out your return transport beforehand, as I had trouble getting a cab at night and I ended up walking back to my hotel in the dark.

11. See the iconic Casa Batlló.

The decorative Casa Batlló is another of Gaudí’s masterpieces and is nicknamed the “House of Bones” after its skeletal appearance and bone-like pillars.

The crazy interior features psychedelic rippled walls, intricate mosaics and tile work, sculpted fireplaces and ornate facades.

12. Stroll Down Passeig De Gracia

Passeig de Gracia is one of the most affluent avenues in the city and a beautiful street to admire.

The Passeig de Gràcia contains several more Gaudí-designed buildings (including the Casa Batllo at number 12 and the Casa Mila above) and stretches between the Eixample district and the Gracia neighbourhood.

You can see lots of modernista and art nouveau buildings here, as well as designer shops and residences.

13. Marvel at the Montserrat mountain and abbey.

You’ll need an extra day to take this excursion, but it’s worth it. Montserrat mountain is a unique geological feature which is home to a Benedictine monastery.

This is a sacred spot for Roman Catholics, as it contains the famous 12^th century ‘Black Madonna’ statue which you can see and photograph (but be aware there will be crowds of people also trying to get the same photo).

The name means ‘Serrated Mountain’ and there is a spectacular view from the top. This Montserrat half day experience is a best-seller.

14. Admire Barcelona Cathedral.

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is a beautiful gothic cathedral which is currently the seat of the Archbishop of Spain. This is a major landmark in Barcelona and also contains a 14^th century cloister.

This cathedral was the subject of much controversy in 2022 when the City Council erected a huge advertising billboard at the base of one of its spires, effectively ruining the beautiful aesthetic of the much-celebrated building.

15. Relax in Catalunya Square.

Plaça de Catalunya is the most famous plaza and is situated in the heart of Barcelona. There are hundreds of pigeons which gather here waiting to be fed by tourists. Beware – when somebody feeds them, they suddenly flock very fast to the person with the food, and it can be startling!

This square is where the two largest avenues meet (La Rambla and Passeig de Gracia) so it is usually quite busy. The square is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and sports some pleasant scenery, gardens and sculptures.

16. Stroll Along Port Olímpic

This port was built for the 1992 Olympic Games, and there are still residual Olympic artefacts waiting to be discovered all over the area.

The port is bordered by the Torre Mapfre and Hotel Arts skyscrapers, and is next to the beach and all of the public artworks.

17. Walk underneath the Arc de Triomf.

My guide took me here on my e-bicycle tour, and explained this arch is not like other arches around the world, because it was built purely for display purposes.

The Arc de Triomf was built by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas. The arch served as the entrance to the 1888 Universal Exposition, a parade/exhibition which took place in the Citadel Park. The arch is a good example of Moorish revival architecture.

19. Buy food at La Boqueria Market.

La Boqueria Market is the busiest market in Barcelona, and is extremely popular.

You can find all sorts of food and drink here, but if hygiene bothers you then look out for uncovered items which are exposed to the elements (and flies).

Also if you are vegetarian, be prepared for some gory sights! There are innards/heads of animals on display.

Animal entrails aside, you can also get some good vegetables, cheese, meats and olives here. There is plenty to make up a nice picnic lunch, and a good selection of drinks too. Note the market is closed on Sundays.

20. Visit Barcelona FC.

Visiting Barcelona FC and museum is a must for any football fan. Camp Nou holds almost 100,000 fans and you can get a real feel of how much the Catalan people love this team.

The museum includes access to the trophy room, multimedia Area and dedicated Messi area.

You can do a private 3 hour tour which includes dressing rooms, tunnel and pitch. A Barcelona FC hat always goes down well here.

Map of things to do in Barcelona.

The map below shows all of the things to do in Barcelona as listed in this post.

How to use this map: click the tab on the top left to see the list of places. Click the blue icons on the map to see more information about each place. Click the star to add to your own Google Maps. 

FAQs about things to do in Barcelona.

Below are some frequently asked questions about things to do in Barcelona.

Q: What are the best tours in Barcelona?

A: These are the best tours in Barcelona as voted for by Viator travellers:

• Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Tapas and Gourmet Wines
• Barcelona in 1 Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Old Town & Pickup
• Park Guell & Sagrada Familia Tour with Skip the Line Tickets
• Girona & Costa Brava Small-Group Tour with Pickup from Barcelona
• Montserrat Tour with Gourmet Wine Tasting and Lunch

Q: What are the best things to do in Barcelona?

A: Some of the must-see attractions in Barcelona include:

• Sagrada Familia: Antoni Gaudí’s iconic, unfinished basilica known for its stunning architecture.
• Park Güell: A vibrant park designed by Gaudí, featuring colourful mosaics and unique architectural elements.
• La Rambla: A lively street in the city centre with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
• Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): A historic area with narrow medieval streets, charming squares, and landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral.
• Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Two of Gaudí’s famous modernist buildings located on Passeig de Gràcia.

Q: When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

A: The best time to visit Barcelona is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded. Summer (July and August) is also popular but can be hot and very busy with tourists. Winter (December to February) is cooler but mild compared to many other European cities, making it a good time for fewer crowds.

Q: How can I get around Barcelona?

A: Barcelona offers various transportation options:

• Metro: The city’s metro system is efficient and covers most major areas.
• Buses: Numerous bus routes serve the city and its surroundings.
• Trams: Trams are a good option for traveling to certain parts of the city.
• Bikes and Scooters: Barcelona is bike-friendly, with many rental options available.
• Walking: Many of Barcelona’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, particularly in the city centre.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available.

Q: What are some unique things to do in Barcelona?

A: Unique things to do in Barcelona include:

• Tapas Tour: Explore the city’s culinary scene by sampling traditional tapas at local bars.
• Flamenco Show: Enjoy a vibrant flamenco performance at one of the city’s tablaos.
• Visit a Modernist Building: Tour Gaudí’s lesser-known works like Casa Vicens and Palau Güell.
• Explore El Raval: Discover this diverse neighbourhood’s street art, markets, and cultural spots.
• Beach Day: Relax at Barceloneta Beach or one of the city’s other beautiful beaches.

Q: Are there any day trips from Barcelona worth taking?

A: Yes, there are several great day trips from Barcelona:

• Montserrat: Visit the Montserrat Monastery and enjoy stunning mountain views.
• Sitges: A charming coastal town known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife.
• Girona: Explore this historic city’s medieval architecture and Jewish Quarter.
• Tarragona: Discover Roman ruins and a beautiful coastal setting in this historic city.
• Penedès Wine Region: Taste local wines and cavas in this renowned wine-producing area.

Q: What are the best neighbourhoods to explore in Barcelona?

A: Some of the best neighbourhoods to explore in Barcelona include:

• Eixample: Known for its modernist architecture and upscale shopping.
• El Born: A trendy area with boutiques, cafes, and the impressive Santa Maria del Mar church.
• Gràcia: A bohemian neighbourhood with a village-like atmosphere, quirky shops, and lively squares.
• Barceloneta: The beachside neighbourhood famous for its seafood restaurants and maritime vibe.
• Poble Espanyol: An open-air architectural museum featuring replicas of Spanish buildings and craft shops.
• This e-bike tour takes you to 6 neighbourhoods and includes food stops.

Q: What is the local cuisine like in Barcelona?

A: Barcelona’s cuisine is rich and diverse, with influences from Catalan and Spanish traditions. Key dishes include:

• Paella: A traditional rice dish often featuring seafood, meat, or a combination.
• Tapas: Small plates of various dishes such as patatas bravas, croquetas, and jamón ibérico.
• Cava: A sparkling wine from the Penedès region, often enjoyed with tapas.
• Catalan Cream (Crema Catalana): A custard dessert similar to crème brûlée, flavored with cinnamon and lemon.
• See Barcelona tapas tours.

Q: Are there any local festivals or events in Barcelona?

A: Barcelona hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including:

• La Mercè: The city’s largest annual festival held in September, featuring parades, concerts, and fireworks.
• Sant Jordi: Celebrated in April, this festival is known for book and rose exchanges.
• Festes de Gràcia: A neighbourhood festival in August with street decorations, music, and parties in Gràcia.
• Barcelona Pride: A vibrant LGBTQ+ pride festival usually held in June.
• Sónar Festival: An international music festival held in June, known for electronic and experimental music.

Q: What should I know about safety and local customs in Barcelona?

A: Barcelona is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to be aware of:

• Pickpocketing: Be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
• Local Etiquette: Greet people with a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks, and remember that Catalan is the regional language, although Spanish is widely spoken.
• Dining Customs: It’s common to eat late, with dinner often starting around 9:00 PM or later. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory.

I hope this post has helped you to plan your trip and find things to do in Barcelona.

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General Travel booking links:

• Booking.com is the best site for booking hotels with free reservation and cancellations.
• Viator and Get Your Guide are the best sites for original tours and activities.
• Discover Cars is the best comparison site for car rentals.
• Trip.com is good for booking flights and packages.
• Check my list of 20 excellent travel books to read on your holidays.

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