The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region is known for many famous landmarks, excellent food, and extravagant modern art and architecture. Barcelona is a feast for the eyes and with a well-organized metro system it’s easy to get around the city.

The city’s warm climate, laid-back Mediterranean culture, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites make it the perfect place to spend a city break.

While the city is world famous for its stunning architecture, it also has a vibrant nightlife, gorgeous parks, sandy beaches, and delicious food!

Barcelona has something for everyone, from foodies to history buffs, beach lovers to those in search of sacred and religious sites.

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Barcelona.

And if you’re looking for a great hotel in the historic Gothic Quarter consider Ohla Barcelona for a beautiful boutique hotel experience and ideal location.

 

 

Best Things to Do in Barcelona

1.    Cathedral of Barcelona

This breath-taking cathedral is in the center of the Barri Gotic, one of the oldest and most visited districts of the city.

The cathedral was dedicated to Santa Eulalia, Barcelona’s patron Saint.

The exterior is intricate and exquisitely designed, it’s not hard to see why it took so long to build.

Constructions were on-going between the 13th and 15th century as details and new architectural features were added.

Want the best city views? Go to the cathedral’s rooftop! It only costs a few euros and there’s an elevator so you don’t have to climb a bunch of stairs.

READ MORE: 15 Best Things to Do Alone in Barcelona

 

 

2.    Casa Batllo

Gaudi’s Casa Batllo is along Passeig de Gràcia, an avenue that is known as one of Barcelona’s grandest.

It’s a fantastic example of the city’s Modernist style buildings.

Once a block of apartments, the building was remodeled by famous architect Antoni Gaudi in 1877.

The exterior is covered in twisted patterns, stained glass windows, and columns that look like bones!

It’s among the architect’s most fantastic masterpieces and it’s my favorite building in Barcelona.

Get your ticket to Casa Batllo in advance!

 

 

3.    Casa Mila

The exterior of the stunning Casa Mila is a mix of elegant and strange.

It has a smooth, white facade decorated with curved lines, quaint balconies, and spiraled spikes on the roof.

The building is also known as La Pedrera and it sits along the Passeig de Gràcia avenue, just minutes away from Casa Batllo.

It was built in a Modernist architectural style and it has a peculiar feature – it’s impossible to trace a straight, vertical line, along the facade of his unique building.

You can buy a skip-the-line ticket to La Pedrera/Casa Mila in advance now.

4.    Park Guell

The park was intended as a private residential park for Barcelona’s most lucrative aristocrats, but thankfully it was later opened up to everyone!

As it was designed by Gaudi, you can expect quirky architecture and brightly colored wonders like the

The first thing you want to do is walk up the monumental stairs and check out the amazing views from the beautiful mosaic serpentine bench.

Also, on the way up to the top you will see the four fountains and one of the most popular figures in Park Guell, the mosaic lizard.

In addition, be sure to explore the gardens in Park Guell, perfect for a picnic lunch and time for reflection.

Because the park is such a popular attraction in Barcelona it’s best to buy your ticket in advance. This skip-the-line ticket includes a short tour as well, making it a great value for the price!

 

 

5.    La Sagrada Familia

This architectural masterpiece was designed by two well-known architects – the brilliant Francisco de Paula del Villar and world-known Antoni Gaudi.

Villar started constructing the grand church in 1882, and Gaudi took over later.

The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, despite the fact that it was never finished!

Gaudi perished when it was still being built and after that there were various setbacks. It’s current estimated completion date is in 2026 – but who knows?

Be sure to buy your skip the line ticket a week or two in advance as this is the most popular thing to do in Barcelona. This fast track ticket and tour is good value for money.

 

 

6.    Basilica Santa Maria del Mar

The Basilica Santa Maria del Mar took more than fifty years to complete. It was built between 1329 and 1383.

It’s considered an important piece of architecture as the Gothic church is one of very few large medieval buildings of this style in Catalonia – it’s a rare gem.

Head to La Ribera district and marvel at this stunning church designed by architects Berenguer de Montagut and Ramon Despuig.

Inside the church the bright and spacious interior with gorgeous stained glass windows that shine bright colors against the dark gothic walls are sure to impress you.

Personally, I love visiting this church more than Sagrada Familia, but I know most people would disagree with me. Just remember it’s free to visit Santa Maria del Mar!

7.    Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens was one of the first ten buildings Gaudi designed in Barcelona, not long after he graduated from the Escola Provincial d’Arquitectura de Barcelona.

The house was commissioned by Manuel Vicens i Montaner.

The colorful tiles decorating the facade, clashing patterns, eclectic windows, and strange balconies have Gaudi written all over them.

 

 

8.    Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum is an artist’s heaven made up of over 4,000 pieces of Picasso’s work.

There’s everything from paintings he completed when he was still a young student in art school to later pieces created when he had already made a name for himself.

Come and spend a few slow hours admiring some of the world’s best Cubist paintings and contemplating the hidden meanings of his most abstract work.

9.    Mercado de La Boqueria

This vibrant and bustling market has a history that dates as far back as 1217.

The market has come to be known by its nickname, La Boqueria, but is really called Mercat de Sant Josep de La Boqueria. You can see why people stick to using La Boqueria!

It’s a food market that sells everything from tropical fruits to local meats. It’s a great place to pick up some snacks, fruits, and cheese for a picnic lunch.

If you start to get hungry as you wander through all the food stalls, head to the center of the market and enjoy a meal at the market’s renowned restaurant, El Quim de la Boqueria.

 

 

10.    Santa Caterina Market

Another one for the foodies! Santa Caterina Market was built in 1848 where a convent of the same name once stood.

Come and taste the delicious salted fish, tangy olives, and tropical fruits on sale.

Pick up some local produce to take home, like bottles of golden olive oil and cured meats from the region.

The flavors and colors at the Santa Caterina Market will keep you coming back for more!

11.    Mercat de Sant Antoni

The Mercat de Sant Antoni offers a little more variety than just food.

Throughout the week there are clothes stalls, and little stalls selling all sorts of homeware and bits and bobs.

One of the best days to visit the market is Sunday when the market is filled with secondhand books sold for pennies.

If you’re looking for the food stalls head over to the center of the market.

The Mercat de Sant Antoni was designed by Antoni Rovira I Trias in 1882. It’s not as touristy as the famous La Boqueria market, so it’s more relaxing to wander around.

12.    Montjuic (Magic Fountain)

(temporarily closed due to drought conditions as of this writing)

This magnificent fountain’s first colorful performance took place in 1929, when it came to life to celebrate the Great Universal Exhibition.

The fountain was designed by Carles Buigas and took over 3,000 workers less than a year to complete.

So, what’s so cool about this particular fountain?

Well, it combines music, brightly colored lights, and rhythmic bursts of water into one big display! Come and see it at night when the colors are at their brightest!

This is a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy the mesmerizing music performance at the fountain, making it one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona.

 

 

13.    Montjuic Castle

This spectacular castle has had many uses. The first part of the castle was a fortress built in 1640 to defend Barcelona.

In the mid-18th century it was expanded and features like the entrance bridge and facade were added thanks to the vision of Juan Cermeño.

It has mainly been used by the military, and it was a Military Museum from 1963 until 2009.

From the point of view of architecture, the castle mixes a range of styles as different features were added at different times.

There are great views from the Montjuic!

14.    Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

The MNAC has displays of Catalan art dating from the 12th to 20th century.

That’s right, you can explore 1,000 years of art at MNAC, including an outstanding collection of Romanesque mural painting.

Come and admire the range of exhibits, from the Romanesque collection of 10th century murals, gothic paintings, and the Modernista collection that employs a style unique to Catalan artists.

And it’s not just what’s inside that will impress you, the museum building is a grand Neo-Baroque palace, the Palau Nacional.

Climb up the steps to the entry and admire the views of the city below.

Admission is free on Saturdays starting at 3:00 pm and on the first Sunday each month.

15.    Joan Miro Foundation

The Joan Miro Foundation was designed by Josep Lluis for his friend Joan Miro and it houses a large art collection of Miro´s graphic work.

As well as the art on display indoors there is an outdoor sculpture gallery that is a pleasure to walk.

The foundation is surrounded by the Parc de Montjuic, so you can enjoy some quiet time in nature after browsing Miro’s masterpieces.

16.    FC Barcelona Museum

Are you a football fan? Then you have to add a trip to the FC Barcelona Museum to your itinerary.

The museum tells the tale of this iconic football team that was established more than 120 years ago and has lived countless victories.

Come and see the large trophies and other relics the team have accumulated over the decades.

Another plus? The museum is right by the Nou Camp, FC Barcelona’s stadium, where you can take a tour!

17.    Recinto Modernista de Sant Pau

This stunning building was constructed between 1905 to 1930 and designed by architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner.

It was originally a public hospital but is now used as the headquarters of many international organizations.

Sant Pau is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its elegant and unique facade.

On your visit, first explore the exhibition in the Sant Salvador Pavilion.

Then visit the underground tunnels that connect the various buildings dotted around the site, stroll through the outdoor gardens, and admire the grand exterior of Sant Pau.

18.    Monastery of Pedralbes

The Monastery of Pedralbes was built in 1327 and inhabited by the religious Poor Clare community continuously from then until very recently.

It is also where the sepulcher of Queen Elisenda de Montcada lies.

The queen, who founded the monastery with her husband, lived at Pedralbes for more than 37 years after King James II died and she was widowed.

Come and visit the chapel, church, kitchens, and various other rooms in the monastery and get closer to understanding the simplicity and hardships of a life dedicated to religion.

19.    Arc de Triomf

The Arc de Triomf is a large imposing arch at the start of the Passeig de Lluís Companys.

It was built as the entrance for the Barcelona Universal Exposition held in the Parc de la Ciutadella in 1888.

Standing just shy of 90 feet high, it’s definitely a grand entrance!

The arch is decorated with intricate patterns and elegant ornamentation that contrast beautifully with the arch’s earthy red color.

This magnificent monument was designed by Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas.

 

 

20.    Placa de Catalunya

This central square in the heart of Barcelona separates the Cuitat Bella and Eixample district.

Thanks to its location and the fact it’s between two of the most touristic neighborhoods, it’s always bustling and lively.

There are sculptures by prominent artists dotted around the square, and where there were once luxury hotels and classy bars, there are now trendy shops and cafes.

Placa de Catalunya is a popular meeting point with easy access to several metro stations, and it’s also where you can catch Aerobus, the express bus to the airport.

21.    Ciutadella Park

How about a stroll in an idyllic city park? You’ll find the right place at Ciutadella Park.

Spend a sunny afternoon here and escape into nature without ever leaving the city, it’s one of the best free things to do in Barcelona.

There are gorgeous fountains and water features dotted around the garden, and there’s even a small lake where you can rent a rowboat.

The park is of historical significance too as the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition was hosted here.

Barcelona’s zoo and the Catalan Parliament are also within the park’s boundaries.

 

 

22.    Barceloneta Beach

Tired of sightseeing and spending hours on your feet? Come to the beach and relax with sun, sand, and sea for a while!

Barcelona’s sunny weather makes it a prime place for a beach day that revolves around sunbathing, strolling along the sandy shore, and daydreaming.

23.    Palau de la Musica Catalana

The Palau de la Musica Catalana is in the Sant Pere district and it’s one of the most beautiful places to see in Barcelona.

It’s another of Barcelona’s Modernist masterpieces. Interestingly, it’s so impressive that it is the only concert venue to ever be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was designed by Lluis Domenech I Montaner and built between 1905 and 1908.

It’s worth touring the inside, where you can visit the stunning and undeniably elegant concert hall with a 2015 seat capacity and a stunning stained glass roof.

Check the schedule and if you can plan to attend a performance at this extraordinary venue.

 

 

24.    Poble Espanyol

The Poble Espanyol is a museum, but it’s the size of a small village!

Making the most of Barcelona’s warm weather, the museum is outdoors.

There are 117 full-scale models of various famous buildings from across Spain on display which makes it one of the most interesting things to do in Barcelona.

Walk around the plaza and compare the different architectural styles used at different time periods in various regions; it’s an architect’s heaven!

25.    El Born Cultural Center

Do you consider yourself a bit of a history nerd? Then you’ll be delighted by a trip to the El Born Cultural Center.

The museum encompasses the ruins of 1700 houses that were destroyed after the Spanish War of Succession in 1714.

You can walk around the archeological site that is covered by a restored 1876 Market Hall.

Once you’re done, go and explore the 10,000 objects, from household items and children’s toys to weapons and lavish jewelry, that were uncovered in the El Born Cultural Center.

This is an interesting place in Barcelona for anyone who is curious about artifacts and historical sites.

 

 

Final Thoughts on Barcelona Things to Do

With such a variety of places to see and things to do in Barcelona you’ll never get bored, in fact you may wish you had a few more days to spend in this historic city. Make sure to add your favorite places from this list to your Barcelona itinerary and enjoy exploring this amazing city.