Posted: 04/23/20 | April 23rd, 2020
In recent years, Barcelona has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe. While 5 million people call the city home, over 32 million travelers visit each and every year. (It is actually one of the worst cities in the world for overtourism! Visit in the off-season!)
Despite the crowds, I love visiting Barcelona. Every visit makes me fall in love with it over and over again.
It’s a city steeped in history, dating back to Roman times (be sure to visit the ruins underneath the city), you’ll find medieval structures all over the place, and Gaudi’s architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries dots every district.
The food is incredible. Do an improvised tapas crawl through La Barceloneta and just eat, eat, and eat.
Or take part in the famed nightlife that doesn’t even begin until 2 am.
With delicious food, incredible history and architecture, perfect weather, and a lively nightlife, Barcelona is a city that can entertain anyone.
It is one of the best cities in all of Spain. To help you make the most of your next visit, here are my favorite 25 things to see and do in Barcelona. They will give you a feel for the city, allow you to eat all the best food, and get you away from the overbearing crowds!
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
I love free walking tours. I think they are the best way to get to know a new city and I always try to take one anytime I go somewhere new. You’ll get to see the main sites, meet other travelers, and chat with an expert local guide. My recommended walking tour companies in Barcelona are:
2. Get Lost in the Barri Gotic
Barcelona’s old Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) is my favorite part of town. The neighborhood is filled with narrow, winding streets and historic buildings that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
While it is a little touristy, to me, it’s the most beautiful area in the city. Spend a few hours getting lost in this district. You won’t regret it!
3. Visit the Museum of the History of Barcelona
I’ve visited a lot of city museums over the years, but Barcelona has one of the best there is. Opened in 1943, the museum is home to over 4,000 square meters of Roman ruins (located below the museum) that you can walk through. There is also a free (and quite detailed) audio guide as well as meticulous explanations of the exhibits. Even if you’re not a history buff like me, you’ll get a lot out of this museum. It will give you a much better sense of the city and it’s past (and the ruins really are amazing!).
Plaça del Rei, +34 932 56 21 00, ajuntament.barcelona.cat/museuhistoria/ca. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-7pm (8pm on Sundays). Admission is 7 EUR per person.
4. See the Grand Royal Palace
Built in the 14th century, the Palau Reial Major was the home of Barcelona’s counts. Located near the history museum, it later housed the Kings of Aragon (the rulers who presided over the region) from 1035 until the 15th century (though most of the palace remains date to the 14th century). The palace includes a detailed history of the city and region and is said that it’s where Christopher Columbus returned after his “discovery” voyage to North America.
The Palace shares hours and admission costs with The Museum of the History of Barcelona.
5. Admire Barcelona Cathedral
This Gothic cathedral was built in the 13th century. Officially known as The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, it was consecrated in 1339 and has two massive spires that stand over 53 meters (174ft) tall, colorful stained glass, and incredible wood carvings inside the ornate and spacious main chamber.
If you do want to go inside (and you should), be sure to pay to visit the upper terraces as you’ll get an incredible view of the city.
Placita de la Seu 3, +34 933 428 262, catedralbcn.org. Tourist hours are daily from 12:30pm-5:45pm on weekdays (until 7:15pm on the weekends). For those looking to worship, the cathedral is open daily from 8:30am. Admission is 7 EUR for tourists and free for worshipers.
6. Wander Park Güell
Park Güell is a beautiful and sprawling 45-acre garden complex designed by world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Dating back to the early 1900s, it’s one of the many Gaudi works in the city open to the public. Today, it’s a World Heritage Site and municipal garden that’s free to enter (you can access most of the park for free, though the interior sections do charge admission).
The focal point of the park is the main terrace, which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. The park is right near the famous La Sagrada Familia so it’s easy to visit both back-to-back. It’s a beautiful and colorful park but it also gets busy so try to go early or on a weekday when the crowds are thinner.
Carrer d’Olot, parkguell.barcelona/en. Open daily from 8:30am-6pm. Admission for the interior section is 10 EUR per person. Guided tours are available for 31 EUR and children six years old and younger are free. If you buy tickets, make sure you book them in advance as they sell out quickly.
7. See La Sagrada Família
La Sagrada Família is arguably the most famous of Gaudí’s work — even though it’s still not finished (construction began in 1882 and is scheduled to be completed in 2030). Gaudí was a devout Catholic and the church was his final project, one he spent the last 10 years of his life working on.
Like all of Gaudi’s work, the church (which was consecrated as a minor basilica in 2010) blends various themes and influences and is a mix of both Gothic and Art Nouveau styles.
While you can take in the church from the outside, I’d encourage you to explore the interior with an audio guide. It covers the entire history of the church and will give you an insightful overview of this unique (and massive) project.
If you can, try to visit between mid-morning and late afternoon so you can see the sunlight cascade throughout all the stained glass.
Plaça de la Sagrada Familia, +34 932 080 414, sagradafamilia.org. Admission is 20 EUR for a basic ticket and 26 EUR for a ticket with an audio guide. For an audio guide and access to the towers, tickets are 33 EUR. Book your tickets in advance as they disappear quickly.
8. Explore La Boquería
The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria (La Boquería for short) is a public market near La Rambla. The market has been at this location for hundreds of years and is home to a delectable array of food stalls and restaurants.
Since it’s right off La Rambla it gets incredibly busy so try to get there early. There’s a wide variety of seafood, including fish, shrimp, octopus, and oysters, as well as nuts, candy, wine, and tapas. It’s a cheap place to grab a snack as you explore the city.
9. Visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà
Casa Batlló is one of Gaudi’s more eye-catching creations. Located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, he spent two years on this colorful project. Like much of his work, the design is heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau style. The facade was decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles that he collected from the trash of a nearby glass shop, which makes the building almost glow in the sunlight. The roof is arched and tiled and has been likened to the back of a dragon. It’s one of my favorite Gaudí buildings.
Just a couple hundred meters away from Casa Batlló is Casa Milà. Known as La Pedrera (“the Stone Quarry”), this building has a facade of limestone (hence the nickname). Built from 1906-1910, Gaudi’s goal was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. He also planned for Casa Milà to be a spiritual symbol (he was a devout Catholic after all) and included lots of religious elements in the design, such as an excerpt from the rosary prayer along the cornice. He also included statues of Mary, St. Michael, and St. Gabriel.
Casa Batlló: Passeig de Gràcia 43, +34 93 216 0306, casabatllo.es. Open daily from 9am-9pm. Admission is 25 EUR online and 29 EUR at the door.
Casa Milà: Passeig de Gràcia 92, +34 93 214 2576, lapedrera.com. Open daily from 9am-8:30pm. Admission is 24 EUR in advance and 27 EUR at the door (tickets include a free audio guide).
For more Gaudi works, check out this post on exploring Gaudi’s Barcelona and get a walking tour route for all his buildings.
10. Visit the Picasso Museum
This is the most comprehensive collection of Pablo Picasso’s works in the world. Opened in 1963, the museum is home to over 4,000 works by Picasso. While I’m personally not a huge fan of Picasso’s later work, it’s still interesting to learn about his life and work as he was one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. While his style is unique and not for everyone, the museum is nevertheless worth a visit. It’s amazing to see how his art changed and evolved over the course of his life.
Carrer Montcada 15-23, bcn.cat/museupicasso/en. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-7pm. Admission is 12 EUR per person, with free entry on Thursdays from 6pm-9:30pm and on the first Sunday of the month.
11. Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)
This museum has over 5,000 works, including an extensive collection of pieces by Spanish artists such as Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. There are also works by Americans Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of modern art but if you are, be sure to add this to your itinerary!
Plaça dels Àngels 1, +34 934 12 08 10, Open Wednesday-Friday from 10am-7:30pm, Saturdays from 10am-8pm, and Sundays from 10am-3pm (closed Monday). Admission is 11 EUR (free entry on Saturdays from 4-8pm.
12. Take a Day Trip to Monserrat
To escape the city for a day, head to Monserrat. It’s an hour away by train and the city is next to a mountain range. It makes for a fun escape from Barcelona’s busy urban atmosphere. There are lots of hiking trails here, but if you don’t want to hike you can also take a cable car up to the peak to take in the view.
Be sure to visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery to see the famous shrine of the Black Madonna. The monastery is built into the mountain and the Black Madonna statue is said to have been carved in Jerusalem during the early years of Christianity, though it most likely dates to the 12th century.
If you’re an art fan, visit the Art Museum Of Montserrat. It has works by Monet, Dali, Picasso, and many other famous artists. And be sure to visit the local market (it’s on the way to the monastery). It’s the perfect place to buy local products like fresh produce, cheese, honey, and artisan crafts. And if you’re an adrenaline junkie, there is tons of rock climbing to be done here as well (either solo or with a hired guide).
Train tickets for the hour-long journey cost around 20 EUR (round trip).
13. Take a Stroll on La Rambla
This is the most popular (and most crowded) street in the city. It’s lined with trees and beautiful buildings and you’ll usually be able to find lots of locals busking here too. The street grew to prominence during the Middle Ages, and while it’s still the main tourist hub in the city I’d avoid shopping or eating here (everything will be overpriced). That said, it’s nevertheless worth a stroll. The street is just over 1km long so it won’t take long to take in the sights.
14. Hit the Beach
If you’re looking to relax and enjoy Barcelona’s beautiful weather, head to the beach. The city has a popular beach that’s open year-round called Barceloneta. It’s long, wide, and the water is great for swimming. There are also a lot of good restaurants on the boardwalk. The beach is always busy with both tourists and locals so walk further from the center to reach some quieter and cleaner sections. Two areas I’d recommend are Sant Sebastià (in the south) and Somorrostro (in the north).
15. Watch Some Flamenco
Flamenco is a traditional style of music and dance that originated in Spain. It’s a lively, expressive style known for its intricate footwork and hand movements. If you’re looking to take in a show, Barcelona has a few affordable venues where you can watch a performance:
- Los Tarantos – This is the oldest flamenco venue in the city. Performances are just 30 minutes so it’s a good place for an introduction.
- Palau Dalmases – One of the best things about the flamenco shows here is the venue. This palace has amazing décor and incredible architecture.
- Tablao Flamenco Cordobes – This show is in a convenient location on Barcelona’s main walkway, but it’s expensive.
- Tablao de Carmen – This show takes places in a replica of a Spanish village.
16. Ride the Port Cable Car
The 1,450-meter-long harbor aerial tramway with red cars connects Barceloneta and Montjuïc (a prominent hill). The 10-minute ride offers picturesque views of the entire city. You’ll see the port and sea on one side and the city on the other. Also, at the top of the 78-meter Sant Sebastià (San Sebastián) tower in Barceloneta, there’s a restaurant accessible by an elevator. If you want to hike instead, there are a few different trails to the summit, most taking around 3 hours.
Open daily from 10am-6pm (9pm in the summer). Round-trip tickets cost 13.50 EUR per person.
17. Explore Montjuïc Hill
If you take the cable car, bus, or hike to the top of the hill you’ll find there’s a lot to keep you busy beyond the view. First, you can explore the Castell de Montjuïc. It’s a large 18th-century fortress with roots that date back to the 17th century. It has some picturesque gardens and offers amazing views overlooking the city. It’s home to a museum with lots of military displays. Admission is 5 EUR though it’s free on Sundays after 3pm as well as the first Sunday of the month.
You’ll also find the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya here, a Catalonian art museum. It features mostly Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works. The fountain out front has a spectacular free show as well.
Additionally, don’t miss the Olympic Ring (the main area of the 1992 Olympic Games) and the Poble Espanyol, a replica village built in 1929 to resemble an actual traditional Spanish village. It has over 100 buildings, including an Andalusian quarter, a section of the Camino, a monastery, and more!
Admission is 12 EUR per person, with free entry on Saturdays after 3pm and on the first Sunday of the month..
18. Take a Food Tour or Cooking Class
Like the rest of Spain, Barcelona is a very foodie-centric city. While you’re here, I highly recommend taking either a cooking class or a food tour (or both!). You’ll learn about traditional Catalan cooking, get to see and sample fresh ingredients, and get to walk through local markets. Some companies to check out are:
19. Visit an Old-School Amusement Park
Built in 1899 and opened in 1901, Tibidabo Barcelona is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Located on a mountain in the Serra de Collserola, it offers an incredible view of Barcelona and the coastline in addition to its rides, games, and restaurants. It’s a fun activity to do with kids.
Plaça del Tibidabo, +34 932 11 79 42, tibidabo.cat. Hours vary depending on the season. Check the website for details. Admission si 28.50 EUR.
20. Take a Day Trip to Girona
Girona is a medieval city just 100km from Barcelona. It’s also one of my favorite destinations in the entire country. Here you can climb atop the city walls, wander the narrow lanes of the Jewish Quarter, and soak up the ambiance at one of its many cafés.
Don’t miss the Cathedral of Girona and the Monastery of Saint Daniel and be sure to stroll across the Eiffel bridge (a small bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, the man who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris).
There’s a lot of history and delicious food in the city (be sure to stop at Rocambolesc for gelato). They also filmed Game of Thrones here too! The train ride is around 80 minutes (half that if you take the high-speed train). Tickets range from 10-40 EUR.
Check out this post for a longer list of things to see and do in Girona.
21. Watch a Soccer Match
The first “football” game I ever watched live was in Barcelona (I still have the shirt I bought that day). Barcelona’s two biggest teams are Espanyol and FC Barcelona and, if a match is going on, try to take in one — it’s an amazing and boisterous spectacle (FC Barcelona’s stadium holds around 100,000 people)! Like most Europeans, Spaniards are obsessed with the sport and tickets are usually quite affordable (they typically cost around 30 EUR). If you want to get a glimpse into local life (and make some friends in the process) be sure to catch a game!
22. Gaze at Barcelona’s Free Public Art
While Spain is an affordable destination, it never hurts to find free activities! There are a lot to be found around the city, including a huge fountain in the Parc de la Ciutadella. It was designed by Gaudi and built as a tribute to Neptune (the Roman god). Other off-beat (and free) Gaudí works include his lampposts in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau, and the Miralles gate, and the wall on Passeig de Manuel Girona.
Barcelona native Joan Miró’s work is also found throughout the city. You can see his famous “Woman and Bird” sculpture at Parc de Joan Miró. There are also Miró mosaics on La Rambla and at the city’s airport.
23. Take a Bike Tour
Fat Tire Tours offers guided tours around the city — for as little as 30 EUR per person too! Tours last 4-4.5 hours and are a great way to take in the city if you don’t feel like a regular walking tour. They offer half a dozen different tours to choose from as well and their groups are small so it’s easy to meet people too!
24. Visit Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Park of the Labyrinth of Horta was created in 1791 and is composed of various Neoclassical and Romantic gardens as well as a huge hedge maze (which gives the park its name). The maze stretches over 750 meters while the rest of the park covers over 135 acres. The maze was created to re-enact the original Greek myth of the minotaur on Crete and is actually much trickier to complete than you think!
Passeig dels Castanyers 1. Open daily from 10am until dusk (between 6pm-8pm depending on the season). Admission is 2.25 EUR.
25. Get off the Beaten Path
While there are tons of popular (and crowded) sights in Barcelona, there are also lots of quirky and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do in the city. If you’re looking to explore some of the less-busy and weirder attractions of the city, here are a few worth adding to your itinerary:
- The Erotic Museum – This small museum highlights how sex has been viewed throughout the ages, with works from Medieval Europe and Imperial Japan all the way to the present. There are paintings, drawings, artifacts, sculptures, and more. It’s one of the most unique museums in the city! Admission is 10 EUR.
- Bunkers of Carmel – These bunkers were built in 1938 during the Spanish Civil War. The bunkers were left to the elements but they now offer incredible views over the city. Try to visit for the sunrise.
- Chocolate Museum – Chocolate arrived in Spain 500 years ago, a product of trade and conquests in South America. This museum illuminates the history of chocolate and showcases all sorts of tools, sculptures (made out of chocolate), and artwork. Admission is 4.30 EUR.
- Columns of the Temple of Augustus – Tucked away in the Gothic Quarter are a set of pillars over 2,000 years old. Taken from the remains of an ancient Roman temple, these 30-foot columns have stood here since the 16th century. Admission is free.
Barcelona is consistently ranked as one of Europe’s best (and most-visited) cities. It’s truly an electric city. It’s one of my favorites and this list of things to do will keep you busy for your entire trip. There’s really so much to do in Barcelona. you’ll never be bored!
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Book Your Trip to Barcelona: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
To find the best budget accommodation, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. My favorite palces to stay in Barcelona are:
- Kabul – This is one of my favorite hostels in Europe. It attracts travelers who are looking for a good time. This isn’t a quiet hostel so be prepared to party. The dorms are very clean, the beds are comfy, and the showers have high pressure.
- Hello BCN – This hostel is clean, the beds are comfortable, there’s a super breakfast, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Make sure to ask them for tips about hidden places in town. This is not a party hostel, and you should be able to get some good shut-eye.
- St. Christopher’s Inn – This hostel near La Rambla is all about location: it’s perfect. I really love the curtains on the dorm beds and the gigantic bar/outdoor area next to the hostel. The bar/restaurant has good food and cheap drinks too
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
Need a Guide?
Barcelona has some really great guided Gaudi tours. My favorite company to go with is Take Walks. Their “Complete Gaudí Tour” will give you the best in-depth and behind-the-scenes Gaudi tour out there.
Looking For More Information on Visiting Barcelona?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Barcelona with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!
Photo Credit: 3 – JosepBC
The post 25 Things to See and Do in Barcelona appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
April 23, 2020 at 03:43PM
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