Spain

Cool Things to Do and Must See Tourist Attractions in Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and Catalonian culture. It is the second largest city in Spain and a competitive rival of Spain’s capital city Madrid. Barcelona and Madrid compete in every avenue, football most famously. The rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is the stuff of legends. It is not an unheard name, though most famous for its football club and the legends to wear the Barca jersey. The club’s home ground Camp Nou and its museum are among the best places to visit in Barcelona for most tourists. They hope to catch the grandeur of a home game or run-in with one of the club legends at one of these Barcelona tourist attractions. The city is known for many more things besides that as well. It is a popular destination in Spain for its history, architecture, art, culture, music, food, nightlife, beaches, adventure, and more. There is so much liveliness and activity in the city that it is difficult to point out the best things to do in Barcelona. The city is so full of vigor that you would enjoy each day spent exploring the city, whether it’s in activities or Barcelona sightseeing.

While the city is presently associated with Lionel Messi, the architect of genius football plays, it is also associated with Antoni Gaudi, an actual architect responsible for some of the most marvelous creations to explore among things to see in Barcelona. The most famous work of his among Barcelona attractions is Sagrada Familia. This architectural wonder is among the prime landmarks of the city. It is an expression of art combining various styles of architecture like Art Nouveau, Gothic and Catalan. You can embark on a walking tour for Barcelona sightseeing, one of which revolves around the works of Gaudi. This tour will take you to Casa Batllo, Casa Milla, Casa Vicens, Guell Palace, Casa Calvet, La Colonia Guel, and Park Guell. All these places to see in Barcelona were graced by the genius of Antoni Gaudi.

As it is a coastal city, people often ask which is the best beach in Barcelona. There is no perfect answer to that as there are several popular and hidden gems to explore along the coast of the city and beyond for a variety of fun things to do in Barcelona. If you are looking to enjoy the shores, relax, play or party then pick Mar Bella, Nova Icaria, Nova Mar Bella, Boatel, and the likes among beaches in Barcelona. Though if you are looking to enjoy water sports, surfing, cliff diving, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and other top things to do in Barcelona, you should towards the edges of the city. You will be able to get several tour operators and independent operators who help you indulge in an adrenaline rush, though most of these activities in Barcelona are not cheap unless you are already an expert and have the equipment.

You can stay for a week and still may not be able to explore all places to go in Barcelona. Though one aspect you should definitely explore when you visit Barcelona is the Catalonian culture. This aspect is something unique to Barcelona travel, you won’t find it anywhere else in the world. Catalonian culture, history, art, cuisine, dance, and music have found expression in this city, unlike any other place. You can even find souvenir shops selling Catalonian handicrafts which are connected with the culture close to several of Barcelona’s top attractions. You can even take back food items and wine hailing from the region. These things you can remember as truly Barcelona as you look back on your journey to this marvelous city.

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A Complete 7 Days Travel Itinerary for Barcelona Sightseeing

This section outlines day by day plan of all the best things to do in Barcelona. The attractions have been arranged based on proximity and time required to explore them. Though this section covers almost all Barcelona tourist attractions, you can rearrange them based on your hotel location. You can also alter it depending on the number of days you have planned to visit Barcelona.

Day 1

1. Sagrada Familia

Designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi, this artwork of a building is perhaps the most popular among places to visit in Barcelona. You will need at least an hour to admire the genius of the architecture of Sagrada Familia and its interiors.

I suggest you should get your Fast-Track Entry Ticket of Sagrada Familia in advance.

Sagrada Familia

2. Avinguda Diagonal

This is a road that divides Barcelona in half, running diagonally from west to east. This road holds some of the popular Barcelona attractions for sightseeing, dining, shopping, and more. You can take a glance at what the street has to offer in 30 to 45 minutes.

Avinguda Diagonal

3. Casa Mila

Also known as La Pedrera, this apartment building is known for its unusual architecture and design. It too was designed by Antoni Gaudi. As only residents are allowed in the building, you can only admire it from the outside. It shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to do that.

I suggest you should book a Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket of Casa Mila in advance.

Casa Mila

4. Casa Batllo, Casa Amatller & Casa Lleo Morera

Collectively known as the block of discord, all these buildings are works of Antoni Gaudi. Like Casa Mila, there isn’t much to be seen inside the buildings. Take 15 minutes to admire each of these buildings from the outside and move on to other Barcelona tourist attractions.

I suggest you should book your Ticket to Casa Batllo and Casa Amatller in advance.

Casa Batllo, Casa Amatller & Casa Lleo Morera

5. Placa de Catalunya

This large square is surrounded by several historical things to see in Barcelona. You can enjoy the views of the city from the square and spend 30 minutes clicking pictures with different buildings and streets in the background.

Placa de Catalunya

6. La Rambla

La Rambla is a long boulevard street stretching for over a kilometer. This is one of the most happening places to visit in Barcelona lined with tourist attractions, cafes, restaurants, nightlife spots, shops and more. It will take you 30 to 40 minutes to walk the entire boulevard.

La Rambla

7. La Boqueria

This huge indoor market sits at one of the entrances of La Rambla. You will find all sorts of stuff at this market. If not for shopping, it is a great place to learn about the local culture and people. You can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes strolling about the place.

I suggest you should try a Paella Cooking Experience & Tour of La Boqueria Market.

La Boqueria

8. Placa Reial

Also known as the Royal Square, this huge public square is the center of Barcelona’s old town. Like Placa de Catalunya, you can easily spend half an hour clicking pictures and admiring the Barcelona top attractions which surround the square.

Placa Reial

9. Palau Guell

Palau Guell or Guell Palace is a UNESCO world heritage site and was designed by Antoni Gaudi. You will need at least one hour to explore the entire palace.

I suggest you should book your Ticket to Palau Guell in advance.

Palau Guell

10. Columbus Monument

This monument dedicated to explorer Christopher Columbus is located at one end of La Rambla. There is nothing to explore inside the monument, you only need 15 to 20 minutes to admire the monument from all sides.

Columbus Monument

Day 2

1. Palau de la Musica Catalana

This palace is another UNESCO site among places to visit in Barcelona. You will need about one hour to explore the exterior and interior of this tourist attraction.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Palau de la Musica Catalana in advance. Also if you want to do something more then I suggest you should go for a Spanish & Flamenco Guitar Concert at the Palau de la Música Catalana.

Palau de la Musica Catalana

2. Museu Frederic Mares

This museum is dedicated to the private collection of Frederic Mares. It has numerous works of art in form of sculptures and paintings. You need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

Museu Frederic Mares

3. Barcelona Cathedral

This cathedral is home to the archbishop of Barcelona. It is also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. You will need about an hour to explore this Barcelona attraction.

I suggest you should book a Skip-the-Line Ticket to Barcelona Cathedral in advance.

Barcelona Cathedral

4. Placa del Rei

Also known as King’s Square, this place is also surrounded by medieval buildings which are among Barcelona tourist attractions. You can take 30 minutes at the square to explore these from the outside.

Placa del Rei

5. History Museum of Barcelona

This museum is home to the historical journey of the city. You can see artifacts going back to the very first settlements in the region. It is one of the most important historical places to visit in Barcelona. You will need about 2 hours to explore the museum.

History Museum of Barcelona

6. Museu Picasso

The name says it all. It is a museum dedicated to the famous artist Pablo Picasso. There are numerous works by the artist displayed in the museum. You can easily spend 2 hours here.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Picasso Museum with a Skip-the-Line Ticket.

Museu Picasso

7. Santa Maria del Mar

Also known as Church of Saint Mary of the Sea, this church represents one of the finest works of architecture to visit during Barcelona travel. You will need an hour to explore this 14th-century masterpiece.

Santa Maria del Mar

Day 3

1. Jardi Botanic

The botanical gardens would require an hour and half of your time if you choose to explore them thoroughly.

Jardi Botanic

2. Montjuic

Originally known as the Hill of Jove, this 200-meter-high hill is a popular place to visit in Barcelona, especially for the locals. You will need more than 2 hours to explore this place in its entirety.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Montjuic with a Cable Car Ticket, Castle Visit, and Magic Fountain.

Montjuic

3. Fundacio Joan Miro

This museum exhibits wonderful works by Catalonia’s artist Joan Miro. You will need about 2 hours to explore all the exhibits in this museum.

I suggest you should get a Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket of Fundacio Joan Miro in advance.

Fundacio Joan Miro

4. Olympic and Sports Museum (Museu Olimpic de I’Esport)

This museum is dedicated to the Olympics and sports in Catalonia. It also sheds light on the 1992 Olympics which took place in the city. You will need one hour to explore various things to see in Barcelona’s sports at this museum.

I suggest you should book an Entry Ticket to the Olympic and Spots Museum in advance.

Olympic and Sports Museum

5. Archaeology Museum of Catalonia (Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya)

This is the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia, popularly known as MAC. You will need an hour and a half to explore the exhibits here.

Archaeology Museum of Catalonia

Day 4

1. National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya)

The Museum of Art of Catalunya, also called MNAC, is a part of the National Palace. You will need 2 hours to explore MNAC.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to the National Art Museum of Catalonia in advance.

National Art Museum of Catalonia

2. Poble Espanyol

This complex is a reconstruction of an entire village consisting of 117 buildings. You will need at least 2 hours for all the top things to do in Barcelona at Poble Espanyol.

I suggest you should get a Skip-the-Line Ticket of Poble Espanyol in advance.

Poble Espanyol

3. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

This musical fountain puts up a fabulous show in the evening. It will take 30 minutes to admire the performance.

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

4. CaixaForum Barcelona

This modern art museum is one of the finest in Barcelona as well as Spain. You can easily spend a couple of hours admiring and understanding the incredible works of art here.

CaixaForum Barcelona

5. Plaça d’Espanya

This public square is known for the beautiful historical fountain at the center of it. You can spend 30 to 45 minutes admiring the Barcelona tourist attractions around it.

Plaça d'Espanya

Day 5

1. Arc de Triomf

The Arc is located at the entrance of Parc de la Ciutadella. You don’t need more than 30 minutes for this attraction as there is not much to see or do except admire the arc. You can just see it from all sides and continue with Barcelona sightseeing.

Arc de Triomf

2. Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona (Museu de Ciencies Naturals de la Ciutadella)

The Museum of Natural History is one of the finest museums among the best things to do in Barcelona. You will need about 2 hours to explore all the exhibits at this museum.

Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona

3. Museum of Chocolate (Museu de la Xocolata)

The museum of chocolate is one of the most fun places to see in Barcelona. It has such a variety of items made from chocolate that you will be astonished. This museum can also be enjoyed for 2 hours.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to the Museum of Chocolate in advance.

Museu de la Xocolata

4. Mercat del Born

This district is among the popular places for Barcelona sightseeing. You can explore architecture as well as local markets in the neighborhood. Keep an hour aside for Mercat del Born.

Mercat del Born

5. Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella)

The park was first built in the 19th century and is a work of art within itself. You can easily spend 30 minutes to an hour enjoying the park. It is also the venue for numerous Barcelona activities and events.

Ciutadella Park

6. Barcelona Zoo (Parc Zoològic)

The Zoo is actually a part of Parc de la Ciutadella. You will need 1 hour to explore the zoo.

I suggest you should book your Ticket to Barcelona Zoo in advance.

Barcelona Zoo

7. Barcelona Fish Sculpture

This huge sculpture of a fish was created for the 1992 Olympics. It is a major landmark and a beautiful sight among things to see in Barcelona.

Barcelona Fish Sculpture

Day 6

1. Placa Sant Jaume

The Square of Saint James is the best place to visit in Barcelona to admire Barri Gothic architecture and design. You can easily spend 30 minutes here.

Placa Sant Jaume

2. Placa Sant Felip Neri

This square serves as the entrance to the Jewish Quarter in Barcelona. The square of Saint Philip of Neri is smaller compared to other squares in the city. You can put aside another 30 minutes for Place Sant Felip Neri

Placa Sant Felip Neri

3. Placa de Sant Josep Oriol

Yet another square to admire gothic architecture during Barcelona sightseeing. The square is a lively venue with shops, restaurants and cafe all around it. Keep 30 minutes for the square.

Placa de Sant Josep Oriol

4. Santa Maria del Pi

The church is named after the pine tree in front of the church. It is a beautiful church both inside and outside with unique architecture and interior features. You will need an hour to explore this church.

Santa Maria del Pi

5. Barcelona Wax Museum (Museu de Cera)

This is the wax museum of Barcelona featuring wax statues of several famous people from history and contemporary times. You will need 2 hours for this wax museum.

I suggest you should book your Entry Ticket to the Barcelona Wax Museum in advance.

Barcelona Wax Museum

6. Maritime Museum of Barcelona (Museu Maritim)

Spain was once a superpower among naval forces of Europe. This museum takes you on a journey of advancement of naval technology in the region. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire museum.

Maritime Museum of Barcelona

Day 7

1. L’Aquarium de Barcelona

The Aquarium is home to over 450 species of marine flora and fauna. There are elaborate tunnels that go underwater so that you have a unique perspective on the animals. It is one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona. You will need more than 2 hours for this place.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket to Barcelona Aquarium.

Aquarium Barcelona

2. Port Vell

This old harbor is the historic port of the city. This harbor has a rich history and stories of its own. You should put aside 30 to 45 minutes for this port.

I suggest you should try a Tour of Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Live Music.

Port Vell

3. Museum of the History of Catalonia (Museu d’Historia de Catalunya)

The Museum focuses on the history of Catalonia’s region. It has several sections of exhibits within it. You will need about 2 hours to learn and understand the history of Catalonia at this museum.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to the Museum of the History of Catalonia in advance.

Museum of the History of Catalonia

4. Santa Caterina Market (Mercat de Santa Caterina)

This market is located on top of a roof. It can bee seen from a distance as well. You will need about an hour for this market.

Santa Caterina Market

5. Portal de I’Angel

This is a popular shopping street in the city. It is the best place to visit in Barcelona for all kinds of stuff. You will need more than an hour to explore the shops here.

Portal de I’Angel

If you are thinking to stay in Barcelona for more than 7 days, then below we have listed out many more activities to do and things to see in Barcelona. Please check different category-wise activities in the below list.

Things to do in Barcelona

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Barcelona

  1. La Sagrada Familia Church
  2. The Park Guell
  3. Casa Mila
  4. Casa Batllo
  5. Montjuic
  6. Picasso Museum
  7. Cathedral of Barcelona
  8. Palau de la Musica Catalana
  9. Guell Palace
  10. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
  11. Poble Espanyol Architecture Museum
  12. Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona
  13. Montjuic Castle
  14. Joan Miro Foundation Modern Art Museum
  15. Columbus Monument
  16. Casa Vicens Gaudi
  17. Gaudi House Museum
  18. Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
  19. Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
  20. Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
  21. Gran Teatre del Liceu Opera House
  22. Montserrat Monastery
  23. Museu de la Xocolata
  24. Cosmo Ciaxa Barcelona Science Museum
  25. Monasterio de Pedralbes
  26. Palau Nacional Art Museum
  27. Casa Amatller
  28. Fundacio Antoni Tapies
  29. Gaudi’s Crypt
  30. FC Barcelona Museum
  31. Museum of the History of Barcelona
  32. Basalica de Santa Maria del Pi
  33. The Monumental Building
  34. Bellesgaurd Manor House
  35. Maritime Museum
  36. Font de Canaletes
  37. Virreina Palace
  38. Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya
  39. Erotic Museum Barcelona
  40. Casa de les Punxes
  41. Museu d’Historia de Catalunya
  42. Museu Fredric Mares
  43. Old Hospital de la Santa Creu
  44. Barcelona Wax Museum
  45. Montjuic Cemetery
  46. Guell Pavilions
  47. European Museum of Modern Art
  48. Catalan Museum of Archaeology
  49. Pedralbes Royal Palace
  50. Design Museum of Barcelona
  51. Sant Pau del Camp
  52. Woman & Bird Statue

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Barcelona

  1. Tibidabo Hill
  2. Serra de Collserola Natural Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Barcelona

  1. Ciutadella Park
  2. Magic Fountain of Montjuic
  3. Camp Nou
  4. Tibidabo Amusement Park
  5. Aquarium Barcelona de Greg
  6. Parc del Laberint d’Horta
  7. Barcelona Zoo
  8. Ciaxa Forum Contemporary Arts Center
  9. Center de Cultura Contemporánea Arts Center
  10. El Pabellon de Barcelona
  11. Jardi Botanic de Barcelona
  12. Gaudi Experiencia
  13. Pulau Sant Jordi
  14. La Rambla Walking Tour
  15. Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

Shopping in Barcelona

  1. La Rambla
  2. Portal de I’Angel
  3. Passieg de Gracia
  4. Diagonal Mar
  5. Centro Comercial Glories
  6. Las Arenas
  7. L’illa Diagonal
  8. El Triangle
  9. Maremagnum Shopping Center
  10. La Roca Village
  11. Santa Caterina Market

Beaches & Island in Barcelona

  1. Platja de la Mar Bella
  2. Barceloneta Beach
  3. Platja de Bogatell
  4. Platja de la Nova Icaria
  5. Platja de la Nova Mar Bella
  6. Costa Brava
  7. Sant Sebastia Beach
  8. Llevant Beach
  9. Barceloneta Beach
  10. Zona de Banys del Forum

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Barcelona

  1. Teleferic de Montjuic Cable Car
  2. Snorkeling
  3. Cliff Diving
  4. Paddle Surfing
  5. Wind Surfing
  6. Surfing
  7. Scuba Diving
  8. Kayaking
  9. Canoe Boating
  10. Mountain Biking
  11. Rock Climbing
  12. Wake boarding
  13. Bungee Jumping
  14. Sky Diving

Sightseeing in Barcelona

  1. La Rambla
  2. Mercado de la Boqueria
  3. Placa de Catalunya Square
  4. Placa de d’Espanya Square
  5. Passeig de Gracia Street
  6. Placa Reial Square
  7. Rambla de Mar Port
  8. Port of Barcelona
  9. Aviguda Diagonal Street
  10. Port Olympic
  11. Agbar Tower
  12. Plaza de Cataluna Square
  13. Placa Sant Jaume Square
  14. Plaza de San Felipe Neri
  15. Torre de Collserola
  16. Plaza del Rey
  17. MUHBA Turo de la Rovira View Point
  18. Montjuic Communication Tower
  19. Passieg del Born Street
  20. Illa de la Discordia
  21. Gran via de les Corts Catalans
  22. Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Barcelona

  1. Carrer del Parlament
  2. Maitea Taberna
  3. A Tu Bola
  4. Disfrutar
  5. La Boqueria
  6. Morro Fi
  7. Bar Calders
  8. Tickets
  9. Gracia
  10. BierCaB
  11. Bar La Plata
  12. Bar Ramon
  13. Carrer d’Enric Grandos
  14. Mano Rota
  15. Bo de B
  16. LomoAlto
  17. Barceloneta
  18. Martinez
  19. Cal Pep
  20. Rocambolesc
  21. Poble Sec
  22. Flax & Kale
  23. Catalana II
  24. Nomad Coffee Lab
  25. Cera 23
  26. Fismular
  27. Copasetic
  28. Bar La Plata

Where to Stay in Barcelona?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Barcelona. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Barcelona.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. W Barcelona
  2. Catalonia Barcelona Plaza
  3. Hotel Indigo Barcelona – Plaza Catalunya, an IHG Hotel
  4. Hotel Colon
  5. Casa Gracia
  6. Hotel 1898
  7. Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona
  8. Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower
  9. Hotel Europark
  10. Generator Barcelona
  11. Expo Hotel Barcelona
  12. Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Grums Hotel & Spa
  2. Leonardo Boutique Hotel Barcelona Sagrada Familia
  3. Hotel Balmoral
  4. ibis Styles Barcelona City Bogatell Hotel
  5. Safestay Barcelona Passeig De Gracia
  6. U232 Hotel
  7. Hotel SERHS Rivoli Rambla
  8. B-Hotel
  9. Best Western Plus Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto
  10. Hotel Arc La Rambla
  11. Hotel Aranea
  12. Ayre Hotel Gran Via

Budget Hotels

  1. Gracia City by Arc House
  2. ROOM018BCN
  3. Pension Arosa
  4. Hotel Catalonia Park Guell
  5. Kabul Party Hostel
  6. Diagonal House
  7. Pension Peiro
  8. Hostal Sans
  9. Albergue New York
  10. WOW! Hostel Barcelona
  11. Ciutat de Sant Adria Hotel
  12. Hostal Lausanne

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Barcelona

How to Reach Barcelona?

By Air

Barcelona International Airport is the largest airport serving the grand city of Spain. You can get flights to visit Barcelona from every major city of Europe and several other countries in Asia, America, and Australia. The list of cities connecting direct flights for Barcelona travel is so long that we need an entire article.

Once you get to the airport, you can use bus, train, metro and taxi to reach all the best places to visit in Barcelona. You can take a public bus or shuttle bus to reach the city. Aerobus is a popular shuttle bus option leaving from the airport every few minutes. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the city by bus. You can book the ticket at the airport or online. You will be able to see several Barcelona tourist attractions en route to the city.

If you choose to use the train to reach Barcelona from the airport ensure you pick the right station nearest to your hotel or the Barcelona attractions you want to visit. The train network may seem confusing to those not from Europe, its better to get help at the airport to ensure you are heading to the right place. Alternatively, you can also use the Metro line for Barcelona travel. The system to reach various Barcelona tourist spot is simpler and the commute is equally rapid.

Finally, you have the option of getting a cab. It is the most expensive of all the above travel options from the airport. But, it is the most convenient one and offers the most freedom of movement. You can also pre-book a taxi or a minibus online to reach your hotel or any places to see in Barcelona.

By Road

You can get a direct train to visit Barcelona from various cities in Europe including, but not limited to, Cerbere, Marseille, Nice, Elipsos, Milan, Zurich, Madrid, London, Bilbao, Avignon, Paris, and more. There are also high-speed trains facilitating Barcelona travel. Though this option is available for a select few cities only. Bus travel for best things to do in Barcelona has a far wider network. You can get direct buses to reach Barcelona from various cities in nearby countries and beyond. If you choose to travel by car then pick from routes C31, C32, B24, C16, C58, C33 and B20 to reach the city.

By Water

You can get boat service to visit Barcelona from Genoa, Livorno, Tangier, Sardinia, Rome and Algiers. Majority of boats dock at La Rambla, from where you can continue for Barcelona sightseeing.


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Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making