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Barcelona is a brilliant city, with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind architecture, a unique Catalan spirit and some truly excellent restaurants. It also has the added bonus of the Mediterranean on its doorstep, so you can sightsee in the morning, then laze on a golden beach by mid-afternoon!
TL;DR: Top 10 Barcelona Highlights
- Explore the Gothic Quarter.
- Stroll along Las Ramblas and visit La Boqueria.
- Discover Gaudí’s masterpieces, including the Sagrada Família.
- Visit Hospital de Sant Pau.
- Explore El Born and the Picasso Museum.
- Experience FC Barcelona and Camp Nou.
- Take in the views from Montjuïc.
- Relax on Barcelona’s beaches.
- Enjoy Catalan food and nightlife.
- Take a day trip to Montserrat, Sitges or the Costa Brava.
Here are the best things to see and do in Barcelona:
The Gothic Quarter: Medieval Streets & Roman Ruins
The Barri Gòtic (or Gothic Quarter) is the oldest part of the city, with narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches and pretty squares. It’s the kind of place where getting a little bit lost is all part of the fun. Head to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, where the cloister is home to a small flock of white geese, a long-standing tradition.
Nearby, the Plaça Reial is a beautiful square lined with palm trees and plenty of bars, making it a lovely spot to sit down with a coffee or relax with an evening drink.
Las Ramblas & La Boqueria: The City’s Most Famous Street
Las Ramblas is probably Barcelona’s most famous street. This wide, tree-lined boulevard stretches from Plaça de Catalunya down to the sea. Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, it will be busy and you have to keep your eye out for your belongings, but it’s one of those streets you simply have to walk down. Along the way you’ll find flower stalls, street performers and cafés. Just off to the side is La Boqueria, one of the most well-known markets in Europe. You’ll find plenty of fresh fruit, fish counters, cheese and olives, with little bars where you can pull up a stool and try some of the delights.
Gaudí Highlights: Sagrada Família, Park Güell & the Modernista Houses
Barcelona is filled with Gaudí’s distinctive architecture, from colourful mosaics to whimsical modernista buildings, but there are a few highlights you really shouldn’t miss. The Sagrada Família (pictured below) is the obvious one, and it is every bit as impressive as it appears on postcards. From the outside, it’s unlike any church you’ve ever seen, with multiple towers covered with intricate stone carvings. Inside, the columns branch at the top like a canopy of trees, and when the light comes through the stained glass, it’s truly extraordinary.
Park Güell, up in the hills above Gràcia, is another highlight, with mosaics, tiled terraces, gingerbread gatehouses and brilliant views over the city and out to the sea. On Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera sit almost next to each other and are another must-see, from the dragon-scale roof of Batlló to the alien rooftop chimneys of La Pedrera.
Hospital de Sant Pau: A UNESCO Modernista Masterpiece
The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 10-minute
walk from the Sagrada Família, and another absolute must-see. It was designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner in the early 1900s and looks more like a fairy-tale palace than a former hospital.
With mosaic pavilions, stained glass, and underground tunnels connecting the wards, it’s a fascinating building to explore. Plus, because it gets a fraction of the visitors that Gaudí’s buildings do, you can take your time and enjoy it.
El Born & the Picasso Museum: Art, Boutiques & Brilliant Tapas
El Born is one of our favourite parts of the city. Just east of the Gothic Quarter, it has a brilliant mix of medieval streets, independent boutiques, art galleries and some very good places to eat and drink. The Museu Picasso is home to an impressive collection of works from Picasso’s early years, housed across a series of beautiful medieval palaces.
The Mercat de Santa Caterina in El Born is one of Barcelona’s loveliest food markets. It’s smaller and less chaotic than La Boqueria off Las Ramblas, but has a more local feel. Its spectacular multicoloured mosaic roof is worth seeing in its own right.
In the evening, the whole area comes alive and the tapas bars tucked away down the side streets are some of the best in Barcelona.
Football: FC Barcelona & Camp Nou
For football fans, a visit to Camp Nou is usually pretty much non-negotiable. The stadium is currently undergoing a major renovation, but if you’re lucky enough to catch a Barça match, the atmosphere is still electric.
If you can’t get to a game, the FC Barcelona Museum is still open during the renovation, with trophies, displays and an excellent immersive room. You can also pick up a few football-related souvenirs at The FCB Megastore.
Montjuïc: Views, Museums & the Magic Fountain
You can reach Montjuïc by cable car or funicular, and the ride up is worth it for the views alone. Overlooking the city and port, the hill is home to the Castell de Montjuïc, a fortress which has panoramic views across Barcelona and out to sea.
Montjuïc is also home to some of the city’s best museums, including the Fundació Joan Miró, dedicated to the work of one of Barcelona’s most celebrated artists, and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). Housed inside the vast Palau Nacional, visible from all across the city, the museum contains an incredible collection of Romanesque and Gothic art.
At the base of the hill, the Magic Fountain puts on a free light and water show on various evenings.
The Beaches: Coastal City Pleasures
One of Barcelona’s greatest draws is its location next to the coast. Barceloneta beach is the closest to the centre and the liveliest, with plenty of seafood restaurants and beach bars nearby.
For something a little calmer, Icária Beach near the Olympic Port has more space and a great atmosphere, while Mar Bella (not to be confused with Marbella!) further along has a more local, laid-back feel. Even in winter, the waterfront is a lovely place for a walk.
Food & Nightlife: Catalan Cuisine, Sunsets & Late Nights
You won’t struggle to find good tapas in Barcelona, but for something that feels a little more local, head to El Born or El Raval, just behind Las Ramblas. For seafood, the Barceloneta waterfront has some great options – and of course, lovely views. The city is also home to a good number of Michelin-starred restaurants, ranging from ultra-creative fine dining to more relaxed modern Catalan spots.
For the best sunset in the city, head up to the Bunkers del Carmel. These hill-top remains of Civil War anti-aircraft batteries, offer a stunning 360-degree panorama taking in the Sagrada Família, the sea and the mountains. After the sun sets, the city is just getting started. It’s no secret that the Spanish love to party, and Barcelona is no exception – the city’s nightlife can easily keep going until sunrise if you’re up for it. The Gothic Quarter and El Born are great for a bar crawl, and the clubs around the waterfront and Port Olímpic go on until the early hours, if the mood takes you!
Day Trips: Montserrat, Sitges & the Costa Brava
If you have extra time, there are some wonderful places near Barcelona for a day trip. Montserrat is probably the most dramatic, with a monastery perched high among jagged mountains an hour by train from the city.
Sitges (pictured above), southwest of Barcelona, is a beautiful seaside town with beaches, cafés and a much slower pace. And if you’re able to venture further north, the Costa Brava has stunning coves, small coastal towns and some of the prettiest scenery in Catalonia.
Explore Barcelona on a Spain Multi Centre Holiday
A great way to experience Barcelona is either to combine it with other Spanish cities like on Best of Spanish Cities itinerary, or starting in Barcelona and finishing up with some time on the beach. Whatever itinerary you decide on, it’s a city that you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with. Get in touch with our team if you’d like to explore some of our Spanish multi-centre itineraries.
