Things to do Alone in Barcelona

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
barcelona alone

Sometimes, traveling alone can be just the thing. Whether you want to meet new people on your vacation, or simply have some time to yourself, plenty of people are heading overseas by themselves these days. So why not visit beautiful Barcelona, and discover all the things to do there when you're alone? If you're wondering what to add to the itinerary, wonder no longer, because we've put together a list of the best things to do alone in Barcelona just for you!

Including:

  • Gaudí's greatest hits
  • Explore Polo Espanyol
  • Barcelona Bus Tour
  • Ancient Markets walking tour
  • Explore beautiful Monserrat

Get Gaudí

One of Barcelona's biggest draws is the work of master architect Gaudí. The famed builder left his unique stamp all over the city, which he called home. So, clearly, if you want the authentic Barcelona experience, you'll need to see at least some of his awe-inspiring pieces. So strap in, because we're about to talk Gaudí and then some.

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First off on the Gaudí hit list is Casa Batlló, which is often considered his greatest work. This striking building is an amalgamation of bone-like columns, mosaic glass wonders, and mask-like balconies. It's no wonder it's known locally as the 'house of bones'! This 700m2 behemoth was once home to the Batlló family, hence the name. The Batlló family owned a textile manufacturing empire, which is why they were able to hire the man himself to redesign their house.

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Next on our hist list is arguably Gaudí's most iconic structure, the Sagrada Familia. Take a tour of the famed building a learn all about its history from a knowledgeable guide to get the full experience! Alongside seeing the fantastic decor, created with a fusion of art-nouveau and gothic styles, you'll discover why the cathedral wasn't finished before Gaudí's death. You'll also get an insight into the hidden Christian symbology that permeates both inside and out. Truly remarkable.

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Then, there's Park Güell, Barcelona's most recognizable green space, thanks to our man Gaudí's unique stamp. Make sure to take a guided tour of the grounds, as you'll not only have access to all the best bits, but you'll also learn about the rich history surrounding each remarkable building facade and piece of art contained within.

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Another of Gaudí's architectural marvels is undoubtedly La Pedrera. Built over six years at the start of the 20th century, it has his unique style written all over it. From its undulating limestone façade to its twisted chimneys and ironclad balconies, it's yet another pic-hungry stop on the Gaudí tour of excellence.

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You think we're done yet? We're not done yet. We're going back to the very beginning with the first building that Gaudí ever designed. Casa Vicens is its name, and within its Neo-Mudéjar exterior, you'll find a permanent collection of artifacts that explore the site's 130-year history. Go for the snap-worthy architecture; stay for the insightful learning experience.

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Or, if you want a more visceral Gaudí experience, ahem, try the Gaudí Experience 4D! It's an interactive, immersive experience that lets you explore the life and works of the master in new and exciting ways! It features hands-on displays and touchscreens, as well as the cinematic main event where you'll be taken on a ride through his inspirations. Your seat will move as you fly above trees that mutate into columns, and much more. It's a trippy experience, for sure, but one you should experience for yourself!

Congratulations! You made it to the end. Whichever way you choose to celebrate the famed architect, any of the above are easily some of the best things to do in Barcelona if you're traveling alone.

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Marco...Polo?

If you're looking for more of a historical exploration of Catalan architecture and culture, go see Poble Espanyol. This open-air architectural museum is one of the best things to do in Barcelona if you're traveling alone. There, you'll get an insight into how different parts of the city have changed and evolved through time. This city-within-a-city contains 117 buildings, streets, and squares that recreate large parts of the city, from ancient neighborhoods to revolutionary Spain's city streets.

And, on top of this mesmerizing amalgamation of history, you'll also find over 300 contemporary artworks from famous Catalan artists. Be sure to get snaps of greats by Dali, Picasso, and many more!. You can also pick up some authentic souvenirs from the onsite smiths, leatherworkers, and jewelry makers!

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Barcelona by bus

If you're looking to see all of the city's sights in the comfort of a cushioned chair, then why not take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Barcelona? If you already have a packed itinerary, it's the perfect way to see everything in just a few hours.

You can also get off whenever you like if you want to take a closer look at one of the city's iconic landmarks, then hop on the next one to continue the tour. Your ticket lasts for 24 hours, so feel free to make the most of it!

Highlights include the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and the Mercat de Sarrià, so you'll have plenty of picture opportunities to leave your social media following in the dirt.

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Marketing 101

Want a closer look at Barcelona's timeless market scene? Why not take a tour of the ancient markets that still stand tall today? If you're looking for things to do alone in Barcelona, this should be high on your list!

With an experienced guide in tow, you'll kick proceedings off at Boqueria Market, one of Barcelona's best. While you're learning about the market's history and traditions, you'll be able to pick up some fantastic fresh produce or delicious local snacks.

Then, you'll travel through the beautiful Ramblas promenade, a former flower market that is now full of cafes, flower stands, and beautiful scenery.

You'll end up at the Santa Caterina Market in the Gothic Quarter, a bustling marketplace known for its brightly-colored roof inspired by the plentiful fruits and vegetables on offer.

And finally, you'll end the tour at El Born, a former market that has transformed into a residential neighborhood. The steel and glass design is sure to delight, and is more than worthy of a few snaps.

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Escape to the mountain

And finally, we'll end this list on a bit of a cheat, because you'll need to leave the city for this one. However, it's more than worth it. Visit the picturesque Monsterrat without worrying about transportation, and explore this beautiful location for as long as you want!

Start your journey on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, then ascend Monserrat and take in the spectacular views of the city. Cameras at the ready, people; you're not going to want to miss a beat.

Then, when you get up to the top, you can explore at your leisure. Go for a hike, or visit the nearby monastery. It's entirely up to you, and no one can tell you otherwise!

And that's our list of the best things to do in Barcelona when traveling alone!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Barcelona for Pride Day

Barcelona has always been a bit of a trailblazer. No surprise then that the Catalan capital was the first Spanish city to host a Pride march back in 1977, when a few hundred people protested along Las Ramblas in the name of the Gay Liberation Front of Catalonia. Today, the celebration has become one of Spain’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals and, for two weeks in July, the streets are transformed into an ocean of vibrant rainbow flags. This mass celebration of love, diversity and inclusion – variously known as Barcelona Pride, Barcelona Gay Pride, and Pride! BCN – culminates with a colorful mid-month parade that attracts around a quarter of a million participants and spectators, and a series of concerts and closing parties that all but blow the lid off Barcelona! Read on for our guide to all the best things to do in Barcelona on and around Pride Day… Barcelona Pride Parade Barcelona’s Pride Parade is the (almost) grand finale to a series of flamboyant events taking place across the city through the first half of July. Bearing in mind that the middle of the day can get pretty hot here in summer, the Barcelona parade kicks off at a relatively balmy 6PM, blazing a colorful trail that starts in the Tres Xemeneies Park – named for the three industrial chimneys that dominate the skyline here. The parade paints a rainbow the length of Avenida del Parallel before turning towards Avinguda Maria Cristina and Palau Nacional, home of the Pride Village and main stage. Expect flamboyant floats, banging party anthems, outlandish costumes and feather boas galore. Get there in plenty of time to grab a spot by the barriers that line the route then make for the huge free concert and after-party by the Pride stage. This location at the foot of Montjuïc hill is the hub of all things Pride throughout the two-week celebration, with daily performances, workshops, community events and more, plus plenty of food and drink. More Barcelona Pride Events The variety of events leading up to the parade and concert is colorful as it is varied. The program changes from year to year, but there are several festival stalwarts that can be relied upon to return regularly. These include: Miss Drag Pride Pageant. The most talented drag kings and queens from across Barcelona and beyond come together to perform in front of a panel of drag experts (in full showstopping drag regalia, natch). The event  – the closest thing you can get to experiencing RuPaul’s Drag Race without RuPaul themself – usually takes place in the Maria Cristina club. The High Heels Race. This event is precisely what it sounds like: a high-speed, high-octane, high-stakes, high-heeled race to the finish line, with runners temporary setting aside the festival’s spirit of love and acceptance in pursuit of a greater goal: cash. Expect trips, stumbles and lots of laughs from this most comical and cut-throat of Pride spectacles. The Pride Village. With the beautiful Palau Nacional (pictured) as its backdrop, the Pride Village is your one-stop-shop for all things LGBTQ+ throughout the festival. We’re talking exhibitions, information stands, bars, food stalls and even an activity area for kids – there’s a strong focus on family at Barcelona Pride, and many of the events are open to participants of all ages. Yes: even the High Heels Race! This is also where the opening and closing parties take place, with international DJs, live bands, drag performers and dancers among the many entertainers to grace the stage. Barcelona Pride Nightlife Barcelona is a gay-friendly city and the LGBTQ+ nightlife is excellent year-round. There are stacks of bars and clubs to pick from but gay hotel chain Axel’s sky bar roof terrace is one of the best. Not only is the company here great; there’s also a pool, loungers, long cocktail menu and some splendid views across the rooftops of Eixample, the LGBTQ+ district known fondly as ‘Gayxample’ by some locals. The legendary Safari Club is also close to Eixample and Plaça Espana (itself a bit of a Pride month hotspot). Regular club nights at Safari include Bananas on Friday nights and YASS! parties on Saturdays, which are of course even busier and wilder during Pride. The monthly Matinee party (sorry ladies, men only) is another of Pride’s big events, running from around midnight well into the small hours. Check local listings for details, dates and more info on all of the above, plus many other massive club nights taking place across Barcelona during Pride. Best of the Rest: Things to do during Barcelona Pride It’s summer! It’s Pride! It’s Barcelona! So what better way to while away the long daylight hours than on one of the city beaches? Closest to the center, you’ll recognise Platja de Sant Sebastià by the huge, sail-shaped hotel at its southern end. Or head north along the coast to the Poblenou district for clothing-optional Platja de la Mar Bella. Fancy a beachy day trip? Strike out for Platja de la Bassa Rodona, a few miles south of the city in nearby Sitges. All of these beaches are very scenic, sandy and LGBTQ-friendly sunbathing spots. You’ll also want to hang out in gay-friendly Eixample, which gives you as good a reason as any to spend time ogling some of Antoni Gaudí’s most eye-popping architectural exercises in Catalan Modernism. We’re talking the iconic Sagrada Familia as well as the quite extraordinary confections that are Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera).  Entry to all three is included with a Go Barcelona pass, which also gives you access to several more Barcelona bucket-listers, including… A guided tour of yet another of Gaudí’s masterpieces: the absolutely Insta-tastic Park Güell (pictured above). A sightseeing tour aboard the open-top Barcelona bus. A lip-smacking tapas-tasting tour. A ride on the Barcelona cable car. Entry to the bonkers worlds of the Museum of Illusions and Big Fun Museum. Entry to the Picasso Museum and a walking tour of the maestro’s old Barcelona haunts. A walking tour of Barcelona’s best markets. … and many more! Find out more and get your Barcelona attractions pass here. More things to do in Barcelona Top summer activities in Barcelona Barcelona’s best parks Barcelona neighborhoods guide Free things to do in Barcelona The Barcelona tourist traps to avoid
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Panoramic view of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter in the evening
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Day Trips from Barcelona

It can be easy to stay in our comfort zone - it's warm, reassuring, and predictable. But sometimes, it's great to break out of that bubble and explore the world outside. For instance, you book a vacation to an amazing and exotic new place. You go exploring and discover new foods and culture. But after a few days, you might feel like you've seen the things you want to see. You may have checked every box on the itinerary. What do you do then? Well, you break out of that bubble and take your explorations further afield! Even a city as beautiful as Barcelona has some must-see places outside its walls. So hop on a train, slide into your slickest automobile, or put your hiking boots on for a serious jog. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Barcelona! Featuring: Girona Ruins of Empuries Montserrat Costa Brava Andorra Girona Just an hour outside of Barcelona, you'll find Girona. In fact, you might already recognize parts of it, as it was the location of 'King's Landing' in the Game of Thrones TV show! Appropriately, it's an interesting mix of medieval and modern architecture. One unmissable highlight is Girona's old town, where you can explore cobbled streets and ancient surroundings frozen in time. Beyond it is Girona's Cathedral, which was built back in the 11th Century, though not much of the original stonework remains. Since it towers over the city, it will be tough to miss! Inside, you'll be treated to stunning baroque facades, ancient artifacts, and timeless artwork. When you're done, make sure to see the Banys Arabs, or Arab Baths, for another slice of medieval life. And if that isn't enough history for one day, there are a few museums that chronicle the town's history, both good and bad. Then, once you've thoroughly explored, you'll find plenty of lovely restaurants to eat and drink, including the world-famous and rather pricey El Celler de Can Roca. How to get to Girona From Station Barcelona, in the heart of the city, rains run throughout the day and take between 70-80 minutes. Alternatively, it's a 30-minute drive. Ruins of Empuries Just a little further than Girona you'll find something amazing. Empuries was an ancient city founded by Greek travelers over 2000 years ago! Later the Romans set up shop, but by the Middle Ages, it was a ghost town. This is likely because it was a difficult place to defend and, as such, was a constant target of pirates. For the next 1700-odd years, nature swallowed it up. But in 1908, it was rediscovered by archeologists. In fact, they haven't finished uncovering the city's secrets yet, over a century later! Don't let that stop you. The Ruins of Empuries is still a fascinating place to visit. A literal trip back through time, you'll see mosaics and architecture from millennia ago, before entering the ancient amphitheatre. Imagine the plays and talks that would have taken place back then. Then, visit the site's museum for some sweet spoon-fed knowledge. Definitely one of the most fascinating day trips you can make from Barcelona! How to get to the Ruins of Empuries Hop in your favorite four-wheeled machine, ideally a car, and you'll make it in an hour. Alternatively, you can get a bus or train to Girona, and a connecting bus will get you straight there. Montserrat North of Barcelona is stunning Montserrat, or Serrated Mountain, a beautiful mountain range near the Catalan capital. And believe us, its jagged peaks are quite a sight! Its tallest peak, Sant Jeroni, stands tall at over 4000ft. But really, the reason you'll want to go there is the Santa Marie de Monserrat, a Benedictine Abbey nestled atop one of the peaks. It dates all the way back to medieval times, but is still in use to this day. While trying not to bother the monks, you'll be able to explore the abbey's church in all its splendor. Gaze up at the Dome of the Altar and you'll see stunning restored artwork depicting angels and other Christian iconography. Everywhere you look, you'll see beauty. Then, if you want to do a deep dive into the abbey's history, head to the on-site museum and fill your brain with delicious information. If you'd like to fill your stomach too, there's also a restaurant, cafe, and even a hotel if you're feeling sleepy! How to get to Montserrat Montserrat is about an hour's drive from the city center. Or, at just over two hours, trains are another option. If you want to travel up to the peaks in style, you can take the Aeri de Montserrat, a cable car that'll take you from the foot of the mountains all the way up! At 4000ft, the views are one of a kind. And best of all, it will also take you to the Abbey! Costa Brava Want to get out of the city to chill out and stretch out? Then Costa Brava might be the most perfect of all the day trips from Barcelona! Featuring three beaches that stretch out over 4000ft of beautiful golden sand, it's the perfect excuse to get out of the city! Each of the three beaches has its own unique vibe, so choose wisely. Llevant is the busiest, so expect plenty of sunbathers and party people similar to Barceloneta. If you're looking for a quieter time to max out your relaxing, check out Caldetes. Fewer people, fewer problems. Or, if you want to get your blood pumping with some sweet watersports, check out Dunes, where you can try your hand at scuba diving and windsurfing, among others. Once you're done lounging, you can head into Santa Susanna. It's a historic seaside town with a plethora of seafood restaurants, bars, and cafes. It was built back in the 1400s, so expect a good mix of old and new architecture to explore! How to get to Costa Brava You can make the journey to Costa Brava by car, which will take you just under 2 hours. Or, if you prefer to travel by train, you're looking at just over 3.5 hours. It's a bit further away than some of the others on this list, but it's definitely one of the best day trips from Barcelona that you won't want to miss! Andorra And finally, we end this list with another state entirely. And that state is the Principality of Andorra! Replete with its own flag and coat of arms, this microstate is situated northwest of Girona. There, you'll find Europe's highest capital city, Andorra La Vella, sitting at a mighty 4000ft! Nestled in the picturesque Pyrenees, you'll find churches, chapels, and medieval architecture. There's also duty-free shopping, something most cities can't boast about! It becomes a popular skiing destination in winter. That's, presumably, because it's so high up. Or, if you prefer using your feet, there's hiking trails, and UNESCO protected spaces to explore. How to get to Andorra Andorra is a solid 3.5-hour drive from Barcelona. Surprisingly, the train takes the exact same time. So, pick your poison! And that's our list of the best day trips from Barcelona!
Dom Bewley

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