Top 10 things to do in Barcelona: our must-see sights

By Lee Dales
Published: July 18, 2024
Guell

Barcelona is a city blessed with having it all. From blissed-out beaches and otherworldly architecture to great food and a pumping cultural scene overflowing with parties, festivals and events. If you need a city break that will impress on every level, you have just found the ultimate destination.

But with so much to keep you occupied in this world-class city, it helps to have a few insider tips to help you pin down the absolute essentials – places you simply cannot miss from your Barcelona bucket list. Which is why we’ve knocked up our ultimate list of things to do in Barcelona. Use it wisely, and you’ll be on the road to a perfect adventure in the stunning Catalan capital.

Make sure you don’t miss...

  • La Sagrada Familia – Antoni Gaudi’s iconic basilica
  • La Pedrera – a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture
  • Casa Vicens – a psychedelic mansion
  • Park Güell – Gaudi’s serene public park
  • The Old Town and Gothic Quarter – the city’s historic cultural heart
  • Museum of Contemporary Art – home to world-renowned contemporary artworks
  • Barceloneta Beach – a fine slice of city sun, sea and sand
  • Parc de la Ciutadella – park perfection
  • Aire de Barcelona Ancient Baths – a hidden refuge
  • Castle Montjuïc – breathtaking skyline views

Antoni Gaudi’s Architecture

Barcelona owes a lot of its good looks to Antoni Gaudi, the famed Catalan architect who designed some of its most spectacular and stylish landmarks. Perhaps the most famous of these is La Sagrada Familia, a towering unfinished basilica that must be seen to be believed. View the building’s elaborate neo-Gothic towers before stepping inside to view the gob-smacking geometric ceiling, which feels like you’re looking into a colorful kaleidoscope.

La Pedrera

Next up on your Gaudi architecture to-do list is the lavish La Pedrera, a striking UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 1906 and 1912. As another fine example of Gaudi’s unique Modernisme style, you’ll experience a fascinating façade that twists and turns its way upwards towards a fine roof-top terrace featuring striking city-wide views. You won’t forget the roof’s 28 radically designed chimneys that look more like chess pieces than air vents.

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Casa Vicens

This magical multicolored mansion is one of Gaudi’s more overlooked creations, but certainly shouldn’t be missed thanks to its ornate orientalist designs. One of the first-ever houses that Gaudi designed, you’ll be overwhelmed when you see how vibrant it is. The outside looks like a fortress from some sci-fi fantasy film, whilst inside, you’ll be faced with palm-tree painted walls and ceilings that could have easily been transplanted straight from a Marrakech riad.

Getting in: tickets for La Pedrera and Casa Vicens are included on a Go Barcelona pass.

Park Güell

Round off your Gaudi galavant with a walk in his picturesque park, created in 1900 and filled with his typically extravagant designs. First, take a well-earned breather in the landscaped gardens, before weaving your way through a maze of mesmerizing buildings, decorated in colorful mosaics and fine tilework. Don’t miss the cheeky dragon sculpture at the park’s entrance.

City Living

Hitting the Old Town and Gothic Quarter

Take a break from Gaudi’s gorgeous designs by delving into the old town and checking out some local haunts. Head to the city’s history-drenched Gothic Quarter, where you could easily get lost down one of the quaint alleyways, filled with Medieval architecture. A great way to prevent this from happening is opting for a fascinating walking tour, where a knowledgeable guide can help explain the importance of some of the area’s notable attractions, like the ruins of the Roman Forum in Plaza de Sant Jaume, or the saintly Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar. A Go Barcelona pass gives you access to a great one that covers all of the area’s major attractions.

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Museum of Contemporary Art

Next up, get your creative fix at Barcelona’s massive Museum of Contemporary Art, a futuristic artistic haven in the heart of the city’s ancient Chinatown district. See a vast collection of over 5,000 artworks from heavyweights like Jean-Michel Basquait, Alexander Calder and Juan Muñoz. It’s the perfect place for some peaceful reflection, and if you head outside afterward, you can take a coffee in one of the cute cafés along the side streets while dodging the skateboarders who love hanging out in the area. All in all, it’s a pretty cool place to chill.

Getting in: tickets to the museum are included on a Go Barcelona pass.

Barceloneta Beach

Spain wouldn’t be Spain without its sensational coastline, and Barcelona offers a surprisingly slick patch of it at Barceloneta Beach, a beautiful 4.5km stretch of sweeping sands backed by busy restaurants, sunbathers, roller-blading locals and palm trees. The huge sail-shaped W Hotel stands proudly at the end of the beach and sparkles like magic when the sun is shining on it. Don’t miss a cocktail at its slick rooftop sun-terrace.

Alternative Barcelona

Once you’ve covered all of Barcelona’s big hitters, from beaches and bars to the Gaudi buildings, why not uncover some of the city’s hidden gems and adventurous activities? A great starting point is a visit to the Ciutadella Park, with its grand fountains, tropical palm trees and fanciful follies. A great way to explore this 19th-century jewel is by hopping on a snappy Segway scooter, where you can scoot around the park’s scenic sites in speed and style. A Go Barcelona pass gives you free access to a one-hour Segway tour, where a guide will show you everything you need to see, including the Barcelona Zoo and the striking red-colored Arc de Triomf, which was designed for the Barcelona World Fair in 1888.

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Aire de Barcelona

After whizzing around the park, you might need a lie-down, or perhaps even a relaxing massage, so head straight across the road from the park into the tranquil refuge of Aire de Barcelona and forget that you’re in one of Europe’s most action-packed cities. These ancient thermal baths will transport you to a world of total relaxation as you dip yourself in the spa’s warming pools. The atmosphere is truly dreamy and will remind you of being in a traditional Turkish bath – think flickering candles, aromatic scents and endless helpings of mint tea. Book a botanical oil massage and you’ll be good to go for another round of city sightseeing.

Montjuïc Castle

Top off your Barcelona top ten with some wonderful panoramic views of the city from the hilltop military fortress of Montjuïc Castle. This imposing building offers the perfect vantage point to enjoy spectacular views out to the sea and across the city’s rooftops as you stand on the castle’s rustic ramparts. Don’t miss the manicured gardens around the fortress, which only add to its charm.

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Explore the best things to do in Barcelona with the Go Barcelona pass. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to must-see museums, exciting river cruises, fun tours and much more.

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Lee Dales
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in The Gothic Quarter Barcelona

Vacationing in Barcelona this year? Why not sample the cultural delights of the city's Gothic Quarter? There are so many things to do in Barcelona's older areas, so get reading and get picking! Here's our guide to the best things to do in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Including: Check out the Cathedral Take a walking tour of the area A taste of the Jewish Quarter Eating out Watering holes and more! Cathedral de Barcelona Let's kick off this historical and cultural extravaganza with one of Barcelona's most grandiose landmarks. Barcelona Cathedral, or 'Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia' to its friends, is a gothic cathedral that towers over the Gothic Quarter like some kind of cathedral. Dedicated to one of the two patron saints of Barcelona, Eulalia of Barcelona, who it's said became a martyr during the Roman occupation of the city. Both outside and in, it's hard to deny its beauty. After you've admired all that Middle Ages architecture, you can head to the top of the cloister for some of the best views in the city. Just make sure you're on your best behavior when you visit. As one of Catalonia's most sacred places, any hijinks will be heavily frowned upon. Oh, and dress appropriately. God doesn't like skin on show, it seems. Gothic Quarter Walking Tour If you want to get your bearings, explore the Gothic Quarter, and learn all about its history, why not take a guided tour? With over 2000 years of history dripping from each corner of the neighborhood, you'll need a well-versed guide to make the most of it! Learn about the Plaza del Rey and its Palace of Viceroy, as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar. Walk up the bustling Ramblas and sample the Catalan delicacies within the famous Boqueria Market. We recommend tucking into some cured Iberian ham, paired with a refreshing glass of cava. But really, all of the market's offerings are available to you, so pick what you please. Not only will this tour give you the lay of the land, but you'll pass plenty of hidden bars and local restaurants you can go back to once the tour's concluded. Easily one of the best things to do in The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, especially for newbies! Old Jewish Quarter Experience The Jewish have a rich history in Barcelona, dating back hundreds of years. In fact, there's a neighborhood of the city named after them. Why not take your exploration of the past into the future with a 3D Virtual Reality Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter? Head to the "Call Barcelona Shop" and take a trip back to the Golden Age. Exchange your voucher at the meeting point to visit the Major Synagogue, the oldest one in Spain, and learn about its history. Then, use the self-guided map to explore the Jewish Quarter's most remarkable sites. Plaça Sant Felip Neri As with many locales, some of the best cultural landmarks can be found off the beaten path. So take the road less traveled by tourists, and visit Plaça Sant Felip Neri. It's a residential square that may seem pretty eventless but, in fact, is quite the opposite. During the Second World War, a bomb detonated in the Plaça Sant Felip Neri, killing 42 people, most of whom were children. In fact, you can still see the shrapnel damage present at the bottom of the nearby church's walls. Nowadays, this cozy area has a fountain, school, and a hotel with an upmarket restaurant inside. How things have changed. Plaça de la Generalitat While you're in the area, why not check out the beating heart of Barcelona's political scene? At the Plaça de la Generalitat, you'll find Barcelona's City Hall, as well as the Catalan government palace. On Sundays, you can even venture into City Hall and explore it for yourself. And, if you're lucky, you may catch a group dance performance or other types of street performers in the big square in front of the building. Grab a bite to eat If all that exploring has given you hunger prangs, then you're in luck. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter has some fantastic restaurants to discover. At L'Antic Bocoi del Gòtic, you can chow down on delicious authentic Catalan dishes made with locally-sourced produce from the nearby markets. Sitting down to eat within its stone walls is quite the delight. Or, if you're in the market for Tapas, head to Gourmet Sensi. With a wide variety of tapas dishes featuring meat, fish, or vegan options, as well as the welcoming, English-speaking staff, it's a great place to sit for a bite to eat if you don't want to embarrass yourself with your broken Spanglish. Alternatively, if you'd rather go meat-free, check out La Cereria. Tucked away off the beaten path, you'll find a world of vegetarian and vegan delights waiting to be sampled, all surrounded by the quirky decor and a brilliant drinks menu. And get a drink while you're at it! And if you want a nightcap to put a bow on the evening, or simply want to explore the Gothic Quarter's brilliant bar scene, check out our recommendations below! If you're in the mood for a snug, romantic cocktail bar, check out Sub Rosa. This cozy joint has fashionable red lighting, a Mediterranean take on speakeasy decor, and a host of well-made cocktails to choose from. If you want something a little bigger, louder, and less refined, go visit Bar Manchester. This British-themed bar has a whole host of cheap beers on draft, happy hour deals, and a playlist of 80s and 90s British indie rock on rotation. And finally, if you like a little entertainment with your drinks, head to Craft Barcelona. Along with bar snacks and a burgeoning beer menu, you can also sit down and enjoy live music from local artists, as well as the occasional comedy show if you fancy a tickle. And that's our guide to the best things to do in The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona!
Dom Bewley
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Things to do in Barcelona in Summer

The flowers have long since bloomed, the days have gotten longer, and that lovely yellow ball in the sky shows its face a lot more often. Yes, that's right, the season of summer is upon us - time to ditch the between clothes and go full shorts and skirts. And, as you humans often do in summer, you'll likely be planning your vacation. Well, where better to plan your sunny stay than stunning Barcelona? It's brimming with fascinating culture, great food, and a wealth of summertime fun to experience. So, what events await you in Barcelona this summer? This is our list of the best things to do in Barcelona in summer. Featuring: Walking Tours Beaches Parks Music Festivals Summer Events   Take a Walking Tour Given the amount of culture you'll find in the city, why not pair it with the warm weather by taking a walking tour? It's the best way to fill the brain with knowledge while filling the body with that sweet vitamin d. Walking tours are some of the best events you can find in the summer, and there's plenty to choose from! Given Gaudi's prominence in Barcelona, entire walking tours are dedicated to his work. You could also take a tour of the Ancient Market district and sample some delicious morsels while you're at it. Alternatively, find out about Barcelona's rich history on a tour of Old Town and the Gothic Quarter. Did you know you can trace the city's history all the way back to the Romans? If you didn't, it's time to take this tour! Or, if you're looking for something a little more spooky, explore Barcelona's grittier past with a walking tour of Raval. It's not for the faint of heart, mind you, with haunted orphanages, vampire houses, and an abandoned hospital all part of the trip. And finally, if you're looking to escape the sun after a scorching day, check out the Picasso Museum Tour, which explores one of the world's most famous artists, his history, and the inspiration for his thought-provoking pieces.   Hit the Beach For many of us, summers mean one thing - a trip to the beach! Nothing quite beats the perfect mix of sand, sea, and sky. Thankfully, Barcelona has the beach lovers covered, offering a wide selection of options depending on your preference. There's Barceloneta, the city's most famous beach, for those who like to add a little fiesta to your seaside siesta. Or, if you're looking for a more relaxing lounge on the sand, try Mar Bella, which also offers a host of watersports for you to try out. Want a good mix of both? Sant Sebastia is just for you; its footfall pales in comparison to Barceloneta, but you'll find a host of bars and restaurants to explore. There are even kid-friendly beaches like Nova Icaria that provide ping pong, volleyball, and beach tennis to keep those little ones busy. Plus, the zoo is just a stone's throw away. There are even more to choose from, so find one that suits you and get beaching!   Explore a Park Of course, in the likely event that summer is here, one of the best ways to make the most of it in Barcelona is to go for a nice walk. And where better to stretch those legs than at a park? They're the best place to escape the busy city life, and Barcelona has tons on offer. For the culturally-minded, there's Park Guell, which Gaudi himself designed. If you've never seen his designs in person, why not do so under the sun? For the more adventurous of you, there's Horta Labyrinth Park with its colossal maze. Or, if you want to cool off a bit, head to Ciutadella Park and see the magnificent fountains and water features. Built on a 19th Century military outpost, there's plenty of old architecture to find and places to grab a bite if you need to refuel. Or, for a more fancy stroll, head over to Pedralbes Gardens, situated in the palace of the same name. Since the Spanish royal family moved out in the 1930s, the imperial gardens have been open to the public. Mesmerizing. Barcelona has many green spaces that demand exploring, so see which takes your fancy, grab a hamper with some snacks and refreshments, and head out!   Check out a Music Festival Some of the best events you can attend in summer are music festivals and, thankfully, Barcelona has plenty of those too! The city's most famous one is arguably Primavera Sound, which caters to many different music listeners. Featuring an eclectic mix of rock, pop, rap, blues, and more in between, it's a great one to check out if variety is your spice of choice. Check out Primavera Sound from 2-12 June. Or, if you prefer your beats sequenced and your melodies electronic, there's Sonar Festival. Known across Europe as one of the best electronic festivals around, Sonar is a must-visit for the shape-throwers among you. From 16-18 June, you'll have the chance to see some of the world's biggest DJs spin the best tunes, attend workshops and explore visual art shows. It's not just about the music; it's about creativity too. And, finally, head over to the imperial gardens in Jardins Pedralbes for an open-air music festival that mixes up-and-coming artists with radio mainstays. Not only will you appreciate the tunes, but you'll also appreciate the surrounding gardens!   Attend a Summer Event Let's round this list with some of Barcelona's best summer events! Every June, the city's Pride festival brings good vibes and the party spirit. Expect live performances, exhibitions, and, of course, the parade. Corpus Christi is a 600-year-old festival that brings religious spectacle to Barcelona every year. Attendees will see processions of giant religious figures and mythical Catalan animals. Or, spend your Summer Solstice in the city with Nit de Sant Joan! Fireworks, picnics, music, and partying through the night. What more could you want? And that's our list of the best events to see in Barcelona this summer! Whatever you do, make sure you pack a big bottle of sunscreen and some water to stay hydrated!
Dom Bewley
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Walking Tours in Barcelona

Walking. One of life's many pleasures. Good for the mind, body, and soul, the simple act of walking is one often overshadowed by evil technologies like cars, buses, and bikes. Avoid these at all costs and trust your legs. They've gotten you this far. Want to take your walking to the next level? Combine it with the power of education and learning. Yes, we're talking walking tours today. Spice up those strolls with a bit of culture. Plus, some handy soundbites you can use to fool people into thinking you're more clever than you really are. These are the best walking tours in Barcelona, curated by us for you, so you can focus on strengthening those leg muscles. Always be prepared. Featuring: Sagrada Familia Tour Park Guell Guided Tour Picasso Museum Guided Tour Barcelona Architecture Tour Barcelona Ancient Markets Tour Old Town and Gothic Quarter Tour Raval Walking Tour   Sagrada Familia Tour Take a walk through time itself with a Sagrada Familia tour. Explore the history of Gaudi, Spain's most famous architect, as you explore his most famous work, the Sagrada Familia. This century-old wonder combines elements of Gothic and Art-Nouveau, mixed up on a palate with Gaudi's distinguished strangeness. Of course, a wizened guide will join you on your adventure, giving you key insight into the artist's style and history. Witness the religious symbolism present in his works. Have your mind blown by the geometry of the building's ceilings and stained-glass windows. Easily one of the best walking tours in Barcelona. You will love it.   Park Güell Guided Tour Take your tour to a more natural place with a guided tour of the wonderful Park Guell. Our man Gaudi has done it again, designing Park Guell to his ideal specifications. Not only do you get a healthy dose of the green and pleasant, you also get some of the man's signature strangeness. Learn about Gaudi's inspiration behind oddities like El Drac, a multicolored mosaic lizard. Stand in awe of the Porter's Lodge and its stunning style. Rumour has it that if you whistle Gaudi's favorite tune, your learned guide will reveal the universe's secrets to you. That is not true. Please do not do that. A tip will suffice.   Picasso Museum Guided Tour Or, if you've had enough Gaudi to fill a lifetime, why not try another of Spain's revolutionary artists? Picasso, specifically. Take a Picasso Museum Guided Tour, and learn all about one of the 20th Century's most important artistic voices. Look upon his works, but do not despair. Instead, marvel at them, as your guide showers you with facts and information about his pieces. And once the tour is over and you've devoured as much information as possible from your informative guide, you're free to roam the museum at will. Our top tip, retrace your steps and impress passers-by with your newfound knowledge. Unless they're on a guided tour, in which case, hold your tongue. You cannot compare to their majesty.   Barcelona Architecture Tour You thought we were finished with Gaudi? Think again. Take a tour of the architect's work throughout Barcelona with one of the best walking tours you'll ever discover. You'll see all the hits; Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and even the Sagrada Familia itself. Your tour will end at Casa Amatller, the home of Catalan chocolate. Try some for yourself, if you dare. By then, you'll have explored works from other Spanish architects like Montagner and Puig i Cadafalch. Just don't try and say the latter's name five times fast. These tours are for walking, not tongue-twisters.   Barcelona Ancient Markets Tour Explore Barcelona's ancient markets and pretend you're trading with Romans on this walking tour. Learn about Barcelona's millennia of history in market trading. Explore three, yes, three ancient markets; Boqueria, Mercat de Santa Caterina, and Mercat de El Born. You'll also pass Barcelona Cathedral, which isn't a market, but that just means you're getting more bang for your buck. And be sure to visit the caganer shop and inquire about one of Barcelona's strangest traditions. It may just make you question life itself. Or not, you'll have to find out for yourself.   Old Town and Gothic Quarter Tour Travel back to the past with this guided tour through Old Town and the Gothic Quarter. Suitably named for their old-ness, you'll pass Roman ruins, medieval marvels, and much more! Learn about Barcelona's long history, and its many changes of the guard. This tour also passes by Boqueria market, so feel free to taste some local delicacies. Some cured ham and a drop of cava will hit the spot. Best take this walking tour if you want to learn more about Barcelona's history and the people who walked its streets in times past.   Raval Walking Tour Walkers beware; you need a strong stomach for the next stop on our list. Take a trip into the depths of Barcelona's sordid past with this bloodcurdling walking tour. Raval is one of the city's districts, and one with a rather macabre history. Your ghoulish guide will beguile you with gruesome tales of ghostly orphanages, haunted hospitals, and the definitely real Vampire of Raval. Please note that your guide isn't a real ghoul, unlike the Vampire of Raval, who is very real. You'll see their house and everything. It doesn't get more real than that. At the end of it all, you'll walk through Raval's south side, which has lots of graffiti. Now, that might not sound spooky, but there's nothing spookier than degenerates who dare to ruin bland walls with colors. The perfect addition to your social medias, if that's what you kids are still doing. And there ends our journey into the best walking tours in Barcelona. No matter your desire, there's sure to be one that fits you like a Spanish glove. Looking for more hijinks to get up to when visiting the Catalan capital? Walking lovers might want to check out our list of the city's best parks. Are you taking a loved one with you? Here's our guide for couples. Keep that step count up, and we'll see you next time.
Dom Bewley

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