Rainbow over the Barcelona rooftops

Things to do in Barcelona for Pride Day

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak

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

Colorful march in Barcelona

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

A pair of hairy ankles in high heels

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 Palau Nacional in Barcelona
  • 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

Club DJ on the decks

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

A rainbow flag flying in the town of Sitges, near Barcelona

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). 

Park Guell in Barcelona

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.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Avinguda Diagonal from above splitting Barcelona in two
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2 Days in Barcelona

While exploring a city as large and culturally rich as Barcelona in a short span of time may seem an intimidating task, it’s actually perfectly doable once you put together a solid plan of everything you’re genuinely interested in seeing. Whether you’re passing through for a couple days or looking to take a weekend city break, two days in Barcelona should be plenty of time to see a good portion of what the city has to offer. Covering everything from the city’s stunning architecture to its complex history, we’ve put together our own suggested itinerary to take you on a whirlwind tour of the beloved Catalan capital. The itinerary below includes a mix of sightseeing, museums and shopping destinations. Feel free to take suggestions as inspiration and mix-and-match them with the attractions and activities that most interest you. Use the suggested visit timings to help decide how best to lay out your trip. Day 1 - Sightseeing What better way to acquaint yourself with Barcelona than by packing your first day full of the city’s best sights? As a city famous for its mix of gothic and modernist architecture along with the unique labyrinthine design of its streets, it’s only fitting that you get a taste of these right away. Park Güell – One of renowned modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works, this park is most well-known for its central Monumental Zone. From the mosaic salamander at its entrance to the sea serpent bench encircling the main terrace, this eccentric space is a perfect place to start your day. Recommended visit: 1h – 2h Sagrada Familia – The Belle of Barcelona’s ball, this yet unfinished basilica is truly a sight to behold. Take some time to explore the rich architectural mastery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your own, or book onto a guided tour for a full insight into the site’s artistic, cultural and historic significance. Recommended visit: 1h – 1h30 Avinguda Diagonal – One of Barcelona’s most popular and important streets, Avinguda Diagonal runs diagonally through the city, cutting it in two. A vast array of stores and restaurants are dotted throughout the length of the avenue. Recommended visit: 45m Casa Milà – Also known as La Pedrera (‘the stone quarry’), this modernist building was the final residence designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. As per its nickname, it’s most famous for its rough-hewn exterior façade, somewhat resembling an open stone quarry. Recommended visit: 15m – 1h30 Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó i Morera – This trio of modernist buildings are widely considered the most important on Barcelona’s famous Illa de la Discòrdia, or ‘Block of Discord’. Showcasing the masterpieces of Barcelona’s prominent modernist architects Antoni Gaudi, Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, these buildings are eccentric in design both inside and out. Recommended visit: 15m – 2h Plaça de Catalunya – Considered to be Barcelona’s city centre and the meeting point of both the old and modern city, this square is a favorite for social gatherings thanks to its wealth of shopping outlets and restaurants. Recommended visit: 15m – 2h La Rambla – Perhaps the city’s most famous street, La Rambla spans from Plaça de Catalunya all the way to the Columbus Monument on the seafront. You’ll find a vast array of streetside cafés and souvenir stands across the length of the street. Recommended visit: 30m – 2h Mercat de la Boqueria – Often considered one of the best markets in the world, this historical market houses all sorts of fresh, local produce along with stands to get yourself a hearty lunch while on the go. Recommended visit: 45m Plaça Reial – Particularly popular in the evening, this square is home to a whole host of bars, restaurants and some of Barcelona’s most famous nightclubs. Why not finish your day here with a fresh dish of Catalan cuisine and a glass or two of the local region’s renowned wines? Recommended visit: As long as you want Day 2 – Culture Your second day in Barcelona – should you choose to follow our itinerary – will take you on a cultural tour of the city and the local region. If art, music and history are up your alley, then the following are sure to give you a real kick. Palau de la Musica Catalana – A true marvel of modernist architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been host to a magnificent array of musical performances since 1908. Bask in its colorful exterior from outside, book onto a guided tour of the venue, or even attend one of its legendary musical performances for yourself. Recommended visit: 1h – 3h Gothic Quarter – Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter sits immediately north of La Rambla and houses some of the city’s best sights. It’s worth spending a decent period of time here to explore everything the historic streets have to offer. Recommended visit: 2h Barcelona Cathedral – Known officially as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, this immense structure is a case study in Gothic Revival architecture. It’s expertly-crafted neo-Gothic façade makes way to a somewhat more unassuming yet nevertheless still imposing interior common to traditional Catalan churches. Recommended visit: 30m – 1h30 Museu d'Història de Barcelona – If you’re a history buff visiting Barcelona, this should be your trip’s Mecca. As the name might suggest, the MUHBA will take you on a tour of key points throughout the city’s history, from as recent as the Spanish Civil War to as far back as prehistory. Recommended visit: 3h – 5h Museu Picasso – Housing over 4,000 of Pablo Picasso’s works, this museum possesses one of the world’s most complete collections of the famous Spanish artist’s paintings. Recommended visit: 2h Carrer de Salomó ben Adret – At the heart of the Gothic quarter, this street is replete with charming bars, restaurants and cafés. A perfect rest stop to draw a close to your whirlwind trip. Recommended visit: As long as you want Getting Around Our recommended attractions are listed in such an order to allow you to easily walk from one to the other, though most are also within short walking distance of transport hubs should you prefer to take public transport. Alternatively, a Bus Turístic will also allow you to hop on and off along a similar route while offering an audio commentary of the sights along the way.
Robert Heaney
A modern tram driving through the streets of Barcelona
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Getting Around Barcelona

The city of Barcelona as a whole is humungous. With a footprint of almost 40 square miles, the heart of Catalonia serves as the fifth most populous city in Europe, close behind Paris, Madrid and Milan. Add to that the fact that the city sees roughly 20 times its population visit each year With millions of annual tourists all trying to see everything that Barcelona has to offer in an often fairly short time span, an efficient and reliable transport system is vital. Fortunately, the city has a plethora of fantastic transport solutions to make getting around Barcelona a breeze. Metro & FGC For the most part, getting around Barcelona is as simple as hopping on one of the city’s eight metro and four railway lines. Easily identified and often referred to by their respective colors, each line typically connects the city center with a separate suburb. While these lines may be operated by two different services, namely TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) and FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) they effectively offer one collective transport system. You’ll find metro stops dotted all over the city for your convenience, connecting you to just about anywhere you want to go. Whether it be as central as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell or as far out as the airport, there’s just about always a station on hand to get you from A to B in a flash. Operating Times* Monday – Thursday: 5AM – Midnight Friday: 5AM – 2AM Saturday: Continuous Service Sunday and Public Holidays: 5AM – Midnight Trams The Barcelona tram system is the overground counterpart to the metro’s underground service. While the metro serves to transport you around the city center and central suburbs, the tram offers two major lines to take you to the city’s major shopping areas and residential zones. Operating Times* Monday – Thursday: 5AM – Midnight Friday – Saturday: 5AM – 2AM Sunday and Public Holidays: 5AM – Midnight Buses Should the metro, railway and tram systems not be quite sufficient for your trip, the city’s fleet of over 1000 buses should be able to pick up the slack. One of the most environmentally friendly in Europe, the Barcelona bus system offers a plethora of routes to help you get around. Operating times will differ according to the route, but the vast majority of services will suit the schedule of most tourists. You can expect most routes to begin operating somewhere between 5AM and 8AM and end between 10PM and 11PM. Alternatively, you could also take a Bus Turístic for a more scenic journey around the city. This hop-on, hop-off service offers three different routes to show you the best sights that Barcelona has to offer alongside audio commentary of their history in 16 different languages. Montjuïc Funicular & Cable Car Montjuïc Mountain is home to many of Barcelona’s best attractions, and it’s likely you’ll want to fit it into your itinerary. The Montjuïc Funicular is integrated into the Paral.lel metro station, accessible from the L2 (Purple) and L3 (Green) lines. From there, the funicular will take you straight up to the foot of the hill. At that point, you’ll immediately find yourself at the Montjuïc Cable Car which, alongside offering you spectacular panoramic views of the city, will then take you to the top of the mountain by the Castell de Montjuïc. Alternatively, you can also take a walk through Parc de Montjuïc yourself and make your own way up the mountain. Operating Times* January – February: 11AM – 6PM March – May: 11AM – 6:30PM June - September: 11AM – 7PM October: 11AM – 6:30PM November – December: 11AM – 6:30PM Tickets and Passes Public transport throughout Barcelona all works on one integrated ticketing system. Tickets can be bought either online or from any station, which you should then validate as you take your chosen method of transport. You then have 1 hour and 15 minutes from the point of validation to make any further connections. Aside from single-journey tickets, there are multiple different passes you can purchase depending on your travel style, how long you’re staying for and how often to plan to use public transport. Some of the most common passes include: T-Casual Card: 10 individual journeys T-Usual Card: Unlimited journeys for 30 days T-Familiar Card: 8 individual journeys for 30 days (multi-user) T-Grup Card: 70 journeys for 30 days (multi-user) T-Jove Card: Unlimited journeys for under-25s for 90 days T-16 Card: Unlimited free travel for under-16s Taxis If you’re looking for a more direct transfer, Barcelona has a vast fleet of taxis ready to get you where you need to be. Easily noticeable by their yellow and black design, taxis in Barcelona operate much like in any other destination. Taxis with their green rooftop lights illuminated can be flagged down at the side of the road, or you can simply call up your preferred firm to make a specific booking. Note that journeys to or from the airport, transport hubs or cruise terminals will incur supplementary charges, as will late-night callouts. E-Vehicles & Rentals As with many major cities in Europe, vehicles such as electric scooters and e-bikes are becoming more and more popular as a means for getting around Barcelona. You can often find branded vehicles at various charging points or parking spots around the city, which you can typically rent via its proprietary app. Many vehicle rental stores also offer electric vehicles alongside their usual range of rentals that you can choose to borrow for a period of time. Terms and rates will vary depending on the provider, but many typically offer hourly, daily and weekly rates. Be sure to read up on local laws and restrictions pertaining to the use of electric scooters and e-bikes before you choose to rent one of these vehicles for yourself. The rules for their use may change over time and may differ significantly from other destinations. * Subject to change. Exact operating times may differ on specific days. We recommend you always check the official times with the service providers.
Robert Heaney
Guell
Blog

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

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. 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. 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. 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. Save on admission to top Barcelona attractions 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. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most from your travels.
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