Your choice of 2, 3, 4, or 5 Barcelona's top attractions and things to do
Whether you're visiting Barcelona for the first time or returning to the city you love, we've got plenty of ideas and inspiration for you! Barcelona, the capital of Catalunya, welcomes millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy its culture, beaches, architecture, food, and the warmth of its locals.
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The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona's iconic landmark and Spain's most popular tourist attraction. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, this UNESCO World Heritage Site draws around 20 million visitors each year. Despite being unfinished, it still sells around 4 million tickets annually for people that want to see inside and it’s estimated around 15 million more visit the area just to admire it from the outside!
Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in March 1882, and Gaudi's influence has made it world-famous. The interior is even more breath-taking than the exterior, with visitors often spending hours enjoying the changing colours and shapes caused by the sun moving throughout the day. Tickets include a downloadable audio guide for your smartphone, and guided tours are available. Note that standard entry tickets do not include access to the Sagrada Familia Towers so if you want tower access as well, click HERE!
Another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi, Casa Batlló is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tourist favourite. Located on Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona's most prestigious streets, this modernist building is renowned for its vibrant colours and unique design inspired by nature. Gaudi's aversion to straight lines is evident throughout. Casa Batlló is a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona.
One of the best ways to see Barcelona is on a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. The buses follow a loop route, passing by major landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta Beach, Port Vell, and the Picasso Museum. You can hop off to explore in more detail and hop back on when you're ready to move on. Most buses offer onboard WiFi, making it easy to stay connected.
‘La Rambla’, also known as ‘Las Ramblas’, is a lively street in the heart of Barcelona. It stretches for around 1.2 km from Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya, and it attracts millions of tourists annually. Points of interest include the central square of Plaça de Catalunya, La Boqueria Market with its fresh produce and tapas, the Erotica Museum, and the Columbus Monument, which you can climb and it offers stunning views of the city.
Park Güell, another Gaudi creation, is a fairy-tale-like park in Barcelona and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is divided into a free forest area and the Monumental Zone, which requires a ticket. Covering 12 hectares, it features famous attractions like the Dragon Staircase and Hypostyle Room. Originally intended as an exclusive housing estate, it was transformed by Gaudi into a public park.
Casa Milà, or ‘La Pedrera’ using its nickname, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site by Gaudi, and also located on Passeig de Gràcia. Its stone facade resembles a rock quarry, hence the nickname ‘La Pedrera’ which translates to that in Spanish. Built between 1906 and 1912, it defied local building regulations but was later recognized as a monument. Like other Gaudi properties, Casa Milà features curved lines and nature-inspired designs.
Just outside Barcelona, Montserrat Mountain is home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat and a natural park. The basilica houses the famous 'Black Madonna,' which attracts pilgrims from around the world. The Montserrat Museum features works by artists like El Greco, Caravaggio, Picasso, and Dali. It's a must-visit for art lovers.
Poble Espanyol, the famous open-air museum on Montjuïc hill, was created for the 1929 Barcelona Universal Exposition. It showcases Spain's diverse cultures and traditions, with artisans selling glassware, ceramics, jewellery, and more. The Fran Daurel Museum inside Poble Espanyol holds one of Barcelona's best contemporary art collections.
The Gothic Quarter, or ‘Barri Gòtic’ in local language, is a charming area with mediaeval streets and hidden squares. Highlights include the Cathedral La Seu, Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat, and the Plaça de Sant Jaume. It's a great place to wander, enjoy a coffee or wine, and soak up the atmosphere.
Art lovers can explore Barcelona's artistic side with the Barcelona Museum Articket Pass. This pass offers skip-the-line entry to several top museums, including the Museu Picasso, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Fundació Joan Miró, and more.
Barceloneta Beach is a popular spot in Barcelona, known for its lively atmosphere and restaurants. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the sea. From here, you can take the Transbordador Aeri del Port (Barceloneta Cable Car) for stunning views of the city.
Football fans will love the FC Barcelona Immersive Tour. Although the stadium is currently closed for redevelopment, the tour offers a deep dive into the club's history and a preview of the new stadium.
Palau Güell is located on Las Ramblas, and is another Gaudi-designed UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was commissioned by Eusebi Güell (of Park Güell) as his family residence, and this property is a testament to Gaudi's imaginative and distinctive architectural style. This was one of their first collaborations together and how their friendship started.