Barcelona is undeniably appealing. With its groundbreaking architecture, world-famous museums, golden sandy beaches, and avant-garde restaurants, there’s something for every traveler. The hard part is deciding what to visit first.
Should you book tickets to Antoni Gaudí’s spectacular church, La Sagrada Família? Or marvel at Picassos in the artist’s namesake museum? Or just settle yourself in a hole-in-the-wall pintxos (tapas) bar with a glass of rioja and watch life unfold?
To help you decide, we’ve put together a few of the top things to do in Barcelona.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Eva-Katalin. Image Location: La Rambla street, Barcelona, Spain
Explore the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla
Start your explorations in the Gothic Quarter — the oldest neighborhood in the city. La Rambla is the main street that runs through its center. Get pleasantly lost in the labyrinthine streets, lined with hip restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. For vintage clothes, head to La Veintinueve Banys Nous or pop into Après Ski for unique jewelry. Finish with a glass of vino at Zim, a tiny, cozy bar close to Plaça de Sant Just.
Related: Where to stay in Barcelona
Wander around Museu Picasso
Artist Pablo Picasso spent his teenage years in Barcelona. Museu Picasso houses over 4,000 of his works, cataloging his early training right up to his minimalist masterpieces later in life. It is a must-visit for art fans. Continue your artistic education at Fundació Joan Miró, home to an equally incredible collection by the Catalan abstract artist Joan Miró.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: La Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain
Visit Gaudi’s architecture
Architect Antoni Gaudí designed Barcelona’s most famous and eccentric buildings. La Sagrada Família, Barcelona’s city’s iconic church, is well worth a visit. Make sure you book tickets in advance. Further north, you’ll find Park Güell: a garden featuring Gaudí’s brightly colored mosaic sculptures and fantastical curved buildings.
Read also: Most beautiful churches in Spain
Discover Poble Espanyol
Step back in time at Poble Espanyol, a unique small town made up of 117 different Spanish buildings, from whitewashed Andalusian houses to terracotta churches. Pop into the artisan workshops showcasing traditional crafts, including Cal Terrisaire’s ceramics and beautiful embroidery at Casa Otero.
Image Credit: Getty Images, evilord 22. Image Location: Montjuïc Castle, Barcelona, Spain
Climb up to Montjuïc Castle
Breathe in spectacular views over Barcelona from Montjuïc Castle, a 17th-century fortress perched on top of Montjuïc hill. This former military stronghold and prison is now a museum and events space, hosting outdoor cinema screenings and live music gigs. Ascend via cable car and wander through the centuries-old stone walls and pretty gardens.
Dance at Primavera Sound
Whether you’re a die-hard rocker or an electronica fan, Primavera Sound Festival has something for everyone. New independent artists form the bedrock of this festival that has been running since 2001. Today, it’s become hugely popular with nearly half a million people gathering in 2022, making it one of the most attended music festivals in the world. It’s held every year at the end of May into early June at the open air Parc del Fòrum on the outskirts of the city. Book tickets in advance.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Maremagnum. Image Location: Boqueria food market, Barcelona, Spain
Taste your way around the food markets
From paella to pintxos, Barcelona is renowned for its sensational food scene. Get a real sense of Catalan cuisine at La Boqueria, Barcelona’s famous food market, which dates back to the 12th century. Sample esqueixada de bacallà (shredded salted cod, topped with tomatoes, onions and olive oil) and sweet treats like xuixo (a deep-fried pastry filled with custard). For a less crowded option, try Santa Caterina market, which is smaller but no less rewarding.
Ready to explore Barcelona? Download the Trainline app for your one-stop-shop for train tickets and route information. You could even get out of the city on one of these unmissable day trips from Barcelona by train.
Need more inspiration? We've put together a 3-day itinerary for Barcelona, so you don't have to!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Pol Albarrán. Image Location: Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain
