What are the Best Things to do in Barcelona?
Barcelona, the tempting, balmy Mediterranean city located in Spain is a beloved tourist destination. With year-round sunny days, irresistible local cuisine and timeless art, Barcelona is one of the most vibrant places to experience on vacation. The list of the things to do in Barcelona is endless! Landmark architecture, iconic museums, galleries, beaches, shopping and a thriving nightlife make Barcelona a hub of all things fun, exciting and adventurous. Barcelona's diverse travel experiences makes it a favorite among travelers from around the world. Here is a definitive guide to all the things to do in Barcelona for every kind of tourist. Read on to find the best kind of experiences for you in this endlessly charming city!
Top 12 Things to do in Barcelona
The island city of Barcelona is packed with activities and experiences that ensure an unforgettable vacation. Admire landmark buildings, visit museums and simply take in the elegant aesthetic of the city.
1. Sagrada Familia
Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia is an architectural marvel that attracts more than 4.5 million visitors a year and is the most visited monument in Spain. A must-see sight in Barcelona!
Sagrada Familia Tickets
2. Park Guell
Spread over 18 acres of hilly land, Park Guell is a testament to the famed architect Antoni Gaudi's creative and visual prowess in Barcelona. It receives an annual footfall of around 12 million tourists!
Park Guell Tickets
3. Casa Mila
Apart from being known as a Historical and Artistic Monument of National Interest, Casa Mila has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also known as ‘La Pedrera’, that translates to ‘Stone Quarry’.
Casa Mila Tickets
4. Casa Batlló
Also known as Casa dels Ossos, “House of Bones”, Casa Batlló ranks high up in the list of the strangest residential buildings in Europe. It is said to be designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí at his hallucinatory best.
Casa Batlló Tickets
5. Casa Vicens
The flamboyant Casa Vicens, desgined by Antoni Gaudi, was meant to be a summer home for a stock market dealer. With its bright green and white tiles and its ornate cast-iron gate, it is a sight to behold!
Casa Vicens Tickets
6. Colònia Güell
Colònia Güell is an industrial village 23-km from Barcelona that was commissioned by Count Eusebi de Güell for his textile mill. It was an escape from the chaos, soot, and bustle of the main town and is wonderful to explore.
Colònia Güell Tickets
7. Camp Nou
Home to FC Barcelona since its completion in 1957, Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Spain and the third-largest football stadium in the world with the capacity to accommodate 99,354 people at a time!
Camp Nou Tickets
8. Poble Espanyol
An open-air museum that resembles an actual village with replicas of 117 buildings from different Spanish region, Poble Espanyol houses artworks of prominent artists like Picasso, Dali, and Miro.
Poble Espanyol Tickets
9. Barcelona Cathderal
This Gothic cathedral is a 15th century masterpiece with a rich history and stunning architecture throughout its premises. The roof offers breathtaking views of the city and is a destination you must visit.
Barcelona Cathedral Tickets
10. Palau De La Musica Catalana
This is the only concert hall in the world to be declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this 100 year old building with its lavish décor and interiors for an unforgettable experience.
Palau De La Musica Catalana Tickets
11. Barcelona Zoo
Home to four thousand animals and over four hundred species of mammals, reptiles, and birds spread over 11 distinct sections, the Barcelona Zoo is both educative as well as beguiling. A must visit with kids!
Barcelona Zoo Tickets
12. Barcelona Aquarium
With thirty-five aquariums and enclosures housing over 11,000 animals across four-fifty species, be mesmerised by the impressive oceanarium that offers close-up views of the marine life.
Barcelona Aquarium TicketsExplore the Best Museums in Barcelona
From contemporary art museums to football museums, you'll find everything in Barcelona! Choose your pick from the top museums in Barcelona and enjoy learning a little more about the culture of the Catalonian capital.
Visit the Best Theme Parks in Barcelona
Unwind at the Best Beaches in Barcelona
Every beach has a distinct character - from the youthful Nova Icària to tranquil Caldetes and forever bustling Barceloneta, there's a beach in Barcelona for everyone.
Try Watersports in Barcelona
Beaches and Barcelona are synonymous! Aside from swimming in the blue waters, you can have so much fun experimenting with a range of water sports.
Fun Things to do in Barcelona
Aside from visiting museums, landmark buildings and lounging at beaches, Barcelona has a host of fun, offbeat things to do. If you're looking to take the road less travelled and experience Barcelona in a unique way, here are some really fun and exciting things to do in Barcelona!
Discover Nature in Barcelona
Food & Drink Experiences in Barcelona
Experience the delicious cuisine of Barcelona and its flavorful drinks through all these exciting experiences centered around food!
Best Things to do in Barcelona with Kids
Whether you wish to participate in a cooking class with the kids or visit a museum to teach kids a bit of history, there's a lot to do in Barcelona on your family vacation.
Best City Tours in Barcelona
Like the company of a local guide narrating interesting stories about the city as your tour Barcelona? These city tours are just what you need. We especially love guided culinary tours in Barcelona - exploring the local guides with an expert is simply terrific!
Things to do in Barcelona on a Budget
Europe is famous for its shoestring travel destinations and Barcelona tops the list. If you're looking for a bunch of things to do in Barcelona for free or less than 20 euros, here's what you can add to your itinerary.
Go on a Day Trip from Barcelona
After you've had your heart's fill of Barcelona's beaches, sunshine and Gaudi's wonders, step out of the city and visit one of the many nearby towns. We strongly recommend taking a day trip if you're staying in Barcelona for more than 3 days. You can either choose the mountain town of Monsterrat which is just a 1.5 hour train journey away or set off on a road trip to Costa Brava, a 2 hour scenic drive from Barcelona.
Things to do in Barcelona at Night
The magical city of Barcelona transforms into something truly unique and beautiful once the sun sets. Experiencing Barcelona by night is surreal and breathtaking. Here are some exciting things to do in Barcelona in the night.
Know More About Things to do in Barcelona
Barcelona is known for its architecture, museums, lively nightlife and gorgeous beaches.
Some of the top attractions in Barcelona include La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Battlo, Picasso Museum and many more.
You walk through the Gothic quarter, admire street art, visit La Rambla and lots more in Barcelona.
Yes, visiting beaches are free in Barcelona.
Visiting theme parks, museums, zoos and aquariums are all family-friendly activities in Barcelona.
If you plan your trip well and make your bookings online and in advance you can have a budget-friendly visit to Barcelona and enjoy all the major tourist attractions.
Tibidabo Amusement Park, PortAventura Park are some of the best theme parks in Barcelona.
Take a day trip to Girona, Costa Brava or Sitges that are located at a short distance from Barcelona.
Picasso Musuem, FC Barcelona Museum, Fundació Joan Miró are some of the best museums in Barcelona.
Watch a flamenco show, experience Casa Mila by night or take a paella cooking class. There is lots for you to explore in Barcelona at night.
You can choose to explore Barcelona through a walking tour, get on a hop-on hop-off bus or taking a sailing cruise in the evening!
There's lots you can do on a budget in Barcelona. You can walk through the Gothic quarter, admire street art, visit La Rambla and lots more in Barcelona.
Take your little ones to one of Barcelona's many theme parks, or on a cable ride. You can also explore museums, zoos and aquariums with your children in Barcelona.