No matter how many times you come back, Barcelona will always surprise you. The monuments in Barcelona are a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and history. Here are some of the best monuments in Barcelona for you to explore.
The buildings and monuments in Barcelona instantly provide an insight into the long and rich history of this Spanish city. Despite their beautifully blended past and present, some buildings stand out more than others within the historic centre of Barcelona.
La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous monuments in Barcelona. The church is still unfinished, but it is already an iconic building. It was designed by Antoni Gaudi, and its construction began in 1882.
Handy tip: The church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona, so be sure to visit early to avoid the crowds.
Location: C/ de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Casa Batlló, designed by Antoni Gaudí, and is a masterpiece of Catalan Modernism. The facade of the building is decorated with colourful mosaics and balconies.
Interesting fact: There is a legend that says that Gaudí was inspired by a dragon’s back when he designed the roof.
Location: Pg. de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Designed by Antoni Gaudi, Palau Guell is one of the most iconic monuments in Barcelona. The building was originally commissioned by Catalan entrepreneur Eusebi Guell as a private residence. However, it was later opened to the public as a museum.
Handy tip: Admission in Palau Guell is free of cost every first Sunday of the month.
Location: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5, 08001 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Park Güell was designed by Antoni Gaudí and built between 1900 and 1914. The park is home to many of Gaudí's signature features, including his trademark mosaic tiles. Parc Güell is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the beauty of Gaudí's work.
Handy tip: Don't forget to take a picture in front of the famous mosaic dragon.
Location: 08024 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
The Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by Antoni Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1912. The Casa Milà is one of the most emblematic buildings of Catalan modernism.
Handy tip: Be sure to take the elevator up to the roof. From there, you'll get an incredible view of Barcelona.
Location: Pg. de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
The Arc de Triomf in Barcelona is a monument that was built for the Universal Exposition of 1888. It is located in the Ciutadella park and it is made of red brick and stone. The design of the monument is neo-Mudéjar and it has an arch that is decorated with reliefs.
Handy tip: The best way to get there is by taking the metro to the Ciutadella stop. From there, it is a short walk to the monument.
Location: Passeig de Lluís Companys, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Ciutadella Park is one of Barcelona's most popular monuments. The park was built in the late 19th century and is home to many sculptures and fountains. Visitors can also find a zoo, a boating lake, and extensive gardens.
Handy tip: Don't forget to visit the Barcelona Zoo – it's one of the best in Europe!
Location: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
The Cathedral of Barcelona is a Gothic cathedral that was built in the 14th century. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain and it has many beautiful features, such as stained glass windows and intricate sculptures.
Handy tip: Be sure to dress appropriately as the cathedral is a religious site.
Location: Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Casa Amatller is considered one of the most important works of Catalan Modernism. The house is notable for its ornate facade, which is adorned with Catalan ceramics and stone sculptures.
Handy tip: The building is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Location: Pg. de Gràcia, 41, 08007 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Hospital de Sant Pau i was built in the 14th century and is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. It is famous for its unique architecture, which is a combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Interesting fact: All buildings in the complex are connected via underground tunnels.
Location: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
The Palau de la Música Catalana is considered one of the most unique buildings in the city. The Palau was built in 1908 by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It is decorated with stained glass, mosaics, and marble.
Handy tip: It is the only concert hall to be listed as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Location: C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Casa de les Punxes is a monument in Barcelona that was designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. It is a unique building that features three pointed roofs that resemble the spikes of a castle. The building was inspired by the fairytale of Sister Anne.
Handy tip: Take the L3 line to Passeig de Gracia. Once you exit the metro station, you will see the Casa de les Punxes on your left.
Location: Avinguda Diagonal, 420, 08037 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Casa Vicens was designed by Antoni Gaudí and built between 1883 and 1885. The house was commissioned by Manuel Vicens i Montaner, a wealthy Catalan merchant, as a summer home for his family.
Interesting fact: The building was Antoni Gaudí’s first big project.
Location: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, 08012 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
The Palau del Baró de Quadras was erected in honour of Francisco de Paula Quadras y Fernández de Valenzuela, who served as the Mayor of Barcelona from 1844 to 1847.
Handy tip: Take the elevator to the top floor. From there, you can walk around the outside of the building and get a great view of Barcelona.
Location: Avinguda Diagonal, 373, 08008 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar was built in the 14th century and is a good example of Catalan Gothic architecture. The basilica has three naves and a transept, and is noted for its beautiful stained glass windows.
Handy tip: If you go during the summer, try to go early in the morning when it's not so crowded.
Location: Plaça de Santa Maria, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Casa Lleó Morera is one of the most iconic monuments in Barcelona. It is a Modernist building designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The building is notable for its use of exposed brick and wrought iron, as well as its curved lines.
Handy tip: The building is closed for the public but you must visit and see the gorgeous architecture from the outside.
Location: Pg. de Gràcia, 35, 08007 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Bishop's Bridge was built in the 14th century and is a perfect example of Gothic architecture. The bridge spans the River Llobregat and is decorated with intricate stone carvings.
Handy tip: To get there, simply take the metro to the stop called Plaça de Catalunya and walk towards the river. You'll see the bridge on your left-hand side.
Location: C. del Bisbe, 08002 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Built in the early 20th century, Bellesguard is a great example of Catalan modernism. The base is made of stone and has four pillars that support the middle section. The middle section is made of iron and glass, and it houses a museum. The top section is made of bronze and has a statue of King Ferdinand on it.
Handy tip: Take the Avinguda Gaudi bus which takes you right to the monument and gives you a great view of it.
Location: Carrer de Bellesguard, 20, 08022 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
This beautiful church was built in the early 20th century and stands as a symbol of faith for many residents. The temple is located on the foothills of Mount Tibidabo, making it visible from many different vantage points. It is a popular spot for tourists to visit and take pictures.
Handy tip: The best way to get there is by taking the metro to the Plaça de Espanya stop. From there, you can walk up the hill to the church.
Location: Ctra. de Vallvidrera al Tibidabo, 111, 08035 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
Casa Calvet is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Barcelona, Spain. It is one of Antoni Gaudí's earlier works and is considered an important example of Catalan modernism. The building is designed in a traditional Catalan style with a façade of wavy lines, colourful mosaics, and ironwork.
Handy tip: Make sure to go early in the day, as it can get quite crowded later on. Also, be sure to take a good map with you so you don't get lost!
Location: Carrer Sant Marc, 57, 08253 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
The Library of Catalonia is one of the most important symbols of Catalonia's culture and heritage. The library was founded in the late 19th century and has since become one of the largest libraries in Europe.
Handy tip: The library is closed on Sundays. Plan your visit accordingly.
Location: Carrer de l'Hospital, 56, 08001 Barcelona, Spain. Find on map
La Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Park Güell and Palau de la Música Catalana are the best monuments in Barcelona.
Arc de Triomf, Casa Vicens, Casa Amatller and Santa Maria del Mar are the most famous monuments in Barcelona.
La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and Palau Güell are the best historical monuments in Barcelona.
La Sagrada Família, Palau de la Música Catalana, Catedral de Barcelona and Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar are the most popular monuments in Barcelona.
You can buy tickets to visit the best monuments in Barcelona online with tour guides.
La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and the Cathedral of Barcelona are the most visited monuments in Barcelona.
The best time to visit the top monuments in Barcelona is in the morning so that you can avoid crowds and huge queues.
La Sagrada Familia is the most iconic monument in Barcelona.
There are more than 50 monuments in Barcelona.
Cathedral of Barcelona, La Sagrada Família, Palau Güell and Palau de la Música Catalana are the oldest monuments in Barcelona.
The Library of Catalonia and the Cathedral of Barcelona are free to visit monuments in Barcelona.
La Sagrada Familia is the biggest monument in Barcelona.
Hop‑on Hop‑off bus tours is one of the best ways to get around Barcelona’s top landmarks and neighbourhoods.
Barcelona City Card helps you skip ticket lines to museums and attractions, handy all year round.
