top of page

10 things to do in Barcelona:

Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona has a mild climate that makes it a great destination year-round. The city is also home to several interesting attractions, including the world-famous La Sagrada Familia cathedral and the stunningly preserved Gothic Quarter. Whether you're interested in art, and history, or simply enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle, you'll find what you're looking for in Barcelona. Below is the list of 10 Things to see in Barcelona.

1. La Sagrada Familia:

In 1882, a young Spanish architect by the name of Antoni Gaudi began work on a new church in Barcelona. This church, called La Sagrada Familia, was to be unlike any other. Gaudi worked on the church for over 40 years, until he died in 1926. 

La Sagrada Familia is more than just a pretty face, however. It is also full of meaning and symbolism. For instance, the church has 12 columns representing the 12 apostles, and there are 18 towers symbolizing the 12 months of the year and the 6 days of creation.

2. Park Guell:

This world-famous park is a must-see for anyone who loves architecture and nature. Designed by world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, Park Guell is a stunning example of his unique style. The park is full of twists and turns, and there is something new to see around every corner. From the famous mosaic benches to the incredible views of the city, Park Guell is an unforgettable experience.

But what makes Park Guell really special is its location. Nestled in the middle of Barcelona, the park offers stunning views of the cityscape. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or an adventure, Park Guell is the perfect spot.

3. Gothic Quarter:

As soon as you step into the Gothic Quarter, you'll be transported back in time to the medieval era. The narrow streets, ancient buildings, and Gothic architecture will leave you in awe. The quarter is home to many historic landmarks, including the Barcelona Cathedral and the Plaça Sant Jaume. You can spend hours wandering through the winding streets and still discover something new around every corner.

But perhaps the most surprising thing about the Gothic Quarter is its vibrant nightlife. As the sun sets, the quarter comes alive with bars, restaurants, and clubs. You can enjoy a drink in a cozy bar or dance the night away in a trendy nightclub.

4. La Rambla:

It stretches for 1.2 kilometers and is a bustling hub of activity for both locals and tourists alike. Musicians play their instruments on the street corners, adding to the lively atmosphere.One of the highlights of La Rambla is La Boqueria Market. This market is a food lover's paradise, with vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to cured meats. You can sample local delicacies like jamón ibérico or sip on a refreshing glass of sangria while taking in the sights and sounds of the market.

As you continue down La Rambla, you'll come across some of Barcelona's most famous landmarks. The Liceu Theatre, one of Europe's most important opera houses, is located just off the street. The Gothic Quarter, with its narrow streets and stunning architecture, is also just a short walk away.

5. Casa Batllo:

This building, located on Passeig de Gracia, was designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. It is a must-see for anyone who comes to Barcelona. First, be sure to buy your tickets in advance. You can do this online or at the ticket office onsite. Tickets are not cheap, but they are worth it. The building is truly a work of art and you will want to take your time exploring it.

Once inside, be sure to take the audio tour. It is very informative and will help you appreciate all the details of the building. As you wander through the different rooms, try to imagine what life was like for the people who lived here long ago.

Finally, don’t forget to step out onto the terrace for stunning views of Barcelona. Casa Batllo is an incredible place and you will be glad you made the effort to visit it.

6. Camp Nou:

Camp Nou is the home of FC Barcelona, one of the most successful and popular football clubs in the world. If you're a fan of the sport, then a visit to Camp Nou is a must.

The stadium itself is impressive, with a capacity of over 99,000 people. It's also one of the largest stadiums in Europe. Camp Nou is located in the heart of Barcelona, making it easy to get to.

The atmosphere inside Camp Nou is electric, and the experience of watching a match there is unforgettable. If you're lucky enough to get tickets to a match, you're in for a treat.

Even if you're not a big football fan, Camp Nou is worth a visit. It's a piece of history, and it's a great place to soak up the atmosphere of Barcelona. 

7. Montserrat Monastery

The monastery was founded in 1025 by Abbot Oliba, on land donated by the Count of Besalú, Udalard. The first monks were from the nearby Abbey of Ripoll. In 1150, they moved to Montserrat. The monastery flourished during the Middle Ages and was particularly important in the spread of Christianity in Catalonia and Valencia.

During the Reformation in the 16th century, when many monasteries were destroyed, Montserrat remained largely untouched due to its location high in the mountains. In 1811, Napoleon’s troops looted and burned much of the monastery, but it was eventually rebuilt.

Today, Montserrat is home to about 80 monks. They still follow the Benedictine rule of prayer and work. The abbey church contains the Virgin of Montserrat, a 12th-century Romanesque carving of the Virgin Mary and Child that is considered Catalonia’s patron saint. The monastery has a boys’ choir, known as the Escolania de Montserrat, which sings at Mass every day.

8. Barceloneta Beach:

This beach is located in the old city center of Barcelona. It is very easy to get there by public transport or by foot. The best way to get there is by Metro. The station "Barceloneta" is right in front of the beach.

The average temperature in summer is about 28 degrees Celsius. So, if you are looking for a place to cool off, this is the perfect spot. There are showers, toilets and changing rooms on the beach. So, you can always freshen up after swimming.

What makes this beach so special are its stunning views. You can see the skyline of Barcelona with its tall buildings and the Mediterranean Sea. This is a great place to relax and watch the world go by.

9. Picasso Museum:

One of the most popular attractions in the city is the Picasso Museum, which is a must-visit for all art lovers.

The museum is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and is home to over 4,000 pieces of artwork by Pablo Picasso. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and ceramics, all of which showcase the artist's incredible talent and creativity.

As you walk through the museum, you'll be transported back in time to the early years of Picasso's career. You'll see some of his earliest works, including sketches and drawings that he created as a teenager. You'll also see some of his most famous pieces, such as "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" and "Guernica."

One of the most surprising things about the museum is that it's housed in five beautiful medieval palaces. The buildings themselves are works of art and add to the overall experience of visiting the museum.

10. La Boqueria Market:

If you're looking for a place to find fresh food and produce, this is the place to go. The market is located in the heart of Barcelona, and it's easy to get to by public transportation.

 

Once you're there, you'll find a wide variety of stalls to choose from. You can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to seafood and meat. There's also a wide variety of food stalls, so you can find something to eat even if you're not looking to buy anything. And if you get thirsty, there are plenty of places to get a drink, too.

 

Whether you're looking for a place to buy food or just a place to eat, La Boqueria Market is worth a visit. So if you're in Barcelona, be sure to check it out.

bottom of page