Top Things to Do in Barcelona
There are so many things to do in Barcelona, it’s a bit mind-blowing. We were there almost a week and couldn’t get to everything on our to-do list. We had a jam-packed week and we were exhausted! Here is our list of top things to do in Barcelona.
La Sagrada Familia
Construction started on this colossal church in 1882 and it won’t be complete until 2026. It was designed by Antoni Gaudí, the famous Catalan architect. He was buried below the temple in the crypt in 1926. The inside is even more breathtaking and unique than the outside. This is not to be missed on your visit.
Park Güell
This is another Gaudí original. It is a fairytale-esque park with whimsical structures and gardens. It’s reminiscent of something you might see at Disneyland. From Nature Square, you’ll find an iconic view of Barcelona.
Some areas of the park are free, but to get into the Monumental Zone where all the cool stuff is, there’s a fee of about $9. After we visited I heard you can enter for free before 7:45am, but I can’t confirm that for sure.
More Gaudí Designs
There are even more Gaudí buildings downtown to check out, all within walking or metro distance.
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera was built in 1906.
A few streets down you’ll find Casa Batlló, designed by Gaudí in 1904.
Off of Las Ramblas, you’ll find Palau Güell, a mansion built for his pal Eusebi Güell in 1886.
You can buy tickets to tour any of these Unesco World Heritage sites. We didn’t get a chance to do any of them, but our first choice was Casa Milà for the super unique rooftop.
Around the corner from where we stayed at Ivan’s place, is Casa Calvet. Built in 1899, this is one of Gaudí’s earliest buildings and one of his most conventional design.
Plaça Reial is one of the most popular squares in the Gothic Quarter. The two streetlamps on either side of the fountain were designed by the young Gaudí in 1879.
The Cascada Fountain at the Parc de la Ciutadella was designed by Josep Fontserè in 1882. Gaudí was still a young unknown architect at the time but assisted with the project.
Picasso Museum
Another legend hailing from Barcelona, this museum shows the bulk of Picasso’s work. Pictures are not allowed, which I didn’t find out until I had already snapped 3, oops. Backpacks are also not allowed and you’ll need to rent a locker for 1 Euro if you bring one.
I learned that he didn’t only paint in his classic abstract style, and I also learned that I’m not that interested in art. I still enjoyed the visit and definitely recommend checking it out even if you’re not an art enthusiast. Buy tickets online to avoid waiting in line.
Castell De Montjuïc
The Montjuïc Castle sits on top of a hill overlooking the water and the city. Originally used as a military fort, it was converted to a castle beginning in 1751. Tickets are just a few euros, but entry is free on Sundays.
You can take a bus up to the top or there’s a gondola you can take from the bottom. On the way up you’ll see one of the Olympic centers from the 1992 Olympic games.
Barcelona Cathedral
This is the only cathedral in Barcelona. It is quite impressive on the inside and outside. It’s free to visit and definitely worth a quick 15 minute walk through it to check it out.
FC Barcelona Game
I’m not a soccer fan, in fact I strongly dislike it. But this was a super cool and fun experience. Camp Nou is the 2nd largest fútbol stadium in the world by capacity, holding up to 99,354 people. It shows from the roar of the fans when they cheer.
We got corner seats 6 rows from the field for about $115 each and they came with some awesome corner kick views. They beat Espanyol 5-0 and Messi had a casual hat trick.
We were surprised to find the concessions were not ridiculously expensive like we’re used to in the US and the food was even tasty.
Magic Fountain & Arenas de Barcelona
The fountain took us by surprise with how impressive it was. The walk leading up to it makes it seem even grander with two large pillars known as the Venetian Towers at the start of the street, and the massive National Art Museum sitting on the hill behind it. There’s a nice view of the city from the top of the hil.
At night, depending on the time of year, there’s a light show some days of the week. Check the light show schedule before you go.
Before heading to the fountain, go up to the top of the Arenas de Barcelona across the street for another impressive view.
Visit Sitges
Take a 45 minute train ride south to visit the cute little beach town of Sitges. You’ll find stretches of beach with soft sand and gentle waves. Walk over to the town to see the historic buildings, cute streets, and the local restaurants.
Arc de Triomf
This monument was built as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. It now leads to the Ciutadella Park that occupies the site where the world fair once was.
Walk down Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas consist of 5 different sections: Rambla de Canaletes, Rambla dels Estudis, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Caputxins, and Rambla de Santa Mònica.
This is a very popular and often crowded walkway. It is recommended you don’t eat along this strip due to high prices.
Along the way you’ll find the Christopher Columbus statue at the very end near the water, the Pla de I’Os pavement mosaic by Joan Miró, historical buildings, and unfortunately the memorial of the recent terrorist attack that took place there.
Stroll Down Barceloneta
Barceloneta is a strip of boardwalk down the city’s beach. The beaches are small and crowded but along the way you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants on the sand and boardwalk.
Eat Lots of Gelato
One of our favorite activities in Barcelona was stopping for gelato. There seems to be one on every turn you take so they shouldn’t be too hard to find. Some may be cash only so make sure you have some Euros on you.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
The Labyrinth Park of Horta was on our to-do list but we didn’t end up seeing it. Created in 1791, it’s the oldest garden in Barcelona.
It’s often referred to as a hidden gem with fewer tourists since it’s farther out from the city center. It’s only 2 Euros to enter, and free on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Tibidabo
Tibidabo is the tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola. It is home to a large church and an old amusement park that opened in 1905. It’s among the oldest in the world still functioning. We didn’t make it up there, but it appears to be very picturesque with incredible views.
Anything Else?
What’s on your can’t miss list in Barcelona? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
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