Discover the Charm of Barcelona: Top Things to Do and See
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is the most popular city in Spain, and it’s not hard to see why. It boasts a rich history, world-renowned museums, stunning architecture, and thriving culinary scene. This vibrant city is situated between the mountains and the sea, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an urban beach experience. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Barcelona.
Visit the Sagrada Família
No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. This awe-inspiring church has been under construction for over 130 years and is still not finished. Despite being a work in progress, the church features two grand facades adorned with intricate stone carvings, gleaming towers covered in gem-like tiles, and an interior filled with tree-like columns reaching toward the canopy ceiling. Although the pandemic caused a temporary halt to construction, work has now resumed, and the building is expected to be completed after 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death.
See More of Gaudí’s Designs
While the Sagrada Família may be the most famous of Gaudí’s designs, his other whimsical creations are equally worth visiting. Casa Batlló is a must-see with its iridescent dragon-like scales and skull and bone-shaped balconies, as well as La Pedrera, known for its undulating stone façade and fanciful chimneys. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore some of Gaudí’s lesser-known but equally stunning works, including Casa Vicens, his first house design, Palau Güell, which he created for his patron Eusebi Güell, and the Torre Bellesguard.
Wander the Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, also known as Barri Gòtic, is the oldest and most charming neighborhood in the city. It features narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and historic buildings and is situated to the east of La Rambla, the popular pedestrian street that runs through the center of the old town. The Gothic Quarter is scattered with century-old shops, small bars, and cafes. Some of its must-see attractions include the stunning Plaça Reial, surrounded by cafes and palm trees, Plaça Sant Jaume, home to the grand Palau de la Generalitat, and the impressive La Catedral.
Explore Barcelona’s Food Markets
Barcelona is known for its delicious food, and what better way to experience it than by visiting one of its food markets? While La Boqueria is the most famous, each neighborhood has its own, and there are several excellent ones to choose from. La Boqueria is the oldest and most atmospheric, but in recent years, more stalls have given way to things like tropical fruit shakes and novelty candy instead of traditional produce. For a more authentic vibe, visit the modern Mercat de Santa Caterina with its multi-colored wavy roof or the grand Mercat de Sant Antoni, which recently reopened after nine years of renovations.
Soak up the Sun at Barcelona’s City Beaches
Barcelona is blessed with a 5km (3-mile) stretch of coastline, which is home to nine different beaches. Whether you visit in the winter or summer, the beaches won’t disappoint. Even in the winter, you can still enjoy a meal at one of the seaside restaurants if the weather is sunny enough, while summer offers everything from sunbathing and swimming to water sports. Some of the best beaches to visit include Sant Sebastià, which features upscale restaurants, Somorrostro, lined with hip nightclubs, and Nova Icaria, which has a watersports center and beach volleyball.
Explore Montjuïc Hill
Montjuïc Hill is located to the south of the city and is known for its Olympic Park, museums, and gardens. You can start your visit at Plaza d’Espanya and admire the impressive palace housing the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, with its grand sets of stairs and fountains cascading down. The Olympic stadium and park are also worth checking out.
Enjoy Tapas
When hunger strikes in the afternoon or early evening, indulge in some pre-dinner tapas. These small plates of food are perfect for snacking and can include anchovies, sausage, squid, wild mushrooms, roasted peppers, and many other tempting options. Pair them with a glass of wine, cava, or beer for a complete culinary experience.
Discover Picasso at the Museu Picasso
Pablo Picasso lived in Barcelona during his formative years, and the city undoubtedly influenced his art. From the colorful frescoes at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya to the trencadís-style mosaics of Gaudí, Barcelona’s artistic heritage is evident in Picasso’s work. The Museu Picasso is an ideal place to learn more about this iconic artist, and the surrounding streets of El Born are full of history and charm.
Experience FC Barcelona at Camp Nou
FC Barcelona is a significant part of Barcelona’s culture, and attending a football match at Camp Nou between September and May is an unforgettable experience. However, if you can’t make it to the stadium, watching the game on screen in a local bar can also be fun, depending on the crowd.
Experience Barcelona’s Vibrant Nightlife
Barcelona’s nightlife is legendary, offering endless possibilities for fun and entertainment. Start with sunset drinks on a rooftop terrace or head to a beachside xiringuito for a more relaxed vibe. As night falls, the city comes alive with buzzing squares, live music, and bars. Choose from old-school taverns, plush lounges in medieval chambers, sleek cocktail bars, cava bars, jazz clubs, and more. If you’re up for it, hit the clubs and dance until dawn.
Explore La Rambla in the Morning
While La Rambla is one of the most touristy spots in Barcelona, it’s worth a visit in the early morning when it’s less crowded. Take in the sights and sounds of the pedestrian boulevard, including open-air cafes, flower stands, and a colorful Miró mosaic. The street is also home to key venues like the elegant Gran Teatre del Liceu, the sprawling Mercat de la Boqueria, and numerous galleries. Other neighborhoods, such as El Poblenou, have their own attractive rambles too.
Indulge in Catalan Cuisine
Barcelona is a foodie’s paradise, with innovative chefs and creative cuisine. While tapas bars are plentiful, be sure to sample some local Catalan dishes as well. Before your meal, join in l’hora del vermut at a typical vermouth bar, where the fortified wine is paired with pickled anchovies and olives to whet your appetite. Then enjoy traditional Catalan dishes like butifarra amb mongetes (sausage with white beans), suquet de peix (fish stew), escalivada (roasted red peppers, onions, and eggplant), and crema catalana (similar to crème brûlée). For an authentic experience, try Casa Delfín.
Experience Festivals in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that loves to celebrate, with a festival happening almost every other month. Whether it’s the patron-saint festivals of Santa Eulalia and La Mercé, the book and rose-giving holiday of La Diada de Sant Jordi, or the fire festival of St. Joan, there is always something to celebrate. One of the unique features of Catalan festivals is the castellers, or human towers, as well as the parading giants and correfocs, where firework-wielding devils dance through the streets.
Explore the Fundació Joan Miró
As Barcelona’s most famous 20th-century native son, Joan Miró bequeathed his art foundation to his hometown in 1971. The foundation’s light-filled buildings are filled with Miró’s seminal works, from his early sketches to paintings from his last years.
Admire Modernista Architecture
Barcelona is known for its charming Modernista architecture, an artistic movement that influenced literature, art, and architecture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You can spot these buildings by their bright colors, floral and botanical motifs, patterned tiles, and curvy lines. While some of the best examples are found in the L’Eixample area, you can find them scattered throughout the city. Besides Gaudí’s Modernista works, other notable examples in the city are the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, both designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Discover the up-and-coming neighborhood of El Poblenou
Located northeast of the city center, El Poblenou used to be an industrial area. However, now it has become a hub for creative tech and design, with vacant warehouses being transformed into trendy cafes, boutiques, bars, and more.
Indulge in a drink at one of L’Eixample’s rooftop bars
Savor a cocktail or vermouth while admiring the magnificent Modernista architecture in L’Eixample. The elegant streets of this district hide a variety of open-air bars and cafes that offer stunning views, favored by locals and visitors alike. Many of these establishments can be found within luxurious hotels but are open to everyone.
