Barcelona: the 20 essential things to do

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Ah, Barcelona! A city that never fails to captivate. One often finds exactly what they’re seeking here. Sunshine for the holidays, a vibrant atmosphere for nights out, iconic landmarks and museums for one’s cultural enrichment… The Catalan capital, Spain’s second-largest city, draws millions of tourists from around the world every year. Barcelona boasts attractions like the Picasso Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia, not to mention signature buildings such as the Sagrada Familia and modernist structures like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà… But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, more on these below. Here are the 20 must-dos in Barcelona for your upcoming trip.

🗺️ Torn between Barcelona and Madrid? Compare them! Here’s what to do in the Spanish capital. You can’t go wrong after this.

🗒️ Timing, hotels: what you need to know before visiting Barcelona

Before diving into our must-do list for Barcelona, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions by travellers.

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

In our opinion, the best times to visit Barcelona are spring (from March to May) or autumn (from September to November). Why? Well, during the summer, the city gets overwhelmingly crowded. Do be cautious though; late spring might also not be ideal due to numerous stag parties taking place. Unless you’re an electronic music enthusiast and don’t want to miss the Sonar festival, consider going in March or April, especially since one of the city’s biggest festivals, Sant Jordi, takes place. If you wish to enjoy the beaches without rubbing elbows with the person next to you, then September and October are perfect.

How to explore Barcelona on foot?

Despite its size, it’s easy to get around Barcelona on foot, particularly thanks to its efficient public transportation network. The metro is quick, effective and user-friendly, consisting of 12 lines serving the city and its suburbs. The bus network is also comprehensive with over 100 routes. Barcelona also has a modern tramway system covering various city zones. In short, commuting is a breeze. Once you reach your destination area, all that’s left is a short walk.

Which hotel to choose in Barcelona?

It goes without saying that Barcelona, being such a draw, has no shortage of great hotels. Here are three standout options based on their popularity on booking sites:

• Hotel Arts Barcelona : Located by the sea, this luxury 5-star hotel offers spacious, elegant rooms with sea views, and a range of facilities including a spa, gym, outdoor pool, restaurants, and bars.
• Hotel Casa Fuster : This characterful 5-star hotel is nestled in a building that’s both modern and historic on the famous Passeig de Gracia. It also features a rooftop terrace with a pool, bar, and panoramic city views. Oh, and there’s a sauna too.
• Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona : This stylish, green hotel is located near Plaça Catalunya in the Eixample district. Aside from the care its owners have taken in decorating this beautiful 19th-century building, the hotel is famed for its rooftop terrace which hosts numerous concerts.

💧 Prioritising a pool? Then, check out our list of the most stunning hotels with pools in Barcelona. Enjoy your swim!

🔝 What are the things to do in Barcelona?

Now, onto the main event. Here are the 20 essential activities to do in Barcelona during your trip.

Visit the Sagrada Familia

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is a must-see in Barcelona (so don’t miss our exclusive list of hotels near the monument). Designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it ranks among Spain’s most visited monuments, alongside the Alhambra in Granada and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Under construction since 18 March 1882, with completion expected by 2027, the Sagrada Familia, blending Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, is an architectural marvel with its intricate details, Catholic references, and technical innovations. Dedicate a full day to explore it and book your ticket in advance!

Walk around Park Güell

Park Güell, like the Sagrada Familia, is another of Gaudí’s creations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Welcoming over 12 million visitors annually, it’s an essential stop for any trip to Barcelona. Commissioned by wealthy entrepreneur Eusebi Güell between 1900 and 1914, it was originally intended as a garden city for Barcelona’s elite, consisting of around sixty homes and a chapel. However, the estate was later converted into a public park in the late 20th century, sparking some controversy. Now, visitors can marvel at its modernist architectural details. Did you know? The park even has its own website.

Admire Gaudi’s other architectural works

The Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Gaudí’s influence on Barcelona. In the city, you can also see and visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera – the “Quarry”) on Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Vicens in the Gracia district, Palau Güell in the Raval area, and Colònia Güell with its church and crypt.

Among these, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà stand out. The former (official site), with its wavy walls covered in mosaics resembling sea waves, revolves around Saint George (Sant Jordi), the dragon slayer. The building has been redesigned to offer various experiences, letting visitors delve into Gaudi’s thought process and work. Casa Milà, considered his last project, is a residential building in Barcelona where straight angles are scarce; it’s open for tours as well (official site).

Stroll around Ciutat Vella

Ciutat Vella, or the “old city” in Catalan, comprises the Barceloneta (waterside district), El Raval (the more modern section), the Gothic quarter (Barri Gòtic, the oldest) and Born, the medieval district. These areas largely constitute the walled city from the 14th to 19th centuries. Notable historical buildings abound, primarily of Gothic influence, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and the Holy Cross Cathedral (the “Seu”).

This old town is truly Barcelona’s heart, buzzing with life. You can also find authentic eateries here, offering a genuine taste of Catalan cuisine, among more tourist-centric spots.

Stroll along the Rambla

La Rambla (or Las Ramblas) is the partly pedestrianised avenue linking Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell, bordering the Gothic and Raval districts. This famous avenue features attractions like the renowned La Boqueria market and the Grand Liceu Theatre. Some museums, such as the Palau de la Virreina (Image Centre) and the Gallery of Illusions, are also located here.

Visit a museum… for free (under certain conditions)

Speaking of museums, did you know that many of Barcelona’s museums are free on the first Sunday of each month, or every Sunday from 3 p.m. ? If you are in Barcelona on a Sunday, you can visit for free:

• The National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC) (also free on Saturdays after 3 p.m.)
• The Center for Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB)
• The Museum of History of the City of Barcelona (MUHBA)
• The Born Cultural Center
• Montjuïc Castle
• Sant Pau Hospital
• The Design Museum
• The Music Museum
• The Frederic Mares Museum
• The Monastery of Pedralbes
• Montjuïc Botanical Garden
• The Blue Museum
• The Maritime Museum

Aside from these museums with free entry on the first Sunday of every month or every Sunday after 3 pm, others are permanently free, such as Palau Robert (temporary exhibitions) and Palau de la Virreina (photography). If you’re keen on visiting the Picasso Museum (official website) but are short on cash, drop by on a Thursday after 6 pm.

Take a break in Plaça Catalunya

Inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1927, Plaça Catalunya is one of Barcelona’s most spacious and emblematic squares. If you’re using public transport, you’ll notice it’s a significant hub. It’s also the starting point for some of Barcelona’s most famous streets (La Rambla, Passeig de Gracia, Rambla de Catalunya). The square hosts numerous shops, notably El Corte Inglés, where the top-floor café provides a stunning city view. Several statues also recount Catalonia’s history.

Sunbathe on one of Barcelona’s beaches

Barcelona’s beaches are a hit with locals, tourists, and photographers alike. Even if you’re visiting in winter and swimming isn’t appealing, you can still soak up the Costa Brava sun and gather friends for a beach volleyball game. Set aside time for a walk or bike ride along the coastline, from the esplanade by the W Hotel to Museu Blau, taking in the numerous sandy stretches Barcelona boasts.

🍸 Fancy a drink by the water? Head to Bogatell beach (map) and join its young, relaxed, and trendy clientele. Test out the best chiringuitos or beach bars, open seasonally.

Walk on the hill of Montjuïc

Montjuïc hill is one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets. It might not be the first spot tourists flock to, yet there’s plenty to see and do. It’s not for no reason it’s termed the “lung of Barcelona”!

From Barceloneta, take the cable car to Montjuïc. Relish the city views! Discover the Mossèn Costa i Llobera Cactus Garden, voted by the New York Times in 1987 as one of the most beautiful gardens globally. Don’t miss the Laribal gardens, the Montjuïc Castle built in 1640, the Mirador Montjuïc, the Mirador Migdia, the Miró Foundation, and MNAC, the renowned art museum. Sounds exciting, right?

Admire the view from the Columbus Column

Whether you’re on the Montjuïc cable car or the Rambla, you’ll undoubtedly spot the Christopher Columbus column, erected for the 1888 Universal Exposition. You can climb to its top and get a splendid view of the Rambla and all of Barcelona.

Go shopping at Maremagnum Shopping Center or Las Arenas

Fancy some shopping in Barcelona? Maremagnum mall, recently built at Port Vell Marina, has everything. Beyond its over 40 shops (here is the list) and more than 20 restaurants, it also houses an aquarium and an IMAX cinema.

Las Arenas, housed in an old bullring, is another unique shopping destination. Besides having a cinema, its main attraction is a 360-degree terrace overlooking the city.

Attend a show at the Palace of Catalan Music

The Catalan Music Palace, designed by modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and opened in 1908, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The best way to experience its magic is by attending a concert. While primarily hosting classical music, you can occasionally catch dance shows, like flamenco. Have a look at the upcoming shows.

Get lost in Horta’s labyrinth

Located away from Barcelona’s bustling centre in the Horta-Guinardó district, the Horta Labyrinth Park is the city’s oldest park. Beyond its historical 18th-century neoclassical garden and 19th-century romantic garden, the park has been a backdrop for films, such as Tom Tykwer’s “Perfume”. If you have kids, they’ll surely enjoy the garden’s labyrinth.

Admire the sunset from the Bunkers del Carmel

Once a military base during the Spanish Civil War, Turó de la Rovira now offers a perfect spot to watch the sunset or enjoy a 360° daytime panorama of Barcelona. The Bunkers del Carmel, built in 1937, provide a unique viewpoint, especially at night, reminiscent of Los Angeles.

Rest in Ciutadella Park

While we’ve discussed the city’s oldest park, now let’s look at the largest. The Parc de la Ciutadella, located in the Born district, is an oasis for relaxation. Once a fortress and then a prison, it was revamped for the 1888 Universal Exposition. Here, you’ll find the Arc de Triomf, the Cascada Fountain, a pond, the Castel dels Tres Dragons, the Catalan Parliament, a giant mammoth, and even a zoo!

Take the funicular to the top of Tibidabo

For another striking city view, ascend Tibidabo mountain via the funicular. At the summit, you’ll find an amusement park and the Sacred Heart Temple. Given its height (over 515 meters above sea level), it often resides in mist, giving it a mystical ambiance. Photographers will love it here.

Discover Barcelona’s gastronomy

Barcelona is a gastronomic paradise. Experience Spanish and Catalan specialities such as paella, escalivada, calçots, crema catalana, churros, and horchata de chufa. Stop by a tapas restaurant to try pa amb tomaquet, jamon iberico, and croquetas. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the turrons from the renowned Vicens!

🥘 Taste the best tapas. Want a taste experience that you won’t soon forget? So rush to our selection of the best tapas bars in Barcelona.

Participate in traditional festivals

Barcelona comes alive during traditional celebrations. Consider planning your visit during popular events such as the Three Kings’ Day on January 6, Holy Week, Sant Jordi on April 23, or La Mercè on September 24.

Take a trip to Montserrat

If you have the luxury of time while in Barcelona, a visit to Montserrat is highly recommended. Montserrat, which translates to “sawtooth” in Catalan, is a majestic mountain range located roughly an hour away from the city.

The primary attraction here is the Montserrat Monastery, a symbol of Catalonia and a pilgrimage site for believers from around the world. Founded in the 10th century, this Benedictine monastery is home to the Black Madonna, also known as “La Moreneta”. According to legend, this revered statue was discovered in one of the mountain’s caves. Many pilgrims come to venerate her, attributing miraculous events to the statue.

Apart from its religious significance, the Montserrat Abbey boasts an impressive museum with a vast collection of artwork. And for nature enthusiasts, Montserrat offers an array of hiking and trekking opportunities.

Discover the Costa Brava and Tossa de Mar

The Costa Brava, with its stunning beaches, hidden coves, and charming towns, is a gem. Spend a day in Tossa de Mar with its historic town centre and walls. It’s easily accessible by bus from Barcelona’s North Station. A bit further north, discover Girona, known for its association with “Game of Thrones”. Here’s our guide to this beautiful city.

We hope this guide helps you prepare for your Barcelona trip. Have other ideas or experiences to share? Feel free to comment or engage with us on social media.