Top Things to Do in Barcelona Spain
FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Barcelona Spain will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Barcelona Spain.
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100 Unforgettable Things to Do in Barcelona Spain
Top 5 Things to Do in Barcelona Spain
- Take a walk down La Rambla.
- Browse the largest collection of Picasso’s works at the Picasso Museum.
- Tour Gaudi’s architectural greats like La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, La Pedrera, Casa Vicens, or Casa Batlló.
- Relax on Barceloneta Beach.
- Have a cocktail in a Cava Bar.
Must See Barcelona Spain Architectural Landmarks
- Marvel at Gaudí’s unfinished basilica, La Sagrada Família, a true architectural wonder.
- Visit the fantastical Casa Batlló, another Gaudí masterpiece with a dragon-like roof.
- Explore the undulating façade and rooftop of Casa Milà, yet another of Gaudí’s creations.
- Step into the historic Barcelona Cathedral, an example of stunning Gothic architecture.
- Take a photo at the Arc de Triomf, a beautiful gateway built for the 1888 World’s Fair.
- Admire the Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of the Catalan government.
- Look up at the Christopher Columbus Monument, a towering landmark by the harbor.
- Check out the Modernism architecture at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau.
- Explore the architecture of the Village of Garcia.
- Tour the Palau de la Música Catalana.
Check out my 5 Must-See sites for Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Barcelona Spain
- Wander through the whimsical Park Güell, filled with Gaudí’s colorful mosaics and structures.
- Watch the nightly light and music show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
- Drink from the Font de Canaletes to ensure a return visit to Barcelona.
- People watch in Plaça Reial.
- Wander through the old Jewish neighborhood of El Call.
- Explore Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum showcasing various Spanish architectural styles.
- Have fun at Tibidabo Amusement Park, with rides and stunning city views.
- Dive into the underwater world at Aquarium Barcelona, perfect for a family visit.
- Meet exotic animals at Barcelona Zoo, located in Parc de la Ciutadella.
- Take the Montjuïc Cable Car for panoramic views over Barcelona.
- Discover marine life at L’Aquàrium de Barcelona, one of Europe’s largest aquariums.
- Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture.
- Check out Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor.
- Take a walk down Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s most expensive street.
- See the silent witnesses (bullet holes) at the Church of Saint Philip Neri.
- Check out City Hall at Plaça de Sant Jaume.
- Get lost in the labyrinth at Parc del Laberint d’Horta.
- Photograph the facades at Plaça del Pi.
- Join a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter to learn about Barcelona’s medieval history.
- Discover Barcelona’s highlights on a fun and informative bike tour.
- Experience the passion of a live Flamenco show.
- See a performance at Gran Teatre del Liceu, Opera House
Best Museums in Barcelona Spain
- Browse the largest collection of Picasso’s works at the Picasso Museum.
- Discover the art of Joan Miró at the Joan Miró Foundation.
- Wander Poble Espanyol Spanish Village and open-air architectural museum.
- Step into Barcelona folklore at Casa del Entremesos.
- Visit the MNAC to see a vast collection of Catalan art.
- Dive into contemporary art at MACBA.
- Learn about the city’s history at the Barcelona History Museum.
- Immerse yourself in history at El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria.
- Indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Museum.
- Explore the wonders of science at CosmoCaixa.
- Admire the eclectic collections at the Frederic Marès Museum.
- Discover Barcelona’s maritime history at the Maritime Museum.
- Step back in time at the Egyptian Museum with its impressive collection of ancient artifacts.
- Browse the free exhibit at the Virreina Palace.
Outdoor Activities in Barcelona Spain
- Relax next to the fountain at Monument Cascada de Parc de la Ciutadella.
- Stroll through Los Jardines de Laribal and relax next to La Font del Gat.
- Ride the Port Vell Aerial Tramway across the harbor to Barceloneta.
- Unwind with a beach yoga session by the Mediterranean Sea.
- Go kayaking in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
- Relax in Plaça de Catalunya, the bustling square that’s the heart of the city.
- Take a sailing tour along Barcelona’s coastline.
- Walk around the grand Plaça d’Espanya, a major square with impressive fountains and architecture.
- Relax in Parc de la Ciutadella, a green oasis with a boating lake and a zoo.
- Get lost in the labyrinth at Parc del Laberint d’Horta.
- Wander through Parc de Montjuïc, home to gardens, museums, and stunning views.
- Visit Parc de Joan Miró and see the iconic “Dona i Ocell” sculpture.
- Enjoy a quiet afternoon in Parc del Guinardó, away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Stroll through the rose gardens of Parc de Cervantes.
- Relax in the serene Turó Park, perfect for a leisurely walk.
- Explore Parc de l’Espanya Industrial with its unique sculptures and fountains.
- Wander the beautiful gardens of Jardins del Palau de les Heures.
- Take a break at Parc de Can Dragó, which features a large lake and green spaces.
- Enjoy the tranquil Jardins de Joan Brossa on Montjuïc Hill.
- Visit the cactus garden, Jardins Mossèn Costa i Llobera, with views over the port.
- Explore the diverse plant species at Jardí Botànic.
- Stroll through the lush Jardins de Laribal on Montjuïc.
- Relax in the Greek-style Jardins del Teatre Grec.
- Take a peaceful break in the Jardins de la Universitat.
- Discover the hidden gem, Jardins de la Tamarita.
- Enjoy panoramic views at Jardins del Turó del Putxet.
- Visit the historic Jardins de Rubió i Lluch in El Raval.
- Relax in the lovely gardens of Palau Robert.
Where to Eat in Barcelona Spain
- Participate in a cooking class at La Boqueria Market and learn to cook Catalan cuisine.
- Take a tapas cooking class and learn to make authentic Spanish dishes.
- Dine at Tickets, a trendy tapas bar by the Adrià brothers.
- Dip churros in hot chocolate.
- Have lunch in a sidewalk café on Calle Enrique Granados.
- Savor traditional Catalan dishes at Can Culleretes, one of Barcelona’s oldest restaurants.
- Enjoy tapas and cava at the lively El Xampanyet.
- Indulge in a variety of tapas at Cervecería Catalana.
- Feast on fresh seafood at Cal Pep.
- Taste unique tapas at the tiny but famous Quimet & Quimet.
- Experience classic Spanish cuisine at Bar Cañete.
- Sample a variety of local foods at La Boqueria Market.
- Treat yourself to a Michelin-starred meal at Cinc Sentits.
- Enjoy top-notch seafood at Botafumeiro.
Barcelona Spain Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Enjoy a Spanish wine-tasting session at a local bodega.
- Stop in Els Quatre Gats, Picasso’s old hang out.
- Drink a glass of Sangria de Cava along Calle Cava Baja.
- Bar hop on Carrer Joaquin Costa.
- Dance the night away at Opium Barcelona, a trendy beach club.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife at Shoko, with its Asian-inspired decor.
- Catch live music or a DJ set at Sala Apolo.
- Sip on creative cocktails at the speakeasy-style El Paradiso.
- Party at Razzmatazz, one of Barcelona’s largest and most iconic nightclubs.
- Chill out at Icebarcelona, an ice bar by the beach.
- Enjoy jazz and live music at Jamboree.
- Dress up for a glamorous night at Bling Bling.
- Dance to top DJs at Catwalk, a stylish club near the beach.
- Relax in the garden bar of Antic Teatre, a hidden gem in the Gothic Quarter.
- Enjoy a cocktail with a view on the terrace bar at Hotel Barceló Raval.
Shopping in Barcelona Spain
- Pick up souvenirs from vendors on La Rambla.
- Shop at luxury boutiques along Passeig de Gràcia.
- Check out the Mercat Fira de Bellcaire Els Encants, flea market.
- Take a day trip to La Roca Village for designer outlet shopping.
- Visit El Corte Inglés, a department store offering everything from fashion to food.
- Buy fresh produce and gourmet treats at La Boqueria Market.
- Stroll down Portal de l’Àngel, a popular shopping street with high street brands.
- Find unique crafts and souvenirs at Born Cultural Centre’s market.
- Explore the flea market at Mercat dels Encants for vintage finds.
- Discover a variety of shops along the Avinguda Diagonal.
- Shop for designer home goods at Vinçon on Passeig de Gràcia.
Instagrammable Places in Barcelona Spain: Lookouts, View Points and Selfies
- Ride the Montjuïc Funicular up to Montjuïc Castle for city views.
- Climb Bunkers del Carmel for the best views of Barcelona.
- Check out the incredible view of Barcelona from the Joan Miro Foundation Museum.
- See the Torre Agbar building lit at night.
- Capture the stunning view from Tibidabo Hill.
- Take in the scenic vistas from Montjuïc Hill.
- Get a unique photo on the rooftop of Casa Batlló.
- Capture the vibrant light show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
- Climb to the top of the Columbus Monument for harbor views.
- Enjoy the cityscape from the towers of La Sagrada Família.
- Have a cocktail and take a selfie with a view at the W Barcelona Hotel’s rooftop bar.
- Get an iconic shot from the Venetian Towers at Plaça d’Espanya.
- Photograph the Mosaic del Pla de l’Os, Gaudí’s colorful mosaics at Park Güell
- Take a selfie with El Gato de Botero
- Check out the view of Plaza de España from the terrace of Plaza de Toros de las Arenas
Special Events
Check the Barcelona Spain Board of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening this weekend.
Plan your Trip to Barcelona Spain
Why Visit Barcelona Spain
Barcelona Spain had approximately 4.6 million visitors last year. Barcelona Spain is known for Gaudi’s modernist architecture but there is much more to this cosmopolitan city. You will also find Picasso’s art, tapas, a magic fountain, a man-made beach, and more!
How Many Days in Barcelona Spain is Enough
3 days in Barcelona Spain is enough to experience the city. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take a day trip.
Is Barcelona Safe for Solo Travelers
Barcelona is Spain’s second-largest city and the capital of Catalonia. According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Barcelona is low. However, the risk of being pickpocketed or mugging is medium. The risk of being scammed is high; taxis may overcharge or demand a tip so be sure to double-check your bill at restaurants. There is a high risk of terrorist attacks in Barcelona. Check their website for more information.
Best Time to Visit Barcelona
The high season is July and August. It will be hot, prices will be at their highest, and there will be many festivals and large crowds. The shoulder season is mid-March through April and mid-September through October. The weather is moderate, prices decrease and there will be fewer crowds. November is the rainiest season in Spain and it is chilly from January and February into March.
How to Get to Barcelona
Several airlines fly nonstop to the Barcelona El Prat Airport. A nonstop flight from LAX to Barcelona is almost 12 hours. Nonstop flights from New York City JFK are almost 8 hours. Prepare for your flight!
How to Get Around Barcelona
I found the Metro to be the best transfer option when looking at cost, hassle, and time. The Metro L9 Sud (Orange) line runs every 7-10 minutes and reaches the city center in 30 minutes. At the time of this update, the cost is €5.15 one way and €10.30 round trip. You can also take the Aerobus, a public bus, a train, Uber, or a taxi into the city.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
I stayed at the Hostalin Barcelona Passeig de Gracia. It is a budget-friendly hotel in a great location. The staff were super helpful and I was greeted with a bottle of champagne on arrival!
What Should I Budget for Barcelona
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $172 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
What Should I Pack for Barcelona
Clothing styles are conservative in muted colors. Sweatsuits and yoga pants are not common, sandals and sneakers are. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Barcelona Spain
Barcelona is full of romantic restaurants, great rooftop bars, and places to watch the sunset. Rent a rowboat and have a picnic in Parc de la Ciutadella, attend a Flamenco Show, go wine tasting in the Penedès Region, or simply have a night out sipping sparkling wine in a cava bar.
Things to Do in Barcelona Spain with Young Children
The Barcelona Zoo, interactive CosmoCaixa Science Museum, Aquarium Barcelona’s walk through tunnels, Poble Espanyol open-air museum, hands-on chocolate workshop at the Chocolate Museum, and Tibidabo Amusement Park are a few of the best things to do with young children in Barcelona Spain.
Things to do in Barcelona Spain with Young Adults
Young adults may enjoy hanging out on Barceloneta Beach, exploring Gaudi’s whimsical Park Güell, having lunch at La Boqueria Market, and watching the Montjuïc Magic Fountain Show.
Visiting More Cities in Spain?
Check out our Spain Travel Guide with links to must-see destinations and itineraries!
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