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What to do in Barcelona city? Barcelona in Spain is a city full of museums, parks, Antoni Gaudí landmarks and other highlights. The city offers more than just the attractions and famous sights such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Camp Nou. During your Barcelona visit, these are the top 25 of the most famous and most popular Barcelona tourist attractions. Click one of the best must-see highlights for more information on this unique sightseeing, museum, landmark or attraction.
1. Top attraction: Sagrada Familia
The absolute number 1 attraction in Barcelona Spain is the Sagrada Familia; the holy cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí. The unfinished church will probably be completed in 2026 and has to be part of your city break. You can even ascend the towers for an amazing view.
2. Visit Park Güell
Park Guell is the famous park with mosaic benches and the salamander. This Park Guell is a sightseeing must-see when visiting Barcelona. However, only a limited number of visitors are admitted every hour.
– Warning: The park used to be free, but now you have to book your tickets in advance. Buy this well in advance during the high season, because tickets sell out quickly.
3. Camp Nou Stadium of FC Barcelona
Visit the renewed FC Barcelona Camp Nou stadium. Book this Camp Nou Experience tour and see the dressing rooms, trophies, museum and all the parts of the stadium, or attend one of Barca's matches. The Camp Nou stadium is a must see for every football lover.
4. Casa Batlló, must see of Gaudí
Casa Batlló is a building with apartments designed by Antoni Gaudí, completely in the style of Catalan Modernism. The shapes of the house are based on the legend of George and the dragon. You will be amazed at the many beautiful details, colors and mosaics. In this article an overview of all buildings of Gaudi in Barcelona city, but for me personally Casa Batlló is the most beautiful house of Antoni Gaudí.
5. Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Another beautiful building and a striking example of modernist architecture designed by Antoni Gaudí is Casa Milà, also known as 'La Pedrera'. Translated, this means the 'quarry', named after the rugged appearance of the complex. La Pedrera is celebrated for its undulating stone facade, wrought iron balconies resembling seaweed, surreal rooftop sculptures and the view at the roof terrace.
6. Picasso Museum
The museum of Pablo Picasso is located in the district El Born. The Museu Picasso has over 4,000 works of art (paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and sketches) by the painter Pablo Picasso who spent an important part of his life in this city. Among the museum's highlights are iconic pieces like "Harlequin" and "Woman with Raised Arms," as well as lesser-known gems that offer glimpses into Picasso's personal and artistic journey.
7. Sights of the Gothic Quarter
The Barri Gòtic is the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona's historical city centre, with the Barcelona cathedral and famous squares such as Plaça Reial and Plaça Sant Jaume. Wander the small, picturesque streets in the historical city centre near the Ramblas. A fun activity in the Gothic Quarter is a Tapas Walking Tour with local tapas and wines, combined with fascinating stories.
8. Parc de Montjuïc & Magic Fountain
The Montjuïc is the most famous hill of the city with dozens of sights, including Palau Nacional, Foundation Joan Miró, Poble Espanyol, the Olympic Stadium, the Montjuïc cable car, and the magical fountain 'Font Mágica' with its fountain show of water and light.
9. Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música in the style of Catalan Modernism is one of the most beautiful concert buildings in the world. Visit a concert or book a tour through this amazing Modernist palace of music. It's a masterpiece of modernist architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The concert hall is breathtaking with its stained glass windows and colorful columns. Designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, it was built between 1905 and 1908.
10. Tourist spot: Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is the busiest street in Barcelona Spain with its flower stalls, plane trees, street musicians and living statues. Las Ramblas is the most touristy place in the city and the spot to get souvenirs. One of the most crowded places to visit in Barcelona and notorious for its pickpockets. If you like more authentic places, this is probably on your list of things not to do in Barcelona.
11. Highlights: Boqueria Market
Mercat de la Boqueria, or the Mercat de Sant Josep, is the colourful produce market on the Ramblas. The Boqueria market is the perfect place to start the day by tasting and experiencing Catalan flavours and smells.
– Fun activity: Last time I visited the market with an amazing market tour where a chef takes you to the market, you get a paella workshop and also taste different tapas.
12. Unique landmark: Hospital de Sant Pau
The 'Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau' is the former hospital of Barcelona and was beautifully designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It is one of the prime examples of Catalan modernist architecture. With its main building and many colorful and richly decorated pavilions, the former complex of Hospital de Sant Pau is one of my favorite (less touristy) spots in Barcelona Spain.
13. Barcelona sightseeing by bike
One of the best things to do in Barcelona is to discover the tourist attractions by bike. Barcelona city has an extensive network of cycle paths, certainly also along the beach. Rent a bike yourself or even better, join a bike tour with an inspiring guide and discover the best parts of the city. Tip: do the bike tour on the first day of your city trip so that you get to know the city.
14. Cable Car to Montjuïc Castle
At the top of Montjuïc mountain is the Castell de Montjuïc, the 18th century fortress with a brutal history. The best way to reach the top is with the Telefèric de Montjuïc, the funicular to the castle where you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city.
15. Parc de la Ciutadella
Free things to do in Barcelona: Next to the El Born district, in the center of Barcelona, is the beautiful city park of the World Exhibition of 1888. In the Ciutadella Park you will find tourist attractions like the Font de Cascada, the Barcelona Zoo, the Castell dels Tres Dragons and via a beautiful boulevard you reach the Arc de Triomf, the old entrance gate to the park.
16. Port Vell, port of Barcelona city
At the end of the Ramblas, near the statue of Columbus, you will arrive at the port of Barcelona. In this area you will find highlights like the marina, where you can take a boat tour (for example a sunset cruise with live music), or you will find the large shopping center Mare Magnum and the largest aquarium in Europe, l'Aquarium. For great views you take the funicular over the harbor.
17. Tibidabo Mountain
Tibidabo is the 512 meter high mountain on the outskirts of Barcelona. You can reach the top with a cogwheel train, after which you can do three things on top of the mountain: visit the amusement park 'Parque de Atracciones del Tibidabo', visit the church 'Iglesia del Sagrat Cor', and the main reason — the phenomenal view from Tibidabo.
18. Visit more museums in Barcelona
The Catalan city is full of fine museums, including a number of appealing art museums. Besides the Picasso museum the most popular museums are the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in the Palau Nacional, the Fundacio Joan Miró and the science museum CosmoCaixa.
19. Santa Maria del Mar
The 14th century Basilica di Santa María del Mar is located in the district of La Ribera. It was built in the heyday of Catalonia as a trading and maritime nation. It is possible to visit the beautiful basilica, crypts and towers. The surrounding district of La Ribera is also a nice area to discover with many art galleries, boutiques and bars.
20. Day trip to Montserrat
One of the most beautiful day trips you can make from Barcelona is a day trip to Montserrat. Montserrat is a majestic mountain located approximately 56 kilometers away from the city. This mountain is not only known for its breathtaking natural beauty, but also for the Montserrat Monastery. Read more about the 12 best day trips from Barcelona, such as visiting the Dalí museum in Figueres and medieval Girona.
21. Things to do: Barrio de Gracia
What to do in Barcelona's Barrio de Gracia? This neighborhood is one of the nicest areas of Barcelona city and is popular with the locals, is still authentic and not very touristy. In the district you will find lively squares and original shops. Highlights include the festive week in August and the building of Casa Vicens, one of Gaudí's masterpieces.
22. Visit a Flamenco show
Flamenco is the music, song and dance of Spain, especially the southern provinces of Spain. Are you looking for a fun activity in the evening? In the center of Barcelona you can enjoy several beautiful flamenco shows in the evening. Learn more about visiting flamenco shows, like the favourite Tablao Flamenco Cordobes or for the best price visit Los Tarantos Flamenco Show located at the central Plaça Reial.
23. More Gaudí: Palau Güell
Palau Güell is a magnificent mansion in Barcelona, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí for the industrialist Eusebi Güell. Completed in 1888, it is an early example of Gaudí's genius and a masterpiece of Modernisme architecture. The building features a richly decorated facade, elegant parabolic arches and an impressive iron gate. Inside, the interiors showcase elaborate woodwork, stained glass, and striking spaces meant to host high-society gatherings. The rooftop of Palau Güell is crowned with colorful, mosaic-covered chimneys, which became a Gaudí signature. Today, Palau Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
24. El Poble Espanyol
El Poble Espanyol is an open-air museum located on Montjuïc hill. Built for the 1929 International Exhibition, it was designed to showcase the diverse architectural styles and cultural heritage of Spain. El Poble Espanyol features over 100 full-scale replicas of buildings, streets, and squares from different Spanish regions, creating a charming and immersive atmosphere. Visitors can wander through Andalusian courtyards, Catalan houses, and Castilian plazas all in one place. It also hosts numerous artisan workshops, art galleries, shops, and traditional restaurants for a cultural experience. El Poble Espanyol frequently holds concerts, festivals or events.
25. Barcelona Aquarium
The Barcelona Aquarium, located in Port Vell, houses 35 tanks with over 11,000 animals representing 450 different species. Its main highlight is the Oceanarium, a massive tank with an 80-meter-long underwater tunnel that offers visitors an immersive view of sharks, rays, and other large fish swimming overhead. The aquarium also features themed areas showcasing Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystems. The Barcelona Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Barcelona for families.
Barcelona sights and landmarks
In addition to characteristic buildings, Barcelona landmarks and sights by Gaudi, such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, and Casa Batlló, the city in Spain has many more unique buildings and Barcelona monuments that are worth visiting.