Barcelona is cosmopolitan Spanish life at its best. A strong local Catalan spirit meets a truly international atmosphere, creating something unique and vibrant. If you’re wondering what to do in Barcelona, the list is long, and you’ll never be bored.
Things to do in Barcelona on your first visit
- Visit the Sagrada Família. The essential. Start your trip by admiring this magnificent basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí, whose construction began in 1882. The inside is every bit as impressive as the outside.
- Wander down Las Ramblas. This famous, lively avenue is ideal for a stroll, watching the street performers and soaking up Barcelona’s unique atmosphere.
- Visit La Boqueria market. Colourful, popular and always buzzing, this market is a great place to try fresh local produce and traditional dishes.
- Explore the Gothic Quarter. Get lost in the picturesque lanes of this neighbourhood, full of charm, history and little independent shops.
- Visit Park Güell. Enjoy panoramic views over the city and discover Gaudí’s iconic designs in this colourful and wonderfully quirky park.
- See Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. These two Gaudí modernist buildings are architectural gems not to be missed.
- Relax on the beach. It isn’t the most beautiful beach in Spain, but it has the merit of being there. Enjoy the sun and the Mediterranean at Barcelona’s beaches, such as Barceloneta.
- Discover the Eixample district. Explore this elegant neighbourhood with its wide avenues and modernist buildings, including the famous Casa Lleó i Morera.
- Stroll through Ciutadella Park. Enjoy a pleasant walk in this leafy park, with its lake, monumental fountain and zoo.
- Make the most of the best places to eat and drink in Barcelona. Of course, treat yourself to the gems the city is full of.
Things to do in Barcelona if you’ve been before
If you’ve already visited Barcelona several times and want to discover something different, here are some more offbeat suggestions.
- Visit the lesser-known museums. Beyond the big tourist sights, Barcelona is home to plenty of interesting museums.
- Try the Picasso Museum, the Barcelona City History Museum (MUHBA) or the Barcelona Design Museum (DHUB) for a different cultural perspective.
- Explore the less touristy neighbourhoods where locals live, such as Gràcia, Poble Sec or Sant Antoni. You’ll find local shops, bars and neighbourhood restaurants.
- Catch a local event. Check which cultural events and festivals are on during your stay. Music, dance and food festivals take place all year round, and the Instagram account @visitbarcelona regularly shares what’s on.
- Hunt down the street art. Barcelona is famous for its street art and graffiti. Go looking for works by local artists in different parts of the city.
- Take a day trip from Barcelona. Make the most of your knowledge of the city and head out for the day. Visit the mountain of Montserrat, spend a day in Sitges or Vilanova, two charming coastal towns with lovely, quieter beaches, or discover the Penedès wine region or the pretty city of Girona.
- Go to a football match at Camp Nou. If you’re a football fan, watching FC Barcelona play at the famous Camp Nou stadium is an unforgettable experience.
Where to stay in Barcelona
Coming for a weekend in Barcelona and looking for somewhere to stay? My favourite neighbourhoods are El Born, Gràcia, Eixample, Sant Antoni, Barceloneta (especially in summer, to be close to the sea) and Poblenou. Barcelona is a good-sized city, but wherever you stay, you’ll have easy access to the centre and all the key sights.
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