Things to do in Barcelona

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape at dusk with a roundabout, historic buildings, and a central fountain.
A modern building with a curved design, a beach with people, and a sunset sky.
A narrow alleyway with potted plants and a building with ornate wooden latticework.
A coastal cityscape with dense urban buildings, a prominent tower, and a hilly terrain with greenery.
A cityscape with a prominent cathedral and mountains in the background.

Things to do

cable cars riding far above ground in Barcelona

Montjuïc Cable Car Tickets

€19
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Montjuïc Cable Car Tickets
Sagrada Família church in Barcelona

Fast Track: Sagrada Familia Guided Tour

€59
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Fast Track: Sagrada Familia Guided Tour
Montserrat Tour with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access

Montserrat Tour with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access

€50
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Montserrat Tour with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access
window and patio detail at detail at Casa Batlló Building in Barcelona, Spain

Skip-the-Line Casa Batlló Tickets with SmartGuide

€38
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Skip-the-Line Casa Batlló Tickets with SmartGuide
passengers boarding light rail at train station in Barcelona

Hola Barcelona : Barcelona Unlimited Transport Card

€19
per traveller
84% of travellers recommend
Hola Barcelona : Barcelona Unlimited Transport Card
Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour by Bus Turistic

Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour by Bus Turistic

€33
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour by Bus Turistic
Discover 3 countries in one day. Andorra and France from Barcelona

Discover 3 countries in one day. Andorra and France from Barcelona

€98
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Discover 3 countries in one day. Andorra and France from Barcelona
Barcelona’s Park Güell: Priority Access & Expert Local Guide

Barcelona’s Park Güell: Priority Access & Expert Local Guide

€23
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Barcelona’s Park Güell: Priority Access & Expert Local Guide
Barcelona: Interactive Art Installation by IKONO

Barcelona: Interactive Art Installation by IKONO

€16
per adult
Barcelona: Interactive Art Installation by IKONO
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Top places to visit

1. Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most famous landmark. The huge basilica was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Its eight distinctive towers can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Thousands of visitors come here daily to admire the architecture and to take in views of the city from the top of the towers.
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The Sagrada Familia with a construction crane in the foreground.

2. La Rambla

Las Ramblas are a series of streets in the heart of Barcelona. The main pedestrian-only boulevard is lined with trees. Smaller streets crammed with shops and cafés branch off either side. Tourists and locals flood restaurants and cafés that have their tables on the pavement. There are flower stalls, kiosks hawking souvenirs and markets dotted among the eateries. Street performers give the area a lively atmosphere. Come at any time of the day or night to wander the 0.75-mile (1.2-kilometer) boulevard and explore the surrounding area.
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A bustling urban square with historic buildings, a central mosaic, and pedestrians.

3. Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya marks the heart of Barcelona’s city center. Surrounded by shops and peppered with monuments, this grand square is where the Ciutat Vella (Old City) and the modern 19th-century district of L’Eixample converge. King Alfonso XII unveiled the square in 1927 on the site of the former gates to the old city walls.
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A large historic building with multiple stories and a prominent tower, surrounded by a public square with people and pigeons.

4. Barceloneta Beach

Running along Barcelona’s Mediterranean coastline and just a short walk from La Rambla is Barceloneta Beach. It’s the focal point of the Barceloneta neighborhood and a place where locals and travelers alike come to experience a classic Mediterranean ambience.
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A modern building with a curved design, a beach with people, and a sunset sky.

5. Barcelona Cathedral

The Barcelona Cathedral is a classic Gothic-style cathedral dating back to the 13th century. Visitors come to watch traditional mass under huge vaulted ceilings. Decorative arts from the 1300s and onward are displayed throughout the cathedral, and a cloister, or courtyard, houses a fountain and geese. The rooftop offers views across the city. The cathedral is also known as “Le Seu,” and was named after Saint Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona.
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A historic cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, surrounded by tourists and modern buildings.

6. Passeig de Gràcia

It’s hard to imagine, standing on the Passeig de Gràcia, that less than 200 years ago it was a cart track connecting Barcelona and the rural town of Gràcia. By the early 20th century the sidewalks became promenades for Spain’s most elite families. That atmosphere still pervades the space, as tourists and chic locals pass buildings designed and built by some of the superstars of Catalan Modernism. Shop in the upscale boutiques or just go in search of magnificent homes.
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A busy urban street lined with luxury stores like Prada and Longchamp, with pedestrians walking along the sidewalk.

7. Park Güell

The best way to get your bearings in Barcelona is overlooking the city from the top of the park in Gracia, north of the city center. Park Güell was designed by Gaudí and built between 1900 and 1914. It’s famous not only for the incredible vistas from the top of the hill, but also for its many quirky features, including gingerbread-style houses, covered walkways and a mosaic tiled terrace.
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A panoramic view of a city with distinctive architecture, including a tower with a blue and white pattern, and a building with a mosaic roof.

8. Casa Batllo

Casa Batlló is another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, one of two private homes that are now open as museums. The modernist façade is decorated with oval windows, bone-like columns and colorful mosaics. The inside has been restored to its original condition with built-in fireplaces, arched ceilings and stained glass. The house is in Eixample, a neighborhood just north of the city center.
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A building with intricate mosaic tile work and green balconies.

What to do in Barcelona

Stay near popular Barcelona attractions

The Sagrada Familia with a construction crane in the foreground.

Sagrada Familia

9.4/10 (32,723 reviews)
Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece blends Gothic and Art Nouveau styles with intricate facades and symbolic elements. Inside, natural light through stained-glass windows creates a mesmerising atmosphere.
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Where to stay in Barcelona

Find the best Barcelona areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Barcelona
Learn more about Barcelona
A historic European street with arches, outdoor cafes, and shops.

Gothic Quarter

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

An arched brick ceiling with wooden chairs and a stage.

Eixample

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eixample. Check out top attractions like Plaça de Catalunya and Sagrada Familia, and jump on the metro at Diagonal Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

A crowded street with a large, colorful building featuring a prominent sign reading "Mercat".

El Raval

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in El Raval. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Parc de Montjuic Station or Paral-lel Station to see more of the city.

A historic building with intricate tile work and a large clock tower.

Gràcia

Architecture, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Gràcia. Make a stop by Passeig de Gràcia or Gaudi Experiencia while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Joanic Station or Fontana Station to get around town.

A beach with a tall, rust-colored structure and a modern curved building in the background.

Barceloneta

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

A bustling urban street lined with colorful buildings, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Granollers

A coastal town with colorful buildings, a sandy beach, and rocky outcrops.

Mataro

A coastal marina with numerous boats, a sandy beach, and a rocky breakwater.

Castelldefels

A coastal town with historic architecture, a stone wall, and a view of the sea and distant hills.

Sitges

A city with a prominent mountain in the background.

Sabadell

A rugged mountain range with prominent rock formations and sparse vegetation.

Barbera del Valles

A grassy field with a historic building and trees in the background.

Premia de Dalt

A beach with a wooden walkway, large rocks, and a grassy hill.

Montgat

Frequently asked questions

Is Barcelona worth visiting?
Renowned for its coastal beaches and dining, discovering cool things to do in Barcelona is simple. Make sure to add Passeig de Gràcia to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Barcelona?
Start your day with a visit to Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya. Then, check out other areas of Barcelona for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Barcelona?
The top tourist attraction in Barcelona is Passeig de Gràcia, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Barcelona?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Milà and Rambla de Catalunya with a three-day getaway in Barcelona. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and check out El Prat de Llobregat.
Is Barcelona a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Barcelona, such as Passeig de Gràcia and Casa Milà, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometres from the city centre of Barcelona is Downtown Barcelona and Ciutat Vella is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Barcelona with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all the family, we've got some awesome ideas for what to do in Barcelona with kids.

What to do in Barcelona for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Barcelona, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Finca Viladellops or Parc del Fòrum.
Are there free things to do in Barcelona?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Barcelona is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Passeig de Gràcia is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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