Things to do in Barcelona

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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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Sagrada Familia showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious aspects

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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Las Ramblas which includes a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

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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Placa de Catalunya which includes a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

4. 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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Look out over the city from a Gaudí-designed terrace in this park in the city’s north.

5. 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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The warm water of the Mediterranean Sea and aquatic sports, beach bars and nightlife combine to make this Barcelona’s most popular urban beach.

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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One of Spain’s most expensive streets has masterworks by Gaudí, Falqués and more, interspersed with designer boutiques and rather opulent cafés.

7. 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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Barcelona Cathedral showing a square or plaza, heritage architecture and religious aspects

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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Casa Batllo featuring heritage architecture and a city

Popular places to visit

Sagrada Familia

4.5/5(1,450 reviews)

Gaudí’s basilica in the center of Barcelona is an architectural marvel and offers views across the city from eight towering spires.

La Rambla

4/5(1,643 reviews)

These lively pedestrian streets in the heart of Barcelona are filled with flower stalls, tapas restaurants and street performers.

Port de Barcelona

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Barcelona with a trip to Port de Barcelona. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.

Plaça de Catalunya

4.5/5(1,225 reviews)

This popular Barcelona meeting point connects the old city with the new and is famous for its shopping, monuments and festival celebrations.

Park Güell

4.5/5(1,036 reviews)

Look out over the city from a Gaudí-designed terrace in this park in the city’s north.

Barceloneta Beach

4.5/5(1,313 reviews)

The warm water of the Mediterranean Sea and aquatic sports, beach bars and nightlife combine to make this Barcelona’s most popular urban beach.

Passeig de Gràcia

4/5(108 reviews)

One of Spain’s most expensive streets has masterworks by Gaudí, Falqués and more, interspersed with designer boutiques and rather opulent cafés.

Barcelona Cathedral

4.5/5(1,710 reviews)

Barcelona’s cathedral dates back to the 1200s, and contains the remains of the city’s patron saint.

Casa Batllo

4.5/5(637 reviews)

Gaudí designed this house for a family in the early 20th century and incorporated his signature elements into the design, including curved lines and bright colors.

Areas of Barcelona

Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(1,039 area reviews)

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.

Eixample

4.5/5(1,463 area reviews)

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.

Ciutat Vella

4.5/5(116 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral, captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Ciutat Vella. Top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona are major draws. Catch the metro at Jaume I Station or Barceloneta Station to see more of the city.

Gràcia

4.5/5(111 area reviews)

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

Sant Martí

4/5(193 area reviews)

Known for its beaches and abundant dining options, there's plenty to explore in Sant Martí. Top attractions like Barceloneta Beach and Rambla del Poblenou are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Pere IV Tram Stop or Fluvià Tram Stop to see more of the city.