28 Epic Things to Do in Barcelona - The Spain Travel Guru (2025)

There are so many things to do in Barcelona, probably more so than any other Spanish city.

Barcelona is rare in that it balances an equal number of cultural sites, green spaces, nightlife, and gastronomic delights. It even has beaches – sandy, swimmable ones – with incredible sailing opportunities. Let’s take a look at what to do in Barcelona in all seasons.

Best time to visit Barcelona

Spring or later in fall is the best time to visit Spain for good weather and fewer crowds, and that includes Barcelona. It’s never truly quiet in the Catalonian capital but July, August, and September are busiest.

Although you will need to wrap up, Barcelona experiences mild winters. January and February are the quietest and most affordable months to visit.

How long to spend in Barcelona

Barcelona is a massive city with tons of sights. At the very least, you should spend two days in Barcelona. This will let you scratch the surface and get to know the main neighborhoods.

Three days in Barcelona makes for a more comprehensive exploration with time to relax in beaches and parks. With four days or more, you can plan a day trip.

What to do in Barcelona in 24 hours? You’ll need to plan your itinerary with care and pre-book admission tickets. Otherwise, you can outsource the logistics to a professional.

This One Day Tour mixes up walking tours and private minivan transfers to Park Güell and Montjüic Hill. It’s pretty full-on but an awesome timesaver, hitting all the best things to do in Barcelona.

Is the Barcelona Card worth it?

If you are visiting Barcelona for three days or more and are planning to visit a lot of museums and attractions, you might want to invest in a Barcelona Card.

This tourist card provides discounts to a vast number of sights. There are pros and cons to the card so do weigh up whether the Barcelona Tourist Card is worth it.

How to get to Barcelona

Just 13 km (8 miles) from the city center, Barcelona El Prat Airport is well-connected to national and international terminals. Check the latest flight deals with major carriers and low-fare airlines on Kiwi.com.

Barcelona-Sants is the main train station with fast services to Madrid, Valencia, Zaragoza, and other beautiful cities in Spain. Check fares and pre-book tickets on Omio.

If you’re planning a multi-city Spain travel itinerary, check out single fares and fly in/fly out of different airports.

Getting around Barcelona

Barcelona’s neighborhoods are walkable but you’ll need to lean on metro and bus services to hop between them.

Available in train stations, tourist offices, and online, a Hola Barcelona travel card is the cheapest. Passes permit unlimited travel on buses and metro trains for 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours.

Uber in Barcelona isn’t very reliable; alternative apps are more reliable. Free Now is by far the best app to download for Barcelona.

Where to stay in Barcelona

When choosing where to stay in Barcelona, you’ll want to prioritize neighborhoods in or near Ciutat Vella.

Barcelona’s Old Town, District 1, refers to the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and El Raval. These areas are expensive so you can widen the net to Eixample and Gràcia for affordable hotels.

Consider hostels in Barcelona as an alternative. There are party hostels as well as calmer hostels pitched at couples, families, and remote workers.

• Best luxury hotel in Barcelona: Located in a neoclassical mansion on Passeig de Gràcia, the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona is stunning inside and out. It has a rooftop bar and restaurant with a pool and one of Europe’s best spas.
• Best mid-range hotel in Barcelona: Praktik Vinoteca is a boutique hotel close to Plaça de Catalunya with fetching decor and a sunny patio. It’s great for couples.
• Best budget hotel in Barcelona: Hostal Lausanne is a guest house, not a hostel. All rooms are private and some have en suite bathrooms. It’s simple but charmingly historic in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.
• Best hostel in Barcelona: St Christopher’s Inn is a safe and centrally located hostel with affordable dorms and private rooms. The bar serves wallet-friendly food and hosts nightly socials with free sangria and fun activities.

Best things to do in Barcelona

The first seven Barcelona tourist attractions are part of the Gaudí trail. Visiting all of these isn’t realistic for a shorter itinerary so you’ll need to whittle down the buildings that catch your eye.

All Gaudí attractions may be visited independently or with a guide well-versed in the architect’s legacy and motivations. If you’re deeply interested in Antonio Gaudí, consider a customizable Gaudí private tour.

If you, or a loved one, has a Barcelona bucket list devoted to the trailblazing Modernist architect, it’s an unforgettable gift.

1. Step inside La Sagrada Família

Officially the Basílica de La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s masterpiece is the most iconic of all Barcelona tourist attractions. Work started on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1882 and is slated to finish in 2026.

Despite being a work in progress, the church is packed from opening until closing time and advance tickets are mandatory.

This Gaudí’s Sagrada Família fast-track guided tour spares waiting in line. Best of all, your expert guide will divulge the symbolism of the carvings, towers, and stained-glass windows.

If you prefer, this Sagrada Família entry ticket with an audio guide it’s cheaper and lets you set the pace. The audio guide is delivered to your smartphone and you’ll need to bring your own headphones.

Otherwise, you can simply admire the exterior of La Sagrada from the outside. There are lovely vantage points from Plaça de Gaudí and the ​​Plaça de la Sagrada Família.

2. Walk around Park Güell

Park Güell is one of the must-do things in Barcelona for Gaudí fans, families, and beyond. This sculpture park straddles a hill in the Gràcia neighborhood and grants cinematic views of the city and coastline.

This is made all the better by Gaudí’s whimsical mosaic buildings, archways slotted in around ancient carob trees, and a striking dragon stairway.

Admission to Park Güell is €10 ($11/£8.50) and timed tickets are sold on the official website.

You can also splurge on a guided tour of Park Güell. The tour lasts an hour after which you can explore independently. A lot of travelers head here for sunset but it’s quieter in the mornings.

3. Check out Casa Batlló (House of Barcelona)

Add Casa Batlló to your Barcelona bucket list if you’re drawn to ultra-whimsical buildings.

Gaudí’s House of Barcelona resembles a dragon with the roof being the star feature. Once a private residence on Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló is now a museum with exhibitions dedicated to Gaudí and the building’s history. It didn’t always look like this!

General admission starts at €25 ($26/£20) for a Blue Ticket and includes the Gaudí Cube, rooftop, and regular audio guide. A welcome glass of cava is sometimes, but not always, included with evening bookings.

The Silver (€33) and Gold Tickets (€35) carry additional perks, including the use of an augmented reality tablet and access to the Gaudí Dôme.

Considering the small price ticket between the two, it makes sense to buy the Gold Ticket as that includes access to the private residence of the Batllós as well as flexiblity/cancellation.

Tickets are available online. You can also catch a music concert on select evenings.

4. Witness sunrise at La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

La Pedrera (or, Casa Milà) is another Gaudí building on the Passeig de Gràcia. As with Casa Batlló, you can either visit it from the street or venture inside.

This Modernista building with a quarry-like facade housed the Milà family. As with its neighbor, La Pedrera hosts the occasional music concert.

Touring the building takes you to two beautiful courtyards, the Whale Attic, and the dramatic Warrior rooftop. As usual, all design work is inspired by the natural world and the elements.

This Gaudí house dives deeper into the architect’s work and methodology than Casa Batlló. The attic, in particular, will interest you if you’re interested in the science and engineering behind Gaudí’s work.

Whereas Casa Batlló is popular at twilight, Casa Milà is one of the best things to do in Barcelona at dawn.

Admission to La Pedrera costs €28 ($31/£24). Sunrise and evening tickets start at €39 ($43/£33).

5. Make the journey to Casa Vicens

If you have more energy for Gaudí, Casa Vicens is an entirely different encounter. This Gràcia home is inspired by the Moorish architecture mainly seen in southern Spain.

Gaudí started work on this ornamental summer house in 1883, while he was experimenting with Neo-Mudéjar and Orientalist architecture. It features ceramic tilework, ornate arches, and wooden latticework.

Self-guided tickets cost €20 ($22/£17) – dropping to €18 after 2 pm. Guided tours and early-morning visits are available too.

As all of these Gaudí houses are indoor attractions, they’re suitable things to do in Barcelona in the rain.

6. Visit the Church of Colònia Güell

On the city outskirts, Cripta de la Colònia Güell is one of the quieter Barcelona tourist attractions.

Designed by Gaudí, this stone church is thought to be a prototype for La Sagrada Família. It features his trademark elements of ergonomic benches, colorful stained glass windows, and mosaic walls.

Tickets cost €10 ($11/£8.50) with an audio guide or €13 for a tour.

Colònia Güell Church is 20 minutes by metro from Espanya Station.

7. See Torre Bellesguard (Casa Figueres)

Torre Bellesguard is one of the lesser-visited Gaudí sights in Barcelona, mainly due to its location.

Also known as Casa Figueres, the manor was built on top of a former castle. It fuses Gothic and Modernist elements while celebrating the surrounding nature, as per Gaudí’s trademark style.

As one of the offbeat things to do in Barcelona, Torre Bellesguard doesn’t see the lines of other attractions. However, it’s wise to pre-book a ticket during the peak summer season.

Admission at the door costs €20 ($22/£17). This includes an audio guide, or you can upgrade to a guided tour.

Sarrià and Av. Tibidabo are the closest metro stations and buses stop right outside.

8. Explore the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) marks the tourist heart of Barcelona. It’s a labyrinth of plazas and narrow streets leading to medieval buildings and churches, including Barcelona Cathedral.

Although accommodation in the Gothic Quarter is expensive, this neighborhood is economical to explore. The highlights lie in hopping from plaza to plaza, finding beauty in the small details.

You’ll see the ornamental bridge, Pont del Bisbe, the Roman walls, and the remains of a Roman temple next to the cathedral.

The Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA) is worth a visit. This underground museum walks you through the earliest Roman foundations and medieval layers. Admission is €7 ($8/£6).

As the historic and touristic nucleus, there are dozens of walking tours in this area.

The Gothic Quarter “Free” Walking Tour departs twice daily and operates on a tips basis. It covers a large chunk of the Barri Gòtic and La Ramblas. You’ll need to carry euros to tip the guide as you see fit.

Fancy seeing the other side of Barcelona’s Old City?

The Barcelona Gothic Quarter Ghosts and Legends walking tour departs in the evening and dives into grizzly tales of murder, ghosts, and the macabre. Definitely one of the spookiest things to do in Barcelona at night.

9. Soak up the atmosphere on La Rambla

La Rambla is a pedestrianized street running from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell and bisecting the Gothic Quarter and El Raval districts.

It’s famous for its elegant buildings, many of which are theaters, and its mixture of locals and tourists. As with the Gothic Quarter, it’s one of those must-do things in Barcelona – whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit.

La Rambla is quiet in the morning. Get there early for time to appreciate the architecture and get some snaps. By midday, the atmosphere picks up and you can expect to find vendors selling trinkets while street performers play music and show off their acrobatics.

Sadly, this is prime stomping ground for pickpockets so do keep a secure hold on your possessions. They know to prey on people taking photos and fishing for euros to buy souvenirs from Barcelona.

La Rambla becomes Rambla de Mar at Port Vell.

10. Wander through El Born

El Born is a historic neighborhood adjacent to the Barri Gòtic with trendy dining spots and a fun nightlife. As with the Gothic Quarter, you’ll want to visit during the day for cultural attractions and return in the evening.

The El Born Center for Culture and Memory is one of the most fascinating Barcelona tourist attractions. This grand old market rests atop an archaeological zone preserving mainly Roman ruins. It’s only €4 ($4.50/£3.30) to take a short guided tour through the site.

El Born is also the location of the Picasso Museum. Both museums are great options for things to do in Barcelona in the rain.

11. Peruse Barcelona’s food markets

Boqueria Market (Mercat de la Boqueria) is one of the must-do things in Barcelona and a functioning place to buy groceries. It’s mammoth, with stalls selling vegetables, fish, cheese, meat, and much more.

However, La Boqueria isn’t the only option. Santa Caterina (in El Born) and Sant Antoni (in El Raval) are two other food markets to swing by.

You can visit these markets to buy food and gifts or simply to experience the atmosphere. Some food tours swing by these markets.

Being covered, hanging out at markets is one of the best things to do in Barcelona in the rain. Mercat de la Boqueria also has restaurants and bars serving traditional Catalan dishes and wine.

12. Take a tapas tour

On that note, a food tour is one of the best things to do in Barcelona for cultural immersion. These provide a unique insight into Catalan cuisine and help you suss out the best places to eat for an authentic experience.

There are Barcelona food tours to suit all budgets and tastes – even vegans.

13. Relax in Ciutadella Park

Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella) is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Barcelona. Conveniently located between El Born and La Barceloneta, it’s a great spot to rest in between sights and walking.

For those on a budget, this is one of the few free things to do in Barcelona. A wander through monumental gardens dotted with sculptures and fountains eventually delivers you to the grand finale.

Josep Fontserè designed the Cascada Monumental ahead of the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. It’s reminiscent of the Trevi Fountain in Rome, depicting the Roman goddess of the dawn, Aurora, alongside mythological creatures.

Fontserè was the brains behind the artistry but Gaudí played a behind-the-scenes role in designing the water hydraulics.

14. Hike up Montjuïc Hill

Montjuïc Hill provides panoramic views over Barcelona and a variety of fun attractions that could fill a half or full day.

It’s worth visiting to see the landscaped gardens and stately buildings. The National Art Museum of Catalonia is housed in one such palace. Collections spotlight regional artists with an emphasis on Romanesque art although national and international creators are well-represented.

Elsewhere, van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion is a mind-boggling architectural exhibit while the Fundació Joan Miró showcases modern art. Montjuïc Castle complex preserves a 17th-century fort and prison and the Olympic Ring commemorates the 1992 Summer Games.

Montjuïc Hill and Castle are some of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids. You can hike up from town or take the cable car. Tickets are cheaper when purchased online.

15. Cool down on the beach

When weighing up whether to travel to Barcelona or Madrid, those golden beaches score major brownie points.

Barcelona’s beaches are within walking distance of the Gothic Quarter. Formerly the domain of fishermen, La Barceloneta is now a vibrant quarter with sandy beaches, seafood joints, and chiringuito beach bars.

The beaches are beautifully equipped for a lazy day on the sand. Either bring a towel along or rent a lounger with shade. The sea is safe for swimming and generally stays warm until early/mid-October.

La Barceloneta is very family-friendly and one of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids that won’t break the bank.

If you love to be near the sea but aren’t keen on sunbathing, take a stroll along the Passeig Marítim. It goes all the way to the Olympic Port where you can ogle superyachts over a plate of paella.

16. Take a day trip to Costa Brava

If La Barceloneta doesn’t cut it, plan a day trip to one of the beautiful towns in Costa Brava. Spain’s “Wild Coast” is a vision of plunging cliffs, sandy coves, and token historic sights including forts and lighthouses.

Lloret de Mar is the gateway town for the Costa Brava, with a nice mix of cultural spots and beach culture. Buses take an hour from Barcelona Estació del Nord. Once in town, you could sign up for a snorkeling trip in Lloret de Mar.

Alternatively, you can take a train further north to Figueres (the birthplace of Salvador Dalí) and then catch a bus to Cadaqués or Roses.

Adventure tours such as sea kayaking excursions and cultural days out operate from Barcelona.

17. Fall in love with flamenco

Seeing as that’s where it originated from, seeing a flamenco show is one of the most famous things to do in Andalucia.

However, you can also find engrossing performances in Catalonia and it’s one of the best things to do in Barcelona at night.

Theaters dot Las Ramblas and usually come with the option to reserve VIP seats with cava or in some cases, dinner. Flamenco at City Hall also offers masterclasses for those interested in learning some movies.

18. Embark on a sailing adventure

What to do in Barcelona on a fine summer’s day? Make the most of that Mediterranean coast on a catamaran cruise or even a yacht charter.

This Barcelona sunset catamaran cruise with live music lasts a little over an hour with unparalleled views. There’s no food included but it’s the most wallet-friendly option.

This Barcelona coastline small-group sailing trip operates up to three times a day in high season. It includes food, drinks, and swimming stops with the use of paddle boards, snorkel gear, and pool floats.

If you’re traveling as a group or looking for ultra-romantic things to do in Barcelona, charter a private yacht. Sailings start at €900 for two hours and include a professional skipper. Up to 11 guests can partake and the hire cost is split between the group. It’s also one of the coolest things to do in Barcelona with kids..

Sailing trips occur all year with more options available during summer when the water is warm enough to swim.

19. Go scuba diving

What to do in Barcelona when it’s too hot? Head under the sea. Local dive shops offer discovery dives and full qualifications, subject to how much time you have.

This PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course is a two-hour baptism into underwater adventures.

It covers the basics of open water diving and how to communicate under the sea before donning a wetsuit for a real dive off Playa del Llevant. Afterwards, you’ll get a certificate of participation.

20. Visit Badalona

Badalona is a much smaller coastal city north of Barcelona. Relaxed and calm, it’s a lovely spot to unplug between the major Barcelona tourist attractions.

You could spend a day exploring Badalona’s promenade and beaches. Otherwise, head there for sunset over the pier and dinner before making the easy train journey back to Barcelona.

Kayak and paddleboard tours launch from Barcelona Kayak marina. Even more unique, the company schedules ad hoc excursions in a Polynesian canoe.

It takes an hour to hike to the Monastery of Sant Gerònim de la Murtra. Bus number M26 departs from near the train station if you’d rather save your legs.

Commuter trains and metro services link Barcelona-Sants and Passeig de Gràcia with Badalona in around 30 minutes.

21. Sip cocktails in a rooftop bar

Add a sky-high cocktail to your Barcelona bucket list! Hanging out in one of Barcelona’s rooftop bars offers a bird’s eye perspective on the sites you’ve explored.

Most of these are attached to hotels in Barcelona and guests have priority so you might need to reserve a table in advance. Drinks can be pricey and food a little hit and miss so you’ll be going for the views and a treat!

Select bars, including 360º at Barceló Raval, also serve brunch.

22. Spend a day at Tibidabo Amusement Park

This vintage theme park has stood guard over the city and charmed its residents since 1868. Sagrat Cor, the mighty Roman Catholic church you’ll see from the city streets, was added in the 20th century.

Meanwhile, the mountain has been there since the dawn of time and is said to have hosted a rendezvous between Jesus and the Devil.

Visiting Tibidabo is one of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids or thrill seekers. It has a mix of gentle and white-knuckle rides plus such unique attractions as the Avió aircraft ride.

There are different tickets based on which parts of Tibidabo you want to visit. Day passes to the amusement park with unlimited rides cost €35 ($39/£30) for adults.

23. Tour the FC Barcelona Museum

Seeing the stomping ground of the La Liga football club is one of the must-do things in Barcelona for soccer fans.

Spotify Camp Nou is currently undergoing renovation and the usual tour is on hiatus. It’s still possible to visit a temporary exhibit next to the stadium, comprising interactive and immersive installations relating to FC Barcelona.

You can buy tickets for the Barça Immersive Tour which includes a view of the construction site but not admission to the grounds.

While touring Spotify Camp Nou is fun for most travelers, this immersive exhibition is best saved for serious football fans. Parts of the stadium are slated for completion and reopening in late 2024, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest news.

24. Barcelona Aquarium

Barcelona Aquarium and Oceanarium is one of the coolest things to do in Barcelona with kids. It’s located in Port Vell and a nice place to duck into when temperatures swell.

Exhibitions are preoccupied with Mediterranean marine life, with around 450 species represented. The Oceanarium contains sharks, gilt heads, morays, ocean sunfish, and rays that soar above the transparent tunnel.

As it gets busy and lines can be long, it’s best to pre-buy Barcelona Aquarium skip-the-line admission tickets.

25. Partake in a festival

Barcelona plays host to traditional festivals as well as arts and culture events throughout the year. Summer is the season for music festivals, covering electronic, pop, jazz, and more. Grec Festival is a huge summer festival devoted to performance arts and music.

Fiesta de la Mercè, one of Spain’s famous festivals, occurs every September in Barcelona. This sees the city erupt with fireworks, parades of Castellers (human towers), and Catalan food.

Scheduling your trip around a festival is one of the best things to do in Barcelona for cultural immersion.

26. Take a day trip to Montserrat

Once you’ve reached the bottom of your Barcelona bucket list, you can see a little more of Catalonia.

After the aforementioned Costa Brava, Montserrat is one of the best day trips from Barcelona.

This area encompasses a jaw-dropping mountain range and monastery in the Parc Natural de la Muntanya de Montserrat. Getting to the monastery and lookouts is by funicular (or rack railway) which is quite the thrill.

Either catch a train from Espanya Station and go it alone or streamline the process with a tour.

This Montserrat, cogwheel train tour is spread across the natural and cultural highlights. The tour gives you time to explore the entire area including the monastery.

If you can’t decide between the mountains and the coast, well, don’t bother. This Montserrat, Girona, and Costa Brava guided day trip from Barcelona includes both!

You’ll also explore the gorgeous Catalan city of Girona en route to Tossa del Mar. It’s quite ambitious for one day but you do cover a lot of ground.

27. Visit three countries in one day

This is the most ambitious day trip from Barcelona, and a rare opportunity to visit the less-traveled Andorra.

The Original Three Countries Tour takes you from Barcelona to France and Andorra. Tours usually stop at Bagà before crossing into French soil and having lunch at Ax-les-Thermes. After time in Andorra la Vella, the bus returns via a different route allowing a glimpse at Montserrat.

It does mean a lot of the day is spent on the bus. But, with scenery like the Cadi-Moixeró National Park and high-mountain passes through the Pyrenees Alps, it’s a treat for the eyes.

28. Spend Christmas in Barcelona

If you’re looking for an offbeat beat place to spend the holiday season in Europe, Spain could be it! While travelers flock to the German markets in, well, Germany, Spain sees a slight dip.

Christmas in Barcelona will include a mix of markets, ice skating, hanging at the beach, and partaking in traditional activities. The Three Kings Parade on 6 January is a particularly fun holiday which adds a twist to Christmas and Saint Nicholas.