Top 7 Things to Do in Barcelona

I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled to quite a few European cities in my life so when I was planning a trip to Barcelona this past April, I’ll admit that I thought I knew what I was getting into. Fortunately for me, the city surprised me in the best way possible. The capital of Catalonia has so much to offer, boasting a vibrant and bustling culture, incredible food, and world-class architecture. I had so much fun exploring the city with my husband, Alex, and am excited to share my recommendations. Without further ado, check out the top seven things to do in Barcelona below!

Tour the Gothic Quarter

Also known as the Ciutat Vella, the Gothic Quarter is the heart of Barcelona and the oldest part of the city. With architecture dating back to Roman and medieval times, strolling through the neighborhood’s maze of cobbled streets makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Gothic Quarter’s rich history, I highly recommend the Sandeman’s Walking Tour. It’s a tip-based tour and the guides are known to be fantastic. If you don’t have the time to explore the area with a professional guide, you can still do a lot on your own. Be sure to check out the Cathedral of Barcelona, Placa del Rei, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri (my favorite square), and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi. Every street has something unique to offer, but my two favorite were Carrer de Petritxol and Carrer del Bisbe.

Even if the Gothic Quarter’s history doesn’t interest you, you should still go for its diverse and colorful array of bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s truly the best place to experience quintessential Barcelona.

Explore El Born Neighborhood

El Born is situated right next to the Gothic Quarter and feels like its younger, hipper cousin. The off-beat neighborhood features historical attractions, art galleries, funky shops, and so many restaurants that you’ll have trouble choosing where to eat.

El Born is a great place to get lost wandering, but a few attractions you should seek out include the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar (also known as the People’s Cathedral), the Mercat del Born, the Palau de la Música Catalana (Music Palace), and for you art lovers out there, the Picasso Museum.

Soak in the Views at Parc de Montjuïc

Parc de Montjuïc is a lovely open area filled with gardens, castles, museums and fountains. Perched on a hill that borders Sants and looks towards the sea, Montjuïc offers some of the best panoramas of Barcelona.

If you’re unsure where to start your exploration, I recommend taking the metro to Espanya station, climbing the hill to the National Palace, walking through the surrounding gardens, then taking the cable car up to Montjuïc Castle. The castle is only five euros to enter and shouldn’t be missed. From the castle walls, you’ll be rewarded with 360° views of Barcelona and the city’s coastline.

If you’re interested in history, Montjuïc has hosted a number of key events in the past that explain much of its character. The first was the 1929 International Exhibition which is what initially brought development to the area. Then more recently, the 1992 Olympic Games brought about major renewal. Personally, I would skip any tours of the Olympic facilities. There is much more interesting architecture to be found in Barcelona!

Get Mesmerized by Gaudi Architecture

No visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing some of the dreamlike works of Antonio Gaudi. Celebrated across the globe, Gaudi’s architectural style has heavily influenced the city’s unique aesthetic. In total, there are fourteen Gaudi masterpieces in Barcelona, but you only have to visit a few to get a feel for the Catalan architect’s style.

La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family) is arguably the most famous and impressive of all of Gaudi’s works. Unquestionably, you should pay the entry fee to go inside—trust me, it’s worth it! Gaudí's work was influenced greatly by his love of nature and the basilica is a shining example of that. Be sure to get your tickets ahead of time (link here) and pay the extra fee for the audio tour. It provides a great explanation of the basilica’s history and Gaudi’s many inspirations.

The second Gaudi creation not to be missed is Parc Güell. If you do a quick internet search of Barcelona, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see pictures taken in this picturesque park. Wandering around the colorful, strange designs made me feel like I’d stepped into the pages of Alice in Wonderland. As a bonus, the park sits on a hill and offers incredible views of the surrounding city. Again, be sure to book your tickets ahead of time (link here).

To round out your Gaudi explorations, consider adding Casa Batllo to the itinerary. The house is Antoni Gaudi at his hallucinatory best and has an entirely different feel than the imposing La Sagrada Familia. Even if you don’t pay to go inside (link here), be sure to take the time to see the grand exterior. Conveniently just a few blocks away you’ll find Casa Mila, another interesting Gaudi creation that is worth a peek.

Take a Stroll in Ciutadella Parc

I was surprised by how much I loved Ciutadella Parc. It’s the largest park in downtown Barcelona and the most charming. The park is home to many beautiful buildings, gardens, and lakes.

The highlight of the park is the Cascada del Parc de la Ciutadella, a stunning two-tier fountain with gold accents that dates back to the 19th century. Interestingly enough, the fountain was erected by Josep Fontsére with the help of Antoni Gaudí, who at that time was still an unknown student of architecture.

Connected to the park via a wide promenade is the Arc de Triomf of Barcelona. The gorgeous monument was built as the main access gate for the Barcelona World Fair in 1888. I really enjoyed walking along the promenade, taking in the sites and being entertained by the many street performers that frequent the area.

Experience Lively Las Ramblas Street

The busy stretch of Las Ramblas, a wide pedestrian avenue in the center of the city, is one of the most visited areas of Barcelona. It’s a great place to take a leisurely walk, soaking in the gorgeous buildings, colorful squares, and overlapping shops and restaurants. The highlight for me was Placa Reial, an ancient, beautifully designed square lined with palm trees.

I would be remiss not to mention that Las Ramblas has a few downfalls. First, the street can get incredibly crowded so my suggestion is to go early in the morning on a weekday if you can. Be very careful about pickpocketing as the area is known for petty crime. And second, whatever you do, do not eat at the restaurants lining Las Ramblas. In general, they are known to be overpriced and inauthentic. In a city with so much great food, you deserve nothing but the best!

Taste All the Spanish Tapas

Speaking of food, let’s talk tapas. When traveling, eating is one of my favorite ways to experience a city. Both my husband and I are very adventurous eaters and love to try local cuisine. Obviously, tapas are not unique to Barcelona—the word is out and tapas restaurants have become extremely popular around the world. With that said, the tapas in Barcelona can’t be beat. Check out a few of our favorite Barcelonian restaurants below.

Orvay

Not only does this restaurant have awesome tapas, but an incredible wine selection

El Xampanyet

This no fuss tapas restaurant in the Gothic Quarter is popular for a reason.

La Pepita

This fun, lively restaurant is located near Casa Batllo. The menu may be small, but the food is fantastic.

Cervecería Catalana

This restaurant offers traditional tapas as well as some more unique options.

La Boqueria Market

This famous market on Las Ramblas isn’t exactly a restaurant, but the various vendors offer some of the best food you’ll find in the city!

Of course, to compliment your tapas, you may want a cocktail or two. We absolutely loved Dr. Stravinsky in El Born. The drinks and ambiance do not disappoint!

No matter how you choose to experience Barcelona, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. The city has so much to offer no matter your interests. I’ve likely missed countless amazing attractions in this list, but that just means I’ll have to return to the city in the future!

Also, if you’re looking to experience something different than the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, be sure to check out my guides to taking a day trip to Montserrat and a day trip to Girona.

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My name is Kolby Tallentire and I’m the creator of Tallentire Travels. This site formed out of my unending love of travel. My goal is to bring you the most unique and affordable travel recommendations for every destination. Learn More