Barcelona is a vibrant Spanish city filled with culture. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, there’s plenty to see and do. In fact, there’s simply too much to fit into one article. We have loads of information, whether you plan to move to the city or just visit Barcelona.
Things to do in Barcelona
Whether you’re a foodie, a party animal, or a history buff, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Barcelona. These are just a few of our recommendations, with more resources for you at the end of the post.
Museums
Soak up the culture and history of Spain and Barcelona by visiting some of its many museums. Anyone with an interest in art must visit the Picasso Museum (Museo Picasso), and there’s also the Catalan Art Museum. To learn more about the history of the city there is the Barcelona History Museum, containing Roman ruins and medieval landmarks among its many exhibits.
Beaches
If you’re in Barcelona to soak up the sun, there’s no shortage of beaches for you to choose from. With more than 4km of beaches along the city, you’re sure to find a spot that suits you. Barcelona’s beaches can get crowded in the summer and are a prime target for pickpockets, so make sure you keep your belongings safe.
Nightlife
Barcelona is also famous for its active nightlife. It’s common to see locals and tourists alike out partying until as late (or early) as 6am. People tend to hit the bars and clubs at 10 or 11pm and stay out until the early hours of the morning. The Magic Fountain was more our speed.
Things to see in Barelona
You can take in the sights the whole city has to offer from the tops of Mount Tibidabo and Montjuïc. For a closer look, here are some top attractions you must see while in Barcelona.
Architecture
Barcelona is well-known for its impressive architecture, much of which is the handiwork of Modernist Antoni Gaudí. Catalan Modernism was a popular architectural movement in the late 19th and early 20th century. Check out the Modernisme Route website to locate the key Modernist sights.
Churches
A prime example of Barcelona’s beautiful architecture is the city’s churches. Gaudí’s ongoing masterpiece, La Sagrada Família is a top tourist attraction that has been in construction since 1882. Other churches to check out include Sant Pau del Camp and Santa Maria del Mar.
Parks
Although Barcelona doesn’t have an abundance of parks, those it boasts are certainly worth visiting. Visit Park Güell to enjoy more of Gaudí’s work, as well as Parc de la Ciutadella for more picturesque surroundings, including an incredible waterfall envisioned by Gaudí.
Best area to stay in Barcelona
Whether you’re looking for a youth hostel or a five-star hotel, and everything in between, Barcelona has plenty to offer in the way of accommodation. Here are a few of the most popular areas to stay in Barcelona.
La Rambla
Go full tourist mode by staying on the most famous street in Barcelona, Las Ramblas. This long, pedestrian-only street is a huge tourist attraction and is lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, and more. Because of its popularity, La Rambla is also quite the tourist trap, so you’re unlikely to find anything for cheap on this street, but it offers a one of a kind experience.
The Gothic Quarter
Experience the gothic, medieval side of Spain in Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood. The Gothic Quarter is just east of La Rambla but offers much more reasonably priced accommodation. It’s home to Roman ruins and buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries, so there are plenty of sights to behold.
The L’Eixample
L’Eixample is a wonderful mix of old and new, with traditional architecture from the likes of Gaudí, and designer clothing stores and trendy bars drawing in a fashionable crowd. It’s the largest neighbourhood in Barcelona and houses lots of luxury places to stay, as well as more modest accommodation.
Sant Marti
If you want easy access to Barcelona’s beaches, then the Sant Marti area is the ideal place. It’s one of the more modern and developed areas of the city and is home to the former Olympic Village from the 1992 Olympic games. There’s no shortage of choice for hotels and apartments offering gorgeous sea views.
Gràcia
Gràcia offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s still replete with cafes, bars, and restaurants, but it has more of a small-town feel to it than the busier districts of Barcelona. Gràcia is a bohemian paradise that offers great views of the city, as well as the spectacular attraction of Parc Güell.
With so much to see and do in Barcelona, your main problem will be fitting it all in during your stay. But we’re sure you won’t mind finding an excuse to revisit this spectacular city.
Additional information when you visit Barcelona
If you are a family on a visit to Barcelona or you are traveling with kids, keep on reading!
- Things To Do In Barcelona With Kids
- Americans Living In Spain = Stop #1 Barcelona
- A Ferry from Spain to Rome ? Departing from Barcelona!
- For A Memorable Experience Explore Barcelona By Bike!
- The full city guide of Barcelona
- You can’t go wrong with a Lonely Planet guide for Barcelona
Please comment below with any other things to do or attractions in Barcelona you think we should know about.
