This list of the best places to visit in Barcelona It will help you organize your visit to this cosmopolitan city full of charming corners.
After its transformation and opening to the Mediterranean Sea in the 1992 Olympic Games, the city known as Barcelona has become one of the most visited cities in Europe and the world in which one of its main attractions, in addition to its extensive offer in cultural and leisure activities, they are the impressive architectural jewels of modernism such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and Park Güell, built by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí.
In addition to visiting all these buildings, it is also worth getting lost in its most emblematic neighborhoods such as the Gothic, the Born, the Barceloneta or Gracia and finish the routes in one of its spectacular viewpoints.
Another of its great claims is its excellent cuisine of tapas and traditional Catalan cuisine, which will delight every good taste.
Based on the numerous times we have visited this city, in the last one we wrote this guide to Barcelona in 4 days, we have made this list of what we believe are the 10 most beautiful places to see in Barcelona. We start!
1. The Holy Family
Entering the Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia, the unfinished masterpiece of the brilliant architect Gaudí, is one of the best things to do in Barcelona.
Gaudí, the greatest exponent of Catalan modernism, took the reins of the construction of this church in 1883, of which one year before the first stone had been laid, leaving at his death, in 1926 all the plans so that future architects could finish the work.
The interior and exterior of La Sagrada Familia are wonderful, nothing comparable to other churches in the world, using Gaudí in it all his experience and new techniques, creating a naturalistic style, where all its elements flow in complete harmony. Outside, the 3 facades dedicated to the Birth, Passion and Glory of Jesus and the towers that will reach 172 meters when the monument ends.
This is expected to happen in the year 2026, which has been set as the deadline, and once finished it will become the highest Christian church in the world, so as you can imagine, we are already eager to see it at its best.
To enter the Sagrada Familia, you have to take into account that it is one of the most visited monuments in Europe, long lines are formed in addition to having a limited number of daily tickets, which sell out quite quickly. One option to ensure your entrance and get to know the history of this building better is to book this visit with a Spanish guide without queues, which includes the ascent to one of the towers from where you will enjoy incredible views.
Another alternative if you do not want to climb the tower is to book this guided tour in Spanish without queues.
To get to this essential to visit in Barcelona, located far from the center, you can take lines 2 and 5 that stop at Sagrada Familia or the city bus.
Visiting hours: every day from April to September from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., March and October closes at 7 p.m. and the other months at 6 p.m.
The Holy Family
2. Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter, located in the center, is the oldest and most beautiful neighborhood to see in Barcelona.
Its origin dates back to Roman times from which you can still see some remains of the ancient city of Barcino, although its maximum splendor was achieved during the Medieval Age with the construction of Gothic churches and palaces.
One of its most famous churches is the Cathedral of Santa Creu and Santa Eulàlia, a Gothic wonder of the 14th century that stands out for its facade and an interior with a beautiful cloister and a choir carved in wood, which will leave you speechless.
After visiting this church, we recommend getting lost in its narrow streets starting with Carrer del Bisbe and finding magical places to visit in Barcelona such as the Sant Felip Neri square, the Palau del Bisbe, the Temple of Augustus, the Plaza del Rey, the Sant Jaume square, the church of Santa Ana and the magnificent Plaza Real.
In addition to remembering its medieval past, this neighborhood also has an important Jewish legacy by residing in the largest Hebrew community on the Peninsula. To tour this area called El Call de Barcelona, you can book this guided tour in Spanish where you will discover its most famous corners and see buildings such as the Greater Synagogue, the oldest in Spain and the only one of the five medieval preserved.
This neighborhood next to Born, has some of the best stores nearby and taverns to go for tapas, a good way to find the best is to follow this list of restaurants where to eat in Barcelona very well.
To learn more about the history of this neighborhood and much of Barcelona, we recommend you book this complete tour with a guide in Spanish.
Gothic Quarter
3. Casa Batlló
Our favorite building to visit in Barcelona is Casa Batlló, a World Heritage Site and one of Antonio Gaudí's masterpieces.
This jewel of Catalan modernism, located on the elegant Paseo de Gracia, impresses you at first sight for its spectacular facade inspired by the organic forms of nature.
In addition to marveling at its exterior, we advise you to enjoy an interior full of magic and fantasy thanks to its undulating shapes, the patio of lights and the roof full of amazing fireplaces.
It is interesting to take the virtual reality audio guide (smartguides) that will take you back to the past, when the architect commissioned by the rich businessman Josep Batlló, began with the remodeling of this old house until it became a landmark of world architecture .
To access there are three types of tickets, although only with Gold you will skip the long lines that are formed in the access. You can book the ticket in advance here.
If you are going to visit several works of Gaudí, it may be profitable to book this tour with a guide in Spanish that includes the skip-the-line entrance to the Park Güell, the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and the visit to La Pedrera.
After leaving Casa Batlló, we advise you to dedicate some time to the neighboring buildings of Casa Amatller, Casa Josefina Bonet, Casa Mulleras and Casa Lleó Morera, great works by modernist architects and that all together form the call Discord's Apple.
Casa Batlló
4. Las Ramblas
One of the most popular things to do in Barcelona It is a quiet walk through Las Ramblas or La Rambla.
This one-and-a-half kilometer avenue that runs from Plaza Cataluña to the Columbus Monument, is a hotbed of tourists and activity at any time of the day in which in addition to seeing street performers at the final part of the tour, there are several highlights They deserve a time like the La Boqueria market, which has numerous stalls selling quality products and tapas restaurants.
Nor can you forget to see the mosaic of Miró and drink at the Canaletas fountain, famous for being the place where Barcelona Soccer Club fans celebrate the titles. In addition, they say that he who drinks his water returns to Barcelona. You'll want to check it, right?
What we do not recommend from La Rambla is to sit on one of its terraces to eat or have a drink, since the quality / price ratio is very bad.
In one of the adjacent streets of this street is the Palau Güell, another of the wonderful modernist works of Gaudí to visit in Barcelona. The journey through its interior to the terrace full of colorful fireplaces, is simply magical.
A very interesting option to know the history and not miss anything from this part of the city is to book this free tour with a guide in Spanish Free! or this tour of mysteries and legends, both located among the best tours and excursions in Barcelona.
Visiting hours Palau Güell: from Tuesday to Sunday from April to October from 10am to 8pm; the rest of the months from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Stroll through La Rambla, one of the things to do in Barcelona
5. Hospital of the Santa Creu and Sant Pau
The Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, built between 1902 and 1930 by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and his son, is another of the buildings to see in Barcelona declared World Heritage.
Located a few meters from the Sagrada Familia, this old hospital surprised by a set of modernist red brick buildings and a large central square, which at the time helped, with a calm and beautiful environment, to cure patients. In 2009, the hospital and medical equipment were moved to new facilities located at the north end of the complex.
The visit can take between one and two hours, as there are several exhibitions to know the history of the hospital and although everything is very well explained, it can be interesting to book this guided tour.
To get to this hospital you can take metro line 5 and get off at Sant Pau or line 4 that leaves you in Guinardó.
A good way to get around Barcelona and save money is to buy the Hola BCN Card! for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, which allows you unlimited access to public transport in Barcelona.
The first Sunday of each month has free admission, making it one of the best free things in Barcelona.
Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from November to March from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from April to October from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Sundays it closes two hours before.
Hospital of Santa Creu and Sant Pau
Book the best rated tours and excursions in Spanish in Barcelona by travelers:
- Excursion to Montserrat
- Camp Nou Experience
- Excursion to Girona, Figueres and Dalí Museum
- Barcelona by land, sea and air
- Private sailboat ride
- More excursions and tours here
Book the best rated tours and excursions in Spanish in Barcelona by travelers:6. El Born, one of the places to visit in Barcelona
Located right next to the Gothic Quarter, between Vía Laietana and La Barceloneta, is one of the most fashionable neighborhoods to visit in Barcelona, El Born. Its narrow and cobbled streets are filled with tapas restaurants, charming cafes, boutiques, shops and stores to have the first drink of the night.
Although there are many important places to see in El Born, the jewel is the magnificent basilica of Santa María del Mar in Gothic style and famous for the literary work "The Cathedral of the Sea"A good option to explore the scenarios where the plot of this book is set is to book this tour with a guide in Spanish.
Another of the best things to do in Barcelona and in this neighborhood is to enter the impressive Palau de la Música Catalana, a modernist building, built between 1905 and 1908 by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, which has the only concert hall declared a World Heritage Site. To enter the Palau de la Música you have to book a guided tour or buy a ticket to attend one of their music concerts and thus also enjoy its excellent acoustics.
Another of the highlights of the neighborhood is the Picasso Museum, with the most important collection made by the great painter during his youth. In addition to the places mentioned, before leaving the neighborhood, you cannot miss the old Born Market, tour the Passeig de Born and Montcada street, see the Marcus chapel and the Church of Sant Pere de les Puelles, eat at the Santa Catarina Market, to finish in the beautiful Station of France.
Visiting hours Santa María del Mar: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Visiting hours of the Palau de la Música: every day from 10 am to 3:30 pm (July and August until 6 pm).
Visiting hours Picasso Museum: from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Thursday until 9:30 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
El Born, one of the places to visit in Barcelona
7. Park Güell
Park Güell, declared a World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful parks in the world and another one of the places to see in Barcelona essential.
This huge fairytale park by Gaudí surprises all visitors with its sculptures, fountains and buildings inspired by the undulating forms of nature. One of our favorite places is the Plaza de la Naturaleza, which has a wavy bench full of beautiful mosaics and incredible views of the entire city on one side.
The most famous image of the park and one of the typical souvenirs of Barcelona is in the Dragon Staircase, a large staircase with a fountain and the famous dragon sculpture.
Other interesting corners of the park are the Hypostyle Hall, the House of the Guardian, the Laundress Portico and the Gardens of Austria, although it is best to walk aimlessly and be surprised.
A few years ago, access to the park was restricted and ceased to be free. In addition, only a quota of 400 people is allowed every half hour, so long lines are formed, especially in high season and on weekends. A good way to avoid them is to book this guided tour of the park. If you don't want to do any guided tour, we recommend you book this ticket in advance.
Visiting hours: every day from 8 am to 9 pm
Park Güell
8. Viewpoints of Barcelona
Another of the best things to do in Barcelona is to climb one of its natural viewpoints or located in buildings to watch the sunset over the city or simply enjoy the views.
In addition to Park Güell, these are our favorite viewpoints in Barcelona:
- Montjuic: This iconic mountain located 175 meters high offers views of the entire city from several points such as: Montjuic Castle, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Mirador del Alcalde Gardens and the cable car.
- Basilica Santa Maria del Pi: This church offers the best panoramic views of the old town from its huge bell tower over 50 meters high.
- Carmel Bunkers: Located in the upper area of Turó de la Rovira, 250 meters high, this viewpoint is perfect for a picnic at sunset next to the remains of anti-aircraft bunkers and incredible views of the city.
- Tibidabo: Located in the Sierra de Collserola, more than 500 meters high, it is an excellent viewpoint in addition to having a fun amusement park to visit in Barcelona.
Barcelona from the Carmel Bunkers
Our recommended hotel in Barcelona
The Caledonian, a very central 3-star hotel, near Plaza Cataluña and with a metro station next door, is our choice to stay in Barcelona. It also has a very friendly staff, 24 hour reception, parking available in the same hotel and quality breakfast.
For more information on the best hotels and neighborhoods you can consult this post of where to stay in Barcelona.
9. Casa Mila
Going up the Paseo de Gràcia from the emblematic Plaza de Cataluña you will arrive at Casa Milà, another of Gaudí's most famous works to visit in Barcelona.
This modernist building built between 1906 and 1912 was popularly called La Pedrera for its sober stone facade forming wavy arches. During this stage, Gaudí was in one of his most creative moments contributing new architectural solutions that would take him to the top of the architecture with his naturalistic style and that is reflected in this building.
In addition to its facade, it is worth taking a tour of its interior, passing through the old floor of Messrs. Milá located on the first floor and going up to the roof, which marvels with its large ventilation towers and chimneys transformed into works of art.
As in all the works done by this architect endless queues are formed at the entrance, so it is advisable to book this entry in advance.
In addition, an original way to visit La Pedrera is to book this night visit that includes an audiovisual show on the roof.
Visiting hours: every day from November to February from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the rest of the months from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
La Pedrera, another place to see in Barcelona
10. Other Neighborhoods
In addition to the Gothic Quarter and the Born, there are others neighborhoods to see in Barcelona That is worth knowing.
One of our favorites is the neighborhood of Gracia, which looks like a town within the big city and has managed to keep the authenticity away from the big chain stores and restaurants.
In its narrow streets and squares full of atmosphere, you will find bars and shops of a lifetime mixed with other more modern design. Some of its most famous corners are the squares of the Virreina, the Sun, the Revolution or the Diamond, which next to Verdi Street, are meeting points for locals and tourists.
Another of our favorite and most fashionable neighborhoods to visit in Barcelona, is the old industrial district of Poblenou. In this neighborhood that opened to the sea with the celebration of the Olympic Games, you can enjoy good beaches such as Bogatell, Nova Icària and Mar Bella, as well as stroll along the Rambla del Poblenou, which also has a good offer of Restoration and art galleries.
Another of the best things to do in Barcelona It is eating fresh fish and seafood in one of the taverns of La Barceloneta, another of the mythical neighborhoods of the city. It is also a good place to play sports along its promenade with its outdoor gyms and to relax on the beach overlooking the spectacular W Barcelona hotel.
And if you want something special, nothing better than booking a private sailboat ride with Barcelona Sailboats, with whom you can enjoy a unique moment knowing the coast of Barcelona, participate in navigation if you feel like it or just relax sunbathing and bathing before Live an unforgettable sunset.
The Barceloneta
Other points of interest to visit in Barcelona if you have time are the Park of the Labyrinth of Horta, the Palace of Pedralbes, the Spanish People, the Casa Vicens, the Park of the Citadel, the Arc de Triomphe, the Camp Nou and the Fountain from Montjuic at night.
If you feel like helping us complete the list of the 10 places to visit in Barcelona, add yours in the comments.
