50 Things to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, dazzles visitors with its unique blend of artistic flair, vibrant street life, and stunning seaside setting. Planning your Catalan adventure often involves exploring Gaudí architecture in Barcelona, wandering through ancient Gothic alleyways, enjoying delicious tapas, and discovering the many wonderful free things to do in Barcelona that make this city so accessible. Its distinct culture and energy captivate at every turn.

From marveling at surreal structures to relaxing on Mediterranean beaches and soaking up the lively atmosphere, Barcelona offers a rich tapestry of experiences. This guide presents 50 diverse activities, highlighting architectural wonders, cultural gems, culinary delights, and local favorites. Use it to craft your perfect Barcelona itinerary and immerse yourself in its distinctive charm.

Gaudí’s Masterpieces and Modernisme

Visit the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished basilica and Barcelona’s most iconic landmark. Book tickets well in advance online to avoid exceptionally long queues and guarantee entry.

Explore Park Güell, Gaudí’s whimsical public park filled with colorful mosaics, undulating structures, and fantastic city views. Access to the monumental zone requires a ticket, best purchased beforehand.

Tour Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia, one of Gaudí’s most imaginative residential buildings with its skeletal façade and dragon-like roof. The audio guide enhances the magical experience inside.

Visit Casa Milà (La Pedrera), another Gaudí masterpiece on Passeig de Gràcia, known for its undulating stone façade and surreal rooftop chimney sculptures. Explore the period apartment and exhibition space within.

Discover Palau Güell, an early Gaudí mansion located just off La Rambla, showcasing his innovative use of space, light, and materials. Its rooftop chimneys hint at his later, more famous works.

Admire the façade of Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first major architectural project, notable for its colourful Moorish influences and intricate tile work. Located in the Gràcia neighborhood, it’s now a museum.

See the stunning stained glass and intricate mosaics of the Palau de la Música Catalana, a concert hall designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Taking a guided tour reveals its breathtaking Art Nouveau interior.

Visit the Hospital de Sant Pau, another masterpiece by Domènech i Montaner and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the beautiful pavilions and gardens of this former hospital complex, a gem of Modernisme architecture.

Historic Quarters Wanderings

Stroll down La Rambla, Barcelona’s famous tree-lined pedestrian boulevard stretching from Plaça Catalunya to the waterfront. Absorb the lively atmosphere with its street performers, flower stalls, and human statues.

Explore the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), the heart of old Barcelona, with its narrow medieval streets, hidden plazas, and historic buildings. Get lost wandering its atmospheric labyrinth.

Visit the impressive Barcelona Cathedral (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia) located in the Gothic Quarter. Admire its Gothic architecture and explore the serene cloister with its resident geese.

Wander through Plaça Sant Jaume, the political center of Barcelona, home to the Palau de la Generalitat (Catalan government) and City Hall. Feel the historical weight of this central square.

Discover the charming El Born neighborhood, adjacent to the Gothic Quarter, known for its trendy boutiques, artisan shops, tapas bars, and the El Born Cultural Centre. It blends history with a cool, modern vibe.

Walk through the Arc de Triomf, built as the main entrance for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition. This impressive reddish brick arch leads towards Parc de la Ciutadella.

Explore Plaça Reial, a beautiful square just off La Rambla in the Gothic Quarter, featuring Gaudí-designed lampposts and arcaded walkways. It’s a popular spot for dining and people-watching.

Visit the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar in the El Born district, a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Its soaring interior and sense of space are truly remarkable.

Art and Culture Immersion

Explore the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso), housing one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist. Focus is placed on his formative years spent in Barcelona.

Visit the Fundació Joan Miró, dedicated to the works of the Barcelona-born artist Joan Miró, located on Montjuïc hill. Admire his colourful paintings, sculptures, and textiles in a stunning modern building.

Discover Catalan art from the Romanesque period to the mid-20th century at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), housed in the magnificent Palau Nacional on Montjuïc. Enjoy fantastic city views from its steps.

See contemporary art exhibitions at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) in the Raval neighborhood. Its striking white building designed by Richard Meier is an architectural landmark.

Explore the CaixaForum Barcelona, a cultural center housed in a former Modernista factory, offering diverse art exhibitions, concerts, and workshops. Admire the building’s unique architecture.

Visit the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) located in the El Born district, focusing on contemporary figurative art. It offers a contrast to the abstract focus of many modern art museums.

Discover maritime history at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona (Museu Marítim), housed in the impressive former Royal Shipyards. Explore ship replicas, navigational instruments, and nautical artifacts.

Parks, Gardens, and Views

Relax in Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona’s central park, featuring a boating lake, the city zoo, museums, and the impressive Cascada Monumental fountain. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll or picnic.

Ride the cable car up Montjuïc Hill for stunning panoramic views over the city and harbor. Explore the various attractions on the hill, including parks, museums, and the Olympic Stadium.

Witness the enchanting Magic Fountain of Montjuïc show (check seasonal schedules), featuring water jets, light, and music performances below the Palau Nacional. It’s a popular free spectacle.

Explore the lesser-known Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Barcelona’s oldest garden, featuring a beautiful cypress maze and neoclassical architecture. It offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

Hike or take transport up Tibidabo Mountain for the highest viewpoint over Barcelona. Enjoy the vintage Tibidabo Amusement Park and the impressive Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor church.

Find tranquility in the Jardins de Joan Brossa on Montjuïc, a spacious park with playgrounds and open areas offering lovely city perspectives. It’s a good spot for families to relax.

Walk through the Parc de Montjuïc itself, encompassing diverse gardens, viewpoints, and cultural sites across the hill. Discover hidden corners and enjoy the green spaces.

Culinary Delights and Markets

Explore the bustling La Boqueria Market just off La Rambla, a famous food market overflowing with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, seafood, and tapas stalls. Sample fresh juices or grab a quick bite amidst the crowds.

Wander through the Santa Caterina Market with its distinctive wavy, colourful roof, located near the Cathedral. Find fresh local produce and enjoy lunch at one of its market bars.

Indulge in tapas hopping, moving between different bars sampling small plates of Spanish specialties like patatas bravas, pan con tomate, and jamón ibérico. Areas like El Born and Poble Sec are great for this.

Savor traditional paella, particularly seafood paella, often found in restaurants near the Barceloneta beachfront. Enjoy this classic Spanish rice dish with Mediterranean views.

Taste Crema Catalana, the local version of crème brûlée, featuring a rich custard base with a caramelized sugar top. It’s a delightful dessert found in many traditional restaurants.

Enjoy churros con chocolate, fried dough pastries dipped in thick hot chocolate, a popular treat especially for breakfast or snacks. Find them at dedicated ‘granjas’ or cafes.

Try escalivada, a smoky Catalan dish of roasted vegetables (typically eggplant, bell peppers, and onions) often served on toast. It’s a simple yet flavorful vegetarian option.

Drink Catalan cava, the sparkling wine produced in the nearby Penedès region. Enjoy a glass at a bar or consider a day trip to visit cava wineries.

Sample vermouth (vermut), which has seen a resurgence in popularity in Barcelona. Enjoy this fortified, aromatized wine as an aperitif, often served on tap at traditional bodegas.

Beach Life and Waterfront

Relax on Barceloneta Beach, the city’s most famous and accessible sandy stretch, located next to the old fishermen’s quarter. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or walking along the promenade.

Walk or cycle along the Port Vell waterfront area near the Columbus Monument. Admire the yachts, visit the Maremagnum shopping center, or see the Barcelona Aquarium.

Visit quieter beaches further up the coast like Nova Icària Beach or Bogatell Beach, popular with locals and families. They offer a more relaxed atmosphere than Barceloneta.

Stroll through the Barceloneta neighborhood itself, exploring its narrow streets and sampling fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants. Experience the area’s maritime heritage.

Enjoy watersports like paddleboarding or kayaking available for rent along the city beaches. Take advantage of the calm Mediterranean waters for some active fun.

Unique Barcelona Experiences

Attend a Flamenco show for a passionate display of traditional Spanish music and dance. Several venues (tablaos) in the city offer nightly performances.

Take a Spanish cooking class to learn how to prepare local dishes like paella, tapas, or Crema Catalana. It’s a fun, hands-on way to engage with the local culture.

Catch an FC Barcelona football match at Camp Nou (check schedule and ticket availability). Experiencing the passion of the fans at Europe’s largest stadium is unforgettable, even if just taking a stadium tour.

Explore the Gràcia neighborhood during its annual Festa Major de Gràcia in August, when streets compete with elaborate decorations. Even outside the festival, Gràcia offers a village-like feel with independent shops and plazas.

Visit the Bunkers del Carmel viewpoint for arguably the best free panoramic views of Barcelona, especially popular at sunset. These former anti-aircraft fortifications offer a stunning perspective.

Discover the quirky El Rei de la Màgia (The King of Magic) shop and museum near the Picasso Museum. Find magic tricks and explore the history of illusion in this unique spot.