Barcelona is *by far* one of my favorite cities that I have ever been to. I have made two Barcelona trips and both were magical and unique. The city is colorful, vibrant, and filled with amazing sights, sounds, and food! These tips and recommendations will hopefully help you make the most of your upcoming trip, or inspire you to plan one!
This post is all about the can’t-miss things to do on your Barcelona trip!
1. Take a free tour and learn about Catalan history
For anyone new to European vacations (or new to a specific European city), I ALWAYS recommend taking a free walking tour. There are several companies that do them (mostly in bigger tourist cities) but by far, my favorite company is Sandeman’s New Europe. These walking tours offer you insights into the city, and gets you situated within the town so you can explore more on your own. I have been on several of these free walking tours in multiple cities (Paris, Prague, Edinburgh, etc) and they are wonderful.
The tour guides offer amazing history and social context as you walk around. And because it’s tip-based, you can pay as much as you want, based on the quality of your guide. Then, at the end of the tour they also recommend other tours, often at a discount, for more specific subject matters. These tours are a great place to kick off your Barcelona trip because there is a rich history of conflict, art, architecture and so much more. I also highly recommend taking one of the Gaudi tours (but more about Gaudi next).
2. See all things Gaudi (or as much as you can)
Barcelona is an absolute mecca of beautiful and colorful art and architecture. Of the many cities I’ve been to, nothing quite compares. And a HUGE contributor to that is the work and influence of Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi was an incredible Catalan architect know for Modernism in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Barcelona is home to the majority of his work, and his stamp is all over the city. His most notable projects include Park Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and his true life’s work La Sagrada Familia (more on this later). Park Güell sits atop Carmel Hill, with an amazing view of the city. But even more spectacular, is the park itself. Each square inch seems to be covered with colorful mosaic art. It is definitely a can’t miss.
But his work is exemplified in Casa Batlló. This house was redesigned by Gaudi in the Modernist style for the Batlló family in 1904. I highly recommend taking the tour through the house and listening to the audio guide explain the history and inspiration for the home. There are also walking tours that explore much of the Gaudi work around town.
3. Drink Sangria
This may feel like common sense, but it is so worthy of a top mention for your Barcelona trip. Spanish Sangria is absolutely essential. Drink often (but responsibly, you’d be surprised how strong they can be). This combination of red wine, fruit, liquor and *magic* epitomizes drinking in Barcelona (well that, and Spanish Vermouth, which is also worth a try)! If you’re there with a friend or group, opt for a pitcher, you won’t regret it!
4. Walk Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is quite possibly the most popular pedestrian street in Barcelona, lined with souvenir shops, restaurants and other goodies. This walk stretches from Catalonia Square, all the way down to Port Vell. To one side of the street is the neighborhood El Raval, and to the other, the Gothic Quarter. This street is the perfect place to orient yourself in a culturally rich part of Barcelona, and give you a jumping off point to explore other area. It is also a great place to pick up gifts for everyone at home. But, because it is such a popular destination, beware of pickpockets! While you stroll down, don’t miss La Boqueria Market.
5. Mercat de La Boqueria
Tucked to the side of Las Ramblas is this amazing market, Mercat de La Boqueria. This market has just about everything you could think of, and more. It is the perfect place to collect all you need for a beach picnic or a dinner in. And more than anything, it is a feast for the eyes. Rows and rows of stalls are filled with dried fruits, nuts, fresh produce, handmade sweets, dried meats, olives, fresh seafood, gelato and more. Take your time to explore all there is to offer, and don’t forget to treat yourself.
6. Take in Passeig de Gràcia
Now one of Barcelonas main shopping avenues, Passeig de Gràcia is also home to some of the city’s most beautiful architecture (including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà). Historically, this avenue was lined with the private homes of some of Barcelonas wealthiest families. Many of these homes are still there and have since had their main floors turned into retail stores. Casa Amatller was home to a wealthy chocolatier and still has a chocolate retail shop on the ground floor.
There is also Casa Lleó Morera that occupies a corner block and has a round outset window that highlights pink marble columns. This pink marble column is one of several displays on the street and was a way for the families to compete about who had the most wealth, as the pink marble was extremely expensive. You can also see this in Casa Batlló as well. Each building has a unique architectural style and features. It’ll make you jealous for turn-of-the-century Barcelona.
7.Eat all the tapas
If you know anything about Spanish food, it’s probably tapas! Tapas are small plates that are ideal for ordering many and sharing. Practically everywhere you go to eat on your Barcelona trip you will be able to find traditional tapas dishes. These include dishes like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), croquetas de jamón (fried ham and cheese balls), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a garlic and spicy sauce) and pan con tomate (bread with tomatoes). All of these, and many more, are must tries. Cerveceria Catalana, El Nacional and Cal Pep are amazing examples of traditional Spanish tapas.
But if you are looking for a unique spin on the traditional, check out Last Monkey. This restaurant is a magical place where Spanish ingredients and style, meets Asian flavors. If you want to try it all (and you should), opt for the tasting menu. Wherever you do go, I recommend making reservations!
8. Have a Beach day at Barceloneta
To say that a Spanish beach is beautiful is an understatement. No Barcelona trip could be complete without a day at the beach. Barceloneta is the beach closest to the city, just to the side of Port Vell. This is a very popular spot for tourists and locals alike to come and enjoy the sun and the sand. Beautiful clear blue water kicks up golden sand in its waves. Along the sandy beach, there is also a palm tree lined walk, perfect for talking a sunny stroll. It’s also a great spot for people watching.
Grab some food from the market and have a picnic, or check out one of the many restaurants lining the roads between the city and the beach. There is also a subway stop nearby if you are staying further in town. However you decide to enjoy it, just make sure you don’t miss this beautiful stop.
9. Take a cooking class
So much of Barcelona’s culture and identity seems to be wrapped up in food (as the best places usually are). And what a better way to celebrate that than taking a cooking class with a local chef. Viator is an amazing source of local experiences like this Paella Class and Boqueria Market Tour. In one of these cooking classes, you are able to shop in the market with your local guide, make paella and sangria, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor. Classes vary in price, length and activities, but whatever you choose, it’ll be a special experience, learning the history and the culture surrounding Spanish cuisine.
10. la SaGrada Familia
Perhaps the most iconic and popular site in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is a basillica designed by Antoni Gaudi. Famously, Gaudi died in 1926, leaving it unfinished. They have been working on it ever since, with constructions being delayed over the years from everything from war to the pandemic. The exterior is covered in depictions and symbolism of the story of Christ, and the inside is filled with colorful stained glass designs. Because the building has taken so many years, the difference in materials and tools can be seen on the opposing sides of the church, giving it a unique facade. Whether you are a fan of churches or architecture or not, it is definitely a sight worth seeing. If you are looking for more insight in a guided tour, check out this Fast Track Sagrada Familia Guided Tour through Viator.
11. Explore the Gothic Quarter and El Born
To one side of La Rambla is the Gothic Quarter and the Born. These two neighborhood have some of the oldest history and architecture in the city. The Barcelona Cathedral is one of the biggest landmarks in the neighborhood. It’s a great place to people watch, admire the architecture and maybe even catch some local artists sketching the building. But as you wind through the oldest parts of the city, you also enter the bougiest part of the city, El Born. These medieval streets are lined with designer boutiques, restaurants and cocktail bars, as well as the Picasso Museum. Its a great place to aimlessly explore and take in your surroundings, and spend your money.
12. Get a Cocktail At one of the worlds best bars: Two Schmucks
In a city with so much rich history, it’s fun to add a little present day culture to your Barcelona trip. Two Schmucks is the perfect place to rub elbows with locals in the Raval. Named as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, this small dive offers amazing cocktails, charismatic owners, and killer ambiance. The dive is dripping with character and cool. And just down the road, they also have a delicious restaurants called Fat Schmuck. This food joint is nestled in a tree canopy between buildings, a little unexpected oasis. Both spots are the perfect place to unwind, treat yourself, and make some new friends.
13. Take the Cable car up to montjuïc
If you looking for a peaceful trip away from the city bustle and want to enjoy a beautiful view head up to Montjuïc. It’s a little bit of a hike from the city, but you can take the metro to the cable car, and then the cable car up to the top. Montjuïc, which means “Jewish mountain” is a hill in Barcelona that is home to Montjuïc Castle. This fortress has beautifully sculpted gardens surrounding, a center parade ground and beautiful brick surrounds. It also offers a stellar view of both the city and the port. Then you can head over to the National Museum of Catalan Art to explore both some religious iconography as well as some more Modern art pieces from artists like Picasso and Dali.
14. Do some Vintage Shopping
Right off of La Rambla, in the Raval, you will find a slew of vintage shops just waiting for you to explore. This much more edgy area is home to clothing shops, shoe shops, record shops and all sorts. Check out VS Vintage or Retro City for a new outfit, or Discos Impactos for some vinyl. Because it’s a bit more off the tourist track, you are able to find all kinds of goodies. It’s a great place to find some unique gifts to bring home from your Barcelona trip. Whether you’re actively looking to buy or not, I still recommend checking out all that these shops have to offer. You’d be surprised at the hidden treasures.
Enjoy your trip!!
This post was all about the best things to do on your Barcelona trip!
Barcelona is truly an amazing city, with so much to offer. More than I can even show you in this post. I hope this gives you a little inspiration for an upcoming trip, or inspires you to plan one! You won’t regret it! If you’re looking for other must see Europe destinations, check out the Mykonos blog post!
