Things To Do In Barcelona

Visiting Barcelona was one of my heartfelt dreams, and it came true this spring. There are many things to do in Barcelona that can’t be covered in a short trip. So, we came here for a month and spent every day exploring the charming streets, beautiful beaches, and historical and cultural landmarks. It’s a city where you can discover hidden gems in its narrow streets and unpopular neighborhoods. The one month we spent here was full of fun and joy, and we came back with unforgettable experiences.

We traveled to Barcelona as a couple because our kids were busy with their studies and exams. They were sad about missing this trip, but understood that their education had to come first. So, we left them at their grandparents’ home and headed to the airport to explore and enjoy the things to do in Barcelona. Why did we choose Barcelona this spring? Here is a short introduction to the beautiful Spanish city:

A Short Introduction to Barcelona

Barcelona is a beautiful coastal city in Spain located along the Mediterranean Sea. It ranks among the top tourist destinations in the world due to its historical buildings, artistic streets, and beautiful beaches. The city offers an ideal atmosphere for tourism and relaxation during holidays. Barcelona’s modern lifestyle, charming markets, delicious food, and lively nights will surely make you a fan for life.

World’s top architects and explorers visit Barcelona just to admire Antoni Gaudí’s architecture. We were also amazed to explore such extraordinary architecture, which has now become the city’s most beautiful landmarks. These structures show his ability to turn his imaginative designs into reality. Moreover, the narrow streets of the city reminded us of our visit to Rome. Beautiful sandy beaches are outstanding spots for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.

Best Time to Explore Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that can be visited at any time of the year. But for your comfort and more enjoyment, you should come here in the spring or summer season, between March and August. The weather is pleasantly warm during these days to allow you to explore the city easily. Beaches also become more attractive and lively as hundreds of people spend their time there during this period. In simple words, there are more things to do in Barcelona during spring and summer as compared to other seasons.

27 Best Things To Do In Barcelona

What to do in Barcelona for fun and joy is a big question for tourists, especially for first-time travelers. Fortunately, the city offers a wide range of activities for everyone, from exploring iconic landmarks and relaxing on sandy beaches to enjoying lively nightlife and delicious food. Our trip was full of fun and excitement, and we returned with many unforgettable memories. Below are the best things to do in Barcelona, which we have compiled based on our personal experiences:

1- Sightseeing from the Hop-on Hop-Off Bus

Riding on the Hop-on Hop-Off bus is a cool, convenient, and easy way to enjoy sightseeing in the city. The double-decker hop-on hop-off bus covers all major tourist attractions in Barcelona. It passes through the lively streets of La Rambla to offer stunning city views. Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Port Vell are also included in its route. Unlike Paris and other European cities, you can buy tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours instead of a single-trip ticket. It means you can ride the bus any time and leave it anywhere within the validity of your ticket.

2- Walk along the Barcelona Waterfront

We knew that Barcelona had beautiful waterfronts and were excited to explore them. Swimming and bathing in the water are the most joyful activities at the beaches, but walking along the shore has its own charming experience. Barcelona Airport is located along the coast, and we had some amazing waterfront views while transferring from Barcelona Airport to the City Center, where we had booked a hotel. These views encouraged us to walk along the shore, which was a memorable moment in Spain. So, we list a waterfront walk among the top things to do in Barcelona.

3- Enjoy a Bicycle Tour

One of the most exciting things to do in Barcelona is exploring the city on a bicycle. It’s a convenient way to get lost in the narrow streets of the city. The good thing is that the guided bicycle tour service is also available, which is a great opportunity for first-time travelers. We rented bikes from the “Donkey Bike Tour” because we had a great experience with them while cycling in Copenhagen.  We experienced an unforgettable ride through the streets, and our excitement increased each time we passed through any of the city’s landmarks.

4- Admire the Sagrada Família

Exploring and admiring Sagrada Família is definitely one of the top things to do in Barcelona, because it is rated as the leading tourist attraction of the city. It’s an unfinished architectural masterpiece designed by Antoni Gaudí and serves as a church. Antoni Gaudí gave Barcelona many amazing architectural designs, which are top tourist spots nowadays. He started the construction of Sagrada Família in 1882, but unfortunately, he died in 1926. The church is unfinished till now, but is expected to be completed on Gaudí’s 100th death anniversary in 2026.

We bought tickets to go inside the basilica, and it’s really worth it. The towering ceilings and unimaginable design amazed us with their beauty and left us thinking about their seemingly impossible creation. We had a 45-minute audio guide on our mobile, which helped us a lot in exploring it. We climbed the towers, captured the moments on our camera, and enjoyed the panoramic views of the city. It was truly a breathtaking experience when we stood atop one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces.

5- Visit Park Güell

Another one of the best places to visit in Barcelona is the Park Güell, which is also designed by Antoni Gaudí. The park consists of 45 acres of land and is famous for its colorful mosaics, sculptures, lush greenery, and amazing architectural structures designed by Antoni Gaudí. Aside from the structures to explore, the park offers perfect places to sit and relax. Park Güell was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 due to its collection of amazing Gaudí architectural works.

The park was free to visit in the early 2000s, but later on, a ticket for tourists was implemented to manage the crowds. We bought two tickets online for €36, which saved us from standing in a long queue. Unlike Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, which is known for its rides, we enjoyed a more peaceful, natural experience in Park Güell.

6- Enjoy Sailing in the Sea

Exploring the city from the water is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Barcelona. It provides an opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy stunning views of sunset over the water. We went to the Port olímpic of Barcelona and rented a sailboat from Barcelona Sailboats for just €310 for 2 hours. It was a private sailboat tour that we enjoyed as a couple, and we didn’t regret spending money on it.

7- Stroll Through La Rambla

Strolling through La Rambla comes first to mind when thinking about what to do in Barcelona. La Rambla is a 1.2-kilometer-long tree-lined boulevard for pedestrians, famous for street performers, flower shops, and cafes. It starts from Placa de Catalonia and ends at Port Vell. It’s one of the best places to stay in Barcelona as it’s surrounded by major tourist attractions, markets, and cafes. Enjoying coffee here was one of the greatest experiences in the city.

8- Explore Mirador de Colón

We were surprised when we found the monument of Christopher Columbus at the end of La Rambla near Port Vell. It’s a place where Christopher Columbus was welcomed by the Spanish king and queen, Ferdinand and Isabella, after his first journey to America. Mirador de Colón is a 60-meter-tall tower featuring places visited and people met by Christopher Columbus. It was built to honor him for his adventurous journeys, and has since become one of the must-visit places in Barcelona.

9- Visit Boqueria Market

Visiting the Boqueria Market is one of the most popular things to do in Barcelona to experience the city’s local life and culture. It’s located just off La Rambla, and is famous for enjoying street food and freshly produced items. We found it a great place to buy the products used in our daily routine and interact with locals. Don’t forget to enjoy fresh juices and traditional Spanish treats for a true taste of Barcelona. It’s the best place for foodies, photographers, and shoppers alike.

10- Discover the Gothic Quarter

It’s also located off La Rambla and known as the historic heart of the city. Visiting the Gothic Quarter is like stepping back in time, which makes it one of the fantastic things to do in Barcelona for historians and explorers. Getting lost in the narrow medieval streets and exploring the Roman ruins adds an adventurous charm to our visit. There are many monuments to explore in this historic neighborhood of Barcelona, which include:

• Catedral de Barcelona
• Basilica de Santa Marina del Pi
• Basilica de Santa Marina del Mar
• Picasso Museum
• Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya

11- Visit the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

Normally, museums are established in old, traditional buildings, but the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) is set in a modern building featuring a lot of glasswork. It’s one of my favorite museums in Europe due to its modern architecture. It was established 25 years ago, just two blocks away from La Rambla. It’s a place for those looking for modern creativity in Barcelona. A visit to MACBA must be one of the best things to do in Barcelona if you have an interest in art.

12- Enjoy at the Tibidabo Amusement Park

Tibidabo is a beautiful neighborhood of Barcelona, surrounded by lush green mountains. There is an amusement park located high on a peak, which is known as Tibidabo Amusement Park. This historic park was founded in 1901, and that’s why it is included among the oldest amusement parks in Europe. It’s a great place for fun and enjoyment, especially when you’re exploring Barcelona with kids. We spent a few hours here, and honestly speaking, it was one of the most enjoyable moments in Barcelona. The park reminded us of how we enjoyed ourselves in Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

13- Visit Santa Eulalia Cathedral

It’s a beautiful, one of the oldest cathedrals located in the heart of Barcelona. Its history dates back to the 13th century and is also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The magnificent façade and towering spires get attention from both inside and outside. Stained glass windows increase the beauty of this amazing cathedral. A visit to Santa Eulalia Cathedral should be part of your list of things to do in Barcelona to admire this amazing architecture in the Gothic Quarter.

14- Tour the Casa Batlló

Another imaginary architecture of Antoni Gaudí, located along the Passeig de Gràcia, is known as Casa Batlló. Its key features are its flowing shapes, colorful façade, and organic staircases. Beautiful curves on the walls give the building a nice, attractive look. Casa Batlló was completed in 1906 and was used as the residence of the Batlló family. It became a tourist attraction when it was turned into a museum. We got an audio guide to tour the Casa Batlló and found it to be one of the best things to do in Barcelona.

15- Visit La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

We got tired wandering around the city, but the collection of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces never seemed to end. La Pedrera is another fantastic creation of Antoni Gaudí, which is located on Passeig de Gràcia. The ocean-wave-like stone façade, curved walls, and central courtyard are the main features of this impressive architecture, which was completed in 1912. The list of things to do in Barcelona won’t be complete without including a visit to La Pedrera.

16- Enjoy Swimming and Sunbathing at Barceloneta Beach

Enjoy a lively day at Barceloneta beach, which is a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing on the golden sand. I would rank the Barceloneta Beach among the most beautiful and enjoyable beaches in Europe. We spent a few hours on the beach and enjoyed swimming, sunbathing, live performances by local street artists, and food from the restaurants along the shore. It was one of my favorite places in Barcelona after Sagrada Família and a few others.

One of the most important things to do in Barcelona is to enjoy a sunset view over the water, and we experienced it at the beach. No doubt, it was a scene I had only seen in paintings in art galleries. Barceloneta is a must-visit beach, but don’t ignore other beaches if you have some spare time. Below are the other attractive beaches in Barcelona, other than the Barceloneta Beach:

• San Sebastian Beach
• Mar Bella Beach
• Nova Mar Bella Beach
• Bogatell Beach
• Somorrostro Beach

17- Explore the Montjuïc Castle

Montjuïc Castle is a historical place located on top of Montjuïc Hill. It’s a perfect place to view the entire city of Barcelona from the top. The castle was built in the 17th century to protect the city from invasions. The castle that was once a military stronghold is now a top tourist attraction in Barcelona. There were not many tourists when we reached here and explored the castle peacefully in a refreshing atmosphere.

18- Enjoy beautiful Views from Montjuïc Hill

Montjuïc Hill is a perfect place to relax in a peaceful environment away from the city’s noise. The hilltop offers panoramic views of the city, the Mediterranean Sea, and the busy port. The hill is surrounded by lush green gardens, walkways, and some of Barcelona’s historical and cultural attractions. Nature-loving tourists will definitely consider this place when planning what to do in Barcelona. Don’t forget to take photos and visit the Olympic Stadium and Magic Fountain when you come here.

19- Experience a Cable Car Tour Over the City

One of my favorite things to do in Barcelona is enjoying a cable car ride over the city. It’s one of the most enjoyable experiences in the city, something you won’t find in many popular tourist destinations. Locals ride the cable car as an alternative to public transport, while tourists ride it for fun, excitement, and thrill. The ride starts from Parc Montjuïc (lower station) and ends at Castell de Montjuïc (upper station), and covers most of the city’s attractions. Make sure to buy online tickets to enjoy the ride and save time.

20- Walk Around Plaça de Catalunya

It’s a must-visit place for every tourist in Barcelona, located in the central city. The busy square connects the popular places, including La Rambla, Passeig de Gràcia, and some other main streets. It’s one of the best places for sightseeing, strolling, and enjoying the live performances of local artists. Plaça de Catalunya always remains full of life with its beautiful fountains and touristy crowds. Enjoying a coffee at a cafe can enhance the overall experience of visiting this place, and it was one of the best things to do in Barcelona.

21- Get Lost in the Horta Labyrinth Park Maze

Getting lost in the cypress tree maze at Horta Labyrinth Park can be a great fun and exciting experience. We enjoyed ourselves here, but nowadays, it’s temporarily closed. However, the park has green gardens to sit and relax and fountains to enjoy the scenic views. Parc del Laberint d’Horta was opened in 1791 and is considered one of the oldest parks in the city. Make sure to add a visit to this park in your list of things to do in Barcelona for fun and enjoy an outdoor adventure.

22- Learn Salsa Dance

Make your trip to Barcelona more memorable by learning the salsa dance at a reputable dance school. I regret not bringing my kids to Barcelona when I learned that there are many famous dance schools in the city. I learned how to combine music with dance moves to perform graceful and energetic salsa. I attended only three dance classes, but it was an unforgettable experience that combined fun, fitness, and cultural impression. My dance teacher wasn’t happy about me leaving the classes, but I promised to come back with my kids and complete the course.

23- Enjoy Live Flamenco Performances

We met a friendly local while walking down the street, and she suggested that we enjoy a live Flamenco performance. She was also a Flamenco performer, and I literally listened to this dance for the first time. So, we decided to watch a Flamenco performance to satisfy our curiosity. We chose a small, traditional venue, which made the experience even more special. The moment the music started, the entire atmosphere changed. We loved the moments when the sound of the dancers’ footwork perfectly aligned with the music and body movements. Enjoying a Flamenco performance is one of the best things to do in Barcelona.

24- Visit the Chocolate Museum

Museu de la Xocolata is one of my favorite places to visit in Barcelona. This unique museum is located in the El Born district and was established in 2000. Visitors are allowed to take part in workshops and taste different varieties of chocolate. A visit to the chocolate museum can be informative for kids because they can learn how chocolate is made. Tasting chocolates and admiring impressive chocolate sculptures made by creative artists was one of the best things to do in Barcelona for us.

25- Visit CosmoCaixa Science Museum

CosmoCaixa Science Museum is a must-visit place for those curious about science. We’ve visited a science museum earlier in Copenhagen, and that’s why we were excited to explore CosmoCaixa. The interactive displays and hands-on experiences made the visit memorable and informative. The Amazon rainforest replica was an interesting attraction in the museum. A visit to the CosmoCaixa science museum is one of the best things to do in Barcelona to explore, learn, and get inspiration from science.

26- Enjoy Local Food

I’m a crazy food lover, and a trip to anywhere feels incomplete without enjoying local cuisine. Enjoying local food was an essential part of my list of things to do in Barcelona. La Rambla and many other areas are home to famous restaurants where we enjoyed local food and desserts. I knew about a few Spanish dishes, which I tasted here, and they were truly delicious. Local street food is also as tasty as in other European cities. The list below shows the Spanish food that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Barcelona:

• Paella
• Jamón Ibérico
• Fideuà
• Patatas Bravas
• Escalivada
• Tortilla Española

27- Take a Day Trip to Montserrat

Montserrat is a beautiful, multi-peaked mountain located 30 kilometers northwest of Barcelona. The stunning rock formations rise dramatically from the landscape to create breathtaking views. It’s the best place to enjoy nature, capture photos, and experience a little adventure. It is one of Catalonia’s most visited places due to its spiritual significance and natural beauty. Adventurers, hikers, and even pilgrims visit Montserrat to explore the historic monastery and enjoy the natural beauty of the mountain. Spending a day here won’t feel long as there is so much to see and enjoy.

Tips to Make Your Trip to Barcelona Memorable

We always make sure our trips are perfect and hassle-free, and our trip to Barcelona was no exception. Our planning to explore the city was perfect, which made the trip smooth, enjoyable, and memorable. We didn’t only research things to do, but also the things not to do in Barcelona. Below are some tips based on our research and experience to help you make your trip to Barcelona memorable:

• Make a perfect plan for the things to do in Barcelona before your arrival.
• Book advance tickets to explore the major tourist attractions in the city.
• Visit major tourist attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Use public transport to get around the city affordably.
• Don’t miss local festivals, flamenco performances, and street events.
• Learn some basic Spanish and Catalan words to interact with locals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Barcelona is a lively city and one of my favorite places to spend holidays. This Spanish city is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is famous for its beautiful beaches. The city is sandwiched between the sea and lush green mountains to offer breathtaking views of nature and urban life. The things to do in Barcelona will never let you get bored in the city. We enjoyed a great time in Barcelona exploring its historical and modern attractions and cultural landmarks.