Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide: 11 Best Things to do in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that effortlessly blends history, art, and modern charm, making it one of the most captivating destinations in Europe. I would say without a doubt that Barcelona is the most architecturally intriguing city I’ve ever visited. From stunning architecture by Gaudi, to delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife, there is something for every traveler. I hope you enjoy this guide that will help you plan the perfect trip to Barcelona.
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GENERAL TIPS
- Currency: Euro (€) – Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs can easily be found throughout the city, but I don’t think I spent a single euro in cash here.
- Language: Primarily Catalan, and Spanish – Learning a few Catalan phrases is appreciated by locals
- Safety: Watch out for pickpockets in tourist-heavy areas
BEST TIME TO VISIT BARCELONA
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the best times to visit for pleasant weather and less crowds compared to summer.
Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate means that even in winter the weather is quite mild, and you’ll get better deals on hotels if you visit during this time.
HOW MANY DAYS IN BARCELONA?
THREE DAYS. Barcelona is packed with architectural masterpieces, attractions, and incredible restaurants. In three days you can see most of the must-see attractions in the city, although no one would regret having a fourth or fifth day in Barcelona! There are various options of day trips from Barcelona such as Montserrat, Girona, Tossa de Mar, so if that’s on your interest list, I’d definitely add a day for each place.
HOW TO GET TO BARCELONA
Flights
✈️ Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is an international airport well connected to flights from all over the world. From the airport you can take a train, Metro, Aerobus or taxi to the city center.
Trains
🚊 Spain’s high-speed trains (AVE) connects Barcelona to other major cities in Spain, and some in France.
- Madrid to Barcelona: 2.5 hours
- Seville to Barcelona: 5.5 hours
- Paris to Barcelona: 6.5 hours
- Lyon to Barcelona: 5 hours
GETTING AROUND IN BARCELONA
Barcelona has an efficient public transportation system:
- Metro, buses – Affordable and convenient
- Walking & biking – Many areas are pedestrian-friendly, and bike rentals are available
- Taxis & ride-sharing – Uber, Cabify, and local taxis operate throughout the city
- T-10 pass – A single metro ticket will cost you 2,55€ but a T-10 Card that costs 12,15€ is good for 10 rides.
I prefer to walk whenever I can. We took the Metro a few times, but most of the time walked.
WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA
Barcelona is separated into different districts and neighborhoods. Choosing the right neighborhood best fit for you will enhance your experience in the city.
Here are neighborhoods I recommend for first-timers:
- Gothic Quarter – Historic charm, cobbled streets, and great nightlife
- Eixample – Modernist architecture and luxury hotels
- El Born – Trendy area with boutique hotels and vibrant cafes
- Gràcia – A quieter, more local experience
Best Hotels in Barcelona
These hotels all have a rating over 8.5 on Booking.com, and you won’t regret staying in any of these!
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Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel – panormic view rooftop pool
Musik Boutique Hotel – charming hotel in the Gothic Quarter
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Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa – a great hotel with a relaxing spa and a lovely rooftop pool
Seventy Barcelona – incredible location, drop-dead gorgeous lobby and the hotel includes a hammam.
Monument Hotel – set in a renovated 19th century mansion, modern luxury meets Old World elegance.
The One Barcelona – sophisticated and elegant 5 star. hotel located steps away from La Pedrera.
Ohla Barcelona – hotel with a fabulous rooftop pool, modern and clean designs.
H10 Madison – great location, a block away from the Barcelona Cathedral. This hotel was actually sold out when I tried booking for my trip.
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Serras Barcelona – an elegant 5-star luxury hotel in the Gothic Quarter
Almanac Barcelona – luxurious boutique hotel in Eixample, with a secluded skyline pool.
Mercer Hotel Barcelona – intimate, secluded luxury boutique hotel in the Gothic Quarter.
Where I stayed
Seventy Barcelona
Situated between the Eixample and Gràcia neighborhoods, Seventy Barcelona hotel is within walking distance of Gaudí’s iconic landmarks like Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, as well as top shopping streets and charming local cafés. The nearby metro stations make it easy to explore the rest of the city effortlessly.
From the moment I stepped inside this hotel, I was struck by the hotel’s stylish, contemporary aesthetic. The lobby features a welcoming mix of sleek furnishings, lush greenery, and an inviting lounge area that feels both trendy and cozy. The check-in process was smooth and efficient, and the staff gave us a free room upgrade.
Whereas the lobby is full of color and vibrance, the rooms are minimalistic and neutral. The plush bed ensured restful nights after walking 20,000+ steps a day exploring the city of Barcelona.
The hotel has a hammam (sauna) that we could access for free and this also helped loosen up the sore legs. They do have a full spa so make sure to book an appointment as a treat for yourself!
TOP THINGS TO DO IN BARCELONA
Sagrada Familia
It’s only natural that the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to the best attractions in Barcelona, is the Sagrada Familia. This is Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece – it’s been under construction for over 140 years, since 1882. It is projected to finish in 2026, and I can’t wait to visit it when it is completed.
The exterior is incredible – highly ornate with intricate carvings and sculptures of animals and Biblical figures. There are 3 facades that each have its own distinct design and meaning.
But make sure to book a ticket and visit the inside – this is absolutely a must! The high vaulted ceilings, intricate columns, and light flowing through the stained glass windows – left my jaws on the ground. Make sure to book tickets ahead as it does sell out.
If you want to do a guided tour with skip-the-line option, check out these options:
Explore Gaudi’s Houses
Each of the buildings that Gaudi designed are unique and interesting. The three houses most well known are: Casa Batlló, Casa Mila (La Pedrera) and Casa Vicens.
While all of his buildings are worth seeing, if you only have a short time in Barcelona or you don’t want to pay for all of the admission fees (they sure aren’t cheap), I would recommend Casa Batlló. It’s the most expensive, at 35 euros for entry, but both the exterior (known as House of Bones) and the innovative interior is simply amazing and out of this world.
Gothic Quarter
You absolutely have to visit the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. Called the Barri Gòtic, it is one of the most enchanting and historic areas of Barcelona. It’s a maze of narrow medieval streets, hidden squares, and centuries-old buildings that take you back in time. The tiny streets are filled with trendy bars, restaurants, and boutique shops.
Notable things to see here include Barcelona Cathedral, quaint little squares like Plaça Reial and Plaça del Pi, Picasso Museum, Palau de la Música Catalana, Mercat de la Boqueria and Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar.
Make sure to see El Pont del Bisbe, the Bishop’s Bridge. It’s one of the most photographed sights in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.
💀 At the base of the bridge there is a mysterious skull pierced by a dagger. Some believe that the architect placed it here after his other projects were rejected by city authorities and that it is cursed. Legends say that if you gaze upon the skull while walking under the archway, you will be cursed with bad luck. Another says that if the dagger is removed from the skull, the city of Barcelona would be destroyed. If you happened to see the cursed skull, they say you can reverse your fate by walking backwards underneath the bridge while gazing upon the skull, and that you can even make a wish while doing so.
Check out these fun, highly rated tours in the Gothic Quarter. If you are brave enough, do the ghost tour!
Park Güell
If you want to experience a real-life Dr. Seuss book, head to Park Güell. Imagine lots of organic shapes, colorful mosaics, flowing lines, asymmetrical forms, and vibrant colors.
Located in the Gracia district of Barcelona, Spain, Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – famous for its whimsical architecture with stunning views of the city.
📖 History:
Parc Güell was initially planned as a residential complex by a wealthy Catalan industrialist named Eusebi Güell. The project was designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. However, due to a shortage of interested buyers and high construction costs, only two houses were ever completed. Eventually the site was converted to a park and donated to the city of Barcelona.
🏡 Antoni Gaudi actually lived in one of the houses until he died, and this house is now a Gaudí House Museum in the park.
🚖 How to get there:
Accessible by Metro (have to walk about 15-20 minutes up hill to reach the entrance), bus, taxi or ride-shares.
🎟️ Tickets:
Highly recommend buying tickets (with time slot) online in advance as it is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona.
💶 General admission: 18€
You have 30 minutes after your designated time slot to enter, and can stay as long as you wish.
🕥 Hours:
Opens 9:30 am daily
Closing depends on season – currently closes at 5:30 pm
Barcelona Cathedral
The Barcelona Cathedral, officially known as La Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia, is one of the most stunning landmarks in the city, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. This magnificent Gothic cathedral dates back to the 13th century and its intricate facade, soaring towers, and stained glass windows make it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
L’Atic Rooftop Bar
For impressive views with a drink, head to Lamaro Hotel’s (formerly Hotel Colón) panoramic terrace rooftop bar with direct views of Barcelona Cathedral. Enjoy cocktails and tapas while admiring the intricate details of the majestic Barcelona Cathedral at eye level.
Open every day from 12:00pm to 10:30pm.
No reservations accepted.
La Boqueria Market
Located in the Gothic Quarter, this vibrant market established in the 13th century is one of the oldest in the city and offers some authentic Catalan cuisine. There’s over 300 stalls that sell seafood, fruits, meats, cheese, and there are some restaurants within the market as well.
It gets a bit chaotic in here, but make your way through the crowds and sample some jamón ibérico, Spanish tapas, freshly made smoothies, paella, and local chocolates.
traditional Spanish tapas, freshly made smoothies, or unique Catalan specialties like jamón ibérico and botifarra sausages, you’ll find it here.
We managed to snag seats at the El Quim de la Boqueria, a small tapas bar in the market. There’s no queue system so we had to just stand around until people got up after eating. The tapas were totally worth it though, and the staff were amazing!
Located just off the bustling La Rambla, La Boqueria Market is easily accessible by foot and is open every day from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Barceloneta Beach
With over 4.5 kilometers of coastline, and warm Mediterranean weather, the city boasts several beachfront areas but the most famous is the Barceloneta Beach, located near the lively Barceloneta neighborhood. It is a sandy beach, apparently man-made for the olympics back in 1992.
As popular as this beach is, I found it to be loud and chaotic – in its own fun kind of way. It’s definitely not one of those beaches you go to relax at – its a festive, carnival-like vibe here. My favorite part of the beach was admiring the W Barcelona Hotel propped up on the beach, shaped like a sail.
There’s plenty of restaurants and bars here – and all the facilities and amenities you need at a beach.
La Rambla
Like every big city, Barcelona has its own bustling street lined with shops, markets, and street performers. This lively, tree-lined street stretches for 1.2 kilometers, and you’ll be strolling down its vibrant path at least once on your trip. Be mindful of pickpockets as its a busy area filled with locals and tourists.
Montjuïc Park
If you want a serene escape from the bustling city, head to Montjuïc Park, situated on Montjuïc Hill.
Montjuïc Castle: A historic fortress with panoramic views.
Olympic Stadium: Built for the 1992 Summer Olympics.
The Magic Fountain: A mesmerizing water and light show in the evenings.
Joan Miró Foundation: A museum dedicated to the iconic Spanish artist.
Poble Espanyol: An open-air museum showcasing Spanish architecture.
Day trip to Montserrat
I highly, highly recommend you add a day to your Barcelona trip for the most incredible day trip of your life!
⛰️ Montserrat is a spectacularly beautiful and truly unique place in Spain. It’s a rocky sawtooth appearing mountain range in Catalonia, Spain, and the name translates to “serrated/jagged mountain.”
🚊 Located 60 km from Barcelona, it’s just an hour and half away from Barcelona, so can easily be done in a day.
Things to do in Montserrat:
🛐 Santa Maria de Montserrat – a Benedictine monastery
🖤 Our Lady of Montserrat (Virgin of Montserrat) – one of the most famous Black Madonna statues in the world
🚡 Scenic cable car ride through the mountain
🚞 A steep funicular ride to mountain top (shown in reel)
⛰️ Hike to Sant Jeroni, the highest peak
🖼️ Montserrat Museum
🥾 Various hikes with amazing scenery
🎶 Listen to the Montserrat Boy’s Choir
WHere TO EAT IN BARCELONA
There are tons of options when it comes to food in Barcelona, both Catalan cuisine and international. I wasn’t disappointed with anything I had here. Make sure to try the following:
- Batatas bravas – twice-fried potato cubes with spicy tomato sauce and aioli
- Pimientos de padron – my favorite and not going to lie, I ordered this at every meal. Grilled small green peppers
- Crema Catalana – a creamy dessert, similar to Creme Brulee
- Croquetas – fried dough balls with crispy exterior and creamy inside
- Jamon Iberico – sample these at the markets, and purchase directly from vendors there as well
- Bombas – breaded and fried mashed potato balls with meat filling
- Seafood paella – iconic dish to try
- Pan con tomate – Spanish bread topped with tomatoes
El Quim de la Boquería – its a tiny stall located in the La Boqueria Market. In the center of the stall the staff are cooking up some delicious tapas. There’s no queue system here so you may have to lurk around a bit until some of those stools open up. Prices were not cheap, but every bite was worth it! Their most famous dish is the fried egg topped with baby squid.
Vinitus – some say its overhyped, but I’d be back to get their “Honey Cod” in a heartbeat! All of the other tapas were great too.
Cervecería Catalana – another really popular place with long lines out the door. This is a great place to try a bunch of different tapas as their menu is quite extensive.
Bar del Pla – great vibes, food, and staff at this popular tapas bar. Try to make reservations as it gets pretty packed.
Ciutat Comtal – tapas bar with good seafood options.
NOMAD Coffee Bar – if you’re a coffee enthusiast like me, I highly recommend visiting this cute coffee shop.
CONCLUSION
I hope you found my Barcelona Travel Guide useful! Feel free to drop a comment, and I wish you the best in planning the perfect trip to Barcelona!
