Barcelona has plenty of things to see and do with the beach, the mountains, and a cosmopolitan city all in one place.
In this travel guide, I will share 20 things to see and do Barcelona, Spain!
Don’t miss my complete travel guide to Barcelona HERE!
THINGS TO SEE
Barcelona would not be the same city without the architectural influence of Antoni Gaudí, so it’s not surprising that half of the best things to see in this city are some of his masterpieces! Below are my favorite spots that you must not miss (even if you only see them from the outside).
Tips: Reserve tickets online in advance to save time and money. Book the earliest time slot to avoid crowds and and to get your day started.
1-10
1. Park Güell
Tip: If you take the metro here, then know that you will have a steep walk to the park. The 116 bus will drop you off right by the park and save you the steps.
2. Palau de la Música
3. Arc de Triomf
4. Casa Battló
5. Casa Mila – La Pedrera
6. Casa Vicens
7. Sagrada Familia
8. Catedral de Barcelona
9. La Boqueria
10. Montjuic
THINGS TO DO
While my favorite thing to do in Barcelona is really to just walk around and admire the architecture, there are endless possibilities to fill up your itinerary!
11-20
11. Take a paella cooking class
12. Ride bikes in Parque de la Ciutadella
13. Watch sunset at Carmel Bunkers
14. Day trip to Costa Brava or Montserrat
15. Get lost in the Gothic Quarter
16. Visit the Picasso Museum
Tip: Plan your visit for a Thursday afternoon (4-7pm) or the first Sunday of the month for free admission.
17. Set sail on the Mediterranean
18. Tour Camp Nou stadium
19. Shop on Passeig de Gràcia
20. Taste all of the traditional tapas
Read THIS POST for food and drink recommendations. Follow me on Instagram for even more foodie content!
I hope you enjoyed this Barcelona travel guide with all of my favorite things to see and do! My #1 tip is to embrace the culture by slowing your pace. Don’t push yourself to see it all in one trip – Barcelona is worth a return! I will definitely be back again soon.
TIPS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time of year to visit is May, June, or September based on weather and crowds.
CURRENCY
Euros are the local currency. The conversion rate is more or less $1 USD = €1 EUR.
GETTING AROUND
To/From BCN Airport: The Aerobus is a popular and affordable option that connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with the city center (Plaça de Catalunya). You can also use the train (Renfe), the metro, or a taxi service.
The public transportation is very easy to navigate and is well-connected throughout the city. If you prefer a taxi/car, download the Cabify and FreeNow apps. Unsurprisingly, I recommend that you walk as much as possible so that you do not miss an inch of this beautiful city! Reminder to be vigilant! Like many big cities, Barcelona is known for pickpocketing (especially on La Rambla).
Speaking of public transportation, the coastline is easily accessible and so beautiful in either direction from the city. Check out Cadaqués or Sitges if you have a day to spare!
Tip: Save locations to a list on Google Maps – your hotel, bars and restaurants, sights, etc. for planning your days efficiently. This will help you see which sights, bars, and restaurants are in the same areas.
PACKING
You can wear whatever you want to in Barcelona, but I do recommend packing comfortable walking shoes. It can be fun to get dressed up for dinner or to just keep up with the trends in this fashionable city!
My complete guide to how to pack for travel is saved HERE!
P.S. Don’t forget the European travel essentials like your passport, some euros, and a power adaptor.
LANGUAGE
There are two official languages in Barcelona – Spanish and Catalan. You do not need to speak either, but it does help a lot. Not everyone that you encounter will be able to speak English – be patient. I always encourage people to attempt to learn a few key words, though!
| English | Spanish | Catalan |
| Hello | Hola | Hola |
| Good morning/day | Buenos días | Bon dia |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? | Com estàs? |
| I’m good! | Estoy bien | Estic bé |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Hablas inglés? | Parles anglès? |
| Please | Por favor | Si us plau |
| Thank you | Gracias | Gràcies |
| You’re welcome | De nada | De res |
| Bye | Adios | Adéu |
| The bill, please. | La cuenta, por favor. | El compte, si us plau. |
COVID-19
With the spread of COVID-19, all travelers should prioritize their health and safety. Rules and restrictions are constantly changing, so stay updated HERE for related rules and restrictions in Spain.
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