These are the experiences worth building your trip around, from Gaudí's masterpieces to the medieval old city, the markets, and the Mediterranean. Save the ones that appeal to you and slot them into your own itinerary.
The Best Things to Do in Barcelona
1Must visit
Temple5.0
Sagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished basilica, the most extraordinary building in Spain. Book ahead; go early for the light.
Eixample
2Must visit
Park5.0
Park Güell
Gaudí's mosaic hillside park of fairy-tale pavilions and sweeping city views.
Gràcia
3Must visit
Museum5.0
Casa Batlló
The most dazzling of Gaudí's townhouses, a flowing dreamscape of bone, scale, and colour.
Eixample
4Must visit
Market5.0
Mercat de la Boqueria
Barcelona's legendary food market, a feast of jamón, seafood, and tapas counters off La Rambla.
El Raval
5
Street
Barri Gòtic Medieval Streets
The atmospheric maze of medieval lanes, Roman ruins, and hidden squares at the city's heart.
Barri Gòtic
6
Museum5.0
Museu Picasso
The world's finest collection of Picasso's early work, in five medieval palaces.
El Born
7
Scenic Spot4.0
Barceloneta Beach
The city beach: golden sand, seafood chiringuitos, and a buzzing boardwalk.
Barceloneta
8
Museum5.0
Palau de la Música Catalana
A jaw-dropping Modernista concert hall drenched in stained glass and mosaic.
Sant Pere
9
Museum5.0
Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Gaudí's wave-like apartment block with a surreal warrior-chimney rooftop.
Eixample
10
Viewpoint
Bunkers del Carmel
Civil-war bunkers with the best 360-degree sunset view over the whole city.
El Carmel
11
Castle4.0
Montjuïc Castle
A hilltop fortress reached by cable car, with panoramas over the port.
Montjuïc
12
Park4.0
Parc de la Ciutadella
The city's central park, with a grand cascade fountain and shady lawns.
El Born
FAQ
- What is the one thing not to miss in Barcelona?
- The Sagrada Família. Gaudí's basilica is unlike any other building on earth, and its stained-glass interior at the right time of day is unforgettable. Book the earliest morning slot for the best light.
- What is free to do in Barcelona?
- Plenty: wandering the Gothic Quarter and El Born, the beach, the Bunkers del Carmel viewpoint, the Magic Fountain show, Park Güell's outer areas, and several museums on the first Sunday of the month.
Make it your trip
Save these places and build your own Barcelona itinerary in TripBox.