Visiting Barcelona is a bucket-list experience for many travelers—and for good reason. As Spain’s most visited city, Barcelona is a vibrant mix of history, Mediterranean views, world-famous architecture, and incredible food.
Whether you’re stopping through on a whirlwind tour or diving deep into Catalan culture, this city truly has something for everyone. As a local trip planner, I help travelers explore Barcelona in a way that fits their unique style and interests. Not sure what to include on your Barcelona itinerary? Here’s a curated list of unforgettable things to do in Barcelona.
Learn About Barcelona’s Unique History
Barcelona’s history dates back to Roman times, and its layers of culture are still visible today. From medieval Gothic streets to modernist masterpieces, every neighborhood tells a story.
🎯 Top Tip: Start with a private city tour by E-tuk tuk to learn how the city evolved—from Roman settlement to modern metropolis. You’ll gain insight into the Catalan identity and see landmarks like Plaça del Rei and the ancient Roman walls.
See the Best of Barcelona’s Art & Architecture
Don’t miss:
La Sagrada Familia – Gaudí’s iconic basilica (buy skip-the-line tickets in advance!)
Casa Batlló and Casa Vicens – two of Gaudí’s other must-see homes
Picasso Museum – located in El Born
Hospital de Sant Pau – a stunning example of modernisme architecture
Fundació Joan Miró and MNAC (Catalonia National Art Museum) – both located in Montjuïc Park
Take in the Best Views in Barcelona
Barcelona boasts some jaw-dropping views and while some viewpoints charge a fee to experience, many are absolutely free!
Some items you won’t want to miss:
- Walk through Gaudi’s Park Güell and see the spectacular views of the city and Mediterranean below.
- Hike up to the Carmel bunkers and enjoy a spectacular sunrise or sunset
- Explore the oldest amusement park in Spain and the entire skyline of Barcelona from Tibidabo
- Grab a glass of wine and a bite to eat while checking out the sights of the city from the top of Las Arenas – a former bullring that was converted into a new shopping center.
Savor the Best Food in Barcelona
Barcelona is a foodie’s paradise and no matter what your tastes are, you won’t be hard pressed to find incredible culinary choices!
Some of our suggestions of great places to visit for all our foodies:
- Visit the Mercado de La Boqueria in the morning (except for Sunday) and be absolutely blown-away with the seemingly endless sea of fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, cured meats and sweets all under one roof!
- Take a private or small group food tour to get acquainted with the typical dishes Barcelona has to offer and get tips that you can use on the rest of your vacation.
- If you’re overwhelmed at the food options and not sure where to find the best paella or tapas, we recommend using The Fork (El Tenedor) app to help you make a great pick.
- Barcelona is also a great place to take a cooking class!
Discover the Best Shopping in Barcelona
Barcelona offers everything from high-end brands to quirky local boutiques.
Here are some of our favorite “shop-til-you-drop ideas”:
- Visit the iconic Passeig de Gracia – Barcelona’s equivalent to NYC’s Fifth Avenue or LA’s Rodeo Drive.
- Visit the Gracia neighborhood with its plethora of local small boutiques to find cool jewelry, clothing, perfume and leather products – especially on especially on Carrer Verdi and Carrer d’Astúries.
- Visit El Born and Barrio Gótico to shop for unique souvenirs made by Barcelona artists and artisans.
- If antique furniture and collectibles are more your speed, try the Mercado Encants– but note that they aren’t open every day.
Enjoy the Best of Barcelona Music & Theatre
From world-class opera to intimate flamenco sets and late-night jazz sessions, Barcelona offers a rich and varied performing arts scene that’s easy to tap into any night of the week. Here are some of our top picks:
- If opera is your cup of tea, then you won’t want to miss catching a performance at the Gran Teatre del Liceu on La Rambla where ticket prices start at only €15!
- Another incredible venue whose architecture is as impressive as the performances is the Palau de la Música. Along with year-round concerts performed by various in-house choirs, there are a variety of frequent performances by local guitarists, pianists and other musicians that are absolutely phenomenal.
- Although Flamenco is native to the south of Spain, Barcelona offers a wide variety of venues available to catch this mesmerizing art form. Our favorite, Palau Dalmases, is located in the Born district in the incomparable setting of a baroque palace!
Take Easy Day Trips from Barcelona
Ready for a change of pace? These top day trips are all under 90 minutes from the city center and accessible by train or private transfer.
Just a few of our most recommended easy escapes from Barcelona:
- Girona – medieval walls, a charming Jewish Quarter, and Game of Thrones filming locations (55 min by train)
- Sitges – a relaxed beach town with vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and coastal charm (45 min by train)
- Penedès Wine Region – sample world-class cava and wines at vineyards like Freixenet or Codorníu (40 min by car or train)
- Costa Brava – hiking, kayaking, and secret coves (1.5 hours away)
- Medieval villages – like Besalú, Pals, and Peratallada (1.5–2 hours, best visited by car or private tour)
Getting to Barcelona & Getting Around
Arriving by plane?
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is about 30 minutes from the city center, and there are several easy ways to reach your hotel:
🚖 Taxi: A flat fare of around €40 (for up to 4 passengers) takes you directly to most central neighborhoods.
🚌 Aerobus: €7.25 one-way / €12.50 round-trip — it stops at Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Espanya, both well-connected to public transport.
🚇 Metro: Line L9 Sud connects the airport to the city, though it may require a transfer to get to central areas.
Arriving by train?
You’ll likely arrive at Barcelona Sants Station, the city’s main rail hub for AVE (high-speed) trains and regional lines. From Sants, you can easily transfer to the metro (Lines 3 and 5), catch a local train, or grab a taxi to your accommodation.
🚆 Pro Tip: If you’re traveling between major cities like Madrid, Seville, or Valencia, the AVE trains to/from Sants Station are fast, comfortable, and scenic.
Getting around Barcelona:
🚶 The city is incredibly walkable, especially in neighborhoods like El Born, Barri Gòtic, and Eixample.
🚇 Public transport is clean, safe, and affordable — the TMB metro and bus network gets you almost anywhere. Consider buying a Hola BCN! travel card for unlimited travel.
🚖 Taxis are easy to find and reasonably priced.
🚫 We don’t recommend renting a car — parking is expensive, and driving in the city can be a hassle with narrow streets and heavy traffic.
Need Help Planning a trip to Barcelona?
Do you dream of a great Barcelona vacation, but are feeling overwhelmed by the options? I’m here to help! As a local expert and founder of Best of Spain Travel Planners, I specialize in crafting custom Barcelona itineraries that match your pace, interests, and budget.
➡️ Get in touch here to start planning your unforgettable Barcelona getaway.
Let’s make your dream trip a reality—stress-free and full of authentic experiences!
