Things to do in Barcelona

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape at dusk with a roundabout, historic buildings, and a central fountain.
A modern building with a curved design, a beach with people, and a sunset sky.
A narrow alleyway with potted plants and a building with ornate wooden latticework.
A coastal cityscape with dense urban buildings, a prominent tower, and a hilly terrain with greenery.
A cityscape with a prominent cathedral and mountains in the background.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is Antoni Gaudí’s legacy to the world. This masterpiece of imagination and inspiration was so ambitious that the building was never completed during the architect’s lifetime and is still being worked on to this day.
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The Sagrada Familia with a construction crane in the foreground.

2. La Rambla

Las Ramblas pulsates with life, from early morning when the locals come out to buy fresh flowers and breakfast pastries, until the last of the late-night party animals head for home in the wee small hours.
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A bustling urban square with historic buildings, a central mosaic, and pedestrians.

3. Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya marks the heart of Barcelona’s city center. Surrounded by shops and peppered with monuments, this grand square is where the Ciutat Vella (Old City) and the modern 19th-century district of L’Eixample converge. King Alfonso XII unveiled the square in 1927 on the site of the former gates to the old city walls.
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A large historic building with multiple stories and a prominent tower, surrounded by a public square with people and pigeons.

4. Barceloneta Beach

Running along Barcelona’s Mediterranean coastline and just a short walk from La Rambla is Barceloneta Beach. It’s the focal point of the Barceloneta neighborhood and a place where locals and travelers alike come to experience a classic Mediterranean ambience.
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A modern building with a curved design, a beach with people, and a sunset sky.

5. Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona’s atmospheric Gothic Quarter contains its fair share of awe-inspiring buildings, but perhaps the most impressive of all is the striking cathedral, where you can visit the remains of Saint Eulalia, the city’s patron saint.
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A historic cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, surrounded by tourists and modern buildings.

6. Passeig de Gràcia

It’s hard to imagine, standing on the Passeig de Gràcia, that less than 200 years ago it was a cart track connecting Barcelona and the rural town of Gràcia. By the early 20th century the sidewalks became promenades for Spain’s most elite families. That atmosphere still pervades the space, as tourists and chic locals pass buildings designed and built by some of the superstars of Catalan Modernism. Shop in the upscale boutiques or just go in search of magnificent homes.
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A busy urban street lined with luxury stores like Prada and Longchamp, with pedestrians walking along the sidewalk.

7. Park Güell

The site of Park Güell in the north of Barcelona was originally earmarked for an up-market residential development by Count Eusebi Güell, Gaudí’s patron. The hillside location was chosen for its fresh air and beautiful views, but in the end only two houses were built and Gaudí moved into one of them. His designs for the 15-hectare park reflect his quirky sense of humour and aversion to straight lines. Construction took place between 1900 and 1914 and the park is now an essential stop-off on the Gaudí trail and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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A panoramic view of a city with distinctive architecture, including a tower with a blue and white pattern, and a building with a mosaic roof.

8. Casa Batllo

There’s no mistaking the hand of Gaudí in Casa Batlló’s striking façade. The colourful mosaics and curved lines so typical of Barcelona’s famous architect give the game away as soon as you approach this family home in Eixample, the north of the city centre. It is one of two private homes designed by Gaudí which are now open to the public.
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A building with intricate mosaic tile work and green balconies.

What to do in Barcelona


Stay near popular Barcelona attractions

Where to stay in Barcelona

Find the best Barcelona areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Barcelona
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Gothic Quarter

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

Eixample

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eixample. Check out top attractions like Plaça de Catalunya and Sagrada Familia, and jump on the metro at Diagonal Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

El Raval

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in El Raval. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Parc de Montjuic Station or Paral-lel Station to see more of the city.

Gràcia

Architecture, cafes, and shopping highlight some notable features of Gràcia. Make a stop by Passeig de Gràcia or Gaudi Experiencia while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Joanic Station or Fontana Station to get around town.

Barceloneta

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, abundant dining options, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Frequently asked questions

Is Barcelona worth visiting?
Renowned for its coastal beaches and dining, discovering cool things to do in Barcelona is simple. Make sure to add Passeig de Gràcia to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Barcelona?
Start your day with a visit to Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya. Then, check out other areas of Barcelona for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Barcelona?
The top tourist attraction in Barcelona is Passeig de Gràcia, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Barcelona?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Milà and Rambla de Catalunya with a three-day getaway in Barcelona. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and check out El Prat de Llobregat.
Is Barcelona a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Barcelona, such as Passeig de Gràcia and Casa Milà, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometers from the city center of Barcelona is Downtown Barcelona and Ciutat Vella is 0.48 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Barcelona with kids?
What to do in Barcelona for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Barcelona, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Finca Viladellops or Parc del Fòrum.
Are there free things to do in Barcelona?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Barcelona is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Passeig de Gràcia is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.