Top 20 Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is an extraordinarily vibrant city with a rich history, stunning architecture, delicious food, and beautiful beaches.

Here is my list of the top 20 things to do when visiting Barcelona (including two great day trip options from Barcelona):

1. Admire the iconic Sagrada Familia: Marvel at Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, a breathtaking basilica that is still under construction, even though it started construction on March 19, 1882. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

2. Explore Park Güell: Wander through the park's whimsical architecture and enjoy panoramic city views. Tickets to enter are around 10 euros, which allows access to the area where most of the well-known works by Antoni Gaudí, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO, are located, as well as the green areas and some of the best panoramic views of the city of Barcelona.

3. Stroll down Las Ramblas: Barcelona's most famous street, lined with shops, cafes, street performers, and a lively atmosphere.

4. Discover the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): Get lost in the narrow, winding streets of the old town, filled with medieval architecture and charming squares.

5. Visit Casa Batlló: Another Gaudí gem, this modernist building is known for its colorful facade and unique design.

6. Explore the Picasso Museum: See an extensive collection of Picasso's works and learn about the artist's connection to Barcelona. If you buy your tickets in advance, it is 14 euros or 15 euros at the door (discounted tickets are available as well).

7. Relax at Barceloneta Beach: Soak up the sun, swim in the Mediterranean, and indulge in delicious seafood at the city's most popular beach.

8. Visit Montjuïc Hill: Take a cable car or hike up to enjoy panoramic views, explore the Montjuïc Castle, and visit the Magic Fountain for a dazzling light show.

9. Attend a Match at Camp Nou: If you're a soccer fan, catch a game or take a stadium tour at the home of FC Barcelona. This was by far one of my favorite things to experience when I was in Barcelona. It helped I so happened to be at the match when Neymar scored four goals in one game against LaLiga on Oct. 17, 2015. To this day, he has only ever scored that many goals in three other games.

10. Wander around Park de la Ciutadella: Barcelona's central park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, boating on the lake, or visiting the city zoo.

11. Take a boat tour along the coastline: Enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona from the sea and relax on a boat cruise along the coast.

12. Visit the National Palace (Palau Nacional): Discover the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and its impressive collection of Catalan art.

13. Indulge in tapas at La Boqueria Market: Browse the colorful stalls of this famous market and sample a variety of local delicacies.

14. Take a cable car to Tibidabo: Enjoy stunning views from the highest point of the city and visit the Tibidabo Amusement Park.

15. Attend a Flamenco Show: take in a performance of the Spanish art form typical of the southern region of Spain, made up of 3 elements: song, dance, and music. One of the most impressive venues to see a flamenco show in Barcelona is the Palau de la Música.

16. Explore the trendy neighborhood of El Born: Wander through its narrow streets, visit boutique shops, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

17. Take a bike tour: Explore the city on two wheels, visiting major attractions and hidden gems while enjoying the bike-friendly streets.

18. Visit Bunkers del Carmel: Located on Carmel Hill, Bunkers del Carmel offers stunning panoramic views of Barcelona. It's a former anti-aircraft battery from the Spanish Civil War, and now it's a popular spot among locals. Pack a picnic and enjoy breathtaking vistas of the city skyline, including landmarks like Sagrada Familia and the Mediterranean Sea. It's a great spot to watch the sunset or take in the city lights at night.

Two Great Day Trip Options from Barcelona, Spain

19. Montserrat: Located just about an hour outside of Barcelona, Montserrat is a spectacular mountain range renowned for its unique rock formations and the Benedictine abbey nestled among them. Take a train from Barcelona to Montserrat and enjoy the scenic journey. Once there, you can explore the abbey, visit the Black Madonna at the Basilica, and take in breathtaking views from the mountain's peaks. Montserrat also offers several hiking trails for nature enthusiasts.

20. Girona: Situated approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Barcelona, the charming city of Girona makes for a delightful day trip. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and winding cobblestone streets, Girona offers a rich history and a picturesque old town (Barri Vell). Explore the beautifully preserved Girona Cathedral, stroll along the ancient city walls, and visit the Jewish Quarter, one of the best-preserved in Europe. Don't miss crossing the iconic red iron bridge over the Onyar River, which offers postcard-worthy views.