Things to do in Barcelona

Activities, attractions and tours

Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona
Sagrada Familia which includes skyline, heritage architecture and a city
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Top places to visit

1. Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most famous landmark. The huge basilica was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Its eight distinctive towers can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Thousands of visitors come here daily to admire the architecture and to take in views of the city from the top of the towers.
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Sagrada Familia featuring heritage architecture, religious elements and a church or cathedral

2. La Rambla

Las Ramblas are a series of streets in the heart of Barcelona. The main pedestrian-only boulevard is lined with trees. Smaller streets crammed with shops and cafés branch off either side. Tourists and locals flood restaurants and cafés that have their tables on the pavement. There are flower stalls, kiosks hawking souvenirs and markets dotted among the eateries. Street performers give the area a lively atmosphere. Come at any time of the day or night to wander the 0.75-mile (1.2-kilometer) boulevard and explore the surrounding area.
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Las Ramblas featuring street scenes and a city as well as an individual male

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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Plaza de Catalunya in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Europe

4. Barcelona Cathedral

The Barcelona Cathedral is a classic Gothic-style cathedral dating back to the 13th century. Visitors come to watch traditional mass under huge vaulted ceilings. Decorative arts from the 1300s and onward are displayed throughout the cathedral, and a cloister, or courtyard, houses a fountain and geese. The rooftop offers views across the city. The cathedral is also known as “Le Seu,” and was named after Saint Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona.
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Barcelona Cathedral which includes religious elements, a church or cathedral and a square or plaza

5. 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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Passeig de Gràcia which includes street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

6. 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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Barceloneta Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and a skyscraper

7. Park Güell

The best way to get your bearings in Barcelona is overlooking the city from the top of the park in Gracia, north of the city center. Park Güell was designed by Gaudí and built between 1900 and 1914. It’s famous not only for the incredible vistas from the top of the hill, but also for its many quirky features, including gingerbread-style houses, covered walkways and a mosaic tiled terrace.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 19: Ceramic mosaic Park Guell on July 19, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. Park Guell is the famous architectural town art designed by Antoni Gaudi and built in the years 1900 to 1914

What to do in Barcelona

Popular places to visit

Sagrada Familia featuring heritage architecture, religious elements and a church or cathedral

Sagrada Familia

4.5/5(1,450 reviews)

Gaudí’s basilica in the center of Barcelona is an architectural marvel and offers views across the city from eight towering spires.

Sagrada Familia
La Rambla

La Rambla

4/5(1,643 reviews)

These lively pedestrian streets in the heart of Barcelona are filled with flower stalls, tapas restaurants and street performers.

La Rambla
Placa de Catalunya featuring heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city

Plaça de Catalunya

4.5/5(1,225 reviews)

This popular Barcelona meeting point connects the old city with the new and is famous for its shopping, monuments and festival celebrations.

Plaça de Catalunya
Port de Barcelona

Port de Barcelona

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Barcelona with a trip to Port de Barcelona. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Port de Barcelona
Barcelona Cathedral which includes religious elements, a church or cathedral and a square or plaza

Barcelona Cathedral

4.5/5(1,710 reviews)

Barcelona’s cathedral dates back to the 1200s, and contains the remains of the city’s patron saint.

Barcelona Cathedral
Camp Nou

Camp Nou

4.5/5(576 reviews)

Catch an event at Camp Nou during your trip to Barcelona. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene and shops.

Camp Nou
Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia

4/5(108 reviews)

One of Spain’s most expensive streets has masterworks by Gaudí, Falqués and more, interspersed with designer boutiques and rather opulent cafés.

Passeig de Gràcia
Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach

4.5/5(1,313 reviews)

The warm water of the Mediterranean Sea and aquatic sports, beach bars and nightlife combine to make this Barcelona’s most popular urban beach.

Barceloneta Beach
Park Güell

Park Güell

4.5/5(1,036 reviews)

Look out over the city from a Gaudí-designed terrace in this park in the city’s north.

Park Güell

Areas of Barcelona

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Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Barcelona
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Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(1,039 area reviews)

If you love exploring medieval streets, watching street artists and eating tapas along shared tables in tiny bars, head straight for the Barri Gòtic of Barcelona.

Gothic Quarter
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Eixample

4.5/5(1,463 area reviews)

This upscale part of Barcelona charms with grand buildings, modernist architecture, fine dining, and trendy bars and luxury shops.

Eixample
Placa de Catalunya which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Dreta de l'Eixample

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

Dreta de l'Eixample
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La Sagrada Familia

Walk in Gaudí’s footsteps by visiting his breathtaking temple, an impressive labor of love that started in the late 19th century and is still ongoing today.

La Sagrada Familia
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El Raval

4/5(558 area reviews)

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.

El Raval
Mataro

Mataro

Castelldefels

Castelldefels

Sitges showing rugged coastline and heritage architecture

Sitges

El Prat de Llobregat

El Prat de Llobregat

Terrassa

Terrassa

Photo "Santa Perpetua de Moguda" by Jorge Franganillo (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Jorge Franganillo (CC BY)

Santa Perpetua de Moguda

Photo "Palleja" by Aldis Dzenovskis (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Aldis Dzenovskis (CC BY-SA)

Palleja

Photo by Geeky Explorer ✈

Olesa de Montserrat

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometres from the city centre of Barcelona is Downtown Barcelona and Ciutat Vella is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Barcelona with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all the family, we've got some awesome ideas for what 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 neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Passeig de Gràcia is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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