Have you always been attracted to Spain? There are so many amazing places to visit and the country has a specific vibe.

The culture, habits, food, emotions are different here, and so do the most iconic things to do in Barcelona.

Barcelona is one of the most wonderful and visited cities in Europe.

Here are the best places to visit and things to do while you are visiting Barcelona.

Basilica Sagrada Familia

Everyone has heard about Sagrada Familia, the basilica that is still being built. If you want to admire the Gothic architecture, visiting the Sagrada Familia is a must.

You can easily take lots of photos from the outside to capture its impressive exterior or even better book a Sagrada Familia guided tour and see and learn all about this fascinating religious building, an awesome experience for sure.

The interior design is impressive and a nice combination of modern and gothic, so this world heritage site is a must-see while in Barcelona. In fact, it is the major attraction of Barcelona, so you cannot miss it.

Gothic Quarter

If you want to dive more into an area of the city with a special vibe, then visiting the Gothic Quarter is the next thing to do. It is a part of Barcelona where the architecture really does come to life.

Narrow streets, medieval buildings, and a wide diversity of pubs, restaurants, and cafes waiting for you here. You can enjoy a meal or a coffee here while admiring the beautiful and mesmerizing details of the buildings.

Casa Batllo

Antoni Gaudi was a Catalan architect that put the basis of Catalan modernism and is known all over the world.

Casa Batllo was designed by him and is considered to be his masterpiece next to the Sagrada Familia Church, and it is one of the best places to visit in Barcelona.

This city is about colours and Casa Batllo is one of the buildings that show this off perfectly. The stained glass is beautifully coloured and combined and if you visit it on a sunny day, you will be mesmerized by the play of colours inside the house.

Casa Mila - La Pedrera

While still on the subject of the great architect Gaudi, visiting Casa Mila is another must place to visit.

The house is imposing and unconventional, which makes it well-known among tourists and locals. Built over 100 years ago, This is the last private residence that was designed by Gaudi.

Mercat de la Boqueria

There are not only buildings but places that could offer you an interesting experience while in Barcelona.

If you are hungry and looking for a place to eat or simply want to take in the atmosphere of one of Spain’s most iconic indoor markets, then a visit to the Mercat de la Boqueria is well worth it.

Located near La Rambla, an iconic pedestrian alley in Barcelona, this is one of the biggest public markets in this city.

You can find here a wide diversity of vegetables, fish, meats and wines and have the opportunity to taste some delicious local foods and ingredients.

Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar

Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar is a church that was built between 1329 and 1383.

It has impressive gothic architecture and that describes the whole city, in some way.

This basilica is proof that ancient architects were really good at building monuments that pass the test of time.

Even though the original window was replaced because it fell during an earthquake, the basilica is a great masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

National Art Museum

Every big city has an art museum where you can find works of art by important painters and artists. And the National Art Museum of Barcelona is living up to the standards.

Here you can get the opportunity to interact and learn more about the Catalan culture, which has some differences compared with the Spanish one.

At the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, you can discover some of the oldest collections of paintings on wood, photography, sculpture, cinema, or decorative arts.

There are also paintings and works of art by Antoni Gaudi, Salvador Dali, Antoni Tapies, and Pablo Picasso.

Parc de Montjuic

Barcelona has been built on hills, and this is why many people use scooters as the main means of transportation.

On the top of one of those hills, you will find the popular Parc de Montjuïc attraction. Home to the Castle of Montjuic was used as a fortress during the Civil War.

There are over four gardens with beautiful and colourful flowers to admire, a great place to spend the whole day, picnic and chill out before returning to the hustle-bustle of the city.

Cosmo Caixa Museum

Cosmo-Caixa Museum is one of the largest science museums in Europe, so it is worth a visit.

This museum has permanent exhibitions you can visit, so no need to worry that you will not see the most interesting things.

Begin your trip by exploring the Universe and its creation and end up looking at the evolution of species and the human brain.

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is one of the first Art Nouveau houses and was designed by the great Antoni Gaudi.

So, if you are interested in learning more about his early works a trip to Casa Vicens is a good place to start before heading off to see his more famous works.

Passeig de Gracia

Passeig de Gracia is one of the most well-known avenues in Barcelona, with a length of over 1 km.

Here you can discover the local culture, as well as enjoy a wonderful shopping experience. There are plenty of souvenir shops, cartoonists and locals chatting with friends or playing instruments.

Taking a walk on Passeig de Gracia will make you appreciate the region's culture and enjoy life as a local.

Park Guell

Park Guell is one of the most impressive parks and green zones in Barcelona.

There are so many things to see here, some of which are for free, some of which you will need to pay for.

However, Park Guell is impressive because of its mosaic serpent bench, breathtaking views of the city, gardens and architectural wonders.

Antoni Gaudi planted a forest here, so you can take at least half of the day to enjoy the mesmerizing views and be enchanted by the forest and mosaics.

Final Words

Barcelona is one of the most colourful cities in Europe. Many tourists decide to stop by Barcelona rather than Madrid because it has a different feeling and vibe.

You can sunbathe and relax on a beach, but also visit the city and discover the local customs and traditions.

These are the best places to visit and things to do while in Barcelona that will surely enchant you and make you fall in love with this city forever.

Useful Links:

» Free Barcelona travel brochures.
» Barcelona Tourism Board
» Catalunya Tourism Board
»  Accommodation in Barcelona

Barcelona Travel and Transport

In general, the transport links around Barcelona are very good and there are several ways you can choose to get around Barcelona.

If you prefer another form of Barcelona transport because you may not be comfortable driving in a foreign country, then there are plenty of other options for moving around including a modern metro service, buses, trams, taxis or even bike hire.

Tours & Excursions

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