Barcelona, western Europe’s gem nestled on the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean coast of Spain, showcases an irresistible allure that captivates a traveler’s soul. So many things to do in Barcelona. Beating with its harmonious symphony of culture, history, and architecture, this enchanting city weaves a burst of colors and flavors, embracing all those who wander its vibrant streets. 

Making it to the lists of the best cities to travel to, Barcelona is a seaside city filled with enchantment, showcasing boundless culture, stupendous architecture, and – who would ever forget? – drinking and dining scenes known to the rest of the world.

Barcelona is also regarded as the most visited city in Spain. It’s not hard to see why. This historic capital of Catalonia will treat every traveler with galleries, museums, attractions, and restaurants.  

Situated between the sea and mountains, Barcelona is known for its architectural marvels, world-famous artists, and urban beaches. In this travel guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at the best things to do in Barcelona. Hop on!

11 Of The Best Things To Do In Barcelona

Without further ado, let’s uncover some of the best things to do in Barcelona, Spain. 

1. Applaud La Sagrada Família, One Of Gaudí’s Masterpieces

Many of those who visit Barcelona will insist on seeing the La Sagrada Família church. Its name may even ring in your eyes right from where you are right now, as this church is a must-visit attraction in this Spanish city. Generally, this structure is credited to Antoni Gaudí, a Catalan architect and designer whose works are mostly located in Barcelona, including La Sagrada Família.

La Sagrada Família has a very interesting story to tell. From 1882 until Gaudí’s death in 1926, he devoted himself to the construction of this church, an imposing Gothic structure with a twist. But, its construction was not finished throughout this lifetime. The architect would often say, “My client, God, is in no hurry.” Until today, La Sagrada Família is still under construction and is projected to be completed by 2026. But you can visit and marvel at it today.

2. Explore Park Güell, Another Gaudí Masterpiece

As you’ve learned earlier, Barcelona is where you can find various works of Gaudí. Aside from La Sagrada Família, another point of interest in this city is Park Güell. But did you know that Gaudí owned this masterpiece out of sheer luck? 

This park was originally supposed to be a housing community for the wealthy, commissioned by Eusebi Güell. He hired Gaudí for the project which eventually folded because of its land’s incompatible building conditions. But the persistent Gaudí continued on, and treated the project as his very own. He modeled the park after the gardens he had been to in England, and worked around its natural elements instead of completely tearing them down.

Even if the park is named after its original commissioner, the looks of it are very much Gaudí. There are several things to do in Barcelona while you’re here. Instead of several benches laid around, visitors will see a single, long, and wavy stone bench decorated with vibrant mosaics and equipped with ocean views. 

Instead of drab administrative buildings, the park’s welcome centers, which house souvenirs and learning materials on Gaudí and his Park Güell, will remind you of buildings described in a Dr. Seuss book. You’ll also find various picturesque walkways weaving along the park’s lush vegetation, staircases cascading down, and jagged stone columns and tunnels. 

Quite a view, right? One of the most popular attractions at Park Güell is the Casa Museu Gaudí, the architect’s former house turned into a museum.

Welcome to this “things to do in Barcelona” guide. We have many other stories about the beautiful Spanish city of Barcelona on our blog, such as this list of the best photography spots in Barcelona. A must-read. 

3. Wander Around The Gothic Quarter, The Oldest Part Of Barcelon

The Gothic Quarter, also known in the local language as the Barri Gòtic, is the oldest part of the city. Nevertheless, considering its location adjacent to the city proper, the Gothic Quarter is also the liveliest. 

Here in this place that will remind you of Diagon Alley in “Harry Potter,” you can find the most exquisite samples of Roman and Medieval-era architecture rubbing elbows with various restaurants, shops, alfresco coffee shops, bars, and clubs lining this neighborhood’s narrow roads and picturesque plazas. Mind you, the plazas are also worth exploring. 

So, if you are looking for great party places in Barcelona, this is the spot. Many parts of the Gothic Quarter have late-night bars and clubs that run until sunrise, perfect if you want to dance and revel until dawn. But, of course, if you are traveling with kids or want an earlier night out, you can skip the Gothic Quarter’s party scene on your list of things to do in Barcelona. 

And here’s a very useful tip from travelers who’ve been here. When visiting the Gothic Quarter, discard the map and just let it flow, let your feet take you to the neighborhood’s marvels.

4. Venerate The Detailed Design Of Catedral De Barcelona

You’re already here at the Gothic Quarter, why don’t you drop by one of its most famous attractions? Towering over the center of the Gothic Quarter district is Catedral de Barcelona, the Spanish city’s principal cathedral. Construction of this structure started in the late 1200s, but it was not completed until the mid-1400s, taking several years just like the construction of other well-known cathedrals in the world. 

When you’re here, be sure to allot plenty of time to see the numerous examples of artisanship that went into finishing this cathedral, such as the exterior details, the interior’s gold furnishings, and its stately altarpiece that houses a whopping 140 statues. There’s also a verdant tropical garden over at the cloister. 

Also, don’t forget to climb to the roof of the cathedral where you can see magnificent views of the spire up close and the city. But, be sure to wear the right attire throughout your visit. Catedral de Barcelona may not be a Muslim mosque, but knees and shoulders should be covered.

5. Indulge In The Best Of Catalan Cuisine: From Tapas To Food Markets

Craving for Catalan cuisine? There’s no better place to try these dishes than in Barcelona. Barcelona is a popular foodie city, known throughout the planet for its innovative chefs who creatively make the tastiest recipes. While Barcelona is mostly known for tapas, you should also sample other local Catalan dishes.

Digging into great food here is quite a ceremony. Before dining, many would have the l’hora del vermut at a typical vermouth bar, pairing fortified wine with pickled anchovies and olives bites to whet the diner’s appetite. Then, the follow this through with traditional Catalan dishes like suquet de peix (fish stew), escalivada (roasted red peppers, onions and eggplant), butifarra amb mongetes (sausage with white beans), and crema catalana, which will remind you of crème brûlée. 

Then, you can try the famous tapas, best tasted during the afternoon or early evening, as pre-dinner tapas are the most perfect. Pair these with some wine, cava, or beer.

Otherwise, if you’re a foodie but like to try the local dishes with some bargaining skills, you can head over to Barcelona’s food markets. The most famous would probably be La Boqueria, the oldest and one of the most atmospheric. Other food markets worth trying when you’re enjoying the things to do in Barcelona are the modern Mercat de Santa Caterina and the grand Mercat de Sant Antoni.

If you’re looking at enjoying the various things to do in Barcelona, why don’t you visit this September? Barcelona is one of the best places to visit during that month. 

6. Catch A Flamenco Show

Flamenco is a dance popular throughout Spain, so if you are in Barcelona and skipping this on your things to do in Barcelona list, you are definitely missing a lot. 

You’ll find yourself watching the act at a tablao or a dedicated flamenco performance venue. In Barcelona, one of the best tablaos is the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes. With a heritage of over five decades and décor inspired by the dynasty that built the Alhambra, it draws everyone who visits this place. 

You can choose to watch its flamenco show with just a drink, or enjoy a full dinner in a nearby restaurant that goes with beer, wine, and soda.

7. Kayak And Snorkel At Costa Brava

Costa Brava is actually not within Barcelona, but many tourists who come here in this Spanish city also do a side trip to Costa Brava, as it is just a few hours drive from Barcelona. 

Experience Costa Brava’s gorgeous coastline right there in its waters. Experience the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea as you kayak to coves and tiny caves, and snorkel to take a glimpse of its diverse marine life. Kayak guides will share their expertise, and a deli-style lunch and gear are all provided. 

8. Take A Moment And Relax On Barcelona’s Beaches

If Costa Brava is still too far for you and you prefer exploring some beaches within Barcelona itself, you’re in luck. It’s summertime and if, while walking around Barcelona and exploring the city’s marvelous architectures, you think about basking in the sun, there are beaches within Barcelona, as, well, it is a seaside city.

Whatever time of the year you visit here and enjoy the things to do in Barcelona, the beaches will never disappoint. Even during wintertime, it can be sunny to sit outside in this city and enjoy a meal at a seaside restaurant. But, during the summer, activities extend to sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. 

Barcelona takes pride in its three-mile stretch of coastline where you can find nine different beaches. If you’re hitting the beach but want to dine luxuriously, head to Sant Sebastià to explore its wide range of upscale restaurants. If you want to visit a beach and party all night long, head to Somorrostro where you can find the hippest nightclubs. Or, for some adrenaline rush, head to Nova Icaria which has a water sports center and spaces for some beach volleyball.

Can’t get enough of the exciting things to do in Barcelona? Feeling that you want to go further and explore Spain more? How about including Ibiza in your itinerary?

9. Spend An Early Morning At Las Ramblas

If you are a morning person and don’t want to use up your energy dancing all night at Barcelona’s clubs, the perfect way to start the morning here is at the colorful Las Ramblas. 

With so many things to do in Barcelona while you’re here, Las Ramblas has become a bustling thoroughfare and one of the city’s main tourist hubs. You can’t help but to end up here if you’re touring around Barcelona. Las Ramblas is a pedestrian-friendly pathway located literally right in the middle of the city, so expect it to be crowded almost all the time. 

At daytime, you can shop its souvenir stands, watch street performers, sit down and enjoy a light snack at one of its several alfresco cafés, or pick up some Spanish artworks from artists selling them on the street. 

Las Ramblas is perfect for every morning person, but that doesn’t mean it offers no activities when the night falls. When the sun sets, it also lights up with several bars and clubs. 

10. See Picasso’s Artworks At Museu Picasso

Though Spanish painter Pablo Picasso was born in the Andalusian city of Málaga, he actually moved to Barcelona when he was 14 years old. It was in Barcelona where he spent his adolescence and formative years with his family. So, the city is reflected upon his artworks during this time. You can find those works of art at Museu Picasso.

Museu Picasso, which opened its doors in 1963, does not only showcase the painter’s earlier works, but also his strong and emotional bond with Barcelona, which became the key in discovering, developing, and honing his artistic prowess. The museum occupies five Medieval palaces, offering a remarkable setting for museum visitors to see thousands of Picasso’s original works on display. This is certainly one of the not-to-miss things to do in Barcelona. 

11. Watch A Football Match At Camp Nou, The Home Of FC Barcelona And The Largest Stadium In Europe

Beyond tapas, flamenco, or perhaps the La Sagrada Família, another thing that Barcelona is known for is the FC Barcelona football team. And if you’re here in the city, you can visit the stadium that FC Barcelona calls their home, Camp Nou.

Camp Nou is also the largest stadium across Europe, able to accommodate almost 100,000 screaming fans. But even if you don’t want to watch a game, the stadium has an on-site museum that displays trophies and awards FC Barcelona has received through the years. 

A notable sight here would be the slogan “més que un club,” or “more than a club” in English, printed in giant gold letters among Camp Nou’s royal and ruby seats. This slogan was used by the Catalans as they rallied against the oppressive regime of dictator Francisco Franco, and became a symbol for the struggle for independence. Visiting Camp Nou is also one of the things to do in Barcelona that you should not forget.

Spain is filled with a lot of things to do, from things to do in Barcelona to activities in Madrid, also a wondrous city in the country. Read about them here. 

Things To Do In Barcelona: Upcoming Events In The City

Barcelona may not be as energetic as its cousin, Ibiza, but that does not mean there are no exciting events you can enjoy in this Spanish city. So, to further treat you with some of the best things to do in Barcelona, take a look at the upcoming events in the city you can participate in. 

• HappyTechno Open Air, July 8th – Partying and lots of dancing through house, tech house, and funky rhythms
• Brunch Electronik #9, July 9th – A live electronic showcase
• Taller Meditación, July 15th – A meditation workshop
• Synergy Europe Autumn Kick-Off, September 9th – An event for networking and meeting new people
• Barcelona Tech Job Fair Autumn 2023, October 26th – A job fair for those looking for opportunities in the technology industry

Let Barcelona Inspire You

From marveling at beautiful churches and cathedrals and indulging in Spanish cuisine, to watching a football match and relaxing on the beach, you have learned that there are several things to do in Barcelona. Why don’t you fly to this Spanish city right now? Barcelona is an enchanting city weaving a spell that lingers in a traveler’s heart. Let Barcelona inspire you and your soul.