Vibrant and modern with an ancient heritage, Spain’s second city and Catalonia’s de facto capital enchants even at its busiest. For most travelers, Gaudí’s sinuous, curving architecture tops the list of things to do in Barcelona, with UNESCO World Heritage-listed masterworks including Park Güell, Casa Batllo, and the unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral. Yet there’s much to discover in the city’s walkable old town while tapas, wine, and food tours beckon, alongside sailing, beaches, and bar-hopping. Top Barcelona day trips include Montserrat Mountain, medieval Girona, and the tiny nation of Andorra.
Here, get your guide to Barcelona’s best attractions, tours, and more.
During the high season, Barcelona is crowded and often rowdy with tourists looking to party. For a quieter visit, shoulder seasons are the way to go, from March through April and September through October. If traveling during the spring holidays, book well ahead for Easter. Beach bar season begins in May, but the water may feel chilly, so opt for September if swimming is on your Barcelona bucket list.
With buses, trams, a metro, and local trains to choose from, getting around Barcelona is simple. The Hola Barcelona travel card is designed for travelers and offers unlimited rides for periods of 2-5 days. Or, buy a T-Casual ticket with 10 separate journeys in the zones of your choice. A hop-on hop-off bus service covers the top attractions on two separate routes, and a range of bike paths offer options if you’re looking to pedal your way through the city.
Tapas is a must when visiting Barcelona. Head to Quimet & Quimet, a tiny, standing-room only space that’s been family-owned since 1914: Open-faced sandwiches (montaditos) and fine canned seafood (conservas) are perfect partners for wines, vermouths, and sherry. If you’re looking to bring home a taste of the city, choose from thousands of fine wines—plus cheese, cured meats, and more—at heritage wine merchant Vila Viniteca.
Attractions 145 | Tours 2,381 | Reviews 204,007 |
Monica is a Viator account manager based in Barcelona, where you’ll find her walking around the Montjuic hill, shopping in Paseo de Gracia, or discovering new restaurants.
get lost in the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and the El Born neighborhood.
starts with drinks at Salts in Montjuic, followed by a stop at the beach, a seafood lunch in La Barceloneta, and a cocktail at a chiringuito (beach bar). Finish your day with dinner in El Born.
La Sagrada Familia. It’s a very popular attraction, but you won't regret stopping by. And don’t forget to go inside to discover the magical colorful interior.
have vermouth and tapas on a terrace in the Gracia neighborhood. There’s always a great atmosphere.
Bunkers del Carmel viewpoint offers a 360-degree view of the entire city and the sea. It’s normally busy and it’s quite far away from the center, but the amazing view is worth it.
eating in La Rambla. It’s usually overpriced and not great quality.
Barcelona is located in the region of Catalonia, which is in northeastern Spain. Catalonia is an autonomous community within the Kingdom of Spain, which means that it has its own set of devolved powers. Catalonia has its own languages and traditions and is the center of Catalan nationalism, which calls for independence from Spain.
...MoreBarcelona is famously laid back so to really get a feel for the city, you should take it easy, too. Plan to spend at least three days in Barcelona. That will give you enough time to see the highlights, including the Sagrada Famillia and Montserrat, as well as the opportunity to soak up the beach, dining, and nightlife scenes.
...MoreFor first-time visitors, taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to see Barcelona. It lets you get your bearings and decide where you want to spend your time. Taking a wallking tour is a must-do in neighborhoods such as the Gothic Quarter: your guide will fill you in on thousands of years of history.
...MoreBarcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is best known for its tasty tapas, world-beating soccer team, and collection of works by Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect of the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Visitors are also drawn to Barceloneta beach, Montserrat mountain and monastery, and the tree-lined pedestrian street called La Rambla.
...MoreBarcelona is filled with world-famous attractions. You shouldn’t miss the works of Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia (take a guided tour for the best experience) and Park Güell. Take a stroll around the Gothic Quarter and go up Montserrat Mountain. Beach lovers should head for La Barceloneta, while foodies shouldn’t skip the Boqueria market.
...MoreWith almost 5 million visitors per year, the Sagrada Familia is Barcelona's most visited tourist attraction. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the basilica's construction has been ongoing for more than 135 years and is still unfinished. Park Güell and the FC Barcelona Museum and Camp Nou are the next most visited attractions.
...MoreTo experience the real Barcelona, eat late but don’t eat at the tourist traps on La Rambla—in fact, don’t spend much time on La Rambla at all. Learn at least a few words of Spanish or (even better) Catalan but don’t broadcast your views on Catalan independence. Take your time and don’t try to cram too much into one day.
...MoreModernist masterpieces and Gothic neighborhoods are just the beginning of Barcelona. Get a guide to see a side of the Catalan capital that’s usually reserved for locals—whether you want to sip sangria on the beach, soak up stunning views from a nearby mountain, or go beyond patatas bravas on a tapas tour.
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