Visiting Barcelona for the very first time? Well known for its Gothic churches, architectural  wonders, eclectic nightlife, and outstanding culinary scene, the capital of Catalonia and the second-largest city in Spain is a popular tourist destination. Whether you wish to admire the modernist landmarks designed by Gaudi, explore the city’s gorgeous seaside and mountain landscapes, or have a foodgasm at Basque-style tapas bars, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting this enchanting city. 

We have prepared this special Barcelona travel guide for first-time visitors. It provides useful tips from fellow travelers, opens your eyes to the most popular tourist attractions, and offers a selection of unique things to do in Barcelona as well.

Best Time to Visit Barcelona

Blessed with a delightful Mediterranean climate, Barcelona is a year-round destination. The most popular time to visit the capital of Catalonia is in the summer, especially for beachgoers who wish to enjoy endless blue skies and chill on the beach. Winters in Barcelona are mild, which means you can explore tourist attractions without catching a cold. Late spring and early fall are also good times to visit Barcelona with pleasant weather and fewer crowds than in the summer.

Barcelona Itinerary Ideas

As a start, let’s look at a few selected Barcelona trips from other Hoptale travelers. You will get a better idea of what this city is all about, what to do in Barcelona, and some inspiration for building your own Barcelona itinerary.

4 Days in Barcelona Family Trip

BARCELONA 🇪🇸 by jaeWALK | 4 Days in Barcelona Family Trip

Montserrat Abbey | Cathedral of Barcelona | Casa Batllo | La Sagrada Familia | Casa Mila | Park Guell | Dalí Theatre-Museum | Arc de Triomf | …

4 Days in Barcelona Couple Trip

A Weekend in Barcelona & Montserrat by momo | 4 Days in Barcelona Couple Trip

Montserrat Abbey | Cathedral of Barcelona | Casa Batllo | El Born | Mercado de La Boqueria | Park Guell | La Sagrada Familia | Ciutadella Park | La Rambla | …

7 Days in Barcelona Family Trip

Spain 2019 by amy | 7 Days in Barcelona Family Trip

Spain

by amy

La Sagrada Familia | Boqueria Market | Casa Mila | Aquarium Barcelona | Palau de la Música Catalana | Casa Batllo | Picasso Museum | Park Guell | …

2 Days in Barcelona with Friends

Barcelona, Spain by gloria_v | 2 Days in Barcelona with Friends

Barcelona, Spain

by gloria_v

La Sagrada Familia | Ciutadella Park | Cathedral of Barcelona | Mercado de La Boqueria | Barceloneta Beach | La Rambla | Port Olímpic | Park Guell | …

Travel Tips for Barcelona

Here are some tips and tricks to help you settle in quickly on your first trip to Barcelona.

  • Covid-Related Travel Restrictions:

    It is important to check the latest update on Spain’s Covid-19 related travel policies before visiting Barcelona. Travelers should keep in mind that some tourist sites are closed or have limited opening hours due to the pandemic. To get the most up to date information, please check the official websites of tourist attractions in Barcelona.
  • Getting in Barcelona:

    Although there are 4 airports in the Barcelona area, you will most likely arrive at Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) which welcomes approximately 50 million passengers every year. The fastest way to reach Barcelona city center from Barcelona-El Prat is by Aerobus. Other options include bus, metro, train, car hire, and taxi.
  • Getting around Barcelona:

    Since Barcelona has an excellent and reliable public transport network, getting around the city is very easy. The metro, tram, and FGC are the most convenient ways to explore the city. Purchase a T10 pass for about 10 euros and you will get 10 one-way passes that are valid on all trams, trains, buses, and metros. You can also rent a bicycle and cycle through the city’s open spaces and parks.
  • Official Language in Barcelona:

     In addition to Spanish, people in Barcelona speak the Catalan language (often proudly so). Travelers can go the extra mile and learn a few words of this language derived from Vulgar Latin. The good news is that many people working in the hospitality industry in Barcelona speak English. If you use Google Translate app to help read the local signs or menus, you might need to set the source language to Catalan instead of Spanish.
  • Currency & Money Matters:

    Spain is a part of the EU, which means that the currency used is Euro (check exchange rates). Travelers will be happy to hear that many hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops across the city accept credit cards. If you wish to purchase souvenirs and food at open-air markets or pay for taxi rides, it’s best to carry some cash. ATMs are a regular sight throughout the city.
  • Purchase Tickets for Attractions in Advance:

    Barcelona is usually packed with tourists and the most popular attractions attract huge crowds of people. Therefore, it is best to purchase tickets for these attractions online before your trip to Barcelona and avoid waiting in long lines. There is also the bonus that online tickets are usually a few euros off the ticket prices at the ticket offices.
  • Save with the Barcelona Card:

    If you plan to visit many of the top sites, consider purchasing the popular Barcelona card for €45-60 (3-5 days). It offers good discounts at museums, shops, as well as free unlimited travel on all public transport. See full list of discounts offered to the card holders.
  • Tipping in Barcelona:

    In Barcelona, tipping is not mandatory. However, rounding up the change is a fairly common practice. Tipping tour guides and maid service in hotels is always appreciated. And in upscale restaurants, it’s customary to tip 10-15% of your bill.

16 Top Attractions in Barcelona

Barcelona offers something for every traveler, from gothic churches to modernist architecture, from quaint historic neighborhoods to mouth-watering seafood markets. We have prepared a list of top attractions in Barcelona based on the real trip experiences of Hoptale users. These top attractions should easily fill your itinerary for a 3-day or 4-day trip. There are certainly many more sites to see in Barcelona, but for your first trip, this is a good list to start without feeling overwhelmed. If you have more time to spend or are looking for more special things to do in Barcelona, we suggest you also check out the next section.

La Sagrada Familia | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

1. La Sagrada Familia

architectural sitechurch / cathedral

Gaudí’s masterpiece in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is a gorgeous church that attracts over 3 million tourists each year. The construction of the iconic church started in 1882 and is projected to finish in 2026. The intricate exterior looks amazing and features 3 different facades: the Nativity facade, the Passion facade, and the Glory facade. The interior of this Catholic basilica is even more breathtaking.

Plan your visit in the late afternoon when the sunlight seeps through the stained glass on the west side. It’s a truly magical sight to see the tall chamber light up in vibrant rainbow colors. You can also take a tour to go up one of the finished towers and enjoy panoramic city views from the top.

Cost of visit: 20 Euro
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Park Guell | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

2. Park Guell

park / garden

Located on a hill on the outskirts of Gracia, Park Guell is a UNESCO-listed public park designed by Gaudi in the 1900s (including a museum dedicated to the architect, Gaudi House Museum). This enchanting place is well-known for its colorful mosaics, whimsical decorations, and ornamental paths. The park is largely free for public access except a small restricted section called the Monumental Zone. Most of Gaudi’s work is located in this zone so it’s definitely the most popular part of the park. The entry to the zone is limited to a maximum of 400 people every half an hour. It is highly recommended to book tickets for your desired entry time in advance.

Cost of visit: Free admission except the Monumental Zone (10 Euro) and Gaudi House Museum (5.5 Euro)
Estimated visit length: 2-3 hours

La Rambla | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

3. La Rambla

famous streetshopping street

Dividing the old town into two parts, La Rambla is a tree-lined pedestrian street with expansive sidewalks. This famous promenade of Barcelona connects the Plaza de Catalunya in the city center with the Columbus Monument (Mirador de Colom) at Port Vell. As the heart of Barcelona’s social life, the nearly one-mile boulevard features numerous cafes, boutiques, florists, gelaterías, and restaurants. There are a few tourist attractions along La Rambla that are worth a stop: Mercado de La Boqueria (the next attraction on this list), Gran Teatre del Liceu, Plaça Reial, and Guell Palace.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 2-3 hours

Mercado de La Boqueria | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

4. Mercado de La Boqueria

seafood market

Mercado de La Boqueria is the oldest market in Barcelona. Often referred to as La Boqueria, this 13th-century market is more than your average tourist attraction. Expect to see a colorful display of fresh fruits, veggies, and sweet pastries, as well as rows of casual in-house restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a light snack or even a full dinner. From fried baby squid to freshly grilled langoustine, this is the place to get your seafood craving fixed. Here are some of the most popular seafood bars/restaurants inside the market.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Casa Batllo | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

5. Casa Batllo

architectural site

One of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous masterpieces, Casa Batllo is a stunning building located in the center of Barcelona. Famed for its beautiful façade, shards of stained glass, and whimsical rooftop, this jaw-dropping architectural wonder is a must-visit destination on your Barcelona trip.

Cost of visit: 25 Euro if booked online (29 Euro on site)
Estimated visit length: 1 hour

Casa Mila (La Pedrera) | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

6. Casa Mila (La Pedrera)

architectural site

Located just a short walk from Casa Batlló, Casa Mila is another amazing modernist building designed by Gaudi. This UNESCO-listed building is blessed with contemporary innovations and stunning architectural design. An interesting fact is that the building’s chimney-like structures inspired George Lucas to design the stormtrooper helmets for the popular Star Wars movies.

Cost of visit: 24 Euro if booked online (27 Euro on site)
Estimated visit length: 1 hour

Cathedral of Barcelona | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

7. Cathedral of Barcelona

church / cathedral

The seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Cathedral of Barcelona is a giant Gothic temple also known as Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. The entire church is ornate with spires and towers looking up into the sky. The architecture inside is breathtaking and we recommend taking the elevator to the top, to enjoy magnificent views of the city.  If your visit is on a Thursday, don’t miss the antique market, Mercat Gotic, held from 10am to 8pm on the square in front of the cathedral.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Gothic Quarter | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

8. Gothic Quarter

historic neighborhood

Barcelona has a few historic neighborhoods that you have to experience on foot. The Gothic Quarter, also known as Barri Gòtic, is one of those. With a delightful maze of narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways dotted with relics of ancient Roman buildings, little cafes with sidewalk terraces, and chic boutiques, this historic quarter is definitely worth exploring. Not to be missed is Plaça del Rei, a beautiful square that hosts outdoor concerts.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

El Born | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

9. El Born

historic neighborhood

El Born is without a doubt the trendiest neighborhood in Barcelona. Located between Ciutadella Park and the Gothic Quarter, this vibrant neighborhood is well-known for its artistic edge. In addition to many great tapas bars, chic bistros, and nightlife options, you will find plenty of cultural attractions including the textile museum and the Picasso museum in this bohemian neighborhood in Barcelona.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Picasso Museum | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

10. Picasso Museum

museum

Located in the heart of the quaint El Born neighborhood, Picasso Museum in Barcelona specializes in the very early and very late works of Picasso, especially sketches and paintings from the artist’s characterizing youth. Despite not having some of his more famous Cubist paintings, this museum is a great place to see what goes behind Picasso’s masterpieces. You will learn a fascinating part of his life as the artist actually lived in Barcelona for most of his life. One of the museum highlights is Las Meninas – a series of 58 paintings that Pablo Picasso painted in 1957 by performing a comprehensive analysis, reinterpreting and recreating several times the famous Las Meninas painting by Diego Velázquez.

Cost of visit: 12 Euro
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Ciutadella Park | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

11. Ciutadella Park

park / garden

Ciutadella Park is the largest green space within the old city. You won’t miss its impressive entrance, Arc de Triomf. It was built for the 1888 Universal Exhibition which was held in the park and has since become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Inside the park, you will find a serene boating lake, a stunning golden waterfall called Cascada Monumental, a zoo, and the Museum of Natural Science.  Other attractions at this 70-acre park include a sculpture honoring Catalans killed in World War I and the huge mammoth sculpture.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Port Olimpic | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

12. Port Olimpic

port / harbormarina

A popular leisure area in Barcelona, Port Olímpic is the gateway to the city’s best beaches (La Barceloneta, Playa de Bogatell, Platja de San Sebastian …).  It’s an ideal place to enjoy some watersports or dine at one of the best seafood restaurants in town. This marina was built for the Olympic sailing events and has a strong Mediterranean feel to it.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Plaza de Catalunya | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

13. Plaza de Catalunya

plaza / square

A large square in the center of Barcelona, Plaza de Catalunya is a popular area to hang out for both the locals and the visitors. With many department stores and shopping centers around, this plaza is usually packed with crowds. Plaza de Catalunya is also a central transport hub of Barcelona and connects the old town (Ciutat Vella) with the Eixample district.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Palau de la Musica Catalana | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

14. Palau de la Musica Catalana

theater / performance

Palau de la Musica Catalana is a 19th-century concert hall famed for its over-the-top ornate interior with glass-top ceilings. The exterior which features ornate columns and mosaic work also looks spectacular. What’s also interesting about Palau de la Musica Catalana is that it’s Europe’s only music hall that is illuminated entirely by natural light during daylight.

Cost of visit: 20 Euro
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

15. Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

religious site

No visit to Barcelona is complete without stopping by the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Nestled on the top of Mount Tibidabo, this Roman Catholic Church and minor basilica is an iconic feature of the city’s skyline. What can I do there, you ask? Enjoy magnificent views of Barcelona and its surrounding countryside, snap an Instagram-worthy photo of the hilltop basilica with the giant statue of Jesus, or have fun at Spain’s oldest functioning amusement park, Tibidabo Amusement Park.

Cost of visit: Free (except a 4 Euro fee to take the elevator to the top platforms)
Estimated visit length: 2-3 hours

Castell de Montjuic | Top Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

16. Castell de Montjuic

castle / palace

An old military fortress that dominates Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Castell de Montjuic is a 17th-century castle that used to serve as a military base and even as a prison. Nowadays, it is a museum that you can visit while exploring the steep hill and park of Montjuïc. This cultural site often hosts concerts, seminars, and exhibitions. The views from the castle are simply amazing.

Cost of visit5 Euro
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Unique Things to Do in Barcelona

Other than the popular tourist attractions, Barcelona also offers many experiences unique to Spanish and Catalonia culture. We have gathered a list of them here to help make your first Barcelona trip even more memorable.

  • Try Spanish Tapas with Sangria:

    In Spanish cuisine, Tapas are a wide variety of small plates that can be combined into a full meal. As for Sangria, it is a delicious fruity alcoholic beverage that also comes from Spain. These two delicacies are a perfect match and something really unique to Barcelona and Spain. To find your favorite Sangria/Tapas joints in Barcelona, check out this cool local article.
  • Catch a Flamenco Performance:

    Almost every culture has its traditional dance and music, but only some manage to stand out. One of these world-famous musical traditions is the Spanish Flamenco. Originally from Andalusia, this interaction of dance, vocals, and music cannot be described with words. You just have to see for yourself this unique art that is capable of transferring different emotions and sensations. These are the best places to catch a flamenco performance in Barcelona.
  • Take a Paella Cooking Lesson with the Locals:

    Made with rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood, Paella is one of the most famous dishes from the Catalan region. If you wish to immerse yourself in the local culture, learning how to make paella is simply a must. Here is a post about the best Paella cooking classes in Barcelona.
  • Go on a Gaudi Tour:

    Since Barcelona is home to many buildings and public structures designed by Gaudi, why not take a guided Gaudi tour to learn more about this legendary architect? Hear a few interesting stories and see some of his best works in Barcelona with the local experts. Whether you wish to go on a bicycle or a walking tour, these Barcelona Gaudi Tours have got you covered.
  • Enjoy Sunset views from Bunker del Carmel:

    Bunker del Carmel is the best viewpoint in Barcelona. If you wish to escape the busy streets of Barcelona and catch one of the most romantic sunset views in Spain, a visit to this former anti-aircraft fortification on top of the Turó de la Rovira is simply a must. 
  • Open Air Cinema Sant Sebastià Beach:

    Catch a movie at the open-air cinema at Sant Sebastià Beach. Forget about those modern movie theaters in shopping centers and have a memorable and romantic movie-screening experience directly on one of the most beautiful beaches in Barcelona.
  • Day Trips from Barcelona:

    There are certainly a lot of things to do and see in Barcelona but if you have a few extra days to venture outside the city, the Catalonia region won’t disappoint. An hour drive from Barcelona, Santa Maria de Montserrat is a sacred mountain monastery home to the Virgin Mary of Montserrat (also known as the Black Madonna). 40 minutes train ride from Barcelona, Girona is another popular destination known for its medieval architecture, the Roman remains, and the colorful houses that line up the sides of the Onyar River. For serious art lovers, go visit Casa-Museu Salvador Dali in Cadaques or Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. For beach goers that are not satisfied with the city beaches in Barcelona, check out this list of the best beaches near Barcelona.

Hope our Barcelona travel guide is helpful. Share with us any questions you might have below. When you return from your first trip, we would love to hear what are your favorite things to do in Barcelona!

By Dejan Badnjarevic | Cover photo by Daniel Corneschi on Unsplash

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