Sök efter en plats eller aktivitet

Visiting Barcelona for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

From major monuments to seaside relaxation, here’s what you can’t miss on that first trip to Barcelona.

Women in traditional dress walk across a plaza in Barcelona.
Hi, I'm Lori!

Lori Zaino is a bilingual, Madrid-based freelance writer and editor with bylines in CNN, NBC, Business Insider, and The Points Guy. An avid traveler, she’s visited more than 60 countries—and has written about most of them.

Barcelona is one of Spain’s most popular destinations, thanks to its stunning architecture, festive food and drink scene, and coveted location on the Costa Brava. From iconic churches to bustling squares and golden sands, you can really experience it all in this Catalonian city.

If it’s your first visit, you’ll want to take in all the key attractions and monuments, plus experience a hidden gem or two. Here’s exactly what you need to see and do if you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time.

1. See the Sagrada Familia with a skip-the-line tour

A view of the Sagrada Familia amid leafy trees.
The Sagrada Familia is a must-see.Foto: Silvia Longhi / Viator

Admire this architectural wonder without the waits.

Undoubtedly Barcelona’s most famous sight, this church has been under construction for more than 130 years, yet still remains unfinished. The most iconic of Antoní Gaudí’s works, the Sagrada Familia is a vision both inside and out, complete with mosaic tiling, colorful stained glass, and forest-inspired columns, ascending to a number of massive spires.

Because the basilica is so impressive, waits can be long (over 3 million tourists visit annually). To ensure you get to see it without annoying waits and long lines, consider a skip-the-line tour with fast-track entry.

2. Don’t forget about Barcelona’s other churches

The warm gold stones of Santa Maria del Mar church and its surrounding square.
People enjoy the space around Santa Maria del Mar church.Foto: Silvia Longhi / Viator

Art, architecture, and spiritual histories to discover.

Believe it or not, Barcelona’s main cathedral isn’t the Sagrada Familia. And the Barcelona Cathedral inspires awe as well, with its intricate Gothic interiors, neo-Gothic facade, and charming, palm tree-lined courtyard.

Over in the El Born district, the Santa Maria del Mar church is a 14th-century construction that was built by local residents, and is home to a famous rose window. For more about its renowned history, read the book Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones, which will make your trip to Barcelona even more special.

3. Stroll around Park Güell

A hazy view of Barcelona from Park Güell.
Park Güell is a garden like no other.Foto: Annapurna Mellor / Viator

This park is unlike any other.

This Gaudí-designed park isn’t just any old verdant space with trees. Park Güell is one of a kind, home to famous mosaic park benches, a whimsical “Gingerbread” house, and a massive, colorful lizard fountain.

The space can get really crowded, especially during peak times and dates, so booking a private, skip-the-line tour is a great way to see the park without the waits and learn about the history of this unique space at the same time.

4. Take in Gaudí’s other masterpieces

Casa Mila's exterior in the heart of Barcelona.
Casa Mila is another great Gaudi building to visit.Foto: Silvia Longhi / Viator

Fans of the architect have endless sites to explore.

Gaudí’s footprint on Barcelona (and beyond) is undeniable, featuring churches, buildings, museums, and natural spaces. Along with the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, make sure to check out the Casa Mila, a Modernist building with rounded stone curves meant to emulate nature. Then there's the striking Casa Vicens, Gaudi's first house—beat the crowds there with a skip-the-line ticket.

There’s also the Casa Batlló, where the facade’s slender columns and reflective mosaic tiles feel inspired by fishbones. All three are located on the fancy Passeig de Gràcia, making it easy to visit them on foot or by bike.

5. Wander the best neighborhoods

Travelers explore the historic Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.
Travelers explore the historic Gothic Quarter.Foto: Silvia Longhi / Viator

Traipse Barcelona from top to bottom.

Barcelona’s distinct neighborhoods are so much fun to roam, from the elegant boulevards of the sophisticated Gràcia to the winding cobblestone alleyways and artisan workshops of the more bohemian El Born.

Don’t miss the Gothic Quarter, home to the city’s former Jewish neighborhood and many of the best bars and restaurants, or the grittier El Raval’s street art and cultural centers. If you get tired of walking, or using the metro system, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is an easy option to cover a lot of ground.

6. Hit the beach

Sunbather on Barceloneta Beach in the Spanish city.
Sunbather enjoy the heat on Barceloneta Beach.Foto: Silvia Longhi / Viator

Barcelona’s warmth and sunshine are perfect for a beach day.

To take a break from sightseeing, Barcelona’s city beach, Barceloneta, is the ideal place to relax and rest those legs. Just keep an eye on your belongings because pickpocketing is common on the beach (and all around Barcelona in general).

There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the beach, and you can also enjoy the sandy shores by whizzing along the seafront via e-bike, scooter, bike, or even boat cruising in the warm Mediterranean waters.

7. Check out the food markets

Shoppers check out the produce in La Boqueria in the heart of Barcelona.
Shoppers check out the produce in La Boqueria.Foto: Silvia Longhi / Viator

Visit Barcelona’s most popular and underrated food halls.

Barcelona’s most famous market, La Boqueria, is housed in a famous iron market hall, home to all sorts of different kinds of local and international food. Located along Las Ramblas, one of the city’s most emblematic streets, the market is worth a visit, so come hungry.

For a less touristy, more local market experience, visit Santa Caterina, housed in a colorful hall, which is home to all different kinds of regional produce and cuisine. If you aren’t sure where to even begin, a guided tour of both markets offers an insider look at each site’s history and highlights.

8. Visit Montjuïc Mountain

Visitors exploring the Montjuïc Castle.
Montjuïc Mountain is home to an array of attractions like the Montjuïc Castle.Foto: Silvia Longhi / Viator

See Barcelona from up above.

There’s much to do and see on Barcelona’s most prominent hill: Montjuïc Mountain. Start by taking the Montjuïc Cable Car up high. Or, walk up from Plaça d'Espanya.

Once there, you can explore the Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc) or meander through the Montjuïc Park (Parc de Montjuïc). If the weather is hot, cool off with a visit to the Palau Nacional, home to Barcelona's National Museum of Art of Catalunya (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya). There’s also the Olympic Stadium; the Magic Fountain (Font Màgica), which features illuminated water displays; the Joan Miró Museum (Fundació Joan Miró); and the Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol), an open-air museum.

9. Tour Camp Nou

The interior of Camp Nou stadium.
Sports lovers will enjoy Camp Nou, the city's famouse football stadium.Foto: Annapurna Mellor / Viator

Football fans can see where all the action happens.

Fans of FC Barcelona or anyone who enjoys soccer should head to Camp Nou, the city’s famous football stadium. Over the years, this particular stadium has hosted historic events such as the FIFA World Cup, Champions Cup, and UEFA Champions League Finals.

Camp Nou also has an on-site FC Barcelona Museum, which you can see on a guided tour of the stadium. Tours also include viewing the players’ tunnel, commentary boxes, and locker rooms.

10. Roam the Passeig de Gràcia

People strolling in the Passeig de Gràci.
High-end or touristy knickknacks, Passeig de Gràci has it all.Foto: Claudia8c / Shutterstock

Shop along one of Barcelona’s most famous streets.

Whether you’re in the market for touristy knickknacks, high-end designer digs, or just a new swimsuit from H&M, Passeig de Gràcia has it all. The long, elegant boulevard is lined with shops, hotels, restaurants, and even the two aforementioned houses designed by Antoní Gaudí, the Casa Mila and the Casa Batlló.

Architecture fans can also admire the art nouveau and modernista buildings that line the street, characterized by ornate decor, curves over lines, bold color palettes, and use of symbolism.

More ways to explore Barcelona

1 / 5

Keep reading

1 / 5
sv
b6807a89-6839-41c0-87c2-09e73a9ee9b4
article
Gör mer med Viator
En webbplats med över 300 000 reseupplevelser du kommer att minnas – direkt till din inkorg.
Håll koll