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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.